In the true spirit of the original “last names” option last seen in 2010, participating Residents will once again be able to choose from a rotating list of available last names. If you have a Premium account, you will be able to visit to change your first, last or both names. Given the ongoing interest in “last names” among our community, we’ve reinstated “last names” effective today as a new option for Second Life Premium Members. For those who are curious to learn even more about the sordid history of “last names,” there is an interesting thread that goes into more detail about “the very real panic over virtual surnames” on reddit. While display names do allow for a great deal of flexibility and freedom in expression, some Residents mourned the loss of the common shared “last name” options that helped people across the globe bond together across the metaverse. It all came to an end in 2010 when Linden Lab announced that “last names” would no longer be available amidst the roll-out of “display names,” which allow Residents the opportunity to use their real name, nickname, role-play name or social identity in Second Life. To make sense of it all, there was even a dedicated website put together by a third party to track the history and availability status of last names (which tended to rotate in and out of circulation quite quickly). Some were extremely rare and, in some cases, there were perceived attributes and reputations associated with certain last name offerings. Similar to the commodity of dot-com domains, some “last names” held a special status in the community. The use of shared “last names” helped build community among Residents who found instant kinship and bonding amidst these newfound virtual family ties shared with strangers of the same lineage. So, what’s the big deal you say? Well, a bit of context might be helpful for newcomers and those who created an account at any time in the past decade or so.īack in the day, Second Life Residents were given the option at registration of selecting from a variety of pre-determined “last name” options. Back by popular demand! After being gone for almost a decade, last names in Second Life are now available once again!
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