This is getting out of hand ~ The Story of DoveVogue

This is getting out of hand ~ The Story of DoveVogue
By Palomma Casanova



Once upon a time when I came to Second Life from other 3d Worlds I thought SL would bring me the best of times ever for at least more than one year. At first was a blast bringing people from other worlds.

I was very happy at first with SL, designing my simple clothes, being a mentor and instructor, modeling out there for the best of the best like Mistress Midnight and LeCadre Models. It was fun, working for the best casino in SL, SeaSide was the name, competing at pageants, all that back a year ago. I was always smiling and jumping of happiness everytime I got called to do a fashion show or to take pictures.

One day talking to my friend who I brought also from another 3d world I said to him, "I will have one of the best fashion place in SL", LeCadre has inspired me, Pendari and the Midnight girls, so I took my own path and opened DoveVogue, nevertheless not believing it would go that far but when I opened it and only two simple auditions, so many to choose from, I was overwhelmed. People like Zaige, Lost and others where in that audition. We were all new.

Day after day we grew and grew and grew. Never charging a penny. I only wanted to bring a service where everything would be free. I didn't do it for me, I didn't mind and still don't mind. I just care for the friends, for the people out there. I just wanted to bring a smile to someone. I always said, I prefer to pay all this money from my pocket and let people have fun. I don't care about what I gain.

DoveVogue grew, I hired the best people, trained them, not only that, people that didn't care for modeling either came for help. Newbies came for help, for free clothes and friends. DoveVogue, a place to smile and have friends. One day I remember I took hours on this girl because she asked me, "Palomma, help me be a pretty avie". People at that time also knew and had faith in me.

I had a great friend that helped a lot at that time, and she knows who she is, we did tons of things together, events, shows, jokes, and more fun. Little by little things started changing. Lag was always a problem because of the population in SL was advancing, but everything suddenly was always my fault, my fault of having the worst lag in SL, my fault of people getting jealous of the success, and my fault for carrying supposedly the worst textures. My fault for not hiring every single person that asked to be a model. Over 10-15 people IMing me every single day to be models. It felt good at first people wanted to be part of DoveVogue, we grew too much. One time we had over 100 models. Models always worked for free since they were getting clothes and since I never asked a designer for pay. I was always sure that if a designer donated 1000L to 3000L that only happened a few times I would always divided among the models in the show. Of course people thought immediately that I was keeping all the money. What money?

I never made money from these fashion shows, but I never understood why some jealous people thought that way.

I stopped designing which it was my passion. Dedicating all my time to the fashion world thru modeling, more problems arrived. People desiring to do exactly the same thing I did, wanting more popularity copying standards and formats made by me to run shows I decided was best to keep safe the models that always wanted to do shows only for DoveVogue and make the agency exclusive. Why exclusive? Well, many designers have their models only, why can't I? Do SL pays me to tell me how to run my own group? They don't, I thought I could do that. I see furry groups, I see elves and wolves groups and they have their standards, why can't I?

I did this because I noticed in my group I had a few greety models that wanted the attention to be part of 10 fashion groups so people can say, "Wow, you sure want to be known as a popular model" They were getting free clothes from every single designer. How can they be proud? I don't know, but I am not getting into that now. I am sure they had a hard time choosing what title to wear each day.

Suddenly, the new reporters, (we didn't have those back then when I used to smile) the great awsome new reporters NOT! decided to have fun with someone that all she was trying to do was to help designers to get a name out there so they could make money for themselves. Reporters that have that evil eye and enjoy to hurt others. Bad written articles with poor grammar. Well they speak better english than me and are journalists. At least I do admit I have poor grammar since this is my second language.

As I read SL Herald once, having someone named Chipsen hit me bad writing a poor nonsense article taking sides, hurting my feelings of putting DoveVogue so low, stealing logos from my prims and publicise my model contracts to the world without permission and Posh whatever her name is that pretends to be a friend, nobody really knows her, she is from Pixel Press also putting down and hurting people that all they do is work hard building and preparing complicated time consuming fashion shows together.

Now I say, why, why do people dedicate their Second Life to hurt others? Because their Real lives are meaninful?

Well, with all this, I am retiring from all this, leaving all the agencies out there grow and go thru what I have been going thru with these evil minds.

I will announce once again to the groups. I am really sorry but I need to smile again. I need a break. I am leaving slowly from SL. When I dedicated so much of my time to help others, now is the time for me. Will be time for me to learn how to design better, script and build better.

To the designers, it is really really hard to put a show together. Takes hours. If lucky I had a few designers that wrote their descriptions and put nicely their folders for me.

Lately I am not having that much fun with the shows. Why? Because I have been down for quite a while after these articles and hit from jealous people. I want to be happy and you leave when you don't have fun. And now I am not having fun anymore with all the hurt that these people has caused me. I have been upset, depressed, crying, sick..... is this worth it over a virtual life? NO

And on top of that SL doesn't pay for events, and the rates are almost off limits. Nobody rates now. My friend from There.com says, "Palomma when you are in SL you are so serious, and when you are here you always laughing". That woke me up..... It is true!!!

To Top Models people, I wish you the best, I had never felt you were DoveVogue competition but always felt the owners were annoyed of DoveVogue success. To the newbie agencies out there, and you know who you are that felt threaten by DoveVogue success, I wish you luck, bring SL the best. It is not easy. Good luck with the lag.

I am going to take a break from DV, I will be in and out to see the real friends and be free and try to smile again. I am tired of saving every single linden to pay others. I am tired of all the hits I get. No matter how I offer a good place to the world I get hits, no matter now how much I help others, I get a hit. Call me weak, or whatever, but when I don't have a peace of mind anymore it is time to quit, and I know many have done it out there in the real world and here.

Please designers, when you hear Pixel Press, SL Herald and others asking you for an interview think about it, don't let them destroy you and step on you like they have done with me. I am not weak, I am just tired of it, tired for months and months a non stop hit. As kids, it amuses them. I am an adult, so I let the kids play alone with their little articles. Unfortunately I am so embarrased that I gave Nonna's name to Posh for her to interview Nonna and Posh wrote the worst article about this great designer. If you are interested, ask Nonna about it, she was dissappointed. I am really sorry Nonna that I sent this individual to you.

To the models and designers of DoveVogue, I know the majority of you don't want me to close down, but I can't find that strength anymore when these evil individuals keep doing this. Where is SL going with all this hate?

To all the designers I booked their fashion shows in July and August, I am really sorry but I must step down. Each month I had over 10 shows already booked. That is how much I worked.

I am really sorry, I cannot continue this any longer. There is always a beginning, there is alway an end. This is my end with this.

You all win here, but I do win something. MY PEACE OF MIND.

Thank you.

Palomma

awwee, well i wish you the best anyway pal, it was fun while it lasted!

You need to do what you have to. SL is supposed to be an enjoyable place. I know when I feel that I am not enjoying it, I take a step back and spend less time here.
As for the press problems, I wouldn't sweat what the "tabloids" have to say. I don't read them, but I am well aware of there tabloid press status. Understandly, I can see how your feelings may have been hurt in the process.
If you need to chat you know where to find me.

I think we have a bit of a tabloid-style, "hit job" reporting philosophy budding here. I was blindsided the other night with a few loaded questions about the fashion industry that were on par with "confirm or deny this statement: You are Aimee Weber AND you like to strangle kittens. YES OR NO!" HA HA.

Ok the good news is that readers put tabloid reporting in the proper perspective. As the reputation of the reporting diminishes, so does the harm... BUT you still get to enjoy the benefits of exposure! Essentially if you are important enough to have a hit-job written about you, consider it flattery!

a lot of factors.... not only articles...

There is good critizism and bad intentional hurtful critizism

Good critizism: Your head in your avie would be better if you reduce it a bit

Bad critizism: Oh Gosh, Please, Change that huge potato head that makes you look awful

I have been a resident of SL for just over a year now, I have spent a lot of time mixing with people from all over the world and from all walks of life ..let alone cultural differences . So I feel I have learnt alot about people and their Second Life.

The reason Im writing is because in SL there were only 3 people who I have truly admired...Palomma Casanova is one of them!
She has been a complete inspiration to me and has helped me look forward with hope and energy. Her personal enthusiasm towards my personal projects ..A SL National Park, making animals,even Ancient Greek statues ...She has always been very supportive .

It was the begining of this year that I started modelling for DoveVogue and its been the best thing I have ever done here,all the other models were very helpful and generous , it was a fantastic atmosphere ..this I found out was all down to Palomma and her passion for helping others.
The people that work with Palomma are a great team , she has brought out the best in people, so I was so happy when she asked me to join her management team.

I have the greatest respect for Palomma , she is very honourable person, I hope she can be enthusiastic again for SL because it will be a great loss without her vibraint personality.


Its easy to put people down and the problem is when you are a success and suceed you become an easy target for any backstabbing individual who is of course jealous of your achievements. Its the easiest thing in the world to knock others.

Palomma..If I could fly to the heights of inspiration like you, only to be shot down in flames ... ... I would gladly follow you !


Heidi Herbst x
p.s

Finally I have found a way to express myself in this world and on my own terms. I have also recently found myself a fantastic partner. Thank you Palomma for all your encouragement . xxx

Palomma is an old friend of mine and i'm a member of her designer group, yet i can't agree with all the boohoo because in my humble opnion this is clearly 'overreacting'.

First of all, Pal, you're the best organiser i ever met, you deal with large groups of people like if it's nothing and plan like a real manager. Already a long long time ago i told you you should charge designers to run fashion shows for them.
Basicly because most of us designers make rl cash with our clothing, not with the fashionshow as this is exposure but it results in making more money. So it's NOT RIGHT to do it for free, a good service needs to be payed.

On the other hand the article is right, we should not think RL box when planning a fashionshow, because indeed all your hard work gets spoiled by the lag and slow loading. I knew this when i saw my own first fashionshow, your comments were entertaining the audience but those models lagged right of the stage and i could not even see what they were wearing. At that moment so long ago i was thinking the same: there has to be another way, this is not good.
And that Pal is not your fault, because the organisation was and is splendid, but the fault of the game mechanics, where a rl fashionshow turns easily into a disaster because of the lag.

Also we cant expect the press in SL to write only good things about everyone, a little crisicism is healthy. Every article about anything will be colored by the writer's opinion just like in rl. We just can't make a hassle about it everytime we don't like it because it will force em to write in 'a certain style' wich makes them lose all independancy.
After all just like Aimee said, bad press is still press, you get in the spotlight!

Excuse for grammar mistakes, english isnt my native

aww Pal.. i do agree with what you wrote, cuz i know i have noticed in just the last 7 months how sl has changed from a overall kind, caring, willing to help type of community to a "fend for yourself", "mean", and "hurtful" type of community (that's not saying that EVERYONE is like that either). It definately isn't the same as when i first started playing.

Sheesh, even something as minor as saying "hi" in a group chat is bashed now days, and i for one, love that. i welcome a friendly "hi" anyday .. in fact i warn my group members that my group "spams" for no reason and if they don't like it not to join (not in a bad way of course). It also use to be fun to go to a club and hear all the "hellos", now days (tho i don't go to many clubs) but when i do, very few seem to have that warm welcome.

Even some of my friends have gotten so into this "game" that i doubt that they see the fun and enjoyment they are spose to be gettin out of it.. or at least once did. I will admit that i'm not totally a saint, but i do try to have fun.. even if it's building a house in total and complete lag.. i jokingly curse SL for the lag and then laugh.. and if anyone knows building .. watching your wall move by itself.. cuz SL is trying to catch up with itself is quite the site and the outcome is totally unpredictable.. LOL

Anyway, i'm sorry you were wronged, Pal. Dove Vogue was one of my main goals set when i first started playing SL and even tho i was only a part of it for a short time it was an honor to work with you and ALL of your staff. I will never forget the excitement and the feeling of doing your "first show" (weird as it may be for just being a game) but ya know, the other models and your staff made it so easy with the kindness and help that they offered.

Thank for the experience Pal, it was one i will not soon forget! ((hugs)) I do wish you all the luck in your future plans in SL and of course TONS OF FUN DOIN IT!!

Di

Pal,


Good Luck. Everyone needs a break and it is summer! I know how much time DV eats up and if you want to close, go ahead. I support you in any of your choices.

Palomma, what you've given to the SL fashion and clothing design community is beyond measure. You are greatly appreciated for all you've done through your generosity. Don't let the press get you down.

And to the writers of the Enquirer, er, I mean Herald... I'd really love to read your stuff, but if all you're going to cover is transplanted TSO mafias, catty gossip, and glorifying griefers... no thanks. Here's hoping you rise to your potential instead of continuing to muck about with the lowest common denominator. I've been out of highschool for 20 years.

I am so sad to hear this. Being a DV model and Designer, I have grown to love the DV members. The positive energy and mutual support between all involved is inspiring. Sure there is lag but there is lag everywhere.

I am tired of the attitudes in SL too. I play this game to feel good not to be crapped on..excuse the language. It is a game,in the end and if it is as stressful as RL or moreso, then a break is needed.

Thank you, Pal, for being a friend. Don't become a stranger.

Wiccan Sojourner

Palomma, take care and be well. SL should be a place to do things that make us happy, not leave us miserable. I wish you the best. And I'd never believe the bad press about you or DV.

With every big success comes the backlash. We can't and shouldn't aim to please everyone. Let them talk and fret. The people that really count will know who you truly are.

You're one of the most professional, easy-going, and generous folks in SL. I have nothing but kind words to say about you, and I thank you for supporting me too when I was a fairly new designer.

Your presence in SL fashion will be felt and missed. I wish you to feel better about SL again soon.

*Hugs* Lash

I'm very sorry to hear how evil people have treated you, Palomma. I've had my little share of those too.

I want to thank you, Palomma - for all you have done for me, beliving in my skills, cheered me up when feeling bad, being a greater and greater friend as I've learned to know you! I've allways felt very welcome in the DoveVouge studio, and thanks to the friendship you have so kindly given me, I have met many great new friends when being in the DoveVouge community.

I wish those "journalists" could write positive, truthful - not trying to kill people like they have tried with you - and many others. Don't listen to the "journalists" dear Palomma. Listen to your friends. There are many many people loving you for whom you are - and what you have managed to build! I really hope, and belive, releaving yourself of the burden of running DoveVouge will give you the spark and happiness back. And when you do, let's go have some fun

Thank you - keep in touch please - you have my email address.


*warm huggies*
Lis

You take care, Palomma. Sorry to hear all this happen to you. Thanks for taking the time and dedication in stirring life into the SL fashion industry and being there for designers and models, new and old, as well as shining some wisdom in a career you shine in.

As for those "people" (I will not acknowledge them with the 'journalist' title) raising hell, automatically biased reports and spitting in peoples eyes get copies distributed than honest reporting. Just look at FOX news.... or maggots looking for dirt and/or things to infest.

Follow your bliss, Pal. As for the haters, keep in mind that for some people, the only emotion they can enjoy is the one that causes hurt to others. It took me a while to figure out what a slimepit SLH was, and I'm embarrassed I ever worked for them today. Journalists? Them? Don't insult the trade.

At any rate -- enjoy your time off and if/when you return, toss me a hello. I'll always be glad to see and talk with you. (hug)

I'm so sorry to hear this Palomma. I remember back when I was a clueless n00b, I took advantage of your offer to "make me beautiful". You gave me a shape, and a skin, and you taught me the basics of how to work the sliders for optimal effect. I've only been to a couple of your fashion shows, but it was obvious how much work went into the planning and execution.

Hopefully some time away will allow you to heal and regain your perspective. You will be missed.

I am not leaving... I am just stepping down the whole DoveVogue... I just hope you all support me on this decision and still be my friends and invite me now to all the parties and competitions ect... I want to be a model now lol

I will be conducting classes for SL and doing the greeter program. That is beginning to be fun for me again. I can go back to host for other people and please don't ask me to host fashion shows lol

DoveVogue was fun, really... Just enough is enough, no matter how much I do to please people, there are those that their only way to be "popular" is by making false statements, copying and accusing others of the things you don't do and do....

Remember, I am not a quitter, I had DV for a whole year!!! it is a long time in SL, it is just that I also need time to enjoy too and recuperate from all these damage to me. Now is time for me to redownload, relearn how to design better, understand these designer's templates, learn them good. Download scripts, or read, ect... I don't even know how to do a script!!! Gosh there are so much to do in SL...

Where have I been?? lol

So many cool games out there too where there is no drama and people are fun. I prefer to bash on a buggy, kill huge spiders lol that make me laugh to death, that dealing with annoying people that are jealous and people that DON'T know how to critique for good, but evil.

Everyone takes a break, why not me? And if anyone needs help... I love helping!!! I love to give!!! I have always been like that and in RL too, I love doing volunteer work in elementary schools, ect...

Anyway... I will go to world in a little bit to feel free....

The Dove is Free Now.... Hugss to my friends and those that appreciate what I do and the kind words... Wow!

Sounds real good to me, Paloma. Time for the dove to be free! And sometimes - though it is hard to leave something you love - it just opens the doors to something different you will also love, and be equally as successful in. SL is a big place with a lot of different people in it, and I'm sure whatever you do in SL in the future will bring you as much success, respect, and good friends as DoveVogue did.

coco

To those who insult the Herald, calling us "slimeballs" and the like, and to those who say we never publish anything positive, I would urge you to look at our last group of fashion reviews at DoveVogue. You'd be quite surprised.

Palomma, I have known you for quite some time. I remember when we met at SeaSide in SecondLife over a year ago now and discovered that we had known each other in ActiveWorlds. Things have changed since then, for sure, but that doesn't take away from the fact that I have respect for some of the things that you have done. On that note, though, there are also quite a few things in your letter that are quite innacurate, many of which are being detailed in an article that is going to press in the Herald here in a few minutes. I do find it interesting that you said in your letter that you were leaving SecondLife, and then now you're all of a sudden not. Anyway, I will leave a comments such as that for the Herald, not for your well-wishing thread. Good luck with whatever lies ahead of you, and remember that I am not necessarily the "evil individual" that you have called me in your letter.

I have never talked especifically about you Matthias, I don't know anything about your writting position at the Herald.. excuse me.. "Editor" .. and I have never said I was leaving.... *nods* Read it again...

But forget it, I am not going to argue with anyone!

I am just closing/leaving DoveVogue.. two different things...

I am entitle to do what I desire, and I just desired to step down. Enough is enough.... It is not more fun for me with people like you attacking. Anyway, too much work.

Hey! I get to be in another article of the Herald.. Wooohooo!!! *cheers* So funny the herald jumped quick for another article for DoveVogue !! WOW!! I didn't know the Herald Love me this much lol

Matthias.... btw I am not going to waste my time going to the Herald and read evil sarcastic comments from you or anyone

See what I mean? I can't even leave in peace either....

*Breath in ~ Breath Out ~

I said Bye to DoveVogue... SL I am still part of you... I don't know the future, I am not spending that long hours in SL.... leaving slowly until I get totally bored with nonsense, not leaving at all.... just less pressure now

Take care everyone... luv ya and hugss... I will be in world later if I can

You guys do some really good stuff. No doubt about it. I especially enjoyed the roundup of different skin makers and similar features. I just find it disappointing when I go there and see two articles on the front page about Prok and the FIC. It just makes me roll my eyes. I also can't fathom why the Herald reports on griefer attacks. I'm sure there's a lot of readers who enjoy that stuff but I think that just encourages them. I personally wish there was more coverage of cool content and events and a lot less of the gossip/tabloid/mafia/drama stuff.

Honestly, Chip, I can't comment on the state of Prok and the FIC, etc, as I'm only the fashion editor. It's my job to report on news such as DoveVogue's "taking a break." Your comments about Prok and the FIC would be better served directed towards Walker or Uri, as they're the ones who cover that section.

sorry to hear.

its sad to hear the reporter had a negative view. Some people dont know how to be objective even if they have a specific opinion. please dont group the entire entity, IE the publications mentioned, as "evil". Not every member of said groups feels the same way. as you get bigger you begin to stand under a spotlight. There are those (typicaly unhappy people) who are watchhing and waiting for you to stumble or fall. All you can do is keep on keeping on and do what you can. There is a theory that ANY press is good press. If your mentioned, like Aimee Weber said, take it as a compliment. Readers like to form their own opinions and will visit your show / store to see what all the gossip is about. If you let yourself get so affected by these negative things you will find it hard to be successful at anything in RL, SL or any other life. I say this not to rag on you while your down, but to inspire you to do what you can and not worry about the hard times. Your work will speak for itself and has enriched the lives of everyone you touched, dont forget that! never quit, never say die.

-Trif

My memories of SL are you.... I havent forgotten.... Fly free.... You have helped so many people...

Paloma

It is terrible that you feel the need to walk away from Dove. Before you leave it behind completely, I am wondering if you could not ask a friend to run it for you while you take a break? That way, its excellence will continue.

Please don't be upset by the articles, they are not relevant in your life and will soon become old news.

Just a thought

Alexa