027: Maxx (daddybootz) sits on my deck

I've known Maxx (daddybootz) for more than a year; I did a piece about his latest sculptures a while ago and this interview is one of the products of that interaction.  He's a busy guy -- we almost managed this a couple of times and finally did it almost on the spot, which I actually think is useful for this kind of interview. 

[15:01] Rusty Redfield: okay, tape recorder is -- <click> there we go.

[15:01] Maxx (daddybootz): hehehe

[15:02] Rusty Redfield: I'm recording.  Maxx, daddybootz, thanks for coming to sit on my dock

[15:02] Maxx (daddybootz): Hey thanks (wink)

[15:02] Rusty Redfield: we've been trying to do this now for a while!

[15:02] Maxx (daddybootz): Yeah I know, I get SO busy in SL sometimes.

[15:03] Rusty Redfield: I've known Maxx around the grid for a while, maybe even since I've been here.  Well, you're busy because you do a lot of stuff

[15:03] Rusty Redfield: You build and create and mmake and sell

[15:03] Rusty Redfield: anyway, audience, Maxx and I are friends, so don't expect me to be neutral here LOL

[15:03] Maxx (daddybootz): Yeah, through your former husband I think?

[15:04] Rusty Redfield: I know you were at our wedding reception

[15:04] Maxx (daddybootz): Yes, it was great, a real family affair

[15:04] Rusty Redfield: anyway! First question: 1. Why do you stay in Second Life?  What keeps you here?

[15:04] Maxx (daddybootz): Oh, wow.....well the first is I am disabled in RL so I have alot of free time. Instead of sitting in front of the Boob-Tube I come to SL.

[15:05] Maxx (daddybootz): I've also made extraordinary friendships here, long term ones

[15:05] Rusty Redfield: well, there you go, I didn't know that

[15:05] Rusty Redfield: I know many differently abled people come here to be on, like, equal ground

[15:05] Maxx (daddybootz): And of course I date here and love the creativity of all the things you can do in SL, neary instantnly.

[15:05] Rusty Redfield: understood

[15:05] Maxx (daddybootz): Ahh yes.

[15:06] Rusty Redfield: okay, one sec for the next question.

[15:06] Maxx (daddybootz): I mean, to be able to make a music box in mere seconds in SL when it would take weeks or months in RL is what draws me here too.

[15:06] Rusty Redfield: 2. What are the qualities that attract you to people in Second Life?

[15:06] Maxx (daddybootz): Ok

[15:08] Maxx (daddybootz): Hmm, definately their personality. I always ask people "How old are you? Where are you from? And what do you do for work in RL"? That way I have a grasp on them as a real person. Then I know who I am talking to ie some kid versus a mature guy who's been around the block a few times. Personality is huge for me; if you are bored or boring, then I will be too near you.

[15:08] Rusty Redfield: interesting!

[15:10] Maxx (daddybootz): In real life I have done tons of jobs; a real life lumberjack, in the US Navy, a shrimper, painter, truck driver, and now science fiction author. so I run into lots of different people and have learned to like it. I grew up in Idaho, where the deer outnumber the people, so diversity was kinda a shock for me at first cause in Idaho nothing is diverse; we're all pretty much the same. I didn't  even meet a Jew, Italian ,or Catholic until I was travelling as a truck driver in my 30s, haha.

[15:11] Maxx (daddybootz): i am 46 now.

[15:11] Rusty Redfield: I'm from a similar landscape a bit north of you. So I'm guessing one of the things that attracts you to people is -- that they're from a very different background than you?

[15:12] Maxx (daddybootz): Oh yes, nothing bores me more than someone exactly like myself. I grew up a strict Mormon, trust me I am sooooo not interested in doing what Mormons do anymore. Boring.

[15:13] Maxx (daddybootz): And I've some phenominally WEIRD people in SL, and I love it! HAHA

[15:13] Rusty Redfield: LOL and on the not boring side, I'm about to ask you what you do -- and I suspect that's such a long list I may have to do a save!!

[15:13] Rusty Redfield: 3. What are you working on, as a form of artistic expression or in order to earn money, or both?

[15:15] Maxx (daddybootz): Oh, well I am disabled in RL, so I am trying to keep from being homeless by being more serious about money making in SL. I NEVER made hardly a dime in SL until the last year or so. I ran the Top Services business and made tons and tons of money in the escort business, but I got burned out. I now make and mod sexy statues, ones that are super low prim (1-5 prims is an average). I really enjoy modding them. I have a brand new one as of yesterday that is a guy tied to a chair; he moans and makes random noises every once in awhile. I LOVE that sort of stuff; so creative.

[15:15] Maxx (daddybootz): Before SL was just "play" for me, now its not alot of play and more "work".

[15:16] Rusty Redfield: I know how hard you work, for sure.  Your Marketplace store is ... full of all kinds of different stuff.

[15:16] Rusty Redfield: and you have a couple of storefronts, etc.

[15:18] Maxx (daddybootz): Oh yes, I actually decided to consolidate all my stores onto one sim, a sorta megamall. I make tattoos, bumpers, unique gestures, all sorts of stuff. I am very diverse in my creativity. Being a "monomaniac" can be good if you make alot of money at it (making one product really well), but I am not so narrow focused. I have broad interests.

[15:18] Rusty Redfield: and a bunch of different skills.  I know that the understanding necessary to do a gesture is different than that for a mesh statue.

[15:19] Rusty Redfield: Or clothing. Or a corner store (what in Quebec is called a depanneur)

[15:19] Maxx (daddybootz): Oh yes, I dont make the mesh statues though, Krikket does, but I mod and resell them. I enjoy learning new skills but I am pretty old, computers are still a mystery to me, haha. I am still waiting for the day when I can just TALK to the damn computer and it will obey me, hahaha.

[15:19] Rusty Redfield: Or animated GIFs or or or LOL you do so many different things!

[15:20] Maxx (daddybootz): Yeah I enjoy that, I get inspired by others. I am working on a new line of AFK statues: sexy guys, monsters, etc

[15:20] Rusty Redfield: Can these be mannequins in stores? For the store's clothes?

[15:21] Rusty Redfield: well, not to worry. Maxx, be sure to come back and put in the comments directions for how to reach your stores and stuff. People are always curious.

[15:22] Maxx (daddybootz): Yes, they can, they are totally modifiable. I have seen one guy put clothes and prims on them, Haha. My megamall is located here:
Note: This is the first thing that didn't work, my lack of technical skills. You can find a store of Maxx's here, at Atlas Estates (231,196,21) and there is a poster on the back wall that will give you a list of all his stores.

[15:22] Maxx (daddybootz): And you can see my Marketplace store here:

[15:22] Maxx (daddybootz): https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/102105

[15:22] Rusty Redfield: I'mnot sure if those came across, but by the time I go to press with this, there will be something there, okay?

[15:22] Maxx (daddybootz): sure

[15:22] Maxx (daddybootz): you bet

[15:23] Rusty Redfield: You've just given me the Mega Mall LM, I'll take care of it

[15:23] Maxx (daddybootz): I can go to the mall and get the URL if you need it

[15:23] Rusty Redfield: Okay -- next question.

[15:23] Maxx (daddybootz): cool

[15:23] Maxx (daddybootz): ok

[15:23] Rusty Redfield: 4. If you could give advice to your earlier self in the first month that you spent in Second Life, what would you say?

[15:23] Maxx (daddybootz): oh WOW

[15:23] Maxx (daddybootz): Lets see....

[15:23] Rusty Redfield: heh heh I know, right?

Sorry, I garbled a few lines here when I was making a save. With Maxx's assistance, I moved forward ... 

[15:26] Rusty Redfield: okay! So "listen more".  Any other advice to newbies?

[15:27] Maxx (daddybootz): Oh, come see me! I LOVE making over new guys and have several folders to give new people. To date I have helped several hundred people in SL look better. Its sorta  happy hobby of mine, haha. Everyone who knows me knows to send their newb friends to see me! WINK

[15:27] Rusty Redfield: you know, that's right, I remember that

[15:27] Maxx (daddybootz): hehehe

[15:27] Rusty Redfield: you had a file of very useful landmarks!

[15:28] Maxx (daddybootz): yeah

[15:28] Maxx (daddybootz): all the best, baby!

[15:28] Rusty Redfield: I think I still have that somewhere LOL because I never throw anything away

[15:28] Maxx (daddybootz): I always send people to Spurt and Hubs first, cause they are the most trafficked.

[15:28] Maxx (daddybootz): Oh? The Newbie folder? :D

[15:28] Rusty Redfield: probably

[15:28] Maxx (daddybootz): haha, love it

[15:28] Rusty Redfield: it's all different now, though

[15:29] Rusty Redfield: so, go see Maxx, everybody ROFL

[15:29] Rusty Redfield: in the meantime, last question

[15:29] Rusty Redfield: 5. What do you like most about the way that your avatar looks?

[15:29] Maxx (daddybootz): well the Red Hug HUD is the the one I always give out in the newbie pack, I see you still use it, hehe

[15:29] Rusty Redfield: hah! that was a present from my husband

[15:30] Rusty Redfield: whom I'm thinking you probably denewbified! LOL

[15:31] Maxx (daddybootz): Oh......well that it doesnt age for one! This year in RL has been especially brutal for my family and my temples, moustache, and soul patch have gone completely white because of the stress. My grandfather nad granmother both died from cancer, my aunt is currently dying from breast cancer, and my mother is dying from kidney cancer, so LOTS of stress. I like my curly moustache and point beard the best; the Khar Dago hair is new for me and very long. Do you like it?

[15:32] Rusty Redfield: I have that same Khar Drago hair from my barbarian days, but the curly beard is new to me, it's cool

[15:32] Maxx (daddybootz): Cool cool.

[15:32] Rusty Redfield: so do you like to change what you look like all the time?

[15:33] Maxx (daddybootz): Yeah I love to change......outfits. I generally look like this. Paul Maracas custom made my shape and i LOVE it. I get tons of compliments on my shape, so I doubt I will ever change it. I do leather and latex very well, dont you think? 9wink)

[15:34] Rusty Redfield: I understand, and I agree, you DO seem to suit leather and latex.

[15:34] Maxx (daddybootz): Hahha, thanks bro.

[15:34] Rusty Redfield: Well -- that's all the questions. Anything you want to get out there about -- say, philosophy about Second Life?

[15:35] Rusty Redfield: I think EVERYBODY has something to say about philosophy in Second Life LOL

[15:35] Maxx (daddybootz): Hmmmm, kindness goes a LONG way in RL and SL. There are a ridiculous amount of vicious people in SL, don't be one.

[15:35] Maxx (daddybootz): I tell all my friends this, and newbs, and try to live like this as best I can.

[15:36] Rusty Redfield: Yes. I've forgotten exactly what the sign says, but something about that emotions are the only real things in SL so treat them carefully.

[15:36] Maxx (daddybootz): Its not necessary to be cruel, you know?

[15:36] Maxx (daddybootz): If you are having a bad day, LOG OFF.

[15:36] Maxx (daddybootz): I agree, and love that sign.

[15:36] Rusty Redfield: Yes, insetad of going to SL BECAUSE you're having a bad day LOL

[15:36] Maxx (daddybootz): Hahaha, indeed.

[15:37] Rusty Redfield: well, that's it for me! Just wanted to thank you for sitting on my deck -- nice of you to make the time -- and I think the interview will get a lot of attention!

[15:37] Maxx (daddybootz): hey thank YOU.......I had fun. You still look like a dwarf! (wink)

[15:38] Rusty Redfield: <grin> I wear muscles when I'm going to the bar; this body is for working ROFL

[15:38] Maxx (daddybootz): I hear you, grin

[15:38] Maxx (daddybootz): hugs HUGS

[15:38] Rusty Redfield: okay, machine is OFF <click>

Thanks again to Maxx for sitting down with me and go check out his stores!

025: Crito Galtier sits on my deck

It's been a while since I've done an interview; not because there hasn't been a lot of good subjects but nobody has time to sit down! But I scored a coup and managed to catch busy executive Crito Galtier in an expansive mood with a few minutes to spare. I first met Crito a while ago when I was considering entering the Mr. Terra Lascivus contest; I finally never did enter, for various reasons, but I really liked the way that he had set it up so as to avoid being a popularity contest. In fact I liked a lot of his philosophy and so I was delighted to pin him down and get him to tell my readers what he's up to.

I apologize for the presence of Petunia the basset hound in some of the pictures; she's hard to shift once she puts her mind to being somewhere.

Crito Galtier: Thanks you Rusty. It's so nice to be here with you.
[17:11] Rusty Redfield: heh heh do I sound like a disc jockey? LOL
[17:11] Crito Galtier: Not yet. hehe
[17:11] Rusty Redfield: Thanks for agreeing to do the interview.
[17:12] Crito Galtier: It's my pleasure.
[17:12] Rusty Redfield: I won't keep you from your many duties so -- here we go. Question 1, Why do you stay in Second Life? What keeps you here?
[17:12] Crito Galtier: Thank you for taking the time to talk with me.
[17:17] Rusty Redfield: I'm getting some snapshots while you think LOL
[17:18] Crito Galtier: I love the people first and foremost. It's exciting to meet so many new folks from all over the world. And also the amazing adventures Second Life has to offer makes it a fascinating place. There are so many incredible builds and so many talented people. And the talent is not just with the builds. As you know, there are some awesome artists who sing, play live music, photograph and such. Second Life is a microcosm of the real world that lets people be who they are while also letting them be someone they want to me. All of that amazes me and makes every day new and different and so enjoyable. I've been in Second Life four years now and everyday has been different and that make it such a wonderful adventure.
[17:18] Rusty Redfield: wow! it's great to hear someone with enthusiasm
[17:19] Rusty Redfield: I agree -- it's always such a pleasure and a privilege to be here, I think sometimes people forget that
[17:19] Crito Galtier: Oh yes! It's truly an exciting place to be and I do get excited about it.
[17:19] Rusty Redfield: well, that leads right into
[17:19] Rusty Redfield: 2. What are the qualities that attract you to people in Second Life?
[17:19] Rusty Redfield: I'm thinking enthusiasm! LOL
[17:24] Crito Galtier: Well, there are some truly hot avatars out there but that's secondary really. What attracts me to people is their genuineness, their kindness and the love they share with others around them. Too many people forget there are real people behind these pixels and it's important to me that the people I meet remember we are real people. And people who share are also important. I still remember the guy that took me under his wings and got me started when I first joined Second Life. That willingness to share and help people is an important trait and something we all have to do.
[17:25] Rusty Redfield: Very true. As they say, the only real thing here is the emotions.
[17:25] Crito Galtier: That is so true, Rusty.
[17:25] Rusty Redfield: well, here comes the shameless self-advertising part. 
[17:25] Rusty Redfield: 3. What are you working on, as a form of artistic expression or in order to earn money, or both? 
[17:26] Rusty Redfield: go ahead, blow your horn, that's why I ask LOL 
[17:33] Rusty Redfield: everything okay? 
[17:33] Crito Galtier: Until recently I've been working a lot on the new Terra Lascivus. There was a lot of work getting that built. My friends Robin and Mar'Kenn at Armana Designs did all the structural building and it was fantastic watching them create it all and working with them on the layout. Then I had a lot of landscaping and decorating to do, all of which I am constantly working on to make it fresh and better. I hate keeping things stagnant so there is always something to do around the sims. The new Terra Lascivus also has rentals so I have been working on that to help finance the sims. So far it's all gone quite well and I'm very happy with how it's all going. I have great tenants who love Terra Lascivus and that has led to more close friendships, which is most important to me. 
[17:33] Crito Galtier: OH yes! Very fine! 
[17:34] Rusty Redfield: it sounds very complicated. it sounds like you're enjoying all the work 
[17:34] Crito Galtier: I'm a slow typer. lol 
[17:35] Crito Galtier: I really do love the creative outlet that Second Life affords. Where else can we build lavish resorts like Terra Lascivus? It took Rome hundreds of years to build their cities and here we do it in weeks and months. 
[17:35] Rusty Redfield: By the way, just to drag in the reason we have been talking and you agreed to the interview -- my friend and blogging role model Eddi Haskell gave Terra Lascivus such a great review -- and your friends Robin and Mar'Kenn 
[17:36] Rusty Redfield: I know, it's astonishing, isn't it? And so the choices are difficult because you can literally have anything your mind can conceive of 
[17:36] Rusty Redfield: we met because I was thinking of running for Mr. Terra Lascivus a while ago -- how did the contest go? 
[17:37] Crito Galtier: Yes He did! Eddie is a wonderful guy and has an awesome blog. I was truly honored to catch his eye and love for Terra Lascivus. 
[17:37] Rusty Redfield: and it really is an awesome build. I spent like an hour taking selfies in the baths LOL 
[17:41] Rusty Redfield: the landscaping is so lovely -- there are no bad camera angles. and it has such a nice quality of peace and quiet. 
[17:41] Crito Galtier: The contest went very well. It's something I will do every year. AJ Wrightsmith won this year's competition. We had a lot of guys enter the contest. I ran it very differently from a lot of the contests here in Second Life. Too many are popularity contests and that is not what I wanted. I wanted Me Terra Lascivus to hold high qualities with regard to their personality and how they conduct themselves. The judges and contestants were all kept secret to avoid any favoritism and the process was a little hard. I modeled the contest after some of the guidelines from the Mr Gay World competition. I'm looking forward to continuing the contest year after year. 
[17:42] Rusty Redfield: we did talk about that -- I very much liked the way you had set it up 
[17:42] Rusty Redfield: I agree, there is no point in having a popularity contest, because that doesn't promote the brand you're trying to establish. 

[17:45] Crito Galtier: I'm so glad you like the surroundings at Terra Lascivus. As they say, "The devil is in the details" and it's the details and the realism you present in a sim that makes the difference between common and quality. 

[17:46] Rusty Redfield: Yes indeed. The small details make the big picture. 

[17:46] Crito Galtier: Yes it really does. I wonder how may people have noticed the birds and Rocky the squirrel at Terra Lascivus. 

[17:47] Rusty Redfield: so do you rent land only, or do you and your associates design houses and mansions? 

[17:47] Rusty Redfield: hah! you should give a prize for the best photo of Rocky the squirrel LOL 

[17:48] Rusty Redfield: I hope you noticed my basset hound Petunia behind you, she works her way into all the pictures LOL 

[17:49] Crito Galtier: I provide all the homes and landscaping at Terra Lascivus. I do that so I can maintain a level of integrity and quality. Robin and Mar'Kenn designed and built some awesome homes that are all quite large and have incredible detail. They are also set into the land very well and every one is different.

[17:49] Crito Galtier: Yes I did notice Petunia. I love dogs and I think they sense that about me.

[17:49] Rusty Redfield: I agree -- I think people respect that you have a vision for the whole sim. [17:55] Rusty Redfield makes a mental note to go on a photo expedition LOL 

[17:55] Crito Galtier: Just wear clothes there. lol 

[17:55] Rusty Redfield: oh, always LOL I'm shy that way

[17:55] Rusty Redfield: Okay! 

[17:55] Rusty Redfield: 4. If you could give advice to your earlier self in the first month that you spent in Second Life, what would you say? 

[18:01] Crito Galtier: Get out more! I spent most of my first three years in Second Life role playing a gladiator character in ancient Roman sims. I focused a lot on that role and really loved it. In fact, I owned an ancient Roman sim with my very good friend Filipa Thespian called Gods of Valor. There was enough good role play drama there to write a novel! But I limited myself too much to that genre and missed a lot of what Second Life has to offer. So I would tell my "new" self, explore more and discover what Second life has to offer. 

[18:02] Rusty Redfield: wow! I played in a roman sim for maybe a year -- loved the milieu. Yes, there are so many things that can delight people in SL, it seems a shame to stick to just one here. 

[18:02] Rusty Redfield: I look at it as an excuse to go shopping for new costumes

[18:03] Crito Galtier: Well as a gladiator all I wore was a subligaria - many people call it a man diaper. lol So there wasn't need to shope for much outside arena gear which had to be special to make a statement. 

[18:04] Rusty Redfield: I think I just like to shop for clothes LOL. 

[18:04] Rusty Redfield: which leads me to -- 

[18:04] Rusty Redfield: 5. What do you like most about the way that your avatar looks? 

[18:04] Crito Galtier: Me too and I am doing a lot of that now! There are some really great mesh outfits available now, 

[18:10] Crito Galtier: Funny you should ask that. I just celebrated my fourth rez day in Second Life and had pretty much the same avatar. I went through a make over recently so this avatar is all new to me. I'm still getting used to it. But I think it has a nice sophisticated look to it. 

[18:10] Rusty Redfield: First of all, congratulations on your fourth rez day! 

[18:10] Crito Galtier: Thank you! 

[18:10] Rusty Redfield: Yes, you look like an executive at an Internet company LOL 

[18:11] Crito Galtier: In some ways it feels like it's been ten years and in others way it feels like I got here yesterday. 

[18:11] Rusty Redfield: I know, right? there's always something crazy and new coming down the pipe 

[18:11] Crito Galtier: Maybe I should have worn my suit and tie 

[18:12] Rusty Redfield: hah! No, this is the boonies, we don't get dressed up here LOL 

[18:12] Crito Galtier: No wait, Internet executives all wear jeans now so I guess I do fit that model. 

[18:12] Rusty Redfield: well -- you mentioned a bunch of places that I know people will be curious about -- so come back and leave links and stuff in the comments, so people can travel there and check them out 

[18:13] Crito Galtier: I will do that! 

[18:13] Crito Galtier: I'll have you over to my home there when you have time. 

[18:13] Rusty Redfield: Crito, that's all my questions, but I do thank you for being so forthcoming and detailed 

[18:13] Rusty Redfield: and let's both thank Petunia for being particularly well-behaved LOL 

[18:14] Rusty Redfield: thank you for the invitation, I'll take you up on that! 

[18:14] Crito Galtier: Oh my pleasure, Rusty. I'm happy to talk to you and your readers any time. And thank you for this opportunity. 

[18:14] Rusty Redfield: any final words to newbies? That's who I always try to reach 

[18:19] Crito Galtier: I'm so glad you asked that question! Yes! Second Life is a truly wonderful place where you will meet some wonderful people. You will also meet some jerks. It's a lot like real life in that respect. Kick the jerks aside and move on to the wonderful people that are here. You are bound to make friendships that will last a lifetime. And, if you are really lucky, you may even meet someone so special you will want to spend the rest of your life with them. I know may people here where that has happened. I have friends here that will remain friends forever! And don't sweat the technical details. Those will come in time. Second Life will full of people that will help you out. Just don't be afraid to ask for help. 

[18:19] Rusty Redfield: dude! That is like 200 words, but the theme of my blog!! thank you!! 

[18:20] Crito Galtier: Did I ramble too much? hehe 

[18:20] Rusty Redfield: much, much appreciated. thanks so much for your time, Crito, I'm going to turn the recorder off now ... 

I have to say, I like this guy's wavelength. "Kick the jerks aside and move on to the wonderful people that are here. You are bound to make friendships that will last a lifetime." THAT is what I wish for me and everyone else in SL. Thanks, Crito Galtier!! 

010: Johann Brakkus sits on my deck

I was at a party this afternoon celebrating the anniversary of Romanum, a Roman-themed RP sim where I lived for a while last year. I ran into a lot of old friends and one of them, Johann Brakkus (musclefight) thought it might be fun to sit on my deck for an interview. Here's the verbatim transcript:

[14:19] Rusty Redfield: <click> there we go, recording now

[14:19] Johann Brakkus: ok

[14:19] Rusty Redfield: I'm here with my friend Johann Brakkus, aka Musclefight

[14:19] Rusty Redfield: who's very kindly agreed to a spur of the moment interview!

[14:19] Rusty Redfield: we've just finished at a party in Romanum, hence the Roman clothes

[14:20] Rusty Redfield: okay, first question

[14:20] Rusty Redfield: 1. Why do you stay in Second Life?  What keeps you here?

[14:21] Johann Brakkus: Hmmmmm, Second Life is a nice escape.  I get to role play a character I would never get to be in Real Life.  I have made some wonderful connections with other people...friendships I dare say.  I think that is what keeps me here.

[14:22] Rusty Redfield: see, this is easy LOL

[14:22] Rusty Redfield: okay -- question #2

[14:22] Rusty Redfield: 2. What are the qualities that attract you to people in Second Life?

[14:23] Johann Brakkus: Being nice, friendly, respectful.  Able to have fun...and understanding my bad sense of humor!

[14:24] Rusty Redfield: hahaha I think you have a GOOD sense of humour!

[14:24] Rusty Redfield: it's true, though, isn't it -- some people don't seem to be here to have fun, I don't understand that

[14:24] Rusty Redfield: anyway -- sorry -- next question

[14:24] Rusty Redfield: 3. What are you working on, as a form of artistic expression or in order to earn money, or both?

[14:25] Rusty Redfield: (feel free to plug your own business here BTW -- that's why I ask these questions)

[14:26] Johann Brakkus: I don't work!  I am here to play and have fun!  I don't worry about earning money here in SL.  So no interesting projects or business ventures here.

[14:26] Rusty Redfield: actually, I hear that a lot from people.  some people say creating their av is their art project...

[14:28] Johann Brakkus: If I were plug a specific business...my partner Rod runs a fun club...Rumpus!  It is a wrestling themed night club, with parties 3 nights a week, and a wrestling ring and locker rooms available at other times.  I would like to see that succeed very much!

[14:29] Rusty Redfield: oh good! I was hoping you'd mention that.  yes, Rumpus is great -- the parties are always filled with hot guys



[14:29] Rusty Redfield: okay, next question

[14:29] Rusty Redfield: 4. If you could give advice to your earlier self in the first month that you spent in Second Life, what would you say?

[14:31] Johann Brakkus: I would say to make friends with guys who have a lot of experience in world.  I had a couple of friends who really helped me out understanding how this place works. How to build a great avi, how to find groups, meet folks and have a great time!

[14:31] Johann Brakkus: I would also advise them to keep it light and fun.  Try to avoid drama and entanglements.  This world is what you make of it!

[14:31] Rusty Redfield: that's a good answer! actually that's part of the reason I'm doing this blog and these interviews, because when I was starting out, this is the kind of information I searched for online and didn't really find

[14:32] Rusty Redfield: but I agree, you've put your finger on some good points, thanks

[14:32] Rusty Redfield: and last question -- 5. What do you like most about the way that your avatar looks?

[14:33] Johann Brakkus: Hmmmm...so I'm supposed to sound all full of myself now and spout off how great I look?

[14:33] Rusty Redfield: <grin> if you don't, *I* might

[14:33] Johann Brakkus: I've been told my eyes are great to look into...

[14:33] Rusty Redfield: I think what I'm getting at is, what do you think you've done successfully to make your av look the way you want it to

[14:34] Rusty Redfield: and they certainly are a beautiful blue-green

[14:34] Johann Brakkus: I have to say...and this may sound odd..I like the way my avi's body hair looks...it gives some nice texture, but is not overwhelming

[14:34] Rusty Redfield: see? that was easy

[14:35] Johann Brakkus: I think the build is well proportioned.  This is my more muscled avi...I have a 2 other versions that are a little slimmer, but this is what I wear when I want to be a bit bolder.

[14:35] Rusty Redfield: are they all mesh l'Uomo bodies?

[14:36] Johann Brakkus: No, one is Mesh, the 'Gary' shape, I am wearing 'Scott' now.  The other is 'standard issue.'

[14:37] Rusty Redfield: thanks -- this is the kind of thing that helps new residents make up their minds about how to look the way they want.  That's all the questions -- any comments or anything you want to get off your handsome chest? <grin>

[14:39] Johann Brakkus: Awwww, thanks for the compliment, Rusty.  I think the only thing I have to add for a newbie is to keep it light, and have fun with it!  There's enough stress in Real Life, who needs more here!

[14:39] Rusty Redfield: Beautifully put.  Okay -- I'll just switch this off. <click>

Thanks Johann! Readers, if you want to sit on my deck, let me know.

006: Paul Sexias sits on my deck

My new neighbour Paul Sexias dropped by and was nice enough to agree to my standard interview.  He's on the right on the photo. Here's the verbatim transcript:

[19:42] Rusty Redfield: <click>

[19:42] Rusty Redfield: there, I've turned on the recorder.  So I'm going to print this verbatim; that way you don't get misinterpreted.

[19:42] Rusty Redfield: you okay?

[19:43] Paul Sexias: sure

[19:43] Rusty Redfield: Five questions.  #1: Why do you stay in Second Life? What keeps you here?

[19:44] Paul Sexias: I've met some great guys and have some good friendhships.  I want to keep in touch with them, and keep meeting people.

[19:44] Rusty Redfield: nice

[19:44] Rusty Redfield: yeah, it's all about the relationships, isn't it?

[19:44] Rusty Redfield: 2. What are the qualities that attract you to people in Second Life?

[19:45] Paul Sexias: At first, it's the look of the avatar.  I have to be attracted to how they look.  Then it's their personality.

[19:45] Rusty Redfield: Can you tell me more about that? "Their personality"?

[19:46] Paul Sexias: so they have a sense of humor....can they carry on a conversation......some of my friends are a bit domineering, while others are easy-going....just go with the flow.

[19:47] Rusty Redfield: great!

[19:47] Rusty Redfield: 3. What are you working on, as a form of artistic expression or in order to earn money, or both?

[19:47] Rusty Redfield: (this is where you get to do self-promotion LOL)

[19:48] Paul Sexias: right now, nothing.  I used to be a dancer when I first came to sl to earn money...but now I enjoy just dancing for fun and spending time with friends.  I never really got into any thing artistic in sl.

[19:48] Rusty Redfield: some people say that their avatar is their artistic expression.

[19:49] Paul Sexias: yeah, I gues that's true....I'm always tinkering with it

[19:49] Rusty Redfield: takes forever right?

[19:49] Rusty Redfield: LOL

[19:49] Rusty Redfield: 4. If you could give advice to your earlier self in the first month that you spent in Second Life, what would you say?

[19:49] Rusty Redfield: (see, this is easy LOL)

[19:50] Paul Sexias: Hmmmmmm......I think to try to find gay areas to meet other gays.  It took me awhile to find them, and living and mingling with "straights" is not my cup of tea.

[19:51] Rusty Redfield: oh, interesting.  How would you have done it in your first 30 days? Like, search for "gay" in the search field?

[19:52] Paul Sexias: yeah..........I didn't know there was a Search in sl....when I started I used the Second Life Viewer, which I found difficult to navigate.

[19:52] Rusty Redfield: ah but you're on Firestorm now?

[19:52] Paul Sexias: yfes I am

[19:53] Rusty Redfield: sorry, I was just making sure I could save this conversation.  Okay:

[19:53] Rusty Redfield: 5. What do you like most about the way that your avatar looks?

[19:54] Paul Sexias: That I look older...and hopefully somewhat unique.   There seems to be so many young college age looking avatars.....almost cookie cutter........turns me off.

[19:54] Rusty Redfield: LOL I always say that perfection here is commonplace, it's only imperfection that is interesting

[19:55] Paul Sexias: lol true....we always try to make the perfect avatar

[19:56] Rusty Redfield: it's hard to be unique here, for sure.  I was in a store the other day and the model in the picture looked just like me, only better LOL

[19:56] Paul Sexias: oh I doubt that

[19:56] Rusty Redfield: well -- I think some people come here to be the person that they want to be, and some people come here to be the person that they want to HAVE

[19:57] Paul Sexias: ah sort of living out their fantasy by being the other person

[19:57] Rusty Redfield: I guess

[19:57] Rusty Redfield: I'm not sure, it's not my style, but I know people do it

[19:58] Paul Sexias: yes me either.....it's easier for me to just be myself

[19:58] Rusty Redfield: <grin> well, believe it or not I am SLIGHTLY less well worked-out in RL ;-)

[19:58] Rusty Redfield: just one sec, I'll finish the interview -- if you're okay with that

[19:59] Paul Sexias: sure

[19:59] Rusty Redfield: we can go off record LOL

[19:59] Rusty Redfield: <click>



 

Thanks Paul! Readers, if you want to sit on my deck, let me know.

 

 

004: Thordin RedWolf sits on my deck

I'm a big fan of Andy Warhol and I had the idea the other night to emulate his work with Interview magazine.  This will be the first in what I hope will be a long series of interviews with friends and acquaintances about SL topics that interest me, and I hope interest you.  I'll try to ask everyone the same questions, until I think it's time to change it up; and provide a head shot and a full length shot, to show you who I'm talking to.



Thordin RedWolf came and sat on my deck and answered five questions, as follows, in his own words:

1. Why do you stay in Second Life?  What keeps you here?

DJing, RPing, friends ... sex..  hehe

2. What are the qualities that attract you to people in Second Life?

personality really. can be very hot, shitty attitude.. will not have a thing to do with you

3. What are you working on, as a form of artistic expression or in order to earn money, or both?

DJ at Virtual Bear and now Mystic Drive-in. Both really. Do not work RL, so the money I have in SL is what I earn. Mystic Drive-in is a center/launching point for my SL sister's Relay For Life campaign.

4. If you could give advice to your earlier self in the first month that you spent in Second Life, what would you say?

to be more careful on who being friends with. Bad experience can be a bitch .. even though also a good teacher.

5. What do you like most about the way that your avatar looks?

hehe.. everything. It has been 7 yrs in progress getting to look like this :) Only wish could look half this hot RL



If you want to come and sit on my dock, get in touch!