Will they start charging?

Will they start charging us automatically when SL is released? Or will we have the option to not pay?

Absolutely won't start charging anyone automatically. Everyone will be offered a chance to sign up and retain what they've built.

Any idea what the monthly fee will be? This has probably been asked already, but it seemed like an appropriate next question.

i haven't heard from the linden's (that's probably not decided anyways) but i would guess $5-$15 USD a month, based on other online games

Do you think they'll make people buy the game in stores to play, or will it more likely stay a free download online, with pay-to-play added? Seems a little silly to use a whole CD for an 11MB file

I've read somewhere that it won't be on a CD. You need broadband anyway, so it should not be a problem to download the game. Besides the updates from second life aren't really updates, but just a complete new version of the game.
So in my opinion it would be REALLY stupid to put this game on a cd, because the first time you play it will probably download a complete new version anyway. I'm guessing you don't have to buy this game in the store..

they have mentioned that it will be only downloadable. although it might be nice to have a package on the shelf to attract the casual gamer, it isn't necessary, given that the size of the beta is due currently to word of mouth, and a couple of articles...I know i told all of my friends

That's a very good point. That it would be nice to have a retail package in the stores to attract users. It would also be good to have them at point-of-purchase to attract those who just didn't get the news yet.

Here's a thought: What if it were possible to stock free Bonus Kits - a card board package about the same size as an AOL point-of-purchase pack - that contained a code number worth 3000 Linden Bucks? The outside of the package would be covered with cool pictures and advertising spooge. No CD, just more literature inside with the download address and lots of come-see-us.

It wouldn't cost much - relatively - and would get us in the face of the mainstream consumer (if that's the goal).

That's a really interesting idea, Kathy, and one that should probably be looked into. Granted, Linden Labs may not have as much disposable income as AOL, and may not be able to afford to give out thousands of free CDs, but it still might be worth looking into. At the very least, people who hadn't heard of the game before might decide to check it out. Another idea would be, instead of including 3000 Linden Bucks, to include a free, 3-day trial. I've seen some games put free demo CDs in game stores before, even if a demo was already available on the internet. People might be more inclined to try the product if they didn't have to pay to do so. Three days should be enough time to hook 'em, right?

Zel

That would really be good money making for Linden. Not so good for the real SL-addict though, fanicially speaking

Absolutely right. It would be better to include a password (not a CD) that would allow a few days or a week of a trial account, which they could permanently enable by buying in. That way, they would have an investment in the game at the end of the week.

They wouldn't have to have a CD inside. just a "promo code" that gives them the free week. And a pretty brochure.

(Scrap the idea of the free Linden Bucks. I just realized how often I'd be picking up extra packs of money at the computer store

I would like to see the 'game card' method - Buy a box for that costs 3 times the monthly rate and gives you three months.

Or something similar, to get people started. Maybe a $10 jewl case version that gives you one month.