ARTICLE: Touching Aimee's Panties

As a content creator, a Second Life resident and a man who is secure in his ability to attain success, I completely disagree. If Aimee Weber often receives the spotlight, it is because her story is interesting, her brand is cool and effective or she has simply done what it takes to win the sort of mindshare in SL that catches the attention of journalists.

Hey, folks. Aimee's a broad who walks around wearing striped leggings and butterfly wings. I dunno about you, but if I were a journalist, this quirkiness blended with her commercial success would definitely make her an interesting subject. Definitely an "Only in a Virtual World" kind of attraction.

I'm disappointed by the sort of jealousy and insecurity that inspires these sorts of posts. I've never understood why one person's success has to equal another's disappointment, or even failure. There's nothing at all belittling about Aimee being successful and receiving attention for it, unless you're the sort of person who resents the success of others.

And if Aimee is getting free advertising, y'know what? That's what happens when you become successful enough to be noteworthy. Apple gets talked about on the news a lot more than Creative. (And funny, I bet Creative whines about this internally, too)

Jealousy is really gross. I'm pretty sad to have to read the sort of posts that have been made in this thread. I feel really bad for the sort of people who are intimidated by success and ability. For me, being stuck in a world of bland mediocrity (RL, mostly), seeing excellence is a breath of fresh air and I'm happy to celebrate success. Guess which point of view leaves you feeling better at the end of the day?

I have read the article and, for the most part, found it interesting. Of course, "Touching Aimee's Panties" is not intended for those already involved with SL, but it is intended for a larger, more general readership. (This, I think, might answer some of your questions, Jake).

I have chosen to quote some of the ideas you have presented in your original post. I feel as if I have been harping endlessly about some of these topics (she says as she lobs a softball ).

Though this question is slightly off-topic, I want to ask it. You say, "we need to treat our SL artists like they were real artists." I can't agree with you more. SL is a very special environment--one that fosters and supports creative endeavor. In SL, artists have a special universe in which they can create and/or create-play without having to pay special attention to pressing economic issues (i.e. paying for food, shelter, health insurance).

My question, Jake, is: how are real artists treated? You need not answer this question here, but I think this issue is so very important.

This jem just made my profile:

"I suppose the fact that we live in a world of whimsy means all doors are off"

Interesting to watch as the world finally catches on. And just on the other side of the increasingly thin Bit Atom Wall is this article over on Wired: http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/13.09/fablab.html?tw=wn_tophead_4 . Soon people won't be paying for just "a collection of screen-bound pixels that will never enjoy a physical existence".

So many articles seem to focus on the economic side of SL, which is facinating. However, I'm really hoping someone will cover Burning Life.

Good points Enabran. However, I'd like to point out that there are plenty of other people that also deserve a share of the limelight. I don't blame Aimee for this, I blame lazy journalists who see her name so think "ooh I'll interview her" instead of finding someone else doing a lot within the same market or a different market (i.e. you, Chip, Sensual, Lash, Janie Marlowe etc etc) and interviewing them and talking about them. This could be the point that others are trying to make but not succeeding at because it does come off sounding like petty jealousy. *shrugs* Just a thought.

Does it occur to you that what is sexist is the article itself?

Or - no, that couldn't possibly be it. What is sexist is pointing out sexism, not the sexism itself.

coco

I think that you make a valid point -- many people deserve recognition. But I'm not getting the same vibe from others. I think, though, that it's a matter of "tough titty" here. For whatever reason, Aimee gets a lot of attention. I think this is deservedly so for the reasons I mentioned before: she's definitely unique among a crowd of very unique people. I think it's uncharitable to call all of the journalists who mention Aimee lazy (though that doesn't mean they're not). I think, rather, there's just something about a girl with butterfly wings and a successful virtual business that's fascinating from an outsider point of view.

I'm sure a lot of us would love to be as notable as Aimee -- who wouldn't? But you've got to hand it to our resident butterly fashionista: She's cultivated a very impressive mystique that is obviously irresistable to journalists. The Escapist article is very different from the bland crap we usually read about SL, yet even that publication couldn't hold back. What for? Not everyone can be as interesting as Aimee -- I know I certainly can't.

As the world grows, there will be more notables, more celebs, more jealousy. But at the moment, one of our own appears to be the news media's sweetheart and in that capacity, makes SL look pretty damn good.

Why can't we celebrate that action?

I like "Nip/Tuck." But if all we ever got to see was "Nip/Tuck," I would probably start to resent that, and wonder why we couldn't see some other shows and other talent once in a while. Maybe even (and Aimee should take note of this) start resenting "Nip/Tuck" itself, despite the fact that they had nothing to do with the All Nip/Tuck All Day Every Channel programming, and that I'd liked the show to begin with.

Apparently, Enabran, you would figure anyone who might complain about the situation was really just JEALOUS of "Nip/Tuck." Um . . . okay.

coco

Not remotely comparable to this discussion. Television shows are driven by market forces and I don't see any situation wherein what you're describing would happen. Conversely, the media is well known for picking out sweethearts and focusing on them, simply because they sell an interesting story. Have a look at your newsstand next time Apple announces a new product or Angelina Jolie does something with her love life.

If you're going to join in the Aimee Weber Hate Parade, at least do so with substance.

Very good point, Katja. I've dealt with being a "peripheral part" of something popular, in another universe, and work very hard to keep it popular. And 90% of the time, I get looked over when it comes to journalism/interviews/etc. Instead, they usually opt for the most well known-popular-adored person to use as a figure for whatever.

There's nothing WRONG with not being the "popular one", there's nothing WRONG with being the "popular one". It is what you make it. While I agree, too, that there are a ton of people in SL that could be used in similar situations, it's not necessary to create animosity over it. That's plain old human irritation/jealousy.

I say "Rock On!!" to whomever gets their 15 minutes - aren't we all in this together?

This is so true. Out of more than 35000 members there have to be others who can shine. I am really impressed with the talent of the newer members to SL and wish there were a way to showcase them. Wouldnt a weekly "spotlight on (new designers name)" be a great feature?

Lazy journalism is a problem in SL and RL. Look how many journalists in RL quote one another as a source rather than creating their own.

Fresh blood is in SL ....lets reflect it in the coverage!

That is your opinion, as I expressed mine. I don't find her story or her creations any more interesting than dozens of others in SL. This is either lazy journalism, self-promtion or favoritism by Lindens. I don't know which one, or if there is an alternative.



If you think you can stop people being critical or express their opinon on larger issues by your petty accusation of jealousy or insecurity, I am afraid you won't succeed. That's a very cheap shot. I have no reason to be jealous of Aimee, neither do I have anything personal with her. My RL for me is extraordinarily successful and very satisfying and absolutely not bland. I do not create in SL, or use it for any profit motives, therefore have no self-interest to demote her or anyone else for that matter. Further, I have qualified my posts by saying I have utmost respect for her and her creations. I have also expressed this personally to her in game and repeatedly stressed this is NOT a personal attack on her.



Your analogy to associate Apple computer to Aimee made me laugh, I won't even comment on that



Again, jealousy accusations are easy means to shut down any criticism. Most people are sensitive about this and would shy from writing their opinions because of people like you who immeadiately accuse them of jealousy, without thinking a little harder about the larger issue. However, not me. I believe in open society and everything and everyone should be open to criticism. When certain individuals invoke such emotionally charged mechanisms to silence others, the progress stops.

Let me reiterate what my point was, if you care to think about it. The issue here is to display greater diversity, creativity and expansion of SL. I agree that it was wonderful that Aimee was a poster child in the early stages as some other very successful individuals in SL. Great for SL exposure! But after 2 years and 40 thousand plus members, there are so many other amazing creations and content creators that are worth mentioning in these news articles, it is no longer satisfying to have one person represent them all. Furthermore, this is creating a perception of favoritism, promotion for Aimee's products and laziness on the part of journalists, like in RL (I don't watch news except for Jon Stewart's daily show for same reasons).

I would like greatar equality for the other creators of the SL to be represented. So this is what I propose to Lindens. I would like them to have a web site where they feature a content creator every week. These can be chosen from people who submit about their creations and life in SL. This would provide the material for the journalist who does not want to go around and search themselves. Then we can all celebrate many many successful and creative individuals together, without accusing each other of jealousy.

I'm much more impressed with accomplishments than intentions. I think most everyone else is, too. When SL becomes much more well known, ambition will become something worth reporting on. But at the moment, what's really impressive are the empires built in this new world.

You could have written this entire post WIHTOUT that last sentence and it would have been a better post.

coco

Well, bravo for being so courageous. Here's a cookie.

When people make themselves interesting enough to be reported on, they'll be reported on. Until then, they won't. It's that simple in a "free society." A "free society" doesn't get to dictate who gets talked about and when. Want to control journalism? Go to somewhere lovely and tropical like Cuba, where the state controls the media.

Aimee doesn't deserve criticism or snide remarks for her success. And that's what she's getting here. That's pretty lame.

As you're so fond of pointing out, you don't get to write my posts for me.

Since your jealousy accusation didn't work, I find it highly ironical that you invoke typical anti-capitalist accusation to silence my opinon when I felt we should have an open society and criticism should be allowed. Last time I checked, Cuba was not one of those societies. Another cheap shot, worse than the other though. I wonder who is controlling the journalists? I made my point so that they have the option to pick and not controlled by X, Y and Z. How you manage completely reverse my point to accuse me is rather amusing.

I will tell you one more time, I did not criticise Aimee, read my posts again. Alternatively, try harder to silence me next time, and sorry I don't eat cookies

Agreed. We may be able to give a pass to "lazy" journalists in the outside world, but what excuse is there for the Lindens themselves?

Some time ago I proposed, as part of a larger plan to create greater opportunity for all, that the Lindens change their web site resident profiles, solicit new ones, and change the web site graphics on a regular basis instead of always featuring the same avatars.

Naturally, I was accused of being jealous, and given - I don't know how many - probably at least a dozen reasons, posted by probably at least a half-dozen people - for why doing this would actually be a BAD thing, believe it or not.

Reporters will look at a web site and use what they find there. One might call this lazy, but the reporters call it "research". It isn't their fault that the web site never changes.

I like your ideas for what the Lindens could do, which would give reporters more resources for showing the true extent and variety of the talent and creations here, and allow for more fun and participation by ALL players, not just the same people all the time.

Moreover, there are vast quantities of people doing terrific work who could be featured whose names aren't even known to many of you posting here.

In other words, it doesn't have to be EITHER Aimee OR somebody else already well-known to forum posters. I could easily locate dozens of people so busy creating content and entertainment in the world they hardly have time for forum antics or forum fame. And I could write fascinating stories about them.

And not just content creators should be featured. It's a bigger world than that. I also know a few who specialize in consuming and homebodying, and some who specialize in partying. Those people represent what's available and fun in SL, too, and would make equally fascinating profile subjects, and content fodder for articles.

There is a large number of people here who want you to believe it is RIGHT that everything in SL be a closed club, admittance to only a few. It isn't. And it's not in any way good for SL or its success in the long run, either.

coco

For someone who makes so much hay about being misinterpreted, you're pretty good about making it sound like I'm sending out some sort of hit squad to silence people. People are free to say whatever unkind remarks they want (and make themselves appear foolish in the process). That doesn't mean I'm not going to state publicly that acting that way sucks and makes me feel bad for people who do that. If people don't have the spine to be disagreed with, they shouldn't talk. If the strength if one's convictions is so minimal they live in fear that someone might not share them, they don't deserve a place at the table of human discussion, nor will they keep one. Do let's stop talking about the poor weak people who are intimidated into silence.

Also, it's really not all about you. Just because I quoted your comment in my earlier post doesn't mean I was addressing you directly, though I did take issue with your sentiment.

God, reading the Second Life Forums is like being stuck in someone's painful implementation of "Harrison Bergeron."

If you're not getting attention, you need to work harder. Linden Lab isn't going to spoon feed you media contacts and interviews. Those are things you're going to need to work for.

You were making sense until here.

THEY

"When people make themselves interesting enough to be reported on, they'll be reported on. Until then, they won't."

Combining this with your above post - how does this explain Linden inaction? In terms of featuring people on the web site, where all the reporters come to do their research?

Are you suggesting that no one else in SL has been interesting enough to be featured?

coco

I am just sick of seeing her name all over the place, and labled as top designers of SL, panty queen and whatever else is being published.

let me show you a few of the articles:

http://www.dragonscoveherald.com/blog/index.php?p=939
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/issue/8/18
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/FutureTech/story?id=1019818&page=1
http://www.dragonscoveherald.com/blog/index.php?p=746
http://secondlife.com/commerce/business.php
http://www.idfuel.com/index.php?p=328&more=1&c=1
http://www.techstuff.ca/archives/1008.html
http://secondlife.blogs.com/nwn/2004/10/the_sassily_str.html

These are just a few things that urk me, top designer? successful? ok maybe she is a designer, but during my time in world, I have never heard of Aimee Weber, or seen anyone talk about her designs. After looking at her website (http://www.preenfashion.com/) of clothing designs, it is nothing more than photosourced clothing, and most not even done well. What I hear IN world is Neph, Wuvme, Sensual, Asri, Torrid, Mistress, Doc, BUT who the hell is Aimee Weber? Why is she/he all over the press? It is time for Linden Labs to stop feeding thier favorites and time for them to show off some real talent SL has to offer!

Get off your childish damn "they" campaign. All you are saying is that people never get to observe a thing.

I remain confident that others reading these threads pay no attention to your perpetual and idiotic "they" rejoinder to everything; that they have some common sense; and that they know I could very well turn around and apply the same "they" nonsense to half your posts, too, if I was of that childish and illogical a bent and wanted to waste my time doing it.

If you ask me, every time you drag that in, you are just admitting you have no good argument against what I have said.

coco