NO! We need this blog!!! Can't she pass the torch to someone?

I have always relied on this blog to show me all that is spectacular and awe-inspiring in SL. It opened my eyes to a whole new universe. Before I discovered NPIRL, I thought SL was only about sex and shopping.

I'm sorry I never thanked Bettina for it until now . . . when she's leaving. :(

I didn't know her, but this post made me cry. My heart goes out to her friends and family.

No. 1 is exactly why I'm usually SKEERED to talk to designers I like.

Well, it's more like taking a personal stance, in my book. By choosing not to buy something because it conflicts with my beliefs, yes, I guess I am singularly boycotting something, so to speak, but when I hear the word "boycott" or a public call to boycott, I associate it with a mass protest organized in such a way as to make a negative impact on someone's business.

I also should have clarified with, "it's a matter of personal choice. I don't like violence, so I personally choose not to buy skins that depict violence -- except ZOMBIE VIOLENCE! WOOT!" (sorry)

And my "if you (dear singular consumer) don't like these skins, don't buy them" statement is pretty much a given. People who don't like to look like they've had the crap beaten out of them -- for whatever cause or reason -- won't buy these skins anyway.

As to those who do buy them . . . well, they have their reasons, and I do believe that some of them buy them to make a "tough girl/strong woman" statement, and I do support that art form. The real men and women who are defending my country, for example, get pretty banged up and they're heroes in my eyes.

And if some people out there really are buying these skins out of some sick desire to turn abused women into a fashion statement, well, I have a rolodex of shrinks if anyone needs a referral. :D

This morning I sent this article to several friends of mine who don't get SL or have expressed concern about the mental health and (lack of) social skills of anyone who could get involved in it. It was nice to have the New York Times explain it for a change instead of me.