VZones Marketing E-mails - 1999-2014
Official communications from the VZones team can be found here.
2000
January
Subject: Letter to VZones members
From ???@??? Sun Jan 09 20:52:56 2000 Received: by mailhost.website.com for member (with Cubic Circle's cucipop (v1.21 1997/08/10) Sun Jan 9 20:43:46 2000) X-From_: mailling.list@avaterra.com Sat Jan 8 12:05:02 2000 Received: from localhost (localhost.mailhost.com [127.0.0.1]) by mailhost.website.com (8.8.8/8.8.8) with ESMTP id MAA11328 for <member@localhost>; Sat, 8 Jan 2000 12:05:00 GMT (envelope-from mailling.list@avaterra.com) From: mailling.list@avaterra.com X-From_: mailling.list@avaterra.com Fri Jan 07 19:34:43 2000 Envelope-to: x@there.freeserve.co.uk Delivery-date: Fri, 07 Jan 2000 19:34:43 +0000 Received: from pop.freeserve.net by localhost with POP3 (fetchmail-5.0.0) for member@localhost (single-drop); Sat, 08 Jan 2000 12:05:01 +0000 (GMT) Received: from [208.48.77.10] (helo=mail.avaterra.com) by mail13.svr.mail.com with esmtp (Exim 3.12 #0) id 126f9n-0001Ej-00 for x@there.freeserve.co.uk; Fri, 07 Jan 2000 19:34:43 +0000 Received: from avaterra.com (mail.avaterra.com) by mail.avaterra.com (Sun Internet Mail Server sims.3.5.1998.08.08.00.06) with SMTP id <0FNY00M02YKEAL@mail.avaterra.com> for x@there.freeserve.co.uk; Fri, 7 Jan 2000 07:01:27 -0800 (PST) Date: Fri, 07 Jan 2000 07:01:27 -0800 Subject: Letter to VZones members To: x@there.freeserve.co.uk Message-id: <0FNZ00MZ10EFAL@mail.avaterra.com> Precedence: list X-Header: VZones members Dear VZones Members: Over the last 6 months or so our VZones population has grown faster than ever before. The massive new traffic has stressed our hardware to the limits, and in fact beyond. Over the Holiday, and again over the last few days, the hardware on which we run the VZones failed causing a lot of disruption for you, our valued members. For this I apologize and assure you that we are doing all we can to fix the problems. On January 12, 2000 we will switch over to our new hardware configuration which is currently in the testing process. This new hardware, together with several new software upgrades and a new hosting service, will provide a better and more reliable service. We have invested a large amount of time and money in these new upgrades, and the feedback so far from our testing group is that it was money well spent. Again, I apologize for the inconvenience and assure you that we intend 2000 to be the best Avatar year so far! David Andrews, C.E.O.
Subject: Announcement from Avaterra.com
From ???@??? Wed Jan 12 20:30:13 2000 Received: by mailhost.website.com for member (with Cubic Circle's cucipop (v1.21 1997/08/10) Wed Jan 12 20:20:38 2000) X-From_: mlist@mail.avaterra.com Wed Jan 12 20:15:14 2000 Received: from localhost (mailhost.website.com [127.0.0.1]) by mailhost.website.com (8.8.8/8.8.8) with ESMTP id UAA16382 for <member@localhost>; Wed, 12 Jan 2000 20:15:14 GMT (envelope-from mlist@mail.avaterra.com) From: mlist@mail.avaterra.com X-From_: mlist@mail.avaterra.com Wed Jan 12 08:51:47 2000 Envelope-to: hello@there.freeserve.co.uk Delivery-date: Wed, 12 Jan 2000 08:51:47 +0000 Received: from pop.freeserve.net by localhost with POP3 (fetchmail-5.0.0) for member@localhost (single-drop); Wed, 12 Jan 2000 20:15:14 +0000 (GMT) Received: from [208.48.77.10] (helo=mail.avaterra.com) by imailg2.svr.mail.com with esmtp (Exim 3.12 #0) id 128JVK-0001sJ-00 for hello@there.freeserve.co.uk; Wed, 12 Jan 2000 08:51:46 +0000 Received: from mail.avaterra.com by mail.avaterra.com (Sun Internet Mail Server sims.3.5.1999.07.30.00.05.p8) with SMTP id <0FO600602SYNQD@mail.avaterra.com> for hello@there.freeserve.co.uk; Tue, 11 Jan 2000 12:33:03 -0800 (PST) Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2000 12:33:03 -0800 Subject: Announcement from Avaterra.com To: hello@there.freeserve.co.uk Message-id: <0FO6006Q9UF3QD@mail.avaterra.com> Precedence: list X-Header: All members announcement Dear Member, The time has finally arrived! We will be upgrading to new servers this Wednesday, January 12. The cutover is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. VZT (PST) and completed by Thursday, January 13 at 9:00 a.m. VZT (PST). We are doing everything possible to ensure downtime is limited to 24 hours. What does this mean to you? Once the cutover begins, neither VZconnections, nor the Dreamscape will be available for a 24 hour period. There will be no access to the Avaterra web sites during this 24 hour period as well. Full service should be restored by January 13 at 9:00 a.m. VZT (PST). There will be no "time warp" with regards to the cutover, so all possessions, avatars, turfs, etc. will be in tact when we return to service. This also means that once the new servers are in place, we can look forward to fewer crashes, shorter downtimes, and increased functionality of our products. We are continuing to work towards providing you with the best service possible. We apologize for this inconvenience, but in order to move forward, the down time is a necessary evil! Support will be available through the Delphi forum(http://www.delphi.com/vzones) during this down time to keep you all company, and inform you of any delays or problems that might arise. We look forward to a successful cutover, and will see you all in worlds on January 13th! Have a great 2000! Avaterra Team
Subject: Announcement from Avaterra.com
From ???@??? Mon Jan 31 22:32:28 2000 Received: by mailhost.website.com for member (with Cubic Circle's cucipop (v1.21 1997/08/10) Mon Jan 31 22:23:14 2000) X-From_: mlist@mail.avaterra.com Mon Jan 31 22:23:11 2000 Received: from localhost (localhost.blarg.com [127.0.0.1]) by mailhost.website.com (8.8.8/8.8.8) with ESMTP id WAA21714 for <member@localhost>; Mon, 31 Jan 2000 22:23:10 GMT (envelope-from mlist@mail.avaterra.com) From: mlist@mail.avaterra.com Received: from 195.188.129.9 by localhost with POP3 (fetchmail-5.0.0) for member@localhost (single-drop); Mon, 31 Jan 2000 22:23:10 +0000 (GMT) Received: from mail.avaterra.com [208.48.77.10] by jimmy. with ESMTP (SMTPD32-5.05 EVAL) id AA71F1F00FC; Mon, 31 Jan 2000 22:19:29 +0000 Received: from mail.avaterra.com by mail.avaterra.com (Sun Internet Mail Server sims.3.5.1999.07.30.00.05.p8) with SMTP id <0FP800D0202207@mail.avaterra.com> for member@blarg.com; Mon, 31 Jan 2000 14:07:24 -0800 (PST) Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2000 14:07:24 -0800 Subject: Announcement from Avaterra.com To: member@blarg.com Message-id: <0FP800DSV04C07@mail.avaterra.com> Precedence: list X-Header: Dreamscape members announcement X-RCPT-TO: <member@blarg.com> X-UIDL: 21 Status: U Dear Dreamscape Member, As we continue to increase membership in both Dreamscape (DS) and VZconnections (VZc), it has become clear that we must change the way we communicate with the DS community. We realize that the flow of information has suffered during this period of growth. The new direction that we have taken has removed a great deal of our time from direct community involvement. In order to improve in these areas, we have made the decision to appoint a "division manager" for DS. In an effort to improve our communication and support for DS, to adjust to the increase in the number of members in both worlds, and to have a contact that works exclusively on DS issues, we are happy to announce the appointment of Caretaker Electra as Dreamscape Manager. Electra, well known to you as person in charge of the Acolytes, will assume her new duties effective immediately. Oracle Electra will work closely with Senior Community Management (Delilah and Michael). Her primary focus will be to strengthen the link between the community and Avaterra by managing the Dreamscape within the community perspective, in conjunction with the long-term strategies of Avaterra. Among her duties are DS in-world staff (Caretakers and Acolytes) management, enhancement and development of the DS community, in-world policies, promotion of events, and most importantly in-world communication with members (including town meetings). Electra can be contacted via email at electra@avaterra.com. Michael and Delilah will continue with their roles of Community Management, continuing to focus more primarily on strategic issues and future growth opportunities of the zones. They will continue to develop and review policies and community philosophies for the zones. Included here are member support issues, community Issues, and community co-ordination across both DS and VZc. Electra will continue to report directly to Michael and Delilah Please congratulate Oracle Electra, and join us in welcoming her to her new position! Delilah & Michael Community Management To remove your e-mail address from this email list, and help us to service you better, please forward an email to the following email address: remove@avaterra.com
May
Subject: VZconnections rate changes, May 23, 2000
From: mlist@mail.avaterra.com To: <???@avaterra.com> Date: Tuesday, May 23, 2000 10:30 pm Subject: VZconnections rate changes, May 23, 2000 Dear VZconnections Members, It has now been almost one year since the inception of Avaterra.com and during the last year, we've seen many changes, both inworld and out. We continue to have the most vibrant, active communities on the Net, thanks to you, our members. Our numbers continue to grow -- through your word of mouth -- with the friends that you bring to our community. Your enthusiasm and involvement in the growth of the community is at an all time high. We've received countless suggestions for new features and further development, which we look forward to implementing in version 3.1. We are also working on opening some great new areas inside VZconnections, including the Turf Furnishings shop and a new area for current gaming hosts. In the coming weeks you will begin to see a redesign of the current layout, as we restructure the free areas. Unfortunately, the current fees do not cover the expenses necessary to maintain the zone, and we are no longer able to operate under the current pricing plan. Therefore, it is necessary to raise the subscription rate to $9.95 per month, effective immediately for new members. However, we are pleased to announce that we will be starting a referral program where members can earn free months just by referring friends and family to the Zones! For every referred member that pays for two months, you get one month free! Details will be available on our site in the coming weeks for this exciting new program available early this summer. Also new is the Children Internet Protection Act passed April 21, 2000, which limit a sites' ability to capture data from a child under the age of 13. To comply with this new law, we will be reinstating the 14-day free trial with a credit card on our site immediately. We will continue to provide Guide & Caretaker assistance in the zones, prize and events support, new objects in the vendos, as well as our hosting and support services. We plan to continue to strive for better service and reduce downtime to help foster the rich community that you, our members, have built. We look forward to enhancing the experience and growth of the community in the coming months. Thank you for your choice to use VZconnections and working with us in this time of transition/growth. The VZconnections Team
July
31st
Dear Members, This communication addresses the recent events and some of the concerns brought up in the immediate past. A. AdultWorld Many of you have heard rumors about a new Avaterra world that is supposed to open soon. We are happy to now confirm these rumors. The new zone, a separate world on its own server, will primarily cater to adult, 21+ topics. AdultWorld is currently in development and taking shape quickly. However, at this time we do not have a specific opening date. Please look forward to an announcement for the soft launch of this new Avaterra Zone in the near future. B. Staffing Changes It is with regret that we announce Eva Gailey/Delilah's resignation from her position as Communities Manager. Robert Dunbar (robert@avaterra.com), Caretaker in VZconnections, and Michael Vondung (michael@avaterra.com), World Manager of Dreamscape and VZconnections, have been asked to assume the position of Community Management for all Avaterra worlds. C. Customer Satisfaction We thank everyone who participated in David Andrews' surveys during the downtime earlier this month. After careful analyzing of your valuable input it is apparent that a portion of our members feel that customer service and customer satisfaction is still one of the central issues. Improving this situation will therefore be one of the main priorities in the upcoming weeks. To be more specific, the development of a new help/service database has begun, and we are looking into establishing a tracking system for your customer service requests. Additional free-of-charge "add on" services for our members may include Vzones email, and possibly the release of "inworld mail" as seen in the Korean zone, Glass City. We can also look forward to the introduction of the long-promised "Bring-a-Friend" program, as well as frequent meetings with Avaterra's CEO, David Andrews. D. Communication In the first half of the month of August we will introduce an electronic news system, accessible through a web page on a different web server (to ensure its availability during downtimes). On this site you will be able to access the latest information and news releases related to your favorite Avaterra virtual zone. The Avaterra News information site's purpose will not be to replace the vivid and greatly appreciated inworld papers, but we hope to give you, our members, an avenue to stay informed without having to search relevant news releases in forums and on various sites. E. Upcoming Inworld Meetings The next Community/Town Meetings for both worlds are scheduled for Sunday, August 6th. The Dreamscape meeting starts at 12:00 PM (noon) PT, and the VZconnection meeting is scheduled for 2:00 PM PT. Community Management, as well as David Andrews, CEO of Avaterra, will be available to answer your questions and address your concerns. Both meetings are limited to two hours each. The regular DS town meeting on Saturday is cancelled (the normal schedule will resume August 12th). Avaterra.com, Inc. http://www.avaterra.com
August
Avaterra Communication, August 26th, 2000
Dear Members,
Within this communication, we will address some of the upcoming changes that are to occur within Avaterra's Virtual Zones in the near and immediate future.
Pricing Plan Change for Dreamscape
We are pleased to announce a price reduction for Avaterra's Dreamscape. Effective October 1st, the monthly membership fee for Dreamscape will be lowered to $14.95. All Dreamscape accounts, existing and new, will continue to consist of two avatars that may be used at the same time ("multi avatar login").
Removal of Free ISP Access
Free VZConnections accounts obtained through former UK partners Scottish Telecom and Demon Internet will be disabled effective September 15, 2000. Individuals who currently access VZConnections with one of these "Free ISP Login" accounts will need to establish new, paid accounts through the normal sign-up pages located at http://www.vzones.com/join/newaccount.htm Delphi accounts are not affected by this change.
Trial Account Changes
Due to the wide-spread abuse of the "free trial" program, we are re-introducing the "ghost only" option for trial accounts. The "ghost only" option will allow interested individuals to explore VZconnections and Dreamscape without charge. However, trial account users may not unghost and do not possess ESP capabilities. Actively using the service, including receiving tokens and items, will require a full membership.
Delphi accounts in VZconnections are excluded from this change. The "ghost only" option for trial accounts will be implemented as soon as possible, and will be in effect by September 15th. Members found exploiting the current system to "harvest" tokens or harass other members risk the immediate closure of their regular accounts and the deletion of their possessions.
Upcoming Terms Of Service Changes
Due to the upcoming introduction of the adult-oriented zone, SeduCity, we are re-evaluating the Terms of Service for VZConnections, and will be encouraging a more family-oriented environment for this zone. Therefore, the tolerance level for harassment and offensive language will be reduced within VZConnections.
The Terms of Service for SeduCity will be targeted towards an adult audience, and will take into account that minors are not present. The TOS changes will be announced soon and will go into effect on January 1st, 2001.
KidsWorld in the Making
Although we cannot reveal details at this time, we would like to briefly announce that the development of a safe virtual environment, targeted at younger members, has begun. Although this world may not open this year and specifics are not yet available, we appreciate feedback and ideas for our upcoming KidsWorld.
Avaterra.com Management
Michael & Robert