So Long XStreet

I find it very sad that Linden Lab® has purchased XStreetSL although not unexpected. Linden Lab® in its zeal to make Second Life® more attractive to a potential buyer has proved over the past few years with its actions that it cares more about the appearance of the virtual world than it does about the residents and performance of Second Life®. You would think that with the host of issues over the past weekend that the lab would have gotten the message to fix what is already here rather than add new features. I guess not.

But as I have said in the past, I really feel that Linden Lab® wants out and are trying to realize as much as they can from a potential sale. They have added features frequently (voice, windlight, Slim etc) in the hopes that the outside world will be amazed at what is offered and increase the offer. So too with allowing an inordinate number of bots to increase concurrency. Why else would the lab ignore the pleas of the residents and continue in the same path?



The purchase of XStreetSL (and ONRez) is the latest step in Linden Lab® securing everything Second Life®. With control of the two biggest marketplaces along with the virtual world itself, they are sending a strong message to potential buyers, competitors and especially the residents. Linden Lab® controls all things Second Life® and you must deal with them and play by their rules. It’s unfortunate, as healthy competition generally leads to better pricing and improved quality, but alas, we all know that is not high on the lab’s agenda.

What do the acquisitions mean for Second Life® residents? Well, contrary to what the lab will say, it means we now have little option but to do and say what the Lindens would like us to. We will have no option but to purchase and exchange through them and to pay commissions and rates they set. While we still will have forums to post our thoughts, we will be looking further away to do so. Criticism of the lab has always been high and I’m sure they would love to squash it. Control over forums like the one in XStreetSL would eventually limit those criticisms. And while we can still voice our opinions through blogs like this one, the lab still has control over my in world account and should they choose to do so, they can reprimand me for my opinions.

I don’t really care about the future of XStreetSL now because I know the lab will eventually teach the Street’s staff how to be incompetent and to do the bidding of the lab. Integration of the marketplace and the virtual world is likely and with that a host of issues we see daily in Second Life®. Along with a frustrating in world experience, will come an equally frustrating marketplace experience.

There are a lot of bright and capable people in this world that do not have the last name Linden. Let’s hope that out of the ashes of a functioning marketplace comes a new a brighter alternative. Even though Linden Lab® will always be out to squash the competition by flexing its virtual muscles, I’ve learned over the years that there are people who are trying to make things better and provide alternatives. Fortunately they don’t work for Linden Lab®.

I, along with a lot of other people who enjoy the concept of Second Life® will strive to either find a way to continue or simply move on to something better. Right now, there is not much of an alternative and Linden Lab® is trying to keep it that way.

When it comes right down to it, business is business and Linden Lab® can choose to operate however they feel is effective. They want to be successful and turn a profit. So do I!