METAHYPE Press release: Uptown Square

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Madison Blanc

Second Life® Uptown Square /58/60/36 – THE GRID GLITTERS AS DRAMA-TAINMENT MEETS ULTRA-LUXURIOUS RETAIL BLISS:

Second Life developers, The Opulence Crux Conglomerate will unveil their foray into the luxury mall development world on May 1st with a full-scale cosmopolitan sim aimed at Second Life’s growing appetite for luxury goods and cutting edge entertainment.

With inspiration from the fashion centers of the terrestrial world, Uptown Square features four distinct districts that pay homage these global shopping capitals. There is the urban grit of New York City, the easy-going glamour of Los Angeles, the old-world style of Milan, and the romantic charm of Paris. Each area will contain one anchor store along with smaller shops that face elegant gathering areas, each representing its respective theme. Conceptualized and designed by Madison Blanc and SchMoke Seelowe, Uptown Square is realized in plush detail by the building duo of Sensuous and Supremius Maximus. For all involved in the construction stage, Uptown Square represents their strong sense of style and tireless attention to detail quality.

Uptown Square promises to not only feature the finest designs in luxury goods, but will also be a hub for SL entertainment. At the sim center sits the Metropolitan Club. The Metropolitan Club, built in striking deco style, will be the home base for SL’s leading DJ, SchMoke Seelowe. The Metropolitan Club’s roster of events includes, live music, live streaming sports and “Showtime at the Metro”, a live vocal competition. Adjacent to the Metropolitan Club is the new home to the “Top Model” modeling agency, one of SL’s most celebrated agencies. Known for elaborate fashion shows and real life level professionalism, Top Model will feature regular shows for Uptown Square’s fashion forward audiences. The sim will also house the unique “Uptown Square Municipal Court”. Using a structure developed by real life consulting attorneys, the Municipal Court will act out court sessions as is done in real life. Located in the New York City section, the Municipal Court will deliberate in weekly sessions to settle disputes in an entertaining way between SL couples and will settle small claims.

Uptown Square has been six months in the making from concept to final details. Upon opening, Uptown Square will celebrate the close of its construction phase and mark a new beginning of providing a dynamic community for SL citizens with discerning taste. Members of the media are cordially invited to preview Uptown Square. Personal tours are available on request. For additional information, please contact Madison Blanc.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Uptown%20Square/86/109/36

/me sticks her tippy-toe into the pool

OK, here we go I guess...

Roughly one year ago I started metahype to help promote Second Life® musicians in-world. The name "metahype" was actually meant to be a tongue-in-cheek reference to the overselling of SL as a marketing tool for real world businesses at the time. As is evident by the handful of rl corporate sims now sitting empty or extinct, the gold rush mentality drummed up by a few opportunist simply did not live up to the 'hype'. Interestingly, while theses Goliaths were wondering why no one was paying attention, many of SL's in-world businesses were chugging along, expanding, and thriving. In-world entrepreneurs and their brands had the distinct advantage of not having to re-think their marketing and could simply evolve and help shape their own model for promotion. It's a great, and on-going story and for me, and through metahype, it's a pleasure to be along for the ride.

Metahype has grown over the year and continues to thanks to the addition of Ehme Sands as a partner but equally from a loyal base of clients. I hope to make this blog a place where metahype can share branding success stories, trends and tips with SL businesses. The blog will also chronicle the evolution of SL marketing and media as each grows more sophisticated. It’s an exciting, dynamic, and fascinating environment and for me it’s an honor for metahype to be involved.