Dear Lifers,
The world you have created is about to be born! With great excitement and our deepest thanks, I am pleased to announce our upcoming commercial release, pricing for Beta Residents, and some future product development plans.
Second Life will be released to the public in just a few weeks, and starting today, Beta Residents and Early Creators will be able to take advantage of special discounts on Second Life. Discounted rates for Beta Residents include a reduced first month's rate of $9.95, in addition to a fixed lifetime option at $159.95. Click here to view all membership plans and convert your account right now!
WIN SPECIAL PRIZES - JOIN TODAY
Beta Residents who convert their accounts before midnight (12AM Pacific Time) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 will be entered into a drawing to receive one of 15 special launch prizes:
* 5 framed, one-of-a-kind Second Life posters featuring your avatar, signed by the entire Second Life team (the Lindens)!
* 10 First Edition copies of famed sci-fi author William Gibson's latest novel, "Pattern Recognition," signed by the author!
CONVERT BY JUNE 23 - AND GET AN SL T-SHIRT
All Beta Residents who convert to a full membership by June 23 will get a special Second Life T-Shirt - wait 'til you see the design - you are going to want one! Make sure to convert your account by June 23 - you will not be automatically enrolled. Other things you'll get for converting to a permanent resident before launch:
* A limited edition poster commemorating your participation in the Second Life Beta
* An invitation to join us for real-life planning sessions to discuss the future of SL
* A commemorative in-world object
* Our Undying Gratitude(TM)
THE WORLD HAS CHANGED - COME CHECK IT OUT
If you haven't been in Second Life lately, log in right now! You will be blown away by the changes and amazing creations our residents have contributed in building the world. From hot air balloon races to nightclubs, the world of Second Life is enormous, incredible, and growing rapidly. Check out the Image Gallery for some pictures of the latest and greatest attractions. If you need the most recent download, click here.
ATTEND AN EVENT
A great way to get re-introduced to Second Life is by going to one of many daily events. Visit the Event Calendar to see today's events. There are usually 50 or more parties, games, contests, studios, open houses and other events every week.
SPREAD THE WORD
Second Life will grow best with your help! Now that we are going public, SL residents who refer new residents will receive substantial L$ for their help in telling others about the world. Visit Spread the Word for a personal referral link you can place on your website, in email to friends, or even in your signature file to automatically credit you for referring new residents.
MORE LAND
Additionally, we will be nearly doubling the land area of Second Life between now and launch, and rapidly adding land after launch to match the new residents coming in. So now is the time to pick out that perfect plot by the seashore!
FULLY EXPANDED HOURS
Second Life will move to 24-hour availability, starting today! We will periodically bring the system down as needed for patches and maintenance, but your access time is now unrestricted.
UPCOMING FEATURES
Finally, I'd like to announce some upcoming enhancements to Second Life. Our residents have been instrumental in driving both our short-term bug lists and our long-range strategic planning, and I want to share our best estimates on what's to come.
Alongside frequent updates with small features and fixes, we will target two major releases later this year, in late summer and before Christmas. Soon, you'll be able to:
* Elect community leaders and help govern Second Life yourselves
* Find what you want even more easily - with improved mapping, directory search, and shopping capabilities
* Hold bigger parties and get-togethers - with improved physical dynamics and support
* Share Second Life with friends on Macintosh OS-X and Linux PC - with ports for both platforms
* Enjoy an easier, more streamlined UI - with a redesigned User Interface (incorporating many of your suggestions and features)
Remember, as a Beta Resident, you only have until June 23 to take advantage of these discounted rates, lifetime membership, and special poster and t-shirt offers. You will not be automatically enrolled if you don't convert your account by June 23. Click here to convert your account now.
I look forward to welcoming you all in-world as a permanent part of Second Life society!
See you on the inside,
Philip Rosedale, CEO and Founder
AKA Hacker Philip Linden