Graciana McMillan – Post 6 Grrrrl
by Alphaville Herald on 07/09/07 at 6:01 pm
[Note from Justine Babii- I was lucky enough to cover the Budweiser Select Lingerie Contest for SLNN a few weeks ago, which is where I met this week's model. Graciana was the winner of the August competition, and was just edged out of winning the whole thing in online voting. Graciana is smart and gorgeous and I'm very pleased she agreed to pose for us!]
So who is this sassy redhead that you see on your screen? What does she do and what is she about? Well for starters I’d like to introduce myself to you. I log in as Graciana McMillan but you can call me Graci anytime. Thank you so much to the SL Herald, I’m thrilled to get a chance to ramble on about me, and I swear I’m not as conceited as I sound.
Personally for me, and I think just about everyone I know, the best part of SL is being able to try your hand at the types of things you dream about doing in RL. I’ve spent days flying in a rocket orbiting the earth, skydiving off the Eiffel Tower, playing on the field of Yankee stadium, dancing in the arms of a mysterious stranger, and then wrapped it all up with an outrageous shopping spree! I love adventure and love to roam the grid looking for awesome places.
My ambitions in SL are in the SL fashion scene. I’m a new writer for an up-and-coming magazine/blog –and in the meantime have become a model as well. I also am an event/party planner for one of the best adult clubs in SL…Believe me I know how to have a good time. So you might see me whooping it up on a dance floor or blowing all my L$’s in my fav shops. Either way…don’t hesitate to say hi, I don’t bite….hard.
Perphides Capalini
Sep 7th, 2007
Oh wow! Graci you look stunning:) What great photos. You are definitely one of the best avs in SL, and one of the sweetest people too. Wonderful spread and a cute article too. Its so Graci:P
Lugh Ingraham
Sep 7th, 2007
The thing about dream girls is that they’re just that….a dream.
Blabity Blahblahblah
Sep 7th, 2007
I think I’ll just post some fawning comment that doesn’t make me sound like to much of a wanker. I mean, its embarrassing enough admitting to myself that I look at pixel porn… but the lame ‘girl next door’ pixel porn you’d see in a Playboy is just embarrassing.
(off stage whisper: “Dude, the mic is on!”)
What?
Is this thing on?
Oh. Uhhh.
(click)
Taylor Barnes
Sep 8th, 2007
I first would have to say that Graciana McMillan looks fabulous, I have had the chance to see her photo in a friend’s studio and she is stunning. As a Post 6 Grrrl myself, I understand the anxious moments waiting for your page to be published and wondering the what critical comments may be written. I, in no way want Graciana to believe that my following statements are focus towards her.
On August 10th janeforyou Barbara posed for this page. Her page was the last of 98 consecutive Post 6 pages where the model has posed nude. Since then, we have had Jamie Wheeler, Celebrity Trollop, Pardus Salome and now Graciana McMilan appear on these pages without posing nude. The requirement of nudity has now become optional and it appears that no one will opt for it.
December 2004, Marilyn Murphy was bought in to handle this article, the Herald instructed her what the format would be and it included nudity. On December 15th 2004, Alyssa Flower was published as the very first Post Six Grrrl. During the next two and a half years, 102 Post Six features had been published, featuring 105 different models. 3 double features, 4 furries, 6 men, 3 nekos, 2 sets of twins, 1 robot and 83 single women. Queenie Extraordinaire and Daphne Molinari have the honor of being the only two models to have appeared more than once.
Before posing for Post 6, I took the time to find out the history of this piece. I felt a sense of honor to be included with all the other models that came before me. I was fortunate enough to win a pageant and I remember clearly one model dropped out when she found out that nudity was required. With the changes to Post 6 now, I wonder how many models that would not have posed, would consider it now. But that is what I believe was special about being a Post 6 model, the nudity although required at the time, was not the common string that connected all the previous models, it was the total experience and knowing that not every model would be willing to do what was required to be one. With the present format, you may not be able to find a model that would be unwilling to pose for this article.
The experience of posing, trading nudity for 5 minutes or a week of fame. The idea of trusting the photographer to do the right thing and make sure you look good. Taking that leap of faith that nude photos of yourself will not show up in other places. Dealing with the comments on the post, and the comments of the people close to you. Some models received a hard time from boyfriends. Why would a model do this? It depends who you ask. Some highlight their causes or interests, others plug the products they sell or the clubs they own, and some just speak of themselves. One model, Alex Fitzsimmons, colorfully gave an overview of Gorean lifestyle. I choose to highlight Relay for Life, a cause very close to me, and trading nudity for the chance to promote RFL, was well worth it.
As I look at the Post 6 now, it is indistinguishable from the pages of Second Style. The photos of Graciana are similar to any of the pages of Second Style. Justine Babii, photographer, is a product of Second Style, we have had the editor of Second Style as a model and now we have a finalist of the Second Style model search in Graciana as a model. Has Post 6 become an annex of Second Style? This article has become terribly plain, and doesn’t offer anything that you can’t find on the walls of any of the “modeling agencies” that are popping up in SL.
If there was/is a distaste for the nudity aspect that was a key part of being a Post Six model, why didn’t the Herald start another column that can mirror Second Style, and allow Post Six to continue unchanged? As I informed the changes to the Post Six format to other Post Six models, the most common response had been “what??” “How can it be Post 6 without nudity“? “Justine is trying to improve the image of the column“, “so what does that say about us“?
Now we have a new Post 6 Model group. I declined entry due to the new format and the feeling that the members will be divided into two groups, those who took the “low road”, took risk and posed nude to gain entry, while the newer models who have more fame just showed up. As one Post Six model stated, “it’s like Brittany Spears posing for Playboy in a bikini and disrespecting all the playmates that appeared before her, and to add insult to injury, have Playboy bestow her with the title of “playmate”. I took time to contact many Post 6 models, and it was a really great feeling. For the first time I was able to speak openly about my Post 6 experience with someone who walked the very same path. I believe the Herald has squandered a great opportunity. There are 105 models out there, all appeared on these pages, yet they on the most part never speak to each other nor really know who the others are. With a few events and a properly formed group, each Post 6 model could have been a walking and talking ad for Post 6 and the Herald. Right now, not nearly enough people know of Post 6.
Justine Babii while starting the new group, and choose to totally disregard the existence of another group which Post 6 model Ava Fleming had started. Some gave Ava a hard time because they felt she didn’t have the right to start such a group, but no one from the Herald had, so she filled the void. Justine should have tried to work with the existing group, instead of alienating the previous models. Post 6 models may be the most exclusive grouping of people in SL. You can’t buy your way in, only a certain number of people are allowed entry and yet it is still open to all that are fortunate enough to be chosen.
In closing I would like to say this: In the past, Post 6 highlighted models that were relative unknowns. It gave someone like myself, that 5 minutes of fame, but now it seems that will go away. There were some notable exceptions like Rebel Hope & Stroker Serpentine, who, despite their fame, posed nude on these pages. Big Time Kudos!!! I have had many photo shoots since Post 6, I can’t tell you anything special about any of them, but I can tell you exactly what happened that Monday afternoon with Mari.
Maxx Something
Sep 8th, 2007
My questions is. Do these women really think that they are their avatars?
whateva
Sep 8th, 2007
And of all the 100 plus post six girls featured do you recall even one that had an ass? even just a lil curve to their figure? its the same crap marilyn puts out every week, stick figured, flat chested, flat ass, no personality boring biographies. She tried to mix it up with a furrie or two and all that generated was laughs.
Justine Babii
Sep 8th, 2007
Taylor,
I’m extremely sorry that this upsets you so. I meant no disrespect to any of the models, present, past or future, in changing the Post 6 format.
I have met many of the models, and spoken with many more as a result of starting this new Post 6 Group, and I hold them in the highest regard. I formed the new group, in fact, out of a sense that there should be some sort of “official” commemoration of having achieved the distinction of being a Post 6 model. There were a few groups already out there. I hadn’t intended to slight any of the founders of those groups and I deeply apologize if any were offended.
I am truly sorry that you are upset, Taylor, and also that you chose not to join the group. Besides honoring the models, I had hoped that having one group with all the models in it would help facilitate communication with the models that I have worked with as well as the models that Marilyn and the other photographers worked with. I had it in mind to do some “reunion” weeks where models from previous years are revisited with their updated looks, and a couple of the models I sent the invitations actually expressed that same idea! I am truly excited to be part of something that people feel so strongly about.
I would like to offer you an open invitation to participate in anything we do with Post 6 reunions or shopping discounts or fashion shows through this new group. I understand that you’re very upset with the changes regarding nudity and I’m afraid that you probably don’t like me as a result. I try to be a nice person and it upsets me when I upset people.
I hope you will accept this apology when you’re ready, it is sincere. I meant no disrespect to anyone in my actions and I am truly upset to have caused you, or any of the other models, distress.
Finally, Marilyn Murphy is a far better photographer than I will ever be, and she built Post 6 into the wonderful institution that it is. Following her in a job she created and developed and nurtured into a well-known and well-loved tradition is a daunting task. I am doing my best to keep the tradition of excellence.
Lugh
Sep 8th, 2007
Here’s a question:
Who cares?
Joannah Cramer
Sep 8th, 2007
“My questions is. Do these women really think that they are their avatars?”
Given that’s in nutshell what avatar *is* to begin with (one’s personification/incarnation in virtual space) it’s hardly surprising some people may treat it as extension of their RL self. Especially when one spends enough time shaping their virtual equivalent to match their mental idea of self, it can create some emotional bond with it. It’s not as much “I’m that avatar” but the reverse — “that avatar is me”.
LOL-IM-IN-PN
Sep 8th, 2007
“My ambitions in SL are in the SL fashion scene. I’m a new writer for an up-and-coming magazine/blog –and in the meantime have become a model as well”
Better start having sex with unicorns!!!
Uma Troell
Sep 8th, 2007
Just had to put my two cents in…I am a former Post Sixx Model who did win a pageant and posed nude and Graciana’s best friend. I loved being in Post Sixx and received my share of negative comments along with the love and support of many friends and some strangers as well. Whichever side you are on nude vs non-nude, I think its important to support your Post Sixx sisters (and brothers,rare as they are) and the SL Herald for its eforts to create an enviroment where avatars can showcase themselves and their interests each week and take the risk to open themselves up for ridicule as well as accolades. And as for lil miss Mcmillan…you look gorgeous as always Graci! You are the Carrie to my Samantha and I love you dearly! I love the Post Sixx feature and hope it continues in whatever form seems most appropriate and I will always be very proud to be part of the select group of Post 6 Grrrls
Chav Paderborn
Sep 9th, 2007
Why is it called Post Six anyway?
It’s not surprising that given the option not to go naked more people would pose. You’re still pixelmeat, but no one will see your pixel nipples.
Graciana McMillan
Sep 9th, 2007
So…I went and found that Unicorn…and gave it all I could give…and now I’m stuck with this devil unicorn baby…pfft…I have a pic of the actual act, but didn’t want to be banned off of World Press or Flikr for broadly offensive…btw I didn’t do that nude either….
Seriously…I personally just wanted to go for most sexy look for my av, keeping in mind that we can’t please everyone.
All the Post 6 Grrrls are unique and gorgeous, I am very honored to have my AV on the same pages as them. I hold the people behind the AV’s with high regard and respect. Thank you Taylor for your honest opinion.
Perph, ty so much for the kind words, such a sweetie. Justine, thank you for the photos and the wonderful experience. As for Uma-licious, You girl – ROCK! What a great, smart, sexy, and classy lady!
Graciana McMillan hits the post button and slowly slides her hands back behind her to unhook her bra, sliding the straps slowly off of her shoulders and gets ready to tp topless to the nude beach.
marilyn murphy
Sep 9th, 2007
hi. a couple of things i want to point out here.
post sixx was the idea of urizenus sklar. it is a feature column of the Herald. i didn’t invent it. i was an employee. i worked with the guidelines urizenus laid out for me.
i want to point out that the change in the direction the column has taken must be laid at urizenus’ doorstep, not justine. justine is simply following the guidelines she is given when she took the job.
i left the herald, and the herald hired someone new to handle post sixx. obviously urizenus decided to change the format of post sixx.
justine is doing her job as it was explained to her just as i did.
i always felt good about the post sixx column. it gave relatively obscure avatars an opportunity to be seen and heard to a wider audience.
urizenus has changed the format and it is now a who’s who in the fashion scene with no nudity. this is his property and his right.
when he wanted nudity he approached me, due to my magazine. when he wished to change things, he hired justine due to her fashion contacts.
i just don’t like to see justine blamed for the change. it’s not her doing. she is an employee just like i was.
her idea for the group is truly an attempt to do good i believe. i was so concentrated on finding new people and the work i didn’t think to do that. i probably should have.
ultimately, post sixx is the property of the herald, not the photographer who puts it together.
CronoCloud Creeggan
Sep 9th, 2007
Taylor Barnes: The requirement of nudity has now become optional and it appears that no one will opt for it.”
Some think that near nudity is actually sexier than full nudity. But fashionistas do nudity all the time My av’s been seen nekkid by who knows how many people.
Chav Paderborn: “Why is it called Post Six anyway?”
Theres a tradition in the UK tabloids of a cheesecake photo on page three That’s the inspiration.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Page_Three_girl
Observer
Sep 9th, 2007
In comparison to the last post 6 girl, I do hope this one doesn’t have a penis. Go go Celebrity Trollup Penis!
Oh man...
Sep 9th, 2007
SL residents are 90% overweight nerds, as evidenced by footage from SLCC 2007.
Jackie Babcock
Sep 9th, 2007
Graciana, you look wonderful as usual. I congratulate you on your selection to appear on this page. I further wish you luck and success in any and all ventures you pursue. Let me know when your magazine is ready to be published and I’ll be happy to purchase ad space. Now that you have appeared here, I hope you will not tax me too much when I finally get the time to shoot you. I promise I’ll finally get there.
As a photographer, I think I tend to look at the nude vs. clothed issue a little differently than the people that have commented here. I have had the privilege of meeting Marilyn Murphy once and she took the time to show me “old-school” techniques that I have readily incorporated into my shooting style. Although Marilyn’s finished products are very different than mine; she’s a photography purist allowing very little editing other than cropping, I shoot with the total arsenal of Photoshop techniques in mind. Personally as a photographer, I am not big on lingerie, swimwear nor nude photography. Not for some ethical or high minded belief, but for a more selfish reason, with those shoots, that’s a lot a skin to worry about during the editing process.
If the numbers that Taylor quotes are accurate, that’s a mind boggling string of Post 6 pages. A SL month seems like a RL year and with that in mind, 2 ½ years of anything in SL, may be the same as 30 years in RL. I can understand the resistance to change, especially to anything with that type of longevity. I would liken that to the New York Times suddenly changing to a full color front page…blasphemous!
As I let this swirl around in my melon a little bit, I came to a reason for the changes that makes sense, at least to me. Making clothing optional makes the job of a photographer extremely easier. I have to laugh when I think of a conversation I would have to have with a suitable model, if I was the photographer for this page.
“You look great, I would love if you would pose for me for Post 6”
“This will be published in the Herald, and will be in Google World for the foreseeable future”
“You will provide your own wardrobe”
“There may be some very unpleasant things said about you by some very awful people”
“ I will need three photos, one clothed, one topless and one nude”
And if she was still there…
“And by the way, I won’t be able to pay you anything”
As a photographer that has photographed over 200 models, the actual photo shoot would be quick and producing three photos with minimal editing would be even quicker. But securing models under these conditions may have been the hardest part of Marilyn’s job.
I hope that I am wrong and this was not the reasoning for the changes to this long-standing page. I hope the changes were not based on expediency, but rather a sincere attempt to measurably improve the page and add to it’s legacy. I am not quite sure I would have accepted this assignment, if I were offered. However, I would have certainly would have preserved the tradition if I had.
To Justine, hang in there and continue to do good work.
To Taylor, continue the resistance, perhaps you and Justine can meet somewhere in the middle. If not, perhaps you may want to start your own page?
To Marilyn, I am waiting for my next lesson, IM me anytime.
And finally to the Herald, someone from the Herald should comment and set the who, what & why. To leave your photographer hanging out there, under these conditions is wrong.
janeforyou Barbara
Sep 9th, 2007
@Taylor Barnes and others here
I do it over again i stand on my head, i show my nude ass and tits if so,, i honest on it and i do it for marketing!
Nude or not nude, it dident matter to me, you can se me nude in 50 poses in 75 SIM in SL lol…I moddel and sell items, i run some SIMs..i was in post 6 after a invitation…to me it all bout marketing and it was fun. Am a avatar,, not RL me in it, just pixels and prims to se
I desided not to be in the Post 6 group, am shure its ok for some, but i got to many mall and admin groups to be in for my business
Well thats me and how i se it.
Tenshi Vielle
Sep 9th, 2007
Observer: You’re a douche.
Chav Paderborn
Sep 10th, 2007
So if it’s for page three is it as in “sixth post”? That… still makes little sense to me, but more than it did.
Tenshi Vielle
Sep 11th, 2007
As I understand it, most 20th century newspapers used to run the “racy business” on Page 6. I’d imagine Post 6 is simply a derivative of that.
ListenBoys IKnowWhatI'mTalkingBout
Sep 13th, 2007
“SL residents are 90% overweight nerds, as evidenced by footage from SLCC 2007.”
If I’d have been able to attend, that percentage would have gone down a fair bit. I’m drop dead gorgeous IRL as I am in SL. Enough to counter at least ten overweight nerds.
Little thing about photography in SL in general, not specifically these pictures.
Why have only so VERY LITTLE people heard the rumor that PROPER LIGHTING is important in photography?
Some rumors are true, you know.
Little background and photoshop for light retouching wouldn’t hurt either.
In any case, nice AV, little heavy on the makeup tho. Subtle is the key word.
whatever
Sep 14th, 2007
WORST
BACKGROUND
EVER!
Also, the glasses have to go for real as the old maid library lady look isn’t real appealing, plus the model is built like a 12 yr old boy. Where are all the hotties at?