Content providers determined to provide, with or without Linden’s help

By: Jon Venkman
Times Assistant Editor

The gap between content providers and Linden Lab seems to be larger than ever as result of the elimination of the popular 'Developers Incentive', a program created to assist providers in their quest for free and accessible content. A group of independent content providers recently had a meeting with Robin Linden, one of the initial members of Linden Lab. This meeting was initiated and organized by content provider Bladyblue Bommerang, who herself is owner of a mall with casino, only to be able to afford the costs of organizing an event. According to Robin Linden, the company does not have a responsibility towards content providers, and thinks that money should be made by charging visitors instead of depending on Second Life's owners. The providers however, felt differently: "If some are free and we charge, no one will come. Clubs and most events are frequented by new players, who usually have basic accounts," Bladyblue told the Second Life Times. The meeting, which lasted no less than ninety minutes, had no apparent results. Linden claims to be working on a replacement of the Developers Incentive, but refuses to release any information on what this new program would consist of. But Bladyblue is set to continue her services, and is currently in the process of setting up a new project, the 'SL Content Providers Association'. A website will be created as well, to give new and existing providers a chance to promote their events. The independent content providers feel left in the cold, while Linden Lab does seem to provide associations as the FIC and the FFRC with the required financial help to survive, or at least take them seriously.Bladyblue expects for Linden Lab to change their minds: "The Lindens will see that their plans - like so many of their plans in the past - turn into a mistake of grand proportions."But if that is not the case, the new association has a backup plan. Bladyblue has several 'Real Life' sponsors in mind, such as Pepsi and Philip Morris: "We need to make te best deals we can get. A pool of money administrated by the SL Content Provider Association will be used to: Give funds to those venues that display advertising from our sponsors, offer start up funds for those that want to become a content provider - thus encouraging new innovative events in Second Life, and support our website and fund free festivals put together by a collaboration of content providers."
Bladyblue invites new content providers to send her an Instant Message in-world, and join the SL Content Provider Association group to get their venues listed on the website.