Newsletter 28 May 2007
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Yavn Speaks!
Community Reminder
From 13 MarchRemember, 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.
Account Problems
Added on 18 May 2007Have you tired logging into VMK after a few months only to find your VMK account has been deleted?
Because of the size of our community we have to delete accounts that are inactive for more than 6 months to make room for new players - so if you haven't played in a while, be sure to log in every now and then (even if just for a few minutes) and keep your account active!
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
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. What is the proper way to sign into VMK?
Signing into VMK is a snap. Once you've created your character and given all the necessary information to create a VMK account, all you have to do to return to VMK is click the big green PLAY NOW button (located to the far left column of VMK homepage).
Once you've clicked 'Play Now,' input your user name and secret password. Once that's done click on the small "log in" button on the lower right side of the Log In window and you're ready to play!
Ready, Set, Play!
2. How can I delete my VMK Account?
We love all our players and we would be so sad to see you go! But, if you truly need to delete your account, here's how:
Sign onto any Disney.com website (Disneyland.com works best!) When the site comes up, you will see a Log In window to the right asking for your log in name and password (enter this information just like you would to sign into VMK).
Once you've signed in you'll see a green button labeled MY PROFILE, click it. Now you will see a screen with your information, as much or as little as you gave VMK when you signed up. You will also see a button marked DELETE MY ACCOUNT. If you click this button you will be asked again, ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO DELETE YOUR ACCOUNT.
Now click YES (remember once you delete your account - you won't be able to recovery it), and you will be told which other sites your account will be deleted from (like Disneyland.com, etc.) Once you've done this you will no longer be able to log on to Disney's VMK. We'll miss you!
3. Who are VMK Staff?
VMK Staff are specially trained VMK team members that are responsible for helping you and making sure VMK is a fun and safe environment for all players. All VMK Staff can be spotted by our special uniforms and red Mickey Mouse ears.
We're here to help! But we're also here to have fun, so say hi!
4. If I make a bad trade, can VMK get back my lost items?
No we can't return items you lost in a trade. When you enter into a trade, you do so at your own risk - so make sure you're getting what you expect by CHECKING THE TRADE WINDOW before you accept a trade.
To do this, scroll ALL the way to the bottom of your trade window and make sure the items you want and are offering are in the trade window. And remember - don't loan your items or let players 'try them on.' You work very hard for your pins, clothes and furniture - don't let them slip away in a bad trade!
'''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 23 May 2007
This week the Yeti's got tips for getting better scores in Castle Fireworks remixed, using VMK codes and Room Makeovers!
It's me, the Yeti! I'm back with great game tips and virtual advice to help you get the most out of VMK! What do you say, let's start summer a little early with a few pointers for some pre-summer Castle Fireworks remixed fun!
Castle Fireworks remixed:
Getting Better Scores!
1. Castle Fireworks remixed offers the bronze medal for a score of 3,900, while silver medals can be had with a score of 4,400. Practice makes perfect - so keep playing for better scores. (Me thinks all this pirate talk has given you gold fever! So remember: ten times in first place promises you a golden place in VMK!)
2. Practice patience and don't explode fireworks too soon! Instead, give them a chance to flash before you click them to make sure you earn the maximum number of points every time!
3. Focus, focus, focus! Concentrate and choose the corresponding firework (and make sure they match) before you explode the firework to earn better points!
4. Having trouble matching fireworks and clicking at the same time? Get help - have a friend work the arrow keys while you click the mouse until you gain some confidence.
In Control:
Basic and Advanced VMK Game TipsWhy are the speech bubbles of the avatars different colors?
In a crowded area like Main Street some times it's tough to figure out who's who. Or exactly which avatar is saying what - but just check out a character's shirt color. Speech bubbles are outlined in the same color as the characters shirt.
You'll never get lost in a crowded room again!
Not only are speech bubbles matched, but so are the sail colors for your pirate galleon in Peter Pan's Flight. So is your wetsuit - it will match the colors of you shirt and pants.
VMK fashion? Color coordinated pirate galleons!
Where can I find codes for VMK and how do I enter them?
You can get codes from cards that are given as rewards for completing Quest at the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World. Codes are also in online games (like the Bridge to Teribithia Trivia game, the Pirates Dead Man's Chest game or the Adventure of Narnia game!
Codes are easy to enter and exchange for your prizes. Just point your character to a public or private room (listed on the top of the main screen) and click on the STUFF icon (the little chair button) at the bottom left of your screen to open your STUFF window.
Click CODES in the STUFF window. When the input fields appear enter in your code four digits at a time (four in each box) and press OK at the end – then collect your prize.
Room Makeover Tips
Room Makeovers are still going strong in VMK - if you haven't been selected for a Makeover don't worry, but don't wait either, makeover your own room using this handy tip!
Getting off the Ground
The simplest piece of furniture in VMK turns out to be one of the most useful! To give a room height and dimension try using crates. Go a step further and use crates in different colors to give a drab rooms a little zest! Stack crates two, three, or four high to elevate chairs, tables and more! Also try stacks of crates to create fun games: crates work great for outlining a track for a race! Just fill in the remaining space with water rugs! Drape rugs across two sets of crates for a platform – the possibilities are endless! Any way you stack them, you can't go wrong!
Be sure to check out Yeti's Tips and Tricks every week for tips on building better rooms, getting higher scores and other VMK secrets.
Push's Trash Trivia
(From 25 May 2007)
Long before Captain Jack Sparrow ransacked theaters this 1968 Disney film featured another famous pirate as the main character - can you name the film and the movie's star?
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: Where was the premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl held?
Answer: Disneyland. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl was the very first film Disneyland ever rolled out the red carpet for. It premiered June 28, 2003. Stars and Park Guest alike walked a red carpet that stretched from Main Street and ended at the Rivers of America, where the film was shown on a floating movie screen.
For his role as Captain Jack Sparrow, Johnny Depp was nominated for an Academy Award and for a Golden Globe. He won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actor.
Did you know: The newest installment of the Pirates saga also premiered at Disneyland on May 19th of this year! Tickets were sold for the premiere and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End raised $3 million dollars for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America and Make-A-Wish International.
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End opens everywhere on May 25th, get all the latest info at DisneyPirates.com.
Here are the 6 lucky (and randomly picked) players that sent in the correct answer for our last week's question!
BelieveInMagic
ImGoinGoofy
SolarFlare
pinkGlinda
Jones
Gernerd
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.
How can I nominate someone?
Got a cool Guest Room you want the Kingdom to know about? Do you know someone that has a great hangout spot and want to tell the world? Then nominate yourself or someone else for Best Game, Best Guest or Best Quest.
It's easy – just click on the Contact Us link at the bottom of any VMK webpage and follow the prompts, then select 'Nominate the Best.' It's that easy! The VMK staff will review the player rooms and Quest nominated and post the winners here!
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
Best Game Rooms
Best Player Quests
Players who have been previously recognized for their design talents will receive the VIP award.
VMK Cards
INNER-SPACE SUIT MAGIC SPELL is no longer tradable!
Starting this Monday, the 21st of May, the reward for the Print-From-Home Tomorrowland Quest, the Inner-Space Suit Magic Spell will become non-tradable.
So if you have one you've traded to someone and want it back, get it from them this weekend!
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
Use caution when Trading!
Before you complete a trade take a second and review your trade window! This is very important! You want to make sure the item, or items, you are trading for are actually inside the trade window before you accept the trade!To do this, scroll all the way to the bottom of the trade window, confirm the items are there and then - once you're satisfied the trade is fair - accept the trade.
REMEMBER: It's up to you to keep track of your stuff and your trades! If you knowingly enter into a trade and get scammed because you didn't check the trade window, we cannot be responsible that you didn't get your stuff.
Staff impersonation is NOT allowed in VMK!
Impersonation is never allowed in VMK. If a player says they are VMK Staff, make sure they're wearing the orange Mickey Pin and wearing either red (for Staff and HOSTS) or blue (for QA) Mickey ears.
VMK Staff will always wear the orange Mickey Pin.
You can always spot STAFF and HOSTS because they wear red Mickey ears.
You can identify a Community Leader by the 'CL_' at the beginning of their name and their blue wizard hat pin.
Remember, VMK Staff will never ask you to trade any items. If you have other questions check out the FAQs page!
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.
Safety Corner
How do I avoid getting 'BANNED' from VMK?
If you think your chat or your actions might get you banned, you should immediately review the VMK Values.If you have a question about what is or isn't okay, you can ask us using Contact Us.
If you promise a prize - you must award it!
If you're running a game in your room – play fair. If you promise an item to a winner, you must award that winner the item. Failure to do so is considered a scam by VMK Staff and you will be BANNED for this type of activity. If you're a player that was supposed to win an item and didn't receive it – use the HELP button and report the scam.
Remember, if you are ever have a question about fair play you can always check the VMK Values or the FAQs – your question will probably be answered there.
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.
Quests
In-Park Quests!
PLAY THE PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN QUEST!
Play the latest VMK In-Park Quest now at the Magic Kingdom® and Disneyland® - search for the answers hidden in the attraction and earn the Pirates Fortress Room for VMK!
Print-From-Home-Quests
Going to Disneyland® Park or Magic Kingdom® Park? Take a Quest with you! Play in-Park and win cool prizes!
<strong>Tomorrowland Quest</strong>! This out-of-this-world adventure is fun and rewarding. You can win a Inner-Space Suit Magic Spell for your virtual character.
<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.)