Changes to Events Support

When we began the beta version of Second Life (Fall 2002) we really wanted there to be lots of fun things to do. We also hoped that there would be classes and demonstrations for newbies to learn all the complexities of the SL tools.

In order to make holding events more feasible, and more attractive, we put several incentives in place. In-world announcements, subsidized prize money, support payments, map locators and directories on the website and in-world, have all contributed to supporting a plethora of events -- dances, parties, games, contests, and classes -- each week in SL. Some of the events are extremely creative, and some are less so. It's clear though, that the events culture in Second Life is thriving!

Given this, we've decided to eliminate the Linden-funded financial incentives for holding events. With the exception of educational classes for the benefit of newbies (mentor and instructor-led events), we'll stop support payments at the end of this week (16 January). There won't be any change to dwell payments.

I'll be in-world each day for the rest of the week. If you want to talk about the effect of this change on you, and brainstorm ideas for how to fund your events, please feel free to join me. Just check the events calendar.

Linden offers L$500 for you to host an educational event. We plan to support a wide range of events where you share your knowledge to help others make the most of their Second Life.

We will support beginning, intermediate and advanced classes. Examples include SL Basics, Building, Scripting, Texture design, Land Tools, Group Tools, Land 101, Using the SL Interface, Starting a Business, and Intro to Particles. Your own suggestions are very much encouraged.

Classes should be PG, free and open to all residents, and should not promote a particular product, location, or enterprise.

You may host the event on your own land so that you can boot disrupters or use the Linden facilities at Stage 4 - Dore 247, 7 - or Oak Grove 170, 170.

We are looking for hosts who have been in SL for at least 30 days and who have and will maintain a clean Customer Service rap sheet. Those approved to receive support will become members of the Instructor group.

Please send a description of the educational event you’d like us to support to [email]Haney@Lindenlab.com[/email]. We’ll get back to you within one week.