How often do LL change last names available?

Hi When I started SL in early august, I had a wish about a certain name...didn't know I was limited with the list the Lindens provide for us.

I was in and looked at the names again today....some of them been there quite a while now? I think I've known Bimbogami, Barbasz, Ember and Felwitch in the game for months. How do they change the last names? Do they wait until a number of last names is used, or is it a matter of months? Do all last names on the list change at the same time?

And I know that my #1choiche name is alredy taken...first and last name. So that last name won't come back, ever.

I'm sure it's a violation against the TOS to buy a name....directly from another person who would perhaps quit the game or just stopped using one of their accounts?

But it IS possible, if both parts keep it a secret to LL? Just curious....

Here is a link to a website managed by Adz Childs:

http://www.slnamewatch.com/

I don't know if anyone knows the magic number of the amount of time that LL keeps a name available before changing it. This website tells you the top 100 available names, how long they've been available and how many people are currently using them. It's useful if you are looking for a better surname.

As for exchanging avatars with another person it is strictly forbidden and can get you banned. How they would find out? Well, good question, so whether you decide to do it or not is up to you.

Really interesting link, Bradley! If I want to make an alt with a name not so much used. Well I'll just playing with the thought.....searched for my fav name and there it was. *sigh* Not worth getting banned for it, and I just keep the idea as a dream.

Hmmm...over 30 last names is 197 days old. And perhaps they'll last only 200 days?

There use to be a rule 150 signups for a name and then it was retired. Now its when LLABS wants to change the name. Frankly speaking They really need to limit the number per last name. Having hundreds of of the last name really gets tiring. Many as based on the newest Islands being created by paying company`s Theme. If a Japanese paying company has a island as a newbie landing point you start seeing japanese last names. It all depends onthe trend and who is the newest company paying money to LLABS.

Aeon - used by almost 70 000 avatars after 110 days.

That's an interesting site. Only 54 other fellow cheeses.

but how many are active?

They only change them when they feel like it.

its the TAO

Yep the number of changes on last names is very arbitrary an unpredictable some times a few days and some times was there for ever....



And I only have one Sister on SL

I just checked yours to see you had 295, which made me realise the number I gave is just the usage count!

Do all active accounts show up in search, or does unchecking that option on your profile completely remove you from the search returns? If the latter, then of course we can't know how many other active avs there are with our name. Anyone know?