During
the Q&A on the Second Life panel at
the SIIA Content Forum last
week, Patrice Curtis, of Curtis
Research, was asked why vandalism is sometimes directed at corporations that
venture in to Second Life.

In
Patrice’s opinion, one thing that appears to be true internationally is that no
one likes a freeloader.

“Griefers”
(those who deface property) don’t like it when companies come in to Second Life
to advertise and give nothing back to the community.

In
the Nissan example, Nissan didn’t simply paste up bill boards and wait for
the crowds. They built cars and gave
them away.

Then
they built cooler cars (flying cars!) and gave more away.

They
enhanced the Second Life experience and, as a result, earned the right to be
there (and a place in the community).

People
look for companies to give back something of value.

It
might be tangible. It could be
respect. It could be community.

Sounds
a lot like real life!

UPDATE 5/8: Greg Verdino highlights this same point (only better!).