PX2 aka pain & pleasure

Been busy

2006-08-23T00:31:00.000+01:00

http://www.electricvenus.com

Beta testing open

...

2006-07-23T22:13:00.000+01:00

PX2 Closed until further Notice

Due to the current climate in Second Life I am not prepared to make any new items that can be stolen by anyone without risk of punishment from LL.

Sorry to all those who supported and encouraged me durning the short time I produced stuff.

The shop will remain open - but I wont be adding new items until LL decide to punish thieves and show us they are punishing thieves.

W
10/4 out

challenge to phillip

2006-07-17T12:04:00.000+01:00

http://forums.secondlife.com/showthread.php?t=125506

Dear Phillip
From the transcript of your meeting with content creators it is clear that you are under the impression that proof of document origination is not viable through layered original psd files.

While this method of proof is used in other areas all the time, you are unwilling to accept this as proof as you believe it is reasonable to assume the documents can be faked.

Transcript here: http://forums.secondcitizen.com/sho...p?t=1672&page=2

With this in mind I offer you a challenge - quite a simple challenge.

I provide you with a flattened image here and you use your photoshop skills to reverse engineer this document into a layered photoshop document that can fool people it is the original when being compared side-by-side to the original psd.

To be generous I will also allow you to get help from one other person. To be even more generous I will give you 7 days to complete this, a normal thief wouldn't have so much time.

An impartial jury of 4 people will be set up upon completion of the task to evaluate the final psd's and to be fair to both parties we should choose a further 2 people each.
These people should have good knowledge of graphic production though, this is the only real stipulation.

Here is the image to re-create:

I look forward to seeing your results as do many content creators.

The point of this exercise is to find out just how easy it is to re-create layered photoshop documents from a flattened image.

Red floral set

2006-07-12T01:42:00.000+01:00

This is a 9 piece set I released today, lingerie and swimwear.
There are too many thongs in SL
This set contains bra, vest, bikini top, bikini bottoms/panties, garterbelt, garterbest without panties, gloves and 2 pairs of stockings.

Tonight I also installed an update for my selling boxes. Michael Revere was kind enough to add a banlist to my Vendomatic system, so texture thieves beware - you might soon find yourself unable to access any shops in SL.
This was an idea I came up with a few days ago and made sure I had Linden approval.
Thank you Torley :)

Other recent releases include Le Tartlet, which is my take on the classic French floozie.
I released this in time for the world cup final between France and Italy, sadly Fance didn't win :(

My letter to Phillip Linden

2006-07-08T13:43:00.000+01:00

Dear Mr Linden
I am quite new to SL, I love it and I saw its potential immediately.
I can honestly say there is nothing I don't like about SL except this issue - and to be honest I worry a lot about it.

I am writing to you regarding the hot debate surrounding the theft of designers work (textures and artwork) within SL.

I read that you said you wont waste time creating inadequate solutions which I think is a fair comment, but what I would like to offer is simple information, information you can use should you decide to get pro-active on this issue.

In many cases where I and my partner have successfully had websites taken offline for artwork theft, it has been a simple and fast procedure that is done through sending one e-mail to the web host including;
1. Attached original files
2. A brief statement claiming the artwork is mine and proof is provided.
3. Attached digital copy of my signature.

I hope to see something like this implemented into SL so I can continue enjoying it.

Defining textures.
Textures fall into two clear categories as defined below.

A. "Generic" textures.
Examples: Brickwork, grass, wood, marble, fabric patterns.
These files are originated either by photography, illustration or a combination of the two (e.g. retouched photographs).

B. "Artwork" textures.
Examples: Clothing garments, avatar skins
These are not simple, flat, repeating images.

For example in the case of clothing garments each garment comprises;
1. A texture - the fabric pattern
2. Shading - highlights, shadows, creases and folds
3. An alpha channel - the pattern or cut of the garment.

When combined these three elements create a unique piece of artwork that is next to impossible to be accidentally duplicated.

How to prove ownership.
The proof of ownership of a texture doesn't have to be a complicated issue.
In the case of an ownership dispute LL could issue both parties to provide 'original' artwork.

All designers work in 2D digital artwork programs for example Photoshop and paintshop.
When creating textures or digital artwork every designer will work with a layered document with different graphical elements on different layers - finally saving as a flattened .tga file for SL upload.

This layered file is the 'master file'. A thief will never have access to this file and its contents.

In the case of 100% photographic textures, digital cameras record info in all images taken, often referred to as metadata. When the creator uploads to SL as a .tga file this information is stripped, so only he/she has access to this metadata as someone who makes a copy, makes a copy of the .tga file in SL - not the original.

The genuine designer will be able to provide an original 'layered' document. e.g.. a Photoshop .psd file or paintshop equivalent.

The thief simply cannot provide this document.

In extreme cases the thief may try to fake a layered document, but this would be easy to spot for anyone with experience in graphic software.

As a final measure LL can check file creation dates, where the original will always show that it was created earlier than the fake.

The cost to LL
For this to work LL would need a minimum of one person dealing with these issues that should have knowledge of, and access to graphic software - Photoshop, paintshop etc. A 'texture detective' if you will.

When a theft report is sent, a generic mailing asking to submit original artwork in a zip file should be issued to both parties.

where no artwork is sent, the case should be handled as it is at present.

When artwork is submitted it goes to the artwork detective, who can use professional judgement to determine the real original and the fake. Further action can then be taken based on their decision.

I feel its important for me to re-iterate that these steps only need to be taken when original artwork is submitted, if the original owner cannot provide a master file then the "case" should follow the current system - thereby reducing un necessary time and cost to LL.

Although this mail is a bit long and I appreciate you are very busy, I hope you managed to read it or even pass it on to a relevant person. I have tried to convey how simple this solution can be, and its a solution that is used in other areas, e.g. website theft etc.

Keep up the good work on SL

regards

Wanda Rich

SL transparency bug

2006-07-02T13:03:00.000+01:00

How annoying is this? Very!

I don't know how long this bug has been around or what the problem is (model or map) but it seems impossible to match edges with transparency.
I've matched plenty of item edges without problem when they are 100% opaque or 100% transparent, but when you stray from those numbers you get white lines along edges.

As a test for anyone, make a 512x512 document and fill the alpha with 50% black. Then fill the standard layer with white or black.
Now apply it as a pants texture and a shirt texture.
Make sure all the edges are at the maximum setting and look at the holes along the edges :(

A bigger image as jpeg compression makes it difficult to see;

Finishing the new store

2006-06-27T18:20:00.000+01:00

I'm really happy with the new store and I have got a lot of satisfaction from building it.

Exterior:

As you can see i've used a nice dark blue colour scheme with neutral pale touches in the decor and floor.
I went a bit mad outside with plants and flowers from Dolly and Lilith's Garden Centre. They have really nice things in their outdoor centre, if you are looking for plants then you must visit the place!
The second floor is my own private space for creating and hanging out with friends.

Interior:

I decided to be more graphical this time, using typography on the walls in the same colour scheme instead of big signs all over - which works quite well I think.

This time I've also removed floating text from all the boxes - this is an eyesore to me and I think its nicer without (especially for my neighbours).

I invested $2000L in a JEVN system but alas it was one big problem for me (you can find my review on slexchange if interested) so I went back to the cheap and cheerful Vendomatic system by Michael Revere. This is by far the best system I've seen in SL so far for selling out of single boxes. I contacted Michael and asked if it was possibile to get the system modded to not show floating text - in 5 mins he sent me an updated version - so I'm a real happy bunny again :)

PX2 Moving again :s

2006-06-23T12:02:00.000+01:00

Its moving time again.
Hillcrest was never meant to be a permanent home, just a filler until I could locate a decent sim.
Although during the time I have been there it has degraded in performance and quality a little.

I find it odd that people are so negative towards stores in SL. Just about every place I visit in SL private homes appear to contribute more to lag than any store.
Residential sims are not as desirable as one first might think - red "keep out" text fills these places and you end up being bounced like a ping pong ball, people create all types of ugly builds, drop random prefabs with no planning etc etc.

While I am not an expert builder, part of the fun to me is creating your own space.

Anyway, PX2 is now located at: Whitlock 70,106,83

This is a nice quiet sim with no ugly builds around. The main store is built and selling boxes are added. I just need to "pretty up" the place. Hopefully this place will be permanent :)

Cheerleader

2006-06-16T00:17:00.000+01:00

I've been after making this for a while but it got a bit delayed by Sylfie :)
No reason for the colours - just that they are nice and bright.

I'm not Swedish but I'm sure people will start asking if I am.

This one was going to have a flexi skirt, but I'm still not convinced its anything more than a fad at the moment.
The free bonus box contains some funky partical pom-poms quickly put together by Etopia and a few freebie dances.

Impress your friends :)

Availible in all the usual places.

Update:
3 new colour sets added - Green, Red and Black. Price decrease - 1/3rd off the original price.

SLboutique RIP?

2006-06-14T10:39:00.000+01:00

For those who don't know, SLBoutique is an online marketplace where sellers can list their Secondlife wares and customers can purchase with a small percentage going to the site.

SLboutique was recently sold to The electric sheep company as reported here.

All of my items are listed on SLBoutique as well as SLExchange and I have to admit that I always preferred Boutique for a number of reasons;

Good category system meant things were easy to find.
Recent items listed - nice start page showing approx the newest 20 items listed.
Recent sales - nice link that listed most recent items sold.

These features were nice, clear and necessary.

Since the site was re-vamped a few days ago it seems impossible to find anything. The only reason I found my own items was because I am a seller and can see them through my account.

Any hope of categories has been replaced with a keyword system. This really is not useful!
Its open for abuse and people are already mis-using it.

Why do edible snails come higher in the search for 'latex' than tops I made that look like latex and I use latex in the keywords?

In the few days this new look has been online I have not sold one item and if this trend carries on, I will be looking for an alternative or at least be considering slboutique as a waste of my time as a seller.

Sorry to the owners but you should put the old system back ASAP.

blackstripe set

2006-06-11T00:52:00.000+01:00

A 9 piece clothing bundle with a glossy pinstripe panttern. A lot of people asked for the various parts they saw me wearing, so here they are.

This set includes;
tophat
shades
Pants
Prim skirt
Corset top
mistress top
bodice top
Stockings
metallic belt

Availible though all the usual outlets and in-store.

We moved home!

2006-06-11T00:30:00.000+01:00

Finding nice land in SL is one of the biggest drags I know.
Sadly Meribel offered no room at all to expand so I went land hunting.

Two days later I decided to rent land as apposed to buying it.
PX2 is now located in Hillcrest Estates (outdated link removed)which is a nice quiet sim owned by Cruical (of crucial creations).

The store is up and running, so drop by anytime - there is even a nice buffet table on the patio upstairs where you can enjoy free sushi, chinese food, red wine or something stronger.
I managed to go up from 1024 to 4000 sqr mtrs of land and its a nice sunny area as apposed to the cold snow of meribel.
Dress light!

Extra thanks go to Jester Knox who stopped by and created a lovely in-store pool for me, check out his wonderful fountains in SL.

EU Avatar woes

2006-06-02T22:58:00.000+01:00

Mindark have provided 2 mini updates since they messed up avatars with VU 8.4

Neither of these updates have fixed the problem, they have however fixed an issue of avatars with hair problems.
Today (at tech supports request) I outlined what has been changed, which you can see in the image below:

These are just the most obvious changes and I'm sure there are a few more.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for either a rollback or free access to re-create my avatar.
If neither of these options are offered within a reasonable time-frame then I'm afraid I will have to ask them to terminate my account as a final resort, which would be very sad.

Things moving nicely

2006-06-01T22:40:00.000+01:00

The more observant of you might have noticed something different with my last post. Here are some bits of exciting (at least to me) news.

1. Pain and Pleasure will now be known as PX2.
I felt the name was too long and easily confused. PX2 is simply the letter 'P' times two.
Another reason for this change was the awful lag that happened last weeked when I tore down the shop. While this was going on, Etopia and I decided that we could take the opportunity to re-style the whole shop and why not the brand too.

Hence we have a new (almost finished) shop, identity and name. Here is the logo:

2. Second Store location.
We have rented an area in a new mall and this is acting as our second store in case of any difficulties with Meribel.

The landmark to the second store is: Revolution Paradise (214, 19, 21) drop by for free chinese take-out and sushi :)

3. Gift Vouchers.
I've just set up a new gift voucher system so now all the clothes can be purchased for your friends. I'll also be givng a few out to people who run events, which they can give away as prizes.

Now that was a busy week!

Bodice tops

2006-06-01T22:32:00.000+01:00

Today I released 6 new bodice style tops.
These tops took around 1 day from start to finish and I'm quite pleased with them.

They are basically "deluxe" versions of the corset tops I relesed a while ago in that these also have an open back, although much more work was involved with these.

Save $50L on the 6 pack :)

EU Update horrors

2006-05-31T11:05:00.000+01:00

Hot on the trail of the awful SL update, Mindark released VU 8.4 of Entropia.

What a total mess this is!!!
MA have made (undocumented) changes to avatars which seems to be, cutting them in half and mirroring one side to the other.
This has resulted in most avatars being half as wide, and so people look extrememly thin.

It is VERY apparent they have changed avatars for several reasons.
1. The bad 3D model of skirts only used to have a hole on one side - now the hole appears on both sides perfectly mirrored.
2. Highlights in avatars eyes should come from the same direction. Because they have mirrored one side of the avatar onto the other it is showing the eye highlights as both coming from an inwards direction.
3. Poses are now broken. "At ease" - the hands do not hold each other anymore and disappear inside the body etc, etc

All this comes after MA messed up female avatars in the previous update and had to issue a patch to correct that problem.

SL update Horrors

2006-05-28T12:33:00.000+01:00

What a bad day Saturday was :(

First I find that the permissions of all my boxes have changed from copy to resell and the owner has changed from me to Nobody.

A very nice (and very cute) Linden came round to take a look, but unfortunately there wasn't much he could do.

Around lunch time, Meribel got extremely laggy. I mean really laggy! So laggy I tore the shop down piece by piece and I'm now re-building. The lag seems better now but I'm still getting occasional problems.

Nice reviews

2006-05-25T01:00:00.000+01:00

Wow!
I'm getting some nice encouragment in SL.
First this review at secondstyle followed by another there both by Celebrity Trollop and finally this one by Willow Zander at pixel pinup.

Thank you for the nice words!

I'm still very insecure about all this as its so new for me but I hope I can continue to please people.

Corset tops

2006-05-24T13:06:00.000+01:00

I've just finished up 6 corset tops which are availible in sets of 2 or all six for the price of 5.

You can get them at all the usual places as well as in-store.

Flavours are:
1 pink faux fur
1 green faux fur
1 pinstriped
1 sequined
1 aged leather
1 red tartan

My SLBoutique page - My SLExchange page

Entropia players jumping ship?

2006-05-23T01:49:00.000+01:00

I've participated in Project Entropia on and off (mostly off) for around 1.5-2 years. Entropia (recently re-named Entropia Universe) is an MMO that works on a real cash economy. Much like SL only much, much, much more expensive. $1 US will buy you approx. 10 PEDs (project entropia dollars). To put this into perspecive for SL-ers who don't know Entropia, decent armor sets can sell for anywhere around 65,000 peds and upwards - yup $6500 US

Anyway, back to the point - It seems that more and more Entropia players are now flirting with SL. Many it seem enjoy SL as an 'aside' to Entropia (possibly when they run out of money) and a few are total converts, Myself included.

To accomodate Entropians I have started a group called Entropia Rejects ;) which any Entropia players current/past/present are welcome to join. So give it a try, you may recognise a few names.

Hats

2006-05-22T02:15:00.000+01:00

I 'ummed and ahhed' about hats.
Will people be bothered to mod their hair just to wear a hat?
Modding hair is a pain. I managed to mod my own by moving a few parts around, deleting some and the odd rotation. I have no poke thru and I'm quite pleased.

But will others bother? time will tell I guess. I added a nifty colour change script to the hats. The faux hats even have 2 colour change options - fur and band.

I like them a lot and hope others will.

The origin:
I originally found a top hat at 'Bellissima' but it was a mans hat and looked like a plantpot on my dainty little balloon head. I bought it to study and after a LOT of stretching, warping, moving, rotating and twisitng it actually looked like it could work.

I contacted the original creator Kai Sion though his friend Elle74 Zaftig and he was happy for me to produce the hat based on the bastardized version of his model - without this permission I wouldn't have released the hats.
so my eternal thanks Kai :)

First post

2006-05-22T02:01:00.000+01:00

Hi
Blogging....hmmm. Not something I've done before, but will be fun I think :)
This blog will focus on my activities in Second Life, such as clothes making.

Pain & Pleasure
I have a good friend who I've played a few MMO's with who had an SL account a year before I even heard about it. In fact she put me on to it and I was hooked from day 1. I spent around 2 weeks exploring SL before deciding to get some first land.

After playing around with my first land I decided to expand. Several days of looking at various plots followed until I came across the land I now own in Meribel.
I knew the moment I saw it that it was the one!
Mainly because of Jasmine Deckard's incredibly beautiful waterfall which is right in front of the shop. This had to be a feature and I built the land up allowing for Jasmine's waterfall to be viewed.
The sim is pretty quiet and not much building goes on around me, so its the perfect location.

My friend came back in SL (after much begging) and because we wanted to make things together - formed Pain & Pleasure - mainly for land sharing.

Then followed a solid week of 'messing around' with photoshop, templates etc. Seeing what was possible and what wasn't (Lindens must love me with all the uploads i made that week).

So now the store is open and I have 10 products - Etopia has all her items in a single vendor at the left of the shop and I get the horrid task of filling all the empty display boxes in the rest of the shop.