Much of the traffic on the Linden blog these days is seeded by the impact of network changes on business within SL and how this impacts people in their Real Lives. I feel your pain intensely on a visceral level, but I also think that maybe, for many of you, this is a strong signal from SL that things are a bit out of sorts in terms of your Real Life planning.
At first glance, running a business in SL LOOKS low-risk/no-risk, but it really is not. I too see the profit potential, but I have not for one second forgotten that successful business, no matter where you set up, is NOT risk free, nor does it reward either the hasty or the ill-prepared. I, too, want to "rake in the Linden$," but until my SL business passes muster in Real Life, it stays in my notebook and off the internet, yes?
For those who are "feeling their way along," trying to understand how to improve revenue and their long-term standing, the US Government, through an agency called the Small Business Administration, has established an incredibly GOOD helper site for the small-business entrepenuer...the timelines may at first seem irrelevant in SL, given the quick turnover of land, rapid changes in fashion trends there, etc.
However, I would make the case that until you have a 12-month, 24-month, and five year capitalization/growth/sustainability plan that will pass muster in RL, you will continue to have problems of disproportionate risk and loss each time the Linden group inadvertently creates a week-long "bug" episode. And if you have done a CORRECT and thorough market analysis going in, I will BET that you are NOT one of the "businesses" in SL currently facing failure due to upgrades.
If you are re-thinking your business, strategy, or considering a startup in SL, PLEASE for the peace and wellbeing of SL and its residents RESEARCH FIRST. See you in a years time, with my business running, when I have completed my research, understand the nature of the market, and can confidently capitalize, compensate, survive and thrive!
For those wanting help, I suggest starting here: http://www.sba.gov/
There are many other links from that site, as well as other really good resources in cyberspace and at your community Business Bureau (or equivalent) and local library.
If you have already pooh-poohed at this, or won't acknowledge the wisdom of prudence in SL business, I can only wish you every success, every happiness and my heartfelt wish for the best of luck!