So, despite the title, here's a thread for discussion of what happens next.
What we are learning, simply, is that the polarization of "interest groups" in Second Life does not work. Not just from a resident standpoint, but with respect to Linden Labs itself.
To blatantly quote:
A central and powerful appeal of SL is freedom, and as many people have asserted, SL is really a lot like the internet (at least we want it to become that way) in the sense that it will ultimately be a huge set of different places that are locally 'governed'. The internet is like that today - there really isn't any sort of central authority or set of rules beyond IP protocols and large diffuse groups like service providers. There isn't any internet 'police' or even an internet 'government'. We think SL should work the same way - with as little central control as possible. So regardless of what suggestions are made, we aren't contemplating increasing the number of policies or the amount of control.
I think a good way to work on new ideas for SL is the sort of 'working group' that is so common with the internet - a group of people who get together and try to craft a standard for something. For example I remember there were some people in SL working together on a 'seal program' for sellers of content, that would offer some promise that the seller was trustworthy, etc. If a group like that comes and says "hey if you guys add the following scripting call (or whatever), we could create this sort of program.
I think a good way to work on new ideas for SL is the sort of 'working group' that is so common with the internet - a group of people who get together and try to craft a standard for something. For example I remember there were some people in SL working together on a 'seal program' for sellers of content, that would offer some promise that the seller was trustworthy, etc. If a group like that comes and says "hey if you guys add the following scripting call (or whatever), we could create this sort of program.
And so, we have opened an entirely new can of worms for ourselves. The presence of a few dozen threads on the issue, with responses ranging from firm approval (minority) to stark terror (majority) means this issue strikes close to home.
Fact: Linden Labs cannot continue to exist as it is, today.
At present, Linden Labs exists as an organization that does control everything in Second Life. Simply, they control the data. It is no surprise, then, that lobbying organizations are here - and folks, they've been around much longer than this drama has.
If we are to become the governmentless society posited by Philip, indeed truly free, then LL must ultimately give Second Life to us in fact. Fail this, and SL fades into obscurity. We all move on.
While I risk putting words in Philip's mouth, I'm following simple reasoning on this one. Bear with me.
It follows that several things need to happen, even if they are not yet part of the overt agenda:
- The data needs to be ours
The current system of rented property and rented data rights is not true ownership beyond intellectual property. If we are going to debate anything, let it be the standards we need to create to own and maintain data on our own machines with Second Life.
- Every person should control their own destiny
This means the move from LL as a governing body to self governance. This is a crucial time, because the system is very weak. I say this because, at present, it does rest in the hands of Linden Labs. Without them, we simply would not be here.
The Lindens are human beings. Being human, we all make mistakes. Ironically, LL is the weak link in what will make this our world. If we are to get beyond that, we must learn to shoulder the burden for them.
- There must be an API
For the long haul, if SL goes anywhere, there will be an API. Residents must be able to create and maintain their own software through and parallel to the platform. And to modify the platform itself at will, on an opt-in basis.
For this world to truly be ours, it must truly be ours.
- LL will make a killing by paving the standards
The future is very bright for LL. They're making a world where they, of all people, can do anything and turn an amazing profit. LL can become the next W3C. LL can become the next Google. LL could even become just another hosting or services company.
Of anyone, they have everything to gain by building an open system - they'll get first dibs on what happens next!
And this, in my opinion, is the real matter we should all discuss. Not politics. Not the monetary bottom line. Not the limited scope of Snow Crash alone. And certainly not the little fiefdoms that threaten this platform's existance!
Simply, we should be moving past all that. And find how we can get there.