July 2009 Anniversary Issue

man without a shirtcheck out this month’s hottie!

sharnAge: 21Sign: TaurusHometown: Lisbon, Portugal

Hobbies: Music, Video-Games, Photoshop

Favorite Phrase: “um can't think of one xD”

Let’s examine some of the differences. On Second Life, you have the ability to walk, jump, and fly from sim to sim, while on IMVU your avatar is stationary in a room. Upon signing up to second life, you are filtered into either teen area or adult area depending upon your date of birth. IMVU users are poured into one big melting pot where adults and teens try to peacefully co-exist. IMVU’s avatars have a slightly cartoonish feel while Second Life avatars TRY to be as realistic as possible. Both sites have developer programs, though Second Life’s gives a little more freedom in regards to content. The credit value in IMVU allows the user to get a little more bang for their buck, while in SL if you are going to purchase something you had better be sure that is what you buck, while in SL if you are going to purchase something you had better be sure that is what you want. A major difference is IMVU offers customizable homepages while in SL you only get a profile. After signing up and doing one of the most important things you will ever do in this virtual world, picking a name, we end up on the daunting tutorial island. Here is where we found that many users understandably, give up. I mean let’s face it. Ugly avatars that want to violate your pixel in ways you have never thought to think about before surround you and on top of that, you don’t know where to go or what to do. Many IMVUers turn SLers recommend that you find a friend whom is familiar with the program to show you around versus actually wandering around the island clueless. The second thing that you must do next is customize your avatar. Now here is where you begin to notice major differences between Second Life and IMVU. Firstly, IMVU avatars have a cartoonish look and products used for customization are found in a web-based catalog. In the cata-log, you have the ability to try on everything but rooms before you purchase the item, creating your avatar to your preference. However, Second Life strives to give their avatars a realistic appeal from skin to clothing. To shop for these items you travel to different stores built by different devel-opers featuring different items. Usually for as little as one linden you can demo the item and view it before purchasing which would be the same as IMVU’s try-it feature if not for the giant DEMO stamp across your face. The majority of these items once purchased are modifiable, giving you the option to fit the shirt, hair, etc to your avatar taking personalization to a new level. Taking a step further, you can edit your avatars body features to your liking. He/she can be tall and statuesque or have an ass like J-Lo, whatever you prefer. Now that you’ve chosen your name and created a semi-decent avatar depending upon how much time you’ve shopped, the last thing we’d suggest you pick up before exploring the grid are some Lindens. Lindens are for Second Life what credits are for IMVU, so basically, SLs’ form of currency. Economically, IMVU offers more bang for your buck. Where $5.00 USD can purchase you 10,000 credits on a good day, $5.00 in Second Life will only get you 1,000 Linden, which doesn’t go very far. There are other ways to get linden without buying them such as working, but that is for the next article.

So now that we’ve got out name, a snazzy avatar, a guide and some linden in our pocket, it’s time So now that we’ve got out name, a snazzy avatar, a guide and some linden in our pocket, it’s time we set out to answer our question. Just what is all the fuss about!

What does it take to seal the deal as reigning Mr. IMVU two straight years in a row? Well, I could not tell you but Urteil seems to have captured the magic necessary to do so. Urteil, Mr. IMVU 2008, recently won the title for Mr. IMVU 2009 against great competitors such as, ColdSoldier who took second place, and LordRobin whocaptured third. So one has to wonder, how much can a year change captured third. So one has to wonder, how much can a year change you? It seems not much at all, as Urteil is still as humble as ever and as usual, enjoys playing his guitar. Take a look with us and get to know, Mr. IMVU 09, Urteil.

Photography by - UrtielWritten by - Naughty

Two time reigning Mr. IMVU

- Urteil

08 09

Trebd: First off, congratulations on your victory and becoming Mr IMVU. That said lets start with the most obvious question: How does it feel to be Mr. IMVU AGAIN?

Urteil: It feels amazing! I was quite Urteil: It feels amazing! I was quite surprised, due to the fact that we had some wonderful entries this year. There was definitely a lot of diversity; and I feel very proud to have been able to hold the title of Mr.IMVU two years in a row.

Trend: For those readers that may not be Trend: For those readers that may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a bit about yourself so they can get to know a bit about you?

Urteil: Certainly. I have been told that I Urteil: Certainly. I have been told that I have a very humble nature, especially when it comes to being a developer on IMVU. I guess I'm just the sort of person that could find that compliment quite flattering! I love being approach-able by anyone, and I do adore hearing from customers that buy my works - or from customers that buy my works - or even just people passing by with a browse to my homepage to wish me a good day. I love art in many forms, drawing, painting, music. I love express-ing myself through my graphic design online, and playing guitar. I also have grown rather fond of snapping photos whenever I get the chance.

Trend: Was there anytime during the competition where you felt that you may not win?

Urteil: Yes! There were a few points, actually. But each round I gave it my all - and kept with who I was. My primary focus was being myself, and showcasing that through every part of the Mr.IMVU '09 competition with my sub-missions.

Trend: Was there anyone in the contest you felt would be your most difficult competition?

Urteil: Based on the notations from judges Urteil: Based on the notations from judges during each round, I thought perhaps Lor-dRobin, or Cold Soldier - two very different personalities in themselves! Needless to say, they also were the two finalists to make it to the end alongside me; and they both did amazingly.

Trend: Lastly, whats next for the reigning Mr. IMVU and is there anything you want to say to the people that supported and/or who didn’t support or believe in you?

Urteil:Well, I have just created my own group Urteil:Well, I have just created my own group within IMVU. Which can be visited via my homepage. There customers and friends alike can view my newest products, participate in contests, interact, and just have fun! Perhaps I will arrange a Mr.IMVU 2009 party within that group as well with invitations. ̂̂

To those who have supported me, I thank you, To those who have supported me, I thank you, and appreciate your faith in me being the best I can be - and in doing so, I have earned the title for the second year in a row.