The Draw

***Writers note: I wrote this article on Christmas Eve. Initially I had hoped I would not have to publish it. Primarily, I wrote for a cathartic medicinal purpose, my own. I had high hopes this thing to work itself out as these things sometimes tend to do here in SL. But unfortunately in this case, that didn’t happen. That’s too bad.


I received news from a model colleague that 24 models would be negatively affected by the actions of one of the agency owners mentioned below, when activities were stepped up a bit by communications made in a group chat last night by an agency employee.

Last night in this group chat, it was said by an employee of the  “note card” agency  that any models who had not left the “note card” agency modeling group due to their affiliation with another agency would not be allowed to walk in any shows for said agency. Why did this even come up? Because of recent casting calls and someone asking point blank questions.

You’ll be able to connect the dots in a minute when you read the following blog posting, don’t worry, it’s a continuing saga so I’m sure you’ll catch up quick. When I learned of these developments, I felt as if I could no longer remain silent. I truly had hoped that tempers would have cooled and the problems if not resolved would at least be kept between the parties involved in the disputes, and not involve innocent bystanders aka the models. But that didn’t happen either.

As a result it became apparent that 24, twenty-four, people are basically being used as pawns in a virtual game of tug and war. One side says you can work here; you can stay here as long as you want, but you won’t walk in any shows unless you leave the other side. The other side has made no demands to date.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not taking sides here. I don’t want to. What I am doing is speaking towards negative acts, propagated towards people who have absolutely nothing to do with whatever this war is about.

I don’t care what it’s about. It’s not my business. What is my business however is the part I’m involved in as being a model for both agencies. More importantly being a human being and knowing there are 23 other people who will also be forced to make a decision they should not be asked to make. That said… here’s the blog.



You know… I really hate to do this on this day, the eve before Christmas. But dang if it isn’t burning a hole through my gray matter in attempts to get out.

Yesterday I received a note card from one of the modeling agencies I work for. While I can’t share the text with you out of respect of TOS, the initial paragraph expressed how deeply sorry the writer was for having to take the action for which they were about to explain.

Immediately I got that familiar old feeling of being back in sixth grade. It’s never good when someone starts off with something to the effect of … I really hate to do this but because this person did this, I have to do that.

To me that’s always a bad indicator. One that kind of jumps up and down screaming… I’m pissed off and I’m going to make everyone pay for it.

For those that don’t have a clue what’s going on, let me just try and lay it out for you so you can at least have an inkling of what’s happened.

Apparently two of the modeling agencies I belong to have had a... hmm... what’s the best way to put this… ok... let’s try this, a series of unfortunate events and communications.

Because the two conflicting owners and a couple of common employees of both agencies are having some disagreement/controversy/opposition/feud/clash/falling out/row/squabble/dispute and any other words my trustee lexicon of a thesaurus can muster up, one of the agencies has told all models of who are mutually associated with both agencies, they must choose which agency to stay with.

This was all said with some pretty flowery words and a smattering of just the right amount of anguish that intended to make the sting a bit easier to handle, by the recipient of said note card. In essence what it comes down to is, if we stay with the opposing modeling agency we cannot be a part of the agency that sent the note card.

Blinks.

Is it me or does this smack of the whole class getting punished for “Jimmy” not doing his homework?

I mean, don’t get me wrong. I know every person involved in this situation. Most are on my friends list and some are actually friends. Is it my business what’s going on or has gone on in this dispute? Nooooooo. Not unless someone wants to make me part of it and I say to you with a whole congress of impassioned pleas…. PLEASE do not make me part of it. ;)

Anywho… my point is why are we, the models who have had nothing to do with this getting punished? Most of the models from both agencies have been apart of this and many other agencies for quite some time and I don’t believe there have been any issues with the models themselves being a problem for either aforementioned agency. So why?

I’ll tell you why. Because someone is pissed off and wants to make a power play.

In doing so, this person virtually says, I’m going to show you how powerful I really am by making people take sides. They’ll take my side because I am who I am, I have power and they’ll hate you (the opposing side) because of having to make this choice… and those who don’t take my side will eventually pay for it anyway because I have the memory of an elephant and let us not forget, power.

Now come on, no business owner in their right mind in first life would take such actions. If they did, they know they would be laughed out of whatever industry they’re in because of such childish behavior.

What’s next? Will designers and other businesses be virtually blackmailed into taking sides? That would be really low. I sure hope that’s not the case but regrettably I think it might be.


Will I pay for this blog posting? Oh you can be pretty sure I will, yessireebob. Why you might ask? Because apparently this person doesn’t know how to make decisions based on the qualifications of and or act rationally towards the occurrence or incident in question. This person responds emotionally instead of intellectually. Freedom of the press you say? Reasonable expectations? Qualified decisions? Rational thought? Evidently that’s in low supply in SL.

So tell me... why is this accepted here? Why do people continue to associate themselves with others that are doing nothing more than the virtual reality version of bullying? That’s the part that kills me. Hey… I hear you, “I have a business, and I can’t afford to have it negatively impacted”… I have a business here to. And sure, this person could affect my business negatively for the rest of my SLife for me writing this blog alone, and sadly, mostly likely will try. But remaining silent for an action I see as so clearly wrong would affect me even more negativelyl. While I still have some self respect, a little moral compass that keeps ticking and some tiny bit of ethical conscience left, I’m not really willing to slide further down the evolutionary brain train with the owner of this agency and their ridiculous tactics.

You guys know me, well most of you do and I speak up only when I think there is something that needs to be brought out from the dark cave into the light. I cannot help but continue to believe that fundamentally most people are good, rational and fair. Naïve? Maybe. But I like to think given the opportunity to look at something from another perspective in some cases, not all, but some just might, result in a poorly executed action being recalled due to “my bad”. I like to think that if you’re wrong about something, if you’ve been rash, irrational and allowed your “big bully” from elementary school to make a crucial decision for you that when you’ve calmed down, regained your senses and wiped away the tears, one can see the error of their ways, stand up, suck it up and take responsibility while setting things right.

Now THAT would earn respect in my book.

Soooo... I’ll go ahead and put this out there because, while I may lose some customers, I really don’t want to lose any more self esteem.

This next part is directed at the owner of the agency who is imposing their will on and forcing 24 models to make a choice.


Dear Agency Owner:

Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your agency for as long as it’s been in existence.

I’ve had fun working with the people that are a part of your agency and I’ve worked really hard for shows I’ve been a part of, albeit personally it’s been awhile. I’ve always been a faithful and loyal employee and when given the opportunity I’ve spoken the name of your agency to designers and friends alike with great pride.

Having said that, I’m confused why you’re now telling me I can no longer be a part of your agency simply because you have differences with another agency with whom I am affiliated. Especially since I’ve been a part of both agencies for this long and as far as I can tell that has never been a problem in the past.

I have a few questions if you don’t mind. Why am I being punished? What good will come of this action? Is this a rational decision on your part? Seriously, will you take a moment to consider the rationale behind this? Ask some of your most trusted friends and colleagues their opinions and find out if this is really the right action to take before you instigate it? Oh, and by the way, it should be people who are not on your “yes men” list that way you get the most fair and unbiased opinions.

I’m asking these questions because one would hate to think you are simply reacting emotionally to a situation, using the old stand by of “I’m taking my ball and bat and going home” rather than giving this full and rational thought.

Now because I know you personally, I know you’ll read this and probably think… “What a bitch” and click the big red “you’ve been ejected from the group” button without hesitation. But just once, just one time I would really like to be wrong on that and think you’re smarter than the average pinto bean.

Anyway, Happy Holidays to you and yours, all the best to the wife and kids, etc., etc.

Cherie Parker


Ok... now that I’ve addressed the agency owner let me go ahead and just wrap this up because I’m feeling much better now, gotten this off my chest and can get back to work.

Let me know what you guys think. If you think I’m wrong… that’s okay. Like I’ve said many times before, we don’t have to agree on everything to like each other. I’m good with that.

Happiest of holidays to everyone and Merry Christmas to all.
Cherie

Models vs. Mannequins

Ah modeling in Second Life. What can I say about this industry? Oh lot’s apparently. But first things first.

Girls, ladies, guys, let me just tell you something I used to tell the students of a class I taught in modeling on the very first day of class.

You’re never going to get rich modeling in Second Life. Nope, never. You will never become so sought after, so much of a star, so highly recognized that you will be able to support you, your family and your kids in the real first life, lifestyle you wish to become accustomed to.

Feel better? No? Oh, well I’m sorry if I popped someone’s bubble. Here, let me explain.

Modeling in SL is part of the fashion industry. Much like modeling in the first life. The difference is in the first life, models are highly paid, sought after individuals not only for their looks but their abilities as well. Make sense? Sure it does. One works hard to craft a certain physical look that is pleasing to the eye and suitable for showcasing a variety of fashions. Classes are taken to perfect a craft that will ensure one can not only walk down a runway without falling off but also know exactly what poses are necessary for print ads based solely on the style of the outfit given to wear. One also spends copious amounts of currency to maintain the most current trends and styles. So ultimately when faced with a runway show for a big name designer the designer knows when that model step out onto the runway not only will his designs be best represented but showcased as well. So, why shouldn’t the model be highly paid. They are, and it’s the right thing to do.

You see, people look at Vogue, Cosmo, Glamour and other fashion magazines to check out the latest and greatest new styles and where do they see them? On the backs of a model of course.

You know why? Sure you do. Because seeing them, on someone, styled complete with shoes, a hot new hair style, the latest handbag, jewelry that just screams I was made for this, and the most up to date, season shattering, you’ll be wearing this next fall makeup, sells.

And you want it. You want that look. The whole thing. The full Monty. You lust after it, you look for substitutes of it, and you want to emulate that look at almost any cost. Now... take that cost and multiply it by oh... I dunno... 5 bazillion. Well you do the math. That’s why models in first life are paid as highly as they are. They’re worth it to the designers, the advertisers, the magazine owners etc. Everyone makes money… at least in the first life.

Now see here’s where I’m about to make some enemies I’m sure. But lemme just say in advance I have no agenda here, I’m not out to get you… I’m not angry at the fashion industry in Second Life, on the contrary I love the fashion industry, I just think there are some things that can be made better, more equitable. And, I’m also curious.

You see, I’ve been a model in Second Life for oooh... I dunno... almost three years now and I’ve had the opportunity to see what goes on from this side of the runway.

Back in the day I kind of fell into modeling simply because I had a friend who was in the industry, and she was short a model for a RFL show, I had absolutely no idea what to expect.

Like many newbies I was clueless. Probably more so, because I had never modeled before, taken a class or done any of the normal protocol that most models do now. I was handed an outfit, (it happened to be a gypsy style) told to obtain hair that would best match the outfit, be ready to hit two spots on the runway and pose at each one, and that folks consisted of my formal training and entry into the modeling world of SL.

Well needless to say I fell some what short of the task at hand. Not only did I crash horribly during the show which btw left my avi attached to the roof of the stage flaying about like a bug stuck to someone’s windshield at 70 mph before mercifully poofing, but when I finally was able to teleport back I had one shoe, one bracelet and the biggest baddest gypsy style hair stuck up my behind. Yes, that was back in the day when if you teleported somewhere, and there was even the most minor of glitches, one could expect to harvest a variety of inventory from ones butt upon entry. Oh yes, and on stage of course. Ah… good times.

Anywhoo... I did finally make it through that show albeit I’ve developed an eye twitch that when I remember that day tends get a bit lively and animated.

So I’m sure you’re wondering how I ever got work again right? Well frankly so am I. I never will know how I got that next gig. Well, that’s not exactly true. I mean, after that experience I decided I wanted to model in SL, but I didn’t have the money to take a class and buy everything I thought would be necessary to complete my look. So, I made the decision to just work on perfecting the look I thought would be best suitable to the industry here. I bought 500 shapes… none of them worked… you know what I’m talking about, finally opting to make my own. I bought decent hair, skin, shoes and accessories. I found a runway walk and modeling poses that didn’t’ make me look like I was having an epileptic fit. I bought detail items such as eyes that didn’t spin, flash or say “want sex?” when I blinked. I purchased sunglasses, belts, tattoos and a modeling HUD.

It was about this time I found out I had no technical skills whatsoever when I couldn’t figure out how to work that modeling HUD to save my life. So… ever diligent in my goal, I did a search for, and I kid you not, “Nerds” in groups, joined an open one, and publicly asked in the group chat if anyone could help me program this mother @#&^%*$ing HUD and I would gladly pay them, or have their first born child. That’s right, my first modeling HUD was actually configured by a card carrying, pocket protecting nerd who actually came to my HOUSE in SL and walked me step thru step on how to use it. Now is that not so freaking sad? But let me just say to that nerd out there, who’s name escapes me now, if it had not been for you I may have entirely given up because I was so frustrated by that time I was ready to take that HUD and shove it up the ass of the sadistic inventor who clearly thought his marketing slogan of “so easy even a prim baby could do it” was clever. So thank you nerd wherever you are!!

Soooooo in an effort to make this epic novel a bit shorter, let’s fast forward a bit. I made it into the modeling world. Yep, I worked hard, spent an embarrassing amount of money on my avi, was diligent, showed up on time, did what I was told, didn’t cause any trouble, didn’t gossip, was loyal, honest and dependable. That seemed to be enough to push me forward to enough agencies and production companies to keep me pretty busy in the modeling world for some time to come.


Goal reached.

Let’s fast forward even more to today. Now these days, I don’t model as much as I used to. Primarily due to time constraints with running my own business in SL. But still on occasion, I like to toss my hat in the ring and work a show or two. It’s good for me, it keeps me up to date and keeps me in runway form. And again, it’s something I like.

However, recently I’ve found myself in the position of being the ear and shoulder for the collective feelings of many other new and long time models in SL. So I figured if I’m going to do that, why not be a mouthpiece as well. Since I’ve been told I have a big mouth anyway… yeah I see you in the back, put your hands down, I said I have a big mouth. But seriously there are some issues in SL in this particular industry that need to be addressed. I’m not saying anyone will do anything, or that anything written here will result in any changes but, it has to be said. Because people, I’m telling you its being said right now behind your backs and in some cases not very friendly, with some seriously hurt feelings and occasionally some very angry models. So I’m here willing to say what needs to be said at the risk of alienating some people.

Again, let me tell you all I have nothing against designers, modeling agencies, production companies or the likes there of. You’ve been who I’ve worked very hard for in the past and hope to continue to do so in the future. You guys know me, I’m not out to hurt anyone.

But here’s the thing. There is no consistency in compensation for models in SL. In fact, I’ll go so far as to say sometimes there is no compensation at all. Shocking I know but a fact. It happened to me just recently. Don’t ask.

Now modeling came about long before I less than gracefully entered SL, I’m not sure how it did but it did. I do know I’m certain I wouldn’t like to see photos of some of those early days as I’m not sure I would be able to successfully control the laughing because as bad as it can be now, I’m sure it was much, much worse then and forgive me but how can you not see the humor in watching a Ruthed avi, who’s model AO is not working, waddling down the runway whilst Right Said Fred sings “I’m too Sexy” only to finally glimpse just a bit of her designer shoes and hair stuck up her butt as she uncontrollably tips over the edge of the runway into a fake serene like pond obviously set for the ambiance.

Come on! Sorry… I don’t know about you… but that crap killed me. I spotted.

Dang, digressing again. Anyway, so someone must have originally said... this is a great idea. A way to get a product shown to a mass of people thus increasing sales and productivity. Perfect! I mean that’s the business model you want. Absolutely. But somewhere along the line something happened or didn’t happen when it came to compensating the models.

Maybe it was because there was and is a glutton of wanna be models… maybe because there were so many hungry young avi’s eager to break into the modeling industry in SL they skewed the compensatory framework, I just don’t know but something happened that allowed for agencies and production companies alike to compensate their models as if they were a very simple cog, an unimportant element in the process that is fashion design.

Frankly speaking I think it’s time the modeling industry here in SL had it’s own union, or group whatever you want to call it that ensures some standards in compensation, hours worked, rights for petes sake. Something that would represent the great number of talented, hard working individuals and working together to secure their rights. Yes, their rights.

Let’s be honest here. Some agencies pay as little as L$400 for models to work a runway show. Said show may include 4 or 5 outfit changes. Which everyone should know requires each outfit to be styled, including finding a skin that best fits the style of the outfit, matching that with complimentary hair, choosing the right jewelry or accessories, securing the right shoes that don’t fight with the pant leg or distort the already lovely cankle, spend countless hours on a pose stand flipping thru poses to choose just the right ones that wont distort the outfit but rather show it in its most complimentary way, show up for 2 or more rehearsals lasting no less than one hour and more often like 2 or 3, be able to retain a maze of a sometimes ridiculous runway walk pattern and walk order, wake up sometimes at 4am to show up for a print shoot to accommodate the photographer of the show catalog, put up with impossibly laggy sims where the number of people set to allow is maxed out insuring numerous crashes and failures, horrendous attachment problems, teleporting issues, screaming stage coordinators and any other random acts of SL I’ve failed to mention in the longest run on sentence in the history of inkslinging, all for the glory of $L400.

Yes, I realize the models receive the designs for free. Let me just address that here. We love you designers. In fact I would go so far as to say models are some of your biggest customers. So, no offense to the designers is meant in any way shape or form in what I’m about to say. Please know that in advance. But let’s face it, if I had the choice between keeping the dress with the enormous sculpty dolphin hat and matching set of fin shoes and taking Lindens I’m gonna go with the Lindens. No disrespect intended designers but I just don’t have any use for some of the items I model. As with anyone, our styles and choice of clothing to wear vary from avi to avi in SL. While one might just squeal with delight over the dolphin hat the other would just as soon take the $L.

But it’s not the designers that make this process break down. Frankly I think it’s a combination of agency owners, production company owners and the models themselves.
The agency/production owners are out to make money just like everyone else. They get paid by the designers AND receive the outfits for free as well to showcase their hard work. The agency/production company owners get the fattest cut in this deal. There’s no doubt about it. And yes in their defense they have to secure the venue, do the advertising and generally bring all four corners together, I do believe however they’re getting the lion’s share of the funds and it’s just not equitable. Now the models themselves are to blame somewhat because clearly they/we’ve become complacent. Accepting what they give us for the face time, the glory, and our name in lights if you will. And while for some that might be enough, it pulls down the whole industry standard for the rest of the models.


Tell me, does this sound right to you? I mean honestly. If it does, it does because you’re entitled to your opinion. But to me… it just feels wrong.

I’m not certain what other models are thinking while they’re up there on the runway, I can only tell you what I’m thinking after all the hours of work that culminate in me stepping from behind the runway curtain, hitting marks, changing poses, watching the model in front, and ultimately ending backstage again without major incident, but here’s what I’m thinking.

Have I successfully put together a styled look for this outfit that will make the designer thrilled/happy/delighted? Are the people here going to run out afterwards and want this entire look because I made it happen? (No, I didn’t design the outfit, but put together a “look”). Are my attachments correct? Will my next outfit attach with no problems. What are my next steps should X, Y, Z happen. How will I go on if I can’t make something attach and still sell this to the audience?

You see, I’m up there selling this for you designers. I’m up there to make your product and any other accessory products sell. I’m up there for you agency/production company owners to make you look good with the designers.

Could you reach your target customer demographics using a hairy guy avatar in lingerie? Ok maybe some of you could but… ahem… let’s stick with the usual and customary. How about a mannequin that robo-automatically rolled down the runway? Well, I think you get my point. So to you the designers I say choose the companies that are supposed to be promoting your designs carefully. You wouldn’t use a sweat shop employing child labor to design your clothing in first life… why would you accept less than the best qualified individuals, working for your goals, your best interest, showcasing your hard work in SL? And why shouldn’t those individuals be compensated accordingly.

To you agency/production owners. I’m not sure what to say. Because frankly I’m not sure you really care. I’m not trying to be ugly/snarky or pissy, I say this because if you did truly care, your agenda would be different. Your goals would include not only obtaining new clientele.. but keeping your loyal employees and fostering the relationship. Now I know it’s hard to take a step back and reevaluate your actions perhaps resulting in a pay cut to your own pocket. It takes a big person to look at the ugly about a situation and their involvement in it and stand up to make a change.

Now all you people in the back jumping up and down, relax. I’m not saying every single agency/production company here is Simon Legree, I’m just asking why can’t we have some uniformity, some consistency, if the DJ’s can do it, then there’s really nothing stopping the models from doing it as well. But first, people have to come together and be ready to say no, I’m sorry that’s not acceptable.

I’m under no delusion that this article will have any great impact on the industry, nor will it change the answer of the new girl fresh out of modeling school, But I’m hoping at least someone recognizes something in this, can lift a little knowledge from it, and maybe just maybe start somewhere to effect change.

I’m not a mannequin I’m a model.


P.S. Again my apologies for bad grammar, poor punctuations and misspellings :)

If These Walls Could Talk - A Challenge to Tenshi Vielle

Preface:

After a conversation with Pixeleen Mistral about a one sided article written in her paper, she assured me that she wanted to have more than one side of this story. By her request I wrote this article. After I sent it to her , she never responded to any of my messages. I take this action to mean the SL Herald has no interest in seeing any other side of this story. photoLIFE will soon begin the task of getting a professional review from a journalist who takes pride and honor in their work ... that work will be pubilshed as soon as its available. Our product, the photoLIFE 3.0 is held in high regard by hundreds of users. I believe a full and fair review will indicate this as well.

If These Walls Could Talk - A Challenge to Tenshi Vielle

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is OomPoppaMowMow Snookums, the creator and owner of the photoLIFE Photography System. If you’ve ever heard the song “Elvira” by the Oakridge Boys then you probably recognize the name. Yeah… you're welcome. I know you’re trying to get that song out of your head now. I suggest the Gilligan's Island theme for that. Anyway, recently an article was published in the Herald targeting photoLIFE as a company that casually disregarded someone’s artistic rights and seemed to feel good about doing it, while just a few articles below, the editor of the Herald states in an article of her own that “The Herald adheres to the highest standards of journalistic integrity”. While I can say I feel very confident this editor purposes to uphold these standards, I’d like to address the standards held in the article about photoLIFE written by Tenshi Vielle.

Obviously me being personally involved I'm here to give a different side of the story. I commend the great editor for allowing it and offer a sound ear for any reasonable feedback. Rather than spend a large amount of time trying to convince you what we "really meant" by uploading someone's photos without permissions, or why it wasn't "really that bad", I'd rather take you on a different journey. One that isn't based on what my view is, but one that has been agreed to by all parties involved. Yes, that’s right. The photographer whose work was mishandled has agreed to all of the following points.


1. The photo that was allegedly being sold was actually a 20 meter long wall that contained a total of 19 other photographs from several other photographers all linked together, many of which contained the name of the photography studio right on the photo itself. The wall also had the name of the photoLIFE Flickr site written on it showing where these photos were located. Can anyone imagine who would want to purchase a 20 meter long wall of photos from photography studios around the grid? Common sense says nobody except maybe the owner of the photography studio used to make the photos would have a need for an item like that. Would You Buy This Wall? The photos appearing on this wall are all replacements by Team photoLIFE members so that the exhibit could continue in the SLBD event. We received 20 high quality full perm photos to use on the wall within 5 minutes of the request. Thank you Team photoLIFE.

2. The SLBD event does not allow any items up for sale. That fact alone should help suggest that this was a mistake. The builder of the wall exhibit used a prim from his inventory that had once been used to sell something. He was in a very big hurry to finish the build for me and never stopped to check permissions on his wall.

3. LL has reviewed the incident and the exhibit was corrected to comply with TOS. Intent has a lot to do with how something is handled. Doing photography in SL for almost 2 years and running a group of over 500 photographers we have never had a case where one photographer was stealing another’s work to profit, but imagine a 20 foot wall of photographs with the logo of the studio and photographers name on the front of most.

4. The individual whose work was taken without permission states that she never felt like the intention to take her material was malicious, but that if the other individual involved would have been more apologetic than this story would have never been told. Everyone involved agreed that this was not handled correctly and again new policies are in place to prevent this from happening again, but would the story have been as interesting to have heard the individual never felt it was intentionally malicious.

5. As soon as I became aware of this incident I contacted the individual involved to personally apologize. This was never written or followed up about but photoLIFE was portrayed to be as thoughtless and heartless as possible.

6. The writer of the article and the photographer involved are personal friends. Probably a good reason not to mention this one. Not giving full disclosure of these facts prevents the reader from being able to judge clearly how unsensational this story really is. Makes it harder to get those hits on the blogs, yanno.

7. The photographer had an already well known dislike for the photoLIFE staff. They've stated that this whole problem would have just gone away if the builder of the wall would have been more kind. While I do agree with that statement, I do believe the level of hostility was far worse due to the already strained relationship between the two.

Hardly the same story huh? You know these kinds of facts are hard to miss.

For me, I can understand why this photographer is angry. They had a right to be. I can accept the fact that a mistake was made and some public trust was lost. I will work hard to restore trust in the company I have worked so hard to create. What I can’t accept is not making every effort to make sure that all the facts of this story are told.

I have implemented 10 new policies that are designed to prevent this sort of thing from happening again. I have discussed this issue with the photographer on numerous occasions emphatically apologizing for all that was done wrong, and recently published a public apology, not for public opinion, but based on a conversation I had with this photographer. We have a relationship that is important to me. Yes, even after all of this.

While portraying our company in the worst possible light wasn’t good enough for the writer, her partner decided to join the fun and write a review of our flagship product on their blog. Can you guess where this is going? It's not really hard is it? This review was said to be a 5 minute “look” at our system. A system that’s estimated to have a 2 week learning curve got a 5 minute "look" without any demonstration from any photoLIFE rep involved. Nice review huh. I can see the creators around SL lining up for these 5 minute reviews now.

It’s no surprise it was less than stellar. The truth is the photoLIFE system is one of the most comprehensive available and 5 minutes can not begin to give a clear picture of what it is capable of. For any review ever done on the system, we offer a demonstration by someone who is familiar with it. We've had many reviews done and this is the first that wasn't absolutely 100 percent positive. I constantly get individuals contacting me saying how much they love their studio long after they’ve purchased it.

Anyone that knows me or has ever met me in photoLIFE will tell you that I don’t push my products. I often suggest that others go around SL and see what’s available, to take their time, and that photoLIFE isn't for everyone. Also, our customer service program has been said by many to be the best in SL and I'll proudly stand by that statement.

-------The Challenge To Tenshi Vielle--------------

A challenge for a full and fair review on the photoLIFE 3.0 studio.

The Rules
A demonstration given by myself at my home in SL lasting 1-2 hours.
The Editor of the Herald will be invited to attend.
Your review must be based on a fair perspective on what the studio actually does.
You can't use excessive profanity or strange versions of the words douche.
You can't be personally insulting.
No promotional statements of other products offered by other companies. Comparisons are fine as long as it’s not an obvious promotion.
The review must be written in a fair and professional manner not discussing outside issues other than the performance of the studio itself.

If you decide to accept the challenge you will be compensated for your time to stand for the review and the article you write. 3000L appears to be a fair price for these two things. You will also be given a gift certificate of the photoLIFE 3.0 studio to use yourself or give to a photographer friend for references during the writing of the review.

During the demonstration you will be able to bring one photographer friend along with you. This photographer must have been in the photography business in SL with a commercial studio in business for at least 90 days. We are flexible on this requirement but you can see it would make sense for a fair review of a photography studio.

If you decide to accept this challenge, know that I do have knowledge of you as a very talented and capable writer. I'd just like you to do it with full knowledge of the product.

Once your review is written, and it meets the criteria stated above, I will publish it in the Opium Sim blog and send it to the Team photoLIFE group. That's me being fair.

If the product sucks horribly you should be very excited about another opportunity to tear it apart publicly. It's my hopes that you'll see what over 1000 other users have seen. A studio built with the development and feedback of hundreds of photographers doing business in SL.

I look forward to your response.

LIFE is GOOD
OomPoppaMowMow Snookums

Skin Addicted

Crabe, Carl Crabe. THE Carl Crabe, has released a new film he made called Skin Addicted. I had the pleasure of working with Carl in this film and I know all you Skin Addicts, Skin Whores and other random Skin-0-philes will love this so I thought why not pass this on.

Permission to post the link here granted by Carl Crabe.

Skin Addicted can be seen @ http://www.crabe.biz/

Public Apologies

cross posted at http://opiumsim.wordpress.com/
re-posted here with permission from OomPoppaMowMow Snookums

To Darkley Aeon - 6-29-2009

Throughout the course of recent days much has been made of how your photographs were handled during the SLBD events by photoLIFE staff. I felt because of the amount of publicity that any conversations between us may be forgotten or not properly acknowledged so I felt it necessary to write this letter making it unequivocally clear the position of photoLIFE on how your photos were handled.

photoLIFE does not condone the use of any photographers photographs without their permission. I feel you were not properly informed of how the photographs from the Flickr site were used, and as a result, new policy has been put in place to prevent this type of occurance from happening again.

New Policy Change
"photoLIFE occationally uses textures submitted from the Flickr site for photography contest, and featured photographer displays. Those photographs on the photoLIFE Flickr site may be used during these types of settings. Those photographers posting to the Flickr site must now agree for any uploaded photos to be used in promotional settings of the Team photoLIFE group. The Purpose of this policy is to allow a smooth process to honor the work of individuals on the photoLIFE Flickr site. It allows our staff the ability to have your work posted in world for others to view without having to address each photographer individually which could take an endless amount of time depending on who is in word or not. Photographs uploaded to the Team Flickr site will never be sold or used for profit. Only display or contest purposes."

This policy was not in place at the time you were not informed about the use of your photos. I sincerely apologize for this happening. I hope that you see that efforts are being made to prevent this from happening again.

I sincerely regret the manner in which you were addressed in this occurance by the photoLIFE staff. New policy has also been put into place that addresses the way your complaint was heard.

New Customer Service Policy Clarification
"......If a photoLIFE user has an issue they feel needs to be addressed. It is the policy that all affiliates of photoLIFE treat each issue with the upmost care and respect........No desciplinary action should be made towards any individuals based on a formal complaint about programs or systems of photoLIFE..."

The final complaint that was made regarded the display your photo was on being set for sale. While I understand the implications behind such actions, I can not speak for anyone but myself in saying that photoLIFE has never sold the work of any photographer with or without asking.

After reviewing this case I have found that the nature of the item being set for sale suggest it was an error based on several points. The item that was set for sale was a wall approximately 20 meters long of around 20 photographs gathered from the Flickr group. Most of the photographs had the names of the photography studios from which they came from on them. The parent prim used in making the wall came from a product recently set for sale by the builder. The URL of the photoLIFE website appears on the wall. I know during our discussions you have agreed that you did not think the intended use of the photographs was malicious. While it is unfortunate that the wall being set for sale suggest an ill intent, I have no indications that the individual has ever attempted to steal or reproduce the work of any other photographer.

In regards to this incident , a new proceedure policy is in place
"....before the opening of any event, a review must be made by the owner or the general manager of photoLIFE to approve the site and or any displays that have been built or made for it. This review will check for any oversight or misplaced permissions that may be misunderstood or against company policy."

Finally, while I know this has been an unpleasant experience for you, for that I am truly sorry. Many people are not aware that we have had a friendly relationship and I know I can say I have always enjoyed the time we spent learning and discovering different photography approaches together. While I know relations have been strained, you are always welcome to be a part , however you see fit in the photoLIFE community.


LIFE is GOOD
-OomPoppaMowMow Snookums

Read All About It - photoLife Trial

Have you ever noticed when a company does something wrong, makes a mistake, causes an error to occur the press is all over them like the bad smell on a three day old corpse? And of course then follows the ensuing crowds of people that trail the press in their own little car on the hate train express headed right for the business owner.


Every business owner in the world who has experienced negative press has surely had the same feeling of wanting to assume the fetal position, under a palapa hut, whilst listening to the sound of calypso music playing on a tropical island they’re hiding out the rest of their ostracized lives on.


I find this to be a strange occurrence. I mean, sure I know all about gawking at train wrecks and rubbernecking on the freeway during an accident, but what I don’t get is why you only get one side of the story in case of corporate mistakes. Then before you know it, this mob mentality that takes over. The crowd has lit the torches as they ascend the hill with every intention of burning down the castle in order to skewer and roast poor old monster Frankenstein.


So today I thought I might try something different. Thanks to the quick response team at the Shopping Cart Disco blog, I’m sure a lot of you have read the blog entries regarding a recent incident with photoLife and a Second Life photographer. I know I have. And as is the norm, SCD did not fail in delivering a quick one sided version of the story. Good job SCD.


I have to say though, I’m a little disappointed SCD continues to do that. I mean, seriously folks, how many of you out there make a qualified decision based on information from one party to an issue? If that were the case, we might still be debating the value of the round wheel.


I look forward to the day SCD decides to incorporate impartial reporting. Snort…oh dear… okay, I had a hard time keeping a straight face while typing that, but never the less, I do mean it.


In response to the SCD article, and those blog articles stemming from it, I thought I might take this opportunity to find out the other side of the story.


But before I start laying out the facts discovered, I want to ask you a question. Who here has not made a mistake? If you’re reading this, and you’ve never, ever, once made an error, big or small, please stand up… or contact me, I need to find out your secret to success.


Let’s be real. Everyone and I mean everyone has made a mistake. Some larger than others. Some were made because one failed to find out everything needed to make an informed decision. And some perhaps were made by simply making the wrong choice. Others still are just stupid, silly, run of the mill, facepalm; “I can’t believe I did that” kind of mistakes. Hell, if any one of you haven’t done any of these, you’re God and I want to meet you.

In the case of the incident I’m going to address, what we have here is, and forgive me for the possible inference to a movie with the following string of words but, an unfortunate series of events. A whole slew of mistakes that just seemed to hit at the wrong time at the wrong place.


But let’s get down to the facts as I know them.


Everyone knows SLB6 is going on right now. Happy Birthday SL! And photoLife like many other in world companies has a booth. This booth has their latest product which happens to be the photoLife 3.0 photo studio. In addition to that, it was thought that displaying photos from some of the photoLife owners would be a nice touch to show not only the great photography but promote the studio as well. No shame there, it’s done all the time in business.


Evidently in trying to get everything set up for their SLB6 booth, photoLife used some photos from the Team photoLife flickr site without asking permission. Mistake number one.


Why you might ask? Well, many times before at other photoLife events, the very same thing has been done. So in other words because it had been done before, doing it again would seem a natural thing to assume was okay since it had never been an issue in the past. Of course we all know now, that’s probably not the smartest business practice.Anyway, the idea always being not only will it help promote the capabilities of the photo studio, but the talent of the photographer as well. It’s a symbiotic relationship, many businesses have them. Nothing new there.

Some photographers were contacted and asked if they wanted to provide a photo for the photo wall at the photoLife SLB6 booth and others were not. Mistake number two.


Why? Well, that’s just it, it was a mistake. Perhaps made in haste, perhaps whilst trying to finish building the booth, coordinate the set up, answer customer service calls, etc. Whatever, it was an error plain and simple.


Mistake number three is by far in my opinion the biggest and most stupid mistake of all. Yes, I said stupid. Because it was. Do I mean the person that made the mistake is stupid? No. On the contrary, but lord knows even Einstein made a stupid mistake or two in his lifetime.


Number three was the wall that was put out to hold the photos. It was taken from a photoLife associates inventory, a pre-made wall he had used prior to SLB6, then it was set up at the photoLife booth, photos were applied to it in prims, and it was on display for the whole grid to see. In addition to that… it was also set to sell… for $10L. NOT $1000L that has been reported.


Now, I personally found this mistake to be of interest to me. How many of you have gone frolicking through Second Life, shopping contentedly when you happen upon the cutest little French living room suite, (or your object of desire of choice) clicked the object to see how much it was selling for, positive it was too much only to see $10L as the sale price? Well? How many? I’ve been here three years and that’s happened to me more times than I can tell you. I mean sure, you know full well it is a mistake, the owner forgot to reset the sale price from the standard $10L setting it to whatever price they really want to sell it at. Have I ever bought items marked this way? Yes, I’ll admit I have. I mean how often can you get a full set of antique French living room furniture for $10L? Was it right? Nooooo. So okay, my conscience finally got the better of me and I make it a practice to alert the store owner now.


But that’s the thing, seeing that $10L price on a wall, not the prims holding the photos mind you, but the wall itself, a big, lumbering long single wall should set off the light bulb over your head that this sir is a mistake.


But apparently an owner/creator of one of the photos on the wall at the photoLife SLB6 booth, took this to mean something entirely different. In fact, meaning that her photo was up for sale and took mighty offense to that. Hey, I understand that. If I saw one of my photos up for sale somewhere I’d be up in arms too. But we all interpret things differently, easy to understand why she might be upset, especially if in fact all three mistakes were made sequentially. And it is possible for the general public to be unaware that you’re not allowed to sell anything at SLB6.


So, as events go, this photographer who happens to live on a different continent than that of the photoLife associate involved in this occurrence, sends an instant message to him with a query as to why her photo is up on this wall for sale. The rest of the conversation you can read as posted verbatim on the SCD blog.


First let me just start by saying I’ve read that conversation a few times. I can honestly tell you that my first reaction was; wow… could he have been less of a customer service representative? Dang, I think not. I mean without a doubt the photographer was due better service, more grace and less snarkyness. But after thinking about it for some time, I decided to ask the photoLife associate exactly why it went down that way. I wanted to know because I know this guy. And as long as I’ve known him, I’ve only known him to be more than helpful, always friendly and always willing to lend a hand no matter what. So no one was more surprised than me by the way this read because it seemed so out of character for him. Of course I realize that a text based environment tends to loose a bit in the translation but still it did come off rather frigid and I thought I really need to know if I’m missing something here.


After talking to him for awhile, I recognized the need to be a bit more understanding as it was 4am his time when this occurred. Asleep in a recliner near his computer he heard the ding of an instant message. For a moment he thought about going back to sleep but came to see what it was.


Mistake number four. Never, ever talk to anyone, a client, a friend, a family member, a wife, lover, dog, a neighbor and surely not an unhappy person at 4am in the morning when not fully awake, tired, grumpy or whatever. Always a bad idea. Always. Just keep snoring. Oh and, the now infamous “belch” that keeps being referred to, I asked about that. Apparently when the photoLife associate was woken, he didn’t realize his mic was still on and as human bodies do sometimes, his released some excess gas by way of a belch. Frankly I think everyone’s lucky he didn’t fart. But that’s just my opinion. God, I hope I never leave my mic on when I’m unaware. But anyway, does he regret how this situation played out? Yes, indeed he does. And I believe he has made every attempt to apologize to the photographer in question.


Having said that, by now you can see where I get the reference to an unfortunate series of events.

1. Using a photo without permission

2. Failure to contact ALL parties to ask permission

3. Inadvertently placing a prim out that is set for sale WITH someone else’s photo on it that had no permission

4.Opening mouth and inserting foot otherwise being less than gracious


As soon as all of this was brought to the attention of the owner of photoLife, Oompoppamowmow Snookums, he and his team immediately set into place new policies to prevent these mistakes from happening again in the future. In addition, apologies were made to the person involved for the improprieties and Linden Lab was consulted with and presented all information for their opinion. According to O. Snookums, LL has found this to be, as stated a mistake. An error. An unfortunate series of errors. NOT intentional and not malicious.


Now, knowing all of this and of course assuming you believe this to be the truth, which I do. Is the company guilty enough to deserve to be treated like pariah? Tell me, because I really would like to know the answer to what a company can do in reparation if in fact they’ve made mistakes like these. What would be to the satisfaction of the public? It appears Oom sincerely tried to admit to the mistakes, take responsibility and apologize in a response he made on the SCD blog, but wow people, you really let him have it. He was cooked, ate, digested and expelled within five responses to his public admission to what happened. So tell me, what exactly would suffice? A liver? A kidney? First born male child?


The best part and I’m being sarcastic is, even after he apologized, stated what happened, admitted the mistakes, a lot of people just kept picking at the wound. Let’s not stop there the thread read, let’s all pull out our bag of unhappiness and sprinkle it around some. Meaning, after that public apology there were plenty of instances of people regaling why they were unhappy with him. “Yep, I was unhappy when he did this… or didn’t do that…, I got screwed because of this, or I was not paid attention to when I thought I should be”. Wow, God help us all if this is the way things are handled by the public in the physical world. Personally I hope I get a more mature judge and jury when it’s my turn.


Well according to the blog responses I read, it appeared nothing short of OomPoppaMowMow’s head on a platter or worse would make people happy. It’s unconceivable to me, the amount of venom spewed and guilt found so easily to where only a public lynching would suffice and the crowd then silenced. I just don’t get it. Every business owner, hell every person has people they don’t get along with, or have had issues with. These people typically wait for the right time, just the right circumstances to crawl out of the wood work index finger stiff in the pointing gesture telling the entire world why they hate said business owner/person and you should to.

I always hoped that SL would have a better societal practice, different than what we see in RL, but sadly that has not turned out to be the case.


So again, I’m going to ask you to dig deep, look at yourself in the mirror, perhaps looking where you’ve chosen not to look before because it’s ugly and easy to avert your eyes. Have you made a mistake? Are you guilty of doing something rashly? Have you taken advantage of a situation (think $10L furniture)? Have you mistakenly done something due to lack of life experience? Have you inadvertently done something wrong? Have you set up a business and never had to make changes to it because it was perfect from day one? If any of you can say yes or you’re not guilty, then you’re indeed the lucky ones, you’re perfect. I’m not. And apparently neither is photoLife. I’ve made mistakes and I continue to make them, but thankfully most are new mistakes. I try and learn from each one as most of us do. As most of you know me, I’m not malicious or spiteful, it serves me no purpose and I honestly do not believe this incident was in any way malicious or spiteful.


I’ve known O. Snookums, since his very first creation of photoLife and I can tell you that while he is surely not perfect, and we may not always agree on everything, I can say with assurance he has integrity. He’s one of the hardest working people I know on the grid, and he’s one of the most honest. In addition, he’s one of the few business owners on SL that still makes house calls. At any given time I’ll see someone on the PL group chat box ask for help with this or that on their studio. If Oom’s online, I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve seen him respond with, “tp me”. Tell me how often you get that kind of service now days. In addition his staff are some of the most friendly, helpful people I know. Geezus… Colleen Criss, photoLife’s General Manager gives me a freaking cavity every time I talk to her she’s so sweet.


I guarantee you I could not keep up the kind of patience these people do, admittedly I am not equipped.

Now for full disclosure I should tell you that I’m currently CCO of Opium Fashion Agency a company partially owned by OomPoppaMowMow Snookums. I’ve also worked for photoLife in the past, but not currently. I’m a certified photoLife photographer and a member of some of the photoLife groups. Does this mean I would write this, wholeheartedly believing it to be the truth if I didn’t? Absolutely not. In fact, Oom knows if I don’t agree with something, I’m going straight to him and we’re going to talk about it. I am not a yes woman, never have been never will be. If I felt for one second this was a malicious act, a sneaky attempt to make money I would be the first one in his face reading him the riot act.


But I don’t and I’m not. And I’m not writing this to convince anyone of anything, simply to state my opinion and encourage people to see both sides before forming their own opinion.


I firmly believe all facts should be presented before making a decision. In this case for me at least, it’s fairly clear that this was an unfortunate occurrence and no one was intentionally set out to be taken advantage of, hurt or used. It’s kind of sad actually, because truly I believe had the conversation between the photoLife associate and the photographer been different I would not be writing this now. Had he just said something to the effect of, “omg I didn’t realize that prim was set for sale! I’m so sorry, I’ll take care of that right now! God I feel like such a moron, thanks soooo much for bringing that to my attention”, this would have been a mute point. But, alas that didn’t happen, and I’ve already covered why. And because those words were not chosen, the smack down train was loaded and the circus came to town blowing this way out of proportion.


Anyway, thanks for reading. Please forgive me in advance for any grammatical butchering as everyone knows I'm grammar challenged. I now return you to your normally scheduled broadcast. Oh, by the way, the opinions voiced here are mine and mine only, they may not represent those of the general public, the staff, management, or my cat, there that’s my disclaimer. ;)

Thank you!

Second post of the day to say thank you. Thank you to all you couples pose makers, and you know who you are, that are putting pictures in with your poses. Heaven knows I have balls... not those you pervs... couples pose balls... in my inventory. ;) I have a million... okay, maybe not a million but enough to make me think there is.

In the beginning, I had great plans to make this neat little storage area for all my couples pose balls. With little pictures above them for people to pick and choose from... but as prim space would have it, my prim space that is, that just didn't work out. Sooooo having the photos makes a world of difference, so THANK YOU!

But... and there is always a but... let me just say... if there is anyone out there, someone, a nerd, a geek, a code god... anyone that has the ability to make a stand, where I can just drop alllllllll my little couples pose balls into it without having to re-write War and Peace I would name my first born child after you. Seriously... I'm not kidding. On the top of my wish list is a stand that I can use for all my couples poses that even a technically handicapped person such as myself could use.

Sooooo... if you know of one... or someone, call me... IM me, note card me, hell send a carrier pigeon just contact me.

Exclusive Studios

My bestest, bestest boy toy Fricker Fraker made me a new toy! I love it and I love him he's the sweetest, most technologically advanced geek I know! Soooo without further ado... some shameless self promotion for my photography studio. :)