Xerses Goff

It looks like the signs have been removed. Thanks for all your help.

Store size has never been an issue before now as setting up vendors, displaying products, etc. does require some space to do it effectively. I don't have issues with smaller stores if they actually sell something. Having hundreds of nearly identical locations that only give links to larger inworld store or a web page aren't really stores. They are ads. We have some compromise policies that allow ads within certain boundries. Everyone has some modifications they would like to make, but they have had some success in keeping out adfarms. The issue is that LL isn't enforcing those rules.

There are always people trying to skirt the rules on technicalities. The current 64m "store" that doesn't actually sell anything issue is one example. It is a cat and mouse game and LL will have to keep modifying the rules to enforce the spirit of the rules - which is to keep the mainland a place where people want to hold tier. But that isn't any different than RL.

Harassment.

Marianne's comment sparked an idea. What if all parcels carry a minimum 512 tier cost? Some of the 16ms I have seen have complex graphic and multiple scripts and carry a server load beyond their relative size. So you can have 16ms, you will just have to pay the minimum parcel tier size of 512.

The newest tactic is to create microparcels and call them "stores", even if you cannot complete a transaction at that location. Hundreds have recently popped up across the mainland and LL must be buying it because they aren't doing anything to slow it down.

We know there are that many because we have identified that many specific locations in SL. There are probably more. And who would buy a 512 with a 16 sq m piece cut out of the middle? No one on purpose. The are usually disguised with some sort of build so that the missing plot isn't visible when you get the parcel outline.

It was a huge issue back in 2007-2008 which led to the start of the Arbor Project. We are starting to see it again and I am afraid we might have to get the organization more active. For example, in the past two weeks alone a resident has created 119 large neon blue ad towers by cutting up roadside plots and creating 16m - 64m plots promoting his estate. An area I might add where he doesn't allow ad towers. Making the mainland less livable to drive residents to his estates doesn't benefit Second Life. If you see any of these towers I recommend putting in an AR report. That practice certainly violated the LL policy on ad farming. As to the comment: They want LL to ban subdivsion under a certain land size, they want to ban the sale or transfer of land under a certain size, they want to make it illegal to build on parcels under a certain size. That isn't true. What we don't want is a mainland filled with ad towers and deceptive practices (E.g. selling a 512 with a hole in the middle and griefing the resident to have to purchase it an inflated price. With Arbor, we have done small builds on microparcels that enhanced the SL experience. If everyone is considerate of their neighbors, this community thrives. If it is a "me at all costs" economic activity with no consideration of community members, then it isn't someone I want as a neighbor. Especially with a large blue ad tower.

I am putting together a teleportation trail as part of a historical tour of SL starting at the Second Life Primitive Museum in Ritch. If there were a stall there we could have a landing spot and display. Check out the museum if you haven't already.

Does anyone know if the Lindens are still doing a Luna Mall auction or lottery and how to sign up?