Miss · Cornelia · Rothschild

(Note, Friday November 16th: I've had a few people read the following article and tell me that they agree with me utterly. I've had one person be very snarky to me about it, and because again, I am cautious, let me state very clearly: the following is personal opinion. The suggestions are suggestions. I am not trying to boss anyone, and furthermore, I do not speak of the whole of Caledon. Far from it! Some of the most breathtaking things I've ever seen in SL are in Caledon. And I am a talking wind-up doll, for Pete's sake, I can't judge anyone. ;P)

I would like to take a moment, if I may, to make a mostly-Out Of Character post here. And for once, it hasn't to do with whining about my work situation or computer troubles! Consider yourselves blessed. ;D

I have been hesitant to write on this topic, as it is sure to offend a few people. A few people are always offended. But, for the mome, I am the offended party, and I am considering this my chance to air my views. I would like to point out that this is a personal journal, and I have not, nor will I ever, post what I am about to say to a public forum. Furthermore, any examples that I use in the following treatise are examples that I have made up. I shall use no examples that I have personally seen on my travels in Caledon, out of respect for my fellow citizens (a theme that shall be developed further below). If you, dear reader, immediately identify any of the fictitious illustrations that I shall use as being real and "live" in Caledon, please first assume that I have not seen the thing in question. We are now 29 sims, I cannot make note of everything!

So, after that warning (which is probably quite a bit more strident than the following content merits, but I am cautious by nature), let me begin with this: Caledon is looking a little shabby lately.

I say this not as a snobby aesthete. I say this as a simple girl whose virtual life has been negatively affected by this shabbiness. I have had to move sims because of it, friends have left because of it (or at least because nothing is ever done about it), and I have had my ears filled with complaints because of it. I do not blame those people, for opinions swell and fester unless they are heard. The airing of opinions, even negative ones, is a very good thing. However, I like to have my life devoid of negativity, when I can.

Friends have also, I think, thought me blind or overly optimistic about Caledon's current condition. I write this mainly so that I can point friends to it and show them that, while I share their views, I also adore Caledon and would like dearly to try and help it grow.

Drama is a horrid thing, but it often exists for a very good reason. Like an ache in a limb, drama alerts us to the fact that there is something wrong. Drama grows distasteful when it simply stirs things 'round and 'round the pot; but drama serves a purpose when it signals a problem which is then forthrightly addressed and solved. Because I have been faced with this issue so often lately, I begin to think that it is one that must be honestly faced and discussed.

Caledon's theme is Steampunk/Victorian/19th Century, with a few sub-themes. There are many buildings, areas, landscapes, and visible (outdoor) items currently floating about Caledon that do not fit these themes, and, in my opinion, detract from them. There are also quite a few that are, to put it simply, eyesores. There are flora and fauna growing or skipping about that have no place here; there are clumsy transitions between commercial and residential areas; there are buildings of an entirely different, fantastical style sandwiched between modest cottages.

These builds and items, which do not mesh with those around them, stand out like a wolf in a sheep pen.

The underlying causes which allowed these builds to spring into existence, I think, are manifold. First of all, our nation is a very tolerant and accepting one -- beautiful, shining virtues. However, this often means that we are accepting of things which do not fit in and even, perhaps, annoy us, simply because it is in all of our natures. I know that I have said nothing (publically) up to this point because my instinct is to tell myself, "I don't need to look at it, what's one little item to me?" and walk away. However, when the offensive items proliferate, there comes a point where one has nowhere pleasant to look to.

Secondly, our themes are not rigidly enforced, as we have no united, definite vision of what Caledon is to be -- as there would be, perhaps, in a roleplay-oriented sim. This is fine and, in fact, has provided us with plenty of room to flourish and play, room for people to explore their imaginations. However, it impacts us negatively when the landscape becomes a mishmash of styles, colors, and clutter. It makes our nation look ugly, and does not encourage visitors to stay. I dare to say that if I were a newbie today and visited some areas of Caledon, I would perhaps begin to look for another Victorian-themed area. I would return, but I would definitely look.

Thirdly, related to the first reason, once eyesores crop up and are not cut down, they spread like weeds. It is human nature to think, "My neighbor got away with it, so why can't I?"

So, how can we all address these issues, I think? (Key words being "I think," as these are mere ramblings.)

1. Buildings

A certain standard of building design and execution, I think, should be expected in Caledon. Ours is a nation of brilliant builders, some of the best on the grid. Poor buildings (and I am speaking of very poor buildings here, not plain ones or honest first attempts), and buildings of a random, non-theme style or placement just flabbergast me.

Solution?

Respect.

- When we move into a region of Caledon, we should all take the time to survey the sim and see what the general theme is. We should, out of respect for our neighbors, attempt to fit within that theme with our choice of housing or build. If we no longer enjoy the theme, we should move.

- We should not move into a sim if we do not plan on adhering to its theme. I know we are all desperate to move into Caledon once we find it, but the fun will be cut short if we begin to annoy our neighbors. We should wait (although it IS hard!) for space in an appropriate sim to open up, or do our best to adhere to an existing theme until we can move to a sim where we feel we fit in better.

This can be very difficult for us, of course, when the themes are not enforced. I'm still very nervous about my house in Wellsian. This is where I believe residents need to come together in an atmosphere of respect to work out these issues.

- If something would be very odd or unique in an area (say, a platform jutting out of a mountain), we should try and get some feedback from our neighbors before we build it.

- If we cannot build well, we should ask for help. We are a generous nation, and there are many who would gladly assist, guide, and teach!

- If it would be appropriate and one can afford it, we might commission a building from a good builder, or buy a good prefab.

When Minesfield Park v1.0 began to strike my eye as being very boxy, I attempted to build another, and then, accepting my mediocre building skills, went and found a prefab -- a lovely Painted Lady. (And a dear friend bought her for me, making the deal twice as sweet!) Good Victorian/ish prefabs do exist, and are so very easy to set up.

2. Clutter

The Caledon covenant speaks against clutter and garish, inappropriate signage. Unfortunately, clutter still proliferates. (And I'm not speaking of the signs at the telehubs.)

Solution?

Respect.

- We should try to keep the exterior of our builds as neat, conservative, and thematic as possible, while still expressing our personalities. Whimsy is fantastic: I love seeing the odd treehouse, fun vehicle, or evidence of magic. I do not like seeing areas that look like yard sales or like a person rezzed his entire inventory randomly upon the ground. And we should remember to clean up after ourselves if we are building or renovating.

- By the covenant, we are allowed to have anything we like inside our homes! If an item is not appropriate outside, we are still welcome to use it inside or in a skybox. Also, the Caledon culture allows anyone the leeway to rez something out-of-theme on a temporary basis (say, for a party or event), so we can go nuts.

3. Non-Steampunk/Victorian/19th Century/Caledon thingies.

Unfortunately, I have seen many modern and/or themeless builds and objects on my travels through Caledon. I tend to think that most of these are the result of the "if he can do it, I can do it too!" mentality, or the result of new residents seeing pre-existing anachronistic things around them and presuming that it's all right to follow suit.

Solution?

Respect. And education!

- If we don't have a clue what would be appropriate in a particular area, we should do some simple Google research. For instance, a search for "Victorian (anything)" on Google Image Search will bring up thousands of examples.

- The 19th century covers a lot of architectural ground, and thus I have nothing against interesting Grecian builds, castles and cottages (from Caledon's "history"), unique character-driven builds (e.g., a dollhouse), etc. But we should all try to "marry" our properties well to the area around us.

- We should all take a moment to read the covenant, which covers such things as Caledon's weather and native flora. We should try to adhere to these guidelines, at least outside our homes.

- We should all landscape. I know it takes up prims, but a house with vegetation around it looks so much nicer than one plunked on an otherwise vacant lot. Even a tree makes a sim that much more beautiful! We should also try to keep open spaces, as is required by the covenant in certain sims. They just make the place look nicer.

So, what have all of these solutions got in common?

The fact that they are all based on respect, yes. But respect begins with us. It is not something that can be mandated from above. It is something that we all can do. Beginning today. Right now.

Furthermore, perhaps we can form thinktanks to help those who need it. I do not speak of a strict homeowners' association; nobody wants one of those, in RL or SL! Further, it is not my intention that anyone be persecuted, embarrassed, or forced to do anything...I am just airing opinions here, I am in no ways an authority of any sort. But those who sincerely would like help and encouragement should have a place to turn to get it -- whether it be a builder's advice, a landscaper's input, or simply a, "Hey, I love that gingerbread work, it looks really nice." We are all in this together, and we all need to help one another to realize our joint goal, which is a Victorian-inspired nation.

I have also thought of attempting to create a few simple prefabs myself, as I am swimming in textures from my two Minesfield attempts. I could provide these at low cost, if only to widen the market.

Another idea, one I plan to implement on The Prattling Shopgirl is to spotlight beautiful areas in Caledon, to salute those who have done well and to inspire others.

There is so much that is wonderful about Caledon. It is truly the warmest, sweetest, most talented place on the grid, I am fully convinced of this. I think it should also be the most beautiful, by rights, and we can all help with that. I would love to speak with other concerned parties to formulate solutions. I am not looking to be an Agony Aunt, because again, I like my life to be as positive as possible.

I am not ready to abandon ship yet. My friends, my family, my loved ones are here. I am still a patriot of Caledon, and thus it is my duty to serve her.