For SL-Newspaper.com

Some time back I had the opportunity to sit down with Diana Held to discuss her new appointment with Brautigan and Tuck Holdings (BNT : ACE). Held is renowned for her early work with Surreal Estates, and is now one of BNT(ACE)'s best assets.

"I gained BNT's interest when they noticed that I almost single handily sold out Surreal Estate in about six weeks."

What was most imperative for Held though was discussing an aspect of the Openspace Controversy which many had not yet considered.

"Now that the open spaces are going to be raised to $125 USD a month. Second Life has announced that they will upgrade all class 4 open spaces to class 5 with no grandfather. They think estates are taking a bigger profit off the grandfathers and they think they are punishing the estates. In fact, they're forcing out customers who have had open spaces for years now. Now they cannot afford them at the hiked prices. If you come down to our estate you will see that most of our open spaces are grandfathered class 4's but are being occupied by tenants who have been here for two years. We are in fact charging them LESS than Second Life's tiers. We do not take advantage of the grandfather we have passed that savings onto customers and have not raised their tiers when Second Life raised their tiers."

"We are charging only on the average $72 USD a month for our open space tiers. This is below the already hiked $75 USD. Second Life isnt punishing us or estates like us. They are punishing longtime customers who love this game, and pushing them out of their homes by making it unaffordable for them. Many have voiced their disappointment in Second Life as not caring about them. Our residents are heart broken. They will no longer enjoy the affordable $72 USD we charged for our open spaces. They will no longer be able to have a home on Second Life. Second Life needs to rethink the no grandfather policy. They need to change their minds. Or many will be homeless on Second Life. It is a sad day for residents in Second Life. Sad, indeed."

"Linden Labs seem to think the estates are all profiting by the grandfather and we're not, and a lot aren't. They're only going to be hurting the residents by not honoring the grandfathered tiers."

"Currently, I am employed by Surreal Estates as well as BNT Financial. IntLibber Brautigan gained interest in me when he noticed I nearly sold Surreal Estates out in less than the six weeks I was there. He is our neighboring estate. And has 12 sims under the Surreal Estates currently. I guess the thing is a lot of estate companies forget the human aspect and needs of residents. It becomes more of a financial transaction than a people transaction. I try to stay away from that. I am more so interested in making the customers happy and helping them find exactly what they need and want. I've been able to connect to customers in such a way, which I feel has helped my sales tremendously. This is how I believe I was able to sell so much as Surreal Estates. Now, they're almost sold out. I am hoping my new appointed sales position as BNT Financial will be just as rewarding working with people as I love to do."

BNT(ACE) has a goal of 95% occupancy. How far is BNT(ACE) From that goal?

"I should say we are a bit away from that goal at this time. But with new marketing strategy we hope to achieve that soon. I should say we are about 80% occupied at this time."

As indicated in yesterday's BNT(ACE) Q3 report, Held mentioned the Woodbury University deal that will actually see Intlibber Brautigan sell almost half of his ownership stake in BNT(ACE).

"Well, we are currently working on a deal with Woodbury University. They may buy into ownership of BNT and in exchange bring their students and a great educational experience for all to our company. As well as occupy us fully to meet our 95% occupancy goal."

Held is also working with Lavender Siamendes at the newly rejuvenated Teller Motorsports Park, which has already been the site of one of the ~SOS~ fundraisers.

"Yes I think its a great part of BNT's estates and brings us lots of exposure. Any company sponsoring activities there stands to see significant marketing exposure."

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