How to Set Permissions on Your Items in Second Life

The Second Life virtual world is created by its members. Everything from the simplest "prim" to the vehicles, clothing, furniture and many other items created using the Linden Scripting Language (LSL) are "home-made" and bought and sold. Protections called "permissions" ensure these transactions are smooth and fair to both the creator and the recipient. Members use permissions to determine the circumstances under which an object can be copied, changed, given away or sold. Follow these steps to protect your creations.

Things You'll Need

• Second Life Client download
• Linden dollars (L$), the virtual currency used in Second Life
• Computer with Internet access via DSL or cable modem

Instructions

1. Discover what Second Life is all about at the Web site's home page (see the Resources section below). Become a member at no cost or join at one of the premium levels.

2. Master LSL to create the items you want.

3. Decide which objects you want to protect with permissions. Generally, these are items you want to sell or give away.

4. Right-click on the object to open "Edit" if it is placed in-world. If it exists only in inventory, right-click to open "Properties."

5. Access the list of actions under "Next Owner Can."

6. Check the "Modify" box to allow the new owner to alter your object in some way. Remove the check to block all modifications.

7. Check the "Copy" box to allow the new owner to copy the article, or remove the check if it is not okay to copy. If you do not give permission to copy, the object will not remain in the inventory file when the new owner puts it in-world. There will be one, and only one, object.

8. Check "Resell/Give Away" to allow the new owner to pass the object on to someone else. If you have selected both the copying and resell options, the new owner can sell the copies.

9. Think about the combinations you have created with the permissions you have set. For example, if you did not allow either copy or resell, the new owner can't even give the item back to you.

10. Complete your transaction using Linden dollars.

Tips & Warnings

• You can list items in an inventory, "rez" (resurrect) them in-world or both. Where an object is affects your decisions to protect it.

• Remember that checking the box allows the action next to it, and removing the check forbids the action.

• Find additional assistance and information in the extensive "Second Life: The Official Guide" online (see Resources below).

• Familiarize yourself with the consequences of every combination of permissions. Once you have set permissions, you cannot change them.