Socially|Mundane

Linden Lab (LL) announced a new project, which I and most others understand to be referred to as a "Linden Home" - at least, that's how I'll refer to it until there is some "official" designation from LL. As always, any announcement on the official Second Life blog brings a very, very long list of comments, many if not most of which are negative - often because of misunderstanding.

The announcement in a paraphrased format as I understand it is as such:
Linden Lab is creating a new continent of virtual land. The entire continent will be like any other "mainland" continent except for this important difference: the land parcels will not be for sale, but rather given at no charge to Premium Account subscribers of Second Life on request. Each parcel will be "locked-down", meaning land-tools available to owners of the parcel will not function such as terraforming, joining or cutting parcels (reshaping borders) and anything else that changes the look and function. The parcel also will include a prim-house (multiple styles and themes to be chosen from) and all prims already on the parcel will not count against the owners prim limits.

I have read and worked hard to properly comprehend the announcement, I also have read every Linden response in the following discussion thread and here are the details and what it means:

First, these Linden Home parcels cannot be changed. They are locked-down 512 square meter parcels. They are provided at no charge to Premium Account subscribers only, in lieu of the tier-free 512 square meters each Premium Subscribers already gets with the subscription.

What this means: all premium subscribers get to own a 512 M2 parcel on Linden mainland tier-free. Once they own that parcel there are no further costs to them forever as long as they remain a premium subscriber. All "preemies" can purchase a 512 M2 anywhere on the grid - as long as it is LL mainland, it is tier-free. Part of the problem is in Linden Dollars (L$) per M2 (square meter) they must pay for the land initially. Additionally, neighbor builds can create a laggy (high latency or bogged computer) environment and many neighbor builds can be rather garish. Thus, many preemies forego every buying that "first land".

Among other benefits of premium subscription, incentive to maintain preemie status is waning. So something needs to be done to give preemies a little something special for being a preemie.

By providing the tier-free 512 M2 that comes with a preemie subscription at no charge, LL is creating easy access to virtual land ownership and in a pleasant, (build-managed) themed environment.

Based on all I've read, my understanding is as so:

Only premium account subscribers will be allowed to own one of these Linden Homes. A preemie can "shop" for a Linden Home via the Second Life web site, like the land store and choose a theme before requesting the parcel. If available, it will be provided in an automated way - like purchasing a private simulator (sim).

Once acquired, the 512 M2 parcel already will be landscaped and include a "vacant" home - it is unclear whether there will be any flora or fauna placed by LL though highly likely.

All prims placed by LL will not count against the owners' prim-counts. A 512 M@ normally supports 117 prims. Under normal circumstances, the home and any flora or fauna placed counts against this limit. However, Linden Home parcels will be configured in such a way that the full 117 prims will be available to the owner to decorate and furnish the home and parcel as they choose.

The purpose of this project is to create incentive for non-premium "basic" account holders to consider stepping-up to premium accounts. In this case, the "test period" will include a limited number of invitations to existing preemies and likely an invitation to all new preemies once the test gets underway.

Once testing is completed and any corrections or program "fixes" and necessary alterations are made, the program will likely be offered to all Premium Account holders sometime in 2010, perhaps in the first quarter.

How this will be a benefit to the entire grid:

There are many "land barons" who own a lot of M2 on the mainland, renting parcels out to anyone willing to do so. The interest is in "owning" land without subscribing to a premium account and being able to pay "tier" in L$ - thus not needing to pay U.S. dollars directly to Linden Lab. There are many 512 M2 parcels across the grid available for rent.

Many preemies do not even buy a 512 M2 parcel because the cost of purchasing the land can be prohibitive. By giving the land to preemies, more preemies will now take the opportunity to actually own land.

These 512 rental parcels will not be affected by this program as preemies already are paying LL for their subscription and are considerably more likely to buy land when inclined to own any, not rent it as they do not have to pay monthly tier on it. Thus, the rental market target consumer will be unaffected in any way: basic accounts.

Those who sell or rent mainland (or private sim) parcels larger than 512 M2 could see an increase in sales or rentals as more people will have owned land (the Linden Home) and discover they want more than the allotted 117 prims. Having the experience of owning land, they will want to move-on to a larger parcel and thus shop the mainland (or estates) for it.

Thus, the Linden Home project is a good one for the following reasons:

Premium Account subscribers will finally get a "special" benefit for their subscription: a free parcel of land that already is themed and built - all they need do is furnish it. This is an incentive for non-premium subscribers to consider stepping-up to a subscription. Good for Linden Lab.

Land Barons who sell or rent land larger than 512 M2 will see an increase in sales as preemies who have land-ownership taste in their mouth and want more prims will now go out and shop and buy or rent. Good for land barons and managers.

Land Barons who already rent 512 M2 parcels will see very little change as their target customer is likely a basic account-holder, who will not have access to these Linden Homes, thus no change in land-rental habit.

Thus, the Linden Home project is a win-win-win scenario for Linden Lab, Premium Account subscribers and existing grid "land barons" and property managers.

So the only question I have left is: Linden Lab, what took you so long?

I invite any surname Lindens to please correct me if I am too far off any marks.
Original announcement: Second Life Blogs: Land and Sea: Home is where you hang your avatar's hat