Caged Questions...

Alrighty then… I need a little input – call it market research- no I am not going for my thesis here .

Last night I finished a really cute set of earrings and necklace (no bling, Brenda!) and had an awesome time doing it because I learned a couple of new things in the course of it. As I bragged to a friend what I had done, he asked what was my next project… hmm? Good question, then a new direction presented itself last night and I am considering – well- cages –

I took a mini tour of one place that had slave cages and looked on Xstreet and they all seemed so sterile and not terribly comfy. I do understand there are all kinds of mindsets regarding BDSM, D/s M/s, and the whole alphabet soup it entails… and that is what I am hoping to get input on- This isn’t just cold research; it is a subject I have long been on the fringes of so I am hoping for more content, outlooks. I want to hear from folks involved in such things, their general thoughts, add to my life experience and process some different view points.

Assuming you are cage shopping for your pet, slave – whatever you call her/him – what would you like in a cage? Does the future occupant get input on it? How does the pet/slave feel about the cage? Is it a comfort, a punishment, does it change? And if it was punishment at some point, can it be a comfort another and visa versa? What are ideal cage accoutrements?

Thanks to who care to participate- there are no prizes and no studies will be published

From a "technical" perspective, the cage must lock, support the idea of someone having the key (though flexibility about who can do what is nice), and I'd say must be Restrained Life compatible.

Many cages have doodads like timers, or provide means of keeping the occupant active within the cage (so they don't just take a nap with SL running), but that's all bells and whistles.

As to what I suspect is the real question, cages are used for all the things you've listed. Some hate cages and are consequently used as a punishment. Others find security in being in them (sounds odd, especially in SL, doesn't it?). Others are just turned on. I suggest you pick your niche and build around that, instead of trying to be general. If you want to make a plush comfy cages which is kind of like a home, I think you'd find buyers. *shrugs*

I have a friend that does doll jars and isolation boxes and from what I see there's no one good answer. It's probably why there's so much variety. One thing though... Scripting-Scripting-Scripting... Check out the RLV API for certain things people may want it to have functionally. Maybe even certain levels of Lockmeister compatibility. (^_^)

As for design and aesthetic. Do what best reflects yourself stylistically. Not only will you enjoy the builds more, but, they'll have that touch of originality to make your work stand out. (^_^)y

I have no doubt at all that Ama's cages would be unique and beautiful. You might consider finding a cage builder and offering a partnership, since I suspect the scripting might be a bit more than you want to get into. I think a lot of the more functional and robust cages are ugly and simple because they're being made by coders, not artists.


Or possibly buying the scripts for resale?

I do NOT get this whole Master/Slave thing.

Nope. Don't get it at all.

Since I'm not into the D/s nature of cages, I tend to approach the question from an aesthetic point of view.

most cages look like something from the back of an Animal Control van, and are frequently placed on a cold, dirty concrete or linoleum floor in unpleasant surroundings.

This may be the point...something to degrade the slave, make her feel no higher than an animal.

But I think the Domme who loves fine things would want to display her pet in a more becoming manner. Why not design a cage that blends in or even enhances the decor of an upscale home? Instead of wire mesh -- fine woods, polished metals, cut crystal. Or, for a futuristic touch, one of those energy-glowy-shield-thingies.

Thanks guys- yeah Love, there are undercurrents to the question- is why i said about the thought stuff- like i want to get into the heads of others and get a "feel" for the feelings the cages instill.

I had not really thought of the heavy scripting thing, actually beyond a locking door- hmm- ok... and i am seriously script impaired so it has to be stuff i could use, not write myself. As for Restrained Life- I really don't know much about that- I am going to have to break down and try it 'cause i am dying to use your strip script!

so why post here at all?

On the topic of cages, i am sure there is a market for beautiful things, gilded cages, jewelled cages... cages that match the decor.

most that i have seen are a couple of prims and some alpha textures..
i think if you do some research on RL cages you will probably find a whole variety from austere to lush

I like forums?

Love, yes, reflecting on what u said earlier- I do realize scripts would need to be purchased, and thanks re the the style thing-

Lindy, this is exactly what i mean- the ones i saw in Xstreet were functional and sterile. I was thinking more of the Gilded Cage thing- I started one this morning but is bare bones right now - I love having a project!

Could be looking to get a little glimpse, hopefully expand the world view. I know my views on many, many things have altered drastically since SL.

Eku- I love the jeweled idea! Especially since I have been having such fun with teeny prims lately.

I like this thinking. Think of the slave as a beautiful possession to be displayed and enjoyed. Ama, you make wonderful clothes - perhaps a convergence of cages with your clothes? Something that makes a complete presentation?

OK, I say I like that thinking, but I can't gauge what sort of market might exist for it.

I have... er... seen a cage that looks like a very tall bird cage, and it has a pillow and a water or food dish inside. It's not very large; the tallest person could stand upright, and a small person could take one step.

The thing rezzes around a person from their collar. I don't recall there being a lock or door, although I could look. The first time I saw one rez, it caught an innocent bystander who was standing too close.

My opinion is that you should make something pretty.

Make something that's like the things you make.

A cage isn't necessarily about punishment or degradation. It can be about trust and belonging.

I wouldn't worry from the outset about the scripting, etc. That can all be added later, can't it?

I love that, Key- the trust and belonging thing I have this really cool book - can't recall the name now - where the woman talks about her time as a sub to a Master that had her portray a bird and she wd sit in a large bird cage and do bird things. Not that I myself in particular am contemplating taking on pet bird qualities but that did have the flavor of a favored pet sort of thing. As for market- considering the time i invest in making stuff- it just so isn't for the profit aspect . I really like this idea

@ Love-- Ooh- Cage and matching silks!! (Am having the hardest time lately making really beautiful silks I have seen such gorgeous ones recently and realize i have a lot to learn.

Take a look at Chorazin Creations. Never seen such intelligent and feature rich Cages...

There are some Gor cages like that. Fine woods, soft pillows. Hangs from the ceiling, the cage. Somewhat like a birdcage.

Thank you- will go look

I have such a guilded cage from my Gor days. It is gorgeous, has multiple poses and was purchased in world and not on SLX and so there are nice ones around just not on SLX.

On another note I have also made a few cages in the past (pre-RLV though), though I must admit I prefered to stick to the harsh reality and uncomfortable ones - they are much more use in roleplay sims (think dark urban, vampire roleplays).

Little up-date for any interested... made a rather pretty one last night- working on the door script use now. All in all, I am quite pleased with the result this far.

Thanks everyone for your input, it has been invaluable.

You know, I don't fully get it either, but I also see no reason to make statements of such except in a discussion about the whys and hows of it.

Amar, since I was only in a small section of the SL Gorean community, the only place I saw cages was in a Panther camp, but I was very impressed with them. Of course being in a rugged outdoor camp, these were built with bamboo kind of looking wood iirc. There was some kind of locking system. They were in rows and not tall enough to stand up in but crawl in, sit and lie down.

I thought the cute thing was how the slaves "decorated" their cages with pictures and little things.

So, I think there is definitely a market for cages in general. Some Gorean sims may not have them because no one builds them. (Where I say them had two master (no pun intended) builders in residence.)

I do think the prettier type of cage would sell also. Good luck with that idea.

There are lots of things we don't get, doesn't mean they are wrong or weird.

I have really enjoyed the input on the subject - both practical and the thought process that goes into it. I completed one last night with help on the door script- have not tried the locking capabilities down but of course for a saleable product that is important. I did find a nice solid metallic clang for the door!

Right now, as it stands, it is a display piece and a haven for the pet- I am working on some interior goods too- picked up a lounge anim and a curled up and sleeping pose that is very sweet. Sadly in the midst of adding the anims to the furniture i had made, someone found it amusing to grief me and ended my inspiration with it for the night. Going back now and hoping for more results.

Anyway- as far as progress report I am going to stop here although I am still interested in anyone's actual feelings about this all and if there is additional info feel free to im me - if i keep going with just info re developments it might sound like an advert by the end! Anyone that is interested in seeing the final thing - just IM or PM me.

Thanks again everyone!

Your bird idea made me think of Pavlova - anims like that (swan/ballet) might be a nice option. (Maybe more in the 'doll' line)