Want to try Second Life? New Trial Requirements.

As most of you know, for the last several weeks we've experimented with opening up the Second Life free trial to anyone, without requiring a credit card upfront for identification. We also expanded the trial to seven days, with an option to purchase at any time.

Starting tomorrow (Thursday), we're going to make another change to the way in which we invite people to try Second Life. The trial period will continue to be 7 days, but we are going to return to the policy of requesting a credit card for identification prior to starting a trial. While we realize that there will be people who prefer not to trial if they need to give us a credit card, we think we'll end up with people trying Second Life who are genuinely excited about the possibilities, and interested in having the chance to really see what it's all about.

At no time will we charge anyone for Second Life until they have indicated they want to join. At any time during their trial they can return to their account page and choose a membership plan. If they decide not to join, we'll keep their land and objects in world for a week, and their inventories and avatars available for 30 days, just in case they change their minds.

Anyone who has already started their trial with us will be able to finish their trial period without giving us a credit card number until they're ready to join. The policy will go into effect with new residents who begin their trial tomorrow.

Thanks so much to everyone who's referred people to Second Life. We appreciate your efforts in helping us to continue to grow this great group of enormously creative and fun people.