John Freeman, former project manager at Avaterra Europe for the VZSciFi project kindly provided the internal "VZSciFi Design Site". This archive contains an internal intranet describing the entire layout of the zone, including unfinished works, as well as providing additional info regarding the conception of the zone, marketing and planning of the zone and more.

This article will gather information from the VZSciFi Design Site archive and present it here in one place.

VZSciFi: An Overview - Last Updated: 13th January 2000

Introducing VZSciFi

VZSciFi is a subscription-based community concept based on the Avaterra software aimed at science fiction, fantasy, comics and role-playing game fans on the Internet. This new community, offering chat, web space, on-line celebrity appearances and related events will be set in a modular galaxy with an expanding range of planets.

VZSciFi will also provide a gateway to licensed Zones based on established SF brands, such as Star Trek. We are actively pursuing agreements for the first wave of such zones.

The galaxy is driven both by the community environment of all VZones, supported by tailored content, commerce opportunities and information access points about all aspects of the genres its users are most interested in. In addition, VZSciFi will operate a new strand in VZ development: creating original content that strengthens the VZSciFi brand with its users.

VZSciFi will be a community dedicated to SF fans created by a team with a unique insight into their interests and requirements. The intent is that it will become the de facto science fiction portal on the web. We will offer links to commercial web sites selling SF-related merchandise or games and seeking to link with a recognised SF magazine or content provider to offer users a dedicated news service about SF movies and TV shows, books and comics. We also plan a full programme of on-line events etc., linking with a range of both commercial and SF community-oriented real world partners. Ideas include virtual book signings, writersí workshops and on-line conferences with SF creators and actors.

The design of VZSciFi will also enable links to a wide range of commerce points, offering links to online retailers who cater for SF fans.

Pricing

Some of the premium zones require dedicated Avatar accounts. This simply means that the user has two, (or more) Avatars. This no problem as we have seen with Dreamscape and VZConnections already.
Because we are offering a range of premium services within a paid for service, it would make sense where possible to offer a complete package to people should they so desire. Kind of a pick and mix. If they wanted to be a member of StarTrek and the RivenGuild they simply pay the annual fee upfront and get two Avatar accounts, one for each Zone.

Pay Structure
To become a member of:
VZSCIFI $20 per year (This is the hub, and allows complete access to VZConnections)
VZSTARTREK $20 per year (plus additional premium rooms for events if and when applicable)
VZDREAMSCAPE $10 per year
VZRIVENGUILD $10 per year

Complete package per year $49.95 per year.

If we work on a conservative estimate of 75,000 total users for VZSCIFI (all of the above) then we should be looking forward to $3 Million 1st year.

We could also offer individual zones out without having to be a member of the VZSCIFI Hub, this would reduce our selling power and user group inside VZSCIFI though.

Currently VZSCIFI is free to existing members of VZConnections, and should remain so.

The VZSciFi World: Enter the Avatars

The subscriber's VZSciFi experience begins on a space station where every avatar starts its 'life'. Thus begins their initiation into a storyline where members of various races (avatars) meet, communicate, trade and explore new worlds.

Each subscriber begins as a member of (initially) one of pre-selected five alien races, including Human. If users are accessing VZones for the first time through VZSciFi we plan to offer their avatars roles additional to those for more regular 'Zoners' (see details below). These new avatars will be identified by new titles and equipped with objects unique to those roles in the Zone's Hatchery (Should they wish, they can of course trade any of these 'virtual items', such as maps, spaceship guidance controls etc. with other Zoners).

The initial roles for VZSciFi Zoners, enabling them to achieve and perform a variety of tasks above the basics of communication and exploring this new environment, are planned as follows. These roles are reflected in the objects the avatars are automatically equipped with in their Hatchery.

Explorer

Seeks out new worlds, has above average piloting and survival skills. Objects they begin with include maps and spaceship guidance controls (a spaceship will not fly without this object being present).

Traders

Seeks to develop flow of information and commerce between worlds and avatars. Seekers are actively encouraged to participate in the feeding of news and contrent to our planned news feed partner, citing sources for any such information. An accurate 'tip' may be rewarded with tokens or unique objects. Traders will have additional cash and objects when they begin, which they can sell or use to gain information.

Psychics

Psychics have additional information at their fingertips about the worlds, and minimal teleporting powers (all object-driven). The information would be available to them via specific web pages that only they initially have access to and they should be encouraged to jealously guard the information! (They could even be password protected).

Zoners

It is not our intention to deny current VZoners from VZSciFi. However, those users entering from VZ Connections will only gain the unique objects issued to Explorers and Traders through purchase or trade.

The purpose of assigning different roles is that this will emphasise the importance of teamwork within the VZSciFi community. An explorer cannot seek out new worlds without the support of a Trader who may have information on where a world is, or have the correct access codes to land on them. A developer cannot get to a new world without an explorer to fly them there but a developer who builds a new spaceport will make an explorer's life easier.

The existing online roles of Greeters, Guides and Caretakers will also be recognmised and some skills may be melded with our proposed new avatar models. It is also hoped that we might add new roles in response to suggestions from community users or the needs of VZSciFi as it quickly expands.

With increased usage, Avatars will be rewarded utlising objects, with further unique items intended to extend their abilities within VZSciFi - teleport rings, for exampe, enabling fast access between the worlds we create.

Participation and promotion of events could also be rewarded.

Exploring VZSciFi...

Once Avatars have been created, they are then directed to a spaceship hanger where they can purchase their own spaceships (the SciFi Worlds equivalent of other VZ apartments). These can be enhanced through reward and purchase of new equipment, or even traded in for bigger and better machines that will enable more access to the various worlds. In the first instance we are planning five worlds with several locales on each for the Avatars to explore.

These spaceships are but one means of travelling to the Zoneís other planets: for those Zoners unwilling to purchase a spaceship, a unique travel tube links all the planets and moons to the initial site.

The Look of the Zone

Backgrounds in VZSciFi will be photo-realistic, with a distinct identity to its own Avatars which will clearly identify it as different to, although running concurrently with, other VZones. We are creating VZSciFi as a unique, occasioanally experimental but definitely fun and exciting experience for the Internet's millions of SF fans.

The design of individual worlds may be assigned to a variety of artists, but one artist for the look of the alien races. VZSciFi is actively seeking a designer familiar with designing the look of major SF television shows to create the Zone's initial designs.

VZSciFi: Potential Partners

With its access to a community that encompasses a huge number of existing web users, we are sure VZSciFi will attract sponsorship, advertising and involvement from a wide range of potential partners, including:

Television and Film Companies

We feel sure there are many television stations who wish to target their SF audience in a more direct and targeted manner. VZSciFi will offer an exclusive forum for media launches of new shows, enabling real-time online conventions and special events, competitions and opportunities for video streaming direct to interested users.

Utilising the new photo realistic heads technology developed by Avaterra Europe, actors could make appearances as themselves at sponsored events.

In return, media partners could support VZSciFi with cross promotions and tie-in events and onscreen mentions to link with series scheduling and promotion. The Avaterra software could also be offered as a download from partners web sites.

We are actively seeking partners in production companies worldwide, with a view to including a webcam feed direct from the set of an SF or fantasy series in production.

Merchandisers

Many shops and chains are developing or already have an online presence which could be further enhanced by a connection through VZSciFi. SF traders could offer cross promotion through the dissemination of the Avatera software on their web site or through point of sale CD distribution. The most obvious partnership route is to build locales for merchandise partners, linked to their own web sites. We are already having meetings with several traders regarding this avenue.

However, even SF traders without a developed web resource could participate in VZSciFi, utilising the 'objects' technology available. For example, a real world store might be running a signing for a famous writer. Prior to or following the signing, the writer then makes an on-line appearance and attendees are awarded an object for their presence. If they then present that object in the online store's VZSciFi locale, it enables them to buy a copy (signed or unsigned) of the author's new book from that store. Their credit card details, already stored by Avaterra or Avaterra's ISP partners, will be debitted and the sale processed as part of a store's regular mail order

Taking this suggestion one step further, it is entirely feasible that a merchandise partner could have a VZSciFi presence without a web presence: again utilising object technology, users could visit a virtual shop, click on an object to view a JPEG and/or buy it outright. Such a decision opens a link to a secure server where the user orders the goods in the same way as they would with any online supplier. Avaterra collates the information and forwards the order to the shop, taking a percentage of the sale. The userís order is then processed by the shopís regular mail order department in the same way as postal and fax orders.

News sites

While the VZSciFi format allows for the creation of its own dedicated, regularly updated news service which could be a strong selling point for online SF fans, our preferred alternative would be a link with a major SF magazine publisher, whose web presence is already established. Again, we would be seeking reciprocal real world advertising and editorial as well as a link to our software on any partner's own web site.

Subscriptions to the real world magazine would be offered through news vending machines, per the established model in other VZones. In return, Avaterra might seek a percentage on subscription sales through the Zone.

Games Companies

VZSciFi will eventually offer an environment in which game companies could have their own game worlds within the galaxy created, unique to their own users.

SF Community Partners

There are literally thousands of SF related sites on the web but few key 'hub' sites that are most visited by users and even fewer in the UK. However we will be exploring cross promotion with fan sites, utlising The Head Room as the main spur for this.

In addition we are exploring the possibility of creating a locale. A library building for the Liverpool University-based Science Fiction Foundation with a view to cross promotion with this much-admired institution dedicated to the study and discussion of science fiction. It should be emphasised that discussion with the Foundation is currently at a very early stage.

While not a commercial partner the associated kudos of such a link amongst SF fans already on line should be recognised. In addition, the Foundation has many links with writers and other SF creators, which we could utilise in the planning of online events.

Potential Revenue Streams

Sponsorship

We are examining the possibility of links to web sites owned by commercial SF merchandisers, offering such companies their own 'planet' inside the VZSciFi Zone. These worlds would also provide some content.

Film advertising and TV

Using the methods employed by VZ Connections etc., major studios and TV stations could advertise upcoming films and TV in a variety of ways, including on-line conferencing, video streaming and other links. These would be identified InWorld through icons, the virtual equivalent of film's 'product placement' deals.

E-commerce

Other areas of income could include:

Subscriptions to access specific parts of the site, such as convention areas.
Magazine subscription sales: the provision of on-line SF magazine subscriptions through vending machines, locales and other object links. Small-run fanzines and professionally produced magazines could take equal advantage of such opportnities..
Book publishers: sales of SF books direct to customers
Merchandisers: sale of key merchandise online
Licensed merchandise: SF fans are inveterate collectors and providing we can build a distinctive brand we can see opportunities in sub licensing in such areas as T-shirts, metal miniatures, badges etc.

Web access

We plan to offer every subscriber to VZSciFi a web address at VZSciFi/freeplanet.net (already registered).

Subscribers would have a free web site and their own e-mail address(es). In the UK this might include a free ISP deal.

The users web sites would have embedded links to the Avaterra software and the VZSciFi world.

The VZSciFi Team

The VZSciFi design team is headed by John Freeman as Project Manager. Formerly Managing Editor of Titan Magazines in the UK, he co-ordinated editorial production of many licensed SF publications include Star Wars Magazine, The X-Files and Star Trek Monthly. His past credits also include work for Marvel Comics as editor of Doctor Who Magazine and group editor of many US-style comic books for Marvelís UK division.

VZSciFi will be an exciting community-based environment based on the Avaterra concept that will have a wide-ranging appeal with a significant number of potential revenue streams. We are confident VZSciFi will appeal to a significant number of web users across Europe.

Timescale

Avaterra Europe are working toward a soft launch for VZSciFi by January 2000. Recruitment of potential partners has already begun. A hard launch is planned for April 2000 at ComicsFest 2000 in Bristol.

Distribution and Promotion

Advance plans for promoting the VZSciFi community include:

Editorial promotion and some advertising in major SciFi Magazines
The dissemination of software through a targeted cover-mount on a UK-based SF publication
Public demonstrations of software and demonstrations at key SF conventions and other gatherings through 2000
Free web site provision in the UK including free e-mail addresses etc
Promotion of on-line events: book authors, actors etc.

SOME SCIENCE FICTION AUDIENCE FACTS

The SciFi Channel website is one of the most popular entertainment sites on the Internet. It ranked at Number 15 in this category in Decmeber 1999.
The leading 'real world' science fiction magazine, SFX has an ABC-rated sale of 38,000 copies
The estimated sales of Titan Magazines SF-licensed titles is in excess of 100,000 copies per month in the UK and Eire alone (these include Star Trek, Babylon 5, Star Wars, The X-Files and Xena)
The average UK audience for major science fiction shows on BBC and commercial stations (except Channel 5) is 3 million per week. Top fantasy show Xena averages one million plus viewers on fledgling terrestrial station Channel 5 and quickly established itself as one of the channel's top-rated shows
Series like The X-Files and Red Dwarf, shown in prime time, generate even higher viewerships. science fiction shows such as The X-Files and Star Trek: Voyager are constantly in the top 10 for leading satellite station SkyOne, netting an average one million plus viewers
On 5 November 1999 top search engine Yahoo listed:
- Over 2,700 Science Fiction listings on Yahoo! Shopping
- Over 30,500 Science Fiction paraphernalia on Yahoo! Auctions
- Over 700 science fiction individual film sites, 624 devoted to Star Wars alone
- Over 200 individual Star Trek sites
- Over 1200 individual sites related to SF shows such as Babylon 5, The X-Files, Stingray, The Prisoner and many, many more

Other web facts

The Blair Witch Project web site (one of the hottest horror films of the moment) has had 75 million hits since it launched
Both the official Star Wars and Star Trek web sites are among the most popular on the web. More on Star Trek below.

STAR TREK FACTS

Star Trek is seen in over 100 countries, and has been translated into dozens of languages.
13 Star Trek books are sold every minute.
Over 63 million Star Trek books are in print, and have been translated into more than 15 languages, including Chinese, Norwegian, Hungarian and Hebrew.
Since July 1986, every new classic Star Trek novel published by Pocket Books has been a paperback best-seller. To date, the novels have sold close to 30 million copies, making it the best-selling series in publishing history.
In addition to the novels, a variety of Star Trek books, including biographies and technical manuals, have landed on national best-seller lists more than 40 times.
The first seven Star Trek films have earned over $800 million in box office grosses and video rentals. Star Trek Generations, released in February 1995 netted £70 million to date in box office and video sales
Star Trek conventions are held every weekend of every year, attracting over 300,000 fans and an estimated one million fans worldwide.
The US space shuttle, the Enterprise, was given its name after NASA received 400,000 requests from Star Trek fans.
A 1993 study from Purdue University found that children learn more about science fiction from Star Trek than anything else outside the home.
Star Trek products have elicited more than $750 million in retail sales in the past five years in the US alone; in 30 years, the franchise has netted in excess of $2 billion

Licensed Zones

Star Trek

We have had meetings with PDE with a view to developing VZStarTrek.

Star Wars

Copyright Holder: Lucasfilm
Contact:
Chris Carvalho
Director of Business Development
Acting Director of Internet Business and Content
xxx-xxx-xxxx

James has been in touch with Chris regarding a possible VZStarWars project.

Licensed Zone: Star Trek - Last Updated: 12th January 2000

The Proposal

Avaterra Europe proposes to build a 'Closed Zone' for Star Trek fans within VZSciFi, which are accesed by subscription only. $20 per anumn.
This Zone would be accessible via VZSciFi.com and at the Star Trek Continuum official web site. A user accessing the Star Trek Zone in VZSciFi would enter an area area of two locales offering information about the Star Trek Zone that has a pay door into VZStarTrek.
When they choose to join VZStarTrek, the process would initiate the generation of a new avatar specifically for VZStarTrek. Their VZSciFi avatar would still exist but could not enter VZStarTrek proper.
Although an up front fee for licensing deals is normal, Avaterra proposes this cost be offset against the cost of the build for the Zone, which we estimate at $100,000. This is a contradeal giving Viacom/PDE access to a VZone.
Avaterra would aim to achieve a membership base a minimum of 75,000 within the first year creating a profit of $1,500,000, rising to a user base of 125K in the 2nd and 200K in the 3rd.
PDE/Viacom would earn a royalty on all subscriptions. 1st year 40%, 2nd year 25%, 3rd year 15%. Producing revenue of 1st year - $600000, 2nd year - $625,000 and 3rd year - $600,000
PDE/Viacom would earn revenue on click through sales of merchandise from the Zone and through premium rate rooms for special InWorld events. Monitored by Avaterra and PDE/Viacom. Avaterra require 3% on all transactions through the Zone.
PDE/Viacom would be able to resell advertising into the VZStarTrek zone. PDE/Viacom to receive 70% of sale and Avaterra 30%. If Avaterra sells into VZStarTrek, Avaterra to receive 70% and PDE 30%. (Projected: 30 advertisers each paying $10,000 per anumn = $300,000).
Additional premium services will be catered for inside the zone allowing additional revenue to be charged for special events.
The normal upfront payment for a license is negated by the build cost.

What do we want from Viacom/PDE?

A link from their front page to VZStarTrek web page/or into the VZStarTrek Zone
We require unmetered access to Star Trek art in order to build the Zone, with Viacom/PDE approval. Avaterra would require access to art files and imagery from the Star Trek:Voyager design team, in a similar way that materials are made available to other licensors.
We require access to Star Trek licensors in order to cross market the Zone and licensed merchandise.

Zone Design

Working with PDE and with the usual approvals process in place, Avaterra would build a Star Trek Zone focussed on a popular Star Trek location and incorporating elements from the Star Trek universe utilised by the more recent Star Trek series.
The Zone could be based on a fictional Starbase or starting from the Earth-based Starfleet Academy.
The members would not be able to to look exactly like series characters but they would be able to select their identity from a core of Star Trek races, such as Human, Klingon, Ferengi, Anataran and Vulcan (the humanoid form for most Star Trek races).
The initial zone would consist of locales on Earth, a Starbase, a starship - perhaps based on the USS Voyager but not that specific ship, and four planets.
The Earth locale would include e-commerce links enabling the sale of merchandise, linked to any sales point within the Star Trek Continuum.

Zone Maintainance

Avaterra would be responsible for the arrangement of appearances by actors and creative personnel, costs to be recouped through premium rate area charges.
The Star Trek Continuum would publicise as well as licensed Star Trek publications.
Avatera would seek to refesh and extend the Star Trek zone in response to member demand and suggestions, adding new races, locales as revenue levels rise.
Avatera would employ a World Manager to maintain and co-ordinate the zone, which would be run in the same manner with regard to etiquette, member activity etc as the existing VZones.

Points of note

There would be no two way traffic between VZStarTrek and other VZones, negating concerns about matching of genres.
Both sides would need some sort of fallback in case development of the zone was running slowly because of delays to approvals, cutting into the upfront fee. We wouldn't want to be in a position where we had paid a large up front fee and it took maybe nine months to develop a zone and then be expected to pay another annual fee. (This is a problem some software house have gotten into in the past).
It may be that there could be a third party involvement here given Activision's (?) 10 year deal to create Star Trek related computer games

John Freeman
13th January 2000

The Background : Paramount Digital Entertainment

Avaterra have had several meetings with Paramount Digital Entertainment with a view to forming some sort of partnership based on Star Trek. In late November 1999 Eric Diamond and I headed a useful meeting with several PDE representatives, including Business Development Manager Chris Tragos.

In January 2000, having been asked to follow up on this most recent discussion I called Chris Tragos with a view to following up the meeting. He explained that PDE was in the throes of major reorganisation and they felt unable to take on any new aspects to the offcial Star Trek Continuum site because of this. He added that he needed to be convinced that any partnership between PDE/Paramount and Avaterra would generate income for PDE before progressing further.

I offered to submit an outline proposal to him prior to a new meeting in February, when I plan to be out in LA for the big Gallifrey 2000 convention. He was receptive to this.

The bottom line appears to be that PDE would probably take up the idea tomorrow if it was seen to be generating revenue for them and justifying the cost of their spending time monitoring a zone build. With this in mind, it seems some form of licensing proposal is our best way forward, but one in which any advance against royalty is offset against our cost of such a build - a version of Viacom Licensing's normal contra deals.

The average royalty percentage on licensed Star Trek property products ranges considerably but is usually not less than 10 per cent. In addition, a licensor would expect a one off payment up front, plus royalties. Royalties are paid on a monthly basis and Viacom have their accountants do an annual audit of any ledgers relating to the licensed product.

Licensed Zones: Star Trek - Meetings Reports - November 1999

Guy Vardaman: Guy is leaving for (probably) Warner Interactive but is responsible for the look and feel of the Star Trek Continuuum web site (http://www.startrek.com). (Note: I have a separate contact for Guy Vardaman to keep in contact with him ? may prove useful).

Jim Tosney: Senior Star Trek Editor (xxxx@pde.paramount.com)
It appears that Jim will be taking Guy's place in the scheme of things.

Chris Tragos: VP Marketing and Business Development (xxxxxxx@pde.paramount.com)

Paul Plunkett: News Editor, Star Trek Continuum (no e-mail, too new)

Entertainment Tonight Online: Eric got card of representative

Eric demonstrated the new GUI to the room and it quickly became apparent that those present could see the huge potential for a Star Trek zone. They were particularly impressed with the improved look of the avatars and graphics since it was last demonstrated some months ago and with the amount of subscribers and the speed with which that subscriber base was growing. Those present seemed keen to ‘run with the ball’. More importantly, following the meeting, Chris Tragos took us aside to discuss financial structure for any deal.

Per my brief discussion with David Andrews, I mentioned the proposal of a fee against royalties formula, with royalties decreasing as fees revenue increased. This was all couched in the vaguest of terms.

Some issues raised:

As expected, it was my clear impression (though not Eric’s) that the Paramount team were very concerned that if VZStarTrek happened, it be solely a Star Trek zone and users would not be wandering through with cat heads (unless they were Star Trek cats!). They appeared happy with the 'one way' door concept, where avatars would be converted to Star Trek avatars.
We were asked if the new GUI was Mac compatible. From memory, Guy once told me The Continuum has a large proportion of Mac users compared with the model Avaterra are finding with its current users base (2 - 3%). This might be a problem -- PDE received considerable complaint when the Continuum was originally launched, as it was completely Windows-based and only accessible through MSN
Per our proposal on VZSciFi, we were asked if avatars could start out as specific races as well as sex. There was enthusiasm for the idea object-driven 'experience awards' so avatars could eventually rise in rank or learn skills. (i.e. if an avatar doesn't have a particular object in its possession it can't make a spaceship fly, or enter MedBay as a doctor).
Very keen on some level of 'role play' in zone, somehow. Jim Tosney suggested we perhaps contact TSR about a roleplaying VZ.
Impressed by the potential of purchase of real world merchandise through clicking on them, either through opening individually tailored web pages or just a straight jump to the Continuum shop.

Future actions:

All in all, the discussion was very enthusiastic. Eric is going to send some free accounts and then arrange follow up meetings ASAP.
A follow up meeting to be arranged: James to establish exactly our role in this. Demo the ‘dummy zone’ already created.
Clarification of Paramount’s concerns, if any over Star Trek avatars in other zones. This is particularly an issue if we license other science fiction zones, such as VZStarWars. From experience I feel Lucasfilm and Paramount will not want to see their two universes mixed and matched.

Suggestions

My feeling is that VZStarTrek should be a fee-paying zone in addition to any regular subscription users already pay. This could either be scaled ? offering two separate levels of access ? or a flat fee. It seems to me that the flat fee would be preferable. An additional fee for use of VZStar Trek is vital as a revenue generator against Paramount royalties or charges.
There should be a ‘demo area’ for VZStar Trek in VZSciFi and VZEntertainment offering limited access to the Star Trek zone and its unique objects. Maybe four rooms?
The existence of VZStarTrek should not preclude the discussion of the shows and guest appearances by Star Trek creators and actors InZone when it launches.

THE HEAD ROOM - Last Updated: 8 February 2000

One of the 'virtual elements' of VZSciFi will be an area offering links to the best fan web sites devoted to science fiction TV shows, films, books, gaming, comics and collecting. Users will be able to actively explore the best of fan web sites by clicking on a specific interactive 'object' which will open a link to that site. What we're also hoping is that those fans who have an object link in the Head Room will also make their presence felt within VZSciFi and actively persuade members to visit the locale. We currently plan include a meeting room alongside the Head Room as a specific point where organised themed chats about Star wars, X-Files etc. can take place on a rotating basis.

We plan to invite various top fan web sites to be part of this locale on a rotation basis. The terms of assesment will be:

Does it display good, clear user-friendly design?
Is the content readable?
Are its visuals interesting and original?
Is it a good reference tool for fans if it isn't a news site?
Is it a funny web site if that's what it's intended to be?
Do we know what it's click through rate is? Do they use any indicators?
Does it give proper acknowledgement to copyright holders?

We'll be looking for fans devoted to all sorts of SF -- not just television and film but SF books, comics, collectables, music, manga, and all types of gaming.

The Head Room Brief

We're offering a a LIMITED number of positions, in what will be known as the Head Room, which will contain special 'objects' linking to some of the web's best science fiction fan web sites.
We plan to feature only the very best web sites and the rotation period will be on a three monthly basis.
Initially, we'll also be reviewing the sites on the basis of content and quality, based on our own judgement about fans' sites.
Eventually, the click through rate to the web sites via the Head Room links will also help to play a major part in the links to those sites remaining open after the three month review. (This method of selection is used by regular websites such as Digital Webbing to selct their 'Cool Sites'). If the users think your web site is as great as we do, it stays linked for longer! (We're considering some virtual rewards for the web sites that generate the most traffic).
This ISN'T an area for commercial website links -- we're planning that those will be elsewhere InZone. The Head Shop will be a space by fans, for fans, with opportunities for those fans to meet as avatars as well as linking to the web.

What we'd be looking for in return

Once we've selected the first sites, we'll co-ordinate with the website runner what section of the Head Shop their link will appear in. It will be sectioned into several strands, including the major SFTV shows, novels, gaming, comics etc.
As part of the deal to promote the fan's site we would want a link on their site to our main site in return
If they have any information they would like to share about the number of users they get a month that would be interesting to know, and we've asked them to provide it if they want to, as it will help us to promote VZSciFi
The link would be subject to review by us. Avaterra also has its own terms of usage regarding avatars which are available on request.

Head Room: Terms of Agreement - Last Updated: 7th January 2000

Fan sites which elect to be part of the Head Room in VZSciFi, defined heretofore as the 'Host', are expected to agree to the following terms of agreement regarding usage:

Connection to VZSciFi: Avaterra expects a Head Room member to position a link to the VZSciFi on their home page in a prominent position where possible. We have no objection to the number of links created.

The number of click throughs from each Hosts fan site will be monitored and used in the continuing assesment of a Host's presence in the head Room.

The continued presence of a Host in the Head Room will be assessed on the following

That the site is esentially a non-commercial fan site. - Notes: this assessment should not preclude the use of links to sites such as Amazon if Hosts are an Amazon Affiliate (or similar) unless the site is dedicated to a specific copyrighted property (Star Trek for example), and such links are in breach of any published guidelines regarding websites dedicated to such properties. A general site about TV and SF would not, in our opinion, be affected by such guidelines unless it was abusing copyrighted materials (see note rgarding copyright, below)
The site will be assesed on the basis of good, clear user-friendly design
Readability and quality of content
Visual content
Its value as an up to date reference if it is a news site

Information about the site: Aavaterra would welcome any information on Unique Visitors to Head Room sites, which will be used in tandem with information gathered from click throughs to the VZSciFi site and to the site from the obejct link in the VZSciFi Head Room in assessing a maintained presence.

Right of Refusal: Avaterra reserves the right to deactivate a Host's Head Room at any time for activity or site content deemed inappropriate, based on the sole discretion of Aavaterra's staff.

Any of the following conditions may result in deactivation of a Host's account. Restrictions include, but are not limited to:

Minimum of ???? impressions per month
Sexual content (nudity, eroticism)
Profanity
Hate speech or references
References to software piracy ('warez', 'cracking', etc.)
References to 'hacking' or 'phreaking', etc.
Potentially illegal MP3 files
Any illegal activity of any kind

Avaterra will monitor the content of Host sites to assure compliance.

Cancellation: Avaterra reserves the right to deactivate a Host's account at any time effective immediately upon sending an electronic message to the e-mail address provided by that Host.

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PARTNER LOCATIONS

Rather than breaking up the head room, I'd suggest we have links to parts of the partners sites -- maps and other object links. There is plenty to do and see in Zone already and I would hate to destroy the Head Room concept.

SPACE CITY

Library
Science Ficition Foundation -- see main document for notes on this.

Baen Books object link -- floating book in globe (Graham dealing with their tech crew)
See Main Document

Mall (to be built)
BlackStar
Next Planet Over (to be confirmed)

Future:
Dimensional Portal: Riven Guild
Dimensional Portal: Dreamscape

AQUA

No partner sites as yet. Apartment block to be included here so would expect a reasonable amount of traffic (as with VZones apartments)

VULKA

No partner sites as yet. Opportunities for games sites (backgammon etc., not computer games)

TECHNOS

The Head Room
The British Fantasy Society
The Zocalo Today
Howe's Who
ISN News
Web Trek
The Great Link
Star Wars Database
Echo Station

CHARAN

Comics 2000 -- locales need building.

The Comics 2000 location will consist of two locales (rooms) on the planet Charan, which would normally cost £15,000 to build. This would be a temporary locale within the zone. This locale would go 'live' three weeks before the event (subject to the soft launch date of VZSciFi itself) and run for two weeks following. The locale would then be closed and reconfigured for another user, or, subject to discussion, kept open for Comics2001.

The location would consist specifically of:

Locale One: A greeting room where we may issue visitors with a unique 'object' that will feature some sort of offer on an InWorld product, or you might think of some third party sponsorship for this from one of your other exhibitors.
Locale Two: The Comics2000 exhibition space, where artists/writers at Comics2000 can provide scheduled 'meet and greet' opportunities during and in the lead up to the actual event.
This exhibition locale could include 'objects" (which can look like anything, from badges and posters to a comics character) featuring URL links to other sponsors web pages. Such objects could be sold as advertising by you. We would expect a 50/50 split on any advertising revenue gained from such object links, costs to be discussed.
We will create links and directions to the Comics2000 locale elsewhere InWorld and would mention the partnership in relevant PR.

HARVAX

The intent is that this will have links to computer game worlds. Lots of things to buy with tokens. Also, has a meeting area built for events.

Requirements: Robots

Roving Robots
These would promote upcoming events, products and are altered to suit client needs (rather than blimp banners)
Suggestions include

RoboBeggar

A robot with no legs begging for a lube job in return for information about a new show or product.

The Library Robot

Avatars

The subscriber's VZSciFi experience begins on a core world - Centauri Prime - where every avatar starts its 'life'. Thus begins their initiation into a storyline where members of various races (avatars) meet, communicate, trade and explore new worlds.

Each subscriber begins as a member of (initially) one of pre-selected five alien races, including Human. If users are accessing VZones for the first time through VZSciFi we plan to offer their avatars roles additional to those for more regular 'Zoners' (see details below). These new avatars will be identified by new titles and equipped with objects unique to those roles in the Zone's Hatchery (Should they wish, they can of course trade any of these 'virtual items', such as maps, spaceship guidance controls etc. with other Zoners).

The initial roles for VZSciFi Zoners, enabling them to achieve and perform a variety of tasks above the basics of communication and exploring this new environment, are planned as follows. These roles are reflected in the objects the avatars are automatically equipped with in their Hatchery.

Explorer

Seeks out new worlds, has above average piloting and survival skills.
Objects they begin with include maps and spaceship guidance controls (a spaceship will not fly without this object being present).

Traders

Seeks to develop flow of information and commerce between worlds and avatars. Seekers are actively encouraged to participate in the feeding of news and contrent to our planned news feed partner, citing sources for any such information. An accurate 'tip' may be rewarded with tokens or unique objects.

Traders will have additional cash and objects when they begin, which they can sell or use to gain information.

Psychics

Psychics have additional information at their fingertips about the worlds, and minimal teleporting powers (all object-driven). The information would be available to them via specific web pages that only they initially have access to and they should be encouraged to jealously guard the information! (They could even be password protected).

Zoners

It is not our intention to deny current VZoners from VZSciFi. However, those users entering from VZ Connections will only gain the unique objects issued to Explorers and Traders through purchase or trade.

The purpose of assigning different roles is that this will emphasise the importance of teamwork within the VZSciFi community. An explorer cannot seek out new worlds without the support of a Trader who may have information on where a world is, or have the correct access codes to land on them. A developer cannot get to a new world without an explorer to fly them there but a developer who builds a new spaceport will make an explorer's life easier.

The existing online roles of Greeters, Guides and Caretakers will also be recognmised and some skills may be melded with our proposed new avatar models. It is also hoped that we might add new roles in response to suggestions from community users or the needs of VZSciFi as it quickly expands.

With increased usage, Avatars will be rewarded utlising objects, with further unique items intended to extend their abilities within VZSciFi - teleport rings, for exampe, enabling fast access between the worlds we create. Participation and promotion of events could also be rewarded.

Temporary Locales: Comics 2000

Comics2000 Offer

This was offered to tie in with the PR we would get for being part of Comics2000, plus the opportunities it provided to meet potential partners etc. Over 4000 comics fans are expected at this, the biggest comics event in the UK.

The following deal was offered on 14 January 2000:

What we are offering:

The Comics 2000 location will consist of two locales (rooms) on the planet Charan, which would normally cost £15,000 to build. This would be a temporary locale within the zone. This locale would go 'live' three weeks before the event (subject to the soft launch date of VZSciFi itself) and run for two weeks following. The locale would then be closed and reconfigured for another user, or, subject to discussion, kept open for Comics2001.

The location would consist specifically of:

Locale One: A greeting room where we may issue visitors with a unique 'object' that will feature some sort of offer on an InWorld product, or you might think of some third party sponsorship for this from one of your other exhibitors.
Locale Two: The Comics2000 exhibition space, where artists/writers at Comics2000 can provide scheduled 'meet and greet' opportunities during and in the lead up to the actual event.
This exhibition locale could include 'objects" (which can look like anything, from badges and posters to a comics character) featuring URL links to other sponsors web pages. Such objects could be sold as advertising by you. We would expect a 50/50 split on any advertising revenue gained from such object links, costs to be discussed.
We will create links and directions to the Comics2000 locale elsewhere InWorld and would mention the partnership in relevant PR.

In return, we would like the following:

A link with logo to VZones on your sponsors web page. A logo is attached. The link via the logo we would like you to use http://www.virtualzones.co.uk. Access for PC users to VZones is free to UK users thanks to our partnership with THUS. We need would also require a text link to our US site for Mac users and those interested in the festival elsewhere in the world, which is http://www.vzones.com
Where possible, some information about VZSciFi in relevant press releases about Comics2000.

The Look of the Zone

Backgrounds in VZSciFi will be photo-realistic, with a distinct identity to its own Avatars which will clearly identify it as different to, although running concurrently with, other VZones. We are creating VZSciFi as a unique, occasioanally experimental but definitely fun and exciting experience for the Internet's millions of SF fans.

The design of individual worlds may be assigned to a variety of artists with SF backgrounds, but one artist for the look of the alien races. VZSciFi is actively seeking a designer familiar with designing the look of major SF television shows to create the Zone's initial designs.