"Torley, do you think Linden Lab will ever do X?"

Usually asked about feature requests, and variations of which I've seen 100s of times.

As well-intentioned as it may be, I'm not a psychic. I haven't seen the future. Even if I could use a more sensible means like time travel to deduce a specific response, I don't think traveling to the relevant point in our spacetime continuum where such development substantiates is appropriate. (And which timeline are we talking about? )

It isn't a bad question, just one that, for practical intents and purposes, generally can't be answered. In my experience, 4/5 times. There are the rare occasions when something exciting is already happening (or coming out very soon) that the asker isn't aware of, and I'm too happy to share the news. I prize exceptions, but I treasure someone doing their own research first even more.

The other scenario is the one where, in my head, I think: yes, I know something's going to happen, but I vocally state: "I'm sorry, I can't disclose because it's a company secret until officially announced." In recent memory, Direct SLURL and SLim.

I've an endurable passion for spreading when long-in-the-tooth problems are solved, or at least, greatly alleviated. Especially when they're everyday annoyances which add up, like damn facelights.

That's why it's such a joy to work directly on some of these projects with core teams, and share history (esp. for new Linden Lab employees) as to why I personally know many Residents (and which ones) will be greatly relieved. Like a delightful magic trick, you amount to nothing amazing without the 3rd act, "The Prestige". There should be a satisfying conclusion and delivery to the initial anticipation.

To sum up my possible answers to "Is there any chance of us getting Y in Second Life?":

1. OMG! Yes, here's what's going on!
2. Pardon, nothing to add.
3. The future is open.

Don't make the mistake of seeing #3 as a non-answer: an answer delivered later in time renders it no less relevant. Followup is key. So's being aware of our history. But it is understandably vexing to the impatient who WANTS IT NOW! (I've been there many times myself, yes.)

Also, while "hoped-for bug fixes" are undeniably related to feature requests, there's a big distinction: repairing what should work now vs. adding something which doesn't exist yet. In which cases, to give you more behind-the-scenes insight, I'm usually more able to communicate progress on bug fixes if I know. I don't do triages on the Issue Tracker as I used to due to increased involvement with frontline creativity & tutorials stuff, so in that respect, I'm more distant — but if you're curious, do attend our bug triages!

Just remember: if I can share applicable knowledge, especially if it's broadly usefun (useful + fun), then I promise to do this. As I've always done.