What? I Can’t Get In?
by Crito Galtier
I was looking through one of the concert ticket company web sites the other day seeing who was going to be performing near me and WOW, I could not believe it! They all want me to pay to get in! How dare them! As we all know from our attending amazing concerts in Second Life, you don’t have to pay! You just show up, enjoy the show, then leave. Free, free, free, free! So, what gives with these real-life folks that demand you pay to get in? Oh! It seems the folks that put on the shows have expenses. Hmm, pay the artists, pay the staff, pay for the building rental ……
As a now former venue owner in Second Life, I might be taking a risk by saying this, but there are a few things I need to express on behalf of all the venue owners out there. For starters, to all the loyal and supportive fans who have shown immense generosity to me and other venues over the past decade, thank you from the bottom of my heart! Your support helped mitigate the losses I faced while hosting nearly 2,000 live music shows in Second Life, each one a financial sacrifice. I tried to rationalize it as advertising for my community, which softened the blow a little. For me, a passionate supporter of the arts in both the real and virtual worlds, the true reward was knowing I played a part in keeping live music alive.
You’ve probably heard that phrase, “Help keep music alive,” right? God bless all the performers who constantly remind their audiences of this message. They understand it deeply, having witnessed their favorite venues disappear because owners couldn’t sustain the financial burden. As these venues vanished, so did the stages where singers created and shared their art with you.
But there’s another side to this story, one that isn’t as heartwarming. To those who enjoy the live music, the atmosphere, the community, but never contribute or support the venues—it’s time to understand the impact of your actions. Each venue you visit, each performance you enjoy, exists because someone is willing to bear the costs, often at a significant financial loss. Consider this: producing a typical show costs between 5-10 thousand Lindens per hour. With L$100 equating to about 40 cents, it becomes clear how challenging it is to break even. The downfall of many beloved venues, the empty stages where artists once shared their talents, is a direct result of a lack of support.
Imagine if every person who enjoyed a show gave just a little bit back. It doesn’t have to be much—a small donation, perhaps a word of thanks, or just spreading the word to friends. Every bit helps. It’s not just about keeping the lights on; it’s about ensuring that these creative spaces can thrive. When you are able but choose not to support the venues, you contribute to their struggles and eventual closure. The music fades, the artists lose their stage, and a piece of the community fades to silence.
The next time you find yourself immersed in the magic of a live show in Second Life, reflect on the immense effort and resources that have woven that moment for you. Each one-hour event is a labor of love and dedication. Show your appreciation, support the venues, and help keep the music alive. It’s not merely about preserving the past; it’s about cultivating a future where art and community blossom together. Without the essential support, we edge closer to the day when the music falls silent, and a vibrant part of our world fades away.
