My last post was so long that I did not get to say thank you to the music community.
I see so many of you so involved in working with Relay for Life. I am soooo proud of being just a small part of this community. Many performers are appearing relay weekend. Some of you have offered your performances to be auctioned off. I attend Relay for Life events across the grid and always see live performers giving their time, their support. Managers and venue owners offering their support, and creativity and working toward making this the best relay ever.
Personally, I would like to thank the following venues for their support in the Relay Weekend Directory, this directory will go out to all that visit and participate in the relay and the huge event weekend. You are not only supporting Relay for Live and making a difference in the lives of so many, but you are also giving more exposure to the Second Life music community. Each of you when, I asked just opened your hearts without any question, that means so very much to me.
Liz Harley -- Key West Resort and Marina
Raredred Nightfire -- The Drunkin Drow
Mara Menges - RMS Titanic
Gwampa Lomu -- Gwampa's Dance Camp
Katspurs Mistwallow -- The Ragged Edge
Joi Shepard -- The Star Bar Martini and Jazz Club
Daten Thielt -- Romantica Yacht Club
I truly feel as though I belong to the very best community.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
My Experiences and Observances the last couple of weeks
I am always thankful to be a part of the live music community in Second Life. I have visited many venues and seen a ton of new performers --new to me anyway. I have seen a community that thinks with its heart. But just like anything else in the world, I have also seen some things that can make me ashamed of parts of it. Everyone always says good news or bad news first. I think I will start with a couple of disappointments I have seen...getting the negative out of the way.
One of them takes me back to an instance that I had with a performer. She was okay, but not someone that I would have kept at my venue. Though I had placed her next to some of the most well liked performers and some of the most talented in Second Life. When we stopped her run on the venue, she could have gotten upset up with me, but instead she attacked the other artists. Telling me that they had no talent and were not the best in Second Life, but that she was. It amazed me that she would turn on her peers that way. Truly the first time I had run across that prima donna attitude in the female performers in Second Life. I wish I could say that I had not seen a similar attitude from a male performer, but I have....now I would hope that most of you know by know who must be the most egotistical male performer in Second Life. I remember back when we were on speaking terms and he was going through a get rich quick scheme by helping other performers, bringing him to the venue to hear a performer from Australia. Keeping his opinion to himself or im'd the performer would have been one thing, but instead he chooses to tell the performer what he sounded like and what he was doing wrong in local. Needless to say, I was embarrassed that I had brought him, and even more so that I had promoted him to the performer. This past week brought up another instance, this time on the second raters site. Someone actually was rude enough to attack the owner about the owner's rating, and did so publicly. Many would say this shows the ignorance of the person that makes those kind of statements. For me, it is an embarrassment to the very community that I am a part of. A community that as a whole, I would normally be proud of. Though I do not know the performer nor have heard them, now I never will. It is one thing to discuss facts, it is another to resort to stupidity. Though in this case the people that did that, well maybe, they should look up the meaning of subjective opinion.
Another thing that happened this week, I heard a performer, which I thought was pretty good, so I im'd his manager to get info and rates. Those that know me know that I look for four things when I book someone. 1. talent, 2. following. 3 promotion of venue, and 4 rates. If all four come together then I will try to book them. Some performers can cost more than others....now this could turn into another conversation all together. But yes I am one of the venues that will spend the money....but the traffic they bring and their promotion of the venue as well as their talent warrants what they ask for. As far as this other perform was concerned, his group size was small yet his rates were higher. I questioned it, and wow it was an answer i was not ready for. Turns out the manager represents a few performers and is also a venue owner. She actually told me that she does not think about that because her venue group is a combined group for all the performers, and that it is higher. I suppose for her venue this is a good thing.....but not in sending the performer out to other venues. I was left with a pretty sour taste in my mouth.. I am still trying to figure out how that works for other venues.....maybe one day I will actually understand it.
Now the fun part of writing this blog, sharing all I have seen and some of what I have heard. If you have not had the chance to hear Nad Gough....then run to see him...absolutely awesome. On that note though, I also need to mention the venue...Cascadia Music Park - Moondance....this is an wonderful venue, with only one downfall....I could not find the tip jar to tip the venue.
Some other notable performers that I have stumbled across on my mission to hear them all.....
Crooner Carlucci---takes you back to the Dean Martin era....if you're really lucky -- im him while he is performing, he has the most contagious giggle. Bruce Scrabblebat at the Ragged Edge....Bruce not only impressed me, but the venue is pure fun. Love country music? Dumplings Country Music Dance Club is a great place to go.
Other extremely noteworthy venues I have visited include Felix Cove and Lost Moonatic Cave, and one of my favorites (mostly cuz the name is so much fun)I like it like that Club, Heri's Place, Off the Rails, Up the Creek, HS Trillium Music Park "Keeping the Spirit of Giving Alive", and Khisme's Place. I absolutely love going to other venues and seeing the creativity involved in each one. The names alone show a part of that creativity.
There are other performers I have seen that have completely wowed me. And many of them have been around a while, but it was my first time seeing them....How have I missed seeing PM BookmiteSaraMarie Philly, all I can say is wow.
On that note, I have been urged by one Mr. Sid Slade to go and listen to Phil Stetnor, Sid drove me absolutely crazy about it when I was doing the line up for the ballroom. Do you think I listened....noooo not hard headed me...until yesterday. I attended some of the 4th anniversary celebration of Frank's Jazz and omg.....Phil has to have one of the best voices I have heard. Now I must hang my head down and shuffle my feet and tell Sid...the words I hate to use....that he was right.
As the day went on, I also heard another performer new to sl, but not new to performing. She has a voice that will send you off into another world..her real life professionalism and talent truly displays itself in her shows..If you have a chance to hear Samara01 Resident, grab that chance, the voice on this performer, the versatility....giggles you know I booked her. But also in talking to her, we found some very close ties, and I know I met a special friend as well.
A very special Congratulations to Nanceee Sinatra, Frank's is truly a wonderful place, one that no one can compare to, you have outdone yourself for 4 years. I do not believe there is an sl resident that does know of Franks, you have accomplished something others only think about.
One of them takes me back to an instance that I had with a performer. She was okay, but not someone that I would have kept at my venue. Though I had placed her next to some of the most well liked performers and some of the most talented in Second Life. When we stopped her run on the venue, she could have gotten upset up with me, but instead she attacked the other artists. Telling me that they had no talent and were not the best in Second Life, but that she was. It amazed me that she would turn on her peers that way. Truly the first time I had run across that prima donna attitude in the female performers in Second Life. I wish I could say that I had not seen a similar attitude from a male performer, but I have....now I would hope that most of you know by know who must be the most egotistical male performer in Second Life. I remember back when we were on speaking terms and he was going through a get rich quick scheme by helping other performers, bringing him to the venue to hear a performer from Australia. Keeping his opinion to himself or im'd the performer would have been one thing, but instead he chooses to tell the performer what he sounded like and what he was doing wrong in local. Needless to say, I was embarrassed that I had brought him, and even more so that I had promoted him to the performer. This past week brought up another instance, this time on the second raters site. Someone actually was rude enough to attack the owner about the owner's rating, and did so publicly. Many would say this shows the ignorance of the person that makes those kind of statements. For me, it is an embarrassment to the very community that I am a part of. A community that as a whole, I would normally be proud of. Though I do not know the performer nor have heard them, now I never will. It is one thing to discuss facts, it is another to resort to stupidity. Though in this case the people that did that, well maybe, they should look up the meaning of subjective opinion.
Another thing that happened this week, I heard a performer, which I thought was pretty good, so I im'd his manager to get info and rates. Those that know me know that I look for four things when I book someone. 1. talent, 2. following. 3 promotion of venue, and 4 rates. If all four come together then I will try to book them. Some performers can cost more than others....now this could turn into another conversation all together. But yes I am one of the venues that will spend the money....but the traffic they bring and their promotion of the venue as well as their talent warrants what they ask for. As far as this other perform was concerned, his group size was small yet his rates were higher. I questioned it, and wow it was an answer i was not ready for. Turns out the manager represents a few performers and is also a venue owner. She actually told me that she does not think about that because her venue group is a combined group for all the performers, and that it is higher. I suppose for her venue this is a good thing.....but not in sending the performer out to other venues. I was left with a pretty sour taste in my mouth.. I am still trying to figure out how that works for other venues.....maybe one day I will actually understand it.
Now the fun part of writing this blog, sharing all I have seen and some of what I have heard. If you have not had the chance to hear Nad Gough....then run to see him...absolutely awesome. On that note though, I also need to mention the venue...Cascadia Music Park - Moondance....this is an wonderful venue, with only one downfall....I could not find the tip jar to tip the venue.
Some other notable performers that I have stumbled across on my mission to hear them all.....
Crooner Carlucci---takes you back to the Dean Martin era....if you're really lucky -- im him while he is performing, he has the most contagious giggle. Bruce Scrabblebat at the Ragged Edge....Bruce not only impressed me, but the venue is pure fun. Love country music? Dumplings Country Music Dance Club is a great place to go.
Other extremely noteworthy venues I have visited include Felix Cove and Lost Moonatic Cave, and one of my favorites (mostly cuz the name is so much fun)I like it like that Club, Heri's Place, Off the Rails, Up the Creek, HS Trillium Music Park "Keeping the Spirit of Giving Alive", and Khisme's Place. I absolutely love going to other venues and seeing the creativity involved in each one. The names alone show a part of that creativity.
There are other performers I have seen that have completely wowed me. And many of them have been around a while, but it was my first time seeing them....How have I missed seeing PM BookmiteSaraMarie Philly, all I can say is wow.
On that note, I have been urged by one Mr. Sid Slade to go and listen to Phil Stetnor, Sid drove me absolutely crazy about it when I was doing the line up for the ballroom. Do you think I listened....noooo not hard headed me...until yesterday. I attended some of the 4th anniversary celebration of Frank's Jazz and omg.....Phil has to have one of the best voices I have heard. Now I must hang my head down and shuffle my feet and tell Sid...the words I hate to use....that he was right.
As the day went on, I also heard another performer new to sl, but not new to performing. She has a voice that will send you off into another world..her real life professionalism and talent truly displays itself in her shows..If you have a chance to hear Samara01 Resident, grab that chance, the voice on this performer, the versatility....giggles you know I booked her. But also in talking to her, we found some very close ties, and I know I met a special friend as well.
A very special Congratulations to Nanceee Sinatra, Frank's is truly a wonderful place, one that no one can compare to, you have outdone yourself for 4 years. I do not believe there is an sl resident that does know of Franks, you have accomplished something others only think about.
Friday, June 17, 2011
An Update & Observations
With everything coming to the end of Relay for Life, I have been extremely busy. Yet working to keep up with the music community as well. So I will update from previous things I have mentioned that I have not followed up on.
Destination Guide and being in there once or twice, I apologize but I have not had the time to put the different places in there. I have taken the time to parcel off both music venues as well as the amusement park, but that is as far as I have gotten....there is a chance that I will not get further until after Relay for Life completes.
Secondraters.com. I am still laughing about the performers that are afraid to be rated by their peers and sl residents. In my humble opinion, that tells me you are afraid that you may not be as great as you try to make everyone believe, and that others will see that. The list of performers in there is truly growing....while I am working on other things I am trying to get out and see performers I have never seen before...smiles and venues. Some of the things that amaze me is the lack of venues that take advantage of the signage trade. We are all about exposing sl music and helping it to grow. That is what this site does, it encourages people to take an active interest in the performers in sl. From a networking perspective, and keeping my own venue's name out there, I am proud to exchange signs. Though I tend to think the same way about many things, many times the way to keep our names out there, especially without it costing us as venues more USD can be time consuming. Everyone wants answers, answers take effort on all our parts.
If promoting your venue, or your work as a performer in SL is important to you, please im me in world and I will point you in the right direction so that you may also support Relay for Life through your efforts and do so at a pittance of a cost to you. 2000 L and up.
Destination Guide and being in there once or twice, I apologize but I have not had the time to put the different places in there. I have taken the time to parcel off both music venues as well as the amusement park, but that is as far as I have gotten....there is a chance that I will not get further until after Relay for Life completes.
Secondraters.com. I am still laughing about the performers that are afraid to be rated by their peers and sl residents. In my humble opinion, that tells me you are afraid that you may not be as great as you try to make everyone believe, and that others will see that. The list of performers in there is truly growing....while I am working on other things I am trying to get out and see performers I have never seen before...smiles and venues. Some of the things that amaze me is the lack of venues that take advantage of the signage trade. We are all about exposing sl music and helping it to grow. That is what this site does, it encourages people to take an active interest in the performers in sl. From a networking perspective, and keeping my own venue's name out there, I am proud to exchange signs. Though I tend to think the same way about many things, many times the way to keep our names out there, especially without it costing us as venues more USD can be time consuming. Everyone wants answers, answers take effort on all our parts.
If promoting your venue, or your work as a performer in SL is important to you, please im me in world and I will point you in the right direction so that you may also support Relay for Life through your efforts and do so at a pittance of a cost to you. 2000 L and up.
Friday, June 3, 2011
It is a shame that some could take a good thing and turn it around
Wow the list goes on. I have spent time at Bliss Garden Center, first many of us know how amazing Luna Bliss with her builds....her venue MotherTree Concert Area - Heart Of The Rainforest - Na'vi Navi....all I can say is WOW!! She had Torben Asp there, a brilliant composer and so wonderful to just relax and listen to his music, add in the light show there are no words.....................
I have to hand it to Oceanus, Tia & Remy not only made one of the most beuatiful venues and one thing I have learned that soooo many of the performers I had not heard appear there. They keep talent on their stage :) Today I got to see paradorn Ansar there....an extremely talented performer.
It is funny as I was working on this off and on today, I had a huge laugh to myself. Someone wondered if I was secondraters.com simply because my logo was on there. Maybe they did not read the part that talked about signage trading. What was even funnier as I told them I would pass their name along, is that what it boiled down to was the performer wanted to be removed. It does not take much to stop and think about which performer has the largest ego in SL........He wants to be taken down from the site, now as the cynical person that I am, I would say that is because the residents are rating him at low numbers compared to the other talent out there. Though I am sure the reasons given, will be different....when he is winning something or bragging about what he has done in SL ...laughing to myself.
Something else has come to my attention and I think it is sad if it is true. I have heard that there are some performers that have sent out requests for people to vote for them. Last I checked it was not a voting system, but rather a rating system. Also it shows many of the performers they did not know even existed. Rather than turn it into a competition, I do not in my heart feel it was meant that way....but more for subjective ratings. A perfect example....I may like a performer, even love him, but ultimately he may only be a 2 or 3 rating in my opinion...who knows he may even be a 4. I am a tough critic so I have very few 5's. I know venue owners that are tougher than me....if a pitch is off, etc. I would hope the performers would take the time to just offer people the link to go and rate rather than push themselves. Allow the residents to do this in their leisure with their own opinions. To me, unless you are someone that I would listen to on my radio, jump at the chance to pay a small fortune to see you in concert, ..... that is who I would believe are 5's. 5's will fill a venue every time they perform, with people trying to get in and the sim is full. SL does have a few I think.....and they get their 5 ratings from me. But they get them not because they asked me to "vote" for them, but simply because I think the talent is beyond amazing.
I have to hand it to Oceanus, Tia & Remy not only made one of the most beuatiful venues and one thing I have learned that soooo many of the performers I had not heard appear there. They keep talent on their stage :) Today I got to see paradorn Ansar there....an extremely talented performer.
It is funny as I was working on this off and on today, I had a huge laugh to myself. Someone wondered if I was secondraters.com simply because my logo was on there. Maybe they did not read the part that talked about signage trading. What was even funnier as I told them I would pass their name along, is that what it boiled down to was the performer wanted to be removed. It does not take much to stop and think about which performer has the largest ego in SL........He wants to be taken down from the site, now as the cynical person that I am, I would say that is because the residents are rating him at low numbers compared to the other talent out there. Though I am sure the reasons given, will be different....when he is winning something or bragging about what he has done in SL ...laughing to myself.
Something else has come to my attention and I think it is sad if it is true. I have heard that there are some performers that have sent out requests for people to vote for them. Last I checked it was not a voting system, but rather a rating system. Also it shows many of the performers they did not know even existed. Rather than turn it into a competition, I do not in my heart feel it was meant that way....but more for subjective ratings. A perfect example....I may like a performer, even love him, but ultimately he may only be a 2 or 3 rating in my opinion...who knows he may even be a 4. I am a tough critic so I have very few 5's. I know venue owners that are tougher than me....if a pitch is off, etc. I would hope the performers would take the time to just offer people the link to go and rate rather than push themselves. Allow the residents to do this in their leisure with their own opinions. To me, unless you are someone that I would listen to on my radio, jump at the chance to pay a small fortune to see you in concert, ..... that is who I would believe are 5's. 5's will fill a venue every time they perform, with people trying to get in and the sim is full. SL does have a few I think.....and they get their 5 ratings from me. But they get them not because they asked me to "vote" for them, but simply because I think the talent is beyond amazing.
A new idea
Sunday, I had the opportunity to meet a very wonderful person that just loves live music. He has been listening to Second Live live music for many years. He has actually compiled a list of all the performers he has heard. The new unique thing about this man is that he took that list and built a site with it that allows everyone to rate performers on a one to 5 scale.
The list of course is subjective to the person doing the rating. As a venue owner I saw a few things by this. First and foremost, just when I thought I knew so many of the Second Life performers, I realized it was actually a very small amount. So you guys know me well enough to know that it is a mission for for me. Also as a venue owner, the owner of the site graciously offers a trade off for signs, his sign on my venue and my logo on his site. He makes the offer to promotion companies and venues. The third thing it shows me as a venue owner is where the pulse of the residents and gives me a good idea of which performers are more demand.
For performers & managers, it should tell them if they are keeping their finger on the pulse of the Second Life community, it may also....gasp tell them whether a venue should spend 20k or 2k for them.
Wednesday I spent the day going through the events and visiting one performer after another and doing the same today while I work on RFL. I submitted the names of performers that were not on the list and found some that were wonderful....even booking one, which as I look at the ratings that were already there, I noticed that many also held this woman in high regard, so I am looking forward to having her perform.
Through it though, you know I will always share what I thought were wonderful venues and performers. Some of these notable venues are The Roof@NYC Noma Falta had it packed Tuesday night, it was easy to see why both the venue and performer are so well loved (whispers---gotta get her booked)...Then over to a favorite after the Roof, and that is one of the most rockin places on the grid at night....Sherie's Gaslight, where I got to see one of my all time favorites...Strummer Vultee, he was kind enough to play the one song that I love and he learned for me. (Strummer and Damian the first two performers I ever saw in SL, and look where I am now....giggles, thanks guys)
A venue that I have visited a couple of times this week--gotta love Chili's Deep South. Always enjoying a trip to Bela Vida. Now for some amazing performers I have seen....Lou Mannock, Katerina Malaspina, Jase Branne.
This site truly amazes me though....it is not put together by a performer, a manager, or a venue....Ir is someone that just loves live music with no hidden agendas or unhidden agendas. Oops realized I published this and never put the site for this ratings systems in: http://secondrater.com/
The list of course is subjective to the person doing the rating. As a venue owner I saw a few things by this. First and foremost, just when I thought I knew so many of the Second Life performers, I realized it was actually a very small amount. So you guys know me well enough to know that it is a mission for for me. Also as a venue owner, the owner of the site graciously offers a trade off for signs, his sign on my venue and my logo on his site. He makes the offer to promotion companies and venues. The third thing it shows me as a venue owner is where the pulse of the residents and gives me a good idea of which performers are more demand.
For performers & managers, it should tell them if they are keeping their finger on the pulse of the Second Life community, it may also....gasp tell them whether a venue should spend 20k or 2k for them.
Wednesday I spent the day going through the events and visiting one performer after another and doing the same today while I work on RFL. I submitted the names of performers that were not on the list and found some that were wonderful....even booking one, which as I look at the ratings that were already there, I noticed that many also held this woman in high regard, so I am looking forward to having her perform.
Through it though, you know I will always share what I thought were wonderful venues and performers. Some of these notable venues are The Roof@NYC Noma Falta had it packed Tuesday night, it was easy to see why both the venue and performer are so well loved (whispers---gotta get her booked)...Then over to a favorite after the Roof, and that is one of the most rockin places on the grid at night....Sherie's Gaslight, where I got to see one of my all time favorites...Strummer Vultee, he was kind enough to play the one song that I love and he learned for me. (Strummer and Damian the first two performers I ever saw in SL, and look where I am now....giggles, thanks guys)
A venue that I have visited a couple of times this week--gotta love Chili's Deep South. Always enjoying a trip to Bela Vida. Now for some amazing performers I have seen....Lou Mannock, Katerina Malaspina, Jase Branne.
This site truly amazes me though....it is not put together by a performer, a manager, or a venue....Ir is someone that just loves live music with no hidden agendas or unhidden agendas. Oops realized I published this and never put the site for this ratings systems in: http://secondrater.com/
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
A favorite venue
Quite often when I have a spot to fill, or see a new name on their line up I will take a trip to the Audio Union. Though it is not the place for groups, it is for venue owners and/or those doing the booking for venues. It allows me the chance to other venue owners that are friends as well as some that I do not know. Besides no one should miss the chance to see Rusty and Kimmie some of the best in SL. Yes there is some bias there, but I love them both dearly.
Each performer is given 15 minutes....an audition, managers are there to answer questions, arrange bookings etc. The talent there is not restricted to solely musicians it includes track as well as musicians. Something I love. My own personal opinion is that when you have a track performer, their voice is their instrument. I have heard many that are both talented on an instrument and vocally, then again I have listened to some wonderful musicians that kind of lose it when they sing...everyone has their strengths. The goal of any performer should be to perfect their strengths. If your voice is your strength, try working with a musician to dual....that is true collaboration and the results can be magical. But I am rambling.
Back to the Audio Union, their lineup includes so many genres, you would have to be hard pressed to not find an awesome performer there. Unfortunately, I usually have performances while the Audio Union is going. A couple of times a month they also put together an event that is more fitting for European Time Zones. The next time, as a venue owner that you have time, get on Rusty's mailing list so that you know the times and line ip of performers. As performers, this is a wonderful place to be seen by other venue owners, and possibly find new bookings. When there are not performances going on, The Audio Union also maintains a wall of performers that have previously appeared there, along with information on each artist;
Each performer is given 15 minutes....an audition, managers are there to answer questions, arrange bookings etc. The talent there is not restricted to solely musicians it includes track as well as musicians. Something I love. My own personal opinion is that when you have a track performer, their voice is their instrument. I have heard many that are both talented on an instrument and vocally, then again I have listened to some wonderful musicians that kind of lose it when they sing...everyone has their strengths. The goal of any performer should be to perfect their strengths. If your voice is your strength, try working with a musician to dual....that is true collaboration and the results can be magical. But I am rambling.
Back to the Audio Union, their lineup includes so many genres, you would have to be hard pressed to not find an awesome performer there. Unfortunately, I usually have performances while the Audio Union is going. A couple of times a month they also put together an event that is more fitting for European Time Zones. The next time, as a venue owner that you have time, get on Rusty's mailing list so that you know the times and line ip of performers. As performers, this is a wonderful place to be seen by other venue owners, and possibly find new bookings. When there are not performances going on, The Audio Union also maintains a wall of performers that have previously appeared there, along with information on each artist;
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Live Music Venues in Second Life
Recently, I had actually heard complaints about how much a venue tip jar's suggested tips were. I was a bit shocked when I heard that so, I thought ....you guys know me well....I had to get out and see for myself. I spent two days going venue to venue. What I found, as always amazes me about the music community and its venues.
I know I have said this before, but I need to say it again. Live music venue owners do this simply for the love of the music. Whether it is a tips only venue, where the venue owner usually tips quite handsomely, or a paying venue....live music venues are not in this for a profit. True, tips help offset the cost, so the performers that truly support and promote the venue do make a huge difference.
Tip jars, from all that I have seen....wow these venue owners are truly caring individuals. They care about their audiences and even though the cost of performers ...in some, not all, cases can be higher, the venues have tip jars that truly show their guests that they care and are there for the music and not the tips. Most of the tip jars were all in the same range, a few higher than others, but I know that the few that were higher also maintain strong paid for line ups almost every day of the week. Personally, and from what I have seen across the grid, the venue that actually puts 2000 or 2500L and on some days higher...is it about the love of music or how much you can take fans for? Every venue owner has tiers....may of us having entire sims, we do that by choice not to continually take from our guests. Venues on small parcels do not have those same costs, so why would you ever hit your guests with such high requests.
The venue that has been brought to my attention with such a high tip jar, is actually a stand alone. I am proud to a part of a community that cares so very much about its venues, performers and guests. Now, the fun part of this research has taken me all over the grid...venues of all shapes and sizes, creativity, and the love that has gone into them.
You know I can't resist naming them because they impressed me. Of course I went to favorites:
Sherie's Gaslight, Guthries, The Drunkin Drow, Kickin, Oceanus, Circe's Sanctuary, Alafia Country Escape, Bali Bali, Key West, Trax, The Audio Union, Smooth, .....these are venues I can't resist.
Then of course, I also went to others...many I have heard of and not been to, some I have not visited in quite some time, Temptation Falls a beautiful venue, My Wish Venue, The O Karoake Lounge, The Pig & Whistle (bound and determined to go back there...loved it) Sweet Passions, The Rockhouse, Accoustic Abyss, and The Majestic, Air Destiny (what a cool idea for a venue), Blue Angel, The Village, Boogie Beach (wow they were having fun there).
There are so many venues in sl...I just chose to use the ones that I knew or were in the event listings that day.
As always, this continues to be a community that has some of the largest hearts I have ever seen and so proud to be a part of it.
I know I have said this before, but I need to say it again. Live music venue owners do this simply for the love of the music. Whether it is a tips only venue, where the venue owner usually tips quite handsomely, or a paying venue....live music venues are not in this for a profit. True, tips help offset the cost, so the performers that truly support and promote the venue do make a huge difference.
Tip jars, from all that I have seen....wow these venue owners are truly caring individuals. They care about their audiences and even though the cost of performers ...in some, not all, cases can be higher, the venues have tip jars that truly show their guests that they care and are there for the music and not the tips. Most of the tip jars were all in the same range, a few higher than others, but I know that the few that were higher also maintain strong paid for line ups almost every day of the week. Personally, and from what I have seen across the grid, the venue that actually puts 2000 or 2500L and on some days higher...is it about the love of music or how much you can take fans for? Every venue owner has tiers....may of us having entire sims, we do that by choice not to continually take from our guests. Venues on small parcels do not have those same costs, so why would you ever hit your guests with such high requests.
The venue that has been brought to my attention with such a high tip jar, is actually a stand alone. I am proud to a part of a community that cares so very much about its venues, performers and guests. Now, the fun part of this research has taken me all over the grid...venues of all shapes and sizes, creativity, and the love that has gone into them.
You know I can't resist naming them because they impressed me. Of course I went to favorites:
Sherie's Gaslight, Guthries, The Drunkin Drow, Kickin, Oceanus, Circe's Sanctuary, Alafia Country Escape, Bali Bali, Key West, Trax, The Audio Union, Smooth, .....these are venues I can't resist.
Then of course, I also went to others...many I have heard of and not been to, some I have not visited in quite some time, Temptation Falls a beautiful venue, My Wish Venue, The O Karoake Lounge, The Pig & Whistle (bound and determined to go back there...loved it) Sweet Passions, The Rockhouse, Accoustic Abyss, and The Majestic, Air Destiny (what a cool idea for a venue), Blue Angel, The Village, Boogie Beach (wow they were having fun there).
There are so many venues in sl...I just chose to use the ones that I knew or were in the event listings that day.
As always, this continues to be a community that has some of the largest hearts I have ever seen and so proud to be a part of it.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
What an amazing community
Second Life Music, for almost two years has continued to amaze me, this year probably more so. The outpouring of support I have seen for Relay for Life. Though there sooo many types of events going on across the grid...residents everywhere are working hard to make a difference to find a cure for cancer, I tend to gravitate toward the musical efforts. The Home Expo opened last week, though I did not attend, one of my best friends in both SL and RL attended as a hostess, then contacted me.....I was able to hear about the awesome enthusiasm of both the performers , the staff working and the audience. The Home Expo itself was a tremendous success within the first 24 hours. Yesterday, I attended as a hostess for 4 hours, wow the sim was packed, the enthusiasm contagious, the lindens flowed. 3,000,000 million lindens was hit while I was there....giggles I think with the enthusiasm, a lot of them were mine too. I can only mention the performers that I saw....and yes I cheated offering to host for some of my favorite Second Life Performers. Savvanah Coronet kicked off yesterday's lineup packed the sim with fans unable to get in. Only Savannah can bring Gaga into Country and do it so wonderfully. She was followed by someone I had never truly listened to before, Stella Silvansky. I have not only not heard her, but she does not do country so she completely stepped out of her comfort zone and put on an amazing show, (so impressive that I was able to talk her into joining my own country line up on Tuesdays), somehow I do not think we have heard the last of Stella and country in the same sentence. Damian Carbenell followed Stella, if you have not heard a chance to hear Damian, he is by far one of the most loved performers in Second Life. I know Damian had been playing with country for a while now, yesterday he showed us all with an hour of country how truly great he is. Followed by Shaye Dezno. There is not enough I can say about this woman, She is a wonderful performer on her own, bring in her partner Gary Jonstone and magic happens. This is a woman going through her own treatments, still finds a way to perform. I am not only impressed by her beautiful talent, but also her amazing strength as a person.
I can not get past the Expo without mentioning a very special person. All of the people involved with putting together the Home Expo, an abso9lutely amazing job. A very special KUDOS goes out to Joonie Jathro....This woman has organized the musical performances....we all know her as someone that comes to our venues and enjoys the performers.........hehehehe and someone I would im if i found a great sale or midnight mania....but WOW who knew just how wonderful she truly is, My involvement with RFL has given me the opportunity of meeting many people, that I have com to love and respect, made me look at many with a different perspective....Joonie is one of those people.....this woman is completely awesome.
The other day, was one of those days that I popped around to different venues to hear people, I had moved a line up0 around which opened a new slot, so there was a goal to my bouncing around to the different venues, but you also know I love to find amazing people, performers, and venues. My latest bouncing has again taken me to different places that impress me sooo very much. An old friend, Soundguy Senior had reopened his venue, I love visiting his place it is always lively and fun. I had gone to hear Mamaa Saix, wow the most I can say is to listen to this man. While talking with Mamaa after the show, I was able to hear a name I have seen everywhere, yet never heard...he even joked with me about how long he had been trying to get me to listen ( hangs head, ok I am slow)...BGSinger Hermit. Why did I not listen to this man sooner, shame on me. He is wonderful. I had to create a new spot for him I was so impressed.
My journey that day also took me to Strangebrew owned by the beloved Saintess Larnia, where I was able to hear Caoilte Skytower perform some of his Irish tunes. A fun venue and a an awesome performer. Unfortunately I arrived at the other too early for performances, but I saw one of the most beautiful live music venues Heartsong, owned by Seren Trevellion an partner. I am determined to return there. The build is drop dead gorgeous, the kind I could only imagine of creating.
There is another venue owner, that I realized how huge her heart is as well as her organizational skills and her patience with putting together the most awesome RFL item. One of all of our favorite venues, Key West, and its wonderful owner Liz Harley. There are no words I can use better than hers to describe this, so I asked if I could use her words:
"If you enjoy live music and the great artists here at Key West, we've collected 33 opportunities for you to own one of their original songs while also contributing to a great cause in Relay For Life. We are pleased to present "Key West Sessions", a two disc release containing 33 original songs from some of the wonderful artists that have performed on our stage. Each CD is priced at 2,500L, singles 300L. All funds raised will be donated to the RFL in SLslurl.com/secondlife/Key%20West%"
Overall a wonderful week in Second Life Music!!!!
I can not get past the Expo without mentioning a very special person. All of the people involved with putting together the Home Expo, an abso9lutely amazing job. A very special KUDOS goes out to Joonie Jathro....This woman has organized the musical performances....we all know her as someone that comes to our venues and enjoys the performers.........hehehehe and someone I would im if i found a great sale or midnight mania....but WOW who knew just how wonderful she truly is, My involvement with RFL has given me the opportunity of meeting many people, that I have com to love and respect, made me look at many with a different perspective....Joonie is one of those people.....this woman is completely awesome.
The other day, was one of those days that I popped around to different venues to hear people, I had moved a line up0 around which opened a new slot, so there was a goal to my bouncing around to the different venues, but you also know I love to find amazing people, performers, and venues. My latest bouncing has again taken me to different places that impress me sooo very much. An old friend, Soundguy Senior had reopened his venue, I love visiting his place it is always lively and fun. I had gone to hear Mamaa Saix, wow the most I can say is to listen to this man. While talking with Mamaa after the show, I was able to hear a name I have seen everywhere, yet never heard...he even joked with me about how long he had been trying to get me to listen ( hangs head, ok I am slow)...BGSinger Hermit. Why did I not listen to this man sooner, shame on me. He is wonderful. I had to create a new spot for him I was so impressed.
My journey that day also took me to Strangebrew owned by the beloved Saintess Larnia, where I was able to hear Caoilte Skytower perform some of his Irish tunes. A fun venue and a an awesome performer. Unfortunately I arrived at the other too early for performances, but I saw one of the most beautiful live music venues Heartsong, owned by Seren Trevellion an partner. I am determined to return there. The build is drop dead gorgeous, the kind I could only imagine of creating.
There is another venue owner, that I realized how huge her heart is as well as her organizational skills and her patience with putting together the most awesome RFL item. One of all of our favorite venues, Key West, and its wonderful owner Liz Harley. There are no words I can use better than hers to describe this, so I asked if I could use her words:
"If you enjoy live music and the great artists here at Key West, we've collected 33 opportunities for you to own one of their original songs while also contributing to a great cause in Relay For Life. We are pleased to present "Key West Sessions", a two disc release containing 33 original songs from some of the wonderful artists that have performed on our stage. Each CD is priced at 2,500L, singles 300L. All funds raised will be donated to the RFL in SLslurl.com/secondlife/Key%20West%"
Overall a wonderful week in Second Life Music!!!!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
A Long Overdue Update
Starting out with an apology, I know I have seriously neglected this allowing so many other things to become a priority. It has been almost two months since I have last written and so much has happened. Sheepishly, I will admit that I did write a long post last week, Firefox crashed and I had not saved it. Arrrgghhh, pure frustration. I have already started saving this time. A lesson that was learned the hard way.
I feel as though I owe you an explanation as to my absence, so here goes. Relay for Life Kickoff and working on a few things, adding a ballroom to my own venue, health issues, a trip out of town, almost entering into a business proposal with someone else, as well as some other personal issues. Chuckles, at this point "some cheese with that whine" comes to mind. So enough about me.
There has been a great deal that has gone on both in and around the music community. Let's see how much of it I can actually remember. If I forget something, please forgive me, and remember I have the age and blonde roots thing (a dangerous combination) going on.
March 12 marked the kick off of Relay for Life. Many may say music community???? It amazes me though, So much of that same music community is taking time already in short supply and working toward making this year's Second Life Relay for Life the most successful ever. Venues are participating everywhere, performers donating their time continually for months to help raise funds. So many of this same community is serving on and captaining teams and committees. Songwriters submitting their own original work. The dedication and generosity of the music community is overwhelming, and makes me so proud to be a small part of it.
Moving on, I had the opportunity to watch the BOSL awards which had two categories honoring SL Live music. The category best original Artist nominees were Bryn Oh, Cherry Manga, Eliza Wierwight, Eshi Otawara, Glyph Graves, Nish Mip, Sharni Azalee. With Bryn On winning the award. This category showed me names I have not seen perform and now will be making a point to see each one. The second category that highlighted the music community was Best Live Entertainer and the nominees were: Christopher135 Quan, CraigLyons Writer, Edward Kyomoon, Maximillion Kleene, Skye Galaxy, Tamra Sands, and The Follow. Skye Galaxy won the award. At the same time, I did not envy the judges....knowing each of these performers, there is no way that I could have picked a winner. Each is so very gifted. Personally, I think each of these artists deserve the award. The BOSL awards had Tamra Sands open the show.....if you have not had a chance to hear this woman sing...the best I can tell is watch for her events and run don't walk to her show. She has a voice that will truly amaze you and one of the best female voices I have heard in sl. This is one performer that I know I want so badly to appear at my new ballroom. She is the type of performer that one would feel honored if she graces your stage.
Moving on to a completely different note. Recently something has come to my attention that I thought was a bit disturbing. Thinking back to the meetings that were held, with event listings seeming to be a priority to the music community and the ability to have the live music category for just live music an the nightlife category for DJ's, I was a bit disturbed when I saw a performer list the same event, at the same location and time slot posted in events at least three times. Live Music/Nightlife/Commercial. Though it used to be posted in Event guidelines, that the same event could not be posted twice. I don't see it any longer and am looking it into with LL to see if we are allowed to do so. Once I can get the guidelines exactly, I will let you know. If this is true and can be done, the event listings will explode with events listed in many categories.
There was also another thing that had recently come to my attention and that was the destination guide. One live music venue, that I know of, is listed twice both under Fashion and Live Music. Again, I was under the impression that each parcel could only be listed in one category. I looked into be by asking the LL employee that handles the destination guide. Lo and behold, I was told that we can do just that as long as there were separate landing places. To venues everywhere that have malls, etc. attached this should be wonderful news as it will help to increase live music exposure, as well as benefit the vendors that rent space from you. In my case, it will mean a few listings. Two different venues, fashion and an amusement Park. I am not sure how that will work for venues that occupy space on a sim versus those that have the entire sim which can be parceled off. To ensure that I am giving the correct guidelines here is the explanation as it was given to me: "Do you mean in reference to multiple entries on the DG? One thing that is good is that if there are separate, distinct attractions on your parcel -- with unique landing spots -- if that is the case, then we will sometimes add a new entry just for that unique attraction" I see this as being a very good thing for many venues. I am hoping that venue owners everywhere take advantage of it.
A couple of times I referred to the fact that I am opening a ballroom, this has caused me to find a different kind of line up. The fun part is getting out and finding performers that I did not know. On that note I have to say that I have heard and met some wonderful voices....HammerFLA Magic, a good performer and extremely personable, just celebrated his 2000th performance in SL, Antonio Galloway, wow what a voice....hmmmm would leave the kids and dog for a voice like that, there is also Terrytoon Resident a newer performer and one is taking SL by storm. I also have to say that I was honored to hear Ryul Neximus, while visiting RYC one day. I can not say enough good about this performer, newer to the stage, he has been a DJ for a while. This man is truly a performer from his heart, both a musician and a voice to die for. Whenever I see him, I can't help but get other venue owners there...he is a rare find in sl.
I also had the opportunity to visit other venues. Remy Farman and Tia Foxtrot's Oceanus--Live music under the sea. A beautiful venue, when I go back, I need to pull my mermaid avi out of the closet, their venue truly inspires that.
I know I am forgetting tons of things. I promise to not be such a slacker in the future.
I am looking forward to traveling the grid this week as everyone paints sl purple for RFL. I am hoping to see many of the venues in various shades and textures, as RFL hits the halfway point. Though I won't give away the names until the big July auction, I want to thank the performers that have so graciously allowed their performances to be auctioned off.
Everyone, please remember as you travel across the grid and see those RFL kiosks, remember every linden counts....by giving YOU are making a difference in someone's life.
I feel as though I owe you an explanation as to my absence, so here goes. Relay for Life Kickoff and working on a few things, adding a ballroom to my own venue, health issues, a trip out of town, almost entering into a business proposal with someone else, as well as some other personal issues. Chuckles, at this point "some cheese with that whine" comes to mind. So enough about me.
There has been a great deal that has gone on both in and around the music community. Let's see how much of it I can actually remember. If I forget something, please forgive me, and remember I have the age and blonde roots thing (a dangerous combination) going on.
March 12 marked the kick off of Relay for Life. Many may say music community???? It amazes me though, So much of that same music community is taking time already in short supply and working toward making this year's Second Life Relay for Life the most successful ever. Venues are participating everywhere, performers donating their time continually for months to help raise funds. So many of this same community is serving on and captaining teams and committees. Songwriters submitting their own original work. The dedication and generosity of the music community is overwhelming, and makes me so proud to be a small part of it.
Moving on, I had the opportunity to watch the BOSL awards which had two categories honoring SL Live music. The category best original Artist nominees were Bryn Oh, Cherry Manga, Eliza Wierwight, Eshi Otawara, Glyph Graves, Nish Mip, Sharni Azalee. With Bryn On winning the award. This category showed me names I have not seen perform and now will be making a point to see each one. The second category that highlighted the music community was Best Live Entertainer and the nominees were: Christopher135 Quan, CraigLyons Writer, Edward Kyomoon, Maximillion Kleene, Skye Galaxy, Tamra Sands, and The Follow. Skye Galaxy won the award. At the same time, I did not envy the judges....knowing each of these performers, there is no way that I could have picked a winner. Each is so very gifted. Personally, I think each of these artists deserve the award. The BOSL awards had Tamra Sands open the show.....if you have not had a chance to hear this woman sing...the best I can tell is watch for her events and run don't walk to her show. She has a voice that will truly amaze you and one of the best female voices I have heard in sl. This is one performer that I know I want so badly to appear at my new ballroom. She is the type of performer that one would feel honored if she graces your stage.
Moving on to a completely different note. Recently something has come to my attention that I thought was a bit disturbing. Thinking back to the meetings that were held, with event listings seeming to be a priority to the music community and the ability to have the live music category for just live music an the nightlife category for DJ's, I was a bit disturbed when I saw a performer list the same event, at the same location and time slot posted in events at least three times. Live Music/Nightlife/Commercial. Though it used to be posted in Event guidelines, that the same event could not be posted twice. I don't see it any longer and am looking it into with LL to see if we are allowed to do so. Once I can get the guidelines exactly, I will let you know. If this is true and can be done, the event listings will explode with events listed in many categories.
There was also another thing that had recently come to my attention and that was the destination guide. One live music venue, that I know of, is listed twice both under Fashion and Live Music. Again, I was under the impression that each parcel could only be listed in one category. I looked into be by asking the LL employee that handles the destination guide. Lo and behold, I was told that we can do just that as long as there were separate landing places. To venues everywhere that have malls, etc. attached this should be wonderful news as it will help to increase live music exposure, as well as benefit the vendors that rent space from you. In my case, it will mean a few listings. Two different venues, fashion and an amusement Park. I am not sure how that will work for venues that occupy space on a sim versus those that have the entire sim which can be parceled off. To ensure that I am giving the correct guidelines here is the explanation as it was given to me: "Do you mean in reference to multiple entries on the DG? One thing that is good is that if there are separate, distinct attractions on your parcel -- with unique landing spots -- if that is the case, then we will sometimes add a new entry just for that unique attraction" I see this as being a very good thing for many venues. I am hoping that venue owners everywhere take advantage of it.
A couple of times I referred to the fact that I am opening a ballroom, this has caused me to find a different kind of line up. The fun part is getting out and finding performers that I did not know. On that note I have to say that I have heard and met some wonderful voices....HammerFLA Magic, a good performer and extremely personable, just celebrated his 2000th performance in SL, Antonio Galloway, wow what a voice....hmmmm would leave the kids and dog for a voice like that, there is also Terrytoon Resident a newer performer and one is taking SL by storm. I also have to say that I was honored to hear Ryul Neximus, while visiting RYC one day. I can not say enough good about this performer, newer to the stage, he has been a DJ for a while. This man is truly a performer from his heart, both a musician and a voice to die for. Whenever I see him, I can't help but get other venue owners there...he is a rare find in sl.
I also had the opportunity to visit other venues. Remy Farman and Tia Foxtrot's Oceanus--Live music under the sea. A beautiful venue, when I go back, I need to pull my mermaid avi out of the closet, their venue truly inspires that.
I know I am forgetting tons of things. I promise to not be such a slacker in the future.
I am looking forward to traveling the grid this week as everyone paints sl purple for RFL. I am hoping to see many of the venues in various shades and textures, as RFL hits the halfway point. Though I won't give away the names until the big July auction, I want to thank the performers that have so graciously allowed their performances to be auctioned off.
Everyone, please remember as you travel across the grid and see those RFL kiosks, remember every linden counts....by giving YOU are making a difference in someone's life.
Monday, February 28, 2011
What a Weekend
The San Diego Jam took place this weekend' Second Life performers traveling from hours away and Canada to attend. I spent most of the weekend watching it on Ustream and was reminded why we love Second lIfe Music so very much.
Each artist had a time slot on Saturday evening, that was great. Though I or one, have to admit loved the hours of jamming. I was able to listen to some artists I have not heard in a while. Celtic reminded me of what a wonderful voice she has when I melted to Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Taunter also showed us her wonderful voice. I have to admit that both these women are awesome in their own right, but they sang together and it became pure magic. I, for one, am hoping that these two do more together in Second Life.
The jam also brought artists that I had not heard before. Eva-Moon and Lyndon were awesome and Tamra blew me away. If you haven't had a chance to see these performers, I would highly recommend it. Now I can't go without mentioning an artist that I respect as performer and truly call a friend as person...No jam is complete without Max Kleene, always great whether he is jamming or performing on his his own. There is another performer that I completely fell in love with...Zak Claxton. This man is awesome...completely and totally awesome!!
Mankind was there and performed for a while as well. Raspberry and Lexus also were there...I did not see as much of them as I walked away from the computer or got busy with my own venue at the time...and sometimes that good old RL decided to interrupt.
I have to hand it to Gwampa and Ayesha. Ayesha, wow I can only imagine the time that went into putting this together, she did a fantastic job and celebrated her birthday while there. Makes me wonder.....it seems like she gave us a birthday gift. Thank you sooo very much. Gwampa came through and the video was the best I have seen from a jam. Each jam gets better and I know he plays a huge part in making that happen
As a venue owner, I know there are performers I am going to try and get at my venue, Giggles...already put requests out.
If you have ever had a chance to attend a Second Life music jam, or to watch one, it reinforces all that is good and talented and fun about the live music community.
Each artist had a time slot on Saturday evening, that was great. Though I or one, have to admit loved the hours of jamming. I was able to listen to some artists I have not heard in a while. Celtic reminded me of what a wonderful voice she has when I melted to Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Taunter also showed us her wonderful voice. I have to admit that both these women are awesome in their own right, but they sang together and it became pure magic. I, for one, am hoping that these two do more together in Second Life.
The jam also brought artists that I had not heard before. Eva-Moon and Lyndon were awesome and Tamra blew me away. If you haven't had a chance to see these performers, I would highly recommend it. Now I can't go without mentioning an artist that I respect as performer and truly call a friend as person...No jam is complete without Max Kleene, always great whether he is jamming or performing on his his own. There is another performer that I completely fell in love with...Zak Claxton. This man is awesome...completely and totally awesome!!
Mankind was there and performed for a while as well. Raspberry and Lexus also were there...I did not see as much of them as I walked away from the computer or got busy with my own venue at the time...and sometimes that good old RL decided to interrupt.
I have to hand it to Gwampa and Ayesha. Ayesha, wow I can only imagine the time that went into putting this together, she did a fantastic job and celebrated her birthday while there. Makes me wonder.....it seems like she gave us a birthday gift. Thank you sooo very much. Gwampa came through and the video was the best I have seen from a jam. Each jam gets better and I know he plays a huge part in making that happen
As a venue owner, I know there are performers I am going to try and get at my venue, Giggles...already put requests out.
If you have ever had a chance to attend a Second Life music jam, or to watch one, it reinforces all that is good and talented and fun about the live music community.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
RESULTS
No matter what I may think of him and the names he tends to use toward me, I have to admit that the meeting with UMC, did result in something good. Thank you to the LL personnel that attended, because of the fact that he listened to the frustrations regarding submitting of events. This is showing through organized meetings starting in March regarding events.
I am looking forward to attending these meetings.
I am looking forward to attending these meetings.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Two venues that thoroughly impressed me today.
See this is what happens when I don't post in a awhile....thoughts build up, and then there are an abundance of posts.....
I had extra time today, so I thought I would get out and listen to performers that I had not heard before. Normally when I do this I pull up events and start tping, landing on the outskirts and listening to a song or two...if the voice and music impress me, I stay and if they don't I keep going until I find one, that I like.
Earlier today my travels too me to Telling Secrets in the Taiga (Airship), Puppy Zanes new venue. The performer was good, but the venue, wow it is not often i just take pictures at a venue, but I did today. Her venue is soo unique, yet quaint and comfy is the best way to describe it. If you get a chance, stop by and see Puppy, dance or pull up a comfy chair...best advice...put your settings on midnight.
Then as I was moving on to others, my friend and most of us know her through her articles on performers in the various Second Life publications, her blog, and Sandy, I say this in the most affectionate way....her constant im's asking you to listen to a performer, (talk about someone that works hard to increase Second Life music exposure); Sandy im'd me to listen to another performer...I FINALLY accepted and she tp'd me. When I got there I listened to Blueron Clyburn another good performer. As I was talking with Sandy (she really is quite modest), it came out that the venue was hers. A beautiful venue open and airy, waterside, and put together very well...another recommendation to stop by and see is Italian Mood Rewind.
Laughs, of course, I also stopped at two of my favorite venues Guthries and the Drunken Drow. I had a great time visiting venues I had not been to in a while and seeing new venues, as well as the opportunity to hear a number of new artists.
I had extra time today, so I thought I would get out and listen to performers that I had not heard before. Normally when I do this I pull up events and start tping, landing on the outskirts and listening to a song or two...if the voice and music impress me, I stay and if they don't I keep going until I find one, that I like.
Earlier today my travels too me to Telling Secrets in the Taiga (Airship), Puppy Zanes new venue. The performer was good, but the venue, wow it is not often i just take pictures at a venue, but I did today. Her venue is soo unique, yet quaint and comfy is the best way to describe it. If you get a chance, stop by and see Puppy, dance or pull up a comfy chair...best advice...put your settings on midnight.
Then as I was moving on to others, my friend and most of us know her through her articles on performers in the various Second Life publications, her blog, and Sandy, I say this in the most affectionate way....her constant im's asking you to listen to a performer, (talk about someone that works hard to increase Second Life music exposure); Sandy im'd me to listen to another performer...I FINALLY accepted and she tp'd me. When I got there I listened to Blueron Clyburn another good performer. As I was talking with Sandy (she really is quite modest), it came out that the venue was hers. A beautiful venue open and airy, waterside, and put together very well...another recommendation to stop by and see is Italian Mood Rewind.
Laughs, of course, I also stopped at two of my favorite venues Guthries and the Drunken Drow. I had a great time visiting venues I had not been to in a while and seeing new venues, as well as the opportunity to hear a number of new artists.
Working Together to Increase Our Exposure
After sitting back and watching a great many things, people stating they are working toward good and unite a community, listening to people at those meetings and the cry for representation and structure, hearing people tear apart the very community they say they are trying to unite; myself, as I am sure many do, have an opinion as to how uniting of a community should and would work. As within the next week or two, depending on if I am slacking off or not, I will put those ideas down. There are some things that I just do not see as uniting a community but rather as dividing it.
First and foremost a closed by invite only group is not the answer, whether the founders of that group call themselves, owners, facilitators etc...the bottom line is that there is a sense of power, they still control who belongs to that group, have the ability to kick someone out and/or shut someone up, etc....That is not equal representation and structure. It is power, and quite often it is power with an agenda of its own. In the case of one group, I see a push for a system that keeps being rejected, in another group, I see it as a way to force their publication/radio etc. down people's throats. All of it no matter what guise they place on it is lining someone or trying to line someone's pockets with Lindens. The funny thing is that the people I see doing this the most are the ones that have to depend on other people to fill their Second Life wallets, as they can not afford to do it themselves. Something I believe to be wary of is the person that says they are doing things for the greater good, yet wants the greater good to promote them and their products. That is not for the greater good, actually it is in its simplest of terms, using others to benefit themselves.
Lately I have seen performers that are bouncing between the different virtual worlds to perform. I think it is wonderful that the performers are becoming flexible and reaching out to new audiences. Yesterday I recently saw a subscribo that not only stated that performer was going to be in another world, but also encouraged Second Life residents to go and form an avi. I won't sugar coat and say that it did not bother me, it did. I did not view it as a way to increase exposure to an artist as much as a way to give exposure to another world.
The Second Life Music Industry is an expensive one. Performers earn their monies by putting on quality performances. There are many that have been performing quite some time in Second Life, in many ways they have walked the walk that gets them to where they are. There are also many that 2 years ago were the creme of the crop in Second Life, winning contests etc., though we love them for who they are and what they have accomplished; this is an industry that always has someone better waiting in the wings, something all performers should remember. It takes innovation and flexibility to continue to win contests. As a venue, the biggest draw are the performers that are winning contests and awards now...not two years ago, though we love them all the same. From a view of someone that loves to listen to the SL artists, what I find is that many need to become more flexible. Keeping up with what people are listening to, rising to meet the demands of the newer Second Life residents. People that are entering Second Life now tend to be a younger age group. Ask yourselves, are you being flexible enough to meet these demands. At times I find I could go from one performance to another and listen to the same songs being played by different people. I am seeing more and more artists that also are actively seeking real life careers, hearing about their trials and tribulations as well as their successes, only serves to make them even more loved, for hopefully we all want the very best for our Second Life performers. They are also bringing their rl into sl....reality meeting virtual is a wonderful thing.
As venues, are we doing all we can to reach out as well? It is only with those that are very unique venues, that seem to draw the crowds anymore. One day I looked at the map as I had someone that has always been a big draw performing, yet the amount of people here was so far down. I checked events during prime time evening hours....and looked at the map with each one that was going on. Only one sim had 30+ people the rest somewhere between 10-18. The one that had 30+ was a country western venue. hmmmm I know that told me I was missing out on a genre that I needed to include. At the same time, Second Life was no less busier that night with the normal 50-60 thousand logged in. I wondered are we really reaching them. Whether someone is a builder, scriptor, merchant, arts, tinies, Gor, etc......there is one thing that binds everyone.....music. Are we as venues reaching out to everyone; or do we all continue to send the same notices to the same groups over and over, I know I am guilty of this, and then wonder why attendance is down. Just as performers need to be flexible, as venues we also need to be flexible. Real Life changes and takes it hits....highs and lows, Second Life is no different. Are we as a community truly rising to meet these challenges? Are we being flexible, finding new avenues to draw our own residents? Are we as community thinking outside the box? If you are a venue that is doing something different...or a performer that is changing to meet the demands of the new younger Second Life residents, please share with each other. Many times what starts as a small statement can quite often snowball into something really good.
Things that I have done, and in many ways I am lucky that I have an entire sim to work with, many venues share parcels on a sim. I tried rentals,,,,they were okay but not something i truly cared about. Now I have an amusement park up, it works to increase traffic as it keeps different keywords in the search, many times attracting different residents that are not aware of live music. I have a few shops and carts, not many. Many of you know me as someone that likes to think of new and fun things to celebrate or do. Now we are doing new contests, unique in their own right. Public relations of any kind is also important. Myself, I tend to utilize what I feel are the most effective avenues right now, promoting every event on Moolto, SL profiles, and FaceBook, SL events, destination guide. Though I see a lot of performers promoting themselves on FaceBook, I see very few venues, yet the exposure is the best as it grows daily, networking is easy and above all free!!!! Yes it can be a bit time consuming, at the same time, yet we all agree we need exposure, depending on anyone else to do it for us is silly, as we may turn blue holding our breath waiting for that. There is sooo much that we can do now...it costs us some time. So ask yourselves, do you feel passionate enough about your venue and Second Life music to spend a some time on increasing your your exposure? There are ways to do it. some I have thought of....and probably tons that I do not have a clue about. Each of us should take the time and think about ways that we can increase exposure, without depending on someone else to do it for us. Talk to each other, share ideas. If there is anything I have learned, it is that Second Life has some of the most creative people in the world in it........lets use our creativity to create more exposure for the things we are sooo passionate about.
First and foremost a closed by invite only group is not the answer, whether the founders of that group call themselves, owners, facilitators etc...the bottom line is that there is a sense of power, they still control who belongs to that group, have the ability to kick someone out and/or shut someone up, etc....That is not equal representation and structure. It is power, and quite often it is power with an agenda of its own. In the case of one group, I see a push for a system that keeps being rejected, in another group, I see it as a way to force their publication/radio etc. down people's throats. All of it no matter what guise they place on it is lining someone or trying to line someone's pockets with Lindens. The funny thing is that the people I see doing this the most are the ones that have to depend on other people to fill their Second Life wallets, as they can not afford to do it themselves. Something I believe to be wary of is the person that says they are doing things for the greater good, yet wants the greater good to promote them and their products. That is not for the greater good, actually it is in its simplest of terms, using others to benefit themselves.
Lately I have seen performers that are bouncing between the different virtual worlds to perform. I think it is wonderful that the performers are becoming flexible and reaching out to new audiences. Yesterday I recently saw a subscribo that not only stated that performer was going to be in another world, but also encouraged Second Life residents to go and form an avi. I won't sugar coat and say that it did not bother me, it did. I did not view it as a way to increase exposure to an artist as much as a way to give exposure to another world.
The Second Life Music Industry is an expensive one. Performers earn their monies by putting on quality performances. There are many that have been performing quite some time in Second Life, in many ways they have walked the walk that gets them to where they are. There are also many that 2 years ago were the creme of the crop in Second Life, winning contests etc., though we love them for who they are and what they have accomplished; this is an industry that always has someone better waiting in the wings, something all performers should remember. It takes innovation and flexibility to continue to win contests. As a venue, the biggest draw are the performers that are winning contests and awards now...not two years ago, though we love them all the same. From a view of someone that loves to listen to the SL artists, what I find is that many need to become more flexible. Keeping up with what people are listening to, rising to meet the demands of the newer Second Life residents. People that are entering Second Life now tend to be a younger age group. Ask yourselves, are you being flexible enough to meet these demands. At times I find I could go from one performance to another and listen to the same songs being played by different people. I am seeing more and more artists that also are actively seeking real life careers, hearing about their trials and tribulations as well as their successes, only serves to make them even more loved, for hopefully we all want the very best for our Second Life performers. They are also bringing their rl into sl....reality meeting virtual is a wonderful thing.
As venues, are we doing all we can to reach out as well? It is only with those that are very unique venues, that seem to draw the crowds anymore. One day I looked at the map as I had someone that has always been a big draw performing, yet the amount of people here was so far down. I checked events during prime time evening hours....and looked at the map with each one that was going on. Only one sim had 30+ people the rest somewhere between 10-18. The one that had 30+ was a country western venue. hmmmm I know that told me I was missing out on a genre that I needed to include. At the same time, Second Life was no less busier that night with the normal 50-60 thousand logged in. I wondered are we really reaching them. Whether someone is a builder, scriptor, merchant, arts, tinies, Gor, etc......there is one thing that binds everyone.....music. Are we as venues reaching out to everyone; or do we all continue to send the same notices to the same groups over and over, I know I am guilty of this, and then wonder why attendance is down. Just as performers need to be flexible, as venues we also need to be flexible. Real Life changes and takes it hits....highs and lows, Second Life is no different. Are we as a community truly rising to meet these challenges? Are we being flexible, finding new avenues to draw our own residents? Are we as community thinking outside the box? If you are a venue that is doing something different...or a performer that is changing to meet the demands of the new younger Second Life residents, please share with each other. Many times what starts as a small statement can quite often snowball into something really good.
Things that I have done, and in many ways I am lucky that I have an entire sim to work with, many venues share parcels on a sim. I tried rentals,,,,they were okay but not something i truly cared about. Now I have an amusement park up, it works to increase traffic as it keeps different keywords in the search, many times attracting different residents that are not aware of live music. I have a few shops and carts, not many. Many of you know me as someone that likes to think of new and fun things to celebrate or do. Now we are doing new contests, unique in their own right. Public relations of any kind is also important. Myself, I tend to utilize what I feel are the most effective avenues right now, promoting every event on Moolto, SL profiles, and FaceBook, SL events, destination guide. Though I see a lot of performers promoting themselves on FaceBook, I see very few venues, yet the exposure is the best as it grows daily, networking is easy and above all free!!!! Yes it can be a bit time consuming, at the same time, yet we all agree we need exposure, depending on anyone else to do it for us is silly, as we may turn blue holding our breath waiting for that. There is sooo much that we can do now...it costs us some time. So ask yourselves, do you feel passionate enough about your venue and Second Life music to spend a some time on increasing your your exposure? There are ways to do it. some I have thought of....and probably tons that I do not have a clue about. Each of us should take the time and think about ways that we can increase exposure, without depending on someone else to do it for us. Talk to each other, share ideas. If there is anything I have learned, it is that Second Life has some of the most creative people in the world in it........lets use our creativity to create more exposure for the things we are sooo passionate about.
Monday, February 14, 2011
ANOTHER GROUP BUT WOW
Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!!
Over the weekend, something occurred that has totally renewed my faith in groups in the Second Life music scene. I was invited to join a group and my first reaction was "another group". Thank you Patrick for clarifying exactly what this group was and stood for...truly uniting and promoting the second life music community. After discussusing this, expressing my concerns on the way people were treated in other groups, you reassured me that would not be tolerated. It was an honor to join this group. Once I became a member and truly saw the list of members it became wonderfully clear that these are not the people that blindly follow, they are people that from everything I know of them are an extremely ethical group, and truly working to the betterment of live music in second life...many of which I know well and am honored to call friends.
After all the ranting and raving I have done regarding groups that use a guise to promote one person's agenda, along comes a group like this and is a reminder of all that is truly beautiful in the Second Life music community. I promise to promote this group in any way that I can as it stands for the good in our musical community.
Originally, I was going to talk about thoughts I had on things that could truly help the community as a whole, and still will this week. For now though I wish each of you a wonderful Valentine Day. If you are lucky enough to be invited to this group, run don't walk to it.
Over the weekend, something occurred that has totally renewed my faith in groups in the Second Life music scene. I was invited to join a group and my first reaction was "another group". Thank you Patrick for clarifying exactly what this group was and stood for...truly uniting and promoting the second life music community. After discussusing this, expressing my concerns on the way people were treated in other groups, you reassured me that would not be tolerated. It was an honor to join this group. Once I became a member and truly saw the list of members it became wonderfully clear that these are not the people that blindly follow, they are people that from everything I know of them are an extremely ethical group, and truly working to the betterment of live music in second life...many of which I know well and am honored to call friends.
After all the ranting and raving I have done regarding groups that use a guise to promote one person's agenda, along comes a group like this and is a reminder of all that is truly beautiful in the Second Life music community. I promise to promote this group in any way that I can as it stands for the good in our musical community.
Originally, I was going to talk about thoughts I had on things that could truly help the community as a whole, and still will this week. For now though I wish each of you a wonderful Valentine Day. If you are lucky enough to be invited to this group, run don't walk to it.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Apologies to my readers
Hi, I am apologizing ahead of time, but I do need to vent and rant for a moment.
Due to the fact that I have the years of sales directors, corporate trainer, and a long list of accomplishments in my rl backgroud, I tend to have a bit knowledge in how to work hard and get things done. Usually I keep this part of my life separate from Second Life. Though when people get wind of it, quite often they see a way to use me to further their own personal agendas. Sometimes this is a good thing and sometimes it is a bad thing. My biggest downfall is that I trust them. I did this once when I first started the venue and got sucked into holding the meeting for the CCS system, I did it again when through the course of a conversation I accepted a position with a Second Life publication...M3 Music Matters. Unfortunately, I was asked to do things over and above the selling of ad space, starting with asking me to write a 20-30 second spot for the radio station, giving opinions on articles that had not been published yet, yet passed out to myself and other venue owners for viewing, to writing a rollout for a "diabolical" plan, which he remained a member of a group so that he could have his foot in the door for a plan that would take people away from that group. All of it very unethical to me. I listened a few times gave my opinions on what he was doing, but would not do any of the things he was asking for.
The one thing I did do was to follow up on lead given to me to sell advertising for the magazine...after all that is what I was hired for on a commission only basis. I also did one other thing, I had BS's also purchase an ad. I am the kind of person that can not sell something, if I myself would not purchase it. I am good at what I do, maybe because I do not use "used car sales" tactics. After all, when it all comes down to it there is only that I have to answer to, and I prefer that those answers be that I always do what I felt was the right and honest thing to do. I have to like the person that looks back at me in the mirror in each day and be able to hold my head up knowing that I stood up for what was right. So I spent 8000 lindens on an ad. I set it up so that I kept my books straight. M3 was seperate from BS's. Hmmmm as I write this, I realize I was never paid for that ad, I may have to im and remind him.
I also approached the lead I was given. Though the lead was a different field than music, and an extremely nice man that produces a quality product in Second Life, he asked some very pointed questions. Coming from the advertising background that I do, I realized the questions he asked were very valid and told him I would try to get the information for him. Instead when I requested the information, it was unavailable, I told the owner of M3 one way to possibly get the information. He told me to do it. Ummmmm once again not in my job description. Besides any publication, in making themselves marketable, should be able to provide their demographics in seconds. This is a common marketing tool. Also a wonderful tool to give to give your sales people so that they have a leg to stand on when talking to potential clients.
After watching the games played with other people and not being given the tools I needed to perform the job I agreed to do, I did quit. I have enough on my plate without doing anyone else's work for them. Now in this case, I have to wonder if though the lights are on, is anyone is really home. I have been attacked through a group, in group chats etc....One would think with the completely illogical things that have been said, that I truly did something to this man. I did nothing except expect him to keep his word. His magazine should not be based upon one person's ability to sell advertising for him, yet his comment about it costing him 20k today, led me to believe it was. Giggling I realize that without my 8000L that number he put in group chat would have been higher. I have no vested interest in this. I do have a vested interest in my venue, and anything I do there, I can afford to do there. It is overhead that as a venue owner, or anyone that does anything that costs them money should be prepared for. It is called being responsible for yourself.
There is a good thing that has come out of all this, a ways back I had done a ton of research and compiled huge amounts of data, then promoted Oristill Advertising. It was then and would still be a win/win/win/win/win situation for five different avenues. Vendors/Venues/Media/Performers/Audiences. Over 400 performers gave me data showing their support at the time. All of this is sitting in a data bank and I never moved forward with it due to the time involved. Many have approached me wondering why I did not pursue this avenue. The silliness I have seen lately is showing me that this concept is needed, so we are discussing going forward with it.
I do ask one thing, if you choose to attack me, and you like to use big words, please use them appropriately, otherwise using big words is not a sign of intelligence. The one truly honest thing that was said to me was that he told me he is a tyrant, I did not believe that at first....I do now.
I do apologize once again for I do know that this blog was all about me needing to vent, and truly carries no relevance to the music community. I promise you that this is not something you will see often, I think today's attack just got the best of me.
Due to the fact that I have the years of sales directors, corporate trainer, and a long list of accomplishments in my rl backgroud, I tend to have a bit knowledge in how to work hard and get things done. Usually I keep this part of my life separate from Second Life. Though when people get wind of it, quite often they see a way to use me to further their own personal agendas. Sometimes this is a good thing and sometimes it is a bad thing. My biggest downfall is that I trust them. I did this once when I first started the venue and got sucked into holding the meeting for the CCS system, I did it again when through the course of a conversation I accepted a position with a Second Life publication...M3 Music Matters. Unfortunately, I was asked to do things over and above the selling of ad space, starting with asking me to write a 20-30 second spot for the radio station, giving opinions on articles that had not been published yet, yet passed out to myself and other venue owners for viewing, to writing a rollout for a "diabolical" plan, which he remained a member of a group so that he could have his foot in the door for a plan that would take people away from that group. All of it very unethical to me. I listened a few times gave my opinions on what he was doing, but would not do any of the things he was asking for.
The one thing I did do was to follow up on lead given to me to sell advertising for the magazine...after all that is what I was hired for on a commission only basis. I also did one other thing, I had BS's also purchase an ad. I am the kind of person that can not sell something, if I myself would not purchase it. I am good at what I do, maybe because I do not use "used car sales" tactics. After all, when it all comes down to it there is only that I have to answer to, and I prefer that those answers be that I always do what I felt was the right and honest thing to do. I have to like the person that looks back at me in the mirror in each day and be able to hold my head up knowing that I stood up for what was right. So I spent 8000 lindens on an ad. I set it up so that I kept my books straight. M3 was seperate from BS's. Hmmmm as I write this, I realize I was never paid for that ad, I may have to im and remind him.
I also approached the lead I was given. Though the lead was a different field than music, and an extremely nice man that produces a quality product in Second Life, he asked some very pointed questions. Coming from the advertising background that I do, I realized the questions he asked were very valid and told him I would try to get the information for him. Instead when I requested the information, it was unavailable, I told the owner of M3 one way to possibly get the information. He told me to do it. Ummmmm once again not in my job description. Besides any publication, in making themselves marketable, should be able to provide their demographics in seconds. This is a common marketing tool. Also a wonderful tool to give to give your sales people so that they have a leg to stand on when talking to potential clients.
After watching the games played with other people and not being given the tools I needed to perform the job I agreed to do, I did quit. I have enough on my plate without doing anyone else's work for them. Now in this case, I have to wonder if though the lights are on, is anyone is really home. I have been attacked through a group, in group chats etc....One would think with the completely illogical things that have been said, that I truly did something to this man. I did nothing except expect him to keep his word. His magazine should not be based upon one person's ability to sell advertising for him, yet his comment about it costing him 20k today, led me to believe it was. Giggling I realize that without my 8000L that number he put in group chat would have been higher. I have no vested interest in this. I do have a vested interest in my venue, and anything I do there, I can afford to do there. It is overhead that as a venue owner, or anyone that does anything that costs them money should be prepared for. It is called being responsible for yourself.
There is a good thing that has come out of all this, a ways back I had done a ton of research and compiled huge amounts of data, then promoted Oristill Advertising. It was then and would still be a win/win/win/win/win situation for five different avenues. Vendors/Venues/Media/Performers/Audiences. Over 400 performers gave me data showing their support at the time. All of this is sitting in a data bank and I never moved forward with it due to the time involved. Many have approached me wondering why I did not pursue this avenue. The silliness I have seen lately is showing me that this concept is needed, so we are discussing going forward with it.
I do ask one thing, if you choose to attack me, and you like to use big words, please use them appropriately, otherwise using big words is not a sign of intelligence. The one truly honest thing that was said to me was that he told me he is a tyrant, I did not believe that at first....I do now.
I do apologize once again for I do know that this blog was all about me needing to vent, and truly carries no relevance to the music community. I promise you that this is not something you will see often, I think today's attack just got the best of me.
Adventures in Second Life Music
The past week things have been quiet for me as I was more interested in the Superbowl....Thank you Packers, you made me proud to be a life long fan. With the Superbowl behind us and the Packers headed to Disney World it is time to move on.
A couple of interesting things did occur over the last week or so. The article that Katydid wrote on the UMC group came out. A very well written article. The only thing that had bothered me was that it did not include a link at the end for the chat log as I had been assured it would. A day or two later...maybe due to many requests, who knows, the chat logs were released..needless to say, I rearranged my day listened to them and saved them to my computer. I had to see if even though his terminology is very disgusting, I had to see if I in any way deserved the wrath or anger that I heard about. Though I was loud, which is me naturally...and probably a bit louder since someone else had their speakers going...I did not say anything wrong...Our opinions were asked for and and I reciprocated. Interesting, that my opinion was thought of enough to get that kind of reaction versus the other venue owners that also stated they would not be cover charge venues. Or maybe I am just an easy target for this man, and he truly despises and does not know how to deal with a strong woman....just speculation on my part. Since I believe public access to the chat logs ends today or tomorrow, if anyone would like them, just let me know and I will send them to you....or laughing because I am technically illiterate, see if there is a way that I can put them on here. But I am branching and discussing this performer is not what I intended to do today.
I did find some things that once again reiterated so much of what I love about the various Second Life live music venues. This morning I was unable to sleep so I thought I would find a new ballroom for myself and my husband to attend. We adore finding new ballrooms in beautiful builds. Trying to surprise him off I went. I used search for ballrooms and found the Charleston Lace Ballroom. A beautiful build that is part of three sims, with Ft. Sumpter taking one of those sims. Lo and behold, I noticed a line up posted. This was not only a beautiful ballroom, if you get a chance check out the ballroom in the sky, the beauty took my breath away, but also a live music venue. I spent some time speaking with one of the owners, though it is a newer venue and still in many cases coming together, her passion for the Charleston area was apparent and caused me to think of Mara and the Titanic. A venue I am looking forward to attending and exploring.
I went on with my personal search and got to Starlight, another absolutely beautiful venue. While there I started speaking with the owner as they also have live performers mixed in with dj's. Patric loved what everyone is doing to promote live music in Second Life, he in turn gave me the venue itself's owner as well as another place which I will touch on. We will be putting Starlights on our list of places to visit.
Through it all Patric also took me to Netera's Coffee Lounge. As Patric and I talked, he explained to me that the owner does live interviews with performers amd then they also perform there. I will be the first to hang my head and admit I do not keep the radio stations in Second Life streaming on my sim, choosing to use outside streams. So when it comes to that I am like a noob, and know little to nothing. If I know someone is doing an interview then I have tuned it in, that is usually the stations affliated with Moolto, and it is because of the promotions I have received to remind me. Yes I have the serious issue of old age and blonde roots.....a dangerous combination when it comes to remembering, also, giggling under my breath, a great excuse for forgetting. Now I am branching again.......
Netera's has me totally intrigued. I am looking so forward to attending some of her interviews. In reading some of the things around her venue, the real person also has me intrigued and I am looking forward to actually talking with her one day.
Today showed me that once again, the many of us that think and/or believe we play such a large part in Second Life music, in all honesty are small in the grand scheme of things here. There are sooo many performers, venues built with an idea and passion, ways to experience live music in Second Life. I, myself am going to try to spend at least an hour or two each day exploring Second Life and the wonders it brings to the live music scene. Today, I was also given a link to a newer Second Life performer, all I can say is WOW, rarely does one have a chance to listen to such an emotionally powerful performer....I have a feeling that we hear a lot of this man in the upcoming day, watch for Jesse Ribeiro, I know I will be following him around the grid, he has a quality in his singing that made me think of when I heard Skye Galaxy for the first time.
A couple of interesting things did occur over the last week or so. The article that Katydid wrote on the UMC group came out. A very well written article. The only thing that had bothered me was that it did not include a link at the end for the chat log as I had been assured it would. A day or two later...maybe due to many requests, who knows, the chat logs were released..needless to say, I rearranged my day listened to them and saved them to my computer. I had to see if even though his terminology is very disgusting, I had to see if I in any way deserved the wrath or anger that I heard about. Though I was loud, which is me naturally...and probably a bit louder since someone else had their speakers going...I did not say anything wrong...Our opinions were asked for and and I reciprocated. Interesting, that my opinion was thought of enough to get that kind of reaction versus the other venue owners that also stated they would not be cover charge venues. Or maybe I am just an easy target for this man, and he truly despises and does not know how to deal with a strong woman....just speculation on my part. Since I believe public access to the chat logs ends today or tomorrow, if anyone would like them, just let me know and I will send them to you....or laughing because I am technically illiterate, see if there is a way that I can put them on here. But I am branching and discussing this performer is not what I intended to do today.
I did find some things that once again reiterated so much of what I love about the various Second Life live music venues. This morning I was unable to sleep so I thought I would find a new ballroom for myself and my husband to attend. We adore finding new ballrooms in beautiful builds. Trying to surprise him off I went. I used search for ballrooms and found the Charleston Lace Ballroom. A beautiful build that is part of three sims, with Ft. Sumpter taking one of those sims. Lo and behold, I noticed a line up posted. This was not only a beautiful ballroom, if you get a chance check out the ballroom in the sky, the beauty took my breath away, but also a live music venue. I spent some time speaking with one of the owners, though it is a newer venue and still in many cases coming together, her passion for the Charleston area was apparent and caused me to think of Mara and the Titanic. A venue I am looking forward to attending and exploring.
I went on with my personal search and got to Starlight, another absolutely beautiful venue. While there I started speaking with the owner as they also have live performers mixed in with dj's. Patric loved what everyone is doing to promote live music in Second Life, he in turn gave me the venue itself's owner as well as another place which I will touch on. We will be putting Starlights on our list of places to visit.
Through it all Patric also took me to Netera's Coffee Lounge. As Patric and I talked, he explained to me that the owner does live interviews with performers amd then they also perform there. I will be the first to hang my head and admit I do not keep the radio stations in Second Life streaming on my sim, choosing to use outside streams. So when it comes to that I am like a noob, and know little to nothing. If I know someone is doing an interview then I have tuned it in, that is usually the stations affliated with Moolto, and it is because of the promotions I have received to remind me. Yes I have the serious issue of old age and blonde roots.....a dangerous combination when it comes to remembering, also, giggling under my breath, a great excuse for forgetting. Now I am branching again.......
Netera's has me totally intrigued. I am looking so forward to attending some of her interviews. In reading some of the things around her venue, the real person also has me intrigued and I am looking forward to actually talking with her one day.
Today showed me that once again, the many of us that think and/or believe we play such a large part in Second Life music, in all honesty are small in the grand scheme of things here. There are sooo many performers, venues built with an idea and passion, ways to experience live music in Second Life. I, myself am going to try to spend at least an hour or two each day exploring Second Life and the wonders it brings to the live music scene. Today, I was also given a link to a newer Second Life performer, all I can say is WOW, rarely does one have a chance to listen to such an emotionally powerful performer....I have a feeling that we hear a lot of this man in the upcoming day, watch for Jesse Ribeiro, I know I will be following him around the grid, he has a quality in his singing that made me think of when I heard Skye Galaxy for the first time.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
THIS IS BECOMING LAUGHABLE
Today I received an im from someone which I believe, since they talk the same and have the same temper tantrums, and even same typos seem to mimic another person, I believe they are alts of each other. But that is my opinion, At any rate, I received an im from him telling me to expect a group invite to yet another group. And there is not even an originality on this one. They took an existing group because they were upset that they could not send out notices, and expanded on the name by adding one word ...Yet the group is set up for solely venue owners to send notices. No one else should ever be sending notices.
The bickering lately is pretty funny, it is rather entertaining. Though I myself would not join a venue owners group that was not owned by venue owners. Also one has to question if the answer to everything is to just go off and start another. How does that unify a community? I would think it does more damage to a community than to unify it.
If there was an issue, the person that had the issue should have done the adult thing and asked directly. Then again, one must always take into consideration a person's ability to do the adult thing. I have found that too many that can not argue a point objectively, all too often turn to mudslinging, name calling and cussing.
It was brought to my attention that because this blog is my opinion, that I should not promote it to within the group I belong to. Now this I find amazing. That same group is set up for discussion pyrposes, the sharing of thoughts and ideas. It is just easier to write those thoughts and ideas down here rather than hit the group with a number of motecards. Not to say that my opinions are the best, nor are my ideas. They may not be the worst either. But I do belong to a group that is meant for a sharing of ideas, opinions, etc....and any other venue owner has the same abilities within that group. Laughs I remember a owner going completely off the deep end about another member in that group and doing it in group chat. Though this particular group itself did not have a clue as to the why's....he was yelling about something that happened in another group, which I tried to point out to him in a private im.
I have also been told that it is unethical to share a conversation, yet the person that held that conversation gave permission for it to be copied and pasted....even suggesting it himself. So yes the repercussions of someone actually pointing these things out, things that they did to others is one not only becoming pitiful, but sad....these are grown ups. hmmmm makes one wonder. At least I know my blogs are being read. People are given two choices. read it or don't read it, no one is twisting anyone's arm to do either. I also give my opinions when I think something is really good. But as always, they are my opinions and I am entitled to them.
I have seen blogs that truly talk horribly about people. Someone once directed me to Zorch's. I read it picked up my jaw and moved on. I did not attack him for those opinions nor did I praise him. I chose to ignore it. Those that read my blog have the same choices.
For those that want yet another group, hey that is you...myself, I will just stand back and watch while the usual happens a lot of talk, mudslinging and nothing truly being done democratically or efficiently to truly bring the music community together. The 20-70 in the groups does not (the group I own as well) truly represent the music community and or the performers. I only own this group because as I said in an earlier blog, I was new and dumb and bought into the Mankind's and spin on the CCS. In all honesty, I have thought about leaving it, but then I have always felt a responsibility to those that joined in good faith. So as a group owner, I will state when I feel something is right or wrong. They are my opinions, and I feel as though every venue owner should be able to state their opinions. They have a place to do so here, without worry of being cussed out for stating them.
The bickering lately is pretty funny, it is rather entertaining. Though I myself would not join a venue owners group that was not owned by venue owners. Also one has to question if the answer to everything is to just go off and start another. How does that unify a community? I would think it does more damage to a community than to unify it.
If there was an issue, the person that had the issue should have done the adult thing and asked directly. Then again, one must always take into consideration a person's ability to do the adult thing. I have found that too many that can not argue a point objectively, all too often turn to mudslinging, name calling and cussing.
It was brought to my attention that because this blog is my opinion, that I should not promote it to within the group I belong to. Now this I find amazing. That same group is set up for discussion pyrposes, the sharing of thoughts and ideas. It is just easier to write those thoughts and ideas down here rather than hit the group with a number of motecards. Not to say that my opinions are the best, nor are my ideas. They may not be the worst either. But I do belong to a group that is meant for a sharing of ideas, opinions, etc....and any other venue owner has the same abilities within that group. Laughs I remember a owner going completely off the deep end about another member in that group and doing it in group chat. Though this particular group itself did not have a clue as to the why's....he was yelling about something that happened in another group, which I tried to point out to him in a private im.
I have also been told that it is unethical to share a conversation, yet the person that held that conversation gave permission for it to be copied and pasted....even suggesting it himself. So yes the repercussions of someone actually pointing these things out, things that they did to others is one not only becoming pitiful, but sad....these are grown ups. hmmmm makes one wonder. At least I know my blogs are being read. People are given two choices. read it or don't read it, no one is twisting anyone's arm to do either. I also give my opinions when I think something is really good. But as always, they are my opinions and I am entitled to them.
I have seen blogs that truly talk horribly about people. Someone once directed me to Zorch's. I read it picked up my jaw and moved on. I did not attack him for those opinions nor did I praise him. I chose to ignore it. Those that read my blog have the same choices.
For those that want yet another group, hey that is you...myself, I will just stand back and watch while the usual happens a lot of talk, mudslinging and nothing truly being done democratically or efficiently to truly bring the music community together. The 20-70 in the groups does not (the group I own as well) truly represent the music community and or the performers. I only own this group because as I said in an earlier blog, I was new and dumb and bought into the Mankind's and spin on the CCS. In all honesty, I have thought about leaving it, but then I have always felt a responsibility to those that joined in good faith. So as a group owner, I will state when I feel something is right or wrong. They are my opinions, and I feel as though every venue owner should be able to state their opinions. They have a place to do so here, without worry of being cussed out for stating them.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Increasing Group Size
Groups---We love em and we hate em. Spam...how many of us, now be honest, turn off group notices from the very groups we post to? I do. As a venue owner there is nothing more distracting than getting a million group notices ever half hour to hour. Yet at the same time we can't do without them. As a venue owner, I look at a following as part of the formula that goes into whether I book an artist. True talent plays the largest role in that formula, but there are also many times I have booked some awesome acts only to be the one one in the audience, or myself and a manager. To be extremely realistic, following counts. Once booked I do believe it is my job as a venue owner to promote that artist as much as possible, through SL event listings, Moolto, SL profiles, FaceBook, and the dreaded group notices. I am sure that or I would hope that performers also take into consideration the size of the group of the venue. I, myself, if I were a performer, would want to ensure that I was performing at venues that would give me the most exposure. Exposure for both performer and venue is one of the main keys to success. Exposure gets more people to the venue and the performance, hopefully accomplishing a few things, one being increased tips to the venue and to the performer, as we;; as good exposure for the best way of advertising will always be word of mouth. As much as we hate groups, we also embrace them.
Differnet ways to increase group size. The only examples I can share with you are ones that I have seen, done, or heard about. I know of performers that are growing and actually spend their time in SL meeting and talking to people, at times performing just for them. Sid Slade was soooo good at marketing himself that way. His group began to grow slowly but steadily. Managers and hosts encourage people to join the performer's group during live events. I have seen group inviters that hit me with a request when I land on a sim or venue. Rarely do I myself ever join a group that way, preferring a more personalized approach, but for many it works. Myself, I send out a group invite once during the middle of an event and follow it up with a message to tap the subscribo if they need their group space. There is one performer, and I have to question the ethics behind this one...he once told me that he keeps his group numbers that high due to the fact that he would start like a new avi, he then went through got the current list of last names, then would look them up in search and issue group invites. It is common that noobies join whatever pops up, whether they know what it is or not. Ethical or not, I have to admit that it must take a great deal of time to do this. Yet it allows the person that does things this way to boast of huge group numbers, and more people to spam too. The bottom line to this is that there are many ways to increase your group numbers.
Differnet ways to increase group size. The only examples I can share with you are ones that I have seen, done, or heard about. I know of performers that are growing and actually spend their time in SL meeting and talking to people, at times performing just for them. Sid Slade was soooo good at marketing himself that way. His group began to grow slowly but steadily. Managers and hosts encourage people to join the performer's group during live events. I have seen group inviters that hit me with a request when I land on a sim or venue. Rarely do I myself ever join a group that way, preferring a more personalized approach, but for many it works. Myself, I send out a group invite once during the middle of an event and follow it up with a message to tap the subscribo if they need their group space. There is one performer, and I have to question the ethics behind this one...he once told me that he keeps his group numbers that high due to the fact that he would start like a new avi, he then went through got the current list of last names, then would look them up in search and issue group invites. It is common that noobies join whatever pops up, whether they know what it is or not. Ethical or not, I have to admit that it must take a great deal of time to do this. Yet it allows the person that does things this way to boast of huge group numbers, and more people to spam too. The bottom line to this is that there are many ways to increase your group numbers.
Monday, January 31, 2011
PEOPLE ARE AMAZING
One thing I have learned is that biting my tongue and keeping my opinions to myself when people are unethical, and disgusting is not the answer. If no one says anything they are allowed to continue. A good friend of mine taught me that. Thank you Sis. When Mankind first made the remark about me and referred to me in the way that he did in one of my previous posts, we were talking about it. About how soooo many people will discuss him behind his back always in whispers, yet no one is ever strong enough to say anything. I decided that I was not going to be one that hid or had to continually bite my tongue when something was seriously wrong. Many will dislike me for this...but there is a belief that if what you say and do can not be put on the front page of the New York Times, you should not be saying or doing it...especially in the written word. I have a pet peeve and it is people that use people and they do so through deception. So I will voice my opinions as I believe that SL is filled with so many people that do things solely with their heart, yet they become used to further one or two people's personal agendas.
The other day, I was speaking to someone, regarding the group meeting in that I had written about before. I knew there was always an agenda behind anything this person did but I had not figured out what it was. Then it hit me. I maybe completely wrong in this way of thinking, but here is my thought process. When I first started BS's, we opened in a big way that drew attention. Mankind Tracer approached me to get me to see how the Cover Charge System would be so good for everyone around. I will be honest and say that I fell for it. By the time the actual meeting took place on my venue for venue owners to get them to buy into the Cover Charge System, I realized that I would never do that with my venue. At the time performers that were regular with me, questioned a great deal and I truly had to take a public stance stating that BS's would not be a Cover Charge System but that I would always seek out ways to help the performers and the venues always keeping music free in SL.
During the original meeting at my venue almost a yer and a half ago, i and a couple of other venue owners distinctly remember Mankind saying that he would offer his cover charge system free to them but that later he would sell them. Now here we are again, at the last group meeting and he is once again pushing the Cover Charge System and angry with me because I repeated the same opinion. I could not figure out an agenda...then the other day in that conversation with another group owner it hit me. The push for the Cover Charge System again. Is it about lining one or two people's pockets with lindens as they attempt to sell the CCS? hmmmmmm makes one wonder.
Tomorrow I will tell how at least one person has a way to keep their groups in such high numbers.....talk about innovative ideas.
The other day, I was speaking to someone, regarding the group meeting in that I had written about before. I knew there was always an agenda behind anything this person did but I had not figured out what it was. Then it hit me. I maybe completely wrong in this way of thinking, but here is my thought process. When I first started BS's, we opened in a big way that drew attention. Mankind Tracer approached me to get me to see how the Cover Charge System would be so good for everyone around. I will be honest and say that I fell for it. By the time the actual meeting took place on my venue for venue owners to get them to buy into the Cover Charge System, I realized that I would never do that with my venue. At the time performers that were regular with me, questioned a great deal and I truly had to take a public stance stating that BS's would not be a Cover Charge System but that I would always seek out ways to help the performers and the venues always keeping music free in SL.
During the original meeting at my venue almost a yer and a half ago, i and a couple of other venue owners distinctly remember Mankind saying that he would offer his cover charge system free to them but that later he would sell them. Now here we are again, at the last group meeting and he is once again pushing the Cover Charge System and angry with me because I repeated the same opinion. I could not figure out an agenda...then the other day in that conversation with another group owner it hit me. The push for the Cover Charge System again. Is it about lining one or two people's pockets with lindens as they attempt to sell the CCS? hmmmmmm makes one wonder.
Tomorrow I will tell how at least one person has a way to keep their groups in such high numbers.....talk about innovative ideas.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Learning that it works
I realize that two blogs in one day is a bit much, but the earlier one regarding the venues was due out a couple of days ago and I have been under the weather, it was started and never completed. I apologize for that.
Today I had the pleasure of attending a meeting with another type of group in the arts. Though the meeting had everything to do with something I am working on for RFL and nothing to do with live music in SL, the meeting itself made me realize that they are doing what we have only talked about doing.
With the call to come together as a communtiy, many including myself support a voted in type body that has the ability to speak for the community as a whole. What would give them that right is that the community as a whole actually voted on who they would see represent them. There has been arguments by some that it is not neeeded, I beg to differ. Today I had the benefit of learning of a part of the arts community that does just that. I was thoroughly impressed. It brought that community together as a team. They also have Lindens involved. but the organization and structure and fairness of it all was so very impressive. They do not need a group owner....The team work involved was amazing. The last time I checked some things have never changed that includes the quote "There is no I in team"
I have ideas as I know others do as well in ways to help the music community come together as a whole, without the attitude that if you don't like it you can leave as the community should embrace every single performer, venue owner, and manager. Everyone has different opinions on the way things should or should not be done to increase exposure to SL music. When one thinks of the hundreds/thousands that are involved in the music community, a group of 60 or 70 or even 100 is nothing. So just maybe the way actually falls into listening to all, and finding the many different ways that we can work together to increase exposure. I, myself, would love to hear from you and hear what you think would be great ways to expand our exposure, and if you have thought of a way to do that. It is only in hearing from all of us, that something can truly be done.
We can nit pick about the small things and taking on LL, but the answers don't lie in that. The answers, in my opinion lie in increasing exposure. More exposure leads to larger followings, more traffic, better for the performer and the venue. So lets hear your ideas. We all have them, some are louder than others with their opinions, but we all do have them. Lets see what we as a community come up with.
Today I had the pleasure of attending a meeting with another type of group in the arts. Though the meeting had everything to do with something I am working on for RFL and nothing to do with live music in SL, the meeting itself made me realize that they are doing what we have only talked about doing.
With the call to come together as a communtiy, many including myself support a voted in type body that has the ability to speak for the community as a whole. What would give them that right is that the community as a whole actually voted on who they would see represent them. There has been arguments by some that it is not neeeded, I beg to differ. Today I had the benefit of learning of a part of the arts community that does just that. I was thoroughly impressed. It brought that community together as a team. They also have Lindens involved. but the organization and structure and fairness of it all was so very impressive. They do not need a group owner....The team work involved was amazing. The last time I checked some things have never changed that includes the quote "There is no I in team"
I have ideas as I know others do as well in ways to help the music community come together as a whole, without the attitude that if you don't like it you can leave as the community should embrace every single performer, venue owner, and manager. Everyone has different opinions on the way things should or should not be done to increase exposure to SL music. When one thinks of the hundreds/thousands that are involved in the music community, a group of 60 or 70 or even 100 is nothing. So just maybe the way actually falls into listening to all, and finding the many different ways that we can work together to increase exposure. I, myself, would love to hear from you and hear what you think would be great ways to expand our exposure, and if you have thought of a way to do that. It is only in hearing from all of us, that something can truly be done.
We can nit pick about the small things and taking on LL, but the answers don't lie in that. The answers, in my opinion lie in increasing exposure. More exposure leads to larger followings, more traffic, better for the performer and the venue. So lets hear your ideas. We all have them, some are louder than others with their opinions, but we all do have them. Lets see what we as a community come up with.
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