20th Annual Hair Fair in Second Life Offering Limited Edition Last Names, Lifetime Premium Plus, Premium Auction

 

With the attention on the Relay for Life, it's easy to miss another cancer-related fundraiser going on in Second Life: The Hair Fair. Taking place in six sims, it offers a large variety of hairpieces, as well as other headgear like bandanas and wraps. And for it's anniversary, this Hair Fair is offering something special: Limited Edition last names and a  Lifetime Premium Plus and Lifetime Premium auctions.

 

...the 20th annual Hair Fair event in Second Life. Since 2010, Hair Fair has proudly partnered with Wigs For Kids, raising crucial funds and awareness to support children experiencing medical hair loss. Each year, creators, organizers, and residents come together to make this virtual event a meaningful celebration of community and generosity. 

 

Like every year, the Hair Fair has numerous shops offering hairpieces for sale, each with a listed percentage of sales going to the charity Wigs For Kids. Fifteen percent is the minimum amount, with 100% of the bandana sales going to the fundraiser. They are in six sims, grouped by hair color: Blonde, Brunette, Redhead, Streaks, Noirette, Fouls. Supporting a good cause isn't the only reason people come here. You can find varieties here that can be hard to find anywhere else, especially men's hair. 

 

But there are two things that set this Hair Fair apart. One is you can purchase one of three limited edition surnames for your account (all hair related): Style, Salon, and Strand. 

 

You can purchase at the event the last name of your choice and these will be manually set in motion with Linden Lab. They are being sold for the standard name change fee of L 12250 and 100 % goes to Wigs for Kids. You can also change your first name included in the price.

These will not only have the awesome factor of having such unique new names, but also knowing that the name has history of helping Wigs for Kids ♥. Who do their best to promote this event every year on their own website. 

 

As a reminder, your name will not change instantly, "While the name change is not instant it is done in order of filing your ticket, so do that as soon as you purchase." To get one of these last names, head to:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Hair%20Fair%20-%20Blonde/236/251/24

 

But this isn't all. You can also bid to get to upgrade to a Lifetime Premium account or a Lifetime Premium Plus account. You'll never have to pay another monthly fee for as long as Second Life is around. 

 

Hair Fair 2026 has been given the amazing opportunity to Auction off two Lifetime accounts, where 100% of the proceeds will go to Wigs for Kids.

 - 1 Lifetime Premium Plus account.
 
 - 1 Lifetime Premium account.
 
 The starting bids are based on the purchase price of these accounts set by Linden Lab. The Auction closes on 14th June but do not miss out on getting your bid in, if you are outbid before the auction ends you will be sent a notecard with landmark to return to the location to bid again if you wish to do so - which will also show as an offline notice to email if you have your settings that way. Please visit regularly during the event to keep your eye on the Auction. 

 

The Hair Fair is going on until Sunday June 14.

 

To get to the auction, head to: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Hair%20Fair%20-%20Streaks/233/11/24

 

For more information on the Hair Fair, check out:  https://www.wigsforkids.org/events/20th-annual-hair-fair-in-second-life/

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Hair%20Fair%20-%20Blonde/245/239/24 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

More on The Copperfield Heights Linden Homes

 

 

As reported earlier, on Thursday February 26 Linden Lab announced their latest model of Linden Homes: the Copperfield Heights homes, both in the official blog, and the forums. 

Copperfield Heights - Traditional Craftsman homes with spacious living areas and signature architectural design.

The newest in the line of Linden Homes has arrived. These warm craftsman styled homes feature wooden beams, custom wood elements and minimalist Craftsman interiors.

Copperfield Heights is open to all Plus, Premium and Premium Plus Residents. This collection of Craftsman style homes creates communities featuring natural elements and earth tones designed to create an authentic Arts & Crafts neighborhood in Second Life.

 * * * * *

 

 Copperfield Heights brings traditional Craftsman design with spacious living areas and signature architectural details inspired by the Arts & Crafts movement. Warm wood tones, exposed beams, natural stone elements, and multi-paned windows create a neighborhood that feels timeless and welcoming.

Open to Plus, Premium, and Premium Plus members, this collection expands the Linden Homes lineup with a focus on craftsmanship and comfort.

 

Dropping in myself for a look, the place looked like a nice suburb in the middle of winter. As it turns out the neighborhood is designed to change with the seasons, with greenery appearing in the spring, and in the fall the leaves turn brown and red. I would read, "Like Aspen Ridge, Copperfield Heights regions transform automatically throughout the year. ... There is nothing to manage. The seasons shift on their own."

 

But what sets this neighborhood apart from previous Linden Home areas is it's not just Premium homes, not just Premium Plus homes, but both! Among the 512 and 1024 square-meter lots one would expect to find in a Premium Linden Home area are some 2048 sm lots that were previously only in their own spacious neighborhoods. 

 

And in terms of variety of house design, this is the most diverse Linden Home area to date with a total of twelve models. There are four homes with 512 square meter lots, Glenwood, Laurel, Maple Grove, and Prairie. There are four with 1024 sm lots, Cedarwood, Meadowbrook, Millbrook, and Sunnydale. And there are four with 2024 sm lots, Maplecrest, Oakridge, Pinecrest, and Woodland. 

 

If you want to jump right in to look around, this spot is as good as any: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Winesap%20Ridge/128/128/25 

 

Update: The Copperfield Heights area has been expanded to 27 sims, including Copperfield Crossing which connects it to Bellissera. The shore has a boat rezzing area, near All Hours (169,150,23),  so you can sail across. The sims I saw at the edge looked green, so this being March, the change of seasons may have already happened. 

 

There may be further expansions, so those who are interested in a home here, keep an eye here for more sims later. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Linden Lab Offering Premium Plus Without Stipend At Reduced Price

 

On Wednesday October 15, Linden Lab announced in the official blog it was offering Premium Plus accounts at a reduced price, the catch being it would be without the weekly stipend. 

 

We just launched something new in Second Life: Premium Plus at a fraction of the cost!

Think of it as Premium Plus’ cost-conscious sibling—all the perks, just without the weekly allowance. And it might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.

 The Lab would remind people of the benefits of a Premium Plus account, being able to be in up to 150 groups, access to the larger Linden Homes, and more, "The only thing you won’t get is the weekly L$ stipend and signup bonus—which means you’re paying less for the same perks offered in our current Premium Plus tier.

 

The blog entry would say the price for Premium Plus was $20.75 USD a month, with the discounted plan without stipends at $11.99 USD a month. But this is done under annual billing. Under monthly billing the price is $29.99 USD a month for regular and $15.99 USD a month without the stipend. 

 

For more information, check the Linden blog (here). 

 

 Bixyl Shuftan

 

EOTB: Linden Lab Enters Paid Members in Computer Giveaway

 

Several days ago, Linden Lab announced as part of their "Membership Mania," they were entering members with paid accounts, Plus, Premium, and Premium Plus, in their "Membership Mania Computer Giveaway."  

 

We’re giving back to our loyal Plus, Premium, and Premium Plus members with an automatic entry into the Membership Mania PC Giveaway! Members have a shot at being awarded one of three ultimate gaming PCs (or cash equivalent)

There are three prizes. Premium Plus members are entered to win a HP OMEN 45L Intel i9 RTX 4090 Premium Gaming Desktop worth about $4,679 USD. Premium Residents are in the contest for a Skytech Gaming PC Desktop, which is worth about $1,999 USD. And those with Plus accounts can get a Thermaltake LCGS Quartz i460 R4 Gaming Desktop, worth about $899 USD.

 

In place of the computers, winners can take the value in cash. Eligibility is "based on membership tier status as of 11:59 PM PT on February 28, 2025."

 

As mentioned, those with paid accounts are automatically entered. Free residents can still enter, but need to send a handwritten postcard with their name, address, email, and phone number, along with which contest they want to be in, to the following address:

 

Linden Research, Inc.
548 Market St., PMB 59201, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401, USA

 

The drawing is on March 10, with the odds depending on how many entries there are.  The winners will be notified within five days, and have 48 hours to respond or may forfeit their prize. "Winners are solely responsible for any applicable taxes, duties, or import fees." and "U.S. winners ... must submit a Form W-9 and will receive a Form 1099-MISC. Non-U.S. winners must submit a W-8BEN and will receive a Form 1098."

 

Residents from several countries are not eligible due to local regulations or restrictions, Belgium, Italy, Brazil, Poland, Russia, India, China, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates. "and any country under U.S. embargoes or trade sanctions."

 

For more information, check the blog entry Here. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

SL Fandom Con Raffles and Auctions

 

 

 From Oldesoul Eldermar, "Wow, it's time!!!  We have Raffles and Silent Auctions for Linden items on and ready at the Thunderdome Stage, and Pirate's Cove."

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/WastedLands/138/48/23    

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nautical/202/70/23
sl-fandom-con.org/linden-contributions
 

"All monies go to the American Cancer Society."

 

 Several items are being raffled by Linden Lab:

6 Month Premium Account Access
12 Month Premium Account Access
1 Hour Hangout/Photo Session with Patch
3 Last Name Changes from the Existing Last Name Pool
Pick a future last name and receive change for free *subject to LL approval

Two items are being auctioned (at the WastedLands location

Homestead for 6 Months

Premium Plus Account Access for 6 Months

Go Relay!

Breaking News: Linden Lab Offering Limited Number of Lifetime Premium-Plus Accounts

 

 It was just announced at the Friday Town Hall at the Second Life Birthday by Patch Linden that Linden Lab will be offering Lifetime Premium Plus Accounts, called SecondLifetime Premium Plus Accounts (youtube link). BUT, it will be a small number. As this the 21st anniversary of Second Life, there will be 21 Lifetime Premium Plus Accounts available, "it's in honor of Second Life's 21st Birthday, and we enjoy trying to be thematic when we can."

These lifetime accounts are not cheap. They will cost 1,899.00 US dollars, or 1,150.00 if one is upgrading their SecondLifetime Premium account.

 

SecondLifetime Premium accounts were offered last year at the SL20B.  Back then, they were $749 USD. The price has since gone up to $859.00

More details about SecondLifetime accounts can be found (here). 

SL Mobile Viewer Now in Private Alpha, Available For Premium Plus Residents

 

 Some news for those who have been waiting for the Second Life Mobile Viewer to be available. Linden Lab just announced it's in a "private alpha" release, but a very limited one in which only Premium Plus members can apply for. And some who do may not get a chance to try it out yet.

 

 

 (Click here if the video does not play)

The Second Life app brings the richness of the Second Life virtual world to your Android or iOS mobile device...and Second Life Premium Plus members are among the first to get access. 

 

With the new Second Life Mobile, you can experience a new level of convenience and engagement in your Second Life adventures, whether you’re at home or on the go. 

 

 The mobile viewer is described as allowing residents to see their avatars and "edit through changing outfits" (but apparently not through Inventory), go about virtual reality "with a limited series of movements," being able to teleport or accept teleport offers, pan around to some extent (but doesn't say how far), use local and group chat as well as see group announcements, create and log in a new account, "and more in future releases."

The Lab stated that while all Premium Plus residents are eligible to apply to get access to this alpha version of the mobile viewer, "we’ll be adding users in small groups over time. There is a server registration limit and we’ll be adding participants on a first come first served basis." So assuming demand for the mobile viewer is strong, some people will have to wait. 

And of course, being an alpha version, the Lab reminded people that the mobile viewer will almost certainly be glitchy as heck. "please remember, this is still early Alpha! That means it’s buggy, and it’s missing functionality. It also means we’re looking for your help in making it better. "

 

Presumably the beta version will be available some months from now well into 2024. But this is speculation, and much can go wrong, or right.

 

Source: Linden Blog

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

A Look At The New Ranch Linden Homes

 

Last month at the SL20B, Patch Linden announced that the new Linden Homes just for the Premium Plus residents, the Ranch Homes, were ready. Among them were two people known by Newser reporter Gemma Cleanslate. She had a talk with them, and got to see their new homes and land.

 

Read Gemma's story in Places. 

Commentary: Reflections On The SL20B

 

We made it!

While Second Life turning twenty was seen as a near-certainty though far-off date in it's golden age from 2007 to 2008, a few years later, it didn't seem that was as troubled times from 2010 to 2013 led to some doubts and rumors. But enough residents toughed it out, and Linden Lab managed to stay afloat. In comparison to some hit video entertainment a generation earlier, such as Atari games which went downhill after a few years, the virtual world has been far more adaptable and durable. And this year it was time to celebrate the big two-oh.

Second Life is no longer in it's teens.

This year had some things what have been part of birthday celebrations since Linden Lab assumed control a few years ago, such as the Shop and Hop and the Tapestry of Time (though the later was updated). But this year there were some differences. For the first time, people were allowed to bring back an old exhibit from a previous birthday if they wanted to. Also for the first time, there were adult-rated sims set aside for builds that exhibitors there could design of a more graphic nature than would be allowed on a moderate one and for shops selling items of a clearly adult nature. These sims were placed in their own separate areas of the SL20B and the Shop and Hop. This was something of a surprise to many as Linden Lab in the past had mixed feelings about Second Life's more sexual side being talked about.

The theme this year, "Our Fantastic Future," was an appropriate followup to Steampunk for SL19B. But it was also reflective of the optimism often shown by Linden Lab as well as many of the residents. Despite all the problems of today, there's hope for a better world tomorrow. And with Second Life's future being in doubt on occasions in the past, there is certainly reason for such optimism. Some exhibits showed the theme in the form of technology and space travel. But this being a milestone birthday, there was also a reason to look back with pride, hence the number of old exhibits that made a return (or given a 'second life,' pun intended).

Of the announcements made by the Lindens and Moles, the two that got the most attention were the new Linden Homes exclusively for Premium Plus residents, and the new option to get a lifetime option for Premium and Premium Plus accounts. For newcomers, the NUX avatars were almost but not quite ready. For the rest of us, it was announced progress was being made on the mobile viewer, but an open beta wouldn't be available until at least early 2024. While there was excitement about these by a number, there were a few grumbles that this was evidence Lab was mostly interested in money. Perhaps Linden Lab's owner the Waterfield Network has been encouraging them to find ways to make more cash. We can only speculate. But that the Premium Plus homes were quickly snapped up could also be called evidence they were simply responding to demand.

So what will SL21B hold? Who knows. While Second Life may be "old enough to drink," the theme sure won't be beer parties. But this year's theme being about a brighter future, let us look forward to good times for the next year, and beyond. We've made it this far, and no reason to feel we can't for a few more years. While future birthdays that don't end in "5" or "0" may seem a little less special, we'll still find plenty of reason and ways to throw and enjoy a good party.

In the meantime, more time for us at the Newser to write about the people, places, and other events in Second Life.

Bixyl Shuftan

 

"Second Lifetime" Premium Accounts For Life, Upcoming Ranch Linden Homes Announced at Lab Gab

 

 

 (Click here if the video does not play)

On Monday June 26, Patch Linden was interviewed in the first of the SL20B's Lab Gab shows. Patch almost always reveals something about what Linden Lab is planning or is about to release, and yesterday was no exception. But the big details involve users with the most cash to invest in their inworld experience. 

 

At the SL19B last year while talking about then upcoming Premium Plus option for accounts, Patch stated that eventually there would be a 2028 sq meter option for Linden Homes just for them, double the size of the max available for Premium residents.

On Monday, Patch stated the homes were just about ready. He would also mention them in the forums.

 

The all new Ranch theme features country style Ranch homes in multiple sizes and open floor plans on 2048m2 parcels. It is a beautiful rural area with gravel roads, split rail fences, windmills, silos, and stunning fields of wildflowers.

More land means more land impact. Previous themes have 351 or 175 LI per parcel. These have a whopping 703! Plus a new theme means a new content pack, with wildflowers, hay bales, and such. 

They would also be mentioned in the SL wiki in the page about Linden Homes.

The ranch theme is your invitation to step into life on the grasslands of central North America. This is farm country, a land of rolling prairie and big sky. It’s a place where you can imagine raising wheat or corn or soybeans and having a few cattle, a horse or two, and a flock of chickens. You might have a barn stocked with hay bales and a tractor and harvest machinery. Or, perhaps, you could have the large garden for vegetables and flowers that you always wanted.

The houses are in a new area in Bellisseria, north of the central part of the continent (and the new WelcomeHub area, which is now also connected to Bellisseria by a road). The sims themselves often had appropriate names such as Silo, or whimsical ones such as After You and Knott Mine. There were several different styles of Ranch houses, Spring View, Stable View, Knotty Pine, Creek Stone, Silver Spurs, Buffalo Pastures, and Grizzly Point. With the larger amount of land per home, plus the gravel roads and the country look of the houses, the place certainly looked more backwoods than much of the Linden Home continent. There were silos, windmills, and other farm buildings and structures in places. And some residents and brought in cows, horses, and other animals.

 

Despite that "selection of specific Ranch homes will not be available until July 10," demand for these houses was high. In Bellisseria chat, it was stated that a day after they were made available, there were no more left to claim. When the next batch will be available is unknown.

 

 

The other feature aimed at Premium Plus, and Premium, accounts was "Second Lifetime." This was an option to have a Premium, or Premium Plus account for life.

 Be among the lucky few to claim one of the limited edition SecondLifeTime Premium or Premium Plus plans – available in extremely limited quantities at SL20B. Each SecondLifeTime plan offers the same benefits as Premium or Premium Plus – but for a one-time fee for the rest of your life! Only available while supplies last!

Patch Linden would explain some details at the Lab Gab, and there was also a "Frequently Asked Questions" page. The one-time payment for a lifetime Premium account is $749 USD, and for a lifetime Premium Plus, it is more expensive at $1749 USD. Compared to Premium at $99 USD a year, and Premium Plus at $249 USD a year, it's comparable to a resident paying for several years in advance. 

 

Patch would say that only so many residents can get a lifetime account. Only two hundred residents will be able to get Premium for life, and for Premium Plus for life the limit is much smaller, just twenty. The openings are available on a first-come first-served basis. On the FAQ page, it stated a Premium for life account holder "might not" be able to upgrade to Premium Plus, and anyone wishing to do so would have to talk with a Lab agent to see what could be done. 

While it wasn't mentioned by Patch, or the FAQ, it should be reminded that even a lifetime account holder would still be subject to the Lab's Terms of Service, and people have been banned for what some would see as small offenses such as using a parent's credit card. 

Patch would discuss other things in the video, such as the upcoming newcomer NUX avatars, the new WelcomeHub area, an SL radio station, the *possibility* of one of the more recent last names being brought back temporarily, and Linden Lab talking to the producers of a TV show about a deal which would have Second Life being a big part of the plot of one episode. This would be the first time since an episode of CSI in 2007.

Bixyl Shuftan

 

The SL20B National And Global Contests

 

 The Second Life Birthdays have had prizes one can win for some time. But there's a chance to get a real-life prize from a contest here at the SL20B celebrations, in addition to a chance every day to get a free upgrade to Premium for a year, or maybe for life.

Visit the SL20B welcome area and look for the National and Global contest kiosks to win one of many huge prizes! Qualifying U.S. residents can  win a brand new Chevrolet Bolt EV car or a high-end ASUS computer in the physical world. Global community members can win one of several special prizes including daily giveaways of One-Year Premium Second Life Subscriptions and more!

 

The welcome area is in the SLB Awesome sim, a globe-shaped structure with greenery that in most hours of the day has had numbers of people. Going inside, at ground level there's a number of kiosks, and a rotating model of the grand prize for one of the two contests: a real-life electric car.

 

Of the two contests, one is open to US residents only, the National Sweepstakes.  The other is open to all residents of Second Life, the Global Sweepstakes.

 

The greater attention is on the National Sweepstakes prizes, as they're higher in value. The Grand Prize is an electric car, a Chevrolet Bolt EV, which has a "suggested retail price" of $27,495 USD. There are also five First Prizes, "Sponsor specified" laptop gaming computers described as worth about $2800 USD. 

Of the Global Sweepstakes, the prizes are free upgrades to one's account. The Grand Prize is a free upgrade to Premium for one's account, for life. The First Prize is a free upgrade to Premium Plus for one year. There are also Daily Prizes for a free upgrade to Premium account for one year.

One can enter up to Wednesday July 5 for both the National and Global contests. The drawing for the Grand and First prizes will be "on or around" Thursday July 6. One can enter the draw for the Daily Prize in the Global contest once a day. 

 

To enter, head to SLB Awesome (108/122/35).

Details for the contests are (here) and (here).

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

EOTB: Premium Plus Residents Can Now Buy Homestead Sims Without a Full Sim

 

On the official Second Life blog on Tuesday November 1, Linden Lab announced another perk for Premium Plus accounts. They could now buy a Homestead sim.

As featured in the October 21 edition of Lab Gab - we’re excited to announce a new Premium Plus benefit available beginning today, November 1, 2022.  Premium Plus members are now eligible to purchase up to one Homestead on their account, without the requirement of a full private island region.  

As mentioned, the details were first made available at the Lab Gab on October 21. Previously, only those who had a full sim could buy a homestead. Unlike a Linden Home, Premium Plus residents cannot just request a homestead. They're simply eligible to have the option to purchase and pay tier for one. Nor can they get more than one.The setup fee is $149 US dollars, and a monthly tier of $109. The latter would be in addition to the cost of a Premium Plus account, which is $29.99 US dollars a month.

Homestead sims are lower capacity than full-sized ones. Their prim capacity is 5000, and are intended to hold no more than 20 avatars. In contrast, a full sim has a capacity of 20,000 and in theory can hold 100 avatars. Their suggested use is "quiet residential" or "light commercial" use, or "low density rentals. 

Premium Plus members without full sims are still not eligible to get a smaller capacity Openspace sim (not to be confused with Opensim). 

For more information, read the blog post (here).

Linden Lab Partners With Speedlight Mobile Viewer, Offering Premium Plus Benefit

 

 For years, there's been talk about accessing Second Life through a mobile viewer. Linden Lab never had one of it's own, but there were third-party clients. Years ago, the best was probably Lumiya, but for some time it hasn't been updated and presumably has become unusable. A few years ago, Linden Lab started working on a mobile-capable platform. But last October, it announced it was pausing development. Development had reportedly been "stagnant" for months, presumably on trying to resolve technical issues.

Another mobile client available is Speedlight. It's been around at least since early 2020. Earlier this week, Linden Lab announced they were partnering with Speedlight, offering unlimited time on the mobile viewer as part of it's Premium Plus perks.

The Speedlight mobile app is already popular with many of our community members since it enables Residents to stay connected with Second Life while on the go, and now Premium Plus subscribers get access to additional Speedlight benefits: no online time limitations along with prioritised online support. Now you can enjoy Second Life on your mobile devices (or in a web browser) with the freedom to stay connected as long as you like! To get these benefits, all you need to do is access Second Life using SpeedLight with your Premium Plus account.

 

 

While most of Speedlight's features are free to use, there's only a limited time one can use it per month. For more time, one either had to buy it or subscribe to a gold account. And now there's the option of signing up for Premium Plus. But how much of a perk is this?

 

Trying it out with an alt on my webbrowser, the viewer did allow you to check where your avatar was, as well as who was around it. You could also check one's friend list to see who was on and groups, as well as nearby chat. There is also a 3D view, but it's considerably less detailed than regular SL viewers, unlike what the picture with the Lab's announcement suggests. Surroundings are simplified, and one's avatar appears as a stick figure. One can move around and jump, but there's no sound or music, and one may get stuck at a sim crossing.

In a thread in the official forums, comments were somewhat mixed, overall favorable. The one big complaint was that the picture in the announcement was misleading. A few commented the perk would probably be of best use to merchants, who could use it when away from their computer to check up on business.

The partnership between Linden Lab and Speedlight marks the second time in a month the Lab as made a deal with someone offering an SL product not owned by them. Speedlight was developed by Glaznah Gassner. 

Source: Modem World

Bixyl Shuftan

Linden Lab Changes Name Change Fees

 

When Linden Lab made it possible to change the last name of one's account a couple years ago (or bringing back last names as it was often called), it could be done only by someone with a Premium account. So someone with a basic account would have to sign up for it, at least temporarily, and then pay the fee.

A few days ago, Linden Lab announced that there would be changes to how one would pay for a name change. The good news, those with basic accounts won't need to sign up for Premium, and those with Premium Plus will pay a much smaller fee. The bad news, those with basic accounts won't be paying much less.

 Today, we’re excited to announce that we’ve updated our Name Change service in a major way. We’ve told you that we were going to keep working on adding new features to the Premium and Premium Plus offerings, and we’re delivering on that once again today. From here on, Premium and Premium Plus subscribers will benefit from a reduced price for the Name Change service.

But that’s not all! Not only are we discounting the service across the board, but we’ve decided to democratize the service to everyone.

For those with Premium accounts, the fee has been cut from $39.99 US Dollars to $34.99, a reduction of about one eighth the price. Those with Premium Plus will benefit the most, as they will now only have to pay a $14.99 USD fee, less than half. For those with basic accounts, their fee is $49.99. While more convenient than the old way, it's not much less than the $51.98 combined for a one-month subscription for Premium and name change.

For the blog post in full, Click Here.

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Reflections On The SL19B

 *

The Second Life Nineteenth Birthday is almost history. Each Birthday celebration of the virtual world has a number of things going on. It offers a chance for exhibitors to show what they have, often to showcase a community, organization or business. It allows DJs to show their stuff. And it offers the Lab a chance to talk to the residents, and perhaps answer a question or two.

Each one is also usually remembered for different things. The SL15B was noted for being the last of the resident-run Birthdays. the SL16B was the first one with Linden Lab back in charge, and also noted for it's 1950s theme. The SL18B was overshadowed by the recent passing of Linden Lab CEO Ebbe Altberg. For this year, the celebrations are probably best known for the Steampunk theme, and to a lesser extend the announcement and release of the "Premium Plus" option for Second Life accounts.

Interest in what Premium Plus would offer before the event was fairly high. But once the details of what it would offer were out, reaction was somewhat mixed. The majority of people commenting on one thread in the official forums expressed their dislike or stated they had no plans on getting it. A few grumbled the Lab was being greedy. But some did say they would get it or were considering. And within a few hours of it's release, several hundred had upgraded to it (at least according to the Lab). While it's unknown how many more signed up by now, it's clear the Lab's move is getting it some extra money from their move. 

So what is the Lab doing with the money? Well, they demonstrated one thing in development: a new line of starter avatars. There's also that Linden Lab isn't truly independent, but was acquired a couple years ago. While one of the new owners has expressed his enthusiasm about Second Life, and he wants it to succeed, it's a sure thing the Waterfield Network wants some return on it's investment. 

One other detail was the sims getting a last-minute extension of time. We're happy of course that the Lab gave the sims a few more days. But they could have given the announcement with more time to spare, and in the public group before the scheduled closing.

And then there's the theme for this year's Second Life Birthday: Steampunk. Perhaps that was a tribute to some Second Life communities with that theme. But it's also a genre of fiction based on the Victorian Age, some of what's considered steampunk now written at the time. The era had it's share of problems, pollution, mistreatment of factory workers, poverty, women treated as second-class citizens, etc. But it was also an age of discovery and progress. New lands were explored. Inventions would make getting around faster, help heal the sick, and improve the lives of people in many ways (imagine life without electric lights and bathroom tissue). Life and society would change more in the more advanced countries at a much more rapid pace than at any time before in history. So many writers get inspiration from the era to write tales of adventures in these turbulent but optimistic times. 

Perhaps some of us will be inspired to read more of the fiction, read about the era, or perhaps spend more time in Second Life's steampunk communities, which would be an interesting legacy of the SL19B. 

And then there's the next Birthday, the SL20B, the Big Two-Oh, What the theme will be for our platinum anniversary will be, we have months to guess. But it will be an interesting one. In the meantime for the Newser, more time for us to write about the people, places, and events elsewhere in Second Life.

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Premium Plus Now Available

 *

On early Thursday afternoon, Linden Lab made the Premium Plus option for accounts available. This was two days after Patch Linden gave details at the Second Life Birthday.

 We are so excited to be officially launching our Second Life Premium Plus offerings today! The Premium Plus membership level is designed for the most dedicated Second Life Residents with more weekly stipends, more groups, more mainland, and even more of all the things you love!  There’s only one thing there’s less of - fees. Premium Plus subscribers get free uploads for sounds, textures, and animations, free recurring events, lower group fees, and did we mention - $15 Name Changes?!

The all-new Premium Plus is available for $29.99 per month and $249 per year with a special limited time promotional price of $24.99 per month. Not ready for Premium Plus? You can still continue to enjoy our existing Premium offering, which is available for $11.99 per month and $99 per year.  
 

It's interesting to note that the Lab is listing a cash value next to the weekly stipend and free mainland, $11 USD and $13 USD respectively, so it can say one gets $24 USD worth of freebies for the $29.99 monthly price.

So far, there's been plenty of talk about Premium Plus, including a thread in the forums. On the whole, the response seems to be skepticism. Many stated they don't feel the extra bennefits are worth the price. Still, some did say they were interested, one saying, "I can run up 249 dollars worth of texture uploads a year pretty quickly if given enough time and space." "I ran the numbers for my account and I'd save about $6 a year." There were comments that one or two more things thrown in, such as free mesh uploads and name changes, might make then interested.

Some people will be signing up for Premium Plus. How many, well, we'll see.

To read the blog post, Click Here. 

Addition: Near the end of today's "Meet the Lindens," Grumpity announced they had over 700 Premium Plus accounts. So with this many in just a few hours, it seems they've had a successful start.

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Premium Plus Details Revealed By Patch Linden

 

For some time, Linden Lab has occasionally mentioned plans for an improved version of Premium accounts, called "Premium Plus." Occasionally some small details about them were mentioned, but the bigger ones were kept quiet about. Yesterday at his "Meet the Lindens" interview at the Second Life Birthday on Monday June 20, he finally revealed just what Premium Plus offered, and would cost (24:30 minutes into the 1 hour and 44 minute video by the Lab). 

There is double the amount of mainland tier, from 1024 square meters to 2048. The land can also be split between mainland owned and a Linden home (they're available either in 512 or 1024 square meter parcels).

Later on, 2048 square meter parcel Linden Homes will be an option for Premium Plus accounts. It was hinted this might be done towards the end of the year. 

Able to claim or request a specific Linden Home, as long as it's still "available through the duration of the time in which you place the request through support manually." Patch stated he had to "heavily caveat" this detail, "the whole system is automated, and not even we can beat it ourselves." In theory, two or three Premium Plus residents could become close neighbors.

"You can get two land experiences that you can make," Premium only having the option to create one.

The sign-up bonus is 3000 Linden dollars (for Premium, it is 1000 L).

The weekly stipend is more than doubled, from 300 to 650 Linden dollars.

The number of groups one can be in doubles from 72 to 140 (basic is 42). 

The cap for stored messages when offline goes up from 80 to 160. 

No fees to upload textures and sounds. Mesh and animesh upload fees will change in the future. 

The group creation fee is reduced from 100 Linden dollars to ten Lindens.

The cost to list events on the Linden blog is eliminated.

The number of Animesh attachments will increase (Patch stated from one to two, but this is the increase from basic to Premium).

Premium Plus members get a "special support phone line" for direct concierge level support, with a toll-free 1-800 number, with Residents from outside the United States also able to use.

The Lab will make available sandboxes reserved only for Premium Plus accounts in the future.

The cost for all this is $29.99 US dollars a month, with a $24.99 introductory price, or $249.00 USD if charged yearly, slightly more than double the $11.99 USD monthly and $99 yearly fees for Premium. 

There are no changes to Basic or Premium accounts.

As of the writing of this article, there is no post on the Linden blog, or page on their website to sign up for Premium Plus. Patch stated there should be in a day or two. 

Addition: We originally gave $24.99 a month as the price, without saying that was the introduction offer. Sorry about the error.

Bixyl Shuftan
 

"Premium Plus" to be Available in May

 
There's been a little discussion, and a few questions, about "Premium Plus" since Linden Lab first mentioned it as an upcoming option some time ago. But they've spoken next to nothing about just what it will offer. Finally in the April 6 Web User Group Meeting (filmed by  Pantera Północy), Reed Linden gave some answers. Premium Plus should be available sometime in May (mentioned just after 2:25 in the video). Most likely, it will be closer to the end of the month than the start of May. When first available, those with Premium accounts on annual subscriptions with at least six months left before the next yearly payment will have the option to upgrade to it.

So what will Premium Plus offer? Reed couldn't tell us everything, partially because some details were still being worked on. But he did say the Plus option would offer higher stipends, "more than double what a premium stipend is," larger land grands, larger sign-up bonuses, reduced fees "on certain things," more group slots, "it's more of everything. It's more good things. ... "I will say you're close to getting double the stuff ... in many cases, you're getting more than double."

So how much more will Premium Plus cost than the $99 US dollars a year fee for Premium? Reed couldn't say yet other than "It'll be more."

With only about a month left, give or take, the Lab may or may not have more information before Premium Plus is finally released. So stay tuned for more details.

Hat tip: Inara Pey, Dreamer Pixelmaid

Bixyl Shuftan
 

"Premium Plus" Accounts Delayed

Last November, among an announcement on the upcoming option to change account names, Linden Lab also stated that there would soon be an option to upgrade their accounts to a level above Premium, called Premium Plus.

Changes are underway for Premium Membership. In 2020, you’ll see a new membership level, Premium Plus. This new option will join our classic Premium tier as an additional choice for Residents who want to get even more value from their Second Life.

According to an article written by Inara Pey, it seems the Linden Lab has delayed the rollout of Premium Plus. Grumpity Linden stated the two main reasons were wanting to focus more on the transition to the cloud servers, and with many residents hit hard financially by the Coronavirus crisis it was believed it wasn't a good time to roll out the feature.

We have made the decision to delay the deployment of Premium Plus based on two key factors:

1. We want to be focused on our Uplift project (move to the cloud) and to minimize distraction for our development, QA, and Ops teams. While we’ve laid a lot of groundwork, quite a bit more still remains to finish Premium Plus.
2. The pandemic has brought a lot of financial uncertainty to people all around the world and we know many of our Residents have been hit hard.

We are very happy that SL has provided an outlet for people where they can connect, escape, engage safely, and earn a living or supplement their income as well. But we also realise that introducing a higher-priced service level in this time would be really ham-handed.

It should be noted that a few days ago, Linden Lab stated earlier that there was a "Limited Availability" of new private sims due in part to their transitioning to cloud servers not complete yet. So that would be another reason to devote more time and resources to that effort. When the option of changing one's account surname was finally made available, one of the complaints was that due to the Coronavirus crisis, many wouldn't be able to afford it due to loss of income.

When asked when Premium Plus might be available, Grumpty answered that there were no guarantees, "but early 2021 is reasonable to expect."

Source: Modem World

Bixyl Shuftan