Holiday Happenings at M&M Creations

I had heard some interesting events were planned at M&M Creations for the holiday season.  A visit there recently revealed a unique shopping experience.  They offer  a variety of items for landscaping, as well as sculpties and items ranging from lanterns, furniture, gazebos and animals.  The creative people behind M&M Creations are 10 and Marcthur Goosson.
At the M&M Highlands, 10 and Marc have created a spectacular Mystic Winterland. 
I recently  met with 10 and Marcthur at their main store in a cozy wintery sitting area.
SS:    So I understand you have big plans for the holidays, including treasure hunts. Tell me about some of the other things you are planning.
10G:   Well, full of plans, hopefully they (will) all be worked out and become a success.  First we wanted to do something like we did last year, discounts on the boxes with sculpties, but to focus only on the sculpts while we have much more to offer is a pity.
SS:  Yes, I agree.
MG:  Yes , soo much more (to) us.
SS:  What kinds of goodies can be had at the treasure hunts?
10G:   In the hope our visitors will take their time to see the island, I planned to have a kind of treasure-hunt by making 2 items each day for sale for 1 linden.. only they will stay on their original place and people have to start walking.
SS: Yes, that's what I heard...it sounds like a good plan.
10G:  Trees, lights or lanterns....gazebos, maybe even animals, flowers, shrubs...particles, (cacti)...do i need to go on?
SS: It sounds like a lot.
10G  Oh, books not to forget those.
SS:   And this is kicking off on the 11th?
MG:  Yes together with my birthday which (is) also the 11th:-)
10G:   Next to that we fill the gift box at the X-mas plateau every day with another gift, an item from our shops around the main store.
MG: LOL never coincidences.
10G:  That's no treasure or discounted, but just a gift like gifts should be, for free...and to see what can be created with (fashion) sculpties, not only fashion!!
SS:  And hopefully come back with their friends.  It's a great opportunity for people to get a sample of what is available here.
MG:  We are working hard, but SL has grown soo huge that it is difficult to get the right attention.
SS:  I can understand that Marcthur.
MG:  Marc is ok ;-)
 SS:   Good, thanks, Marc, easier to type lol.
SS:   SL is almost overwhelming in what is available here.
10G:  Of course,, we focus mainly on fashion-designers, but it would be boring for us, we simply do not fashion-design, we have the resources for the designers, and the rest is 'having fun with sculpties'.
MG:  What 10 says is that we supply sculpties for fashion designers, but our inspiration let us make many more be.
SS:  Did you begin with that idea when you started out? I mean, the fashion end of it?  I know nothing about fashion design here, but I imagine the sculpies help to make the various pieces of an outfit?
MG:  Yes, indeed.  We started out  with scenery screens.
SS:   Yes, sculpties would be helpful in landscape too
MG:  And then sculpties arrived which finally gave me an opportunity in RL to make designs in 3D.
 SS: That must have been exciting for you :)
10G: (and so it grew and grew and grew)
MG:  Exciting YES, and many many hours experimenting :-)
10G:  Out of making, building with and selling sculpties grew the questions for explanation or workshops, so tutorials have become a part of my sl-fun.  Hopefully I will do some more next year.
SS:  I'm sure it could not have grown without your creative input and ideas
10G:  I'm happy the pc's are still indoors and the windows aren't broken hahaha.
MG:  And of course with the help of so many creative minds here in SL,
SS:  Yes, there is a lot of creativity in SL.
10G:  That's why we would like to thank all our friends, costumers, designers , they made this all happen and possible as well.
SS:  What sets M&M Creations apart from other shops in SL?
MG:  Quality for sure, and we offer FULL PERM sculpties...and variety, originality.
10G: Quality.
SS:  Full perm, a very nice feature.
MG:  And shapes that put other creative minds into work.  Others are inspired by us, to make stuff with our shapes they never thought of, and customers are free to inspire us with their ideas.
10G: And we're helpfull, but that's a common thing I noticed last year.
SS:  Do you feel that others are in a sense taking your ideas?
MG:  Sure we are copied.
S S:  I guess there is a lot of that in SL.
MG:  But it is ok when others are inspired.
SS:  It seems like you manage to remain unique, however.
MG:  We are unique in our kind of way,  we have our own identity.
SS:  The trick is keeping it Marc :)
MG:  Hahaha, well, so far so good.
10G:  That's why we don't explore entire SL like most do.  We never go out looking for others or our competition, so we will stay that way I guess.
MG:  I hardly ever explore SL.  I visit my customers .
SS:  I do not do a lot of exploring either, unless I have a purpose to go somewhere.
 MG:  Well as a jouralist you should :-)

SS:   Things tend to fall into my lap.
MG:  That is a good phrase.
SS:  Hahaha, I am lucky I suppose.
10G:  If we would explore sl we (would) find too much realistic places and it will 'kill' our creativity and own identity in what we do.
10 and Marcthur are a RL couple also affectionately referred to as M&M.  Their work in SL is their daily RL work.  I found them both to be very creative, interesting and intelligent.  Their combined talent is amazing.  I would encourage all to participate in their scheduled hunts beginning on the 11th.  Further details are provided below.
Every day another  FREE gift-in-a-box with an M&M Creation can be found on the X-mas tree-plateau in the middle of the  Main Store and TP point in a special M&M GiftBox.  Also every day, another SCULPTY BOX  created by Marcthur Goosson with a discount from 10%-50%!!!  These can be found underneath the tiny X-mas tree standing on the box itself at the Main Store!!
Additional promotions include 2 creations of M&M Trees & Landscaping for sale for 1 linden .  Those landscaping-items can be found outside the mainstore at the Natural Park, they will change EVERY DAY!
You need to walk around and click items (such as trees, flowers, lanterns, entrees, shrubs, furniture, gazebos, animals, et.) to find the ' Treasures of the Day'.  MAYBE look out for a tiny X-mas tree which could be found near the Treasures.
I had heard some interesting events were planned at M&M Creations for the holiday season.  A visit there recently revealed a unique shopping experience.  They offer  a variety of items for landscaping, as well as sculpties and items ranging from lanterns, furniture, gazebos and animals.  The creative people behind M&M Creations are 10 and Marcthur Goosson.
At the M&M Highlands, 10 and Marc have created a spectacular Mystic Winterland. 
I recently  met with 10 and Marcthur at their main store in a cozy wintery sitting area.
SS:    So I understand you have big plans for the holidays, including treasure hunts. Tell me about some of the other things you are planning.
10G:   Well, full of plans, hopefully they (will) all be worked out and become a success.  First we wanted to do something like we did last year, discounts on the boxes with sculpties, but to focus only on the sculpts while we have much more to offer is a pity.
SS:  Yes, I agree.
MG:  Yes , soo much more (to) us.
SS:  What kinds of goodies can be had at the treasure hunts?
10G:   In the hope our visitors will take their time to see the island, I planned to have a kind of treasure-hunt by making 2 items each day for sale for 1 linden.. only they will stay on their original place and people have to start walking.
SS: Yes, that's what I heard...it sounds like a good plan.
10G:  Trees, lights or lanterns....gazebos, maybe even animals, flowers, shrubs...particles, (cacti)...do i need to go on?
SS: It sounds like a lot.
10G  Oh, books not to forget those.
SS:   And this is kicking off on the 11th?
MG:  Yes together with my birthday which (is) also the 11th:-)
10G:   Next to that we fill the gift box at the X-mas plateau every day with another gift, an item from our shops around the main store.
MG: LOL never coincidences.
10G:  That's no treasure or discounted, but just a gift like gifts should be, for free...and to see what can be created with (fashion) sculpties, not only fashion!!
SS:  And hopefully come back with their friends.  It's a great opportunity for people to get a sample of what is available here.
MG:  We are working hard, but SL has grown soo huge that it is difficult to get the right attention.
SS:  I can understand that Marcthur.
MG:  Marc is ok ;-)
 SS:   Good, thanks, Marc, easier to type lol.
SS:   SL is almost overwhelming in what is available here.
10G:  Of course,, we focus mainly on fashion-designers, but it would be boring for us, we simply do not fashion-design, we have the resources for the designers, and the rest is 'having fun with sculpties'.
MG:  What 10 says is that we supply sculpties for fashion designers, but our inspiration let us make many more be.
SS:  Did you begin with that idea when you started out? I mean, the fashion end of it?  I know nothing about fashion design here, but I imagine the sculpies help to make the various pieces of an outfit?
MG:  Yes, indeed.  We started out  with scenery screens.
SS:   Yes, sculpties would be helpful in landscape too
MG:  And then sculpties arrived which finally gave me an opportunity in RL to make designs in 3D.
 SS: That must have been exciting for you :)
10G: (and so it grew and grew and grew)
MG:  Exciting YES, and many many hours experimenting :-)
10G:  Out of making, building with and selling sculpties grew the questions for explanation or workshops, so tutorials have become a part of my sl-fun.  Hopefully I will do some more next year.
SS:  I'm sure it could not have grown without your creative input and ideas
10G:  I'm happy the pc's are still indoors and the windows aren't broken hahaha.
MG:  And of course with the help of so many creative minds here in SL,
SS:  Yes, there is a lot of creativity in SL.
10G:  That's why we would like to thank all our friends, costumers, designers , they made this all happen and possible as well.
SS:  What sets M&M Creations apart from other shops in SL?
MG:  Quality for sure, and we offer FULL PERM sculpties...and variety, originality.
10G: Quality.
SS:  Full perm, a very nice feature.
MG:  And shapes that put other creative minds into work.  Others are inspired by us, to make stuff with our shapes they never thought of, and customers are free to inspire us with their ideas.
10G: And we're helpfull, but that's a common thing I noticed last year.
SS:  Do you feel that others are in a sense taking your ideas?
MG:  Sure we are copied.
S S:  I guess there is a lot of that in SL.
MG:  But it is ok when others are inspired.
SS:  It seems like you manage to remain unique, however.
MG:  We are unique in our kind of way,  we have our own identity.
SS:  The trick is keeping it Marc :)
MG:  Hahaha, well, so far so good.
10G:  That's why we don't explore entire SL like most do.  We never go out looking for others or our competition, so we will stay that way I guess.
MG:  I hardly ever explore SL.  I visit my customers .
SS:  I do not do a lot of exploring either, unless I have a purpose to go somewhere.
 MG:  Well as a jouralist you should :-)

SS:   Things tend to fall into my lap.
MG:  That is a good phrase.
SS:  Hahaha, I am lucky I suppose.
10G:  If we would explore sl we (would) find too much realistic places and it will 'kill' our creativity and own identity in what we do.
10 and Marcthur are a RL couple also affectionately referred to as M&M.  Their work in SL is their daily RL work.  I found them both to be very creative, interesting and intelligent.  Their combined talent is amazing.  I would encourage all to participate in their scheduled hunts beginning on the 11th.  Further details are provided below.
Every day another  FREE gift-in-a-box with an M&M Creation can be found on the X-mas tree-plateau in the middle of the  Main Store and TP point in a special M&M GiftBox.  Also every day, another SCULPTY BOX  created by Marcthur Goosson with a discount from 10%-50%!!!  These can be found underneath the tiny X-mas tree standing on the box itself at the Main Store!!
Additional promotions include 2 creations of M&M Trees & Landscaping for sale for 1 linden .  Those landscaping-items can be found outside the mainstore at the Natural Park, they will change EVERY DAY!
You need to walk around and click items (such as trees, flowers, lanterns, entrees, shrubs, furniture, gazebos, animals, et.) to find the ' Treasures of the Day'.  MAYBE look out for a tiny X-mas tree which could be found near the Treasures.

“Step Up!” to Content Theft

In the wake of the wholesale theft of sims and content over the weekend, like many people we wanted to do something about it – and also about all the other content theft that we have been fighting for so long – in the Content Creators Association and in magazines and on TV shows.

Since then we’ve talked – and have come up with the idea of the Step UP! campaign, a campaign centred on a special day of action that everyone can become involved with, and that can empower and inform people.

We are aiming for a day that draws together action, education and celebration. We want a focus that empowers people – and rather than dictates to people, allows them to express their own creativity in a variety of ways. It also draws attention to the strength of feeling that there is here on the grid.

2) We need to make people feel empowered by what they do. And, because we are hardly the most time-free people on the grid – we need something that they can largely organise themselves!

So these are our thoughts:

We are nominating a day as Step UP! Day – which will be November 5th – Guy Fawkes Day or Bonfire Night in the UK.

Action:
a) On this day – no-one uploads textures to the grid. This should show the economic power of people acting together, without harming content creators. We want Linden Lab to see the power of the feeling about the problem of content theft – and to discuss urgently strategies for tackling it.

b) As many people as possible wear an orange ribbon as a sign of support for creators. And creators can design these – they can be lapel ribbons, they can be arm bands, they can be tee-shirts … the idea is to make the orange ribbon the theme of the day. And everyone who gets a free orange ribbon gets an information sheet – explaining what content theft is, what they can do about it etc. And they also get an information pack that they can give to their friends (which also contains an orange ribbon for their friends).

Why orange? It’s been used before, but has no overwhelming association (unlike pink or red ribbons). It’s a bright, noticeable colour. It suggests explosions and colour …

And it’s an opportunity for stores and content creators to become involved too.

Celebration:
The day ends with parties. Bonfire parties. That means that all around the grid, people have parties.

We’re not going to be trying to stage Big Events that maybe only 60 or 70 people can cram into. Instead we encourage every club to hold a Step Up! party. We encourage every musician to play Step UP! events. Everyone on the grid has a part to play. Everyone can take part.

Education:
This is going to come in several forms.

1) Info pack
These will be given out with orange ribbons in stores and at parties.

2) Media
Audio and Visual service ads. The Press. The Blogsphere – everyone can play there part in getting out the message that we have had enough, and we have chosen to Step UP! against content theft.

3) Video
Short informational films – tutorials about content theft.

On the Designing Worlds shows we’ve talked again and again about the need for a social shift – so that people see content theft as socially and morally unacceptable. So … let’s go for it!

Watch this space for more details on how you can become involved, and how you can share with us your plans for Step UP! Day.

The concept originates with a small group – Angie Mornington, Gabrielle Riel, Gwen Carillon and Saffia Widdershins. But more and more people are now becoming involved. And you can too.


From the “Step Up!” website at http://stepupsl.wordpress.com/

Created Content at risk again.............

No doubt about it content creators have a lot of risks to face in SL these days and today I was made aware of yet another issue with the permissions system that is in place at the moment.
According to my source this is not a new bug its one the Lindens have been aware of for a long time (yet have not fixed).
My source firstly asked me to provide a NO COPY/ NO MODIFY object, which i dropped on their profile, a few minutes later they gave me 5 copies back - I was still the creator and the original perms had not changed yet - they now had 5 copies of a no copy object!
I won't tell you how it is done (I have recreated it myself) as I think that would do a great deal of harm to content creators already stretched through copiers at work in SL.
I did however go to live chat to see what the Lindens had to say about it:

dana_Vanmoer: I can recreate someone elses no copy no modify object

dana_Vanmoer: the permissions do not change but i can copy an object as many times as i wish regardless of the original permissions

XXXXX: Ok Dana this is actually one we are aware of. Our engineers are working to fix it urgently and we are asking if any creators notice their work being copied they send in an abuse report and a DMCA

dana_Vanmoer: you already know about this?

XXXXX: We do and our engineers are working to fix it as an urgent situation and we have asked people send in dmca and abuse reports.

XXXXX: Is there anything else I can help you with today?

dana_Vanmoer: no but how urgent is urgent this is scary for any content creator?

dana_Vanmoer: The person who told me about this reported it over a week ago

XXXXX: I do understand Dana however as I am not an engineer I can not give a timescale other than to say they are definitely working on it and content creators should know how to send in DMCAs

dana_Vanmoer: they do but DMCA takes a long time

dana_Vanmoer: a week is a long time of having items copied

XXXXX: I do understand Dana however I can not provide any further information than I have already. If you believe your work is being copied contact us and we will absolutely investigate it.

To me this is scary as i sell all my wedding things transferable - no copy - no mod.
Good luck to all content creators I hope linden Lab really are treating this one as URGENT.

Dana Vanmoer