Your2ndPlace

Recently, I got an email on the Solution Provider List about a Solution Provider Council which raised my hackles - a Second Life Solution Provider Council was formed of (you guessed it) Solution Providers. I've omitted their names from the quote below because my thoughts really have little to do with the who, but rather the how.

Dear Solution Providers,

We've created a Solution Provider Council to give you a more active voice in the development of the Solution Provider Program. Several weeks ago, a notice and survey was sent out to the SLDev list regarding the creation of the Solution Provider Council. The SP Council, comprised of Solution Providers from a cross-section of the community, serves to provide a more formalized venue where ideas and feedback can be gathered from the SP community and actively work with Linden Lab's Solution Provider Program Team to advance the SP program and provide guidance and feedback to Linden Lab on the operation, features and promotion of the Solution Provider Program. Each member has a 6-month, renewable term of service.

After gathering feedback about the structure of the SP Council, interest in participation and ideas for nominees for SP Council members, the LL SP Team has selected the following members from those nominated:...

...The SP Council will be reaching out to the larger SP community. Please feel free to talk with them, ask questions and share your thoughts regarding the SP Program...In the near future, there will also be an opportunity to meet with the SP Council.

Thank you to all who expressed interest in participating in the Council and who shared your ideas and suggestions with us.

I sent an email response that never seemed to pass moderation on the Solution Provider List - so I'll publish it here where my dissent, at the least, can be made public. Here is what I wrote in response on 4/28/2008 and which never made the rounds:

Meaning no disrespect to anyone nominated, I must say that when I have something to say about the Solutions Provider Program, I will not use the council members listed but instead will speak directly on my own behalf. That, of course, would be permitted.

Given the nature of the Solution Provider program, asking competitors to speak on my behalf is akin to asking someone not to plug in a wire attached to me while I stand in a pool of brine. While that may be appealing to some, I have some concerns.

Have a great day,

Nobody Fugazi/Taran Rampersad

I'm sorry if that sounds heavy handed, but here's the thing: if and when I have a concern, should I have to go to a de facto competitor to express my concerns to Linden Lab®? How am I supposed to consider the Solution Provider Council to be anything but a dog and pony show? Yes, I know people on the Council - some are people I consider friends, even as competitors - but I see it as elevating the status of some over the status of others.

If I have to deal with Linden Lab, I already had questions of favoritism. This move only supports my thoughts along those lines; the names may change but meet the new boss: Same as the Old Boss.

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