Ivy Darrow was an attractive redhead standing in the upper bleachers of Kula coliseum, and I was struck by how much her avatar resembled the young flame-haired woman in her First Life profile, and so naturally, I had to know more.
Were you trying to create an avatar that looked like you in real life?
Yes. That is what I was going for. [Smiles] Although I made my avatar way better, of course. I guess it was just my first instinct when I was brand new, and then I never changed it. I don't like it when people drastically change their looks-- trying to keep it "real", I suppose.
Why is that important to you?
Not changing my looks drastically? I like being recognized in-game. I like having an "identity" that is consistent. I think it makes me seem more serious and less flightly, which could be important for my tenants. I have a cottage rental business. We have 96 cottages currently... they are on two islands and then we have about three-fourths each of two mainland sims. We are thrilled with our success. We are consistently at 95% occupancy or higher. It has been a fun project for us.
Do people notice your avatar's similarity to your First Life photo?
I don't seem to get a lot of people commenting on that, actually. They will say that either my avie or my real life pic are cute, but you may be the first except for my real life friends to [note the resemblance].
Are Residents more flirtatious because of it?
I'm not sure if they are more flirtatious, but they are definitely flirtatious. Newbies more so than others, I think. There have been times when I have taken the real life picture down because I received some piggish comments.
I eventually put it back up, though, because I
like seeing people's real life pictures, and feel it makes this whole
experience more....tangible... somehow, when there is that extra
connection.
Is there another fascinating avatar out there I should know all about? E-mail me, or IM Hamlet Au, and tell me more.
Can I just be the first to say that if that is really her, I am in L-O-V-E. *wow* Ivy, if you're reading this, drop me a line!! On second glance however, sadly, that photo looks suspisciously familiar....familiar from somewhere else on the webs, ya know "those" sites. *wink* wink*nudge*nudge* Hamlet my lad, we've been had!!
Posted by: Alastair Chamerberlin | Wednesday, February 21, 2007 at 07:10 AM
Alastair, I'm her business partner. That RL pic is really her.
Posted by: Treat Rothschild | Wednesday, February 21, 2007 at 12:08 PM
Treat...are you her RL biz partner or SL biz partner? 'cos you know on these here webs anyone can be anyone. know what I'm sayin'? If that really is her though, please do tell her I said hello!! :-)
Posted by: Alastair Chamerberlin | Wednesday, February 21, 2007 at 01:14 PM
Trust me, Alistair, that really, really is her. She looks like that. Honestly. :)
Posted by: Treat Rothschild | Wednesday, February 21, 2007 at 01:18 PM
Well,
Isn't this neat. I'm impressed that Ivy's gotten so popular. Maybe when she's really famous she can hook me up with invites to the most Posh SL parties and plug me into the virtual "scene".
Really tho, good work Miss Darrow I'm glad you and the Rothchild are doing so well with your rental bizz.
D_
P.S. Hey Poofda!
Posted by: This Doughboy | Wednesday, February 21, 2007 at 01:22 PM
this is an important project , lool I hope that I will can visit you in the second life
Posted by: smaine | Thursday, March 01, 2007 at 04:58 PM
This is a good example of how people get more attentions when they are beautiful looking.
Posted by: Chiling Leandros | Tuesday, March 06, 2007 at 06:06 AM
I'm Ivy's longest-standing tenant in her cottage business, and happened to come across this article in a random web search. I just wanted to say, I've always found Ivy's avatar to be intriguing. I suspect it comes from the deep and level-headed personality that seems to be behind the pixels. You go girl!
Posted by: Adrea McKay | Monday, August 25, 2008 at 06:05 AM