When browsing through the SLUniverse Forums today I came across this thread called Lindens will be advertising on behalf of merchants. It seems like Linden Lab are currently working on a new promotional program that will focus on increasing customers for the SL Marketplace.
Here are some details of the new program..
We’ve recently been working on a new promotional program focused in part on increasing customers for the Marketplace. Right now our plan is to roll out a test of the program in early April. While a more thorough explanation will follow soon, here’s a quick overview to give you a little context, before we ask a favor of you.
In essence, the program will allow participating merchants to create a new discounted listing for shoppers looking for a good deal. Using a “flash sale” model, a single Marketplace item will be promoted at a deep discount for a limited time (24 hours or less); giving shoppers access to great deals on popular virtual goods and merchants a powerful new way to reach customers. Linden Lab will promote these deals via direct email, Facebook, and Twitter. During the test period, Linden Lab will select one listing per week to promote at a discount of 50% or more. Details on how merchants will be selected to participate in this test program will be announced via a blog post soon.
We can expect a test launch of the program next month with more details published in the coming weeks on the Official Second Life Blog.
Daniel Voyager 