Seeking A Definitive Answer, Please

As many (probably all) of you know, the world has been in quite a stir today, and will probably be for some time. Some love the changes, some hate the changes, and some, like me, are biding their time in as calm and rational manner as we can.

The thing that has me concerned is the sheer amount of rumors and speculation flying about. Some have said that land use fees are increasing - if not now, then in short order. Some have speculated that they will no longer be able to afford the real world costs of maintaining their plots. This is the ONE THING at this point in time I would like a definitive answer on.

So, please, Lindens ... anyone in the know:

Are the REAL WORLD Land Use Fees being increased? I am NOT talking the price of land sales fluctuating ... I'd just like a yay or nay one way or the other. If owning land is going to be more expensive in the REAL WORLD way, I'd like some warning. HOWEVER, primarily I am simply requesting this information so that I can once and for all point someone to the post that says either "Yes, land use fees are increasing," or "No, land use fees are not increasing," as I've been arguing with folks all morning that "Philip never said that!!!" If I'm wrong, will someone please offer me some vanilla ice cream with my humble pie?

Thanks, and take care all!

No, this has nothing to do with land use fees.

That's what I have said all along, Talen, I guess I'd just like to be able to point people to something that says, "NO." LOL

Honestly, I think a lot of us are panicking b/c in the short term, we're all concerned that LL has hit us below the belts - in our wallets.

For me, personally, SL is not about money or how much virtual stuff I own, it's about being with some of my best friends and family in a place where we CAN be - being that we're all so far apart. But, that could just be me.

The adjustments that are causing so much commotion are solely to the in-world economy and effect events (eliminating support for most events) and to the ratings system. There's no change to the basic stipends (the L$ you get weekly).

There is no change to real world pricing for either land, land fees, or membership.

Thank you, Robin, for the VERY definitive answer.

Good point Robin. You might want to make that more clear to folks, as I'm sure most people are assuming that thier *entire* stipend (base + bonus) is being whacked.

I hear the sky is falling...I'll be selling commerative pieces later tonight for a nominal fee

For a little further perspective:

Events support represents only about 1/20 of the monthly inflow of currency to SL. Support will be eliminated for events held after 1/16.

Ratings bonuses represent a more sizable chunk (about 1/3), so will not be eliminated all at once, but slowly decreased over time.

Base stipends, which are well over half of the monthly money sources, remain the same.

If any of this turns out to be too dramatic an effect on the economy, we'll adjust again. The point is to continue to monitor the economic stability of SL, and make adjustments as needed.

That's fine and dandy! I just hope my SL Business Booms, so I can afford my next pair of Chaps as the bonuses deplete lol. Need a Date Robin?