Why the Linux Client is a Bigger Deal than You Think

Cory Linden/Ondrejka has reportedly demoed a Linux client for SL by now. This has been promised for so long that I considered submitting it to the Wired Vaporware Awards. Comments at the Second Life Herald suggest the client, when it appears (I'm an optimist) won't make much difference. I disagree.

The naysayers are correct that a Linux client is unlikely to bring a large number of users to the platform. However, it's pretty clear that Linden Labs doesn't want a flood of new residents (unless they all buy private islands :) The staff is small, and it's clear from the recent problem with dwell distribution that SL has all the growth it can handle now.

The reason a Linux client will be a big plus is the kind of users it will bring to Second Life. Linux users tend to be technically inclined, patient, and creative. After all, many people run Linux precisely because they want to do it themselves. These are exactly the kind of residents Linden Labs wants because they are much more likely to become content creators. Cory has said in at least one conference presentation that Linden Labs is relying on residents to create the "cool" content that will attract people to the platform. How many potentially excellent builders and scripters aren't using SL because they won't touch Windows or an emulator? What might the "world" gain if those people come to the table?