Keltora Edenbaum

I'm not going to say anything about religion, but I will give some advice. If you put so much energy and worry into thinking of an end, you forget to actually live. The simple truth is everything has an end. No one can stop that, but the one thing you can control is living in the time you have. Whether it be in real life or in second life live it to the fullest. Laugh as much as you can. Find joy in simple pleasures that this world provides. Read books, ask questions, surround yourself with people who truly care, and to whom you truly care for in return. Help others in need. Take time to stop and smell the flowers as they say. Try to focus on and be thankful for the small things in our lives that are so easily taken for granted. Try and leave this world better than what you found it. Just live in the time you have and forget about the end because otherwise you are going to let that time pass you by. That would truly be a shame.

I would have to say a very strong and resounding no to this. There are already so many generous merhcants out there who provide monthly group gifts, freebies, and take part in hunts. You can get some beautiful items for low cost or even free at times if you really take the time to look. Merchants shouldn't lose out on their income just for the sake of people wanting something for nothing. I'm on a limited budget so I understand not having money for extra things. That being said though, the money I can put into SL I enjoy supporting merchants because that is a way I can show my support for the hard work they put into their businesses. In the past when I couldn't afford anything, I got a SL job and kept it for four years. I feel no one is above earning something they want when it isn't a necessity. Purchasing things in SL is a want. It isn't a necessity to make your time here enjoyable.

I've read through this whole thread and I'm just lost as to why you wouldn't think to send a message first and foremost to the creator before leaving them a bad review. Especially since you seem to have been a long standing customer. You have stated that this product had been purchased quite awhile ago at an expensive price. Like many have pointed out that when you go to purchase something on the marketplace, it indicates if an item is copyable or not. You have the choice of whether you purchase an item or not so if the item was too expensive in your opinion, why purchase it? It really seems like a waste. Many times over the years i've been in Second Life I've had items with an issue here or there. I've always contacted the creator first and foremost. I've always had really great feedback with this method too. I've had a creator spend three hours helping me figure out my first pair of mesh feet even though I'm more than certain they were very busy with other things. I've also had another answer all my questions about a cute little sofa I really loved the look of, but still had misgivings until I spoke to the creator. Oh, I've also even had another kind enough to send me a second copy of a gown I had purchased in her shop, that I stupidly declined on accident when it was sent to me. No questions asked. I believe you get more when you treat a person the way in which you wish to be treated. It is just good common sense, and in this case good business. Leaving a review on an item because it is no copy and you feel it is too expensive isn't a constructive way to give a creator feedback or other potential customers. I most likely would of done the same thing if I had been in the creator's shoes and had someone leave a review like that because it just seems like a very petty complaint. Why would this person wish to have your business if you feel her merchandise is too expensive in the first place? No one forced you to purchase this item, or to later purchase one for your friend. I think you would of gotten a much different response had you messaged the creator in the first place before jumping the gun and writing a review without giving the merchant a chance to even give you any type of feedback. Since you didn't give her the courtesy of contacting her to see what she could do to help before writing the review, why shouldn't she ban you from her store. Reviews hurt a merchant's business so I can completely understand that she paid you in kind for your lack of courtesy to her. You talk about the creator of the item being petty and perhaps taking it personally, but I don't see it this way. She is protecting her business and reputation. I know that you point out that you do have a right to not message the creator in the first place, but really look where it got you so perhaps you should rethink that particular chain of thought.

Yes I can see how that line could be fun to respond to. :smileylol: Thank you for your kind words. It is appreciated! :smileyvery-happy:

My question for you is why does it matter? Why does it matter so much to you? It is up to the individual what they put in their profile. I see the profile as a way to express myself and to show others a little of who I am. I don't consider what I put in my profile about my husband "hook up" information nor have I ever warned anyone to ever stay away from him or I. As far as I know he hasn't either. The husband I have in rl is the very same husband I have here in sl. Showing a picture of him and I together or expressing my love for him in words has nothing to do with insecurity, but the fact he is my bestfriend and I enjoy expressing that. To me there is nothing wrong with that. He is the one who introduced sl to me many eons ago when I got really sick in rl and couldn't leave my house. All of a sudden I found myself not able to share or do all of the activities my husband and I both love in rl so he found a place where we could still do that. To keep my mind off being ill he also asked me to marry him in sl and I got to plan a huge wedding. I'm healthy now, but sl is a very special place for both him and I still because it was a saving grace through a very dark time in my life. So of course just as in rl I have pictures of us in our home, I also have them in my profile and our home in sl. I even put photos of my virtual kittycats in my profile and home just as I have them up of rl cat. It is just something I think people do as an expression of their love. I will update the photos every now and again as well as what I write. In fact right now I have been in the middle of updating my profile. I find it endearing when I see others sharing their love for their special someone, friends, family, etc. It is an act of love. At least that is how I view it. I find it more off putting when others state in their profile they are a "no drama" zone or when they feel the need to cuss incessantly or threaten others, etc. I usually avoid those people who have profiles like that. It all comes down to personal taste and what an individual wants to display in their profile. It is their space to share and they have every right to do with it as they please as long as it doesn't break the TOS. You have stated that you keep things on a casual level in sl which is completely acceptable and up to you, but not everyone is going to feel the same as you on that. That is alright too. Individuality and diversity is what makes the rl world and sl world go round. It is what also makes it interesting.

I don't really speak out in the forums although I have been an avid reader of them for years. I've seen many threads as you describe, but I never took others' comments the way you have. I really feel that they are trying to be supportive of the people who are experiencing frustration of an item not working right, not being able to get hold of the creator, etc. When they say to just chalk it up to experience, or to move on with their Second life, I just really feel what they are trying to get across is we have all been there. That they understand what the OP is going through. I just feel it is a very matter of fact way of showing support and understanding on a topic they see so much of.

This news actually brought me to tears. I've been visiting this place for years and it was a joy each and everytime I got to explore there. I think I loved it even more because of how apparent it was so much time, love and effort went into creating such a neat sim. Their items are wonderful. I still have the adorable free horse/unicorn that they provide for free. My very favorite adventure on the sim was a dragon you hopped on that flew you up to this circular sky arena and you could battle dark creatures. It was so creative and just simply fun. So many wonderful items and their generosity always astounded me. Such very sad news.

I would be willing to help if you still need help. I've been in Second Life since 2009 so if you need any extra help, you are welcome to contact me!