Where is the 'line' in this mad, pixelated world?

Now, regular readers of this blog will know I do not like to gossip. I am not 'elitest' and have no interest in that 'people being better just because of their popularity' shit. But something in the world of Stardoll has bothered me, and I would like to know what you guys think.

As you saw in an earlier post, the infamous 'E' magazine has been released, after over a year's break. The covergirl for this issue is Mel, or bluegreen86. Mel has always been very nice to me, and is a very pleasant person to talk to, so I was glad to see her on the cover. And the magazine is stunning, to say the least. I am still a Fierce fan thorugh and through, but 'E' was fairly enjoyable. The only complaint I had when I first flicked through was that the CG photoshoot used Faux Fur, but I as I reader did not know this until I thoroughly read through the CG interview. But other than that, it did not dispoint.

However, when I logged on to Stardoll about 20minutes ago, and checked my favourite blogs, I saw that someone had a bigger problem with the covergirl photoshoot. Now, if you want all the 'Gory' details about past SD fueds, endless theories to why a certain person was let's say fairly angry at a few E staff members, and want to see screen shots of those Guestbook comments, please do check out Perez, HOS or one of the many other gossip blogs here on the web. But I am going to just state the facts.

-Mel is a 15 year old girl.
-One of her close friends thought it inapropriate how she was shown in 'E' and expressed it to a staff member who has now announced they have quit.
-Mel then expressed her concern about the issue.

Since, to me at least, the only person who matters in this entire 'scandal' I will post the exact quote found in the comments of 'E'.

Wow this issue is great and a good way to prove E is finally back!

As the Covergirl I am just a bit shocked. I thought we discussed what I was comfortable with, in our long talk on skype, and I thought only the cover was going to be nude. I didnt think the pose would be as sensual and out there either. I had no idea I would be only wearing fur in my photoshoots, and be nude in each one. I also was under the impression that you would make it clear I was wearing faux fur, and not real fur, but it doesn’t mention that anywhere.

I just feel like this isn’t who I am, and im sorry that im a bit disappointed and flustered, but I really cannot control it.

I have already been getting mail from close friends of mine, who are upset with how I was portrayed and I cannot say I disagree.

It was really such an honor and great experience to work with the E team, and you all are such great people with amazing amounts of talent, it just stinks that it has to turn out this way.

After I read all about this story in blogs, guestbooks and in the comments sections of many popular SD blogs, I looked through the magazine once again. I then saw exactly why her friend made those comments. Like I said, Mel is 15. I know this is only a virtual world and blah blah blah, but she is still 15. Those photoshoots showed her wearing nothing but fur and high heels. Doesn't that sound a bit... unproper? What's more, when I look at those graphics I don't see Mel, who I admire hugely for her fashion sense. I see... well, I really don't like to be cruel, but to me those photoshoots are tacky. If Mel herself was happy with this, I would have not even posted about this issue. But she isn't. She clearly is not comfortable with the outcome, and Mel being the amazingly polite, kind girl she is, seems very unhappy with the result, but doesn't want to hurt anyones feelings.

And yes, again, I know this is all just pixels. There's nothing illegal about it. Yeh yeh yeh. But imagine how you woud feel if this were you? And why does almost every magazine have to use low cut tops and short dresses just to be apealing?

All in all, I think it is ashame even in a virtual world people are still fixated on this media idea of 'Perfection'.

Over and out, Mack x