The blog post about technology improvements is largely a positive blog post, it talks of improved sim crossings, increases in group limits from 25 to 42, which are both welcome features. There’s talk of a new and improved group chat system, which again is a welcome feature. There is also mention of web based profiles and this is where I frown.
However it’s social networking where I have a problem, largely because I hate this Zuckerberging of our privacy. The post states:
“we’ve added enhanced web-based profiles, accessible both on the web and in the Viewer. And, if you wish, you can even connect your Second Life profile to other social identities including Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn! “
Linkedin requires real information, it’s more of a career networking site, although other than those who are really successful in Second Life, most won’t be listing Second Life on Linkedin.
Twitter allows people to use their Second Life names, I will link to this blog post from Twitter, I talk to other Second Life users on Twitter, about Second Life and real Life, VAT was a subject this evening.
Facebook…. give me strength! I can understand why Second Life has a Facebook page, after all it’s the in thing, but I cannot understand why they want to reciprocate the favour and advertise a platform that forbids Second Life users from having a profile there based on their Second Life avatar. Facebook’s real life only policy is quite frankly a crock. There is no reason whatsoever why Facebook can’t do a deal with Linden Lab to allow paying customers to have Facebook profiles and social network that way, after all paying customers have verified their address and real name. Age is questionable but it is on Facebook for anyone who signs up, so advertisers can get their targetting going, Second Life users can social network on Facebook with Second Life names and it’s a win win for both platforms.
However Facebook aren’t interested in this, Linden Lab should really be telling them where to go, not encouraging people to use a platform that is contrary to the concept of Second Life. Linden Lab should be leading, not following, Facebook, it won’t end well despite the hype, it’s built on very flimsy foundations. Linden Lab should be playing hardball here, they shouldn’t be being assimilated.