Second Life: Getting Started - Stipend

Second Life's status as a virtual world, a computer game, or a talker, is frequently debated. Unlike a traditional computer game, Second Life does not contain a single objective, nor traditional game play mechanics, and arguably does not contain winners and losers (although some avatars are more successful than others). Likewise, unlike a traditional talker, Second Life contains an extensive world that can be explored and interacted with, and can be used purely as a creative toolset if the user chooses. However, the vast majority of users use Second Life primarily as an entertainment medium, and for most of them the ability to interact with other users is critical to that (meeting the definition of a talker); "clubs" where users engage in generic chat, and sexually themed areas, are consistently the most populated.

Creating a Second Life account, and making use of the world for any period of time, is free. Linden Lab reserves the right to charge for the creation of large numbers of multiple accounts for a single person but at present does not do so. A Premium membership (US$9.95 per month) facilitates access to an increased level of technical support, and provides a stipend of L$300/week.