Comments on: Nouveau chez / New at: “MRM Factory” & “S’Lade”

By: Maddox DuPont

Maddox DuPont — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 07:23:57 +0000

I do agree with you Ben. In RL, I always wanted to live from my art but that was never possible for me as I could not bare to paint for money (art machine) instead of because I am inspired or really have something to say. I think that defeats the purpose of creation and true art.

Unfortunately, whenever you introduce money in any situation soon greed arrives and creativity departs. And if people have to choose to work in the office job they hate or flirt with creativity in SL and actually make a living - I am sure that they would choose later.

In my opinion it is about balance and becoming conscious of your motivations. Since if you are creating something for the love of it or pure greed it will show.

I still think that SL is a great platform for people who may not think they are creative or can do creative things to come together play, express themselves and develop their designing skills - some may choose to get rewarded for their time some are not. Let’s not forget that it is in people’s nature only to value things they paid for.

We have a long way to go to achieve society on the level of VENUS PROJECT (http://www.thevenusproject.com/)

By: Ben Vanguard

Ben Vanguard — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 16:35:05 +0000

In a world that has become a merciless competition on the marketing level, and NOT on the creative level (because not that much content creators do interesting quality stuff), true artists certainly have hard time. Seeing how everything is gamed to death, like hunts (and so many other things), it’s certainly a challenge if you entered SL to, actually, CREATE.
That said, I have no idea why Miriel is leaving. I don’t even think it’s for economical reasons.
I’m just sad to see someone, who has values that I feel close to mine, leaving.

By: Maddox DuPont

Maddox DuPont — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 15:59:42 +0000

It is very sad Miriel is closing her store - her eye collection has certainly been a great inspiration for my own and MADesigns shapes have worn Miriel eyes on more than one occasion.

I do believe though that through some effective marketing and product focus (like her hair - which she released only 1 style of but it is wonderful work) she would have succeeded in today’s competitive SL market.

It is possible to value your work so that you are not working for peanuts, and earn living all while you give generously - either in hunts, group rewards or valued customer incentives. Not all creators are about money just because they do earn living in SL.

It is about finding balance as you still need to be able to survive, otherwise - this could happen. Although I am not entirely clear on circumstances of her departure apart from what was suggested in her blog entry.

I personally am sad to see Miriel leave.

By: Bryce Harmison

Bryce Harmison — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:21:24 +0000

YUM!
Great Look..
Off to do some more shopping
Thanks Ben for keeping us guys up to date..

By: swaffette Firefly

swaffette Firefly — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:52:18 +0000

the men of sl need you Ben dont give up

By: Joshua Walsh

Joshua Walsh — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 04:15:31 +0000

The shirt is great.

By: Perry Proudhon

Perry Proudhon — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 02:49:35 +0000

I do love green jeans….

And the AGGRESSOR t-shirt.

And the hair.

Okay, I love this post, Ben!