Dramatic increase in griefing incidents

Hi -

I've noticed a dramatic increase in griefing around the Shelter since the new registration changes were made. Before the changes were made, on average we had to file 1-2 abuse reports per week, which is still high - but considering what we do, its to be expected.

Since the registration changes were made last Tuesday, we have been filing 2-3 abuse reports *per day*. Additionally, the majority of these reports are on folks that are 0 days old, and the severity of the incidents seem to be much more disruptive.

I understand that requiring a credit card for registration prevents a good number of folks from checking out Second Life, and that changes needed to be made to maximize the growth of our world.

I just really, really, really wish Linden would have waited on laxing the registration process until after we have improved grief-prevention tools on the mainland, much like what was asked for in the accepted proposal 244. Without them, you are dropping us in the ocean without a life-jacket, and it is beginning to affect our ability to carry out our mission to give new residents a positive experience upon joining Second Life.

Thursday we had another one of many griefing incidents involving someone who was 0 days old. The individual was ejected from the parcel, and abuse reports were filed.

The very next day, I attended the Frogg Marlowe show - and amazingly, the very same new resident was there with six others, griefing the show just like they had done the night before to us. I don't understand how that could have happened if abuse reports are being followed up?

My questions:

1. Is Linden taking an active look at the number of abuse reports filed after these changes were made, and are you prepared to reverse the "No credit card verification" decision if you verify a substantial increase? If so, when will this analysis take place?

2. If a resident who is 0 days old receives multiple (and verifyable) abuse reports, are sanctions any more swift or greater to prevent "alt account griefing"? If not, why not?

3. Where are we at with improved mainland land tools, specifically prop 244? Does Linden recognize that mainland landowners need improved tools to keep the peace, or do you disagree on the importance of those tools?

Thanks in advance for your answers!

Hi Travis - I'm so sorry for the problems you're encountering!

To answer your questions...

1. Yes we are carefully tracking the number of abuse reports filed (which we have been doing for a long time. Remarkably, the % of abuse reports filed relative to population has been the same, with about 1/2 point fluctuation, since we implemented the system). We track the number daily, and if we decide to make additional changes to the registration system we will let everyone know.

2. We are implementing additional controls to keep banned griefers banned. I'm not going to go into what those controls are, for obvious reasons.

3. Yes, we absolutely agree on the importance of the tools, and I'm doing all I can to accelerate their development. At the moment we're working with the in-world staff to identify the most egregious problems so we can tackle them first. As soon as I have more concrete information for you I'll let you know.