Newsletter 7 May 2007

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Ahoy matey! Ya come seeking virtual adventure and looking for Yavn? He's back and with a few VMK tales to tell!

Yavn Speaks!

From 8 May 2007

Where is Yavn?

Hello! Is it me you're looking for? I know, I know, many of you have been asking where have I been (a close second was why was there no column last week)? Well, since our trip to Walt Disney World it's been incredibly busy and I took a little time off.

Our visits to WDW are always filled with lots of meetings to discuss what will happen next in the game, and this trip kept us very busy! We have something very special planned for you - but I can't say anymore until what we have planned is a little bit closer to launch. But trust me, your patience will be rewarded!

Wishes Do Come True

A few months ago it came to our attention that one of our players had been sick. We were told by his friends in the game that some days he felt good, while other days he didn't feel so well. Soon we would find out the truth about what his friends meant by being "sick":

Last year CL_Slinkyman, a long time player of VMK found out he had Hodgkins Lymphoma, a cancer that attacks mostly boys as they enter adolescent. Slinkyman was lucky; he has a wonderful support team both at home and with his friends on VMK. In fact, VMK was key to keeping his moral up. During all his chemo treatments Slinkyman would log into VMK via a laptop at the hospital and forget his real life - because in VMK there is no cancer.

CL_Slinkyman

The Make-A-Wish Foundation was kind enough to grant Slinkyman his wish of a Disney Cruise, but when I learned his true wish was to meet me, I discovered a little pixie dust can go a long way.

Words can not describe our trip (although life changing event is more appropriate) to meet CL_Slinkyman and his family. Needless to say our day together was amazing and proves that dreams really do come true! Get better CL_Slinkyman!

Now let's turn our attention back to the game and talk about some of the really cool stuff happening now:

Make Tracks for Alice!

This week we started selling some of the Alice in Wonderland Dark Ride items – check out the Fantasyland Specials where you can pick up some of the Alice tracks and well as the first released pieces of Alice furniture!

You gotta love those marching cards!!

And before you ask, we'll have Ramp Tracks available but you will have to wait a bit longer for them. ;-)

Quest-A-Plenty

In honor of Pirates month, this past weekend we launched our updated Pirates of the Caribbean in-Park Quest at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Virtual VMK treasure awaits when you complete this Quest - the Pirates Fortress Room!

The new Quest offers up to 8 questions (if you play at Disneyland) to test your Pirates knowledge - and for your efforts you can win the awesome Pirates of the Caribbean Fortress Room card. Sorry, the Pirate Well Chair is no longer part of the Quest - it's gone for now, but not forever.

Another Quest we also launched was the new Print-From-Home Tomorrowland Quest! The reward for that Quest is the Inner-Space Suit Magic Spell.

M-I-C… See, it's our pal Mickey Mouse!

Finally, this past weekend we also launched was the Limited Edition Mickey Mouse Television card. Now when you complete 3 or more in-Park Quests your reward will be this beautiful foil card (and the virtual in-game item that goes with it)!

I'm sure this TV gets the Disney Channel!

So get to the park and get Questing - as the Mickey Mouse Television cards won't be around forever and how you can get the card is also subject to change! The real question though is what do you think of this cool new reward? Do you want to see more Mickey stuff? How about some Donald or Goofy furniture? Let us know!

The Great Big Pirate Quest

Arrgh! So you think you're a Pirates of the Caribbean expert? Then why not try our Great Big Pirate Quest? Aye, need some incentive? How about a Cursed Strom Pin?

That's right matey! Tis the long lost Cursed Storm Pin, last seen as a prize from our friends at Kelloggs!

The Quest runs from Monday May 21st until Thursday May 31st – so be sure to play!

To Terabethia!

Did you catch Bridge To Terabithia at the movies? What did you think of that tree house? Why not play the new Bridge To Terabithia Trivia Game and win this very cool VMK Terabithia Tree House Chair? It goes well with almost any room and is a great way to get a bird's eye view of the Kingdom.

The Terabithia Tree House Chair.

Just stop by www.bridgetoterabithiadvd.com later this week and play. There's no limit to how many Tree Houses you can win so play as much as you like - now we just need ropes to connect them and we can make an Ewok village!!! Uh, sorry, wrong movie!

One more note I'd like to mention, there are some changes on the way to the VMK Staff, with some new faces joining the team - as well as others who are moving on. We're also in the process of revamping our moderation program and over time we're planning many changes to help make VMK even better.

Finally, don't forget this Friday both the boys and girls Pirate Tops go on sale&and ye best be buying them before they disappear! That's all for now, be sure to check back next week for more news on what I've been up to...

See you in VMK! Yavn

Community Reminder

From 13 March

Remember, it's against the VMK Values to create or open ANY type of 'relationship' room (rooms that include words like 'meet,' 'pick,' 'get,' 'find,' 'have,' 'taken,' etc.) in VMK. You'll be warned and possibly banned for opening any type of room that promotes this activity.

For more information or a reminder of what's acceptable in VMK refer to the VMK Values page.

Pirates 101

Raise your flag and prepare to set sail, tis time to learn the ways of the pirate.

Ahoy mateys! Ye comes seeking adventure and salty old pirates, aye? Then you've come to the proper place – it's Pirates month in VMK!

Talk like a Pirate

Not only do pirates have a mind of their own, they have their own language too! Now you can tell your own pirate tales (in pirate speak, of course) with this handy guide!

Arrgh!: An exclamation of disappointment or anger. Ex: "Arrgh! You dropped that cannonball on me little pinky toe!

Avast, Ahoy: Used as a greeting, how pirates say hello. Ex: "Avast matey! Have you seen the peg leg I lost in Tortuga?"

Shiver me timbers!: Surprise or astonishment. (Shivers were what pirates called small splinters of wood &ndash' so if a ship was being blown apart, a pirate captain might yell something like, "Shiver me timbers! He's got us cornered!") Ex: "Shiver me timbers! All the treasure be gone like the wind!"

Mate, Matey: Pirate for pal or friend. Ex: "Ahoy, matey! Charlie found the compass in the apple barrel! Now we can plot a course home!"

Pieces of Eight: These Spanish silver coins were used as currency by pirates. They got the name 'Pieces of Eight' because occasionally pirates would take one of these coins and divide or cut into eight smaller pieces. Ex: "I traded a pig for these shiny Pieces of Eight."

The Jolly Roger

The flag of Captain Jack Rackham – flown during the golden age of piracy.

When a pirate's path crosses another ship it's time to raise the black flag – the skull and crossbones that is – the flag signals the pirate's intent to board a ship. It's meant to strike fear in the hearts of weak and weary sailors and some ships will surrender at the very sight of it!

Look here each and every week for more pirate info!

Event Info

Pirate Fun Days

Every Thursday

Pirates Quest

May 25–27th

NEW! Room Makeovers

Every Tuesday and Thursday

Check the Community Calendar for more events, details and event times.

Pirate Fun Days

Every Thursday

Arrgh! We know how much you scallywags love VMK's Pirates of the Caribbean game - so we decided to give you a special treat! This month only, if you play either Pirates of the Caribbean game (Capture the Flag or Ship Battle) and are on the winning team – your winning game credits (not your individual score) will be doubled! Play every Thursday and good luck matey!

Pirates Quest

May 25–27th

Celebrate Pirate Month in-game with a Pirate Quest fit for any Captain! Aye, thar be trivia from both Pirates of the Caribbean movies, plus additional pirate trivia. Think you know a parrot from a peg-leg? Arrgh, then test yer wits - and for your efforts, thar be a fine prize given to the ones that complete the Quest!

Room Makeovers

Each week we select two lucky VMK'ers at random for a Room Makeover, then we turn our talented team of Room Designers loose to review each room and put thier design skills to work! We post the results here, including BEFORE and AFTER pics - plus tips you can use to make your own rooms better!

Submit your room for a Makeover using Contact Us.

Winners this week: ginakim and mattyz

Let's take a look at this week's rooms - and here's HOST_Lily to do just that:

HOST_Lily

When I first met ginakim in her baseball room, she was thinking of what to do to her room - aside from just placing benches for her friends to sit on. I started by asking how her day was - it was pretty good I guess, since she replied that she just got out of the pool! Well, besides from being a little jealous, that got me thinking... how could I put a pool in VMK?

I started with a few different ideas but decided that water right on the room floor didn't look quite right - so we tried putting water pieces on ice blocks - and that looked much better. More like a deep water-filled pool! Then we placed benches around the walls for seating and a nice pool edge. Ginakim also mentioned she likes cooking over a open fire, so we made a nice area that was perfect for a virtual cook out.

Finally, the back wall looked a bit plain, so I though 'how about adding an outdoor movie screen?' But I w2anted to give this the appearance of an old-school drive-in! So I added some 'mobile' seating by creating a car out of Heart Chairs and Herbie Couch pieces – now this is an official VMK play room!

BEFORE... a plain old sandlot.

AFTER. Now this is a playfield! A relaxing pool, a cook out, a place to watch our pal Capt. Jack Sparrow run from the natives...

I know ginakim will be inviting all her friends into the pool for a game of Madame Leota beach ball toss - so be sure to visit and take a swim!

And now another Room Makeover by HOST_Lily!

Avast ye scallywags! For our Pirate Month, mattyz had a good start on a pirate port - a place where his friends could have fun and discuss their daily plundering - however, I knew this room could be much better.

When making over a room, we start by looking at what's already there - like those Green Alice Rugs (now those will make great looking water) so we wanted to keep those in the room. Over that we placed a layer of Crates, so the Green Rugs look darker and deeper than when they're on the sand by themselves.

A cannon wall also help create the appearance of a port – and this would keep tables and chairs dry for guests in the dining area. I also included a swim-up bar for those ordering their fish and chips on the go. Putting items in trees can often create an image of importance – so I palced a Captain's Office on a few Palm Tree Posts for an official looking 'Captain's Quarters.'

BEFORE. A port in need...

AFTER. Ahoy! Now this looks like a dock fit for a salty sailor!

Be sure to stop by mattyz's pirate room to play a song on the piano, dance, or mingle with fellow pirates. I challenge all ye fellow pirates to make a more welcoming port!

Thanks to both of these players for letting me make over thier rooms!

- HOST_Lily

Top 5 FAQs

This week's Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions

For more answers to other Frequently Asked Questions, please visit the VMK FAQs.

1. I clicked on a piece of furniture in my Guest Room and I noticed a new button called 'Item Info' - what does it do?

By clicking the 'ITEM INFO' button you can display additional information about the item such as item name and status of the item, like if it's tradeable.

2. I've heard guests can now move my furniture? Is this true? And what items can be moved by my guests?

Guest can ONLY move furniture if you allow them to do so by setting the option on the item. They can't take or remove anything from your room, or take any item and put it in their own inventory. Only furniture and posters that are placed in a room can be moved by guests – and then ONLY if the Room Owner has allowed that item to be moved.

By default, furniture and posters can't be moved by guests, the Room Owner must select which items he/she wishes to be moved by Guests before they can move them. (To do this make sure the box beside the words, LET GUEST MOVE THIS ITEM is checked in the 'Item Info' window.)

3. My Trading Window looks different now - what did VMK change?

To address some trading concerns, we added new features to make trading easier. Now when you click on an item, information about the item is displayed on the right hand of the window. The information displayed includes the item name, the type of item it is (Furniture, Magic Pin, Single-Use Magic Pin, Clothing, etc.), who owns the items, whether or not it's tradeable, and the magic word you need to active the item (if a Magic Pin is highlighted).

In the Trading Window you can now view additional information about the other player's item. Simply, select the item and you'll receive information about it. (Now you'll know that Dancing Inferno really has as many stars as they claim by clicking on the pin in the offer window!)

4. How do I get the Fantasyland dark ride track pieces and furniture?

We're currently working on a release schedule for dark ride track pieces and select number of furniture pieces from both rides. Check the VMK Newsletter to stay up-to-date with new item releases.

5. I've sent in a problem using Contact Us but no one has replied - why haven't I heard from anyone?

We respond to every email we get within 24 hours - but some email providers (like AOL.com, Hotmail.com, msn.com, Comcast.net, Cox.net, rr.net and Earthlink) block our responses.

If you use any of the email providers listed above, or haven't gotten a response from us, this is the reason.

Some email providers have Spam Filters that automatically block email from an unknown source and you have to tell the program (the email application) to allow email from that source. To get email from VMK, go into the preferences for your mailbox and allow mail from: [email protected]. (Please note, this email address DOES NOT receive email except via the Contact Us form.)

You also have the option to submit an alternate email address in the 'Contact Us' tool (this option is under the Send Details box) if your provider won't take our replies. We suggest setting up another email account, like yahoo.com to get our replies.

Yeti's Tips & Tricks

You've got questions, Yeti has answers.

From 9 May 2007/ 11 May 2007

How do you get to the Pirates of the Caribbean game? What's the difference between Ship Battle and Capture The Flag? How do you become a VMK VIP?

Yeti's got the answers! Plus tips on keeping the pirate chat VMK approved!

Ahoy there matey! Have ya been yearning for some tips to be a better Pirate? Well look no further – the Yeti is a Pirates of the Caribbean game pro!

Mr. Yeti! How do I get to the Pirates of the Caribbean game?

To get to the Pirates game, first you'll need to click on the Adventureland tab at the top of your VMK window.

Once you see the Adventureland Area Map click on 'Pirates of the Caribbean Game' in the upper-left hand corner.

Ahoy! You've entered the Pirates of the Caribbean 'Game Lobby.'

If you're new to the game you may want to read over the instructions – they're located in the lower-left hand corner.

After you're familiar with how to play the game, choose 'Start New Game.'

From here you can choose your ship and decide whether you want to play 'Ship Battle' or 'Capture the Flag.'

Ship Battle vs. Capture the Flag

There are two versions of the Pirates of the Caribbean game – Ship Battle and Capture the Flag. It will cost ya 21 credits to play each game and each game has 3 levels.

Choose Ship Battle or Capture the Flag!

Ship Battle

In Ship Battle your goal is to capture the other teams booty. Each time you shoot the opposing team you get 5 pieces of gold. If you sink the other team's ship, you get half of whatever gold they have on board. There are 3 rounds with best 2 out 3 wins.

Capture the Flag

In Capture the Flag the object of the game is to capture the other team's flag and take it back to your port. If you do this you win the game.

Tips for Ship Battle

• If your ship has been destroyed – wait until an opponent is near then double click your ship. Doing this will explode your ship and hopefully take out or wound your opponent - and you'll gain extra points!

• Don't waste ammunition! Sometimes ammunition is limited. You should also block extra cannonballs that appear so your opponents can't get to them to restock their ammo. The same can be done with a health chest – guard them so your opponents can't reach them!

• Get the gold ammo! It can sink an opponent in one shot! You can also use the gold ammo as bait. When your opponent goes to pick up the gold ammo, ambush them before they are able to reach it! Arrgh! Tis a pirate's life, indeed!

• Keep moving! Pirates never stay in one place for too long... ;-) You shouldn't either, why? Well, if you stay still you may get hit by stray cannons - and that nasty Kraken will get you! The sea-monster will quickly take down ships that stay in one place.

Watch out for the cranky Kraken!

• Work as a team. Create the shape of a 'T' with your ships to more effectively take out your opponents. Also, corner an opponent together for a successful take-over.

• Once you fire, get out of the way of the opponent's ship. Even if they sink sometimes they can still get a round off before they do.

• Did you know ammo goes through rocks? Sometimes in the game cannonballs will go through rocks and take out an opponent on the other side!

• Try to use the arrow keys to fire instead of your mouse. Sometimes when you double click to fire using the mouse – you end up moving instead.

• Time your shots! Learn how fast the cannonballs go and in which direction they go when you fire them. Practice this in level one by timing different shots and seeing which ones works best.

Tips for Capture the Flag

• Use the ship Black Pearl. This is the fastest ship and will let you reach the opponent's flag faster.

The Code of Pirate Courtesy

By a pirates honor, be nice to other players. Remember – this is only a game. Other players, uh, pirates aren't sinking you because they don't like you – it's the object of the game!

Don't use bad language! Sure, sometimes in the heat of battle you may get a little excited, but make sure you watch what you say and you keep the language in line with the VMK Values.

How can I get more credits?

Aye! Looking for pirate booty are ya? Well, like any good treasure, you've got to know where to look - and using this handy guide ye should be able to chart a course in the right direction!

First, ya should be seeking out the NPC's (Non-Playable Characters) that are in VMK. There's treasure to be had by just visiting them, aye, the first time you enter VMK you'll be awarded a bounty of 40 credits for visiting an NPC and each time after that the NPC will award you 20 credits (once a day) - just for visiting! Now that's a decent sum considering there's not much work involved - and as a pirate you gotta like that!

One of my favorite NPC's is Captain Blackheart, the swashbuckling pirate comedian!

Find the Captain at the Pirate Treehouse in Adventureland!

Other NPC's waitin' to load you up with virtual treasure are:

Esmeralda – she's located in the Emporium on Main Street.

Shrunken Ned – he's located in Shrunken Ned's Shop in Adventureland.

Dragon – located in the Dungeon in Fantasyland.

Ghosts – located in the Haunted Mansion Stretching Room in the Haunted Mansion lobby which is in New Orleans Square.

Yeti – You can find me at the Matterhorn in Fantasyland!

Gator Waiter – he's located in Blue Bayou in New Orleans Square. Aye, he'll serve up grub n' grog, in addition to credits!

The Gator Waiter serves grub, grog - and credits!

In all, if you were to visit all the NPC's in a given day you would get a total of 180 credits. Not bad for an old salty dog like you!

Play VMK games for more pieces o' eight!

Castle Fireworks remixed – located in Fantasyland.

Haunted Mansion – located in New Orleans Square.

Pirates of the Caribbean – located in Adventureland.

Jungle Cruise – located in Adventureland.

The credits for the games are calculated by your final score, and the amount of credits varies. Fair winds, me hearties!

Music Mixer – Hop on the Monorail.

50 credits the first time you make music using the Music Mixer, you get another 50 credits when you play back your Music Mix.

Mr. Yeti, how do I become VIP in VMK?

Ah, becoming a Very Important Person – aren't you one already?! Ok ok, so you want the pin to prove it.

First, you should know there are two VMK VIP's - there's a VMK VIP Pin and a VMK VIP Badge.

You receive a VMK VIP Badge by entering the code from the VIP Card (Card 30 of 30 from Series 1). Previously, there was a set of four in-Park Quests and if you completed them all you would receive the VIP Card. Unfortunately these Quests and cards aren't available at this time.

The VMK VIP Badge.

To receive the VMK VIP Pin, you need to win a Best Guest/Game/Quest award more than once in the same category.

The VMK VIP Pin.

For example, if you won an award for Best Game Room and some time later you win another award for Best Game Room – this would get you a VMK VIP Pin.

Well that about does it this week for the Yeti, I'll spare you the pirate speak as I'm wrapping up but remember to be nice to other players in those Pirates games - make VMK a fun and safe place to play!

Push's Trash Trivia

He wrote the Pirates 'theme song.' Who is he and what is the song?

Know the answer?

Send your answer in using Contact Us. Be sure to have your VMK registration info with you and select Push's Trash Trivia from the drop down menu.

From the correct answers we randomly select three players as the winners and send them a cool prize.

Hurry – only entries submitted by the close of game on Friday will be accepted.

Here's the answer to last weeks Push Trivia question:

Question: What attraction was originally planned as a walk-through wax museum?

Answer: Pirates of the Caribbean at the Disneyland Resort in California.

"You come seeking adventure and salty old pirates? Then you've come to the right place..."

Did you know: At Disneyland, the Grotto area (the cave that features the skeleton with the Seagull Hat) is where the originally planned walk-through Pirate Wax Museum would have been - 73 feet below ground level.

The Grotto at Disneyland.

Pirates of the Caribbean opened to the public at Disneyland on April 19, 1967, it was the last attraction Walt Disney personally supervised. In 2007 the attraction celebrates its 40th anniversary.

When the Pirates attraction was opened Hollywood screen legend Dorothy Lamour broke a bottle of Mississippi River water on the anchor at the edge of the Rivers of America. The anchor supposedly comes from a ship that belonged to the famous pirate Jean Latiffe.

Here are the 3 lucky (and randomly picked) players that sent in the correct answer for last week's question!

JungleDudette

Pinqelefynt

Leilux

Congratulations! You've won a limited edition Push Trivia Pin!

Top Players

What makes a Guest Room award-worthy?

Guest or Game Rooms that stand out show originality in concept and design. It could be a use of conventional furniture in unconventional ways, the use of a theme or color, or humor.

ImMorganthePirate wins top honors this week in the Best Guest Room category.

Game rooms that get the nod offer a new game idea or a new twist on an old favorite. In all rooms we look for room owners who welcome everyone with a smile and show a willingness to answer questions about their room.

Check out this week's Best Guest Rooms and Best Game Rooms.

Best Guest Rooms

Most pirates have a ship, but this pirate has a castle! ImMorganthePirate has created Pirate's Castle. There is a lot to enjoy in this room – including a ride and funny pictures on the wall. Check it out!

Best Game Rooms

Help the cards paint the roses red in StitchFanIAm's Painting The Roses Red Game. Better hurry and finish before The Queen of Hearts sees you aren't finished!

Best Player Quests

Have you ever wanted to design your own car? Then check out GeologyGirl's Quest – Design Your Own Car Quest. This Quest could help you become a great car designer!

Players who have been previously recognized for their design talents will receive the VIP award.

VMK Cards

AWESOME NEW REWARDS!

Get the Mickey Mouse Television by correctly completing 3 or more Quest at Disneyland or Walt Disney World – then redeem the code in-game for this cool virtual prize!

Check out the VMK Rewards Card Checklist and make sure you have all the VMK bling! What cards do you have in your collection?

Scam Alert

Beware of "free" rooms.

There are some players that advertise their rooms as "free," but when you enter them, they force you to pay up or get booted from the room. Beware of these types of rooms and report players who engage in this activity.

Scamming of any kind will get you BANNED!

It's great to have a popular room in VMK, but it's not OK to get players into your room by scamming them.

Saying you have an item that you don't have in order to get players to come into your room is considered a scam and will get you BANNED! Also trading with players and booting them from your room before you finish a trade fairly can also get you banned.

DO NOT loan out your items

Even if you think you can really trust another player in VMK, it's not a good idea to loan people your items – since some people won't give them back!

If someone asks you if they can borrow one of your items – just say no. If you decide to trade an item and it isn't given back, we can't help you recover it, because you knowingly entered into the trade. Remember, you're responsible for your character's actions in the game – no matter what.

Safety Corner

Adult subjects are NEVER appropriate in VMK!

Adult subjects are not allowed in VMK. An example of an adult subject is playing as a baby/mommy/daddy character. If you need a reminder of what is and isn't acceptable, read over the VMK Values.

Mentioning illegal activity in VMK will get you BANNED.

Mentioning any sort of illegal activity, such as breaking the law, stealing, or threatening physical harm is against VMK Values and will get you BANNED.

Please review the VMK Values if you are unsure of what is and isn't allowed.

Follow the VMK Rules for reporting someone!

Please make sure to follow the VMK Rules when reporting someone. Someone cutting in line or asking you to be their friend is not grounds for reporting. Use the Call for Help system wisely.

VMK Staff need to spend their time helping people are who are seriously in need of assistance. However, if a player keeps doing something to annoy other players (repeating words to fill up the screen, blocking, etc) please use Contact Us on the website to report your issue – don't forget to include the details (the harasser's name and when the event took place) when writing in.

Quests

In-Park Quests!

PLAY THE DISNEY ANIMATION QUEST!

Play the latest VMK In-Park Quest now at The Magic Kingdom® and Disneyland® - put your knowledge of Disney animated films to the test!

Going to Disneyland® Park or Magic Kingdom® Park? Play the in-Park Quests! Learn more here.

<strong>High School Musical Quest</strong>! Watch the movie, visit the Parks and answer all the questions to win cool stuff!

Get the <strong>Thrill Seekers Quest</strong> for the Walt Disney World® Resort here!

Contact Us Tips

Problems? Contact Us!

When you use Contact Us to ask a question or report an issue, please be aware of the following:

If you use AOL or EarthLink for e-mail, you won't receive our response, as AOL e-mail filters block our replies. Please provide an alternative e-mail in the Contact Us form where it asks for your e-mail address.

Some Spam Filters will automatically block e-mail from an unknown source unless you tell the program to allow it: To get email from VMK, allow mail from [email protected]. (Please note this email address does not receive e-mail except via the Contact Us form.)