50% Off For Make a Wish – Commemorating the Life of a Legend
Michael Jackson. The King of Pop. The guy we all grew up with. The man many of us loved, danced to, raised eyebrows at, and shaked our money makers to. I know I personally grew up listening to his tapes, bobbin’ my five year old head to Beat It, watching my brothers attempt to immitate the Moonwalk. I remember being fascinated by watching the making of his video Thriller and marveling everytime I saw him dance. It is a very personal loss for many… we have lost an icon, a comfort, a memory of our childhoods and lives.
He has made us laugh, cry, our jaws drop in wonder, and our minds scream, “What the hell is WRONG with you?” He was a legend, a revolution. And he’s gone.
In his memory, I will be having a 50% off sale at my Exodi main store only (SLURL) — and all proceeds (100%) will be donated to the Make a Wish Foundation, a charity that Michael Jackson openly supported. Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. The Foundation’s mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish® experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors and entire communities.
The sale will run for one week, from July 25th to July 3rd again at the main store only. Shiloh and Eden Gen2 skins, shoes, shapes, eyes, clothes and jewelry are all included in the sale.
Rest in peace, Jacko.
Douchebaggetry at Its Finest
I read this post Tenshi Vielle made today over at Shopping Cart Disco today, and I have to say: there are very few things that will set me off, but being a DICK and generally disregarding the fact that you are WRONG and trying to write it off like it was nothing, yeah — welcome to my own personal inner circle of hell.
To sum up: The PhotoLife studio booth at SL6B was (I’ve no idea if they still are) hosting AND selling (for $1,000L!) walls of photos they had admittedly lifted from their Flickr group, without permission.
A few choice lines from the public local chat conversation (at the exhibit in SL6B) between Greg Paslong and Darkley Aeon (the PhotoLife user whose work was lifted, and inquired about it) – you may read the whole conversation, and I encourage you to do so just to get the full breath of WTF that I did, at Shopping Cart Disco:
[3:17] Darkley Aeon: why wasnt i asked? everyone else seems to have been
[3:17] Greg Paslong: they weren’t
[3:17] Greg Paslong: want your photo off the wall?
This is Greg admitting to the fact that no one was asked for permission to use their photos from Flickr in the PhotoLife booth.
[3:18] Greg Paslong: want it off?
[3:18] Darkley Aeon: i dont mind it being there
[3:18] Greg Paslong: then what’s the problem?
[3:18] Billy Tammas: I don’t think that is the issue Greg, I think it’s the fact that copyright law has been broken and no permission was asked
[3:18] Darkley Aeon: its that i wasnt asked, and was uploaded from flickr without my knowledge
[3:18] Darkley Aeon: and its set for 1k
[3:19] Greg Paslong: it was an oversite
[3:19] Darkley Aeon: others were asked
[3:19] Greg Paslong: most of the shots on that wall were taken off of FlickR
[3:19] Darkley Aeon: thats copyright infringment
[[3:20] Darkley Aeon: mine are all set ‘all rights reserved’ its the default setting
[3:20] Greg Paslong: NP Darkley………let me remove your shot now……then we have no issue
[3:20] Darkley Aeon: there is an issue
[3:20] Darkley Aeon: you have a full perms copy of my copyrighted work, without permission
This is where Greg decides to not only NOT apologize for his admitted “oversight,” but also try to simply cover up his wrongdoing by just removing and forgetting about it. No acknowledgement that it was used without permission, know “I’m sorry,” absolutley NO consideration for the concern of the photographer in question or her rights to her intellectual property. Basically – this is where I started to get mad.
[3:21] Darkley Aeon: why was it set for sale?
[3:21] Greg Paslong: if you’d read your chat…..it was an oversite
[3:22] Darkley Aeon: its copyrighted work
[3:22] Darkley Aeon: and given a copy inworld
[3:22] Greg Paslong: OMG Darkley…..who would want that wall?
[3:22] Darkley Aeon: if i had been asked, i would have said ok
[3:22] Darkley Aeon: thats not the point
[3:23] Greg Paslong: well……you weren’t…..and many others weren’t either
[3:23] Darkley Aeon: but some were
And *THIS*, ladies and gentlemen, is where I actually got pissed off.
First off, where the hell do you think you get off talking to people, YOUR OWN CUSTOMERS, like an uncaring, nonchalant, DICKHEAD? AT WHAT POINT did you learn in your customer service experience that having an attitude is the best way to solve a confrontation? At what point do you think that insulting the work of ALL of your users (quoted above, “Who would want that wall?” – the photos were actually grouped together in a wall of photos from 12-15 photolife customers) was a GOOD IDEA? And more importantly, at what point did you think that selling other people’s work without permission was OKAY? Darkley even tried to cover your ass FOR YOU, Greg, by insisting that in fact SOME people HAD been asked, but she personally had not. While you just kept insisting that no one was asked.
And my personal favorite quote:
[3:26] Greg Paslong: I made a mistake…live with it
I pretty much would have had one thing to say at this point: Fuck you.
At no point was Darkley arrogant, rude, obnoxious or DESERVING in the way that this man treated her. She was simply a CUSTOMER trying to determine how her work came to be used without permission, along with others. WHAT RIGHT did you have to give HER attitude? What right did you have to treat her like SHE was the one at fault here? Quick note to any store/service provider in SL: There are several surefire ways to lose customers in Second Life, and this is definitely one of them: being an ASSHOLE is never a good customer service tactic.
Later, PhotoLife General Manager Colleen Criss stepped in and spoke with Darkley as well, also attempting to disregard the fact that her work was used without permission and that since the wall was no longer for sale, there “was no issue”:
[5:00] colleen Criss: ok. did he removed the photo?
[5:00] Darkley Aeon: yes both of them
[5:01] Darkley Aeon: 2 photos
[5:01] Darkley Aeon: thats not the point though
[5:01] colleen Criss: ok what is the point you want to make?
[5:01] Darkley Aeon: illegal uploading of copywrited material
[5:02] colleen Criss: let me ask this Darkley
[5:02] colleen Criss: had you displayed your photos on Team Flickr, or submitted either of them for contests ect?
[5:02] Darkley Aeon: yes, that doesnt change their status from ‘all rights reserved’
[5:03] colleen Criss: when you amke your photos available to the group … I think that it does.
For one, trying to cover your ass AFTER you are confronted by posting a “you give us permission to use your photos for promotional/teaching purposes” message in your Flickr group discussion pool is ABOUT the most tell-tale “oh shit” reaction you can make. Secondly, submitting a photo to a group on Flickr DOES NOT remove the COPYRIGHT on the photo, nor does it give you permission to just download it without first asking the creator. Creative commons licenses, sure, I can understand that assuming the CC gives the proper licensing for the use you intend. However, I know for a FACT that AT LEAST two photos used at the exhibit are All Rights Reserved, with no CC attached. Meaning – you either ask, or you don’t use.
And now the real garbage starts flying. The following is a classic case of “you hit my teddy bear, so I’m taking my balls and going home”:
[5:11] colleen Criss: Since you have tak this issue further them it needs to be and I do not wish to have any further problems. I am asking you you leave the pL group and I am going to remove your app from CP and ask you to take your things from the public Flickr group.
[5:11] Darkley Aeon: ok Colleen, I havent been looking for trouble, i’ve been trying to protect myself, but ok, ill do that
[5:13] colleen Criss: Darkley you have at this time made trouble …
[5:13] colleen Criss: thank you
[5:13] Darkley Aeon: i did nothing wrong
[5:14] colleen Criss: you filed that report because you were mad at Greg
[5:14] colleen Criss: now
[5:14] colleen Criss: you carry it out and do what it takes to make you feel better
[5:14] Darkley Aeon: I filed abuse report because it was valid
[5:14] colleen Criss: but I wish you to end all association with pL.
[5:14] colleen Criss: then thats fine
[5:14] colleen Criss: do what you need to do
[5:14] colleen Criss: and now I am as well
PhotoLife AND it’s staff obviously have no idea how to provide customer service, how to solve conflict, how to admit when they’re wrong, or how to treat the people that spend money on their products. And I, personally, could never and would never dream of being involved in ANY kind of business transaction or relationship with people who simply have NO respect for their customers, the money they spend, OR their work. Flickr photos being stolen… you know what? That happens every day. I’m used to seeing that happen. I typically say nothing anymore, as it’s not worth my time or effort – and usually the photos are removed, and a slap on the wrist is given, which has happened here.
No, what pissed me off is the fact that you really are just blatantly rude, disrespectful, appear to have no desire to apologize NOR admit wrongdoing, and you are PAINFULLY arrogant. And frankly, if I were going to spend the $10kL on a photo studio, I would DEFINITELY want to know these little facts first — so that I could steer full clear of your “world class photographer” egos, and spend my money elsewhere. No one likes an asshole, and you guys are DROWNING in shit with the way you treat your customers.
Over and out.
Crevecoeur Opening Today! Freebies, fun and MOAR!
Creve Coeur (blog, slurl), a new boardwalk full of awesometastic shops (including mine! :D), is hosting a three day event called Creve Coeur Carnivale for their (belated) Grand Opening and it’s happening NOW!
Introduction from the blog:
Welcome to Creve Coeur at First Meta!
Creve Coeur is an all new eccentric shopping district located in SecondLife.
We both encourage and welcome you to check out the shops lining the streets and alleys and to also explore the imagination and brainchildren of builders Babyhoney Bailey & Waverly Kline.
The city offers an escape from complete realisim, catering to the rose colored glasses way of life, where the streets are named for poets and ravens observe your every move.
If you’re looking for an incredible shopping experience, look no further! Creve Coeur hosts the following labels: AOHARU, ATOMIC, AXEL, BOUTIQUE, CNS EMOTION, EL’N, EXODI, FUKMI CLOTHING, FEAR & CLOTHING, MALT, MINETTES, MISERIA, MUDHONEY, MODD. G, NAITH SMITH DESIGNS, PIDIDDLE, PIG, +PLUS, PRETZEL POSES, PUNCH DRUNK, ROMP, SHIT LUCK, SN@TCH, SUBTLE SUBMISSION, TINY BIRD, THE OBSCENE, URBAN DYSFUNCTION
Make sure to watch this space for upcoming events and promotions!
The carnivale is FULL of fun and games (as you can see from the pictures here on SCD… omg!) and while the event is running there will be a balloon hunt for freebies and cheapies!
Go on over, hunt for balloons, throw knives at your friends, and have a blast! Oh, and check out Exodi while you’re there too. Mwahahaha. *shameless plug*
Beck Bucks are Now AUTOMATED
That’s right! No more textures… now introducing the Beck Bucks CARD (huzzah!!!)!
Step 1: Get a Beck Bucks Card!
Visit the :: Exodi :: Main Store and click the Beck Bucks kiosk. This will give you a Beck Bucks card! Wear it to register your card, and start earning Beck Bucks! Every NEW Beck Bucks cardholder will receive 10 Beck Bucks just for activating their card!
Step 2: Buy!
As of June 1st, 2009, Beck Buck earning is now AUTOMATED when purchasing any Exodi merchandise! If you are a Beck Bucks cardholder, purchasing from Exodi will earn you points that you will be able to redeem for FREE products! For every $100L you spend in Exodi, you will earn at least 1 Beck Buck.
Step 3: Collect!
Collect Beck Bucks from your purchases and redeem them for :: Exodi :: merchandise! Every Exodi merchandise purchase you make will add to your Beck Bucks balance.
Step 4: Redeem!
To redeem your Beck Bucks, click on (or right click and select “Card…”) any Exodi merchandise item. A dialogue menu will display with menu options. Selecting “Beck Bucks” will give you the Beck Bucks option menu. Click “Redeem” to redeem your Beck Bucks for the product you’ve clicked! It’s that simple!
IMPORTANT NOTES
If you CURRENTLY HAVE Beck Bucks *TEXTURES* (from the old Beck Bucks system) and would like to apply them to your Beck Bucks card, please visit the Exodi Main Store for instructions on how to do so!
1. Once you are a Beck Bucks cardholder, you are *not* required to wear the card in order to gain Beck Bucks from purchases OR to make Beck Bucks redemption purchases. However, keep in mind, you will also not be able to keep track of your Beck Bucks total! It is recommended that you wear the card, if for no other reason than to see how pretty it is (I worked hard on that thing, dammit! :P)!
2. Beck Bucks cards ARE NOT transferable. You may not give away your card or available Beck Bucks.
3. If you *LOSE YOUR CARD*, you may pick up another one from the Exodi main store Beck Bucks kiosk.
PROBLEMS, QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, CONCERNS, ISSUES, COMPLAINTS, ETC… Direct to Ryker Beck (or drop in the blog comments :P)
Build Your Own Fatpack at EXODI
Want a deal on a skin fatpack, but hate paying full price for lots of skins when you might not wear all of them? Have no fear! The Build Your Own Fatpack Card is here! :D
To use your card:
1. First, you must purchase a Build Your Own Fatpack card from the Exodi main store. For the price of any other pre-made fatpack in the store ($5,000L), you will INSTANTANEOUSLY gain access to ANY 8 skins in the store. That’s right! ANY 8 skins, INSTANT access. No notecards with skin names, no coupon transfers, no prepaying, NO WAITING!
2. Once you have purchased a card, wear it to activate it.
** NOTE: If you have purchased more than one card, you MUST WEAR all of them in order to activate them. Each card you purchase will add to your fatpack point balance.**
3. When your card has been activated, left click on any Exodi skin vendor (or right-click and select “Card…”) to receive menu options.
4. From the menu, select “Fatpack”.
5. Click “Redeem” to redeem one of your points for the skin!
6. Enjoy!
NOTE: If you are a Beck Bucks card holder at the time of your card activation, you WILL EARN 50 Beck Bucks for the purchase of a *new* BYO Fatpack card! Replacement cards do not carry any Beck Buck point value.
IMPORTANT NOTES
1. Once you have been purchased your card and have been registered as a BYO Fatpack Card holder, you are *not* required to wear the card in order to redeem your points for skins. However, keep in mind, you will also not be able to keep track of your points total! It is recommended that you wear the card, if for no other reason than to see how pretty it is (I worked hard on that thing, dammit! :P)!
2. BYO Fatpack cards ARE NOT transferrable. You may not give away your card or available points.
3. If you *LOSE YOUR CARD*, you may pick up another one from the Exodi main store BYO Fatpack Lost & Found Kiosk.
4. Equipping an already-used BYO Fatpack card when you are not a currently registered BYO Fatpack card holder will result in a disabled card. If you have never purchased a BYO Fatpack card and would like to, please visit the Exodi main store to obtain your own card.
5. BYO Fatpack card points are STACKABLE. This means, if you purchase more than 1 BYO Fatpack card, wear each of them to activate them, and your points will stack together for your grand total on ONE card. For example… purchasing three cards and wearing them each to activate them first, will result in a total of 24 points to redeem for 24 skins (for the price of $15,000L!).
PROBLEMS, QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, CONCERNS, ISSUES, COMPLAINTS, ETC… Direct to Ryker Beck (or drop them in the blog comments :P)
Shiloh & Eden Gen2 Released at EXODI
First, let me explain the name change… As of June 1, Genesis is now named Exodi (SLURL). The reason for this is kind of long and complex and, well… personal. So I’ll just leave it at that. Goodbye Genesis, hello Exodi! All mainstore landmarks should still work, have no fear! I will also be setting up an Exodi-specific update blog so I can continue with my regular blogging/tutorials/etc on RykerBeck.COM. When that is up, I’ll be sure to announce. :)
Next, let me introduce you to the two latest additions to the Exodi main store… Shiloh and Eden Gen2.
Both the Shiloh and Eden’s bodies (click the photo below for a larger view) have been a labor of love over the last month and a bit. I tried to make them much smoother and more natural than were the bodies on my last release, Candace.
For now, both skins feature 8 makeups per skin tone. Additional makeups will be released in 8-makeup lines as I’ve been doing with Candace (I think it’s just easier that way LOL!). I’ve got some GREAT makeup ideas in the works, so don’t miss out! For now, you can check out the makeups available on each line right now by clicking the images below (as you can see, Shiloh comes in 5 skin tones, Eden Gen2 in 4, both skins feature dark and light brow options):
I am really excited about everything I’ve been learning since becoming a skin creator, and I hope you’ve been enjoying it with me! All of my Plurk and Flickr friends that have given me feedback, all of the bloggers that have given me their honest input, all of you are invaluable to me and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so open and contributing to the development and my learning as much as you possibly can. You guys rock!
Along with the Shiloh and Eden Gen2 skins releases, there have also been 3 shapes (made specifically for the Eden, Shiloh and Candace skin lines) released at Exodi named Leila, Callie, and Danali. All shapes will be sold mod/copy and with complete style cards. I really look forward to making more shapes as further skin lines develop at Exodi. Shape creation is something I’ve always wanted to play with, and this definitely gives me the opportunity to dabble!
Another new release to go along with the new skins are the Vetro eyes, which you can see below:
That’s all for this post! Here’s the limo to Exodi. And keep an eye out for post #2 coming up here shortly where I tell you all about the Build Your Own Fatpack and Beck Bucks card systems… believe me. You won’t want to miss it. ;)
Current Blog Coverage: (for your reviewing pleasure, updated as necessary)
- Gorgeous Yongho on JuicyBomb
- Willow Zander on What IS Willis Talkin’ Bout?
- Gabby Panacek on Couture Conundrum
- Ana Lutetia on AnaLutetia.COM
- Freyja Nemeth on Oldfashioned
- Nissa Nightfire on Magpie Universe
- Farah Palmer on Fabulously Free
