Abbotts Aerodrome, One of SL's Oldest User-Made Installations, Saved By a Last-Minute Buyer

Abbotts Aerodrome, a vast and grand air base that's existed in Second Life for nearly 8 years, has been saved from imminent closure. After writing a farewell post to the place he'd co-built and preserved for so long, Cubey Terra recently announced in an update that a buyer, Cheshyr Pontchartrain, has stepped in. The Aerodrome will remain as it is, just with a new name. I believe Cubey wanted to close the Aerodrome from the simple desire of wanting a break from the constant requirements of running it, but hopefully the new owner will bring new energy to that task. So good news, and a post I had planned to file under Sim Deathwatch is now better dubbed a Sim Savewatch. Still, without strong growth in new, monetized users, or a change in Linden Lab's land-based revenue model, we're destined to keep seeing closing announcements like this -- and a last-minute savior won't always be there.

Comments

[Hitomi Tiponi]

Always nice to read a 'good news' story.

[Cubey]

I'm very pleased that Cheshyr will be preserving the structure and land. I'm sorry to say that, functionally, it won't be Abbotts Aerodrome, in that it won't have the same name or content (besides the buildings and runway etc.). On the other hand, Cheshyr will refresh the site with new content and will undoubtedly be able to devote more time and creativity than I've been able to spare lately.

So while I'm sad to end my work in Abbotts, at the same time, I'm looking forward to seeing how Cheshyr revitalizes the airport.

[Maggie Darwin (@MaggieL)]

We were pleased to be able to contribute some financial support to this worthy project, being fans of both Cheshyr and Cubey.

[bongo]

So the guy that made/offered/sold "original ip vehicle content" is gone/cant afford SL...and is righfully taking his brand ip with him btw. And we're all supposed to be happy that the guy who "sells" tardis's, star wars, and star trek ip in second life without any legal or ethical backing, is rewarded by taking over cubeys design/build/ and rented server space? OK Second Lifers. Just Checking...;(

[Dave Gaffer]

I am glad to see the Aerodrome stay open. Cheshyr is a good egg, and I have supported both of these fine avatars in their businesses on the Grid. Abbot's is a bright shining star of the Mainland.

[Joey]

Wow, as of the 21st of Aug, the Whole sim as been redone, the historic telehub is no more and only one tower from the 2011-2013 build remains.

Though the new control tower evokes the retro-futuristic theme of the previous build