Big Willy's Sweet Factory

This isn't meant to be a self promotion [well, it kinda is, but it's more so we can all point and laugh at with me].

About a month ago, I received invitation to be apart of a promotion bundle. I was really excited because I've been asked to be in them before and things simply didn't pan out for one reason or another [usually because the group just wasn't organized or knowledgeable enough about promo bundles]. So when Groovyloopylou asked, I said "Yes! Absolutely."

I've made hints here and there to people that I was going to be in a promo bundle. I even mentioned that my Sweet Candy Girl Set had a lot to do with it. I made that set because I knew I was in a bundle that had something to do with a "Sweet Factory". I never actually saw the pieces anyone else made. Color schemes weren't really discussed with me. I was told "Make this chair look like a sweetie" and so I did. I'm quite proud of the chair actually as it's the first piece of furniture I've done since I was a noob. I was told the chair was perfect and that it looked good. I did everything I needed to do, turned it in and gave permission for its use in a bundle. And then I waited.

Today, Nola messages me and let's me know all about Big Willy's Sexy Sweet Factory and I groaned. "Oh no... is that my bundle?" I open the page with angst and I immediately laughed until I couldn't breathe. I didn't know it was an AP bundle and I didn't really know it was that kind of bundle. Nothing wrong with it. In fact, It's a fantastic bundle that I am proud to be apart of. It's a great team of nice people and I hope to work with them again in the future.

You don't really get a good look at my chair in the marketing [although someone was kind enough to snag my Sweet Resolution Skin from my catalog and my Pink iDolly Eyes from my other catalog for one of the avatars]. In fact, you only see this very tiny glimpse of my poor, lonely chair.

It's probably because my chair doesn't really match. It's probably because my poor chair sucks. haha Whatever the reason, I'm kind of glad it's so hidden. It's a little embarrassing. Still proud of it!

Surprisingly, the bundle is selling well [I think? I mean, how would I know?] despite my sad chair. You should really check it out [hopefully to buy it and not just because you want to point and laugh at my chair].

Special thanks to my fellow bundle creators: Chickieepooh2u, Darkideas, Sean, Kimi, Elysiane, SiNafay, MarkyDM, Spirit, Alliekitten, Tidy

Avatars Gone Wild

I've been mulling it over in my head and I just HAVE to talk about this.

There is a new AP bundle called Avatars Gone Wild by Hot4Krissy and GothPoser. It's pretty much exactly what the majority of you are thinking - an IMVU version of Girls Gone Wild. I have no issues with the bundle itself. I'm sure it's great. But the marketing gets a HUGE thumbs down from me.

Do you see what I see?


In case you don't get the clue, the avatar lifting her shirt to expose her e-breasts for the world to see, is wearing a wedding ring. Which leads me to my next question(s)...

1. Who did the marketing for this bundle?
2. What mastermind wore a wedding ring for the picture?
3. Does this turn you off from buying the bundle?

Don't get me wrong... It's likely the fault of IMVU. It usually is come to think of it. Most creators don't get much, if any control over the pictures and marketing. But whoever is to blame... know that I find this is very poor taste.

Wizard's Duel Bundle

I'm a bit late on this one, but I feel the need to talk about the Wizard's Duel Bundle by DarkAngel5 and IMVU Inc.

Let's be frank here - we'll call it what it is, and it's a bundle based on the Harry Potter saga. We've seen them before in previous years. But what makes this one so special - enough that I am writing about it? Well for starters, it's exceptionally done. It's honestly the best looking Harry Potter themed bundle I've seen on IMVU.

Another reason to talk about it... IMVU really pushed the fine line on this one in terms of copyright infringement. We see them do it a lot because clearly, IMVU is above their own rules. But even I was a bit shocked at the authenticity of the markings on the robe, colors and let's not forget the symbolic animals from the book itself. At this point, I guess we can expect anything from IMVU.

Alas, it is still a fantastic looking bundle. It's been a while since I was sincerely tempted to forfeight my cash for one. Well played!

Running Of the Bulls Bundle

If you don't have an Access Pass, then you likely have not heard about DarkAngel5 and Tidy's new bundle Running Of the Bulls. It is what it sounds like - a IMVU promoted bundle based on the traditional Running of the Bulls most commonly held in Spain. But it seems it is turning some heads and causing quite a stir in the developing community.

The advertisement page reads...
"Are you faster and stronger than the mighty bulls?
Some may say it’s crazy, but others say it is the thrill of a lifetime! Celebrate the Running of the Bulls, a spectacular tradition of Spain, Mexico, and Southern France. During this wild summer festivity you will be challenged to run with the bulls. Stand shoulder to shoulder with your friends, and listen closely for the rapid hoof beats of the wild bulls. Beware the impending stampede of ferocious bulls as they tear down the roads and alleys into the bullring. This is a powerful spectacle of amazing strength and beauty which only the truly brave dare to join!"

On it's own, it sounds like a nice bundle, but the question has been raised by several community members... "Is this bundle depicting animal cruelty and isn't that UFI?" DarkAngel5 has defended her work by issuing the following statement in the CCGen forums:"I can assure you I didn't abuse any animals. This is an old tradition in Spain. They like it. I don't put down other cultures even if I don't agree with what they do. My bundle is loosely based on their tradition. I added my own style into this theme to prevent the bulls demise and chose to put a fun spin on it. It's a cute fun bundle. It wasn't made to upset nor hurt anyone/animals. I didn't invent this sport but I did create a bundle so that others could have some harmless, violence free fun...." Read the full (but locked) discussion here

Needless to say, this is quite the controversy for some. What is too much? Tradition or not, is there such a thing as pushing the limitations of the TOS too far? Is tradition an excuse for allowing content that might otherwise not be allowed?

IMVU so far seems to stand by its decision to support and promote this bundle with a statement from Senior Community Manager, Jamidiaz: "Thank you for posting your thoughts and concerns on this bundle. If you wish to have the bundle reviewed, your best option is to submit a help ticket to Customer Support. My feeling is that IMVU would not be promoting this bundle if we felt that it violated our ToS, but we'll gladly review your concerns if they are submitted via the appropriate channel." (Which means... the bundle will go on with it's however many day long promotion before IMVU even considers looking at the help tickets for it).

What are your thoughts? Have you purchased the bundle or plan to? Is the bar being pushed on this one?