Second Life® shrugged

Years from now we'll look upon this period in the history of virtual worlds as a time of splintering. Like the English settlers who fled the corruption of the Anglican church and struck out to establish colonies, several thousands of Second Lifers, disappointed and disillusioned with Linden Lab's mismanagement and lack of support, are seeking new territories and a fresh start.

Statistically, and against the half million+ residents that actually use Second Life, a few thousand people wouldn't normally be missed. But these aren't just any Second Lifers. They are Second Life's backbone.

Most of the people I'm meeting on other grids have been loyal to Second Life for years. I recognize their names from the forums, prosperous stores, and the JIRA. They are the people who know Second Life backwards and forwards and they are also the people who contributed heavily to whatever success it may claim. Second Life was built on their shoulders and now they are collectively shrugging it off and vowing to diversify and support alternative worlds.

They tell me they don't want to contribute their business leadership, their innovations, their art and their ideas to a world that exploits them and won't protect their creations or their investments. Many of these explorers pay their mortgages and car payments from their virtual incomes, too. While most have no choice but to remain in Second Life for the time being, they are also now busily working on building their own grids and planting their flags in fledgling new worlds and rolling up their sleeves to help those new grids gain their footing.

They do so with a heavy heart, but with hopes for a brighter future.

Here in the United States, we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving - our annual harvest festival - on November 27th. On this day we commemorate the pilgrims' early progress and colonization, and give thanks. Perhaps there will be a similar holiday in pixelated form in the future... If this happens, it will be because early settlers made it possible.