Second Life® for Dummies®

Chapter 10. Understanding the Second Life Economy

In This Chapter

• Understanding Linden dollars and the LindeX

• Trading on the LindeX

• Spending your virtual cash

• Bringing home virtual bacon

• Getting your weekly stipend

You walk by a window of a large department store. Inside, you see the shoes you've been looking for. They look both stylish and comfortable, but then you see the price. You can just afford them if you make a little more money. Sound familiar? When it comes to money, Second Life and your First Life are very similar. There is a currency (called Lindens) and a thriving economy. How you make money is a little different, but it is still fun to spend money, even if it is virtual.

Money, Money, Money! — Linden Dollars and the LindeX

Second Life has a currency, jobs, and lots of products to buy. And just like in your First Life, you need to budget your money, spend it wisely, and try to find ways to earn more.

The Second Life currency is Linden dollars. Some people call them Lindens or use the L$ abbreviation. Your L$ balance is located in the top-right of your screen, as shown in Figure 10-1.

Figure 10.1. Find your L$ balance here.

You can use this currency in SL to

• Buy resident-created items, such as clothes or buildings.

• Pay other residents for services (scripters, builders, and other careers). ...