Linden Lab

Check out the Second Life Pic of the Day, "Sailor's shelter" by Lilo Denimore. Don't forget to check out Second Life on Tumblr, Facebook and Google Plus!

Check out the Second Life Pic of the Day, "Sunset Jump" by Kaelyn Alecto. Don't forget to check out Second Life on Tumblr, Facebook and Google Plus!

The virtual world can be an enjoyably odd place. While it might have the same trees, grass, and skies as the one outside, it differs in a surprising number of subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways. The grass could be neon purple, the sky filled with mythological creatures, and the trees might just have a gleeful disregard for the laws of physics. This week, the Second Life Destination Guide is proud to be your ticket to a taste of the delightful oddities that recently caught our eye. Take the first steps through a forested island in a forgotten land before solving a dark and horrific mystery with a Japanese twist. Brave provincial ballrooms populated by beings from your darkest imagination, or traverse kaleidoscopic technicolor cliffs in a geometrically-reforming land that may even boggle Escher. Share what you see on the Official Second Life Flickr Page, and if you see anything else of interest that may not already be in the Destination Guide, be sure to share it. Lost Island Lost Island is, quite simply, just a lost island on a lost planet. Travel here to see glorious waterfalls, large cave complexes, relaxation spots and more. Visit in Second Life Kagami 2014 Everything started with the simple words of a childhood friend. Midnight, a few mirrors, what could happen? No one could foresee what happened to Kasumi... Kagami 2014 is an interactive horror experience complete with a custom HUD and dark mysteries. Visit in Second Life The Province of Kishar's Nest The Province of Kishar's Nest comprises a small city with outlying areas. The social life revolves around Le Salon de thé Sanglant - Bêtes Élégantes, a ballroom and salon where high-end patrons gather to commune and dance the night away. Many things happen in the Province... Not all are as they seem. Visit in Second Life Pinwheels Pinwheels shows an extensive, continually-changing landscape. This kaleidoscopic landscape consists of many identical triangles in different orientations shaped as stairs, walkways and dangerous cliffs. Follow the path at the landing point and prepare to be amazed. Visit in Second Life District 5 District 5 is a full-sim fashion fair bringing together an eclectic group of designers from across the grid. This massive event boasts five sections, with each section housing two sponsors and 20 unique stores separated by type and style. Make some time to join the shopping depravity of District 5. Visit in Second Life

Check out the Second Life Pic of the Day, "untitled" by Waff. Don't forget to check out Second Life on Tumblr, Facebook and Google Plus!

Here’s this weekend’s guide to some cool spots we discovered this week in the Destination Guide. Make your first stop a challenging hunt with some great prizes if you’re willing to play along.Visit a charming Italian lakeside community or neighborhood before dancing the night away at a swanky club. For those of you who want the night to last forever, brave the horrors and delights of a decade old vampire region as they celebrate their anniversary. As always, if you find a place of interested that isn’t in our Destination Guide, pleaseshare by suggesting to the the guide.. Just be sure to show off your adventures on theOfficial Second Life Flickr Page The Bleeping Bunny Hunt 2 It's the Bleeping Bunny Hunt 2! It's meant to be hard, why bother if it's easy!? Every designer provides a hint, a riddle, or a scavenger hunt leading to hidden exclamation points. You'll encounter decoys along the way, but stick to the path and you'll be rewarded. The sponsors will be giving bleeping fantastic prizes for all your hard work. Visit in Second Life Silver Lake The Argento Lago (Silver Lake) is a rugged portion of land just off the Liguria region of Italy. The Silver Lake is surrounded by four terraced towns, rugged landscape and cliffs overlooking a gorgeously-realized lake. Visit in Second Life Fashiowl Street Fashiowl Street is a charming corner with places full of life and perfect to gather for fun. You just have to wander through this beautiful site, and discover the myriad of wonderful details. Everyone is invited to Fashiowl Street! Visit in Second Life EnVogue Night Club EnVogue is a place where the people are friendly, the music is great and an overall fun place to dance. All types of music are played to accommodate the everyone who enters the doors of EnVogue. Visit in Second Life Transylvania Turns Ten! Give in to your dark side and enjoy a week of Gothic-themed events as part of Transylvania’s tenth anniversary celebrations. Transylvania is one of the oldest communities in Second Life and features a thriving and welcoming social scene. With live music, DJ’s, masked balls and red carpet parties, there's plenty to see August 7th through the August 13th. Visit in Second Life

Check out the Second Life Pic of the Day, "Shiver Me Timbers" by . Don't forget to check out Second Life on Tumblr, Facebook and Google Plus!

Check out the Second Life Pic of the Day, "CRY BABY" by Powder & luno . Don't forget to check out Second Life on Tumblr, Facebook and Google Plus!

Check out the Second Life Pic of the Day, "Cynthia and the Butterflies" by . Don't forget to check out Second Life on Tumblr, Facebook and Google Plus!

Check out the Second Life Pic of the Day, "Noble goes Dutch" by Miku Ragu. Don't forget to check out Second Life on Tumblr, Facebook and Google Plus!

Our 50 percent off Premium Membership* promotion is fast approaching an end - so if you were considering upgrading while the price is slashed in half, now is the time to do it. The Linden Marauder is available to Premium members only and is also going away soon, so don't delay! It now comes with two version - a lower land impact version and the original high-quality version that holds up when photographing from distances. There’s no better time to see what’s available to Premium members of Second Life. For more info, you can see our original blog post about this promotion here. *TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR 50% DISCOUNT This limited-time discount offer is available only for memberships on the Quarterly billing plan. Discount will be applied to the first quarterly billing cycle only, and all future charges will be at the regular Premium price. To qualify, Second Life members must have an active Basic account or create a new Second Life account. Discount offer begins on Friday the 18th of July at 8:00 am Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) and expires on Monday the 4th of August 2014 at 08:00 am Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).

The latest episode of the Drax Files: World Makers highlights Editorial Clarity - owner and operator of the Love to Decorate Magazine. Editorial Clarity and a staff of photographers and writers have turned Second Life decorating into a passion and artform by not only publishing a well-received digital magazine, but also by creating three-dimensional spaces inworld that people can visit. It is through these projects that Editorial feels he was able to discover what he best at, and how he first met his real life partner, Rico (creator and namesake of Rico’s Tea House) in Second Life. When not visiting one another face-to-face, Editorial and Rico bridge the physical distance by enjoying their work together in Second Life. Editorial says that Second Life ”taught me that I can be who I am no matter what.” To learn more about their love story, their works, and some of Editorial Clarity’s thoughts on Second Life watch this . .G921mMfJ4So Want to see more personal Second Life stories? Find all the previous episodes at Draxtor’s Website or below. The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 1: Kriss Lehmann The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 2: Jo Yardley The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 3: Eshi Otawara The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 4: Fantasy Faire / RFL The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 5: Engrama The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 7: Rod Humble The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 8: MadPea Games The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 9: Elie Spot The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 10: Robin Sojourner The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode11: Dwarfins The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 12: Ole Etzel The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 13: Creations for Parkinson's The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 14: Rose Borchovski The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 15: Scottius Polke The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 16: Feed a Smile The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 17: Zachh Barkley The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 18: Paradise Lost The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 19: Virtual Chemistry at Texas A&M The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 20: Flockers

Check out the Second Life Pic of the Day, "The Seasons Story" by Arya Braveheart. Don't forget to check out Second Life on Tumblr, Facebook and Google Plus!

If you’re looking for adventure and/or relaxation, the Second Life Destination Guide is your ticket to the best of what Second Life has to offer. This week’s Highlights from the Destination Guide is ripe with the fruits of many creator’s hard work and quest for enjoyment. Elephants, live bands, clubs and more; all of the newest and best destinations are just a teleport away. This week’s adventures start in a steaming technicolor jungle chock full of wild animals and safari scene-worthy plants. You may also feel the need to crush some competition or work out some arguments with your friends in a hoverboard war challenge. After braving nature and human’s wild side, treat yourself to a little pixel-pampering with a day at the spa then head to a cool club for some shades of the Blues. While you don’t need to hit every stop on the way, it would be a shame to miss out on something exciting and new. Whatever you decide, be sure to share your adventures on the Official Second Life Flickr Page, and as always, show us your new creations. The Jungle Let the magic of the Jungle come upon you. Relax, listen to the sounds, see the animals, smell the flowers, ride the zip line and take a relaxing trip down the river. Beware of hidden dangers: quicksand, man-eating flowers and headhunters stalk these verdant paths. Enjoy yourself as the magic of the jungle takes hold. Visit in Second Life Hoverboard Wars Looking for fun competitive gameplay? Like racing coupled with ranged and melee combat? Master frictionless agility and exhilarating momentum as you challenge your friends to a game of Hoverboard Wars! Visit in Second Life Central Blues Club To quote John Lee Hooker, "without women, the blues would not exist. If you talk about broken hearts and old wives tales, then you're talking about the blues." Central Blues Club is a relaxing blues joint in a beautiful location. With great crowds, good music and superb DJ's, there's no better place to let the blues roll. Visit in Second Life Coved Welcome to Coved! Coved is Second Life's best in top 40, house, trap, hip hop, old school, electronic and dance music with only the best DJ's spinning your favorite tunes. Come join them for the most tropical fun you can imagine! Visit in Second Life Beau Mermaid Wellness Center Beau Mermaid is a full service salon, spa, and fitness center. Come for relaxation or treat a special someone to a spa day. They have Zumba classes and regular walk in hours to pamper your avatar! Visit in Second Life

Check out the Second Life Pic of the Day, "Desert" by owl.dragonash. Don't forget to check out Second Life on Tumblr, Facebook and Google Plus!

UPDATE: the deadline has been moved to September 1, 2014 (previously was August 1)

As we recently blogged, we have a new policy for Skill Gaming in Second Life. In short, skill games that offer Linden Dollar payouts will be allowed in Second Life, but each game, its creator, its operator, and the region on which it’s operated must be approved by Linden Lab. Today, we are changing the date that the changes described in our previous blog post go into effect. Instead of starting on August 1, the updated Skill Gaming Policy will go into effect on September 1, 2014. The original blog post and the FAQs will also be updated to reflect this new deadline. Since our original announcement, we’ve received many applications from Second Life users who want to become approved skill game creators and operators. By moving the date back, we’ll be able to process a larger number of applications and also offer creators more time to make necessary changes to their games. If you would like to apply to become an approved skill games creator and/or operator, you can do so through Echosign.

Check out the Second Life Pic of the Day, "rainy days and loud music" by Sawa Gothly. Don't forget to check out Second Life on Tumblr, Facebook and Google Plus!

Check out the Second Life Pic of the Day, "Companions" by Blanche Foxclaw. Don't forget to check out Second Life on Tumblr, Facebook and Google Plus!

Check out the Second Life Pic of the Day, "Take the sky and forsake the ground..." by Cate Storymoon. Don't forget to check out Second Life on Tumblr, Facebook and Google Plus!

Earlier this year, we blogged about a British documentary company that was seeking stories from couples who had met in online communities, for a series to be called “Happily Ever Avatar.” The production team has since filmed five couples who first met in Second Life and found happiness together other offline as well. The team notes that “this is a positive look at virtual relationships. We are determined to open people’s minds to the possibilities that virtual worlds offer.” One story they have yet to capture is a couple that is just about to meet offline for the first time, and so they’re currently seeking a Second Life couple open to having their first offline meeting filmed for the series. Ideally, at least one person involved would be in the UK. The deadline for filming is October, so they’re hoping to find a couple planning to meet in August of September. If this sounds like something you might be interested in, you can find out more by contacting zoe.dobson[at]back2back.tv.

Check out the Second Life Pic of the Day, "Solo Bliss" by B. Don't forget to check out Second Life on Tumblr, Facebook and Google Plus!

Check out the Second Life Pic of the Day, "I carried a watermelon" by Twig Aho. Don't forget to check out Second Life on Tumblr, Facebook and Google Plus!

Check out the Second Life Pic of the Day, "Linden Marauder - II" by Caitlin 'Caity' Tobias. Don't forget to check out Second Life on Tumblr, Facebook and Google Plus!

Check out the Second Life Pic of the Day, "Another Time. Another Place" by Gia Nikai Juliesse. Don't forget to check out Second Life on Tumblr, Facebook and Google Plus!

At one time or another, many of us have suffered a Viewer crash that interrupted our time in Second Life. At Linden Lab, we collect crash data to help us in our ongoing efforts to identify and fix issues in the Viewer that can cause crashes. Thanks to that information, nearly every release we make includes fixes of this sort. The data we collect also reveals that many users can greatly reduce their risk of Viewer crashes by taking a few steps to update their software outside of Second Life. The nature of Second Life as a platform for user creativity means that the Viewer faces different challenges than client software for an online game, for example, which would just need to handle the limited and carefully optimized content created by the game’s developer. This can make Second Life a demanding application for your computer and can mean that if your operating system is out of date, your Viewer is more likely to crash. The good news is you can take steps today to help this! Here are a couple of tips: Upgrade your Operating System There is a very clear pattern in our statistics - the more up to date your operating system is, the less likely your Viewer is to crash. This applies on both Windows and Macintosh (Linux is a little harder to judge, since "up to date" has a more fluid meaning there, and the sample sizes are small). Some examples: Windows 8.1 reports crashes only half as often as Windows 8.0 Those of you who stuck with Windows 7 (roughly 40% of users of our Viewer right now) rather than upgrade to 8.0 made a good choice at the time; version 7 still has a much better crash rate than 8.0, but not quite as good as 8.1 (now about 15% of users), so waiting is no longer the best approach. Mac OSX 10.9.3 reports crashes a third less than 10.7.5 OSX rates do not have as much variation as Windows versions do, but newer is still better, and there are other non-crash reasons to be on the up to date version, including rendering improvements. Upgrading will probably also better protect you from security problems, so it's a good idea even aside from allowing you to spend more time in Second Life. Use the 64 bit version of Windows if you can For each version of Windows for the last several years, you have had a choice between 32 bit and 64 bit variants; if your system can run the 64 bit variant, then you will probably crash much less frequently by changing to it. While we don't have a fully 64 bit version of the Viewer yet, you can run it on 64 bit Windows, and statistically you'll be much better off if you do. Generally speaking the 64 bit Windows versions report crashes half as often as the 32 bit versions. According to the data we collect, a little more than 20% of users are running 32 bit Windows versions; most of you can probably upgrade and would benefit by it. If you bought your computer any time in the last 5 years, chances are very good that it can run the 64 bit version of Windows (as will some systems that are even older). Microsoft has a FAQ page on this topic; go there and read the answer to the question "How do I tell if my computer can run a 64-bit version of Windows?". That page also explains how to do the upgrade and other useful information. We'll of course continue working hard to find and fix things that lead to Viewer crashes. Even as we do that, though, you can decrease your chances of crashing today by taking the steps above. Best Regards, Oz Linden