CompuServe Forum Posts
These are recovered posts from the CompuServe forums.
1997
April
Message #199483 in the Dreamscape Topics Section:
Dear Dreamscape Citizens, Thank you for your feedback and suggestions regarding the current token inflation situation. At this time, we have not been able to isolate the origin of this disruption in our service. We are still investigating the situation to determine the cause and prevent it from happening again. At this time, we do have a plan to reduce the sheer number of tokens in the Dreamscape. We have decided against any sweeping changes in the database because the token economy is only one layer to Dreamscape. Rolling back the database to a previous date will effectively reduce the number of tokens in the economy, but it will distrupt the lives of too many customers in the process--especially anyone who created a new avatar. Logging in to find that they no longer exist is not much of a welcome. Rolling back the database may temporarily solve the token problem, but the fact is, life in Dreamscape continues on and inconveniencing the greater part of our population in order to attempt a solution does not seem to be the wisest choice. After reviewing the information we have available, we have decided to pursue recovering the tokens on an indivudual basis. We are in or will be in contact with individuals with abnormal amounts of tokens in their possession in an effort to remove those tokens. We greatly appreciate the efforts the community has given in order to solve this problem, and we ask that you continue to support the world through those efforts. We understand that not everyone favored this particular method of handling the situation and we assure those who do enjoy the economic aspects of the Dreamscape that we will make every effort to have as little impact on your enjoyment as possible. In the larger picture, this will become a part of the Dreamscape history which will provide entertainment and lessons for many. Sincerely, Oracle Vaserius Oracle Uni Oracle Teresias
May
Dear Dreamscape Citizens, It's been almost a month since our last letter regarding the token problems in the Dreamscape. We regret that schedules and conversion work has not allowed us to address this issue in a timely manner. First, let me acknowledge that we were able to determine that the sudden inflation of tokens was due to an error in calculating avatar time. We are still investigating all the conditions which would generate the error and working to prevent this from happening again. The good news is that since April 28th, no new incidents have Occurred. The T1 is as stable as it has been for the past year, albeit elevated. This brings me to the second point. During the height of the problems, the T1 rose to a high of 660 million tokens instead of the more normal 15 million tokens. To date, 630 million tokens were turned in through volunteer effort alone which brings the T1 down to 32 Million tokens. This amazing effort is a credit to everyone who helped out. When we announced that the Oracles would handle the situation as it was presented, there was positive and negative reactions regarding the choice in handling the recovery of the tokens. There are still some more tokens to return the economy to it's original status and, though we may not achieve an exact return, we will be able to come close largely through the personal efforts of many of you. Regardless of any particular opinion of the solution, those who voice an opinion did so because they care about the Dreamscape and their fellow citizens. To mark the occasion of the massive volunteer effort put out by all of you and to honor every person who has taken action to help out another, the Oracles have planned a monument for the city of Phantasus. On Sunday, May 25th at Noon WAT, gather at the Pawn Machine at the corner of Temple and Gnarled Oak Streets where there will be a new link to have your first look at a monument dedicated to the people of Phantasus. It is as yet unnamed and the Acolytes and Forum Staff will be handling a naming contest so you, the people, can have a direct influence on the monument. More details on the naming contest will be announced on Sunday and here in the forum. We are planning some additional suprises at that time. We look forward to seeing you there. Sincerely, Oracle Teresias Oracle Vaserius Oracle Uni