VZConnections Town Meeting - February 13th, 2000
Taken from the official VZNews website:
Here are the minutes from the public meeting held on Sunday, 2/13/00. The meeting held from12-2 pm. There were 330+ ghosts during most of the meeting.
Michael (Avaterra): Hello, everyone. <grin>
Caretaker Selara: sorry, grey ball too distracting
Delilah (Avaterra): Hello <grin>
Michael (Avaterra): First let me apologize for blocking ESP -- I don't usually block, but it helps to focus on your questions. <grin>
Caretaker Selara: Welcome Michael and Delilah <grin>
Delilah (Avaterra): Huggs ghosties, I'll be blocking too
Caretaker Selara: Hello Guides <wave>
Michael (Avaterra): A few words about this meeting -- it is the first of our weekly
Michael (Avaterra): Community Meetings.
Michael (Avaterra): Each meeting will have a specific topic (which will be announced a few days prior to the meeting), and
Michael (Avaterra): we will only address questions and concerns regarding the "hot topic" of the week.
Michael (Avaterra): Today's meeting however will be a general one - there won't be a special topic,
Michael (Avaterra): we'll try to answer all of your questions.
Michael (Avaterra): Or at least as many of them as we can.
Michael (Avaterra): To ask a question, please send the question to one of the three Caretakers on the ground.
Michael (Avaterra): The meeting is limited to one hour ...
Michael (Avaterra): and please do keep in mind that these meetings will take place weekly.
Michael (Avaterra): If we miss your question, you are more than welcome to send us an email.
Michael (Avaterra): delilah@avaterra.com and michael@avaterra.com.
Delilah (Avaterra): I like how my email address goes first
Delilah (Avaterra): not.
Caretaker Alana: Emmeau: Will the problems with bad connections and lag be addressed. It's especially bad for European VZoners with the lag and poofing.
Michael (Avaterra): We cannot answer technical questions ... please send those to support@avaterra.com or post a message to our forum.
Michael (Avaterra): The lag situation .. if you experience lag, please "record" a traceroute and
Michael (Avaterra): send it to trace@avaterra.com.
Michael (Avaterra): Our network staff will be looking at these "trace routes" and try to optimize the
Michael (Avaterra): connectivity.
Caretaker Selara: CLOCKY : is there going to be any new places on vzones?
Delilah (Avaterra): We're working on a few new areas
Delilah (Avaterra): a wedding chapel
Delilah (Avaterra): the turf furnishings
Delilah (Avaterra): we're also looking into additional zones
Delilah (Avaterra): were the guidelines/Terms of Membership will vary
Delilah (Avaterra): as will the membership fee.
Caretaker SnowKatze: Gidget: what is going on in WA as memebers we have a right to know.. what happen to our world it use to be a good place to come to now fighting among the staff
Delilah (Avaterra): please direct your questions to the Caretakers
Michael (Avaterra): <I'll get you the URL with traceroutes instructions - just a second <grin>>
Delilah (Avaterra): I'll try to address that question..
Delilah (Avaterra): we've grown tremendously in the past six months
Michael (Avaterra): The URL is http://www.vzones.com/members/trace_route.htm
Delilah (Avaterra): both in staff
Michael (Avaterra): or just click on me. <grin>
Delilah (Avaterra): and in members
Delilah (Avaterra): over 100%
Michael (Avaterra): <thanks to Karianna <grin>>
Delilah (Avaterra): we're in a period of rebirth, so to speak
Delilah (Avaterra): the earlier smaller community ways got lost along the way
Delilah (Avaterra): and we're trying to get back to that, this community meeting being one of the first steps
Delilah (Avaterra): does that help answer the question?
Michael (Avaterra): I'd like to add that there is no "fighting among staff" -- we, the members of this team, don't always agree, this is quite natural, but
Michael (Avaterra): these disagreements are of constructive nature ... it's no different to any other teams, be it at school or at work.
Michael (Avaterra): There are rumours flying around, but just because someone says or assumes
Michael (Avaterra): something, doesn't mean this is true. <grin>
Caretaker Alana: JustinSane: What precautions should we and YOU be taking against Hackers....?
Delilah (Avaterra): Good question
Delilah (Avaterra): we've been in the process of writing an addendum to the ToM
Delilah (Avaterra): to cover hacking, denial of service, and hack threats
Delilah (Avaterra): we do take them seriously
Delilah (Avaterra): and we can see how adversely it's affected all of us
Delilah (Avaterra): We've gotten the text back from the lawyer last week
Delilah (Avaterra): and will review it, it should be posted by the end of this week, should no conflicts arise
Delilah (Avaterra): <from our end>... from your end.. Michael has some information.
Michael (Avaterra): As for precautions -- if you use ICQ or any other instant messanger programs, especially if you are on a cable or DSL connection,
Michael (Avaterra): then you should consider not to use it. If you feel you can't enjoy cyberspace without these programs,
Michael (Avaterra): then make sure that you do not share your screen name/UIN/etc with other people - unless you
Michael (Avaterra): know them very well. This isn't always easy, I know, but due to the "design" of such applications, they open a door to your computer.
Delilah (Avaterra): I shut down ICQ, and oddly enough, I haven't had a single attack.
Guide Marc: opps
Michael (Avaterra): In addition, there are several programs out there that help you to make your computer more secure.
Michael (Avaterra): BlackICE is a good example. Unfortunately, it is not available as freeware, but
Michael (Avaterra): if you are looking for an efficient protection against attacks from the internet, it's
Michael (Avaterra): certainly worth a look.
Caretaker Selara: From several: Is there anything that can be done about hackers and thieves and could we please get some lockable boxes and security links put back on apt doors? And why can't we be compensated for stolen items?
Caretaker Alana: Ghostie says ZoneAlarm is good too, and freeware <grin>
Michael (Avaterra): PHP, as well as other groups, are currently working on security classes - we will do what we can to
Caretaker Selara: lol....turf owners insureance suggested
Michael (Avaterra): support such inworld projects.
Delilah (Avaterra): Security Event planned by EC coming up as well.
Caretaker Alana: http://www.zonelabs.com/
Delilah (Avaterra): Kenn submitted an idea, that we'll be considering for more education.
Delilah (Avaterra): Many of our members have some great educational ideas for theft and security, we're trying to pool them together.
Michael (Avaterra): As for hackers - we just covered this topic, we will change our Terms of Membership to be able to address these problems efficiently.
Delilah (Avaterra): As for locked chests...
Delilah (Avaterra): M?
Caretaker Alana: Guides Sha and Ceili are almost finished with a security page also.
Delilah (Avaterra): this one comes up time and again.
Michael (Avaterra): Locked chests -- there is a "small" program with
Michael (Avaterra): the containers that can be locked with a number code ...
Michael (Avaterra): .... when you change the lock, you will crash.
Michael (Avaterra): This is a bit unfortunate .. and we are not quite comfortable with releasing an
Michael (Avaterra): object that kicks our members offline. <grin> David Peterson, our lead programmer, put
Michael (Avaterra): this on his to-do list ... so as soon as he fixes it, we will release the lockable containers.
Caretaker SnowKatze: From several avatars: When are we getting anime items and heads? Can we have a confirmed date?
Michael (Avaterra): However, you will be responsible for these containers .. if you
Michael (Avaterra): forget the combination for the container, you will not be able to retrieve the contents.
Delilah (Avaterra): additional security information: Norton Internet Security (Try & Buy) http://www.symantec.com
Delilah (Avaterra): Anime artwork...
Delilah (Avaterra): we are implementing the process for making this available
Delilah (Avaterra): at this point, the projected date is 2/21 -- however, that is not confirmed right now
Michael (Avaterra): and BlackICE url is: http://www.networkice.com/Products/BlackICE/default.htm
Caretaker Alana: Will Avaterra address the perception issues with no one knowing how the rules are applied? Seems arbitray now to many?
Michael (Avaterra): And if it's not the 21st, keep in mind that it wasn't me who gave you the date! ;)
Caretaker Alana: oops
Caretaker Alana: from WildBill
Delilah (Avaterra): lol
Caretaker Alana: sorry <g>
Delilah (Avaterra): Perhaps it is somewhat arbitrary
Delilah (Avaterra): being that we have a staff of... how many?
Michael (Avaterra): The "rules" are called "Terms of Service" ... they can be found at http://www.vzones.com/join/terms.htm.
Michael (Avaterra): Guides and Caretakers have a certain amount of freedom and flexibility .. this is
Michael (Avaterra): necessary as no two situations are identical.
Michael (Avaterra): This applies especially to situations where the involved parties have a history.
Michael (Avaterra): I do not think guides, caretakers or others apply completely different rules, they all follow
Michael (Avaterra): the same lines.
Michael (Avaterra): If you feel a guide is not handling a situation properly, please feel free to
Michael (Avaterra): contact Selara at selara@avaterra.com.
Caretaker Selara: Can anything be done about known and persistant thieves AND what should we do if we know or suspect someone is using a patch? From several.
Michael (Avaterra): Theft is one of the "hot topics", and I think it will be one of the
Caretaker Selara: <grin>
Michael (Avaterra): "hot topics" for one of the upcoming meetings. In short, let me say that
Michael (Avaterra): we acknowledge the problems and the frustration. We are reading your feedback carefully, and
Caretaker Selara: and what is a patch now <g>
Michael (Avaterra): even though we won't banish "thieves" instantly, we are keeping track.
Michael (Avaterra): If someone scams other members, or uses various tricks, to get ahold of
Michael (Avaterra): other people's items, then we consider this harassment - and will deal with it.
Michael (Avaterra): However, we cannot guarantee perfect security .... you are responsible for
Michael (Avaterra): your items and heads. No one can take something out of your pockets (despite rumours, this is
Michael (Avaterra): not possible), and no one can unglue objects in your homes.
Michael (Avaterra): If you trade or buy items from people who you do not know or trust,
Michael (Avaterra): please do page a guide and ask him or her to assist you with the deal.
Caretaker SnowKatze: There have been rumours of VZones closing, are they true?
Michael (Avaterra): and as always, if something sounds too good to be true,
Michael (Avaterra): you have all reason to be careful.
Delilah (Avaterra): I'll take this one.
Delilah (Avaterra): No. <grin>
Delilah (Avaterra): Let me add
Michael (Avaterra): No, there are no plans to close VZones or Dreamscape - and
Delilah (Avaterra): another clarification
Delilah (Avaterra): of a few rumors
Delilah (Avaterra): that have come up as of lately
Michael (Avaterra): why should we? Look around, there's people everywhere, and
Michael (Avaterra): every day new ones join <grin>
Delilah (Avaterra): you can take this as an official statement:
Delilah (Avaterra): We -- I, Michael, David Andrews, anyone on our staff,
Delilah (Avaterra): whether technician
Delilah (Avaterra): Engineer
Delilah (Avaterra): CEO
Delilah (Avaterra): Manager
Delilah (Avaterra): Guide
Delilah (Avaterra): Caretaker
Delilah (Avaterra): Acolyte
Delilah (Avaterra): or Oracle
Delilah (Avaterra): Can NOT
Delilah (Avaterra): I repeat
Delilah (Avaterra): NOT
Delilah (Avaterra): read your ESPs
Michael (Avaterra): And you have my word on this.
Delilah (Avaterra): if someone tells you otherwise -- they are lying.
Delilah (Avaterra): The software
Delilah (Avaterra): was specifically
Delilah (Avaterra): developed to NOT allow this feature
Delilah (Avaterra): we do not LOG your ESPs or conversations
Delilah (Avaterra): again
Delilah (Avaterra): the system was designed specifically
Delilah (Avaterra): NOT to be able to do that
Delilah (Avaterra): for legal and otherwise ethical reasons.
Delilah (Avaterra): Let me repeat, officially:
Delilah (Avaterra): we can NOT read your ESPs
Delilah (Avaterra): nor can we read logs of them.
Delilah (Avaterra): <bow>
Delilah (Avaterra): and no, we're not closing DS or VZones.
Michael (Avaterra): A good book would be more entertaining, anway. <grin>
Delilah (Avaterra): an additional note
Delilah (Avaterra): on that topic of ESP reading
Michael (Avaterra): You know, folks ... Delilah and I are not some outsiders. Years ago, we
Delilah (Avaterra): claims are that staff is spreading this
Michael (Avaterra): were regular members, just like each of you.
Delilah (Avaterra): we'd be very interested to know which staff
Michael (Avaterra): Back then, we too wondered if anyone could read our ESPs .. so as soon as we
Delilah (Avaterra): we tried <grin>
Michael (Avaterra): had the opportunity to verify whether or not that is possible. And on a very personal note,
Michael (Avaterra): just like everyone, we have exchanged ESPs (with others) that we would not want anyone to see.
Michael (Avaterra): and if anyone had seen those ESPs... we would not be here today. <grin>
Delilah (Avaterra): <relax>
Michael (Avaterra): This should be proof enough that it simply is not possible. Was not, is not, and will not. Neither of us would
Michael (Avaterra): agree with it -- because we know how important privacy is.
Delilah (Avaterra): I hope this clarifies the rumors and puts an end to them.
Caretaker Alana: =D7=A7=F8=A7=D7 ANGEL =D7=A7=F8=A7=D7: how about tryin to see if we could get something that lets us know when our friends come on line in worlds
Michael (Avaterra): Kind of a buddy list --- we have discussed this last year when we talked about
Michael (Avaterra): new features for future versions of our software. While this will not be implemented very soon, it
Delilah (Avaterra): Newbie Mgr. Delilah <sigh>
Caretaker Alana: <g>
Michael (Avaterra): is entirely possible that some day we will offer you such features.
Caretaker Selara: If you sent in check for membership for six months, =will we get a bill when it is due? How will we know when we have to do it again? And are we getting any new turfs to rent?
Michael (Avaterra): It would surely make things easier. <grin>
Michael (Avaterra): Do not click the "X", Delilah. <grin><grin>
Caretaker SnowKatze: *snickers
Michael (Avaterra): Billing questions are for -----------> <grin>
Delilah (Avaterra): We don't have an automated renewal mechanism to notify you all that your accounts are due
Caretaker Selara: sorry, all I can only take a tiny portion of all the questions
Delilah (Avaterra): but we need it.
Delilah (Avaterra): That was really helpful, wasn't it?
Caretaker SnowKatze: We are keeping track of all questions..
Caretaker Selara: What about new turfs?
Michael (Avaterra): Uh huh, yes, I'd say so. ;)
Caretaker Selara: And yes, transcript will be in news.
Michael (Avaterra): New turfs --- Real Soon Now. <grin>
Delilah (Avaterra): Does your next bill date show in the Account Manager?
Delilah (Avaterra): Contact Ange or Lindy, they can give you your next bill date.
Delilah (Avaterra): Until we get that automated.
Caretaker SnowKatze: No
Michael (Avaterra): Seriously, the Caretakers have been working on new turf layouts - and some of them will be released shortly.
Delilah (Avaterra): No?
Michael (Avaterra): (within four weeks)
Caretaker SnowKatze: From some members=20
Caretaker Selara: No it does not show.
Delilah (Avaterra): Oh, thank you <grin>
Caretaker SnowKatze: Id like to know when something is going to be done about the BLATANT gay bashing and racism, This is supposed to be a PG-13 environment yet the Guides and Caretakers turn a blind eye to this. What is going to be done about it?
Caretaker SnowKatze: From GhoST
Michael (Avaterra): I have not seen gay bashing. But I have seen
Michael (Avaterra): people provoking others - until they exploded - and then paging a guide.
Michael (Avaterra): I also have not seen racism -- we have a zero tolerance policy in place that
Michael (Avaterra): covers these issues. And guides and caretakers, as well as other employees, are
Michael (Avaterra): watching carefully.
Caretaker Alana: Gigarange=AE: is there going to be any sort of Voice chat capability added to this program?
Michael (Avaterra): But, let me be frank ... if you're gay and insult or provoke someone else,
Michael (Avaterra): and then the person strikes back, it is not gay bashing. There's no difference to any other
Michael (Avaterra): fights.
Delilah (Avaterra): we have some changes coming up with the current interface
Michael (Avaterra): We have turned on the Full Ignore feature to allow you to "zap" avatars on your
Delilah (Avaterra): voice chat included
Michael (Avaterra): screen if you disagree with their behaviour or with what they say. YOU have
Michael (Avaterra): full control over what you see on your screen. You hold the power. <grin>
Caretaker Selara: Is there any way to make it so only the primary leasholder could change the lease name, so can not be ripped off? And we have heard of unknown persons getting on lease, is that possible?
Caretaker Selara: And many thanking you both for answers.
Michael (Avaterra): If you do not trust roommates, do not share a turf with them.
Michael (Avaterra): When and if you add a co-owner to the lease, this person will
Michael (Avaterra): become exactly this: a co-OWNER of the apartment, and gain full control over the
Michael (Avaterra): apartment.
Michael (Avaterra): The choice to add someone is yours ...
Michael (Avaterra): There are many couples, or friends, that like to share their turfs (and split rent),
Michael (Avaterra): I'm not sure if everyone would agree with only one person having
Michael (Avaterra): the power to change the turf name ... it would not solve the problem, it would only
Michael (Avaterra): shift the focus of the problem slightly.
Caretaker Selara: <grin>
Michael (Avaterra): What I would like to see is an option for owners to
Michael (Avaterra): see a list of all of their turfs (and names).
Michael (Avaterra): would this help?
Caretaker Selara: And unknown persons on lease, some saying they found someone or WERE the unknown person on a lease.
Michael (Avaterra): Since there are so many questions, we will add an extra hour ... <grin>
Michael (Avaterra): I asked you. ;)
Delilah (Avaterra): <relax>
Caretaker Selara: PHP
Caretaker Alana: Transcript will be in the news ghostie.
Caretaker Alana: PlanetEarthGirl: Billing question: If we choose the credit card option, will these charges automatically be charged, unless we choose to cancel?
Delilah (Avaterra): If you cancel before the 30-day trial
Delilah (Avaterra): meaning, you go to the account manager
Delilah (Avaterra): and you select cancel
Delilah (Avaterra): you will not be billed
Delilah (Avaterra): if you do not cancel in that 30-day frame
Delilah (Avaterra): and email us to cancel
Delilah (Avaterra): although we'll try to get you cancelled on time
Caretaker Selara: they want to know if six month plan auto renewed
Delilah (Avaterra): it really is in your bet interest
Delilah (Avaterra): to use the Account Manager <grin>
Delilah (Avaterra): or contact Ange or Lindy
Delilah (Avaterra): <g>
Delilah (Avaterra): yes, if it is on your credit card
Delilah (Avaterra): it is renewed automatically
Caretaker SnowKatze: Excuse me... I must run. RW committment. <bow>
Delilah (Avaterra): Thanks Snow
Michael (Avaterra): Ciao, Snow - and thanks. <grin>
Caretaker Selara: Is there any way to send out automated turf name change to all co owners?
Michael (Avaterra): A list that displays all of the turfs you own would be easier to implement.
Michael (Avaterra): I'm not a programmer, so take this with a grain of salt -- we'll forward these ideas to
Michael (Avaterra): the developers. <grin>
Caretaker Alana: lizzzzz: can you pay for the whole year with a credit card?
Delilah (Avaterra): Yes
Caretaker Selara: yes Joe
Delilah (Avaterra): Elisa, contact Ange or Lindy -- award@avaterra.com or lindy@avaterra.com
Delilah (Avaterra): they'll get you straightened out.
Michael (Avaterra): Next question? <grin>
Delilah (Avaterra): I have a question
Delilah (Avaterra): <grin>
Caretaker Selara: Can the number of persons
Michael (Avaterra): *gasps*
Delilah (Avaterra): go ahead Selara
Michael (Avaterra): <grin>
Caretaker Selara: in a locale be expanded since world so large now.
Delilah (Avaterra): <g>
Michael (Avaterra): There are several locales that hold more than the standard six (6) avatars ...
Michael (Avaterra): we will look if there are more "chat" areas that are suited for a higher
Michael (Avaterra): avatar amount ... however, if there are too many people in a locale, it
Michael (Avaterra): gets hard to figure out who is talking ... also, there are some technical
Michael (Avaterra): aspects that need to be considered. If someone has a slower machine or is
Michael (Avaterra): lagging, and enters a locale with 20 avatars, there is a good chance that
Michael (Avaterra): the member will freeze up and crash.
Michael (Avaterra): But we'll increase the capacity of more locales from 6 to 8.
Michael (Avaterra): that's fairly safe.
Michael (Avaterra): next..? <grin>
Caretaker Alana: hehe
Caretaker Alana: I thought del had a question <g>
Caretaker Alana: Linda : What can be done about problems people are experiancing with the conversion page?
Delilah (Avaterra): My question is... to the members..
Delilah (Avaterra): well
Michael (Avaterra): There are problems with the conversion page? Oh, free accounts to
Delilah (Avaterra): the problems with the conversion pages, could be several
Michael (Avaterra): full accounts.
Delilah (Avaterra): yes
Delilah (Avaterra): if you have a problem converting from free to full membership
Delilah (Avaterra): contact support@avaterra.com
Delilah (Avaterra): or catch Lindy or Ange in world on their MS shifts
Delilah (Avaterra): there are many reasons why the conversions fail
Delilah (Avaterra): Ok
Delilah (Avaterra): My question is about the community meeting(s)
Delilah (Avaterra): right now, we're doing a Q&A type format
Delilah (Avaterra): that will go to hot topics - specific
Delilah (Avaterra): would you all, or any, be interested in sitting down and talking about it as a group
Delilah (Avaterra): maybe not to find solutions
Delilah (Avaterra): or to answer questions
Delilah (Avaterra): but to TALK
Delilah (Avaterra): we did this early on
Delilah (Avaterra): and if fizzled
Michael (Avaterra): Imagine 320 avatars in one locale...
Caretaker Alana: Lots of Yes answers<grin>
Caretaker Selara: Have several yes votes.
Delilah (Avaterra): Ok
Delilah (Avaterra): so there is a problem with it
Delilah (Avaterra): lol
Caretaker Selara: But they want to knwo HOW?
Delilah (Avaterra): right
Delilah (Avaterra): suggestions?
Michael (Avaterra): I like the idea - would help to improve communication,
Caretaker Selara: lister programs,=20
Michael (Avaterra): but I'm not quite sure how to do it.
Caretaker Selara: small group suggestions
Delilah (Avaterra): name list... good idea
Caretaker Selara: by avatar names, alphabetical
Michael (Avaterra): let everyone "apply" and then pick the "lucky ones" that get to
Delilah (Avaterra): add your name to a list
Caretaker Selara: mail in questions
Michael (Avaterra): participate in the chat? Umm...
Michael (Avaterra): Win a Seat...?
Delilah (Avaterra): we choose a hot topic
Caretaker Selara: member voting
Delilah (Avaterra): for discussion
Delilah (Avaterra): not just Q&A
Caretaker Selara: sorry, commetns way too fast to get all
Delilah (Avaterra): its something that many have brought up
Caretaker Selara: rotating people
Caretaker Selara: by cities
Delilah (Avaterra): we need the meetings like this one
Delilah (Avaterra): to hit the hot questions and answers
Caretaker Selara: committees
Delilah (Avaterra): but we also need an arena
Delilah (Avaterra): to sit and talk about these things
Caretaker Selara: Guide daily chats
Michael (Avaterra): Or ... maybe we charge an entry fee -- $10. ;)
Michael (Avaterra): just kidding <grin>
Delilah (Avaterra): rofl
Caretaker Selara: random name draws
Caretaker Selara: gonna ask it next Nite
Delilah (Avaterra): I've had a lot of great ideas thrown at me lately about doing this
Delilah (Avaterra): and if it is truly warranted, and I think it's a great concept
Delilah (Avaterra): we need to get it implemented
Caretaker Selara: email questions
Delilah (Avaterra): ok, but wait
Delilah (Avaterra): the hot topics... Q&A
Delilah (Avaterra): is this
Delilah (Avaterra): what we are doing here
Caretaker Selara: that was a suggestion, we didn't decide on email questions
Michael (Avaterra): I think it should be an addition to the Q&A sessions,
Delilah (Avaterra): I am talking about sitting down, talking
Michael (Avaterra): not a replacement for them.
Delilah (Avaterra): yes Michael
Caretaker Selara: all of you....if you are getting gender select
Caretaker Selara: DO NOT Select
Caretaker Alana: Questions are not filtered, they are asked in the order received...please be patient<grin> Thanks<grin>
Caretaker Selara: try again in a bit
Caretaker Alana: CyberSwami (HD): I would like to create and customize my own items, heads, bodies and areas will this be an option in the future
Michael (Avaterra): We've discussed this with one of our VPs recently,
Michael (Avaterra): there are some copyright issues that would need to be addressed first.
Michael (Avaterra): Then we would need some form of quality assurance before such items/heads would go in ...
Michael (Avaterra): it's more complicated than it sounds. But yes, we are talking about it ... not a promise, but
Michael (Avaterra): a possibility for the future.
Caretaker Selara: Will there EVER be a world for only those under age of 18, and Guides or Acolytes must be 14 years or older?
Caretaker Selara: try again, do not select gender, will mess things up
Michael (Avaterra): I have a thought about the meetings ...
Michael (Avaterra): ... there is no reason why you, the members, could not set up
Michael (Avaterra): discussion rounds ... and invite us or the caretakers.
Caretaker Selara: <grin>
Michael (Avaterra): this is your world, and while we "run" it, you are the ones who
Michael (Avaterra): provide the content (other than events that we host) ...
Michael (Avaterra): it's not "just" a chat service, it's also a virtual community.
Michael (Avaterra): Forge ahead, if you have ideas, we will support you -- don't always wait for us. <grin>
Delilah (Avaterra): I think that's a good idea
Caretaker Alana: Sweetie: There have been many glitches lately, is there any way the techs can get back faster than days?
Delilah (Avaterra): I'd come to discussion groups, where I was invited.
Michael (Avaterra): A world for teens -- no, I don't think that is possible at this time,
Michael (Avaterra): however, a Zone21, for adults, with a less strict TOS and no guide coverage,
Michael (Avaterra): is something we are pondering on.
Michael (Avaterra): THIS IS NOT AN ANNOUNCEMENT. <grin>
Michael (Avaterra): It is just a "FYI" ... something we are thinking about, something many of you
Michael (Avaterra): have suggested.
Michael (Avaterra): Glitches? As in server crashes and such?
Delilah (Avaterra): Qassandra, I'm sorry, but I have no idea what you are talking about. <shrug>
Michael (Avaterra): We aren't happy with the crashes and unexpected downtimes - it's gotten
Delilah (Avaterra): Please direct your questions to Alana or Selara.
Michael (Avaterra): much better, but there is still room for improvements.
Caretaker Selara: Why are so many Guides female or a cat?
Delilah (Avaterra): rofl
Caretaker Selara: <grin>
Michael (Avaterra): Because we get more applications from females.
Caretaker Selara: Is there a conspiracy?
Caretaker Selara: or a clan?
Michael (Avaterra): and as for the cats ... I don't know, it's a pretty head. <g>
Delilah (Avaterra): no conspiracy
Delilah (Avaterra): no clan
Michael (Avaterra): No, not a clan -- when we pick some of the candidates for guide positions, we
Caretaker Alana: Ask Sel...she chooses the guides<grin>
Michael (Avaterra): usually don't know what an avatar looks like.,
Caretaker Selara: hehehe, we are just cute <shrug>
Michael (Avaterra): Yes, Sel must know - she picks guides.
Caretaker Selara: And I don't know what anyone looks like.
Caretaker Selara: is there going to be any new places on vzones
Caretaker Alana: Many people happen to like this head<grin>
Michael (Avaterra): As for the amount of women... this sounds a bit sexist, but it is not ... it is not
Caretaker Selara: scratch that one
Delilah (Avaterra): I have an extremely upset ESPmailer here.
Delilah (Avaterra): I'd like to bring her down.
Delilah (Avaterra): Because I have no CLUE what she is trying to communicate to me.
Michael (Avaterra): unusual that you can find more women in social fields...
Delilah (Avaterra): Does anyone mind?
Caretaker Alana: No esp bombing please <grin>
Caretaker Selara: You are now on ignore.=20
Caretaker Selara: no page bombs
Caretaker Alana: you are on ignore from me also<grin>
Delilah (Avaterra): Qassandra, I will meet with you after this, ok?
Caretaker Selara: See folks, you don't need power to take care of that.
Caretaker Selara: Just use ignore.
Delilah (Avaterra): I'm really not sure what you are wanting me to do.
Caretaker Selara: <grin>
Caretaker Alana: Raven's Claw: Could we get Shop Doors here in VZ like =those in DS (only cheaper!). This will reduce the constant Shop Ads in Lobby?
Michael (Avaterra): It's a Dreamscape experiment -- we'll see how it goes there.
Michael (Avaterra): The Ignore Feature is quite useful to stop shop ads, if
Michael (Avaterra): you are disturbed by them.
Caretaker Selara: Why are vendo prices going up so high, but our daily pay rates remain the same?
Michael (Avaterra): The prices of vendo items depend (to some degree) on the
Caretaker Selara: Yes, ignore works for more than one at a time.
Michael (Avaterra): current amount of tokens in the world (T1). They are about our only
Michael (Avaterra): tool to control the inflation.
Michael (Avaterra): Some items are more expensive than others ... but there are also a lot of
Michael (Avaterra): cheaper, affordable ones.
Michael (Avaterra): <phew, didn't crash>
Delilah (Avaterra): whew, thought I was gone too.
Caretaker Alana: Snow King:Hi, will we ever get a V-Mart arear like in DS and more building materials
Caretaker Alana: Questions are asked in the order received. Thanks<grin>
Michael (Avaterra): More building materials: Yes.
Michael (Avaterra): V-Mart ... we don't want to clone Dreamscape. Both worlds are different,
Caretaker Selara: Can we have discounts for multiple accounts, like buy two, get third free, or discounts for having both VZ and DS accounts?
Michael (Avaterra): both worlds have locales, "stuff" and heads the other world has not.
Michael (Avaterra): No. We have lowered the prices just a few months ago. I think 9,95 for
Michael (Avaterra): half a year is a really good deal. We can't possibly make it "cheaper".
Michael (Avaterra): <sorry <grin>>
Michael (Avaterra): But if you sign up 25 accounts, we'll give you a free one! <grin>
Caretaker Alana: Mortis: Hi, can we please go back to monthly billing? and monthly prize distribution? <grin>
Michael (Avaterra): <and keep them!>
Michael (Avaterra): Monthly billing? You want us to charge a higher membership fee?
Michael (Avaterra): <grin>
Caretaker Selara: Will Turf Furnishings ever open?
Caretaker Selara: a resounding NOOOOOOOOO
Caretaker Selara: Michael=20
Michael (Avaterra): Monthly prize distribution -- please talk to Caretaker Colors, she handles events and prizes.
Caretaker Alana: They are saying yes to me....LOL
Delilah (Avaterra): We'll probably go back to Monthly
Delilah (Avaterra): Colors is working on that now.
Michael (Avaterra): Turf Furnishings store -- Delilah addressed this earlier,
Caretaker Selara: some hope will keep thieves out
Michael (Avaterra): it is currently under construction.
Caretaker Selara: but most saying no
Michael (Avaterra): (Robert and Kyla are working on it -- feel free to esp them suggestions <grin>>
Caretaker Selara: Why are heads so high, a newbie starts with 1000 tokens and has to pay half for a head. Why can't we have cheaper heads, like were in teh MM vendos?
Caretaker Selara: community meeting transcript will be in paper
Caretaker Alana: Bebe LaStrange (MAD): can we get other pets besides the cats? like puppies or fish?
Caretaker Alana: oops hit enter <g>
Caretaker Selara: lol
Michael (Avaterra): Animated ones...?
Michael (Avaterra): Our only fully animated pet is Marvin ...
Michael (Avaterra): This is Marvin.
Caretaker Selara: lots like pet store idea
Caretaker Alana: they want marvin <g>
Caretaker Selara: with birds and cats and dogs and fish
Michael (Avaterra): We have some non-animated stuffed pets ... the cats, the bears, the
Michael (Avaterra): doggies and the lions.
Caretaker Selara: give it a sec for Marvin to load folks
Michael (Avaterra): I believe all of these have released in VZones...? Ah, no, the dogs haven't.
Michael (Avaterra): Oh, and we have foxes, of course.
Michael (Avaterra): Sheryl, our former art director, who did all of the animals, was
Michael (Avaterra): quite fond of felines.
Michael (Avaterra): That explains why we have three different cat animals.
Caretaker Selara: Why are heads so high, and can't we have a cheap vendo like was in MM so a newbie doesn't have to pay have of his 1k for a head?
Caretaker Selara: half
Caretaker Selara: WE don't have prize heads here.
Michael (Avaterra): Heads have always been more expensive than items.
Michael (Avaterra): Hmm, that answer doesn't cut it. <g>
Michael (Avaterra): It's a good point. <grin>
Delilah (Avaterra): Well, part of the value of a head that you really want
Delilah (Avaterra): is saving for it
Delilah (Avaterra): <shrug>
Delilah (Avaterra): I remember I had to save for my head way back as a newbie
Caretaker Selara: they liked the ones in the MM vendo
Delilah (Avaterra): had to wear Kimi forever
Delilah (Avaterra): and when I had enough tokens
Caretaker Selara: that were real cheap
Delilah (Avaterra): to buy the one I wanted
Michael (Avaterra): Okay ... Marvin .... let me wake him up, and then
Delilah (Avaterra): I was more proud of it <shrug> had more value.
Michael (Avaterra): quickly pocket him again - since it lags some of you.
Caretaker Selara: if you can't see him
Caretaker Selara: leave locale and come back
Caretaker Selara: he will be out for another min
Caretaker Alana: It didn't load for many
Caretaker Selara: <grin><grin><grin>
Delilah (Avaterra): I am on a cable, and I have graphics issues too <g>
Delilah (Avaterra): he's still not loading for me
Delilah (Avaterra): Oy, CP!
Delilah (Avaterra): I loved my kimi!
Delilah (Avaterra): oh man
Michael (Avaterra): Delilah, you might want to email support@avaterra.com.
Delilah (Avaterra): that was so worded wrong.
Michael (Avaterra): *ducks*
Michael (Avaterra): alright ... putting him back. <grin>
Delilah (Avaterra): he's still not loading for me
Michael (Avaterra): Marvin.. get here <grin>
Delilah (Avaterra): brb
Caretaker Alana: RJohn223: When will Silicon Alley open?
Michael (Avaterra): It is "paintable", yes -- but Marvin says he wouldn't appreciate if I dyed him. <grin>
Delilah (Avaterra): ah loaded
Delilah (Avaterra): thanks <grin>
Michael (Avaterra): <just for Delilah>
Michael (Avaterra): Good. <grin>
Caretaker Selara: Can you put Marvin on a web page as so many said could not see him.
Delilah (Avaterra): Silicon Alley...
Michael (Avaterra): Maybe we will let him in the park for a few days..
Michael (Avaterra): then you all will get a chance to say Hi to him.
Caretaker Selara: they are dying to see him now
Caretaker Selara: yay
Michael (Avaterra): <and load the artwork>
Michael (Avaterra): They want to see him again?
Delilah (Avaterra): the original plans for Silicon Alley
Caretaker Selara: lol
Michael (Avaterra): Marvin ... you want to come out again...?
Delilah (Avaterra): were changed
Delilah (Avaterra): but
Michael (Avaterra): Ah, there.
Caretaker Selara: they say just don't let him eat the squirrel
Delilah (Avaterra): the change they were changed to
Delilah (Avaterra): has changed
Delilah (Avaterra): <g>
Delilah (Avaterra): hey cutie
Caretaker Selara: still not loading for many<sigh>
Delilah (Avaterra): I had to log out and log back in
Delilah (Avaterra): to see him
Caretaker Selara: some say LET him eat da squirrel
Michael (Avaterra): don't log out.
Michael (Avaterra): There will be plenty of opportunities to see one. <grin>
Caretaker Alana: Gigarange=AE: what about being able to hold more stuff in your pockets or more stuff in chests???
Caretaker Selara: you will be able to see him when he goes to the park
Delilah (Avaterra): we'll let you all know about Silicon Alley -- Rob's ready to get that going soon anyway
Delilah (Avaterra): chests
Michael (Avaterra): That would require fundamental changes of how the world and the
Delilah (Avaterra): rofl
Delilah (Avaterra): cannot hold anything more than 10 items
Michael (Avaterra): object databse is designed and structured.
Delilah (Avaterra): don't log out
Michael (Avaterra): so ...
Delilah (Avaterra): login pages are screwy it seems
Michael (Avaterra): Don't expect any changes. (re: capacity of items and pockets)
Delilah (Avaterra): that's development time... and right now, they're off limits to us for the time being <grin>
Michael (Avaterra): next? <grin>
Caretaker Selara: Why don't we have an atm in London, we always have to go to Seattle and always crowded.
Michael (Avaterra): we have 15 minutes left .. <grin>
Delilah (Avaterra): they're tied up with a really great change coming our way
Michael (Avaterra): In London? Because it's a free areas. Some members would
Delilah (Avaterra): No atms in the free areas.
Michael (Avaterra): create hundreds of free accounts to get the 1000T initial tokens.
Caretaker Selara: yep
Michael (Avaterra): We have tried this in the first weeks of this world's history ... and
Michael (Avaterra): it didn't work.
Michael (Avaterra): we had individuals that created up to 400+ accounts, just to
Michael (Avaterra): get the newbie tokens.
Delilah (Avaterra): possibly Lilac
Michael (Avaterra): next? <grin>
Delilah (Avaterra): guys
Delilah (Avaterra): please
Michael (Avaterra): did I miss questions?
Caretaker Alana: StarrrDust: Why is the VZtime clock 6 minutes fast?
Delilah (Avaterra): direct your questions to Alana and Selara
Caretaker Alana: No we have screen scroll <eg>
Delilah (Avaterra): I'm going to turn off my ESPmail, sorry.
Michael (Avaterra): That'll be fixed during maintenance Monday night.
Michael (Avaterra): (re: clock)
Caretaker Selara: Is there room for a middle person team, so the Guides don't have to be the only ones who are called for that? Like Helpers?
Michael (Avaterra): Another group of official helpers? No.
Michael (Avaterra): we would have to guarantee that they are trustworthy ... that would basically require
Caretaker Selara: And Michael, this is the first time have seen you, and wonder if you would move, so they can see what your movements are.
Michael (Avaterra): a written agreement with Avaterra, etc ... we don't have the resources for this at this time. (sorry <grin>).
Michael (Avaterra): Um - catch me when I'm walking around. <grin>
Caretaker Selara: <grin>
Michael (Avaterra): But I can jump ...
Caretaker Alana: =D0arksider Morticia: Are the anime heads and bodies going to be implemented?
Michael (Avaterra): ... <jump> ...
Michael (Avaterra): Delilah answered this earlier ...
Michael (Avaterra): the estimated date is February 21st, but it's not
Michael (Avaterra): a definate date.
Caretaker Alana: oops
Caretaker Alana: sorry missed that
Caretaker Alana: <grin>
Michael (Avaterra): There are too many factors that are not only not under our control, but clearly beyond. <grin>
Delilah (Avaterra): I'd like to address an issue that has been raised
Delilah (Avaterra): about racism and gay-bashing
Delilah (Avaterra): it's unfortunate
Delilah (Avaterra): when things like that happen... personally disgusts me
Delilah (Avaterra): and if we do see it, we will act
Delilah (Avaterra): there are times
Delilah (Avaterra): that, speaking for Michael and other staff members
Delilah (Avaterra): if we are down during an event
Delilah (Avaterra): or discussion
Delilah (Avaterra): or even hanging out
Delilah (Avaterra): our ESP scrolls
Delilah (Avaterra): are so fast
Delilah (Avaterra): that sometimes what ish appening right in front of our nose
Delilah (Avaterra): we miss
Delilah (Avaterra): it's not right
Delilah (Avaterra): Did any management member here
Delilah (Avaterra): recall
Delilah (Avaterra): the Technically Its A Party
Delilah (Avaterra): issue
Delilah (Avaterra): where someone spoke racist remarks?
Delilah (Avaterra): I wasn't there.
Michael (Avaterra): ah, when I didn't see what was happening on the ground because
Michael (Avaterra): I was swamped with ESPs ...
Michael (Avaterra): I remember it well.
Michael (Avaterra): Not a pretty situation.
Delilah (Avaterra): Ok, thank you... more of a memory issue then?
Michael (Avaterra): Selara handled it.
Michael (Avaterra): Yes.
Michael (Avaterra): It was a person who kept creating new accounts and
Michael (Avaterra): disrupted the party.
Delilah (Avaterra): Ok, so Michael the main complaint is that you mentioned you'd never seen it
Delilah (Avaterra): and ithas occurred
Delilah (Avaterra): but Selara handled it
Michael (Avaterra): which is why future events of this kind will not take place in free areas.
Delilah (Avaterra): and did it come up again?
Caretaker Selara: What is the next meeting going to be about, what hot topic?
Michael (Avaterra): We haven't decided yet --- if you have ideas, please email us (delilah@avaterra.com, michael@avaterra.com).
Caretaker Selara: these questions addressed already...see newspaper in a bit
Caretaker Alana: Evil Rags: Can Marvin be put in the museum?
Delilah (Avaterra): I've seen it once or twice since I've been here
Caretaker Alana: Please no esp bombing<grin>
Delilah (Avaterra): and it was usually from someone who got run out of town on a fast rail
Michael (Avaterra): If we ever give one away, or more than one, and the owners decide they
Michael (Avaterra): would like to give it to the museum, then the museum will have a Marvin <grin>.
Michael (Avaterra): I know this isn't what you wanted to hear <grin>, but I'm really proud of the
Delilah (Avaterra): good topic, Errika
Michael (Avaterra): museum and that it is run and supported by the community.
Caretaker Selara: See the newspaper behind me? If you click on it, there is news, and many good links, like to the forum, where you can get lots of news and give your opinions.
Michael (Avaterra): Smithy, we addressed this in the first half hour of the meeting - transcript will be published in the paper. <grin>
Michael (Avaterra): Okay .. last two questions for us?
Caretaker Alana: SimplyRed2: Are there patches that actually allow players to cheat at games or is that merely rumor based on disgruntled losers?
Caretaker Selara: YOu never addressed turf security with unknown persons being on lease.
Michael (Avaterra): There are probably utilities that allow you to cheat at
Michael (Avaterra): certain games.. such as a word generator for WIAN. I'm not a game expert, so I
Michael (Avaterra): can't really answer the question. Guide Kenn is an expert, who can give better answers.
Delilah (Avaterra): I think gaming issues will be one of our topics, cheating, etc.
Michael (Avaterra): Names showing up on the leases: This concerns us. We are gathering the reports that
Delilah (Avaterra): Death threats online, and how to deal with them -- would be a good discussion area.
Michael (Avaterra): we are getting --- the technical staff (developers) are looking into this.
Michael (Avaterra): This past week, we have tightened our firewall, and we are keeping track of
Michael (Avaterra): hacking activities (or to be exact, of attempts to hack).
Michael (Avaterra): I'd like to apologize to PHP for overrunning our community meeting.
Delilah (Avaterra): Once the meeting is over, we'll open the locale again for avatars.
Michael (Avaterra): By an hour.
Michael (Avaterra): and I think the PHP group has an announcement for you?
Michael (Avaterra): Selara?
Delilah (Avaterra): Community Meeting, the transcript will be posted in the VZnews.
Caretaker Selara: Yes, a member of PHP has announement
Michael (Avaterra): Hi, Elberet. <grin>
Elberet (PHP): thanks Michael, Delilah and CTs <grin>
Caretaker Selara: <grin>
Elberet (PHP): and g'evening <grin><wave>
Delilah (Avaterra): Hi Elberet
Elberet (PHP): Hear ye, hear ye! <grin>
Elberet (PHP): PHP (People Helping People) want to invite you to the opening of our school!
Elberet (PHP): We will anounce the name we chose from your entries and our Dean today and
Elberet (PHP): honor the winner of our "Name The School"-contest with a very special prize.
Elberet (PHP): PHP's school will offer classes for newbies teaching the basics of navigating
Elberet (PHP): VZones, but will also offer information about both inworld and computer
Elberet (PHP): security to protect yourself from hackers and crackers, thiefs and scams.
Elberet (PHP): Come all, and come to
Elberet (PHP): VZC Turf: "PHP School"
Elberet (PHP): Right after the Community Meeting. All following games for the PHP Newbie Day
Caretaker Selara: <grin><grin>
Elberet (PHP): will commence 15 minutes later then scheduled (2:15pm instead of 2pm).
Elberet (PHP): Thanks for your attention,
Elberet (PHP): and see you there!<grin><wave>
Michael (Avaterra): And all of you who are concerned about computer security, should make sure they stop by. <grin>
Caretaker Selara: Thank you<grin>
Caretaker Selara: And Michael and Delilah, many thanks coming to you too.
Michael (Avaterra): PHP is putting a lot of effort in this project ... <grin>
Elberet (PHP): Thanks Michael <grin>
Michael (Avaterra): Thank you, everyone, for attending our Community Meeting.
Elberet (PHP): Well, I be gone to the turf <grin>
Caretaker Alana: Many tank yous are being sent <grin>
Delilah (Avaterra): Thank you everyone for coming.
Caretaker Alana: er
Michael (Avaterra): The next one takes place today in a week -- same place, same time (noon PST).
Caretaker Alana: thank...lol
Delilah (Avaterra): and... invite us to those discussions. <grin>
Caretaker Selara: Look for the transcript in our wonderful paper.
Michael (Avaterra): I apologize for being unable to answer all questions.
Caretaker Selara: Check out the link to the forum.
Caretaker Selara: And always page a Guide for deals.
Michael (Avaterra): Thank you for the great questions - and hopefully, we could shed some light on burning issues. <grin>
Caretaker Selara: <grin><grin>
Caretaker Alana: Will future meetings be one or two hours?
Michael (Avaterra): Thanks, Selara, Alana and Snowkatze for helping!
Michael (Avaterra): One hour, if any possible. <grin>
Caretaker Alana: <grin>
Caretaker Selara: heheheh
Michael (Avaterra): You can email us at delilah@avaterra.com and michael@avaterra.com.
Caretaker Selara: any possibility of Marvin out for one more time for pics?
Michael (Avaterra): or just look for us inworld ...
Michael (Avaterra): Yes, I think we can wake him up again ... but then he really needs sleep. <grin>
Caretaker Alana: hmm
Caretaker Alana: people still can't see him
Caretaker Selara: lol
Caretaker Alana: he will be in the newspaper I am sure
Caretaker Selara: No
Caretaker Selara: it's not shoes
Caretaker Alana: <grin>
Michael (Avaterra): Like many magical beast, he tends to make himself invisible.
Caretaker Alana: lol
Caretaker Selara: a little beast
Michael (Avaterra): That's what is happening if you can't see him. <grin>
Caretaker Alana: when you handed him to me...it screwed up my graphics <g>
Caretaker Alana: I can't make him sleep...lol
Michael (Avaterra): And you wonder why we are not putting it in a vendor? <grin>
Caretaker Alana: I see japanese writing <g>
Caretaker Alana: ahh there...lol
Michael (Avaterra): Japanese writing ...? <grin>
Caretaker Alana: yes japanese symbols
Caretaker Selara: I love Marvin too, but he's special.
Caretaker Selara: he won't be in a vendo most likely
Caretaker Alana: and selara is standing on an event sign <g>
Caretaker Alana: Many people esped saying they will submit pics of Marvin to the News so all can see<grin>
Michael (Avaterra): Great ideas. <grin>
Caretaker Selara: <grin><grin>
Caretaker Alana: hehe
Caretaker Selara: Remember PHP Grand Opening now .
Caretaker Selara: Fabulous prizes.
Caretaker Selara: New game auditorium.
Caretaker Selara: Check out the VZ forum, linked to the newspaper.
Caretaker Selara: And thank you for coming.
Caretaker Selara: http://vzmembers.com/applications/
Michael (Avaterra): Have a wonderful afternoon and evening, you all. <bow>
Michael (Avaterra): Ciao! <grin>
Delilah (Avaterra): Have a great one!
Caretaker Alana: Goodnight all<grin><wave>