VZConnections Town Meeting - May 21st, 2000
Taken from the official VZNews website:
Here are the minutes from the public meeting held on Sunday, 5/21/00. The meetings are usually held at Noon PST(VZT) each Sunday in front of the Village Apartments.
This week's topic was: Changes Coming To VZC
These transcripts have been edited to show basically the questions asked and the answers given. If you desire a full copy of the original transcript, please send me eMail requesting one and I will eMail it to you asap. My eMail address is Newsdesk@vzmembers.com
(Thanks to Guide Kenn for logging this weeks transcript for the newspaper.)
Michael (Avaterra): Before we start, I believe we should say a few words. Of course, we have heard the rumours, and seen the transcript. We thought a while about how to respond to it, and we have to decided to address is, to tell you what is true, why it is true, and what is not true. So, first off, yes, the information regarding the pricing plan changes are true. We will go back to $9,95 per month for the VZconnection service (on June 15th). You should get an official letter this coming week -- with more detailed information. Now, we fully realise that increasing the price is just about the most unpopular thing a company can do. Delilah (Avaterra): I'll give you all just a bit of up front information before we start taking questions if you have already paid your six months in advance... the new price will take a ... the new pricing will go into affect on your next bill date meaning if you are to be billed again Oct. 10, 2000 -- on that date you will go to the $9.95 per month Part of the value of this is that we will be able to put more into the zones We will have a customer service rep in the office again to process payments and answer telephone calls We'll also be restructuring the current mapping of VZconnections removing the free areas, and making it a little less scattered we'll have new areas open -- the turf furnishings, a gaming courtyard so, let's get to your questions, I know this isn't easy news for many of you Michael (Avaterra): I'd like to add one thought ... And it falls into the "brutally honest" category. Please keep one thing in mind, even if you are very upset with us (we understand, we really do): The company is not doing this because we are greedy, it's not done because we want to drive you off, and it's not done because we don't care about you, or those of you who aren't wealthy in the real world. The company is doing this because we have to --- we want to improve the quality of the service, and we *want* this project to survive .... we are entering the sixth year of the VZones/WorldsAway history. so, even if you are mad at us, please don't forget that we do care -- we wouldn't be here if we didn't. Although this sounds a tad unprofessional coming from a manager type, I still wanted to say it. Ange: Oh, may I make a quick announcement? New Forums are open, VZC and DS...Linked on the start page of the old forum, and on my URL New VZ Public Forum Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- ~*~VaMpiRO~*~ -- Congratulations to the winner! -- ~*~VaMpiRO~*~: ok i was just wondering have the caretakers been busy because i messaged a guide a couple of weeks ago to get a black tie from below floor level in my turf and no one has gotten it yet Delilah (Avaterra): The Caretakers have been busy yes... but we'll get someone to retrieve the tie for you after themeeting. Caretaker Alana: We get a ton of reports of missing items, we try to get to them as soon as we can. Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- little doosey -- Congratulations to the winner! -- little doosey: I don't understand why it was to be such a large increase, that is a 100.00 dollar more per account, and I for one am on a very limited budget and I don't want to have to leave this place ..I love it here .. is there any other alteritve? I have two account here .. I use one only to help me get tokens so that i may be able to get the things I want in here .. Michael (Avaterra): It was decided to go back to the old pricing plan. Well, we understand the situation, and those who have multiple accounts and a fixed income, this is a tough situations. I don't know how to put it, but I think we can (bluntly) say that there are only two options: Raising the price back to a level where the revenue allows the company to survive and to grow, or shutting down the worlds and look for other income sources in this market. Both Delilah and I have been with these worlds for five years .... we do live here, and we will fight for the survival of these places. If it means that we have to support unpopular decision that we know will hurt part of the communities, then we will do that. Easy? No, it's not easy. The high prices for vendo items ... are a result of everyone having several "token accounts" ... the pricing change will help this situation. little doosey: but it will decrease the mount of people that you will have coming here... so does that mean you are going to lower the prices in the vendoes Delilah (Avaterra): we won't be lowering vendo prices but we will be providing additional value that we hope our members will find worth $9.95 per month remember... the bring a buddy will be rolled out so for every member you bring who pays 2 months you get a month free little doosey: so we only be able to have one avie ? Delilah (Avaterra): only one avy per account but as many accounts as you can afford little doosey: and when will this take effect? Delilah (Avaterra): new accounts will be effective immediately existing accounts will be in effect on June 15 little doosey: will you be at least increasing the amount of tokens we get Delilah (Avaterra): not right now.. we may consider that Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- Ray_o_sunshine -- Congratulations to the winner! -- Ray_o_sunshine: A friend just became a member yesterday is she paid for 6 months now ? Michael (Avaterra): Yes. If she signedup for a full paid account, yes Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- Kritterz -- Congratulations to the winner! -- Kritterz: I just have a comment really I want to thank you all I dont mind the increase back to the original price In fact I think it is a good thing..you have tough decisions to make and I think you are doing the right things for all us to keep our world I for 1 would eb lost without worlds and I know alot of other that feel the same so I thank you<grin><bow> Delilah (Avaterra): thank you Kritterz <grin> Michael (Avaterra): thank you <grin> Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- CAPT.ROSS -- Congratulations to the winner! -- CAPT.ROSS: yes.i have a concern on bars in games..we all pay to be here. Delilah (Avaterra): I'm sorry I don't understand the question , were you banned from a game? CAPT.ROSS: yes 2, cherry pie & now adam34 these lifetime bars are unjust since we all pay $$$$$$ to be here.. & this sould NOT BE ALLOWED TO HAPPEN & something should be done i can understand a turf life bar.. but no bar in a public locale for life You're not banned from a locale Delilah (Avaterra): if its within the sponsorship guidelines... you'll need to meet with the host, the sponsor and/or Caretaker Colors Caretaker Colors: You're welcome to email me details and I'll look into it colors@avaterra.com Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- Fancy -- Congratulations to the winner! -- Fancy: I would like to know if we could get a name change reset .. maybe sometime .. cause in my old age I need to be reset<grin> <g> Michael (Avaterra): done. Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- Caprikorn -- Congratulations to the winner! -- Caprikorn: My main question is of course the price hike I was worried of the misconceptions of multi -alts It says at the beginning that any char using multi avis to harvax tokens yadada so I want to kno if the main objective of price hike is to elivaite the multi avi situation and 6X the price is eeek<react> or if its just neccassry <shrug> Delilah (Avaterra): Nooo... it's not to eliminate multi avies Michael (Avaterra): No, the idea is to generate more revenue, so that the VZones project can survive and grow -- the token harvesting with mutliple temp accounts is a different issue ... which we will also address. Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- Milamber -- Congratulations to the winner! -- Milamber: with the $ increase and ~rumored~ v3.1 .. will connection quality improve and what can we expect to see in regard to items, bodies, and locales? Michael (Avaterra): The past days have been horrible, to say the least. As far as I know, Globalcenter, our server/ISP, was having quite a few problems on the west coast -- which of course affected all of you. It's not directly related to anything that is under our immediate control, but it's being addressed with that business partner. So, yes, this is going to be addressed --- it's more than just annoying if you freeze up and crash several times per day. In the meantime, it helps a lot if you record a traceroute whenever you experience connection problems -- and send the file/text to trace@avaterra.com. Ange, what was the URL with the instructions again? <grin> Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- Catfish -- Congratulations to the winner! -- Catfish: i just have two questions i have several accounts i have given away as presents with the new change in price ill have to get ride of them how would be the best way of doing this and still keeping the account i use Delilah (Avaterra): I would recommend that you talk to those who you have given the accounts to first and let them know of your plans, in case they want to make other arrangements from that point, I'd contact Member Support, find out the Next Bill Date, so you'll have an idea of when you should cancel or transfer ownership Catfish: yes i plan to do that but my credit card will automatically be billed anyways Delilah (Avaterra): Yes, and you will need to cancel it should you decide that you won't be paying for them anymore Catfish: so i need to contact member support to do this Delilah (Avaterra): yes Catfish: also with the new price increase we should be able to have the full screen feature again is this going to be possible Delilah (Avaterra): I really hope that the wide screen will be available very soon but I can't make any promises on that one, as of yet Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- Adam34 -- Congratulations to the winner! -- Adam34: would first like to say i suport the changes 100% Second will gladly meet with anyone here to discuss the Ross issue I also pay to be here and dont feel i need to be threatened in RW so keep up the great work <grin><grin> Thank you <grin><grin> Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- Forgetful -- Congratulations to the winner! -- Forgetful: I for one am not happy Why are you all smiling This is not funny Delilah (Avaterra): No one is laughing about this Do you have a question for us? Forgetful: Why don't you try for Major company's sch as KFC and Burger king for Advertizing rites to help off set cost Delilah (Avaterra): advertising with many of those large companies cost quite a bit to use their name. We've had advertisers here in the past and we can't rely on that as a sole source of revenue Michael (Avaterra): Selling ads isn't all that easy ... there are countless companies that would love to sell ads and commercials ... and those really interesting partners get plenty of offers. Unless you are Microsoft, it's kinda difficult to sell ads, actually. Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- Mr. Brian Moore -- Congratulations to the winner! -- Mr. Brian Moore: ok, when will price increase happen? Delilah (Avaterra): for existing accounts on your next Bill Date after June 15, for new accounts it will go into effect immediately Mr. Brian Moore: why did it go up? still pay by checks? Delilah (Avaterra): We covered some of this earlier, there will be a transcript posted in the news and for now, yes, still pay by check Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- ¤~** Dee?Dee4**~¤ -- Congratulations to the winner! -- ¤~** Dee?Dee4**~¤: I just got this avie for mothers day so do i have to start 9.95 pre month now are when 6 months are up Delilah (Avaterra): on your Next Bill Date Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- Aries Rain -- Congratulations to the winner! -- Aries Rain: o.k. this is long, so I'll say hi first before I upset everyone Has the "Company" thought of making single accounts $30 every six months and then making each additional account the $9.95 per month? That way you get to keep a higher percentage of your members, rather than just breaking even with $9.95 a month from the ones who stay. A lot of us will be leaving because we have lives that don't allow us the luxury of $100 a year just to be here. Most of us are paying for our ISPs ($50 a month here<frown>) as it is, and this borders on unconscienable. I will hate to leave, but I would prefer not to be here than to be a lemming caught up in the system. Besides explain to me the point of staying when 5/10 will be leaving anyway, and a LOT of those will be the people who kept me here in the first place<shrug>. People like SimplyRed2 will be out in the cold when you guys do this, and if the best of my friends go I see no point in staying. O>K> TAKE YOUR TIME READING THAT sorry< capslock. If the point is numbers then it does tend to defeat the purpose by decreasing numbers<bow> Michael (Avaterra): As for the pricing details ... those are decision that are not made by us, but we will gladly forward your ideas to those who are in charge of pricing issues. As for many people leaving ... I don't see this happening. Yes, some will leave, many will not be able to keep multiple accounts - but, we used to charge 2,95 per HOUR, and the place was quite busy. Yes, I agree with your point of view -- it is, however, just one side of the same token. Delilah (Avaterra): The point is not the numbers right now, the point is to keep the zones open Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- CrayZee 4 DeeZee -- Congratulations to the winner! -- CrayZee 4 DeeZee: I have a cash account that dates back to Worlds Away. Wtih the change, I'm paid way ahead How will that be affected? by the new change that is I'm paid for almost a year and a half now Delilah (Avaterra): It will begin on whatever your next bill date is on your account CrayZee 4 DeeZee: no new adjustments? Delilah (Avaterra): no I'll double check on that to be sure, but it is based on your next bill date Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- Χ£êqüéèñ -- Congratulations to the winner! -- Χ£êqüéèñ: My question is why did they lower the price in the first place? just to change it back Delilah (Avaterra): the plan at that time was to generate a traffic model to have more people in world so that advertisers would be more .. interested but it didn't reach the numbers that were anticipated Michael (Avaterra): Many of you told us that this was the wrong way, and that the quality would suffer. It's up to you to decide whether or not they were right .... Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- Breeze -- Congratulations to the winner! -- Breeze: Hi there, I'm in New Zealand and i don't want to have to leave here either, but i pay $40 per month for internet access and can't afford another $25 per month to be here, I hope my credit card is NOT automatically debited. Delilah (Avaterra): You must cancel your account if you do not want to be automatically billed Michael (Avaterra): You can also beat the system by sending overnight mail payments for your accounts by check or money order .... But ... Officially I am not telling you this. <grin> Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- Keely -- Congratulations to the winner! -- Keely: i joined up 3 or 4 weeks ago and i am on my free month before billing, does the new pricing take effect immediately for me? Delilah (Avaterra): We'll need to check what your Bill Date is Lindy... can you check that for her? if it's after June 15 it will be the new pricing Keely: i gave my credit card # when i signed up, so i think it is only fair to let people like me have the 6 months they thought they were going to get for 9.95 Michael (Avaterra): <nods> Delilah (Avaterra): if it's before, then you should not be billed at thenew rate until your six month bill date We'll work with you to make adjustments as necessary Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- HOGDEVIL -- Congratulations to the winner! -- HOGDEVIL: I am wondering about the free accounts and how this will effect them Delilah (Avaterra): Free accounts will no longer be an option HOGDEVIL: and.....unofficially if we send payment today will we beat the price increase?? Michael (Avaterra): overnight mail ... attn: Eva Gailey ... is the unofficial way. <grin> then yes, you will beat the system and get the low price. The address is: Avaterra.com Inc, 3350 Scot Blvd, Bldg 9, Santa Clara, CA 95054 attn: Eva Gailley Caretaker Kenn: Many are questioning the London accounts those "free" ones Delilah (Avaterra): London accounts are not free.. the Free ISP pay for the service through their ISP provider Caretaker Kenn: many also questioning Partner "free" accounts Delilah (Avaterra): Partner Free accounts at this time, are of the same pricing structure Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- hottblondeguy -- Congratulations to the winner! -- hottblondeguy: ok my question is how much is the price increase? Delilah (Avaterra): $9.95 per month as opposed to $9.95 per six months Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list.. -- The selected name is - EloiseW -- Congratulations to the winner! -- EloiseW: ok i ahve just joined in with this meeting and i wanna know why has the price gone up?? youve probably already answered to someone else there must be a reason you want more money?? Michael (Avaterra): We answered the question early in this meeting -- I think there will be a transcript of the meeting in the VZnews (paper on the wall <----). In a nutshell, we don't "want" more money, we "need" more money in order to keep the doors open... <grin> Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- Justice -- Congratulations to the winner! -- Justice: Why did you not notify members before announcing the price changes in a town meeting so they could be prepared, and do you plan on letting the members of Dreamscape who do not have access to vz also voice thier concerns since we will now be paying $19.95 Michael (Avaterra): Honest answer ... The information was leaked prior to the officiual announcement. Instead of playing "hardass" and denying everything and anything, we decided to address the concerns ... without delay. There will be an official announcement, via email, and then we will discuss this again -- in both worlds. Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- Mparrett -- Congratulations to the winner! -- Mparrett: i have a qeastion when is the back allys of silicon vally going to open? Delilah (Avaterra): we'll probably reopen the back alley in mid June Mparrett: when is the new area in london going to open back up? Delilah (Avaterra): That area won't be open to the public for a while, it shouldn't have been opened when it was Michael (Avaterra): Let's say it was a sneak preview, sounds better than "accident". ;) Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- **ELMO** -- Congratulations to the winner! -- **ELMO**: the question i have is if the quality of servies is going to be improved how about the theft that goes on ? I know that if someone steals many times nothing is done but if somone is rude at a game they can get banned i have paid for bingo before and someone walked infront of me and they got tokens Michael (Avaterra): I think there is a good chance that we will see fewer anti-socials once the new pricing takes effect. But that is just my opinion -- we will see. **ELMO**: my son bought an item at a store and lost 1k Michael (Avaterra): ah - when you make deals with people that you do not know, we recommend to ask a guide for assistance or get in touch with one of the S.A.F.E. members. There is a golden coin in the first lobby, linked to the S.A.F.E. page. Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- PReDiToR -- Congratulations to the winner! -- PReDiToR: ok, why the necessity for $10 per month? why not $20 for 6 months? couldnt you get the money for the better servers and equipment from Business sponsoring? if you had short term financial requirements, investment would work bothways, affiliating with Companies would generate external intrerest in why not a lower amout per month then? to times our payment by 6 is a lot can you assure us that this much is necessary? Delilah (Avaterra): We need to have a monthly revenue stream that is steady. Not sporadic, its about $1.60 per month... and maintaining servers, ISP, and Member Support/Billing staff that doesn't cut it that doesn't include if we want to do more Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- GI Joe -- Congratulations to the winner! -- GI Joe: what will happen to delphi? I'm a lounge lizard and would not feel right without the lounge Delilah (Avaterra): We're trying to work something out with Delphi and I know how much everyone dislikes that some information can't be discussed publicly but until we know and have an agreement with Delphi I can't comment on that right now but we don't want to lose Delphi <grin> Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- Suteruni© -- Congratulations to the winner! -- Suteruni©: how about version 3.1 Michael (Avaterra): 3.1 ... is still in development. Delilah (Avaterra): Right now... 3.1 isn't the top priority keeping the zones open is its not necessarily on hold... the situation right now is to get the revenue coming in for the zones so we can keep them open once that is settled and in place and the issues associated with that then we can get back to 3.1... it hasn't been forgotten I know it's a hot topic for many and you all have been waiting for a long time and I would like to be able to say it's going out on a certain date... the priorities have changes quite a bit in the past weeks Delilah (Avaterra): Mac issue status has not changed Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- ¥§aina¥ -- Congratulations to the winner! -- ¥§aina¥: I would like to know since the new decisions on changing the amount new accounts will be taking effect errr maybe in a few days.. (grins) Delilah (Avaterra): it will affect new accounts immediately ¥§aina¥: My question is will avaterra also be thinking of purchasing a better server, mainframe with no lags, crashes for vzones? If avaterra is asking that all (er telling everyone) to start paying the $10.00 (?) a MONTH.. is it too much for us to ask since you've manage to pull this on us... errr is it possible then that youll also hire completely NEW STAFF members or a possiblity of getting other new things that will WORK to get avaterra going on the right foot. Delilah (Avaterra): we have a new server... oru problem has not been our server, but our ISP Michael (Avaterra): We have a very good server -- the current problems are caused by our ISP ...New staff? The higher price will enable us to hire additional staff, and um, pay the staff we already have. <grin> Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- lizzzzz -- Congratulations to the winner! -- lizzzzz: then delphi and aod isnt going to be free anymore, will delphi and aod still be free areas? Delilah (Avaterra): there will not be any free areas lizzzzz: o ok but the one there will remain free or will they ahve to pay to Michael (Avaterra): No, there will not be free accounts anymore. Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- Angel Ashley -- Congratulations to the winner! -- Angel Ashley: My question is in reguards of the free areas..... I have friends with free accounts, are they going to get wiped out, or do they get to keep their accounts they already have Or just, no NEW accounts Delilah (Avaterra): if they do not convert to the new billing, their accounts will no longer be accessible Michael (Avaterra): They will have a certain amount of time to convert their accounts. Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- Petite Sarah -- Congratulations to the winner! -- Petite Sarah: First of all i totaly DISAGREE with Forgetful, except i do believe you should lower cost, or have more time between each bill. but i believe you are doing an outstanding job, although change old vendos, keep things fresh, crack down on the robberies... and also, what is this about the vendos in avie owned shops? Michael (Avaterra): Are you suggesting this, or saying there are turfs with vendos? Petite Sarah: no, i have heard that there are going to be vendos alowed to be bought, and used for shops Michael (Avaterra): False rumour... it's technically impossible. In order to load a vendo, you need to be a Caretaker type of avatar. Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- Sassy Sasha -- Congratulations to the winner! -- Sassy Sasha: my question is if the price is gonna go up then are we gonna get more tokens per day which I think we should it is only fair Delilah (Avaterra): No... we won't raise the tokens per diem for now Michael (Avaterra): Not at this time, no. Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- Jalore (MedSupport) -- Congratulations to the winner! -- Jalore (MedSupport): with dismay of some here is a question for thoughs who want a purpose Question: Many wish to know how they can contribute to the community in vaious ways I know of some but I'm sure they would here from you the panel help suggest ideas to contribute in a contructive way and be a resourse and a model citizen of VZConnection <grin> topic change<G meaning what would you all like to see out of us<grin> Delilah (Avaterra): There are a lot of ways that members can contribute to the community... the most common being the hosting of games discussion groups if you haven't been to a PSU meeting, get with lolly, those are very beneficial to all of us more group participation helping newbies getting them acclimated to the environment working with the SAFE group helping educate other members on security... come up with NEW ideas, that's a big one we need new events... I think we're all looking for more interesting things here Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- Tabby Cat -- Congratulations to the winner! -- Tabby Cat: when will ya open vzpaint again? Caretaker Kenn: Soon... watch for an announcement in the new forum Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- *Çõrrìn* -- Congratulations to the winner! -- *Çõrrìn*: a few months back my account was hacked into through someone using a free account with in2 homes and as I preceive its an overseas account, is Avaterra still going to be allowing them to use free accounts or not and if they are is something going to be done about it? Michael (Avaterra): The ISP-free accounts will not be affected by this change, these accounts are paid thru the people's ISPs. Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- cook1l1 -- Congratulations to the winner! -- cook1l1: i went through account manager to find my billing date but it wasn't there<shrug> so where can i find it at? Delilah (Avaterra): support@avaterra.com Ange or Lindy can send it to you Delilah (Avaterra): We'll be posting a FAQ page to cover many of these, as well as the transcript being posted in the news Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- Sorsessa -- Congratulations to the winner! -- Sorsessa: My question has already been answered, but could someone come over to my house and explain to my kids why their accounts are being cancelled? <g> (Just so you know, they weren't troublemakers. I made SURE of that) Delilah (Avaterra): I'm really very sorry that accounts will have to be cancelled the bring a friend program will help they'll get one month free for every friend they bring to sign up for 2 months Michael (Avaterra): Are there ways they could earn the 9,95? I remember when I was a kid, my parents didn't pay for my hobbies ... Sorsessa: Not and still pay for the band trip to be on the cotton bowl<grin> Caretaker Kenn: *** Kenn's Name List Manager *** Selecting 1 random name from the list... -- The selected name is -- taterplez -- Congratulations to the winner! -- taterplez: ok what about like in ds can we have 2 accts on one avi ever? and when are new guides going to be chosen Delilah (Avaterra): there will only be one avatar per account in VZconnections Delilah (Avaterra): Michael is working on guides right now Delilah (Avaterra): before we wrap up.. I know that many of you were not able to get down to ask your questions We'll set up a page with some FAQs on it and post that in the forums we'll also set up a schedule for name resets and post that in the forum I know several of you have asked about the transcript that was posted in the Underground forum the transcript was of a staff meeting that we had last week about the coming changes we wanted to notify the staff prior to the public, so they could be equipped with the necessary information... as to who posted the information? for now, that is between that person and their conscience other than that, there isn't much we can say about it, other than disapointment. I appreciate all of the support and the concerns expressed here today and I hope that the letter that goes out this week will address many of your concerns we'll be around during the week to try to answer other questions Michael (Avaterra): And try to be easy on us, even if it's hard -- keep in mind we are on your side. We don't work against you, our power is limited, but we are not going to let you down .... there are just things and decisions we have to live with. If we can make it easier, we will ... if we can't, we will go thru with you. Michael (Avaterra): Thank you for coming today.