Spotlight on SmacemanSpiff Grau- Mixing Business and Pleasure with Humor

Second Life is a virtual melting pot of people from all walks of life. In this unique global community, everyone has a story to tell no matter if they are in the virtual world for business or pleasure. Through the years The SL Enquirer has interviewed countless avatars and toured thousands of locations to learn more about the people behind the creativity and their virtual lifestyles.. For many, the attraction to friends and partners is based on the similarities in their likes and needs. Real-life looks and personal detail seem to fall into the background. The best part is we all meet each other from the inside out. Individual personalities are more important than looks. Not to say an attractive avatar can be a plus for those who want to enhance the fantasy and role play side of the grid.  Meet SmacemanSpiff Grau, winner of The Spotlight Feature Drawing at Terry’s Place  Sunday Showcase. He is an 11 year veteran of Second Life who has seen and done a lot and embraces the community in business as well as leisure activities with a good sense of humor.  SLE met up with Smace to get a glimpse at how he views Second Life and what he does.

Interview with SmacemanSpiff “Smace” Grau

SLE: Hi Smace it’s a pleasure to meet you. How did you discover Second Life?

Smace: Hi! Thanks for the opportunity! Second Life, for me, was initially a way for me to escape. I was going through a rough patch in life and had heard of SL as an online world with the creation and social aspects. I figured it could be a good distraction for me. I didn’t know much more than that and had no idea what to expect, so I signed up to see what it was all about!

SLE: I bet it was an eye-opening initial experience!  I’ve come across a lot of creative names but yours stands because it looks like a misspelling of “Spaceman” but according to the trusty Urban Dictionary, Smace means having an unusually small face and an average-sized head like a Keebler Elf. I had a good laugh with that one.   What inspired your name? 

Smace: Ha!! Well, those elves make some really good cookies, especially the ones with the fudge stripes… but no, it did not come from the vertically challenged bakers. It was a typo from trying to register Spaceman Spiff, the alter ego of Calvin from the syndicated comic strip Calvin and Hobbes. I love that kid and his tiger. It ended up being a good mistake to add some originality to the name. Excuse me for a minute while I go measure my face to head ratio…

SLE: So I was right! LOL! Would you say Second Life is an extension of your real life or just a game? 

Smace: It is definitely an extension of my real life. Even my partner in SL is my partner in real life, sharing a desk and sitting 3 feet from me. The person I am in SL is pretty much the same as on the other side of the screen, minus a few grey hairs and with a better wardrobe.

SLE: That has to feel great to find someone who enjoys Second Life as much as you do and omg yes the wardrobe here makes my rl character jealous!  Someone once said Second Life is just a chatroom with sh*t to do. I have to agree.  What type of activities do you get involved in on the grid?

Smace: Music started out as a big draw for me, and still is. It is fun to hear new music and I do enjoy fun banter with people. I also love to see new sims that people are building, especially the ones that use custom-made or modified objects pieced together. I am amazed at the creativity and attention to detail. Also, shopping, because… shopping.  

SLE: Absolutely! After 16 years, the creativity in SL still amazes me. With over 11 years of virtual world experience under your belt, what events have stood out the most to you?

Smace: Well, there was that one day when I met my wife… that was kind of a big one… 

SLE: Aww that's sweet! So,  you have a small shop in-world that features some of your creations like migrating Canadian Geese, neon signs, go-karts, a rocket blaster, and even a Zamboni. I mean who wouldn’t want one of those? Just the name alone is pretty funny. I personally like the wood signs Lol. You also have a marketplace shop that features even more things. Can you share with our readers how you would describe your products and what inspires them?

Smace: I’m the type of person that likes to figure out how things work, which is also how a lot of things in my life end up broken. As far as inspiration, a lot of it comes from my wife who says "you know what would be fun" or "can you make me a...". The rest comes from me asking myself the same questions. I try to make things that are fun and interactive with a little bit of whimsy. Everything that I make and sell at Spiffy has made me smile at some point. I like to push all the buttons and see what they do, which is why I try to add all the buttons to my products. I’m not a professional creator by any means, but I really enjoy the building process and hope that I can make things that other people will enjoy, too. Every project introduces new challenges, which is kind of like a game to me. I’m not sure if I’m winning yet, but it sure is fun!

SLE: I still haven’t mastered placing pictures flush to my building walls and it drives my manager crazy, but I definitely can see how trying new things and nurturing your creativity can be exciting.  Aside from getting inspiration from your wife, Do you create custom products for customers?

Smace: I have not been asked for any custom products, but I’m always up for a challenge!

SLE: I always wanted a rolled-up newspaper with a beat-down animation in case I need to attack a griefer. Are you up for that challenge? Anyway,  I can tell you have a sense of humor. It’s almost a must in Second Life with all the weird and wonderful things it has to offer. Besides creating interesting products, what other things do you like to do in Second Life?

Smace: I like to play. Dressing up in costumes for parties, playing with toys, shooting snowballs, exploring new places, taking silly pictures, dancing all the dumb dances… I love using the space as a playground amplified by ridiculousness. Rando and I have built and been managing a farm on a homestead we call Walsh County. When you add go-karts, it’s endless laughter among the rows of wheat.

SLE:  lol, I’m trying to picture that. Too funny! Do you have any advice you would give a Noob just starting out in Second Life with no direction?

Smace: Whatever your reason for being here, roleplay, creating, meeting people, dating, exploring… remember that the characters you interact with have a real person behind the pixels. We all have a story and a life. Have fun. Make it your own Second Life, but not at the expense of others. 

SLE: That’s great advice.  Congratulations on winning the Spotlight Feature drawing at Terry’s Place. Thank you for taking some time out of your day. It was a pleasure to chat with you. Before we go, is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Smace: No, thank YOU for taking the time to do this! This has been great and I really appreciate it! I don’t have much else, other than to suggest looking up your name in the Urban Dictionary before agreeing to an interview with The SL Enquirer.

Additional Information:

Walsh County

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Campton/46/53/23

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rivuline/241/249/2001 

Marketplace: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/212961 

Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/groups/14680384@N24/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_zDEqLyjbaXO_VBMeXuDzw?view_as=subscriber 

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Do you use Second Life for Entertainment, Business or Both? – Lanai Jarrico Reporting…

If both, How do you create a balance between professional presence and leisure Entertainment?

Second Life is a diverse virtual world with endless possibilities. People from around the world log-in each day for a variety of reasons. Some come for leisure entertainment while others do business to ensure the community has what it needs to move forward and keep residents engaged and active.

For years there has been a debate about the health of Second Life’s community and the fine line between real life and Second Life.

You may have come across profiles that say “I keep SL and RL Separate” while others argue that it is impossible to do that when we are real people behind an avatar with feelings that can affect us in real life.

While that is a fact, some view Second Life as just a game, therefore they do not get emotionally involved or share details about their real life. The argument can swing either way but what it comes down to is the individual and how they choose to “live” their Second Life.

If you really think about it from the perspective of a person on the outside who does not know the virtual world culture, it may be hard for them to understand the differences or similarities a virtual world has with the real world.

The difference is in the real world when we meet people face to face and engage in conversation- frequently judgments and stereotypes are made by appearance alone.  In Second Life, a profile description speaks for the person. It brings forth their personality first. This helps people determine whether or not they are interested in engaging in conversation due to similar interests or the lack of.

Another difference is trust, but who really trusts anybody at first sight in real life or in the virtual world?

Second Life really is quite similar in the respect that even in our own neighborhoods and communities we do not know all the people we live close to or work with. We don’t know what goes on in their home and life unless we communicate with them on a daily basis and form trusting friendships or relationships. Even then not all details about ones life is known.

 People tend to share more about themselves once they get to know someone well. So in reality Second Life shares the same human concept of communicating, relating and bonding with others. The only difference is people in a virtual world meet from the inside out and we have to rely on our own instinct whether or not we can trust what the person is saying under an Avatar persona.

 We can’t deny Second Life has caught a bad reputation due to the questionable behaviors that occur in world- but in its defense compared to the internet as a whole, it is somewhat controlled by residents who choose to steer clear of  people lie, who create problems or the sketchy side of the grid.

Those who engage in dating or adult entertainment have the right to do so as long as they are not supporting illegal activities or breaking Second Life’s Terms of Service.

SL community members can easily become wrapped up in behaviors that they did not originally intend coming into Second Life. For example, business partners might become emotionally involved and decide to date. Just like in the real world mixing business and pleasure can be a lethal concoction. The moment things go sour, the business they both worked hard to create will most likely implode- leaving one or both feeling hurt or used. 

Worst of all fighting over who will keep the business or let it go all together. 

It is highly recommended to choose either the relationship or a business partner but not mixing both.

Another problem that occurs often in Second Life with it comes to crossing those fine lines between real life and Second Life- is married people getting involved in virtual relationships. No matter what justification someone comes up with for doing it- to many it is considered cheating.

 It doesn’t matter if your marriage is on the rocks or even if you have an excellent marriage with a need to feel free. The only ones who truly get the best out of a successful Second Life relationship are singles who have found each other and have nothing to lose if they decide to take their relationship into the real world. The only issue they may face is who moves where and possibly having to get a passport.

Moving on to the business side of things, Second Life offers opportunities to those who are willing to put in the time and effort. Professionalism goes a long way and cannot be expressed enough. Having a good solid reputation for your conduct, a quality product as well as customer support is the real foundation for success.

 Mixing business and leisure has its responsibilities. It is perfectly fine to mingle in the community and get to know the people who help grow your business but keep it strictly business with friendly and helpful communication. The minute you begin to share your personal problems, getting involved in romantic relationships or getting into sketchy situations, you begin to taint your reputation.

Drawing lines between business and leisure entertainment in Second Life is a very important decision to make. Knowing how to handle situation will help determine who you are, what you contribute to the virtual community and what you will get out of SL.

No life in SL or RL is perfect because perfection does not truly exist. However, goals should be created in your best interest and benefit those you care about. It will enhance your quality of life.

 If you can’t find your happiness, success or balance in Second Life or understand the culture of the community you immerse yourself in-no matter how you choose to “live” in Second Life, there is no sense spending your time in it if it causes you stress or does damage to your real life relationships and opportunities.

If there is one thing you take from this article it is this- If you want to be successful- be professional. 

If it is leisure you are looking for- treat people with the same respect you would expect and just have fun.

If you want both- use an ALT for balance.

Remember, time is valuable. It can be spent or wasted but can never be bought back. Use your time wisely when you are in Second Life and it will be worth every minute.

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