Same Ole, Same Ole

I get Google Alerts for Second Life. I should say, in passing, that I highly recommend setting up an alert for any topic that you would like to track. The alerts are not perfect, of course. Some times the key word Second Life refers to a rejuvenation, rebirth, or second chances. But, by and large, the items selected are about Second Life and worthwhile to know about.

I mention this because I was looking over the most recent set of alerts. There were several stories about new applications for Second Life. And a number a alerts about LL getting sued by residents who are unhappy about policy changes in virtual property rights.

This is significant largely because it is not significant. When I first joined in the Fall of 2006 there were residents who where unhappy about something and new users who were trying to develop novel new applications. In 2006 that was expect and hopeful, respectively. In 2010 it is just tiring. Unfortunately, the cycle of enthusiastic new users who go from excitement, to realization, to alienation, to bitterness has been repeated too many times while the anger and resentment of residents who feel they have gotten a raw deal somehow just seems to shift from one group to another.

It would be nice to open up my alerts one day and see an application that has some real business utility; one that may get some traction and enjoy some longevity. A killer app as they say. One that would put Second Life on the map read by regular people. It would also be nice to hear about a mutually beneficial strategic partnership between LL and some residents that may prove to yield a bounty for both. But, alas, maybe that is just not realistic to hope for.