While it is sad to see so many talented Lindens leave “the team” I have to agree that the development has been dispersed in so many different directions it lacks a clear initiative. Improvements can’t happen until they streamline where the resources are needed most. Until they identify which improvements are going to net an increase in user population which i think is the key to the survivability of the platform.

What I disagree with is that Linden Lab still focuses on new recruitment as the answer to all that ails the virtual world. It ignores the concept that if the present long term users are happy, they are likely to recruit new users themselves. Word of mouth promotion… if you build it BETTER they will not only come… they will stay and invite friends.

A grid full of newbies does not spend money. Community needs to be fostered. Roots and grid culture needs to be acknowledged and supported. The very culture of the grid (and the satisfaction of its current long term users) is the first crises that needs to be addressed.

I hope the Lab pays the appropriate internal attention to these matters. There is a big panic and even more alarming, a general malaise about the platform and interest in other virtual worlds as an alternative.

The best thing would be for Linden Lab to be transparent at this time about planned and proposed changes and put it on a schedule so that residents can anticipate not only great things “coming down the pipe” but also feel assured that relevant changes ARE in process. I think this would help combat the growing grid wide cynicism.

Skylar Smythe