cheezu

  • | | |

    Maybe You Should Attend a Second Life User Group Meeting

    Bygogo Fashion, iheartslFeed, JuicyBomb, Second Life
    1 Comment
    Strawberry

    At the height of Bellisseria, I started attending the Concierge & Land User Group meetings because I wanted the latest tea on what was happening with Bellisseria, Mainland, and land in general. The meeting has since been renamed the Land & Support User Group, and in the beginning, I actually thought it was pretty productive. The Lindens in charge listened to feedback, answered questions, and residents had a chance to bring up things that mattered to them.

    Over time, though, I started wondering how much these meetings represent what the average Second Life resident actually wants. The people who attend regularly are obviously going to have the loudest voices, and sometimes those voices result in things the rest of us have to live with. I will never get over the ugly bridges connecting parts of Bellisseria. Instead of one long ugly bridge, couldn’t we have had a cute little island between the two themes, with little boats or walking paths connecting everything? There were so many ways they could have made it cute, but somebody wanted bridges, and now we have bridges.

    There are actually a lot of official Second Life user group meetings happening regularly, and I think more residents should attend them, especially if you care about where Second Life is headed. You might be surprised by what other residents are asking Linden Lab to change, and some of those changes will eventually affect YOUR Second Life.

    I’ve also been watching recordings of some of the other Second Life user group meetings on Pantera’s YouTube channel, and that’s actually where I first heard some of the discussions around the recent Marketplace changes. One of the new policies will automatically unlist products that haven’t sold in a year AND belong to a merchant who hasn’t logged in for a year. I think requiring both conditions makes the policy way too lenient. In my opinion, it should be products that haven’t sold OR merchants who haven’t logged in. Otherwise, we’re still leaving a lot of unpopular products and potentially unsupported products sitting on the Marketplace.

    Sometimes I listen to these meetings and think Linden Lab may be listening a little too closely to whichever residents happen to be the most vocal in the room. Maybe some of these ideas will work out, but I suspect they’ll eventually find out that a few of these policies didn’t accomplish much, or made things worse overall. That’s also why I think more people should attend these meetings. If only the same group of residents shows up every week, those are naturally going to be the opinions Linden Lab hears the most.

    My look for the recent Land & Support User Group meeting reminded me of a peasant, which felt very appropriate for a land meeting, LOL. Landed Peasants, reporting for duty! If you own land or care about what happens to Second Life, I really do encourage you to attend one of these meetings sometime. The more residents who show up and speak up, the more voices Linden Lab gets to hear.

    Strawberry
    Read More “Maybe You Should Attend a Second Life User Group Meeting”
  • | | | | |

    A New Face for Summer

    Bygogo Fashion, Hair, iheartslFeed, JuicyBomb, Second Life, Uncategorized
    2 Comments
    A New Face for Summer

    I’ve been wearing the Lumi skin from Glam Affair since it was released back in March. In real life time, that’s not very long at all. In Second Life time, though, it feels like ages ago. But does time even matter when you like a skin? You could probably wear the same skin for years and never feel dated, especially with the current state of Second Life. Until LeLutka releases the new PURE mesh heads, most of us are still wearing EvoX heads, and skin designers continue to create beautiful 2048 skins with the same level of skill and quality. There is really no rush to change your look unless you want to.

    A New Face for Summer
    Glam Affair – Alix skin | w/ Tattoo Layers added to soften the pores/freckles

    That said, in Gogo time, four months feels like a long time. I spend an embarrassing amount of time staring at my own face, after all. So today, even though it seems like Glam Affair releases dozens of skins every month, I finally found a new face. The new Alix skin from Glam Affair is available at Equal10. I like most Glam Affair skins, but if I’m going to call something my face, it has to feel instantly familiar. It’s that little moment of, “Ah, there you are,” when I put it on. That’s exactly how I felt with Alix, even though I already knew I would be reaching for Izzie’s to remove the freckles and pores. As you can see, I did just that, and I love the result. The original version is beautiful too, and honestly, a lot of skins in Second Life are released looking more like my edited version. People then use Izzie’s or other tattoo layers to add freckles, pores, highlights, and other details back in. I sometimes go in the opposite direction and remove those details instead. The fact that we can customize skins so easily now is one of my favorite things about Second Life.

    ISON recently had a 40% off sale, so I picked up something I do not normally wear, a leather outfit. Paired with the new Truth Verse hairstyle, the whole look reminds me of an anime baddie, and I am kind of obsessed with it. Maybe I need to stop wearing pastel pink and white all the time and lean into dark leather. Then again, let’s not get carried away.

    A New Face for Summer
    Read More “A New Face for Summer”
  • | | | |

    This Town Hall Could Have Been an Email

    Bygogo Fashion, iheartslFeed, JuicyBomb, Second Life, Uncategorized
    2 Comments
    This Town Hall Could Have Been an Email

    I was so excited to go to the Gaeta 1 / Zindra Town Hall, and I ended up leaving that meeting feeling disappointed.

    First of all, I didn’t want to say this, but I will. The Town Hall could have been planned so much better. Dear Lindens, please make a question submission form, collect questions throughout the week, then choose the most informative ones to answer live. Letting everyone ask questions in local chat was complete chaos, and a lot of people couldn’t stay on topic. I was also surprised it was entirely handled through chat. You know that meme that says, this could have been an email? Yeah. That.

    This meeting could have been genuinely informative if they had come in with a clear list of answers, explained exactly what residents need to know, then saved the last 15 minutes for open Q&A. Why that didn’t happen is anybody’s guess. Sometimes these meetings feel like Linden employees struggle with creating an agenda and sticking to it.

    I was also disappointed to learn that residents who bought in on April 15 or after the expansion blog post went live seem to be treated like second class citizens. The relocation process should not prioritize only the biggest landowners or the people who have held land there the longest.

    If I were managing this move, I would contact every current landowner, I think they said there were around 349, and ask two simple questions:

    Do you want to move to New Zindra?

    Can you move now?

    If the answer is yes to both, put those residents at the top of the migration list and start moving them immediately. The people with more complex requests, unusual parcel needs, or plans to relocate elsewhere can be handled afterward.

    Residents who are ready now should be first in line. Tier doesn’t stop while people sit in limbo, and it would be nice if Linden Lab remembered that.

    I hope this whole thing wraps up within weeks. If the new continent is ready to go, I’m ready to move too.

    And now onto what I’m wearing, because even when it isn’t a fashion post, it somehow becomes one.

    Another round of Anthology just opened, and this shimmery dress is the Artemis Dress by Madame Noir. This dress is an example of when PBR is done so well it creates reflections and highlights correctly. With this outfit, I needed to find a place to serve as the backdrop for my photo. I opened the Destinations menu in-world looking for a music venue, and somehow ended up outside an 80s movie theater. I love The Breakfast Club, so naturally I had to take the picture in front of the poster.

    Read More “This Town Hall Could Have Been an Email”
  • | | | |

    Finding My Place in Ridgewood Enclave Commercial Shops

    Bygogo Fashion, iheartslFeed, JuicyBomb, Second Life, Uncategorized
    0 Comments
    Ridgewood Enclave Commercial Shops

    Let’s talk a bit more about the new Ridgewood Enclave Commercial shops.

    It’s clear that Second Life is still learning and refining things as they go. Since launch just a few weeks ago, we’ve already seen several covenant revisions, likely to better serve residents and clarify expectations. Personally, I’m fine with the rules as they stand, and I plan to keep my current shop long term. I’m Premium Plus Lifetime, after all. I’m not going anywhere.

    When I first blogged about these shops two weeks ago, I was settled in a different region with my friends. We hadn’t planned to move. These shops are always in high demand, and being together matters most to us. But when new regions released last week, an opportunity came up, so we decided to move together. We abandoned our shops and claimed new ones at Plaza Mercantile.

    I couldn’t be happier. We’re together again, and this time the region has a central pool and plenty of parking, which makes it feel even more complete.

    Ridgewood Enclave Commercial Shops
    My EEP Shop @ Plaza Mercantile

    I don’t have huge commercial ambitions, but I do enjoy having a shop in Second Life. For me, it’s less about business and more about shared experiences with friends. Right now, that experience just happens to be setting up our shops together. From the start, I knew that our enjoyment would depend on clustering near each other so we can promote and support one another. Unlike Linden Homes, where location can be everything, Linden Shops feel more about community than coordinates. That said, I still wanted both. Great neighbors and a beautiful location. I feel like I’ve found that here, and I don’t plan to move again unless a new theme is released.

    Tonight, I spent far too long learning how to properly drive and park my cars in front of the shop just to get photos. The 30 minute auto return is honestly a bit tight. My car kept disappearing before I could even take a picture. Still, I love the idea of being able to park outside. It adds so much life to the region.

    Ridgewood Enclave Commercial Shops
    My JuicyBomb Shop HQ @ PLaza Mercantile

    Even with the current demand, I don’t think Second Life should overdo it with these shops. Yes, they’re incredibly appealing, especially since they’re free with Premium Plus, but part of what makes them special is their scarcity. If there are too many, it risks turning into a sea of empty storefronts, and no one wants to be in a dead mall.

    Right now, my region feels active and lively, partly because I’m blogging and sharing it on social media. But maintaining that energy across many regions is another challenge entirely. The Lindens and Moles will likely have their hands full enforcing the covenant, so they’ll need to balance expansion with sustainability.

    One last thought. I still think these shops should be placed a bit farther from residential areas. Not everyone wants the glow of a neon storefront outside their bedroom window.

    Visit JuicyBomb @ Plaza Mercantile
    Visit Juicy @ Plaza Mercantile

    Read More “Finding My Place in Ridgewood Enclave Commercial Shops”
  • | | |

    Thoughts on New Skin from Glam Affair

    Bygogo Fashion, iheartslFeed, JuicyBomb, Uncategorized
    0 Comments
    Thoughts on New Skin from Glam Affair

    A small miracle has happened. Glam Affair just released a new skin called Lumi at Collabor88 and it’s pretty much perfect for me. For once, I didn’t have to start layering on tattoo fixes the second I put it on. I actually removed almost all of the usual tattoo layers I normally wear on my face, which honestly never happens.

    The skin has a bit of texture and a light dusting of freckles. Normally I’m picky about that kind of thing, but I don’t hate it. Lately I’ve actually been liking skin textures when they’re done well, and this one is. Right now, Glam Affair is easily my favorite skin brand in Second Life. I mean… obviously I’m going to wear my favorite. A lot of other brands are making very similar skins lately, and their ads are almost indistinguishable from each other with all the realistic hair and AI-enhanced images. But when you actually try the skins on, you can really tell the difference between a brand that’s above the rest and the others that feel more like a blurry imitation.

    I’m also weeks behind on shopping and blogging because I’ve been completely lost in Game of Homes. There’s been some drama with the newest theme, Copperfield Heights, but that’s a story for another day. I do want to tell it, but it deserves its own post.

    Thoughts on New Skin from Glam Affair
    Thoughts on New Skin from Glam Affair

    Look at this fabulous pose from the Different pose pack by Always Never. Normally I don’t credit poses, but this whole pack is fantastic and, as the name implies, it’s actually different from your usual fashion stands. It’s expressive and even includes a fun cigarette add-on. Available at Anthology.

    Read More “Thoughts on New Skin from Glam Affair”
  • | | |

    I Pink I Can

    Bygogo Events, Fashion, Second Life, Uncategorized
    1 Comment
    I Pink I Can

    I went to the I Pink I Can auction yesterday and placed a bid on a 6 month homestead, but I had to leave the house before it ended, so I knew I was going to lose. Normally, if I really want to win an auction, I wait until the last minute to bid. I’m not sure who won after me or how high it went, but all the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.

    If you’d like a chance to win raffles for a LeLutka mesh head, hair fatpacks, and more, the raffle ends today. You still have a few hours left to grab your tickets, which cost between L$50 and L$100.

    Visit I Pink I Can

    I Pink I Can
    Read More “I Pink I Can”

  • Mirror

    Bygogo Uncategorized
    0 Comments
    Mirror

    We’ve had proper mirrors in Second Life for almost a year now, and I don’t think I’ve used them as much as I should. Turning on high-resolution mirrors can feel a bit intense, so I don’t always keep them enabled, but I like knowing the option is there.

    I stumbled across the Meredith Wallpaper Arch from Apple Fall recently. The wallpaper prints are pretty hideous, but I bought it anyway to turn it into a giant wall mirror. Success! I love how it turned out. Mirrors could definitely make fashion blogging better since you can show outfits from different angles. Have you tried them yet?

    Mirror

    If you’re confused about how Second Life mirrors work, check out my Eternal Skies EEP Settings and Second Life Mirrors on the Marketplace. It’s a great place to start.

    I also stopped by Tres Chic because they said there’d be gifts, and I walked away with this cute Zella Corset Top from Little Fox. I’m also holding an adorable little gift, the Adventure Passport from Havoc.

    Mirror
    Read More “Mirror”
  • | | | | |

    Mood

    Bygogo Fashion, Hair, iheartslFeed, JuicyBomb, Second Life, Uncategorized
    0 Comments
    Mood

    Collaborations — everyone’s doing them. And honestly, it makes sense. In Second Life, brand collabs are a smart way to cross-promote and combine strengths to create something really solid.

    I’ve always thought Maximillion Grant of LOGO fame was an incredible animator. Long before LeLutka mesh heads came onto the scene, there was LOGO, and I still think the Chloe head was one of the cutest to ever hit the grid. It had such expressive animations, and for that reason alone, it’s always had a special place in my heart.

    So when I saw the Truth x LOGO collab, I was genuinely excited. It’s something different. Animesh hair isn’t something you see every day in SL, and it’s refreshing to see some innovation happening. Of course it makes sense for Truth to be part of that. It’s an OG brand teaming up with another OG. Both have been around for years and really know what they’re doing.

    I feel like such a ‘70s doll in this Mood hair paired with the Striped Jumpsuit from Shifuku. I’ve always had a soft spot for updos, especially when they come with a few wispy bangs to soften the look. If you’re looking for something comfortable but cute to lounge in this holiday weekend, you can grab the jumpsuit at Anthology.

    Mood
    Read More “Mood”
  • | | | |

    Berries

    Bygogo Fashion, iheartslFeed, JuicyBomb, Second Life, Uncategorized
    0 Comments
    Berries

    I went to Skin Fair! I tried on lots of skins and discovered a bunch of new to me brands. While I am genuinely excited about the 2k BoM options available, I had hoped to find Maitreya LaraX versions of new body skins, which I did not find this year.

    I recommend stopping by Sparkle Skye’s booth to check out the new floral body art sets and the free gift. Although I am not a huge fan of tattoos, because I don’t think I could pull it off, I still appreciate beautiful body art, stickers, and similar items.

    Sparkle Skye - Love Me (Flower Body Art)
    Sparkle Skye – Love Me (Flower Body Art)

    This weekend, I’ve been experimenting with the official Second Life viewer and updating all of the third-party ones. I’m excited to try the new Khronos tone mapper, but I will need to adjust all of my EEPs because now everything just looks way too bright. Currently, my EEPs are designed for the ACES tone mapper. If Khronos is the future, I hope Second Life and all third-party viewers will prioritize it as the first choice rather than a secondary option. I do not plan to release any EEPs until everything stabilizes; it is quite frustrating to redo them each time there is a color change in any of the viewers. Have you had a chance to try the new Khronos tone mapper in Second Life? I’m still getting over the shock of PBR colors, so now PBR + Khronos will be yet another new thing to adapt to.

    Read More “Berries”
  • | | | |

    Broken Doll

    Bygogo Fashion, iheartslFeed, JuicyBomb, Second Life, Uncategorized
    0 Comments
    Broken Doll

    I’ve been playing Once Human quite a bit with my friends lately, and it’s really opened my eyes to what makes Second Life so special. While there are definitely aspects of Once Human that Second Life could learn from, like implementing log-in and engagement rewards, here are some key things I genuinely appreciate about Second Life:

    • Unlimited Inventory Storage, accessible everywhere.
    • No Random Deaths, nothing can kill you.
    • Weather-Proof, you can’t die from extreme heat or cold.
    • Free Teleportation, getting around the grid is a breeze with free teleportation.
    • Unlimited Appearance Changes, I can switch up my look anytime I feel like it.
    • No Grinding Required, I can enjoy the game my way without endless grinding.

    As a first-timer in the post-apocalyptic MMO world, I was shocked to discover that changing my appearance comes at a cost—tokens! The grind is real, but playing with the right friends makes it wildly addictive.

    Right now, I’m taking a breather to try on some adorable items from the new round of Anthology. It’s still Spooktober, and I’m totally obsessed with the Broken Doll Joints overlay set from Badwill. I snapped two photos—one with the cracks and one without—and layered them in Photoshop. Afterward, I erased parts of the cracks that I didn’t want to keep. It would be amazing if there were options to mix and match the cracks across my body! I’ve never seen a broken porcelain doll tattoo before, so I was thrilled to rock this look.

    Today, I’m wearing the Paige dress from Seeker, which comes with a HUD featuring fall prints and solid colors. I can even customize the dress, straps, pockets, and metal buttons! And I’m always on the lookout for the perfect pair of loafers, and the Mood Loafers from Cheezu is so well made and it looks like it’s in PBR. They come with a HUD for changing the color of the shoes, soles, and socks—so stylish!

    Read More “Broken Doll”