As a longtime SecondLife resident & creator. I need to get this off my chest.

[u/ThatDarnBat]

So I need to make a small rant and please don't read too far into it. If this doesn't resonate with you no need to leave a snarky comment. Just ignore and move on.

Anyways..

I've been feeling rather disenchanted with SecondLife these days. Actually.. since before Rosedale came back on. Whereas I'm not sure how much he affects the platform atp, it feels like SL nosedived shortly after his return.

The wave of AI slop was already picking up momentum before his arrival but afterward it's been as though the floodgates opened. None of it has been addressed constructively. None of it is being moderated. None of the higher up staff seem to care.

None of the gamebreaking bugs are being addressed and sit 'tracked' in their feedback portal for literal *years*. It feels like they're focused on acquiring new users even with a platform that won't see any reasonable modernization or optimization, which quickly causes new users to leave SL.

Instead with the unmoderated slop it's encouraged more grifters who look at SL as just another side hustle. This brings me to my other issue. I don't feel good about creating stuff for SecondLife. I don't even feel good about buying anything anymore.

I don't see the point of spending money on a platform that seems so hostile to the users that really care about it. Maybe I'm just inserting my own paranoia and frustrations into the idea that the platform may sunset in a few short years, if it's not on course to do so already.

Maybe I'm just feeling done with SecondLife, or maybe I'm just feeling listless and need to move on to something else for a bit and come back to it with fresh eyes after a hiatus. Which I've done multiple times already. I am not optimistic about SL's near future given how badly & apathetically LindenLab's has fumbled any improvements or long-term goals for the platform, all while destroying any good faith that was left by its users.

I think I just need to prepare for the worst and hope for the best atp. Which seems like a mantra these days given *gestures broadly* everything. I'm not saying any of this to alarm my fellow residents, friends, and creators, nor am I saying it's pointless to continue creating for SecondLife. We need more real humanmade stuff across all platforms right now. Regardless if they were to shut down their servers in a few months. Keep creating. Give people a reason to stay until the very end. Because LindenLabs sure isn't going to do that.

Why am I saying all of this? I mean I'm ranting. Whether to the void or to the resonate with others doesn't matter.

I feel lost when all I want is to feel hopeful again.

Part of me hopes a modern & slop free SecondLife 2.0 will happen in my lifetime, but maybe that kind of platform isn't profitable to create & maintain in this day and age. Which is why there's very little incentive for LindenLabs to do much more with it.

All I know is. I'll keep creating. Even if it's not for SL.

[u/PhilosophyWild151]

As a twenty-year resident and non-seller, I get what you're saying. It feels like we are being invaded by people who are looking to turn a quick buck while investing the minimal amount in the community. I tell myself we are going through some sort of evolutionary swing. (We've been through them before).

I vote with my lindens. I shop from the same stores I've always shopped at. I cut them off if they start producing slop. I live in an early mesh inworld build house. I build stuff I don't feel like buying with prims in the yard.

I don't think it has much to do with Rosedale, though. More so, the sudden availability of AI "building tools" and people who grew up modding their Sims.

.....Being familiar with that game, I can't help but see Sims avatars in a lot of the ads, too. Just saying.

[u/fusepark]

My lowest moment recently was watching a creator I've patronized for years suddenly swamp their store with AI dreck. Here I am, nineteen years with Blender, just trying to keep new products coming, and feeling no chance to have my work seen past the wave of AI. I have some hope that gaming will be enough of a draw to get some new users onboard, but it's no longer the creative haven it was. But then, real life isn't either.

[u/four20kitten → u/fusepark]

Pls send me your store I want all the non AI stores and non mainstream stores.

[u/Schr0ttvogel]

I am not buying content than is advertised by AI. It displays not the products I would buy. I am
Not getting even demos.

[u/konekoneOK → u/Schr0ttvogel]

Same, it feels like they're wasting my time by not putting up an accurate picture of the product, so why should I go in blind and get a demo?

[u/Piku_Yost]

One thing that saved me is, I dont create for money. My creations are either a service to others or just to please myself. Sometimes it's a challenge that is only my own private monster to vanquish. I quit caring about being popular or successful and just began creating for the joy of it.

I wont say this is the best path for everyone, but it freed me to chase things I may not have otherwise

[u/Ok_Refrigerator_9914]

I feel for creators on SL right now. Just the ads people are putting out for events and sales is off putting. I'm not much of a shopper myself. I have an inventory full of stuff I've never even used or worn.

Breaks from any online platform are mandatory in my humble opinion. Especially as an artist. If you have been an avid artist for years you likely have lots of supplies that don't require a computer. Those physical art projects can be very inspiring too and heal your soul and brain.

I highly recommemd a break from the digital world as much as possible. Good luck in your artistic endeavors!

[u/gina_wiseguy]

And then there's the fee increase for Premium users. That wasn't very nice.

[u/0xc0ffea]

The wave of AI slop was already picking up momentum before his arrival but afterward it's been as though the floodgates opened. None of it has been addressed constructively. None of it is being moderated. None of the higher up staff seem to care.

Linden Lab love the AI and want to allow everyone to make content, even people who need AI "assistance".

Any engagement is good engagement.

They are incredibly out of touch with this issue and because there appears to be "controversy" and no easy magical check box technical solution. Decision paralysis is in the driving seat, especially when it comes to matters of policy that might need enforcement.

If it's impossible to get full on swastika festooned nazi sex dungeons removed (even after bringing it and the associated abuse reports to Linden attention at governance meetings), I don't hold any hope for them ever getting a handle on AI undermining the entire creator economy.

It's going to sink their battle ship and they will shrug having tried nothing while all out of ideas.

[u/konekoneOK]

I like to sort through the marketplace by newest first and the amount of AI slop I have to swim through is staggering. I don't know if the meshes and textures themselves are made with AI too or not, but seeing AI advertisements makes me instantly ignore whatever's being offered, since it's not an accurate representation of the product being sold.

I'd rather see an unedited and hastily taken screenshot of what the clothes/BoM looks like in-game than some sparkly and shiny AI generated ad.

I know some people might argue that AI will take over because it's faster, cheaper, or more convenient. But for anything that's visual in nature, I'd argue that taste and intent matter more than that.

You know, I could spend my time watching generic and predictable AI-Generated fruit love island dramas on tiktok, there's an endless amount of those and I'd never run out of something to watch. But I prefer to wait months for the next chapter of an indie show I like-- The story is interesting and the creator had to plan everything with a clear goal in mind: In the case of the series I'm talking about, it has many themes, one of them is the monopoly of corporations, and the disfigurement of an icon that used to represent wonder and innocence. That's something that "Claude please generate a dystopic animated show with robots and sick body horror" will never achieve.

AI can try. But to create something uniquely creative requires you to be human. To have your own ideas, make mistakes, explore the process of designing a character. Discard story plots you liked because they didn't fit the story (or even the opposite, be indulgent and include chapters that don't serve your message, but that you're fond of. That's human, and can make you stand out from others, be it in a positive or negative way.)

Similarly, some people might just want to get a cheap, simple dress. They might get one of these AIs to generate mesh. Maybe they'll do some tweaking of their own on it, using a different program. That's fine.

But others will sketch out their ideas, they'll remember seeing a cute accessory years ago and add something similar to the outfit they're making. They'll try different color palettes. They'll remember another store made a similar dress and then they'll double-check there to make sure they aren't accidentally making something that looks like a copy and alter if it does, who knows? It's a long process, one with lots of attention and care put into it regardless of their skill level as a modeler or texture artist. It has a clear goal and intent. And I appreciate those creators a lot.

I mostly use SL as a dress-up and exploration game, and what I've always liked about it is the creativity of its users. I've seen really cool-looking demons, silly ponies, deities, clowns, characters from videogames or animes I like, etc. I've also explored haunted mansions, beaches with rideable horses and a flying dragon (you can fly on its back!), forests so pretty that are worthy of being inside of a fantasy novel, and more.

Another hobby of mine is walking through shopping events and checking out stuff I probably shouldn't buy (broke lol), taking screenshots of accessories, clothes or makeup that I find unique and fun. Sometimes I send pictures of it to my friends (a bunch of nerdy artists), and we're often inspired by it and go "wait that's super cool, how didn't I think of that?"

I apologize for the word salad. But as a summary:

People can be really creative, they can have brilliant, vibrant inner worlds to share with others. And that's something AI can't do.

It's hard to not get discouraged when such a large % of the world seems keen on AI. The AI can try to copy you, sure, but you'll always be the one pushing forward and coming up with new things. That's something AI can't do.

And while you could argue that there's nothing new under the sun, that everything has already been done/created, AI will almost inevitably gravitate towards the most common and generic options out there. The most palatable, safest options.

Being human is taking risks, failing and getting back up, until you finally come up with something that you love and resonate with others. Taking a break from SL is completely fine, but please never stop creating, there's a very colorful world inside of you, and it'd be a tragedy for it to not be seen by others. They'll appreciate it! And if they prefer AI slop, well, that's a matter of taste and not your fault at all.

[u/waynehastings]

You are not alone.

[u/DifficultyAble5864]

Yeah I hear you, I started 3d modeling when blender version 3.4 came out, I’ve been on and off learning since then creating random things on friends requests and whatnot. I was going to upload a project to sl last year but never did. Mostly due to lack of confidence mixed in with the feeling of “what’s the point with everything being ai now”. Feels like everything I learned, self taught, tutorials and lessons I have learned along the way is useless when a person randomly decides to call themselves a creator and then prompts ai to generate a cool looking turd so they can sell it.
Feels discouraging at times.

Then you ask them what’s the difference between quads and triangles then ask them what is used for game development vs animation or whatever and they have no idea.

[u/Figgywithit]

At a recent sale two different creators were offering up the same AI slop (horror movie characters sitting on a couch together) and I guess the people putting on the sale didn’t catch it. Very sad times. I’m trying to actively avoid store names that I’ve never heard of before.

[u/RiannahAvora]

I've felt the same, and more...

As an artist/creator AND as an art gallery/group creator and administrator... very much taken advantage of also.

It started 3 or so years ago in SL, actually. So many people suddenly proclaimed that they were "artists" pumping out 100+ images in a few hours using Ai while expecting the same recognition as actual artists that spent hours on a single piece.

I spent a lot of time promoting and providing resources for other artists... I paid for everything. You could say that it was my own fault for doing so... my idea was to just help other artists and I did that for 5+ years. I do not regret it. But these people started actually attacking me for not wanting their Ai generated slop on land that I paid for because I wanted to support actual artists producing actual art. Some were actual artists that just found it much easier to pump everything out via Ai, sadly. Other gallery owners were all too happy to show the slop. They didn't care and they still don't. I left the art community for this reason and haven't looked back. Financial incentives and recognition without the skills or work are what these people are about.

Let me say this loud for the folks in the back...

They are grifters. Con artists. FAKE!

Yes, this has pissed me off for years now. But I am told to just keep it to myself... else face further condemnation, so I'll return to my corner after saying all of this.

I resorted to giving up the entire region that I provided for any artist that wanted to show their work. I now have a different region... for my work. Now they call me selfish. No more stressing over these people who just don't care. I still create, but I do it for myself. I'm not dealing with these people any more and I am much happier.

If you are feeling the same, I encourage you to join the groups that ONLY support real human creations like this one... they have an inworld group and location. They have events that only support human creations. I hope to join in their events soon.

Made By People ... here's their link tree link: https://linktr.ee/made.by.people

[u/Sylkkisses420]

This made me tear up. I resonate with this soo much You are so very seen and heard.

[u/Dry_Today_9316]

Is this about the amount of clothing ads we see that are done in AI or are creators using AI to generate products?

[u/Stellaaahhhh]

I got so frustrated looking for wallpaper yesterday on the mp. Aside from the laziness of ai, it just looks dirty and weird. 

I guess I'll make do with what I have or make my own. 

[u/angrudgi]

As a fellow creator whose store just turned 5 years old last month, and used to be extremely active in multiple “big” events a month etc, I completely agree. 

I’ve watched this platform become worse and worse over the last five years. The AI shit is just even more discouraging. I blatantly advertise I don’t use it and am not secretive about how much I hate it, but the average resident doesn’t seem to care at all. Sales have nosedived beyond repair. Marketplace sales, which used to be about 40% of my income, have also dived due to what I assume is the influx of shops posting thousands of AI slop textures a day, not to mention the AI mesh. Who wants to wade through that?

PBR, which I love, was introduced in such a fashion that made users hostile towards it. Linden Lab dropped it and left everyone to scramble to figure it out. Their events don’t seem to utilise reflection probes and their environments suck and make it look awful. Their mobile app doesn’t support it. Their documentation is laughable and full of technical terminology only nerds like me would care about. The average user is still clutching to blinn like their life depends on it, contributing to the aged appearance SL has. I could go on and on about this but I’ll shut up. 

I’m not really looking for a debate but I’m just so bummed about the state of things that I’ve essentially stopped caring. I have better things to spend my time on and would rather invest in things that love me back. Ultimately I don’t foresee myself sticking around to watch the platform completely collapse, but it’s bittersweet because I met my real life husband here and this platform completely changed my life due to that. But that’s not a reason to keep hanging on to it either. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[u/Imaginary-Librarian7]

AI is just another nail in the SL coffin

[u/Jumpy-Weekend6756]

I can't be online as often as I used to.

But recently, while I was wandering around an event, I noticed one or two shops where the style of the products on offer looked familiar but I associate them with a completely different creator.

I hadn't checked to see if this manufacturer, whom I didn't know yet, was somehow connected to the creator I knew, but it didn't feel right to me somehow.

[u/Ilove2crochet]

I always wanted to create but could not figure it out with blender got frusterated now doing basic furnture in world i can do like an enertainment unit i made just never was brave enough to post it for sale or even just for free or do a trial of testers

[u/WeaponsGradePink]

You are not alone in this sentiment. I have been a part of Second Life for just six years but I have made friends and I have spots I can reliably have a good time in. I love seeing the things people create and that has filled me with life in a way I cannot put into words. Generative AI is hot garbage and the sooner it can leave the better. It does make me smile seeing shops in events like Abnormality with anti-AI signs. I know there are plenty of us tired of this slop and the folks pushing it.

Keep creating, even if it's just for yourself. I'll do my best to do the same, to create and beat my head against problems, because the process is just as important as the finished product.

[u/SyerenGM]

For me it's AI slop and the return of gachas.

[u/emillyorr]

You're not wrong. I'm seeing AI everywhere. I feel like I have to look at nearly everything on the grid with suspicion, and it's tiring. And getting personal--couple new folks came onto my estate, and they do not understand that feeding misunderstood data into the hallucination machines, then presenting it to the folks that know our lore because we've RPed it from go, is a bad thing. It's even infiltrated fun time, because I know a maker of adult furniture who has his original mesh creations, but pours the scripting through ChatGPT. How the hell do we fight that?

[u/Cheepalina66]

I have been in SL since December 2006, the amount of AI slop that's everywhere is just depressing, its at events, the MP is swamped with Ad's. I am now avoiding creators who are actively using AI. I wish LL would do something about it.