Is Your Second Life Property Mentioned In Your Real Life Will?

The New York Times has an interesting story on a topic most of us would rather not discuss: What will happen to your virtual assets after you leave the material world? In the case of Leto Yoshiro, an avatar whose owner died last year, the Times reports that his SL partner Enchant Jacques was left having to maintain the tier fees for the island they shared, and ultimately had to sell it. The issue was recently brought up by Bettina Tizzy, who wants avatar-based artists to will their Second Life projects to trusted parties, so they'll still exist in-world after death. But metaverse artists aren't the only Residents who have good reason to will their Second Life content. There's all the SL entrepreneurs who earn a livelihood from their work in-world, and the landowners who've turned their property into a virtual community space that dozens rely on. (To name but two.) Add to that the fact that 20% of active SL users are over 47, and the question becomes even more pressing: Have you mentioned your SL content and property in your real life will?

Comments

[Delinda Dyrssen]

Hmm I don't think anyone would want the little plywood boxes Ive created in SL but if I ever create something worthwhile this may be something to consider. Bettina talks about this subject in and interview with Paisley Beebe recently. Here is the link http://archive.treet.tv/tonight-live-paisley-beebe-07jun09

[Pituca FairChang]

Yes, indeed my SL holdings are mentioned in my will.....

[Graine Macbain]

You know, I would like to be able to download my SL inventory to my hard drive before I consider willing it to anyone.

[CyFishy Traveler]

I have mulled over the possibilities of leaving my self and my assets to a dear friend, but haven't hammered out the details. I probably should.

[AzD]

Actually my will provides for a friend (in both RL and SL) to get all my LL transferable "stuff" and I have a letter outlining how I would like the stuff distributed. Wish I'd be around to watch a probate court wrap its head around this :)

[Melanie Aluveaux]

Before any willing of assets might occur, Linden needs to clarify the limitations in TOS. Who can access the account of a deceased typist? What is the protocol for notifying Linden and transferring virtual property?

[Archie Lukas]

YES

I have bequeathed my BDSM dungeon and my sex slaves to my children.