Winter is Coming – A Quick Look at Role-Play Events

Back in the day…yeah I have to start with this (oldie sler here), my main purpose in Second Life wasn’t fashion, or blogging, or taking pictures – it was Roleplay. I’ve written about this before in numerous blogs in the past about my RP experiences so I won’t get into them, but have you noticed the new trend in the “fashion” world? Within the last few months there has been a complete 180 on events and how something that I had found so normal in my existence as an RPer before is now in the mainstream (or what people think is mainstream) of fashion and events.

Events such as We <3 RolePlay (a monthly event), The Fantasy Collective (a bi-monthly event) and the Fantasy Gacha Carnival (a quarterly event) are embracing the world of Roleplay and fashion and bringing it to everyone. Other events such as Genre (a monthly event geared on themes) also do this as well. There is even a Final Fantasy event to take place in February! (Okay, total geek moment). They’re making fantasy amazing and wonderfully outstanding especially in the world of fashion.

Whether you Roleplay or not, you have a chance to dive in deep into any of these events and check out the amazing talented creators that grace them. Creators such as Juno Mantel of *{Junbug}*, Jalilah Jewell of .Enfant Terrible. and Kirsty Oherlihy of RACK Poses (for those eye-dropping gorean poses). Or if you’re interested in reading blogs by bloggers who are dedicated to the world of Roleplay: Arica Storaro “The Blogging Elf”, Jilsun Bevery of The Gorean Brat, Sonya Marmurek of Astalianda, Elle Coeurblanc of Elle’s World, and Harvest Dezno of Harvest the Geek.

I hope you enjoy them and check out the events!

For credits and landmarks, see below <3

Dress: *{Junbug}* Hilda’s Kirtle and Cloak / Juno Mantel *We <3 RolePlay*
Necklace: .:ellabella:. Ensorcelled Necklace – Lavish / Ellantha Larsson *We <3 RolePlay*
Skin: Izzie’s – Lucie Skin in Frost / Izzie Button *VIP Group Gift*
Hair: Tableau Vivant – Talamasca Hair in Spring / M4rilyn Magic
Eyes: IKON – Spectral Eyes in Blue / Ikon Innovia *FaMESHed*
Hands: Slink – Mesh Hands in Casual / Siddean Munro
Pose: slouch / Eira Juliesse
Location: Happy Mood

[The Quest to Become OFFICIAL]

Greetings! My name is Vixie Rayna, and this is my first post as contributor for [SL] Blogger Support. I’m very excited to join this fantastic group to share tips and enjoy more of our fabulous community.

My first post will address one of the most common questions I’m asked, “How do you become an Official Blogger for X Brand or Event Y?”  In my experience, I’ve been very blessed to be recruited or asked personally to become a blogger for different brands or events. I assume that this is most likely the way the majority of official bloggers are found.  Although, it’s not the only way to be considered. So the quest to become OFFICIAL begins…

As a PR/Marketing Manager for several brands, I receive blogger applications daily. Honestly, more than 99% of them are trashed. You may think this wrong but in fact it’s because they send an unsolicited, poorly written and impersonal blanket notecard. And while it’s a very complicated topic and there are no guarantees for success, I want to share TIPS on standing out in a SEA of people sending blanket notecards requesting to be an official blogger.

What is a blanket notecard? *Digs through the trash pile of her inventory*

“Hello! I’m interested in your store, you do really nice stuff and i’d like to blog for you. I make three/five posts a week. My blog is about a 1 year old. It’s syndicated to feeds http://www.bloggingsl.net, http://bloggingsecondlife.wordpress.com/, http://bloggingsl.net/, http://fashionfeedofsl.com/, http://www.gridsyndicate.com/, http://iheartsl.com/ http://www.sluniverse.com/feedme/
Here is my blog – xxx
Flickr: xxx
Hope you’ll like my work.
To contact with me: xxx”

This is an actual notecard a blogger sent unsolicited to me requesting to be added to a blogger pool. I’m NOT actually sure which designer she was requesting as I represent THREE different brands. If someone cannot take the time to PERSONALIZE a request, why should anyone believe you’d make a good representative for their brand?

You need to THINK like an Event Organizer or Designer when you send a request. Why you ask?  Well, let’s be frank. They probably receive 10+ requests daily to become a blogger for their brand/event. You may think you DESERVE to be added to their blogger pool but really, just like in real life you need to stand out. A blanket notecard is not a way to have anyone jumping to accept you.

Be sure to STAND out.  How you may ask?  Well, this part is EASY!  You should HIGHLIGHT the work you’ve done specific to THEIR brand or event.  If you are such a fan and have been a supportive customer, you want to showcase how you would be a good representative. Before you begin you need to do your homework! Be kind and respect their rules!  If they are not currently accepting blogger applications, then DO NOT send a notecard. Not sure of their policy? Then check the designer/event organizer’s profile, in most cases they address this issue.                                             As you can see from Sophia Harlow’s profile as PR Manager and Social Media for Collabor88 she is responsible for reviewing blogger requests. From her pick it clearly states they are not looking at this time. Do your homework first! Check profiles. Be respectful and do not submit a request.

If you have checked the profiles and believe you have the all clear to proceed, now it’s time to create a notecard with your request. 1. Provide exact links to your Flickr, Blog,  Facebook, Pinterest, Plurk with specific posts featuring their brand. 2. Use proper grammar. 3. Most blogs are in English but it’s AWESOME if you are multilingual . Be sure to highlight the languages you speak – this is a great selling point! 4. Highlight your history briefly. Be succint and to the point. 5. Submit the notecard to the correct person. Again, following directions is important!

Example:

“Hi, Vixie Rayna – PR/Marketing Manager of LeeZu! I love [LeeZu!] and have been a huge fan for YEARS. I’m very interested in becoming a blogger and wish to know if there is any way to be considered.

Here are links to my most recent posts featuring [LeeZu!]:

love&fashion Blog: http://www.vixierayna.blogspot.com/2013/07/hey-baby.html, http://www.vixierayna.blogspot.com/2013/03/bound.html

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vixierayna/9296991104/

Posts to the [LeeZu!] Flickr Group: http://www.flickr.com/groups/leezubaxterdesigns/pool/24254368@N08/

I’ve been a blogger over 5 years with my blog syndicated on over 6 different fashion feeds. My work has been highlighted on the Second Life Homepage and in top SL Magazines. Thank you for any consideration!

Best, Vixie Rayna

love&fashion Blog: http://www.vixierayna.blogspot.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/loveandfashionblog “

Now this is just an example and by no means a guarantee that you will be accepted as an official blogger. At the end of the day it’s best to be kind and informative while hoping for the best. Not every person is a good fit, and it’s important to respect their decision. If they say, “thank you for your interest but our blogger list is closed.” Then respect that and ask to be considered when they do open. Pestering them is a sure-fire way to never be included.

Other important points: 1. While everyone may die to be an official blogger for the Chanel of SL, the fact is they probably receive 100 times the requests of others. Maybe think about requesting to blog for a lesser-known brand that’s equally fabulous. 2. Check out links from [SL] Blogger Support listing designers/events who are actually recruiting people! Katya and team are ALWAYS keeping this list up-to-date and active. Check the Designers Looking for Bloggers page.

I’ll close with what’s always worked best for me. Simply put, I share my LOVE of fashion in SL.  By taking the time to focus on what I LOVE, I’m able to convey my appreciation for the work of the designer. If you truly love something, you’ll buy it and support the creator.  Being asked to be an official blogger is just the cherry on top of the already awesome sundae!

Be safe out there my little bloggers!
Love, Vi

Do you like what you see? For all the great scoop, follow my love&fashion blog and like my FB page!

The Writer’s Block – A New Type of Challenge

I know I’ve spoken about it before – prior to Second Life “blogging” I did “real life” blogging on the platform of MySpace. This was back in the day when MySpace was very popular (sorry kiddos – no Facebook) and the blogsphere was HUGE. I came about this place through a friend who told me that I should really check it out and possibly begin to show some of my work. So I stepped forward and did just that. After about six months of blogging, commenting, following others, debating, writing, expressing opinions and all sorts of other extra crazy things – I landed a rather huge following. The ride was fun, turbulent, and unexpected. Yet, I learned something during this time. I learned how to be a better writer. I got critiqued. I got slammed. I received praise and I received drawbacks. Yet through it all – I was WRITING.

So – you’re probably wondering where I’m going with this. During my time there I started a challenge with another blogger (who is still a good friend of mine) called “The Writer’s Block”. Yes, I’m using the same title again because this is what is symbolized. There are days when those of us who do like to write get stuck. We’re at a loss for words. This happens A LOT. One of the benefits to Second Life is the fact that we can take pictures to vocalize those words that we cannot seem to get out. Whiskey Monday does this with her challenge of Single Frame Stories (something I really need to start doing) and others do it through many other challenges that you can find through the [SL] Blogger Support website. (We keep a list handy. If you know of anymore challenges, please fill out the application!)

The idea of this challenge is to reach out to those who do like to write AND take pictures in Second Life. You may be a fashion blogger, but you really want to try something different or you just take pictures and never really know what to say – so here’s your chance.

The rules are pretty much simple:

1. The Writer’s Block will begin every 1st and 15th of the month.
It’s a bi-weekly (almost) challenge that allows you the time to write,
express and showcase your work.
Topics will be posted the day prior to the 1st and 15th.
I will be posting them here on my blog.
2. There will be four topics chosen. You are allowed to write in prose, poetry, short story, erotica, or argumentative essay and pick only ONE of the topics.
3. Since this is a Second Life Challenge, pictures are to be incorporated. Limit: four pictures. This is a written challenge as well, not just pictures.
4. Blog posts are to be linked to the topic blog (aka here) so we can all read.
Also, there is a Flickr Group made to post all your pictures! Please utilize it HERE
5. The bi-weekly challenge will close on the eve of the day before the new post. At that time, no more admissions for that segment will be excepted.
Why? A prize will be given to four people, one from each topic.
I will award them with a linden prize.
6. I really hate to say it, but DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. I will check.
I know how to Google (and use other tools).
7. This is not a PG Challenge. If you want to get dirty – do it! If the work is violent – that’s fine too. It’s about expression.
8. Link and credit. We still want to give props to the creators.
9. Have fun.
10. Enjoy what people have written.

And that’s it for now. Stay tuned for the topics. I will post them later today.
Any questions, please IM me in world on Katya Valeska or email me at simply.dou@gmail.com. You can find all my info in the Social section of my blog.

For credits and landmarks, see below <3