(I've been thinking of a way to approach this subject delicately because there's no easy way to put it. I welcome all opinions and comments regarding the subject, so please weigh in.)When I rejoined Second Life in December of 2005, I had no idea that I would be known for anything. Pretty soon I was making lots of friends and having the time of life. So much so, that after spending $185 USD in a single month on virtual shopping, it was time to get a job in SL. I asked around and ended up promoting Machinima.
While many people still have no clue who I am, I was very surprised to see the reception to me at the Second Life Community Convention (SLCC) in 2006. Everyone wanted to hang out in such a short time and, for the most part, I was able to. Then I stepped into an organizer role for SLCC 2007 and things went downhill from there.
After putting much thought into this, I'd like to address the rumors surrounding me. People have been saying that I was a bitch, or unapproachable, but that couldn't be further from the truth. I also hope that this helps you reconsider your initial meetings with all of the virtual and REAL celebrities that you may have negative thoughts about.
Read on to find out my thoughts on virtual celebrity ...
From the moment that I arrived in Chicago, I was there to make sure that the Machinima track went smoothly. The first couple of days were more of a relaxation period. Residents were arriving by the plane-load and meeting up at what would become our base of operation, Kitty O'Shea's.
From the get-go, I'd decided that wearing a badge wasn't for me. I would much rather walk up to someone and introduce myself so that we might have more of a one on one conversation. I also thought that this would allow me to flow more freely throughout the hotel. I was wrong.
I began getting told that while the new arrivals may not have known other people without their badges, I was recognizable by my bleached blonde hair. I actually thought that was really cool, as I've been experimenting with my hair to see if blondes have more fun. If you caught me during those first days, I would have sat there with you for a long while just chatting and having a good time.
However, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday were very different. With registration happening, a party being thrown, and the tracks starting the next day, I was in event mode. If you've never planned a convention, let me tell you, as a first year inductee, it was NOT easy. I thought that the hardest part was behind me when I wrapped up the last minute things a couple of weeks prior.
I felt like a child lost in an amusement park, desperately trying to find my family. I'd barely had any sleep from the stress and things weren't going well at all. Several people approached me at a time when I felt like my track was literally imploding and I told them that now was not a good time. I tried not to look tired, cranky, or snap at anyone, but I was in a crisis.
In addition, at a gathering of that size, it is literally impossible to have the meaningful conversations that I would like to have with each and every person. As a veteran multi-tasker in Second Life, I have hundreds of friends, and even more acquaintances. Unlike Second Life, though, you can't have 10 people chatting with you at once while attempting to travel from Point A to Point B and get something done.
There were 900 attendees at SLCC 2007 and I'd say that I either spoke with a good amount of them or were approached by them. If I spent a mere 5 minutes with 500 of those individuals, it would literally take 42 solid hours to socialize! As much as I wanted that, I was there to do a job. I wasn't even able to attend other track events that I would have liked to!
I sincerely hope this does not come across as whining, because that is not even close to what I intended to convey. You see, I don't think that I'm a celebrity. I certainly don't feel like one when I leave the house once every few days in my pajamas to get Redbull. One might call me a pajama addict. I'm extremely approachable in any other circumstance, but the odds were against me.
I am guilty of pre-judging myself. There were several people I had heard were absolute nightmares in person, but found them thoroughly enjoyable. I suppose it just depends on what situation they are approached in and what's going on in their lives. In a weekend where I was called selfish with my time, I spent it doing nothing but trying to please other people.
This isn't a "woe is me" tale. I'm writing this to make you think about what others may have going on before you judge their personality. As an avid reader of Perez Hilton, I've taken joy in the pitfalls of celebrities as they treat someone coldly and are laughed at. That one weekend, though, I stepped in their shoes. I didn't like what I experienced at all.
It's easy to be starstruck and approach a real life celebrity for an autograph or picture, but it's not so fun when you're rebuffed. I'd feel that way too. What we don't always consider is the fact that they might genuinely be having a bad day, or have five minutes to get somewhere, or maybe they just want to be alone.
That's why I want you to think the next time you're out and about. They're just another everyday person that did what they loved and happened to get known for it. They might not be used to the way they're treated. I'm not saying to ignore them altogether, because they might be touched by your interaction, but consider their needs as well.
If I insulted you in any way that weekend or didn't have time to chat, I would like to suggest that you send me a message in-world and I can work to rectify the situation. If you are reading this and have any thoughts, questions, or commentary, please leave a comment. If you had the same experience that weekend, I would especially like to hear from you.
1. That wasn't a RANT, Moo, it is brilliant. You were in a multi-tasking crisis. Not many take the time to apologize for their behavior or distance to others. It is very smart of you to follow up and connect with others after you've digested it. Others have tried connecting with me at the wrong time. That ALWAYS sits funny with me. I don't settle until I correct it.
AS for being a Virtual Celebrity, you may be setting a prime example for RL celebrities. :)
I don't know you personally, nor ever interacted with you , but I stumbled upon your article and thought it was well done. So, I posted a comment...
Cheers!
Posted at 12:28AM on Sep 9th 2007 by Nasus Dumart