It's been a while since Rod Humble (aka Rodvik) crept into my life. Years really. Truth be told, I wasn't even aware of his arrival at first, that's how stealthy he was.
This oversight on my part only seems fitting as I'm certain that to this day he has no idea that I even exist, except perhaps in the collective sense as a user of one of "his" products. I'm just one among the many and for the most part I'm very content with our at-arm's-length relationship.
This oversight on my part only seems fitting as I'm certain that to this day he has no idea that I even exist, except perhaps in the collective sense as a user of one of "his" products. I'm just one among the many and for the most part I'm very content with our at-arm's-length relationship.
Flat Rod & Tatiana on stage at Duché de Coeur Opera House
Looking back, I now know that he was there behind the scenes when I was playing and, more importantly, creating content for TheSims2. This was where my "exploration of history, art & architecture via a virtual world" really began. Virtual 3D modelling not only gave me an excuse for historical research, it helped me to really see and understand great architecture.
I loved creating for TheSims2. I became part of its community and I gave back to that community by sharing my creations. After providing hundreds of thousands of free downloads and making many "real life" friends, I saw which way the wind was blowing in the upcoming TheSims3. With this next iteration of the popular franchise, EA essentially gutted the content creation aspect.
For me it was time to move on and so I took my skills & energy over to Second Life.
A few years later Rodvik followed me.
He also started showing up at my doorstep in TheSims2, delivering a new computer, advertising TheSims3 to any new family in the neighbourhood, reminding me of his place in my life. It was kind of bizarre.
I watched his real life progress as CEO of Second Life, accepted computers from his NPC in TheSims2, kept my mouth shut when people discussed him in various forums and quietly cheered him on.
Then Strawberry Singh came out with her Flat Rodvik Linden Meme or "Flat Rod" for short. I picked him up for myself and started hauling him around. Finally, a chance for me to "control" Rodvik!
In the few days that we've been together, I've taken him to a number of my favourite haunts. I'm not that great at the picture taking but the experience is entertaining and I also suspect it has an interesting subtext.
I suspect that I want Rodvik to see what I see, the beauty, creativity and the community of Second Life. It's not and has never been a game to me. It's something unique, something worth tending & nurturing.
It would be nice to think that the people steering the Linden Lab ship recognize this.
I have no illusions that they actually do. As with the rest of my life I just hope for the best and plan for the worst. Oh ... and have as much fun as I can along the way :)
Now where should I be taking Flat Rod next ...
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Find Tatiana Dokuchic on Google+
Photos: Tatiana Dokuchic
I loved creating for TheSims2. I became part of its community and I gave back to that community by sharing my creations. After providing hundreds of thousands of free downloads and making many "real life" friends, I saw which way the wind was blowing in the upcoming TheSims3. With this next iteration of the popular franchise, EA essentially gutted the content creation aspect.
For me it was time to move on and so I took my skills & energy over to Second Life.
A few years later Rodvik followed me.
Flat Rod & Tatiana dancing in the Duché de Coeur Ballroom
He also started showing up at my doorstep in TheSims2, delivering a new computer, advertising TheSims3 to any new family in the neighbourhood, reminding me of his place in my life. It was kind of bizarre.
I watched his real life progress as CEO of Second Life, accepted computers from his NPC in TheSims2, kept my mouth shut when people discussed him in various forums and quietly cheered him on.
Then Strawberry Singh came out with her Flat Rodvik Linden Meme or "Flat Rod" for short. I picked him up for myself and started hauling him around. Finally, a chance for me to "control" Rodvik!
In the few days that we've been together, I've taken him to a number of my favourite haunts. I'm not that great at the picture taking but the experience is entertaining and I also suspect it has an interesting subtext.
I suspect that I want Rodvik to see what I see, the beauty, creativity and the community of Second Life. It's not and has never been a game to me. It's something unique, something worth tending & nurturing.
It would be nice to think that the people steering the Linden Lab ship recognize this.
I have no illusions that they actually do. As with the rest of my life I just hope for the best and plan for the worst. Oh ... and have as much fun as I can along the way :)
Now where should I be taking Flat Rod next ...
_____________________________________________________________
Find Tatiana Dokuchic on Google+
Photos: Tatiana Dokuchic
I love this Tatiana, what a great post :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Leena!
DeleteNow go pick up your own Flat Rod & start showing him around :)