Linden Lab

Today, we’re happy to announce some changes to our JIRA implementation - the system we use to collect, track, and take action on bugs reported by users. You’ll see these changes take effect next week. Recently, this system was working in a way that wasn’t very transparent, and it frankly wasn’t a good experience for the users who care enough about Second Life to try to help improve it, nor was it the best set-up for the Lindens tasked with addressing these issues. So you can see why we’re happy to be changing it! Moving forward, we’re going to make our JIRA implementation a more transparent experience. All users will be able to see all BUG issues, all the time. You’ll be able to search to see if there are duplicates before submitting an issue, and if there’s a bug that’s particularly important to you, you can contribute your info to it and see when it’s been Accepted and imported to the Linden team. You’ll also be able to comment. Before an issue is triaged, everyone can comment to help isolate and describe the issue more clearly. Do remember, there are some basic guidelines for participation that need to be followed. Once an issue is Accepted and imported by Linden Lab’s QA team, the original reporter will still be able to comment, as will Lindens and a small team of community triagers - a group that includes some third party Viewer developers and others selected by Linden Lab for having demonstrated skills in this area. This group has been invaluable in helping to keep the bug database orderly and cross-referenced as well as troubleshooting bugs before they’re triaged, and we’re glad to have their continuing help with this process. Lastly, “New Feature Request” is back! If you’ve got a great idea for a feature, you don’t need to slip it through the system disguised as a bug report - just select the “New Feature Request” category when you submit. Commenting for this category will work just like for bug reports, and submitting improvements through this category will make things much easier for the Linden team reviewing these. Please remember that JIRA is an engineering tool - it’s not meant for policy discussions and the like nor is it a replacement for the Forums, where you can have all kinds of stimulating discussions. If you’re one of the many who have taken the time to submit a bug report through the JIRA system - thank you! We really appreciate your work in tracking down the issues, and it’s a significant help to us as we continue to improve Second Life. We think these changes will make for a better, more transparent and more productive experience for all of us, but if you have additional ideas on ways to improve our implementation, you can share them with us in this Forum thread.

Merlin, Gandalf, Raistlin, Dresden… Ever wanted your name on that list? Of course you have. But while most of us while away our hours dreaming of controlling the energies that bind us, Zachh Barkley made it a virtual reality. In this episode of The Drax Files, Drax interviews Zachh, one of the biggest magic producers in Second Life. It’s a great conversation about entrepreneurship, work/life balance and take a glimpse into the amazing mystery of where inspiration can come from. There’s also fireballs, broomsticks and eldritch lightning to keep you on your feet! Click the link to conjure up the below! VfAso3XoWTo Interested in more Drax Files? Catch up with previous episodes below or at Draxtor’s Website. 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

If you have a technical or support question, please try searching for your answer in the Knowledge Base.  The Answers section, where Second Life Residents help one another, may also have the information you are looking for. If you still can't find an answer to your question and have a billing issue click here to contact Billing Support.  For all other issues click here to contact Support.

Check out the Second Life Pic of the Day, "sun in the sky, you know how I feel" by Katya Valeska. Don't forget to check out Second Life on Tumblr, Facebook and Google Plus!

Check out the Second Life Pic of the Day, "jewellery boxes full of chocolate2." by Moon Falconer. Don't forget to check out Second Life on Tumblr, Facebook and Google Plus!

As we continue to work on improving the Second Life experience, one challenge we’ve been tackling is the length of the Viewer installation process. No one likes waiting, and now with Project Zipper, you don’t have to! With the project Viewer available today, there’s really only one thing different - the installation is super fast. Rather than waiting for install to complete, you’ll quickly be in Second Life doing what you love. Try out Project Zipper with the project Viewer here. This is still a project Viewer, and if you find bugs while testing it out, please let us know by filing them in BUG project in JIRA.

Check out the Second Life Pic of the Day, "Bunnies Tea Party." 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, "and you said ..." by Katya Valeska. Don't forget to check out Second Life on Tumblr, Facebook and Google Plus!

Check out the Second Life Pic of the Day, "Space & Time" by Alisa Perne. Don't forget to check out Second Life on Tumblr, Facebook and Google Plus!

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

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

As Linden Lab’s new CEO, I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself to you all - I’m Ebbe Altberg, aka Ebbe Linden in Second Life (although I’ve been advised by many of you to use an alt when cruising around). You can find my official bio on LindenLab.com, and there’s a nice piece with a bit more about my background and experience over on Inara Pey’s blog, Living in a Modem World (I offered a few clarifications in this comment there). Why did I choose to take this on? I did it because I love the idea behind our products, what you can do with them, and the potential for what we can become. I studied fine arts and computer science, and I find creating digital products and services a creative blend that I absolutely love. For me then, the creative and empowering technologies and marketplaces Linden Lab are creating are just incredible materials to work with. I have a huge belief that we can do great things together. Great for you, for Linden Lab, and for our investors. Linden has learned a ton that few companies have ever had the opportunity to learn when it comes to empowering people to contribute in creative ways and collaborate with a global online community. It’s unique. I don’t really consider myself a ‘gamer,’ but I also don’t think that ‘game’ would describe Second Life either, and I’ve found Second Life intriguing for a long time. In addition to having personally explored the virtual world a bit back when it first started (of course I’m diving in more now), my son was a very active Resident as a teenager, and I’ve been consistently impressed by the incredible things the Second Life community creates. I’m proud to be joining the team that enables this level of creativity, and as I said in our press release, I’m committed to supporting our customers to help you become even more successful. Many of you have been very kind in welcoming me via Twitter (I’m @ebbealtberg there), and I’ve read quite a few thoughtful blog posts and forum threads offering advice and raising some issues to my attention - thank you for that! I’ll continue to read all that I can (although I won’t always be able to respond to everything), and I’m looking forward to getting more familiar with Second Life and its communities through both personal experience inworld and communication with you and my colleagues. There are big opportunities ahead as we further improve and grow Second Life, and I’m looking forward to our future together. See you inworld! Ebbe Linden

Check out the Second Life Pic of the Day, "Thinking about you" by Lana Quicksand. Don't forget to check out Second Life on Tumblr, Facebook and Google Plus!

Check out the Second Life Pic of the Day, "How long will I love you ..." by Madeleine Andretti. Don't forget to check out Second Life on Tumblr, Facebook and Google Plus!

If you’re looking for somewhere to take your special someone, the challenge and thrill of a hunt, or even just a cool new spot to explore for pictures or enjoyment - Second Life has the perfect spot for you! As we head into Valentine’s Day weekend - treat yourself to an assortment of guilt-free, sugar-free, free-free destination delights. Gather with the masses against Injustice at the One Billion Rising event - which opens tomorrow! Spend your Valentine’s Day with music, dancing, art, and be a part of something big. Don’t forget to head on over there on Friday, February 14th. One Billion Rising for Justice Everyone's invited to One Billion Rising for Justice, this Valentine's Day in Second Life. For 24 hours on Valentine's Day, One Billion Rising brings residents and activists around for a spectacular event full of music, dance, art installations, poetry events and information sharing. Come be a part of this amazing event. Visit in Second Life When you’re ready to break off from the crowd, drop by some of these hand-picked forget-me-not spots and hunts to make this weekend unforgettable. The Surreal Complex Visit The Surreal Complex in February for an unforgettably surreal experience. Admire works of art in the museum, wander through fairy tale forests (try not to get eaten or poisoned by the plants), even fly through cloudy dreams. The Surreal Complex is a shopping event and a creative exhibit to show off what creators in Second Life are capable of. Bring your friends and prepare to take lots of pictures. Visit in Second Life A Tell Tale Heart To create great works, one needs a touch of insanity. Where better to find it than at Mieville Midway's A Tell Tale Heart? Wander the streets and see what madness lies in wait. New gachas, stores and more from some of the virtual world's great designers all await you from the through February 22nd. Come... Join the madness but mind where you step. The floorboards are thumping. Visit in Second Life The Stupid Cupid Hunt 2 That Cupid, he's so stupid! Flying around, shooting arrows, trailing little hearts wherever he goes. He's trying to make love matches all across the grid! He has no clue what he's doing, he's making a bit of mess of the place, shooting anything he sees. Find Find Cupid's missing arrows to reach Cupid's love nest and lovingly bask in over 20 sponsor prizes. Visit in Second Life Love Me, Love Me Not Hunt Cupid left his bow and arrows, and... things got a little wild. Help find the hearts before Cupid gets back! Find the hearts to get gifts like Love Me Bears, Love Me Not Bears or variously-sized gift cards. Visit in Second Life With Love Fair There's no better way to say you love someone than giving a gift chosen with love. The idea behing the With Love Fair is to bring all the most wonderful brands together to provide a pleasant and beautiful environment for Valentine's day shopping. The event runs through February 21st, don't miss it! Visit in Second Life Isle of View Looking for something romantic this Valentine's Day? The Isle of View brings together everything the discerning romantic requires of their romantic festivities: boat rides, fireworks, kissing booths, forested walks, tasteful fountains, and free gifts. So bring that special someone to the Isle of View and tell them how you really feel. Visit in Second Life Mingle Are you ready to Mingle? Holiday Appreciation Association presents their newest event: Mingle, an interactive hud-based experience to explore, meet, and greet. Prizes will be generously offered by some of the most beloved brands on the grid. The best prize of all will be the friendships you're bound to make. Date auctions, transferable item gift shop, and more await anyone ready to Mingle. Runs from February 1st through the 28th, hurry! Visit in Second Life The I Effing Love You Cart Sale Come to beautiful BuenaVista from February 7th through February 14th for the I Effing Love You Valentine Cart Sale. Love is in the air as you explore 55 carts filled with amazing wares from designers across the grid. Each cart featuring a special $10 Linden item. Whether you are shopping for yourself or for your Valentine, this sale is sure to have what you are looking for. Visit in Second Life P.S. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Check out the Second Life Pic of the Day, "Futurewave_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, "Evolution" by The Anti Masterpiece. Don't forget to check out Second Life on Tumblr, Facebook and Google Plus!

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

As we’ve blogged about in the posts linked below, US law requires that institutions like Linden Lab collect documentation from Second Life users that meet certain transaction thresholds: Required Tax Documentation Required Account Documentation These documentation requests can sometimes be confusing, and so to help the users who receive them better understand what’s needed and why, we’ve created a list of FAQs about these requests here: https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Linden_Lab_Official:Required_Tax_Documentation_FAQ https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Linden_Lab_Official:Required_Account_Documentation_FAQ As noted in the FAQs, if you receive a request for documentation from Linden Lab and have additional questions, please open the request in your Case History in the Support Portal and reply to the Case.

Today, we're happy to announce that Fitted Mesh is available in the main Second Life Viewer! As we've previously blogged, Fitted Mesh gives Second Life content creators the power to craft mesh garments that make avatars look their absolute best. We’d like to thank the vibrant community of creators for their thoughtful feedback and help testing this feature. For more information, check out the below, then update your Viewer to the latest release and get creative with Fitted Mesh! NTMimYMpBS8

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

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

Check out the Second Life Pic of the Day, "New Babies" by °·♥°•·.*Gwin. Don't forget to check out Second Life on Tumblr, Facebook and Google Plus!

“Will you be my Valentine?” It’s the phrase we heralded with joy as children, possibly angst as a teen, and a slight sense of suspicion as adults - but there is no denying Valentine’s Day is an emotional mashup for many. Are you a romantic or a cynic when it comes to love? Pick your poison from the diverse and delightful assortment of options to explore in Destination Guide’s Romance Category. Find your sweet spot and take a date or friends - old and new - on a thematic adventure inworld. If you’re looking for a place to take a romantic date, why not stop by the Isle of View? We’ve dusted off, spruced up, and revamped a blast from the past with a Swan Boat Ride and some free treats for you and your special someone. Valentine Bears, candied hearts, kissing boothsm and a skyline of fireworks are sure to send the mood for love. For those who have a less candy-coated view of the holiday - you can grab a group of like-minded individuals and partake in the the Tainted Love Hunt - a no-holds-barred look at the darker side of love - with hunt items from many of Second Life’s strange and unusual designers and creators. Before you dive in, stop by the Marketplace Gift Shop to get something for your Valentine or to treat yourself! After you visit these scenic spots - share your snapshot in the Share the Sweetness Snapshot Gallery Isle of View Looking for something romantic this Valentine's Day? The Isle of View brings together everything the discerning romantic requires of their romantic festivities: boat rides, fireworks, kissing booths, forested walks, tasteful fountains, and free gifts. So bring that special someone to the Isle of View and tell them how you really feel. Visit in Second Life Valentine at Winter Ice Rock Festival Romance is the mission at this Valentine's celebration. Bring that special someone to one of the many romantic spots. Restaurants, theaters, concerts, and all your favorite winter activities await in this immersive Valentine winter experience. Visit in Second Life Fotoscope Island Fotoscope Island is dedicated to photography, fun, friendship and romance! Ride the Freefall and enjoy eight minutes of a space ride packed with animations and audio-visual special effects. Fotoscope also has quite a few of other interactive experiences. Dance and cuddle in a wide variety of beautiful spots and hidden locations. Just be sure to take lots of photos, huh? Visit in Second Life 2014 Valentine Town Valentine Town is a visual panorama of all the things that denote love and affection. From chocolate waterfalls to the sugary delight of giant gum balls, expect an endless feast for all the senses, with remarkable vistas and colors bathing visitors with affectionate delight. Visit in Second Life The Tainted Love Hunt The Tainted Love Hunt is a grid-wide treasure hunt about anything but that saccharine-sweet Valentine's Day romance. Tainted Love celebrates; obsessional love, love of pain, loving someone to death, even the love of the suicide pact... Featuring great prizes from some of most troubled, twisted, and talented designers and builders in Second Life, it will run from February 1st to the 28th. Visit in Second Life

Check out the Second Life Pic of the Day, "Nothing Compartes to U" by Elo. Don't forget to check out Second Life on Tumblr, Facebook and Google Plus!