A different icon.

For my first steps on the culture trail, I thought I would find out about one of the less appreciated icons of our universe.

We have all heard of Neverdie, Deathifier and Neomaven, some of our most prominent big investors. Many will know of Sorg and Ido, the beauty specialists, or Sarah and Etopia, our most highly skilled colourers.

But what about the other figures that influence our daily lives? Those people that we see nearly everyday but who barely get a mention in our forums. Their words echo in our ears time and again as we are filled with their infallible wisdom.

For those who may not know who I am referring to, how can you forget such inspired phrases as "Take the R out Free and the L out of Play?"

That is right. My focus today is on one of the forgotten idols of our city of culture.

Mark Kostabi graces our ad screens on a regular basis, but how many people have gone to see his lectures in the New Oxford Art Gallery?

Have any of you stopped to think what a great man Mr Kostabi really is? I hadn't; until I went to New Oxford and listened to him tell me what a great man he was anyway.

His lecture was very insightful and, though I am reluctant to admit it, modestly interesting too. If you are willing to listen beyond the arrogant bluster that fills much of his air time you may catch some of the pearls of wisdom he has left behind for the budding Entropia entrepreneur.

You may not like his personality, and you may not appreciate his artwork, but it is hard to deny that he is a good salesman. The trading ethics he preaches remind me a little of the darker sides of the Entropia economy, but his tips for success are worth a listen, even if you decide that you don't wish to follow them.

I think I will return here again some day to watch the other lectures. The speakers may not inspire as much of a reaction as Kostabi, but perhaps they have pearls of wisdom of their own to share.