Linden Lab Improvements and also Cost Increases for Some Users

So, there has been much debate about the recent information LL put out 11-2-17 regarding upgrades and some added expenses for some users in Second life.  I just wanted to recap and add some interesting links on my blog for my (and anyone else who cares to consider) perusal and consideration.

First the LL post that seems to have incited or excited everyone one way or another. See here: https://community.secondlife.com/blogs/entry/2265-exciting-improvements-to-sl-fee-updates-to-enable-even-more/

 LL talked about "Exciting Improvements to SL and Fee Updates to Enable Even More."  I'm sure you've heard about this already.  There is talk of Animesh, new games, enhanced customer service, enhanced premium benefits, better creation protection etc.  The improvements are looking good for us and I'm excited about that.  The concerns some people are having come with some fee increases specifically stated Nov 2, that  I quote here: "

-Effective today, the fee for buying L$ on the LindeX will be $0.99 per transaction (previously it had been $0.60 per transaction). These changes impact only buys on the LindeX, and the fees associated with buying L$'s during SL Marketplace transactions remain unchanged.
-On January 3, 2018, the fee for processing credit transactions (i.e. paying real money into a PayPal or Skrill account) will be 2.5% per transaction, with a $3 (USD) minimum, and no maximum. This fee is currently 1.5% per transaction, with a $3 (USD) minimum and a $25 (USD) maximum."

Blogger Inara Pey does a nice summery here: https://modemworld.me/2017/11/02/lab-blogs-on-sl-fee-changes-and-new-web-user-group/#comments  be sure to read the comments too and the most recent update post also: https://modemworld.me/2017/11/03/sl-project-updates-442-tpv-developer-meeting/  She does a great job with facts.

There is Hamlet Au's New World Notes post: http://nwn.blogs.com/nwn/2017/11/sl-marketplace-community-linden-dollar.html  Here you will find more of the negativity associated with some of the associated fee increases.  Note the many comments.

Then there are the more average Joe Facebook comments that tend to get a lot of attention and comments from the regular people that may be a little more telling of the popular feel for things:

One that has some good information and feedback comments was from Gizem Mishi Akin the ever popular Blueberry owner/designer.  While she is not an "average Joe" in SL.. there are many follow up comments of interest.  Giz actually sounds supportive of the fee increases and intelligently lists out the reasons why. even though the fees will affect her as much or more than most others as a big business owner. In general the changes seem to favor consumers vs. business persons. She makes some very good points I feel people should consider before jumping to criticize.   Check it out here:  (click directly on the Facebook tag or the "see more" and you'll have to sign into your FB account to be able to get the full threat and comments-but honestly some of the best made points I've seen about it)



Basically if you want to play you must pay .. at least a little in order to play better.  A person technically can play and have fun for free though.   Compared to other things it's a relatively small increase for the value.  Please don't freak people.  Stay positive.