It’s been quite a while since we’ve done any updates on the blog, so rather than post the releases since the last one below, I’ve decided to just update the catalog (link up above) and carry on. The last few months have been busy, not with VampArt so much as RL and other inworld interests. We’ve continued to set up affiliates, design for hunts and other events inworld and not really concentrated too much on the main product line. This had some interesting eye openers, while sales dipped only slightly due to the recession and holiday season, interest from people wanting either an affiliate vendor or store increased. Could this be the beginning of a turnaround for the economy in SL?

If you’re wondering how I came to that conclusion bare with me. Startup businesses ie: clubs, malls, clan sims, seem to be on the increase, and these new individuals are seeing that it’s near impossible to lure in quality vendors and expect them to pay rent in an unproven venue especially with the economy. They’re more than willing to enter into a profit splitting agreement. Quality vendors willing to take the plunge aren’t really suffering much even with sharing revenue. The business owner now has the ability to draw in the type of traffic they desire by tailoring the vendors they work with, and with good vendors comes good repeat traffic. In the past business owners were more concerned about tier and profit ie: “pay rent or go away, I need to make tier”. Now it seems they understand that we need to work together and at least build something and understand that while we may not be able to cover tier initially, we’re sure as heck defraying some of the cost. Remember I’m talking about startups, not established venues. One bridge that will have to be crossed eventually though, is that when the economy or particular business is booming again, do you stay in a profit sharing agreement or go back to the standard vendor pays rent and keeps all sales? Hmmmm….