Zanthor Shiras

Rod, You have a unique opportunity to effect much needed positive change in SL. To do it, you'll have to get back to that work-ethic of a fresh-from-school newbie, trying to make/prove your position in this virtual world. We desperately need that visionary mindset that once ruled the day here. Unlike most businesses, as you know, in a virtual/social world, your customers include amongst them, those with the skills and desires to build your business in many positive ways. I've seen comments here that suggest I am not alone in hoping that Linden Labs will stop making decisions based on how many pennies it can squeeze out of the great foundation that has been laid in the past - and start cutting some paths for it's creative customer component to put down the roads to it's future. There was a time when creative geniuses flocked to Second Life because it offered a true sense of open-source... when content creation walked hand-in-hand with a spirit of "hey, we want everyone to come and enjoy this amazing, new, environment where it's possible to learn and live in a virtual world." One way that you can make your mark is to begin exploring the inevitable... Start implementing the development of off-grid server/sim technologies. Unlock some of the iron grip and watch how after the dust settles, your most brilliant customers and staff will come up with required solutions to any resulting IP/copyright, security, and other issues... as many are just waiting for the opportunities and challenges that you can create for them - in a world where such things exist. Make Second Life a place where armchair developers are once again a valued and cherished resource. Re-instill the true spirit of a virtual world where opensource and community benefit is the underlying motivator. Markets and profits will follow. If you follow the current path... which based on a lot of comments seem to be based on an end-of-life business model... then the end result will be as it may. But then there are many like myself who believe that even if you mess-up... something will come to replace it. I do wish you luck and like everyone else, will be hoping for a sign from you... something dramatic and something to effect renewed spirit and hopes for a great future in the virtual world we call Second Life. Welcome and best wishes in the coming year!