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fourth draft second revision: land buying advice

StoneSelf Karuna
His Grace
Join date: 13 Jun 2004
Posts: 1,955
05-11-2005 10:14
- i updated the special thanks list.
- in the sl notecard, i'd put the current rental card (good job roberta) in the buying land card.
- few reformats and corrections


--- start note card

Land Buying Advice for New Residents (11May2005)

Land Buying Advice for New Residents

Hello and welcome to Second Life!

Here is some advice that should make your land buying experience more pleasant.

Summary (detailed comments follow after):
-00- Caveat Emptor - Buyer Beware
-01- You don't have to buy land for Second Life to be enjoyable.
-02- Owning land means you have to pay monthly fees.
-03- "Renting" versus "Owning" Land
-04- Plot size matters.
-05- Start with a Land for the Landless lot first.
-06- Location! Location! Location!
-07- You can buy land from Linden Labs directly through the land auctions.
-08- Become familiar with land prices.
-09- Your Friends can help.
-10- Negotiate.
-11- Things change.
-12- If you have a problem... ask for help.

Details:

-00- Caveat Emptor

Buyer beware. Or at least be aware. Learn what you can about buying land, why you want it, and what you can do with it. The advice in this notecard should keep you out of most land trouble, but in the end you are responsible for your decisions.

-01- You don't need land but you probably want it.

To enjoy Second Life you do not need land. Though it can make things much more enjoyable.

Owning land is best if you want to:
* Build permanent structures, like a home or business.
The more land you own, the more permanent objects you can have out.
* Have a retreat for you and your freinds that's always available.
* Have more control over what can and can't be done and who can and can't be there.
* Play with the land tools. (Terraforming is a blast!)

-02- Monthly Fees

If you own any land, you will be paying a monthly land tier fee in US$. For details about this check out:
http://secondlife.com/land/index.php
and
http://secondlife.com/faq.php

-03- Buy or Rent

You can "own" SL land directly. If you own SL land, you will need to pay monthly tier fees to Linden Labs.

OR

You can pay for the use of land from other players on the mainland. You can also "rent" land from other players in island sims (off the mainland) which is more like ownership; you will have access to land control features. Neither of these two options require you to have land tier, so you will not need to pay tier fees to Linden Labs. For more information about renting read this notecard: notecard here

-04- Size matters

Avoid buying lots smaller than 512 sq.m. at first.

Considering that the smallest amount of land rights you can pay for is 512 sq.m., and that you can get 512 sq.m for cheap through the First Land program, you should only seriously consider buying a 512 sq.m. lot at first.

-05- First Land

Linden Labs has a program where new residents can buy 512 sq.m. for L$512. You can only do this if you have not previously owned land. More details at: http://secondlife.com/land/index.php

At L$1/sq.m. you can't beat this price, and you can eventually sell this land for a tidy profit. But before you do sell your land, learn what it is you can do with SL land. This is a great opportunity to do that.

To find first land:
- In the SL client, click "Find"
- In the Find window that opens, select the "Land Sales" Tab
- In the unlabedl drop-down menu select "First Land"
- Click "Search"

This should list the First Land you can buy. Sometime all the first land is gone; Linden Labs adds more land regularly so you shouldn't need to wait too long for new land to show up.

-06- Location! Location! Location!

When you finally decide to buy a new lot, go look at it. What are the neighbors like? Is it conveniently located for you? Do you like the geography? Does the sim host many events (which cause lag)? Is it close to your friends or favorite hang outs? Or what ever other considerations matter to you.

-07- Land Auctions

You can buy land directly from Linden Labs through the land auctions. Some plots available at auction will be priced in Linden Dollars (L$), and others in US dollars.

The auctions are located at:
http://secondlife.com/auctions/index.php

-08- Land Prices (L$/sq.m.)

Before you buy (or sell) land you really should look at the Find->Land Sales window. Look at what land prices for the rating and size you want are. Also, look at the auctions to see what land is going for there.

You should not have to buy at the highest land prices to get land you want, if you research land prices before hand.

-09- Friends

If you let your friends know you want to buy land, then they may help you find a good lot at a good deal. And it might be nice and close to your friends.

-10- Negotiate

The price listed is not fixed. The land owner can set the price to whatever they want. If you ask nicely, the land owner may lower the price for you.

-11- Things Change

Even after you buy your land, you will find that Second Life changes greatly from day to day. One day your neighbor is an empty lot, and the next it may be an ivory tower or an ugly box.

If you don't like what's there now, wait around, it might change to something new in a couple days.

-12- Help!

The advice in this notecard does not cover everything that can happen in a land deal. If you have a problem ask for help. Ask your friends, or if worst come to worst, search for someone with the last name "Linden. They are employees of Second Life and are there to help you.

* * *

Specials Thanks to:
Talen Morgan, Schwanson Schlegel, Camille Serpentine, katykiwi Moonflower, Almarea Lumiere, Darko Cellardoor, Zsinj Xevious, Cristiano Midnight, Billy Grace, Misnomer Jones, Rysidian Rubio, Planet Mars, Lisse Livingston, Traxx Hathor, Ardith Mifflin, Roberta Dalek, Juro Kothari, Alexa Hope, Merwan Marker, Iron Perth, Jillian Callahan, Pendari Lorentz
_____________________
AIDS IS NOT OVER. people are still getting aids. people are still living with aids. people are still dying from aids. please help me raise money for hiv/aids services and research. you can help by making a donation here: http://www.aidslifecycle.org/1409 .
Pendari Lorentz
Senior Member
Join date: 5 Sep 2003
Posts: 4,372
05-11-2005 10:25
Looks really good StoneSelf! I'd love a copy in world to be able to hand out! Thank you for doing the work to put this together! :)

Also:

From: someone
Owning land is best if you want to:
* Build permanent structures, like a home or business.
The more land you own, the more permanent objects you can have out.


Sounds good to me for a general "prim allocation" description. At least without having to get into a lot of detail that would hurt the "short and sweet" nature of the card. hehe..

Great job! :)
_____________________
*hugs everyone*
StoneSelf Karuna
His Grace
Join date: 13 Jun 2004
Posts: 1,955
05-11-2005 10:28
From: Pendari Lorentz
Looks really good StoneSelf! I'd love a copy in world to be able to hand out! Thank you for doing the work to put this together! :)

i'll give'em out as soon as constructive editorial comments slow down enough. anyone have comments on the rental card? the buyer card is gated on that one.
_____________________
AIDS IS NOT OVER. people are still getting aids. people are still living with aids. people are still dying from aids. please help me raise money for hiv/aids services and research. you can help by making a donation here: http://www.aidslifecycle.org/1409 .
Ardith Mifflin
Mecha Fiend
Join date: 5 Jun 2004
Posts: 1,416
05-11-2005 13:36
Can you stop creating new draft/revision threads, StoneSelf? It's not conducive to serious discussion. Right now, the fourth draft is three threads below the third draft, and all of the comments from the first and second drafts have been pushed back even further. It doesn't benefit anyone to keep creating these disparate threads.
StoneSelf Karuna
His Grace
Join date: 13 Jun 2004
Posts: 1,955
05-11-2005 13:40
From: Ardith Mifflin
Can you stop creating new draft/revision threads, StoneSelf? It's not conducive to serious discussion. Right now, the fourth draft is three threads below the third draft, and all of the comments from the first and second drafts have been pushed back even further. It doesn't benefit anyone to keep creating these disparate threads.

i found in the revision process it helps keep people on the same page. but the last time i did this did it in a much busier forum, and the older threads would fall of the front page faster.

anyhow. almost done.
_____________________
AIDS IS NOT OVER. people are still getting aids. people are still living with aids. people are still dying from aids. please help me raise money for hiv/aids services and research. you can help by making a donation here: http://www.aidslifecycle.org/1409 .
StoneSelf Karuna
His Grace
Join date: 13 Jun 2004
Posts: 1,955
05-11-2005 16:55
posting fifth draft here. incorporated some of Shack's comments.
if there aren't any further comments, i'll go with this card once the rental card
is finished.



Land Buying Advice for New Residents (11May2005)

Land Buying Advice for New Residents

Hello and welcome to Second Life!

Here is some advice that should make your land buying experience more pleasant.

Summary (detailed comments follow after):
-00- Caveat Emptor - Buyer Beware
-01- You don't have to buy land for Second Life to be enjoyable.
-02- Owning land means you have to pay monthly fees.
-03- "Renting" versus "Owning" Land
-04- Plot size matters.
-05- Start with a Land for the Landless lot first.
-06- Location! Location! Location!
-07- You can buy land from Linden Labs directly through the land auctions.
-08- Become familiar with land prices.
-09- Your Friends can help.
-10- Negotiate.
-11- Things change.
-12- If you have a problem... ask for help.

Details:

-00- Caveat Emptor

Buyer beware. Or at least be aware. Learn what you can about buying land, why you want it, and what you can do with it. The advice in this notecard should keep you out of most land trouble, but in the end you are responsible for your decisions.

-01- You don't need land but you probably want it.

To enjoy Second Life you do not need land. Though it can make things much more enjoyable.

Owning land is best if you want to:
* Build permanent structures, like a home or business.
The more land you own, the more permanent objects you can have out.
* Have a retreat for you and your freinds that's always available.
* Have more control over what can and can't be done and who can and can't be there.
* Play with the land tools. (Terraforming is a blast!)

-02- Monthly Fees

If you own any land, you will be paying a monthly land tier fee in US$. For details about this check out:
http://secondlife.com/land/index.php
and
http://secondlife.com/faq.php

-03- Buy or Rent

You can "own" SL land directly. If you own SL land, you will need to pay monthly tier fees to Linden Labs.

OR

You can pay for the use of land from other players on the mainland. You can also "rent" land from other players in island sims (off the mainland) which is more like ownership; you will have access to land control features. Neither of these two options require you to have land tier, so you will not need to pay tier fees to Linden Labs. For more information about renting read this notecard: ‚

-04- Size matters

Avoid buying lots smaller than 512 sq.m. at first.

Considering that the smallest amount of land rights you can pay for is 512 sq.m., and that you can get 512 sq.m for cheap through the First Land program, you should only seriously consider buying a 512 sq.m. lot at first.

-05- First Land

Linden Labs has a program where new residents can buy 512 sq.m. for L$512. You can only do this if you have not previously owned land. More details at: http://secondlife.com/land/index.php

At L$1/sq.m. you can't beat this price, and you can eventually sell this land for a tidy profit. But before you do sell your land, learn what it is you can do with SL land. This is a great opportunity to do that.

To find first land:
- In the SL client, click "Find"
- In the Find window that opens, select the "Land Sales" Tab
- In the unlabedl drop-down menu select "First Land"
- Click "Search"

This should list the First Land you can buy. Sometime all the first land is gone; Linden Labs adds more land regularly so you shouldn't need to wait too long for new land to show up.

-06- Location! Location! Location!

When you finally decide to buy a new lot, go look at it. What are the neighbors like? Is it conveniently located for you? Do you like the geography? Does the sim host many events (which cause lag)? Is it close to your friends or favorite hang outs? Or what ever other considerations matter to you.

-07- Land Auctions

You can buy land directly from Linden Labs through the land auctions. Some plots available at auction will be priced in Linden Dollars (L$), and others in US dollars.

The auctions are located at:
http://secondlife.com/auctions/index.php

-08- Land Prices (L$/sq.m.)

Before you buy (or sell) land you really should look at the Find->Land Sales window. Look at what land prices for the rating and size you want are. Also, look at the auctions to see what land is going for there.

You should not have to buy at the highest land prices to get land you want, if you research land prices before hand.

-09- Friends

If you let your friends know you want to buy land, then they may help you find a good lot at a good deal. And it might be nice and close to your friends.

-10- Negotiate

The price listed is not fixed. The land owner can set the price to whatever they want. If you ask nicely, the land owner may lower the price for you.

-11- Things Change

Even after you buy your land, you will find that Second Life changes greatly from day to day. One day your neighbor is an empty lot, and the next it may be an ivory tower or an ugly box.

If you don't like what's there now, wait around, it might change to something new in a couple days.

-12- Help!

The advice in this notecard does not cover everything that can happen in a land deal. If you have a problem ask for help. Ask your friends, Live Help (help menu->Live Help...), on the forums, e-mail [email]support@secondlife.com[/email] or if worst come to worst, search for someone online with the last name "Linden". They are employees of Second Life and are there to help you.

* * *

Specials Thanks to:
Talen Morgan, Schwanson Schlegel, Camille Serpentine, katykiwi Moonflower, Almarea Lumiere, Darko Cellardoor, Zsinj Xevious, Cristiano Midnight, Billy Grace, Misnomer Jones, Rysidian Rubio, Planet Mars, Lisse Livingston, Traxx Hathor, Ardith Mifflin, Roberta Dalek, Juro Kothari, Alexa Hope, Merwan Marker, Iron Perth, Jillian Callahan, Pendari Lorentz, Shack Dougall
_____________________
AIDS IS NOT OVER. people are still getting aids. people are still living with aids. people are still dying from aids. please help me raise money for hiv/aids services and research. you can help by making a donation here: http://www.aidslifecycle.org/1409 .
Ardith Mifflin
Mecha Fiend
Join date: 5 Jun 2004
Posts: 1,416
05-11-2005 16:58
From: StoneSelf Karuna
posting fifth draft here. incorporated some of Shack's comments.
if there aren't any further comments, i'll go with this card once the rental card
is finished.



Land Buying Advice for New Residents (11May2005)

Land Buying Advice for New Residents

Hello and welcome to Second Life!

Here is some advice that should make your land buying experience more pleasant.

Summary (detailed comments follow after):
-00- Caveat Emptor - Buyer Beware
-01- You don't have to buy land for Second Life to be enjoyable.
-02- Owning land means you have to pay monthly fees.
-03- "Renting" versus "Owning" Land
-04- Plot size matters.
-05- Start with a Land for the Landless lot first.
-06- Location! Location! Location!
-07- You can buy land from Linden Labs directly through the land auctions.
-08- Become familiar with land prices.
-09- Your Friends can help.
-10- Negotiate.
-11- Things change.
-12- If you have a problem... ask for help.

Details:

-00- Caveat Emptor

Buyer beware. Or at least be aware. Learn what you can about buying land, why you want it, and what you can do with it. The advice in this notecard should keep you out of most land trouble, but in the end you are responsible for your decisions.

-01- You don't need land but you probably want it.

To enjoy Second Life you do not need land. Though it can make things much more enjoyable.

Owning land is best if you want to:
* Build permanent structures, like a home or business.
The more land you own, the more permanent objects you can have out.
* Have a retreat for you and your freinds that's always available.
* Have more control over what can and can't be done and who can and can't be there.
* Play with the land tools. (Terraforming is a blast!)

-02- Monthly Fees

If you own any land, you will be paying a monthly land tier fee in US$. For details about this check out:
http://secondlife.com/land/index.php
and
http://secondlife.com/faq.php

-03- Buy or Rent

You can "own" SL land directly. If you own SL land, you will need to pay monthly tier fees to Linden Labs.

OR

You can pay for the use of land from other players on the mainland. You can also "rent" land from other players in island sims (off the mainland) which is more like ownership; you will have access to land control features. Neither of these two options require you to have land tier, so you will not need to pay tier fees to Linden Labs. For more information about renting read this notecard: ‚

-04- Size matters

Avoid buying lots smaller than 512 sq.m. at first.

Considering that the smallest amount of land rights you can pay for is 512 sq.m., and that you can get 512 sq.m for cheap through the First Land program, you should only seriously consider buying a 512 sq.m. lot at first.

-05- First Land

Linden Labs has a program where new residents can buy 512 sq.m. for L$512. You can only do this if you have not previously owned land. More details at: http://secondlife.com/land/index.php

At L$1/sq.m. you can't beat this price, and you can eventually sell this land for a tidy profit. But before you do sell your land, learn what it is you can do with SL land. This is a great opportunity to do that.

To find first land:
- In the SL client, click "Find"
- In the Find window that opens, select the "Land Sales" Tab
- In the unlabedl drop-down menu select "First Land"
- Click "Search"

This should list the First Land you can buy. Sometime all the first land is gone; Linden Labs adds more land regularly so you shouldn't need to wait too long for new land to show up.

-06- Location! Location! Location!

When you finally decide to buy a new lot, go look at it. What are the neighbors like? Is it conveniently located for you? Do you like the geography? Does the sim host many events (which cause lag)? Is it close to your friends or favorite hang outs? Or what ever other considerations matter to you.

-07- Land Auctions

You can buy land directly from Linden Labs through the land auctions. Some plots available at auction will be priced in Linden Dollars (L$), and others in US dollars.

The auctions are located at:
http://secondlife.com/auctions/index.php

-08- Land Prices (L$/sq.m.)

Before you buy (or sell) land you really should look at the Find->Land Sales window. Look at what land prices for the rating and size you want are. Also, look at the auctions to see what land is going for there.

You should not have to buy at the highest land prices to get land you want, if you research land prices before hand.

-09- Friends

If you let your friends know you want to buy land, then they may help you find a good lot at a good deal. And it might be nice and close to your friends.

-10- Negotiate

The price listed is not fixed. The land owner can set the price to whatever they want. If you ask nicely, the land owner may lower the price for you.

-11- Things Change

Even after you buy your land, you will find that Second Life changes greatly from day to day. One day your neighbor is an empty lot, and the next it may be an ivory tower or an ugly box.

If you don't like what's there now, wait around, it might change to something new in a couple days.

-12- Help!

The advice in this notecard does not cover everything that can happen in a land deal. If you have a problem ask for help. Ask your friends, Live Help (help menu->Live Help...), on the forums, e-mail [email]support@secondlife.com[/email] or if worst come to worst, search for someone online with the last name "Linden". They are employees of Second Life and are there to help you.

* * *

Specials Thanks to:
Talen Morgan, Schwanson Schlegel, Camille Serpentine, katykiwi Moonflower, Almarea Lumiere, Darko Cellardoor, Zsinj Xevious, Cristiano Midnight, Billy Grace, Misnomer Jones, Rysidian Rubio, Planet Mars, Lisse Livingston, Traxx Hathor, Ardith Mifflin, Roberta Dalek, Juro Kothari, Alexa Hope, Merwan Marker, Iron Perth, Jillian Callahan, Pendari Lorentz, Shack Dougall



Looks very good to me. Thanks for spearheading the effort, StoneSelf.
StoneSelf Karuna
His Grace
Join date: 13 Jun 2004
Posts: 1,955
05-11-2005 17:01
before i forget...

if you're listed in the thanks, make sure i spelled your name right

if you haven't figured out yet, i can't spell to save my life - even with proofreading.
_____________________
AIDS IS NOT OVER. people are still getting aids. people are still living with aids. people are still dying from aids. please help me raise money for hiv/aids services and research. you can help by making a donation here: http://www.aidslifecycle.org/1409 .