Do I need a premium membership to make friends and join a group?

[janekat062]

Do I need a premium membership to make friends and join a group?

[mikka Luik]

No not at all =^^= Although some groups may have a joining fee

[Baloo Uriza]

Even then, though, a premium membership isn't necessary, but you might want to get some currency at http://secondlife.com/currency

[Rolig Loon]

Nope.  I have been here more than 5 years and have never been a Premium member, but I have 276 friends and belong to 34 groups.  Premium membership has nothing to do with friendships or groups.

[Peggy Paperdoll]

A premium membership gives you a few benefits such as the ability to own your own land instead for renting from another resident (only mainland though), an option of having a free Linden Home (that has some restrictions that you don't have if you own your own mainland), access to Premium only sandboxes, a weekly stipend of $L300, access to Live Chat (in addition to a slightly higher priority for Support Tickets).  Other than that (plus a few I might have overlooked) a basic enjoys everything else a premium member enjoys.  The same ability to join groups, make friends, move around the grid freely, enter contests, plus everything else one can do it SL.  No other virtual world (or even online games) gives you so much for absolutely free.  Many people don't appreciate that part either.