The Lindens often take the occasion to tout something new. Last year, it was the PBR or "Mirror Update," that finally allowed working mirror reflections. For the SL20B, it was new Linden Homes exclusive for Premium residents, as well as new starter avatars (the Senra, which were never very popular). For the SL19B, it was the new Premium Plus account option. For the SL16B, it was that the Lab was fully in charge of the Birthday celebrations.
But sometimes the Birthday events have a cloud overhead that helps darken the mood. Last year it was the then recent (and unsubstantiated) rumors concerning some of the Lindens and Moles, as well as people complaining the PBR update was causing more lag and crashes. The SL18B was overshadowed by the recent death of Linden Lab CEO Ebbie Altberg. The SL16B had a few people missing some things that marked the resident-run birthdays, namely the Cake Stage, and there were some grumbles about recent price hikes by the Lab.
This year, there wasn't much in major announcements. There was Patch Linden announcing a new Linden Home theme for the future and a "foray into the commercial," but no date was given, meaning it will likely be weeks away. And there were no dark clouds over the celebrations, aside from people at the end being a little sad the party was over.
So it was basically a Birthday in which we had chances to listen to the Lindens, dance to some good performers, and see how the exhibitors worked with the theme, Myths and Legends. Silvia Ametza's build for the Newser, the Pyramids of Giza, had some interesting facts about the surviving Ancient Wonder of The World, as well as a cautionary tale that applies to the present. There was a little confusion as somehow the Newser sign vanished. This shouldn't be a problem next year.
So after "double deuce" what's next? What the SL23N will be like can only be imagined right now. As we mentioned sometimes the event is somewhat overshadowed by other events, sometimes not. But there's always good fun to be had.
Happy 22nd birthday Second Life, and many more.
Bixyl Shuftan
SL Newser
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