SCANDAL!!! SL’s Next Top Model… Has a Twin?

by Pixeleen Mistral on 21/03/07 at 2:23 pm

Copycat drama in the SL fashion world – SHOCK!

by Tenshi Vielle, Fabulous Fashionista

Slnextopmodel
models from the “tilde” group

BooBooKittie Haight, proprieter and brains behind Catwalk City, has a problem. Her brainchild, the “SL Next Top Model” (SLNTM) contest, has a competitor with exactly the same name plus a tilde: “ ~SL Next Top Model~”. Ms. Haight’s project was on the back burner when Jada Hoyer swooped in and appeared to have taken it on as her own project and idea – leading to another fashionista war – and some fine SL drama.

This might have gone unnoticed for a few more weeks, except for some small mishaps that could cause problems for Jada Hoyer. One sponsor of the ~SL Next Top Model~ show – remember, the original one doesn’t have the tilde – sent a private message to Ms. Haight stating that Ms. Hoyer hijacked the show’s name and that they were hereby withdrawing sponsorship from the tilde enhanced/copycat SL Next Top Model show.

Now, this is not just any old hijacking. Ms. Haight has done the behind the scene work for her show, contacting the real life America’s Top Model people – Tyra Banks and Bankable Productions – on March 1st. The slnexttopmodel.com domain name was registered on January 31, 2007 by Ms. Haight, and her two SLNTM groups were both founded and paid for on February 17. The event proposal was drafted and a copy was sent to Ms. Phaylen Fairchild on February 19. Ms. Haight has kept her SLNTM pageant quiet because she is still in negotiations with Bankable Productions.

The tilde-enhanced Ms. Hoyer didn’t register her group until two weeks ago. Quite a few models have already jumped ship because of the copycat allegations – at least 4 of the remaining finalists quit the competition. From what we see here, there seems to be significant evidence that favors Ms. Haight claim of being first.

Issues around intellectual property may come into play on this one. Could there be problems with using a copyrighted name without permission – putting an SL event organizer into hot water? To make things even more frothy simply add Tyra Banks and Bankable Productions into the mix and watch the fashion drama boil over.

Ms. Hoyer declined comment at this time, complaining that it was too late an hour for an interview. I did, however, get a few -very staggered- remarks from her.

Jada Hoyer: and I did not attempt to highjack anything
Tenshi Vielle: Alright, then why is your event, under the same name, separated by two single tildes, registered after the original groups were formed?
Tenshi Vielle: After the original idea was formed, etc?
Jada Hoyer: the original idea was Tara Banks
Jada Hoyer: lol
Tenshi Vielle: mm-hmmm… but I’m talking the SL edition
Tenshi Vielle: Did you bother to ask permission of Ms. Banks to use her name?
Tenshi Vielle: Did you contact Bankable Productions?
Jada Hoyer: I better take this babyphat outfit off huh
Tenshi Vielle: If it’s on your SL body, you may as well, it’s direct copyright infringment.
Tenshi Vielle: I just can’t fathom… I heard through the grapevine that you are “prepared to fight this” … how are you planning on fighting for something that isn’t even yours? … that you didn’t bother to get permission of the original parties, to use their name and idea? Did you even ATTEMPT an email to them?

After that, Ms. Hoyer fell absolutely silent. I told her I would report her silence as a “decline to comment”. So, guys – you heard it – or didn’t hear it — Jada Hoyer declined to comment. She also, however, stated that I had to “come at” her “correct”, by which she meant that I must interview her in person. “What kind of reporter wouldn’t?” she asks. The kind that works in SL, honey.

Ms. Hoyer began pasting our IM conversation to her friends. How do I know this? She mistakenly pasted me another copy of our conversation. Brilliant move. “Fuck you,” is her parting shot.

[is Ms. Hoyer hanging with Ben Folds? He sometimes lapses into fuck patois, too - the Editrix]

33 Responses to “SCANDAL!!! SL’s Next Top Model… Has a Twin?”

  1. Vint

    Mar 21st, 2007

    *lots of swearwords in a lot of languages*

    I already blogged this too, I’m sorry to have giving wrong information to a copple of female avies that where very very intersted. :(

    I spoke to the Hoyer lady too, asking if she had a press release or smth on notecard, she told me to ask again later. I guess she was already strugling with your interview back then. *grins*

  2. FlipperPA Peregrine

    Mar 21st, 2007

    Gee, I wonder where they BOTH stole the idea from?

    /s/America’s/SL’s
    :)

  3. BooBooKittie Haight

    Mar 21st, 2007

    Yes, you are right Flip! ;) But at least I wrote for permission and haven’t started production yet…

    It’s called “CYA”. *grin*

  4. Inigo Chamerberlin

    Mar 21st, 2007

    Yawn…

  5. Wankette

    Mar 21st, 2007

    Hard to have a scandal when the ‘scandalor’ is a moron. That’s not playing fair, it’s just way too easy to see through.

  6. Nacon

    Mar 21st, 2007

    oy… I don’t see how it’s importance to have a model in SL since you ….uhh could make your own shape and skin?

    It was only importance in RL because you can’t change your shape with a slider and face/body lift are insane expensive… so finding a good one is somewhat more rare than what you can do in SL anyway.

    so uhh… yawn?

  7. Jada Hoyer

    Mar 21st, 2007

    Next top model is a creation of Tyra Banks and many other countries has grasped the concept. I have not violated any SL regulations by creating ~ SL Next Top Model group. I did not try to hijack, as it was mentioned, another group name or try to pretend my group was apart of the other. I heard no such buzz about a SL Next Top Model being created before me, I have read the information on creating groups in SL and have yet to find one rule I have broken. I paid my fee as every other group in SL and got to choose the name I wanted. I heard nothing in this article linking Linden and America Next Top Model in any way either. Wow! Second Life Top Model is bigger SL the game itself?

    I wanted less drama and friction as possible so volunteered to change the group name even though I was never once contacted by BooBooKity to try to resolve this matter. I did so BEFORE this article came out. I even sent photo’s, to the person who wrote this trash of an article of me in our new Shirts with SL Top Model written on them, and I don’t see them here anywhere in the article, but I see a photo that I did not give permission to use. I declined an interview over an instant message and offered to meet her in person being as I was getting some really crazy IM’s from people pretending to be people they were not. She said, “This is how it’s done in SL”. I did other interviews in the world and none were done in such a manner. IMO she had it out for me from the start. Is because she has business relations with catwalk? Being as I started SL Top model in full swing first how can I be next anyway. Another untrue statement was made that my models were dropping out because of this name game situation. Only one dropped out because of a conflict of interest matter also have business with Catwalk. We have gotten an overwhelming response from the competition and we are inviting new models to enter and take the same photo challenges and eliminations and raise the SL Top Model prize to 50,000L. I’m moving on I don’t want any catfights or drama. But will deal with it if need be. I’m to busy for BS.

    Jada Hoyer
    http://www.sltopmodel.com

  8. Iris Seale

    Mar 21st, 2007

    Jada, from what I understand, your group ~SL Next Top Model~ was created after the SL Next Top Model group. I’m assuming the tildes are there because the “SL Next Top Model” group name was already taken. Wouldn’t seeing that the specific group name you desired was taken not prompted you to check and notice that the exact same thing you had in mind was already underway? Just a question.

  9. Matthias Zander

    Mar 21st, 2007

    You know, I honestly love how BOTH of you think this is an original idea — Madison Blanc and I had one of these back in 2004. I’m not complaining, I think it’s great that there’s fashion development like this in SL.

    P.S. Jada — I wouldn’t post your website until it actually has something besides the “If you’re the owner, click here to upload content!” page ;-)

  10. Jada Hoyer

    Mar 21st, 2007

    Jada, from what I understand, your group ~SL Next Top Model~ was created after the SL Next Top Model group. I’m assuming the tildes are there because the “SL Next Top Model” group name was already taken. Wouldn’t seeing that the specific group name you desired was taken not prompted you to check and notice that the exact same thing you had in mind was already underway? Just a question.

    >>>>>>>>

    I can understand why you would think that, but that is not the reason for the ~ in front. When I wrote the info I wanted to add to the group in the notecard, I added the ~ so it will be easy for me to find in my inventory to update as needed. I copied what I named my notecard ~ SL Next Top Model
    onto the group title. and the ~ came with it. Actually I made it hard for people to find me because when you search groups it is hard to find the group name. Well now you will be able to find it at all because it will be deleted. I made sure this time the only thing in the group name is letters. My favorite show is on! ~Jada~

  11. Glen Wood

    Mar 21st, 2007

    Well i don’t know much about the whole fashion scene but if there has to be a winner I think the cutest SL avatar name should win – and how can you beat BooBooKittie – nothing is cuter than that in this story :)

  12. Tenshi Vielle

    Mar 21st, 2007

    *smiles*

    Where were you last night with all of this? I guess “Fuck you” summed it up.

  13. Doubledown Tandino

    Mar 22nd, 2007

    This is so petty an argument…

    reeee–eeear, catfight!

    its very simple:
    Tyra Banks created Next Top Model
    SLers want to create a mock-up version in SL (without using tyra, logos, trademarks)
    …it’s just a mock game using some of the rules to the RL top model.

    … point is, it’s open territory…. there’s no claim to who thought of it first.
    It was no one in SL that came up with the bright idea of Top Model.

    point is neither girl that thought of the idea could pull it off and they resorted to name calling and hairpulling.

    point is, both creators of SL next top model lamed out and decided to consider it some sort of game competition.

    ….. ok… everyone, I’ve just thought of SL Hide and Seek….. so NO ONE else have your own game cause its mine and i thought of it!

  14. CronoCloud Creeggan

    Mar 22nd, 2007

    for Nacon:

    Yes, anyone can “look” like a model in SL, but models exist for convenience.

    For example some designers use models in their in-store displays to add variety.

    Some designers might be too busy to go shape/skin shopping and thus hire a model. Also it takes some skill to get a shape’s proportions to look good without a lot of trial and error and time.

    Some designers use models for the convenience in photography. Yes, they can take pictures of themselves but I personally know it can get annoying zooming in and out for various reasons, getting back on the pose stand after a clothing change or glitch knocks you off. Cycling through poses, getting the angle/zoom right. So, why not hire a model to focus on the clothes, posing, etc, while you focus on the pictures. Also since someone else is modeling, they can go into mouselook and move their head around in ways that a self photographer can’t.

    As for modeling competitions, it’s not a new idea for anybody. I mentioned to a designer that the big designers ought to group up and so an SL next top model or something similar, back in August of last year. And most likely others thought of that long before I did.

    Personally I think that the parties involved should combine their efforts. that might make it more likely the even actually happens.

  15. HowDidIGetHere

    Mar 22nd, 2007

    This is why many people are starting to consider SL a joke. Anyone can buy an avatar and be a “supermodel”. A prize for artwork or the designer who creates it maybe, but for some the resident who buys an outfit? Way too delusional.

  16. CronoCloud Creeggan

    Mar 22nd, 2007

    This is why many people are starting to consider SL a joke. Anyone can buy an avatar and be a “supermodel”. A prize for artwork or the designer who creates it maybe, but for some the resident who buys a outfit? Way too delusional.

    There’s more to looking like a supermodel than buying an avatar or more avs would look like supermodels. How many avs have you seen that look like they stepped out of the pages of Vogue, Elle, InStyle, or Lucky? It takes some skill to choose a skin/shape combination that flatter each other, and to sort the wheat from all the chaff out there. There’s plenty of so-called “supermodel” shapes for sale on the grid that are aesthetically unpleasing. And even if you have a skin-shape combination that is pleasing that doesn’t mean that the av is dressed well and with style.

    Besides, part of the fun of SL is the fantasy aspects of it, being able to do/be things in SL that one is not likely to be able to do in RL. Pageants, fashion shows, modeling contests are a part of that.

  17. Doubledown Tandino

    Mar 22nd, 2007

    To HowDidIGetHere:

    In RL, models “buy” things to be a model… plastic surgery and boobjobs.
    … it’s no different than SL.

  18. Gando Thurston

    Mar 22nd, 2007

    I have to agree with CronoCloud, it takes a lot more to be a model in SL than most people think; however, I think CronoCloud misses some of the bigger points of being a model in Second Life.

    Sure, combining outfits, skins and shapes is aesthetics skill, but I think it’s a skill many of us have — we know what we like. With a little training and practice many people can look very nice in Second Life.

    Choosing a professional model is much more important to me. Having good communications skills; having a good sense of humor (being personable in general); being on time; being able to take criticism; and focusing while working are very important. Also, don’t forget, beauty — even in Second Life — is more than just “looks”.

    No one wants to work with the beautiful bratty-princess who: isn’t on time, doesn’t pay attention, and is an embarrassment at company parties because she’s turns into a foul-mouthed-monster when someone says her dress doesn’t match her hair.

    I’d rather do photo shoots with someone who is obviously enjoying their job, the rest is just a little training and practice.

  19. Salissa

    Mar 22nd, 2007

    How about SL Next Top Escort?

    Nobody better steal my idea!

  20. Kali Ferri

    Mar 22nd, 2007

    Where do you get your new “reporters” from? The Yadni jankyard? That Tanshi Vile person wrote three late “stories” the one trashier than the other. With that rate of “reporting”, the Avatard will look like NYT in comparison to SLH!

  21. Urizenus

    Mar 22nd, 2007

    >SL Next Top Escort?

    That is the best idea I’ve seen in weeks. Someone *has* to organize that.

  22. Neogrinch Trenchmouth

    Mar 23rd, 2007

    I have to agree with the fact that this is not a very original idea to begin with, given Tyra Banks popular television show. Given the number of active users in Second Life, it doesn’t seem too surprising to me that more than one person would think of something like this. Not very newsworthy, just a silly catfight. meow.

  23. Tenshi Vielle

    Mar 25th, 2007

  24. sabricent

    Mar 25th, 2007

    It’s all a stupid game, you’re “modeling” skins/hair/clothes that you all bought and that someone else created. So no one is a model. IT’S A BUNCH OF PIXELS. Screw it I’m starting my own SLNTM group, and it’s going to be fierce.

    This is the dumbest article/ drama I’ve ever read. Get a life people.

  25. Ana Lutetia

    Mar 25th, 2007

    I was rejected from ~SL Next Top Model on March 6th because I wasn’t wearing the group tag. That was a violation of the rules of the contest. I broke a rule, so I was out of the contest. I do believe that is fair.

    But, of course, I was very sad about it and posted on my blog in that same day. That’s it!
    Am I not allowed to do that? Or even comment on other blogs about it? When did I said anything about the issue??

    (I don’t need more IM’s about this, ok?)

  26. Ana Lutetia

    Mar 25th, 2007

  27. Sofia

    Apr 26th, 2007

    i think its sad what a joke that top model is…too bad the real females of sl are the one that keep gettin cut of. a true leader would be honest!!

  28. Carissa Crimson

    Apr 30th, 2007

    I know this is an old article, but I just found out the competition was called for the hoax it was. I voluntarily dropped out after one week. I found Jada’s organization of the affair to be unorganized and confusing. No structure and challenges dictated and judged seeming at random. When I asked Jada what qualified her to even be making decisions on what a qualified an avatar as a Top Model, she had no answers, became defensive, and then downright nasty. I was honestly relieved to wash my hands of the entire affair.

  29. Jare Capalini

    Nov 13th, 2007

    Wow lol

  30. some girl

    Feb 13th, 2008

    There can be more then One SLNTM.
    It’s a Game ppl… there are a few things, and places in sl,
    Named after real products and places in RL.

    I’m Pretty sure that all of these other ppl claiming to have
    came up with the group name of, “SLNTM” first, or whatever, Don’t have permission from Bankable productions either, so why make the hype out on someone else?

    Jada is a nice person.
    I know that when i make a group, I don’t always know if the name is already taken, I could check but the truth is, why?
    It’s not a rule in sl that we can’t have more then one, kinda similar group names, because of Course, they’re not gonna be ran by the same person.

    It’s just rly gay how some ppl just want Drama 24/7.
    IT’S SL PPL!

    If Bankable productions have a problem with it! Let them!
    Contact Jada, and Mind your own bussiinessss!

  31. Kitty

    Mar 7th, 2009

    I fail to see the point, as it’s all a blatant theft of an overly popularized tv show.

  32. Buy fioricet.

    Jun 22nd, 2009

    Buy fioricet.

    Buy fioricet online that ships to missouri. Buy fioricet.

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