The Stardoll Sansculotte?

Contradicting reality, Stardoll has proven that it remains unaffected by current affairs. How else can you explain the lavish suites and the filled with "haute couture" goodies closets?

Yet, some seem to be fully aware of what's going on around us. Today, I got a rather odd message from a girl going by the name AventureraEmma. Her messages were in Spanish, so I had no idea whatsoever what that girl (or dude) was talking about, until the P-bomb was dropped. And by "P", I mean puta.

My first thought was, who the hell is this bitch and who the hell does she think she's talking to?

And then, this came.

"mierda de austeridad"  

Or, in English, "Fuck austerity". 

Quite frankly, my initial reaction to that was "Stardoll has been infiltrated!"

But, then again, someone on Stardoll is a conscious civilian. 

All together now!

YSL(ame)

Today, I got a very stressful message from Stardoll.

 

Uh oh. 

Yves Saint Laurent is coming to Stardoll and my virtual pocket money is running low. Damn it.

But, wait. 

[click to enlarge]

Oh, Stardoll. You never disappoint. Thankfully you ruined yet another collection and overcharged it, so that I won't feel guilty about not buying anything.

I wonder what sucker will fill their closet with this fugfest.

The Psyche Of Blog Readers

In the immortal words of Britney Spears "There's only two types of people in the world, the ones that entertain and the ones that observe."

I feel that, despite the general imbecility of Spear's lyrics, there is some truth in that simple phrase. And, obviously, this truth applies on our virtual society just as much as it applies on real life.

So, to break it down for you, in the Stardoll world "the ones that entertain" are the ones who don't just sit on their ass, but do something, anything, to be noticed. Whether it is blogging, designing graphics or desperately famewhoring, these people are the salt and pepper of Stardoll. "The ones that observe", on the other hand, are a whole different story. 

There are three kinds of "observers". The "readers", the people who naively enjoy Stardoll and have yet to discover its subculture, and the "hopeless romantics", the young boys and girls that so desperately want to get recognized, but unlike the "entertainers" either sit on their ass or are just chickens.

But, like the title suggests, my point is... the readers, of course. Strange breed, these people. Most bloggers' main concern is how to make their blog successful. Some (me) choose not to care about such a trivial matter. But, really, what do the readers want?

I suppose they don't want much. Just an interesting blog (preferably with great graphics), minimal writing, and some perks for becoming loyal followers. Why, you, naive friend, will ask. And I shall answer. Because, if a person spends so much time on a virtual world just to escape their boring lives, they simply won't be bothered to bore themselves with something as humdrum as reading. 

Now, don't get me wrong. I, myself, have been through the tl;dr phase. I am going through that phase right now. Yet, I don't care. I write lengthy posts because I feel like it.

So, to conclude, my fellow bloggers, your readers will most likely expect, or even demand, those badly written, poorly spelled posts they love to criticize, as long as there is a fun graphic to keep them happy and an enthralling debate in the comments to keep things interesting. 

And you, my friends, will not give a shit. Like a boss.

Jiggery Pokery & A Rather Long Trip Down Memory Lane

I never intended to make this a gossip blog. Reading juicy, fresh out of the oven gossip has been a hobby of sorts of mine ever since I discovered Stardoll, but being the one to dig all the dirt is a terrifying thought.

Yet, there is a particular piece of gossip, so juicy, that has had me all ears and in a mood for a lengthy post.

Stardoll's most famous quitter seems to be no better than your average scammer. Now, let me clarify this, I don't personally know Tyler(isbold) but from what I've heard, he is quite the douchebag, your average whiny-for-absolutely-no-reason, crybaby teenager. Add scammer to the list.

A virtual unknown, a girl going by the name Seasonalhotbuys, has recently accused Tyler of stealing all her rares and in general of being a "raggity ass hoe". And she actually has proof.

The purpose of this post is neither to diss Tyler nor take sides regarding the situation. I simply want to broach a rather common Stardoll phenomenon.

The lengths that some people go to for a virtual upgrade are egregious. And absolutely ridiculous.

I've been checking several Stardoll Suites and I couldn't help but cringe at the excessive amount of pricey LE garments and Beach Villas I've come across. And, no, that's not because I'm jealous for not being able to afford either of above mentioned perks-of-having-no-actual-life. I just realized that these things are of importance to some. That these things matter. And that some will stop at nothing to get them.

I get those people. Once you are intoxicated by the charm of our virtual heaven, you want more. When I created my first Stardoll account, back in 2008, rares, Elite-mania, virtual moolah, and so on so forth meant very little to me. I just wanted to have fun. A couple of months later, I found myself in a haze. Unanswered questions filled my head. How can I become famous? How can I become rich? It seems like Stardoll's motto had finally got the better of me. A hacker brought me back to my senses, for a few months only, though. But, even after "reviving" my virtual alter ego, the desire for "fame, fashion and friends" remained unappeased.

I don't want to bug you with more details, but, long story short, I have found myself craving to be liked, accepted by this little society of more than 100,000,000 young girls and boys (plus some perverts, trolls and people with too much time on their hands). I now look back and realize that hacking somebody's account seemed very appealing then.

So, using personal experience, I conclude that despite the fact that hacking, and, in general, any form of scamming, is wrong and uncalled for, the idea that more (more as in more clothes, more money, more friends) is more indeed, seems quite inviting, and, sometimes, brings out the worst in us.

Teenage Musings & Other Stories

Have you ever got that feeling, when you have a closet full of great garments and nothing to wear? I get that all the time, both in my real and virtual life.

I'm sure you get that a lot as well. In real life, there's really not much you can do, since such problems present themselves only in the most urgent of situations. In our virtual world, however, Stardoll monthly presents us with the ten top garments we have to have in our virtual closets. These are the clothes that will always be hot, no matter what. Until the end of the month, that is.

I certainly can't complain about Stardoll's Hot Buys. Who am I to do that? It's not like they are the shitfest they used to be a couple of years ago.

I present to you, this June's Haute Buys. Wait, my bad. This June's Not Buys. You'd expect that for the shitload of money we spend on these, they'd only get better, right? Recently, I read on a blog about a new Hot Buy released (from May's Hot Buys) and it was considered affordable because it cost only (sarcasm) 10 Stardollars! It was a pair of shoes.

Now, I know that Hot Buys are only released for a limited amount of time -and, then, are sold for hundreds on Starbazaar- but shouldn't they be a little more reasonably priced if everyone has to have them? Or, I don't know, be made available to non SS? Or both? Or simply be gone?

Just some virtual food for virtual thought.

Shoes 'n' Stuff.

 

Today is a boring day. No Stardoll mishaps for me to rant about. However, this nothing-cringe-worthy-to-post-about day has inspired me greatly.

[click to enlarge]

I present to you, the shoe. The second installment of the "Crappy Graphics" series. In case this looks like a shitty black smudge to you, it really is a shoe. You might have seen Lady GaGa wearing those.

Since, obviously, my graphics are not getting any better, let's just hope that Stardoll royally screws up once again. At least then, I will have something legitimate to post about.

Until then...

Monopoly (For the Virtually Insane)

 

Stardoll is a lot like Monopoly, don't you think? No? Well, I do.

As far as I'm concerned, Monopoly's -of which I am not a particularly big fan- sole purpose is winning -and not the Charlie Sheen way. More precisely, Monopoly is all about money. Moolah. $$$.

Now, Stardoll, you might think,what does it have to do with winning? Or money? Well, you, my friend, are thick. Because the sole purpose of Stardoll -this group of money-grabbing, elitist pigs- is money.

And the sole purpose of its users is winning. Because, as I've mentioned before, the means that some "Stardollians" harness for the sake of the ultimate virtual honor are beyond ridiculous and, to be quite honest, uncalled for.

If I had 5000 Stardollars at my disposal, I would spend them on pricey outfits or furniture for my suite, not broadcasts, that will most likely go unnoticed due to the unfortunate misconception that people will excitedly run to every broadcaster's suite, "bearing gifts". Gifts as in precious votes, votes that will guarantee a day of... fame, fashion and "friends". Isn't that Stardoll's motto? How ironic.

Stardoll members, like the most intoxicated Monopoly player -here, Monopoly is no different than any form of gambling- are not satisfied very easily. The ultimate honor of becoming Covergirl isn't enough. Much like in Monopoly, where you have to buy, buy, buy, in Stardoll, one of the most popular occupations is "collector". After "Elite", famewhore, and blogger. *wink* Which is fine, I suppose. Until someone gets hurt. Because the insatiable need for a bunch of pixelated pieces of virtual crap that are considered rare has pushed people into doing the vilest of things. Why, the naivest of you might ask. Vice? Boredom? Impulsion? Ignorance? Indifference? Insensitivity? Or just sheer stupidity?

Whether you agree with me or not, whether you find my little metaphor unfortunate, there is no doubt that Stardoll has become a miniature of the real world, and, unfortunately, is all about fame, money and scams.

Stardoll Users Are... Idiots?

It looks like the pixels have burnt our last remaining brain cells. Because apparently the capital of Jordan is Rio de Janeiro. Pardon me for being naive, but, okay, let's say you've never heard of Amman before, hasn't it ever crossed your mind that Rio de Janeiro is, you know, the capital of Brazil? Like, the carnival of Rio and such?

Hey, at least they're not the majority!

NOT another self-important rant.

Oh, the irony.

I'm not going to yammer on about how shitty Stardoll treats us. Nope. I'm not going to write an unduly lengthy post about the overwhelmingly expensive Beach Villa - special introductory price, my ass - or the fact that the Stardoll staff believe that every Stardoll user is a modern day Croesus.

Just yesterday I wrote this melodramatic, emotion-filled manifesto post about how Stardoll is our home, in every sense of the word, and a bunch of romantic crap. However, I am not going to whine. This is a whine-free post. 

Instead, I decided to do something completely different. As in transform my absolutely unjustifiable anger into something creative and certainly more noble.

[click to enlarge]

Say hello to my first half-decent graphic. She doesn't bite. Hard.

A Place To Call Home

Over the past couple of weeks I've spent on our virtual heaven, I have noticed something.

I may reprobate Stardoll all I like, yet I have never really left it. It didn't take me long to find the answer as to why I never did.

Stardoll is my home. Reading these almost exact same lines, written by one of the Next Top Blogger contestants, I realized the indisputable truth in them. 

Stardoll is a home, both literally and metaphorically. It is a sanctuary of sorts, a collection of rooms where one can enunciate their emotions, their creativity. It is a place where one can fulfill - to a certain extent - a big ambition of theirs, whether that is to create a virtual magazine, design a clothing line, or write for a blog. Stardoll might not offer that directly, but has certainly inspired us, whether we'd like to admit it or not.

Through Stardoll, this mini version of our society, I was able to gain valuable experience, to learn a few pivotal things about life. And despite all the hissy fits I've thrown over its occasional sheer stupidity, I thank it for that.

The percept? Sometimes, even the things that annoy the shit out of you, can - sometimes - bring out the best in you. And you'll know eventually. Even if it takes a Next Top Blogger post for that to happen.

Ugh, that was so melodramatic.

Stardoll blogs: Cheap Ticket To Virtual Fame?

Stardoll blogs. 

It seems that everyone has one. It's actually pretty depressing, if you ask me. When I started, blogging was big. And by big, I mean, hugely popular, but also at a reasonable rate. There were many great blogs back then, blogs that deserved their popularity and were thought provoking. Nowadays, blogging is still big. But, blogs themselves? Not so much. The reason is, people who blog nowadays, don't seem to be genuinely keen on their "job".

Back in 2008 and maybe a year after that, Stardoll blogs were witty, funny, showcased their owners' talents, and, you know, usually had a purpose. Some derided "Elites", others deified them and so on so forth. Now, though, blogs are just facts. "Hooray, new HotBuys!" "Spoilers!" "Blah! Blah! Blah!" There are some blogs out there that do just that and are quite successful. Good for them. And there are some that can't even do that. They are usually consisted of poor articles, spelling and grammar-wise, and that's just sad, considering there was a time when bloggers were passionate about what they were doing. In 2011, however, blogs' sole purpose seems to be achieving fame, catapulting to the elite. Easily, painlessly, in no time at all.

When I created this blog, all I wanted to do was write. Write about Stardoll, that is. Stating simple facts was never an option. Stating my views and plaintiveness on the events that affect our virtual society

was my purpose.

But, most importantly, be genuine about it. 

And, no, this is not another self-important rant about how I am better

than everyone else. It is simply and merely a rant. 

Well, hello there...

Today, I was supposed to post en extensive rant about Stardoll blogging. (Oh, how original!) However, before I do that, I am here to report that I love Stardoll at the moment. Despite the PPQ disaster, they absolutely redeemed themselves by bringing a lovely summer line to Starplaza. Riviera. Classy name, classy garments. I personally love it. It's gorgeous and somewhat affordable. Even though most of the good stuff is for Superstars only, there are some great items for non Superstars as well.

[click to enlarge]

PS. Honestly, this post was a  pain in the ass to write. I miss my usual long posts where I diss Stardoll and the culture surrounding it.

Who's The Biggest (Stardoll) Whore Of All?

Ever since I first discovered Stardoll and became yet another obsessed teenager with no real life whatsoever, I never, not once, ran for Covergirl. Sure, I would most certainly pee in my pants and throw a party where everyone would get high and wasted, if I were to win, but, quite frankly, I couldn't care less about such an "honor".

I mean, if you ever think about it, the ones on top of the Stardoll social hierarchy, the "Elites", Stardoll socialites, desperate fame whores etc. have probably spent hundreds of real dollars to achieve their current status. Because, what is an elite without the glamorous suite or stylish collection of rare clothes to go with their fancy title?

However, a new breed of "hey-big-spenders" has emerged from the depths of Stardoll obscurity, seeking for, what else, fame, fashion and friends. This new breed lives, apparently, in their own world, where money grows on trees and real life is... Wait, what is it? All of that rambling actually has a point, and that is, why the hell would someone send 1000 broadcasts on the same day and then actually boast about it, like the sun is shining out of their fucking ass? And, okay, the boasters are probably winners - oh, bravo you - but what about those sad, poor, little people who sent all these broadcasts and end up with a big, fat pile of nothing and a sprinkle of nil on top?

And all that, for what? To become -only if successful - the person of the day on a website where whoring it out is considered a career? Thanks, but I think I'll pass.

Oracular Craptacular

Oi.

You know, ever since I made my triumphant return to Dollywood, I have found our paperdoll heaven pretty dull. However, I do think there have been great improvements as far as graphics/clothes/features are concerned. I was particularly impressed by the PPQ line. Stylish, glamorous, overly expensive. But great, nonetheless. 

So, upon been informed by Stardoll that there will be a brand new summer collection, I was in a trance. So what if my pocket money was insufficient for even a piece of this fabulous line? After all the fug Stardoll has been promoting over the past few weeks, I honestly didn't care.

And, finally, the wait is ova!

[click on pictures to enlarge]

Obviously, I am tremendously underwhelmed. Some of the clothes are nice - graphic-wise - but look unflattering on my MeDoll and are certainly not worth their price. I miss the times when 20 stardollars was considered too much. 

Anyway, my point is, seriously Stardoll? How can you take something so good and shit all over it? (Obviously, a rhetorical question, we all know that's your trademark.)

UPDATE: Like the waverer that I am, I reconsidered and decided that I want the Indigo Pleated trousers with my life!

Around The Interwebs

It has come to my attention that Stardoll has become boring as hell lately.

I mean, no actual drama, no nothing. I am actually really confused because all I keep hearing about is a certain user called mizzmileycyrus9, the "reinvention" of the classic Burn Book (more like a pathetic copycat), trolls spamming "Elites'" accounts, and, well, random happenings in Dollywood.

I am well aware that this is a virtual world and it shouldn't be taken seriously, and for God's sake, real life should be our priority, but, quite frankly, Stardoll wouldn't have the appeal it's had for the past three or four years if it weren't for the drama, bitchiness and arrogance that sums up the life of its more prestigious users.

I'm not going to lie. I cringe every single time one of these high and mighty "Elites" takes themselves too seriously, but I'll give them that, they are actually quite entertaining.

Sure, they are important to our paperdoll heaven, sometimes creative, even talented, yet, what I absolutely love about them is the "feuds" and debates in the guestbooks, the grandiose "I quit!" statements and all of the ridiculous projects that prove how void their actual lives are. 

I am not here to bitch about all of that, because, like I said, "all of that" is the appeal of Stardoll. This blog is nothing but a mere account of my "life" in the magical place we call Dollywood. Account as in constant, omnipresent bitchiness, rants and complaints about the occasional sheer stupidity of Stardoll.
And so it begins. *drum roll please*


Oh, and by the way, I used to own a blog called Stardoll & The City more than a year ago, before deleting it, so, no, I am not a copycat whatsoever.