Paid Advertisement for developers
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ShyMisho Resident
Since developers can no longer offer custom creation services to Second Life residents through the SL forums or the official SL Discord server, I strongly suggest implementing a paid developer advertisement system, similar to Marketplace ads, with a fixed duration—or alternatively, a review-based listing system, as used in Roblox developer Discord servers.
This approach would address several unresolved issues:
Should Second Life users be limited to purchasing whatever is available on the Marketplace, or should they have a clear, supported option to commission customized work?
Is it more effective to allow hundreds or thousands of scattered threads requesting custom creation, or to centralize offerings through a smaller number of developer listings?
Is it better for users to blindly cast a net—risking scams or poor-quality work—or to choose developers based on demonstrated portfolios and verified reviews from LL list ?
Should developers who aim to enhance the Second Life experience be forced to individually explain workflows and requirements through private IMs, or should this information be publicly accessible in a centralized, transparent location?
For a well-established platform like Second Life, should users and developers be left exposed to high-commission, third-party websites, effectively treated as prey rather than protected participants in the ecosystem?
A structured paid or review-based advertising system would reduce spam, improve user safety, and provide consistency and accountability for both users and developers.
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Spidey Linden
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Issue tracked. We have no estimate when it may be implemented. Please see future updates here.
Holocluck Henly
Only with opt in / opt out choices for residents or group owners.
Orion Greymoon
While I'm also generally in support of this, I would strongly resist any pushing of ads into the normal communications channels in SL, such as chat, group notices, etc.
Have a "dedicated" portion of the marketplace for this function, with tags, etc. so people can find the right resource easily.
AlettaMondragon Resident
Orion Greymoon My thoughts exactly. For what it's worth, there are rental ad listings on the MP anyway, so a custom products/services category really wouldn't hurt.
Tech Robonaught
So start a platform? I started an "Angies List" for SecondLife 10 years ago and got laughed at and generally ignored.
But, not to say it wont work now.
Elanaa Resident
I agree with all of the above. These forums of freelancers advertising has helped me find what I need and receive a service I cannot otherwise find elsewhere. As a store owner, it’s hard to find proper meshers and graphic artists. And if they can provide the service then why not allow them to advertise it? They should definitely have a proper platform or forum to advertise. After all, they are making second life what it is. Without proper meshers, creators, graphic artists and developers, there would be no second life. Those clothes the people are wearing in your Instagram ads… meshed by a freelancer. The accessories? Meshed by a freelancer. The animations? Freelancer. Need I say more?
Just do the right thing.
Also, if you remove the ads for freelance work, then you should also probably remove the ads for escorts too. Just saying.
AlettaMondragon Resident
Elanaa Resident The escorts probably don't encroach on anyone's territory who is close to LL or even an employee or contractor of LL, so if you want to see why they are trying to limit the opportunities for creators among the general public and secure a solid market for a select few "partners", you have to look into those patterns and connections. Otherwise if we approach the situation in good faith, we can say they simply haven't thought they should encourage communication between professional creators to provide services to each other and to any customer.
Vermilion Velvet
Funny how we were allowed to post our ads in the forum for the past 10 years without any issue and all of sudden it`s not allowed anymore. Since this is the case now they really need to add something for us freelancers
Kawaii Spicy
I agree with what ShyMisho has said. I’ve been offering meshing services in Second Life for about 7 years now, and I truly believe this would be beneficial not just for freelancers, but for residents as well.
There are a few points I’d like to share:
Having this type of advertising or listing system hosted by LL could greatly reduce, or even completely eliminate, scams. It would help protect both the client and the freelancer and create a much safer experience overall.
Not everyone who meshes wants to run a shop. Like ShyMisho mentioned, “Should Second Life users be limited to purchasing whatever is available on the Marketplace, or should they have a clear, supported option to commission customized work?” Some meshers simply want to offer their services without the extra responsibilities that come with owning a store. Supporting this kind of work would be a big win for both clients and freelancers.
Over the years, I’ve spoken with many clients who have shared how stressful it can be to find a reliable mesher. Some have been overcharged for low quality work, and others have paid in full and never received anything at all. If LL supported freelance services like this, it could greatly reduce these negative experiences and give clients a trusted place to look.
Lastly, Second Life is a unique platform made up of people from all walks of life. What truly sets it apart is that the world itself is built by its users. Encouraging freelance work and providing a safe, supported space for it really reflects the core culture of what Second Life is all about.