Today there was news of something that has been long overdue. I am referring to my homeland's free and easy access, is finally going pay. The founder outlined the major details of what was to come in Jan of 2003.

Personally I think it is long overdue. I am amazed they have kept the place running for free as long as they have. The founder claims it is funding for the next stage of evolution, but I think it is more to do with straight operating costs and we shall see little (if any) changes over the next year or so. I like the fact that people will have to keep their multiple nicknames down to a minimum or it's going to get seriously expensive for those concerned.

The place changed a couple of years back, by introducing lots of municipal employment, ability to make cash, as well as adding Clubs to the city. This was in my opinion part of the overload of the whole place. Once people realized they could trade there (in virtual cash only) they went beserk, making countless clubs to store items in, multiple nick names to store items in their Back Packs, the place seemed to lose it's way somewhat... The blocks, which is where most of the people start out in their first payed employment, became not the place to be. With all the clamouring for exclusive titled jobs in limited areas of the city, the blocks seemed to become rather eroded, which is odd seeing as everyone had to go to their houses regularly to avoid deletion!

Perhaps now that people have to commit (i.e. with their money) to the city, they will be more inclined to follow through on events and less able to vent on others, as access to the whole city is restricted to paying customers. The only area visitors will be permitted is in the plaza. So no more logging in as a new member to blast your enemies from a seemingly anonymous position.

The first few cases for unfair dismissal for breaking the rules, should be juicy reading, due to the not too insignificant fact that cold hard cash is now involved.

I wait with interest to see what paying members of this brave new digital society should be able to expect from their not-very-futuristic dollar...

By the way, isn't it annoying when you read an article on something but havent the slightest clue what it is referring to :). Tough luck, go there and see it for yourself, I have posted enough links to the place here, and you better hurry as you will have to pay by next year......