BSMA, Meeroos, and Stuffs :-D

It has been a little bit of time since I've blogged.  I have been INSANELY busy at both RL work and SL stuff!  But, now it's time for an update.  I'll do the quick stuff first and then tell you about the Breedables Secondary Market Association (which I'm very excited about!).

First, Carter's Cat House is really starting to come into its own.  We've gotten rave reviews from both the folks that come and from a very important blog called Breedables, Inc. http://breedables.wordpress.com/ If you haven't checked out this blog, you really need to.  They give you the skinny on just about everything that's going on in the breedables industry.  And, I'm not just saying that because they gave us a glowing review.  LOL  They really are a great source of information.  But, Carter's Cat House is starting to get really get off the ground.  Our group is getting closer to 200 members everyday and our subscribe-o-matic thinger has a BUNCH of people.  If you haven't come by the cat house, please stop by!  

We also have a calendar that I *think* everyone can view to stay updated on all of the stuff going on at Carter's Cat House.  https://www.google.com/calendar/render?hl=en&pli=1&gsessionid=boVgRltajDwmvbo7UsSIuA - if you can't view it, please let me know and I'll see if I can figure it out.  

MEEROOS!!!  Me, PsyLynn and Shynne have been in the closed beta group and it's closing today.  I thought that I would be heartbroken to see them go, but to be honest, I'm kinda glad.  And, it's not because I don't absolutely LOVE the Meeroos.  It's because the last part of the beta test was to see what happens if we starve the Meeroos.  They send incessant messages about starving and I sorta feel like I have Gitmo for Meeroos...  I feel like I should take up the grass and trees that I have setup for them, and put down a concrete slab and barbed wire.  Maybe even figure out a way to shame them in front of each other.  Now, I know that they're really just scripted pixels (the cutest lil' pixels I've ever seen in my life!).  And, I know that the only emotions they have are the ones given to them by the scripter.   However, I have never felt such guilt regarding a breedable in my life!  Please!  Take them away!!  Or, let me feed them!!  ROFL

And, finally - BSMA!  The Breedables Secondary Market Association (BSMA) was born from the idea that we’re all in the same boat, so to speak.  If all of the various venues that offer breedables had a space to discuss the issues that could possibly effect us all, then we’ll all be better off.  BSMA was birthed. Of course, this gave way to some other ideas and so some immediate short term goals got created.

1) Open an honest and meaningful dialogue with the creators of the breedables and the venue owners/employees.  Obviously, without the creators, we would not have the breedables that we love so much.  However, without the secondary market venues, there wouldn’t be a reason for them to reproduce.  I truly believe (because we see the breedables from the other side of the design desk) that we can offer views or ideas that they may have either overlooked or lost sight of.  This doesn’t mean that we expect the creators to take our thoughts as gospel.  What this is meant to do is to give all of us an opportunity to be able to walk a mile in each other’s shoes, so to speak.

2) Open an honest and meaningful dialogue between marketplaces.  Yes, we’re all competitors, but we’re all in the same boat, as well.  If one venue is suffering because of an issue that has the possibility to effect everyone, that it would be in all of our best interests to figure out a way to rectify it.  The only way this can happen is if we all have a safe place to come and bounce ideas off of each other or get support from each other regarding positive and negative things that occur in our markets.  It will also be easier for us to spot trends if we’re able to talk to each other in a safe space.

3) Start to figure out a way of promoting the industry in general.  Yes, this usually falls on the shoulders of the breedable manufacturer.  However, much like the AKC, I think it would be a boost to all of us if we were an advocate for the industry in general.  This will probably cost money, but split amongst all of us, it will be nominal.

4) Start to develop industry standards and practices for the secondary market.  I don’t mean “price fixing” or anything like that.  What I mean is general guidelines that can serve as a template for newcomers to the business.  Obviously, this will be a continuous conversation as the industry changes.  But, we can start that conversation now.

Of course, this is (hopefully) just the beginning of being able to effect our breedables industry in a positive way.  We already have a few breedable creators in the group and many secondary market venues.  If you’re an owner of a secondary market or a critical employee, please send Carter Giacobini a notecard for an invite to the group!

I hope that all of you have a GREAT day! 

Carter's Cat House is OPEN!! YAY!!

I'm so excited!!  Carter's Cat House is open!  I love the KittyCats so much that I opened my own auction house, marketplace and bid board area for them!  I'm also going to be holding a weekly "Best In Show" competition for everyone's favorite kitties!

These KittyCats are so awesome.  I love just about everything about them.  The textures are amazing, the animations are sooooooo cute and the accessories that people are making for them are absolutely gorgeous.  The creativity of everyone I've met in association with these lil' cuties is just fantastic.  If you take a look on Marketplace now, you'll see such an influx of stylish, innovative and well built items that have been created since the release of the KittyCats.  There's not only super cute chairs and cat trees, but things you would never think of for them.  And, what I love about most of these creations is that they're made for giving individual cats a place to chill - not just a huge holding pen like you see with horses or other breedables.

There's not only resale potential with these guys, there's also an entire community that's being built around them.  That's why I'm doing a "Best In Show" cat show every week.  It's free to enter and free to vote.  And, cash prizes given every week for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners!  I want to not only provide a space for people to resell their kitties and accessories, but to also allow a space for people to show off their pride and joy even if they're not wanting to sell it.  Why?  Because I get IM's everyday from friends that are so excited about one of the babies that they get and when I ask how much they're going to sell them for, they tell me that they could NEVER sell him/her.  And, I can totally understand where they're coming from.  I have a couple of KittyCats that I have just gotten so attached to.  Every time someone comes over to the house, I not only give them a tour, but I make sure they see my furry lil' friends hanging out in the living room.  LOL

I wanted to bring that sense of pride for all of the people that either rent space in the marketplace, use one of the bid boards, take part in the auctions or enter their KittyCat in our "Best In Show".  My goal for this venue is to give people a place to come with their KittyCats and talk with other owners, breeders and admirers.  I hope that the build I've done helps to emphasize that and to celebrate our kitties and owners.

Please take a moment to stop by - even if you don't own a KittyCat - and let me know what you think.  Do a search for "Carter's Cat House" and come by for a tour.  If me or one of my staff members are there, we'll be more than happy to show you around. :-D  Have fun!!

"Friendship is like pissing in your pants..."

"Friendship is like pissing in your pants.  Everyone can see it, but only you can feel its true warmth."

 Second Life has a way, sometimes, of making people seem disposable.  I don't know if it's because there are so many people constantly around.  Or, maybe it's because all you see are pixels and the people behind them get forgotten.  Or, maybe it's just because this is the way our world culture is "progressing".  Whatever the reason, it seems that holding onto friendships in SL is harder than RL.  To some, this means that they don't even try to make true connections with people.  To others, it means that when you find someone that your heart reaches out to, you try your best to keep them close.

If the truth be told, I'm not the easiest person to get close to.  I'm easy to be an acquaintance to, but a true friend to me is more than just a couple of shopping trips, clubbing adventures or going to newbie places to mess with the newcomers.  Friendship to me is precious.  It's sacred.  It's almost like G-d's way of giving me a helping hand during the rough times and someone to celebrate with in the best times. They're my confidants when I need a safe place to talk about something that I don't want the entire world to know.  They're my biggest cheerleaders and my best critics.  A true friend to me is someone that will lift me up while still keeping me grounded.

I strive everyday to be the same for them.  That's not easy for me and I know that I'm not successful everyday.  I tend to lose myself in the latest project I get involved in or isolate myself on my little build platform as I futz with some idea I have.  That doesn't mean that I love them any less, it just means I need to try harder to be there for them as they've been there for me.  And, I hope that, even on the days when I'm not successful, they know that I love them and they're in my thoughts.
 
To my dearest friends, I say, "Thank you for being there for me and loving me.  Thank you for keeping me close and allowing me to be exactly who I am with you."

If Being Sexy Were A Crime, I'd Be Guilty As Hell! ROFL

I rezzed into SL in December of 2006.  After I got rid of the newbie look, I became a model and was one of the top models in SL for a bit of time.  Because I was known for my "look", I had only really updated my skin, hair and shape - but never really revamped it.  Then I retired this avi for a bit and when I came back, a very dear friend said, "Carter... You need to update yourself."  So, I did.  I basically made the updated version of my avatar.  Sort of like the new version of the Volkswagen Beetle - It still looks the same, but not as dated.

As you can probably tell, I get bored fairly easily.  And, I got bored of making over my alts for fun.  So... You can guess what that means...  MAKE OVER TIME FOR CARTER!

My first step was to look at my skin.  When I came back to SL, I had gotten the Noah skin by La Vie.  It's a beautifully done skin.  But...  It was time for a change.  So, I looked at some skins and none really impressed me until I found Dem-Dou skins.  They're fit looking without the ridiculous six-pack abs that are on most male skins.  And, they're young looking without looking like a child.  They've also got an intensity to the face that is really cool.  The only issue with the skin after I put it on was that it made my nose look HUGE and my lips were ridiculously large.  I looked like I had gotten beaten by Rheanna's ex-boyfriend.  So, I needed to bring down the features of my face a bit.  New eyes were in order, too, so I actually just wore some eyes that I already had in my inventory that didn't look good w/ my previous skins, but I loved.  They add some intensity to the look, too.  LOVE them.

I brought my nose down a lot, but it still looks a little bit like I had gotten a cheap nose job, so I'm still working on that.  And the lips?  I now look fairly normal, even though they're a little bit more plum than I'd like.  But, I'm really satisfied by the overall look.  One of my dear friends said, "Carter, every time you make a change you get younger and younger.  What are you running from?  Pretty soon, your son is gonna look older than you!"  ROFL!  I do look younger, but that's the beauty of SL, I can be 21 yrs. old forever!

I was showing a friend of mine my new house after I had given myself the make-over and I forgot to tell her about it.  I was more excited about the house.  So, I tp'd her in and started the tour.  We had gotten through a couple of rooms and all of the sudden, she was like, "WHOAH!  Hold up!"  I stopped in my tracks thinking that she found something really wrong with the house.  She cammed over to my face and said, "Did you get new skin?"  I laughed and told her that I had and asked her opinion.  What did she say?  LOL!  "I don't mind it..."  LOL!

Another dear friend (that I've known for YEARS) tp'd in to see my make-over and she was like, "Well, it's more intense," and she changed the subject.  ROFL!

I sooooo love my friends.  They say that a man is lucky if he has 2 or 3 very close friends.  I'm lucky enough to have an SL mom (Skeye), dad (Tome) and son (Kerwin) that are truly family in all of the best ways.  Dar has known me forever and has a permanent place in my heart.  Shynne and PsyLynn are newest to my life and already feel like family.  I love these people with all of my heart.  One of the things that I love the most is that they know how to tell me how it is.  They may not be in love with my new look, but they still love me.  And, the new look may not stay, but one of the great things about SL is that I can change it anytime I want.  Any plastic surgery that I have done, I can reverse with a simple click of the mouse.

So, I may not be completely guilty of being sexy... but, at least it's different.  LOL  Again, if I could figure out how to post pics, I would.  :-D

As I Live and Breed

For those of you that don't know, I'm totally addicted to breedables.  The two breedables that I have are Amaretto horses and KittyCats.  I love them.  I don't know what it is about them that I love so much, but, each time I log into SL I check them first.  Truth be told, I check them even before I answer my IM's or read notecards from people.  Strolling through my barn and checking my KittyCat breedery in my skybox is my main ritual everyday.  On the days that I'm expecting an extra special bundle or kitten box, I walk into my bedroom after RL work and start up my computer as I'm changing out of my work clothes.  As my SL is logging me in, I get my Diet Mountain Dew ready and my cigarette lit.
OK, so as I re-read that, I realized that I'm totally obsessed and I'm totally OK with that.  Why?  Because they're AWESOME!
Now, even though I still love my horses, I'm getting kinda bored with them.  I either have the coats that I love or don't want to spend a ridiculous amount of money to get them into my herd.  I currently have about 60-70 horses and about 60 bundles waiting to be birthed. I have a couple of 5 traited red Andalusians that all started from one of my holiday limited edition horses that keeps giving them to me.  And, after the update from Amaretto, my beautiful deep red beauties now look like some poor lil' albino child that was left out on the beach for about 5 hours. My red Pintos look like they were wearing a fur coat and attacked by PETA activists with red paint.  After I saw how my red Andies came out, I was heartsick.  I could almost feel their value dropping as the update continued through my barn.  There was one red Andy that was spared from the update because she was pregnant (the updater was unable to update pregnant horses).  She gave birth and I found myself actually apologizing to the horse before I updated her...  
Poor thing...  I think she saw it coming...  She didn't stand a chance...  The miniature Amaretto barn left the updater barrel and headed right to her...  Then... Then she momentarily disappeared as she got updated...  When she came back she was like the others... *wipes a single tear from his eye*
 I'm sure that my sudden boredom is related to the update.  We were promised more surprises by the end of February.  Nothing.  I neeeeed new traits or new coats or something.  Give me something.  Anything.  Help me heal from the destruction of my red coated babies!  I WANT JUSTICE!  Or, at least something really cool.
I do wanna be clear about a couple of things.  I LOVE the new sculpties that are being used on the horses.  In my opinion, I think the heads look more realistic and the mane and tales are fantastic.  Their eyes are BEAUTIFUL!  They did such a great job with them and the horses are even more striking than they were before.  Even the starter eyes are beautiful.  And if I get a Sapphire Heartshine eye on one of my black walkers?  *swoons*  A Wind Element eye on any of my horses? *brings his hand to his heart and sighs*  Heaven!  All that being said, Amaretto has until the 5th before I liquidate my herd. 
For those of you that haven't seen the new KittyCats, you really need to.  They're sooooo cute!  And, I'm not even a cat lover.  But, their coats are amazingly detailed.  Their animations are so cute and they actually seem to recognize when you walk up to them because their eyes and head look right at you.  They paw at the floor and chase butterflies that they emit.  One of mine actually got under the couch.  These little furry angels have been out for approximately a month and I have about 40-50 of them.  I couldn't stop buying them as the first ones I got were gaining age and love getting ready to breed.  Now they're breeding and I'm a little scared I'm about to be over run.  LOL  But, they're so cute!!  I wish I knew how to add photos to this blog because I would share some pics of my favorites.  I'm so in love with them.
Besides all of the beauty that these cats have, I also love the fact that the creators put a lot of thought into the secondary market (meaning the resale of the bred kittens).  It's so obvious to me that they looked at the mistakes that Amaretto, Ozimals and Wildwoods had and made sure that they wouldn't repeat them.  The breeding times are slow enough to keep the market at a good pace, but quick enough so we don't get frustrated.  There is no pregnancy period (they have the babies as soon as the love gets up to 100% on both the male and female) and there's no birth recovery.  Which means, if you get a great breeding pair, they'll always gain love at the same rate.  It takes about a week for the cats to have another baby (Amaretto is about 10 days).  There's not a single thing that I would change about them so far.  Well... except that it takes 30 minutes to birth the kittens.  And, I would change the packaging that the kittens are in before they're birthed.  They look a little too much like chinese food take out containers not to make jokes about it.  I've already named my Siamese "General Tsao".  ROFL
Well, I was going to talk about my makeover today, but I think I'll save that for tomorrow.  I've rambled on about the breedables enough. :-D  See you tomorrow!

"I Think, Therefore, I Blog"

I purchased a sign for my newly rezzed office that says, "I think, therefore, I blog".  I loved the sign, but I had never really written a blog.  So, I spent a couple of hours looking through some other SL related blogs and thought to myself, "I'm highly opinionated!  I have semi-decent writing skills!  I love telling people what I think about topics that probably don't mean a thing to them!"  And, my blog was born...  All because I like a sign that came with an office set...  You have the incredible furnishings store called {What Next} to thank for this.  They will be my official complaint department.

Let me start off with a fairly hot topic: The Great RedZone Debate
For those of you that have never heard of RedZone or for those that don't know about the controversy, let me sum it up fairly simply for you.  RedZone is a gadget that looks at everyone's IP address that enters your sim, compares it to other IP addresses that have been recorded on other sims by owners of the same gadget and determines which people have alts and gives you the names of the discovered alts.  It also has the capability of possibly disclosing a person's IP address if the creator of the gadget decides to do so (which he has threatened to do if he's shut down by LL).  LL has updated their TOS and removed RedZone from the marketplace, but not from inworld users that already have the gadget.

When I first heard about this, I was a bit torn.  I was mostly torn because I didn't know that the creator was, essentially, holding the IP addresses hostage in exchange for the ability to continue his business.  Then I found out about the obvious blackmail technique being used by this dingle berry in avatar form.  I'm sorry that his product (that I own, btw...) has been banned by LL.  However, to threaten the release of people's RL locations is both reprehensible and irresponsible.  I say...  Off with his head!

I also think that this is a real opportunity for LL to figure out a way for people to ban the main avi and the alts associated with that avi at the estate level.  But, I'm personally more concerned with other issues that Second Life is facing.  I don't want LL to divert its already limited personnel to work on an issue that has plagued and will plague SL as long as the grid is up and running.  

And, that, my friends, is my first worthless opinion!  Congratulations!!!!  You made it through with only minor emotional damage.  Do you think you have the strength to carry on? I dare ya...



Next Topic:  Decorating Fun With My SL Son!

As the first paragraph eluded to, we did some heavy-duty decorating.  I had started to build a house for my son and I.  However, as many projects go...  I lost steam before it was done.  So, after walking around the build for the longest time trying to get motivated, I went over to my all time favorite prefab place called Dominion Custom Homes.  They released a new house called the Lynn Haven.  Personally? I think it should've been called "Lynn Heaven".  I love this house!  After a couple of quick mods (I took off the garage doors, put up the wall, took out the wall between the old garage and the adjacent bedroom, creating a bedroom suite for myself.  I also retextured my son's bedroom and retextured the outside to make it fit in more with my sim by using cedar shingle siding and regular shingle roof shingles instead of the stucco and clay roof tiles used on the original.), my son and I were ready to decorate.

I searched through my inventory and took out all of the "must haves" for any house I live in and then searched for other stuff that would work in the home.  Luckily, I didn't have much that I wanted to see, again, so I had an excuse to go shopping.  I tp'd my son to the first store we went to.  It was called, {What Next}.  To say that I fell in love with this store would be like saying that you get moist from a tidal wave.  I LOOOOOVE this store!  Love it.  Can't get enough of it.  Every single room in the house has most of its furnishings from them.  I got the stools for the kitchen counter, the living room set, the bedroom set for me, some chairs for my son, another living room set for by the fire place, the patio furniture and various other decorations from them.  And, of course, the now notorious office set that is the reason that this blog got created.  They even had kid's galoshes that I put by the front door for where it looks like my son takes them off after coming in from playing in mud puddles.  This store ROCKS!  I think I made their tier last night by myself.  LOL  You're welcome, {What Next}.

We also went to Lisp and a couple of other stores.  Our house is finally done (with the exception of finding a couple of more art pieces) and we love it!  My son was so excited that he tp'd in a couple of his friends - which made me very happy. :-D  I love seeing him happy, proud and excited.  He's such a good soul and deserves to be in a house that he loves.


And, that's all for today.  What's on for tomorrow?  KittyCats, breedable horses and my makeover.