Put up or shut up! (LL Press List)

So ok, there are those who think LL needs to broaden their horizons and expand their marketing reference list. Specifically, that Aimee, deserved success that she is, can't possibly bear the weight of constant media attention. (grin)

So here's your chance to put your money where your mouth is.... with a few caveats that fall under the 'common sense' category:

1) Whomever you list here has to have been a resident for at least six months.

Why? Because any company worth their salt wants to give examples of people who have history with their product. And six months is the lowest end of the spectrum when it comes to demonstrating both product loyalty and through that, implying a level of service and quality from Linden Labs that would instill such.

2) Whomever you list here has to have a physical location/storefront in the world.

Why? Because you can hardly set out an example of how well the product offering caters to metaverse merchants and the virtual economy if your example is either too broke or too disinterested to maintain an in-world presence that can be related to the real one or that displays the mutually beneficial relationship that a company would want showcased as an example of success.

3) Whomever you list here has to represent the 'best face' possible for Linden Labs.

Why? This should be common sense, but a company wants to showcase someone that is upbeat, savvy, creative, diplomatic, and knows the difference between a showcase of Linden Lab's 'Second Life' product and a free ad spot for whatever it is they are making.

4) Whomever you list here has to have a reputation for service and attentiveness to the other residents of the world that Linden Labs wishes to project for themselves.

Why? This should also be common sense, but a company wants to showcase customers who not only make good use of their product, but create in those reading the belief that they too, can succeed. Obviously someone who is not attached to the same ideals would not serve as well in the spotlight.

So.... with all the above in mind -- Who would you recommend Linden Labs shed a little light upon in the greater media as 'best representative' of not only the product and its potential, but of the character, quality, and loyalty of its residents?

I'll hold my nomination for last.

Great post, Cienna. Be the change.

Alright, let's begin!

I would like to add three to the list:

Mistress Midnight. She is not only profoundly talented but she is personable, avoids drama, and her work in SL has become the bread-and-butter of SL fashion.

Launa Fauna. A RL artist by trade her clothing captures the vibe of the materials they should represent perfectly. She is also funny and personable.

And of couse, Neph. I think she is already on the list but lest she be omitted, Neph is a solid example of all that is good about SL.

Prokofy Neva (#1)

Jauani Wu (#2)

Others of import:

Jarod Godel
Merwan Marker
Ulrika Zugzwang
Anshe Chung
Malachi Petunia (for his recent work)
Lordfly Digeridoo

Others, honorable mention:

Cocoanut Koala (too nice)
Hiro Pendragon (mostly perfect but still a bit too involved with the group think)
Christiano Midnight (same as hiro, but different style)
Pendari Lorentz (needs a bit more volume though)

Probably missing a bunch of others.

Seeing as I've been sadly cut loose to most of my in-world social ties (way too busy to chat, as it is), I'll assume no one will recommend me, so I'll do it myself.

I make a decent product, I've been an active, even pro-active member of the community for over 2 years, I'm highly visible, and I'm generally amiable (I am! I'm extremely approachable, if shy, anywhere except the forums ). Plus, I can always bust out the "poor college student pays off frightening tuition bills with proceeds from SL" bit for extra press fuzzy.

LF

I'll be naming some of my favorites too—certainly not my ONLY favorites (I leave the future for naming wots and wots as it goes), but there is a reputable pair I'd like to highlight, both on a personal and professional level.


Francis Chung and Rathe Underthorn
They fulfill all four criteria excellently and have been established Residents of SL for a long time. They respond to forum posts and customer service gracefully and articulately, and are NOT boastful whinemongers who gripe about competitors. Rather, they spend that time productively looking for self-improvement so the Second Lives of others can be better.

It's no surprise, then, that that in the great circle of things, that they're connected to the trifecta Aimee named (good links to good!), and with a plethora of numerous accomplishments under their hood (Seburo, MetaAdverse, ROAM, etc.) and MANY more to come, I hope, this in the longterm may be but the beginning of a beautiful voyage through cyberspace. Their products sometimes seem to carry a louder name than the creators themselves, and they could be getting more "face" recognition (if they so desire, that's up to them). But this is but a drop of ink in the giant scroll of kewlness!

Unlike some unfortunate cases I've seen on here, the Wet Ikon partnership Fran and Rathe have constructed has held up without betrayal or sour backstabbing. That's a testament to the collaborative spirit of SL. They do not limit themselves to any niches—although they have specific strengths—but explore whatever they choose to.

They carry good reputations with Lindens and are genuinely nice people I get good rippleshock from.

I'd definitely recommend Lordfly Digeridoo. In fact, I added you to the list!

I have a recommendation to make for:


Siggy Romulus
Such an amazing sense of humor, keen insight into taking it easy on here, and he's taught me some valuable things. He of course is known for his generosity (you may have seen his freebie houses or uber-rippedoff hot tubs) and just his mad scientist charm towards what I respect as the true spirit of Second Life.

He's still doing crazy things in a time where some take themselves too seriously, and he really nails obvious ideas that a lot of people miss. For example, his Emote-A-Rama is a practical, fun product that I've seen many Residents and even Lindens get into the groove of! He also made an AWESOME efficient club, called Club Micro, which highlights not only an excellent architecture in a compact space but laughs all around. (I remember one time with Green Fate dancing...)

Siggy is wild and unpredictable but not inconsiderate and I really relate to that nutter chaos, so here's a big bottle for the genie! I've always wanted to see more news articles about him. He understands the news all too well!

LASH....amazing sculptor of prims and fab hair....nuff said

I've long wondered how an interview with that vampire would go like.

Jai Nomad
One of SLs most generous and talented members, and a damn cool person to boot.

Juro Kothari
Sociable, friendly, intelligent, funny and super-talented.

Les White
He makes some damn cool stuff and he's a groovy guy.

Fallingwater Cellardoor
A true artist.

Eddie Escher
More people know his stuff than know his name. His gadgets are some of my favorite things in SL and his chrome skins are drooly.

This is tangential and I recommend anyone who hasn't yet, head to Plum ASAP and check out the Extraordinary Avatar Expo. Lots of great stuff there from names old and new that should be recognized more, since avatar customization is a YUGE part of SL and SL does it better, period, than many online worlds that limit your form or simply don't allow you to really change after you've started.

I've personally talked to just about everyone involved in some way, and I'm thrilled we have so many talented, nice avatar creators.

Two groups in particular have carried on a long line of fantastical excellence from the forests:

Lusk

and

ExtroVirtual

These groups and their spinoffs (and heck, even influential collabs) have brought so many things to SL. From the original Luskwood to Taco, to ExtroVirtual's own HQ and Forseti's own One-Stop Men's Shop and... WHO CAN FORGET THE TINIES? Now, I wasn't here for most of that, but upon my reentry, Wynx chatted me up and told me what happened.

Wynx is SUCH a sweet, insightful person, and I'm glad she doesn't stand alone because I see evidence of all the other cool Tinies add-ons that were introduced. This really brought the community together in a miniature craze and has had such a big impact in many ways: funwise, the economy, and how we look at avatars.

I once had a long, meaningful conversation with Michi Lumin of Lusk... she isn't feeling well at the moment and I hope she gets well real soon but the work she's been involved in have set the tone for animalistic excellence in SL. You can see Lusk avatars in so many places, or newgen avatars inspired by these heroes. One time, I visited her at 4 AM and she was a CGA dragon which went on the market some weeks later, ending up customized to the whims of the happy customers.

I can go on and on but I sing their praises and I wish they got more press to represent what is the wild side of SL, literally. Excellent schtuff!

Plus she owns a Nintendo Power Glove. It's the reason we became friends, she said I could come live with her just so I could play with it.

Ooh ooh seconded, I haven't really seen Les's stuff yet but hoping to! Jai, Juro, Fallingwater, and Eddie are all essential parts of my personal SL history. Much gratitude to them.

O, of relevance, check out Catherine Linden's post:

/120/ce/59665/9.html#post625088

LOL... flattered as I am, I think I'm the last person LL would want to unleash on the media..

Also, I work in the media, which would make such a thing a conflict of interest...

So thanks for the mention, but I'll have to humbly decline

Siggy.

Well, this is great! I notice you put this up before Catherine Linden responded. I asked Catherine if we couldn't nominate others, as well. (And agreed her request should be an easily-seen sticky.)

But if for some reason, she says no, or just never answers that question, this thread certainly serves the same good purpose. We could just forward everything in it to Catherine.

coco

eh?? I guess I need more brains too, because I have no idea what you mean by "needs a bit more volume". hehe

Big ups to DNA Prototype. This one is for Wired, Spin, Business 2.0 or some other publication who wants to write about a real life cyberpunk.

A technophile long before SL, he spent his hours creating banging psytrance as Frequency Deluxe.

Inside of SL, at DNA Demented Circuitry DJ Supply (Athabasca 78,75), DNA sells the leading line of club equipment including speakers, dance machines, dance floors, club lighting, and bad ass props like turntables and laptops. Seriously, even if you don't know him, you see his stuff everwhere.

He was the builder for Riddle City Ransom, a 2005 Game Developers Competition honorable mention, and all 8 RCR builds are provided for his building portfolio.

He is currently working as a consultant to Dartmouth College's Synthetic Environments for Emergency Response Systems project , building a realistic VR model of Hanover, NH (Response) His consulting work continues to grow as he is working on a few, yet to be announced, paid consulting jobs with his team, Future Prototype.

DNA is one of those unsung metaverse heroes, who makes 100% of his living inside of SL. Best of all, he still makes time for the studio and spins killer Psytrance sets at clubs throughout the grid.

OK, now for my own recommendations (a list I will add to when I think of more).

I don't know if all of these have been in SL for six months, but I am picking them for various reasons, with just one thing in common - and the only criteria I ever use - they would be good interviews, if they agreed to be interviewed. (I've left out those I KNOW wouldn't want to be interviewed).

I'm naming those who, to my knowledge, haven't appeared in any article yet, and are still in the game. Here are people I would approach (there are no doubt many others, but these are the ones who come to me off the top of my head):

DeeDee Frost: A wonderful hostess, does a great job providing entertainment to LL, and knows a lot of people in SL, which gives a person great perspective when talking about the game.

Moonshine Herbst: For the same reasons.

SexyEyes Valentia: The consummate and best organized Bingo host, with a true flair for presenting entertainment. She doesn't do Bingo anymore, but I know she will be doing other great things in the future.

Shagz Anubis: A very talented graphic artist, intelligent, modest, and thoughtful.

Malachi Petunia:: A thinker and can give a more acerbic (yet factual) view of SL.

Cristiano Midnight: Definitely a wonderful angle, with Snapzilla.

Prokofy Neva: Good for giving the reporter something to think about, and more questions to ask; and can give good insight into land, economic, and social issues.

Wynx Whiplash: The Tinies are a wonderful aspect of SL. Also, she knows how it feels to be holding a tiger by the tail (in this case, a fad that takes off so amazingly it quite takes your breath away).

Timothy Night: (I think is his name) I don't know him, but if I were writing an article, I would probably approach him for his insight and experience.

Pituca Chang: For general reasons, PLUS the fact that she can add about online romance that works out.

Ouchquack Stern: Would definitely be a good interview, with lots of good quotes and interesting, unusual observations.

Elex Dusk: Been around quite a while and knows a lot of people, plus provides offbeat entertainment (if memory serves me - I haven't been doing anything but building for ages).

Yadni Monde: I got the idea this guy has been around forever and knows everything, lol. Plus he does a great service to Newbies with his junkyard, and his avatars - many of them free! - are really cool!

Travis Lambert: All-around good guy; dapper dog-about-town; knows EVERYTHING about entertainment and helping newbies.

Nexus Nash and Adam Zaius: For brilliant urban design.

Jeffrey Gomez : For the scripter's point of view and because of what I've read that he's written; and the Primmies angle.

I'll come back and add more if I think of them, and if I remember the names of the others I'm thinking of, lol.

coco

P.S. And not just for articles. Those are people I would feature on the website as well.

w00t keep the love coming!!! Seeing these names just makes me wanna zing a lot of 'em with IM quips...

Torley Torgeson, Malachi Petunia, Anshe Chung, Prokofy Neva, Caliandris Pendragon, Moopf Murray, Pituca & Garth, Travis Lambert, Merwan Marker, Jai Nomad. All for different reasons I am too tired to explain

you know for fear of sounding arrogant.....i recommend

Sensual Casanova & Myself
-Sensual because shes the bomb animator and clothing designer
-Me i dont do to bad on clothing myself and one thing im very proud of is placing 4th,or was it 5th in th LL designer contest.(amazingly high for a newbie designer that was accidently placed in the vetren catagoryat the time.)

and both of us because we offer employment opportuities, created an enviornment that people feel comfy in and finally cause we make kick ass footwear that if im not mistaken have become a standard in SL fashion.

but to be honest you asked my opinon and i really didnt want to sound arrogant because i easily could have mentioned several others,there are too many to mention that would be worthy....but why not...us?

Lmao you go girl , it's about time for us to be arrogant, don't you think? I think it's funny that so many people consider us great designers and successful... but since we don't fall into the "popular forumists catergory" we often get over looked... there are so many people just like us that don't get much attention when it comes to press, forums, and 3rd party websites, simply because they dont fall in certain catergories...

I am not even making sense anymore... I had a rough week.. but a shout out to all the new designers or the designers out there that are not "known to the public eye" we feel ya!

Sometimes I go shopping and I see a new name, and I think to myself (or call Asri on the phone) saying... WHERE THE HELL HAVE THEY BEEN HIDING? THIS IS THE NEW HOTNESS!