Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Two Questions

So there is this shop. And this shop has a blog. And the shop uses the same avatar model for all of their posts. Unfortunately, the avatar is terribly unattractive. To the point of making me cringe when I see their posts on the fashion feed. And even worse, I cannot bring myself to ever shop with them because I am so turned off by the pictures on their blog.

In fact, the shop I am talking about released an outfit recently that was sort of something I might wear. I cautiously placed my hand on my monitor over the avatar's face. Hmmm...sort of cute...I could see myself in that. But then I moved my hand...and let out a little scream.

IMHO, it really detracts from the clothing. Designers owe it to themselves to display their products in the best possible light -- on models who make us aspire to look as good as they do in the outfits. Now, maybe the designer happens to think this avatar is lovely. To each his own, eye of the beholder and all that jazz. But I just don't get it. I don't even sort of get it. In a world where everyone can be beautiful just by tweaking their shape or buying a new skin, I do not understand why the designer does not use a more attractive avatar for their ads. Calling this avatar plain would be a high compliment.

So my first question to you is: Am I going to be on the express train to hell for being this shallow? And my second question is: Who wants to sit next to me?
Posted by Tymmerie Thorne at 7:00 AM
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21 comments:

  1. I agree, there a few designers that post their fashions on the blogs that just do a horrible job with the lighting and picture taking, etc. I think it makes their clothes look old and outdated. I haven't seen too many unacctractive (sp?) models out there unless that is what they are going for...such as the Loser line but if they want to sell their products then they need to put out some effort showing them.
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  2. Oh gosh, please tell me it's not me..i thought my avi was perty! :D
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  3. Designers who use ugly models, dated skins or hair from 2005 comes off as being a cheap ass. If they are not willing to spend in Second Life, then I am not willing to spend at their shop either. The whole point of an advert is to entice, if they missed the point then oh well.
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  4. Are you looking for guesses as to who it is or are you trying to tell them quietly to change their adverts?

    Either way, it's a miss. If the adverts are that offensive, simply don't shop there. EVER.
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  5. You are totally right. I have felt this as a male purchaser of SL goods and it is indeed a distraction when the products are not marketed in the best possible light. They should use one of the talented modeling agencies that are in SL and a good photographer that can help sell the products.
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  6. Well, I'm already on that express train to hell, I'm right behind the driver. Feel free to come sit by me. :D

    I still can't figure out WHO but I have a few guesses and if 1 of those people are it I know them and you should talk to them, they will totally take the constructive criticism (and it is). (Or I will- since I am a friend of theirs)

    If it were me I'd like to know (oh God, IS IT?!*panicks*).
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  7. Window or aisle for the train ride? I'm more of a window gal :)
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  8. Hi, everyone - I think it is safe to say it is no one who has left comments on this blog so far - Kess and Forda you are fine! I am not looking for guesses - this is a very subtle way of getting them to change their ads. Maybe too subtle? Perhaps I will contact the shop and mention that their ads are not the best reflection on their work.
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  9. Wow, i'm hoping its not me?? LMAo..for real if it is, or anyone thinks that, please DO tell me, i'd like to know how to improve lighting etc. I think my models are pretty nice? LOLOLLL
    Cause i agree on the topic, would be pretty hillarious if it was about my models XD
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  10. You are NOT on the train to hell for this. LOL I always tried to make my product posters look as decent as I could, but it was easier for me since I didn't sell clothing. If you're selling clothing, you owe it to yourself to make it look as attractive as possible, and an unattractive avatar does NOT help in that. Lighting, shadows, it's all part of it. If they really don't have the money to hire out to a modeling agency, there are ALWAYS beautiful women in SL who will model just for the item and the fun of it. I see calls for models in different clothing groups all the time, maybe they should try that.
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  11. SySy - it isn't you either!

    Oh, I didn't want to turn this into a guessing game or make anyone worry - but I guess that was a bit inevitable! 99% of the models I see on the feed are attractive - I actually think it is hard to make an unattractive avatar these days because hair and skin designers have gotten so good.
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  12. I think really contacting the particular person would help...?
    I agree very much, when the pictures are bad it makes the product look bad too IMO. They are only helped with this advice i think? However not everyone can take constructive critism lol... i think i would just take the risk and contact the person; )

    oh and btw, thank GOD its not me ROTFL ;)
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  13. I'd say contact them! Why not? I be butthurt for about 10 seconds but I'd realize they were doing it to be honest and obviously you like their stuff enough to *want* to shop there- so there's a faith that they have a decent product.

    Word, the only guessing going on is in my head :)

    I can admit there are times my avatar "look-a-lik-a man" hah and that is poor lighting, poor poses, and pure laziness. (I'll admit it)
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  14. Oh, an express train to hell? Kewl. Not only would I sit next to you I will hold your hand too :-P Maybe we can make out in the dark and scary parts ;-)

    You statements are very accurate. I have noticed the same things and wondered about the quality of the items when they spend so little effort, or the effort is so outdated. But I know how people get use to their avs look and may not think about it. Or maybe that of their model friends. Perhaps many use an Alt just for modeling their wares. Maybe this blog will get some to dust off their models and bring them into the modern age - lol. I think it is good that you presented the information in this way. It should not be a guessing game to a witch hunt. If you are a designer, double check the look that you are presenting. Maybe you can even check with someone else for their opinions. Hmm, if I only knew someone who did Marketing in RL I could recommend them ;-)
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  15. I have to agree that if the items are displayed invitingly, people will be more inclined to buy. Packaging is a HUGE part of marketing. With clothes, since most of the time we can't demo them, if the vendor picture doesn't look good, I wouldn't buy the product. It's not being shallow... it's being a savvy shopper ;)
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  16. Good point!....Though I hope fluffy avatars dont come into the def of uglyXD
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  17. Therese - fluffy avatars do not come under the definition of unattractive. You can be fluffy and still be very attractive and show clothing well, IMHO.
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  18. Thanks Tymmerie!! :D

    Oh, I hope you dont mind but I would love to drop something on you to, hopefully,if you like, to advertiseXD. A really cool week long advocacy event!
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  19. The background for the model needs to contrast with the clothing/object being sold.

    Low contrast combined with dim shop lighting is a particularly deadly combination, making it difficult to plunk down lindens to make a purchase.
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  20. I'll take pics for them ;)
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  21. Shelby - even your amazing photography skills could not make this particular avatar look good!
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