ALL WORK AND NO FAIRPLAY, UPDATED

Continued from last week. After speaking with Jenna Fairplay a couple weeks ago, when she made dire predictions on how recent policy changes would harm the world, I checked in with her last Wednesday, to see how things had been going for her, since then.

Hamlet Linden: So how's life been this past week?

Jenna Fairplay: Difficult... with all the changes, as you know, clubs are suffering. Those who are doing good are supported by outside sources, it seems, and those who aren’t are feeling the pinch. Many new clubs that were to open didn’t, and those that tried didn’t last.

JF (continued): Right now, I pay all staff hosting fees and events out of pocket and/or donations. I got a lot of support so that has been helping… [We’re] doing rather well, actually, because I had made plans and prepared [before the policy changes when into effect.]. I had [Edge-associated] vendors donating and my own income from my vendors, as well as my other venues in SL. I was pulling those to support The Edge. I have telehub vendors; I had invested in land by some telehubs, so this helps with sales and such… clothes, hair, etc.

I had also gotten my staff ready, too. I had them learn skills so they could sell things from my telehub locations and in at the club, and make enough to sustain their own events. Some are doing so well they give back now and then to The Edge... I [also] lost some who were just frustrated with the changes.

Before, when I made Linden Dollars, I saved it and re-invested it into Second Life, and gave it back to staff and players. Now it all goes to events and paying staff. Not much investing as before and such. If my vendor makes a L$500 sale, instead of using that to help a new player start up a project, it goes to paying for an event.

I see people trying to quit each day. Others who are new and don’t know what to do [get] lost in the game… I see vendors now suffering. The list goes on. Less players, less people to turn up for events. I’m top five [most popular club] but it's because I’ve been preparing like how you prepare for a storm. Still waiting for the storm to pass though. Each day I have to find ways to support the club. Each day I meet new players who leave so fast. Each day I am told by other players who they are leaving. Was never like this... So many I can’t count. Many of my friends I knew from Anarchy [Online] and other online games went back to them. They keep their account open cause it's Basic [i.e. one-time flat fee] and ask me to tell them if there are any changes.

[Laughs] Lordy, hmmm. Over a hundred that I can say left for good, and that’s just of people who bother to IM me and say such, and [the] ones I couldn’t convince to stay. I'm being told by others who have lost friends. One was my brother, [who] has a neighbor who was building a huge castle. It was wonderful. He was upset 'cause all his friends who got him to join this game left. And he was alone and didn't see a need in playing a game... I had talked to him; he seemed to have improved.

Then I go to my brother's land and notice the castle was gone. And the land was for sale.

Look at the map. All the land for sale. It's insane. All the white. Some longtime players who inspired me left. [And indeed, clicking on the "Land for Sale" tab reveals large swathes of white across the continent, signifying land put up for sale. - HL]

HL: Well, if Philip Linden was to ask you, how would you advise to staunch this flow?

JF: Well, I always was in favor of a scaled event support. As I posted on Forums, pay more support for educational and PG events [but still support other events, as well].

I have [met] so many who come here-- as I said, the Edge is a stepping stone. I know people will come and go here. Some find this is where they do best. Some go on to new things. But without places like this, they can get lost or bored... Right now without support, there is no balance with places such as this. The new clubs or venues will struggle to get a foot hold, as many won't even [compete] so those who are [already] up will stay up. I see new places open that I like that close so fast. A shame they didn’t get the chance old establishments did. This place is doing fine, largely 'cause its liked by many.

Many tell me how I can't give in. How The Edge was the first place they went to. [laughs] The first job they had.

HL: So you're keeping it running on principle now?

JF: Yes.