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[Bugdozer]

The Man From Snowy River
Founder's Membership - $47.00




I am very surprised by this. Will be curious to see what others think. Seems they are after more money. I still don't like the feel of this and am happy I have held off.

Bug

[Astro]

New Founder's Membership Package Announced.  $47.00    ** Sounds like to me that people that already paid for the Original Founder's Membership or VIP Package would still need to pay for this package too, if interested. **

[littlebelle]

Not happy to see this either especially when they said the founders horses would only be riden in the stable now. I think this is not good. Not good at all. If they wanted to do that why not give people a choice at the beginning. I will be writting them about this. And the pressure to buy now. See no deadline on this. Are people from Australia joining now? Have no clue what they are doing.

[BooLani]

I have kept very quiet on the whole VFK thing with the membership lately, I dont know, it all seems way way too soon to be paying for the game in any sense weather you like the game or not, personally I'm not fond of the stepford wifes look of the characters but I still give the game a chance and check in occasionally each week, still not something I think I'd pay for though... Fee and I had this conversation last year with our piratey pals about Pirates being pay to play way to early, but to me this seems like it's the equivalent of being not even half ready to be taking money from players.

although it's just my random rambling two cents

[Bugdozer]

Not happy to see this either especially when they said the founders horses would only be riden in the stable now. I think this is not good. Not good at all. If they wanted to do that why not give people a choice at the beginning. I will be writting them about this. And the pressure to buy now. See no deadline on this. Are people from Australia joining now? Have no clue what they are doing.

Ink seems to think that the riding horses in the Aussie outback may mean that there will be an outback guest room and that may be the only place they can be ridden. I think it is very fishy that they are plugging for money again and not just small change. I also don't like the fact the the poor members that all ready paid are expected to pay again for the items. Is this a pattern for them. Now how many that paid the first time are willing to cough up the money to pay again? They are promising items and have not even delivered on the items from the first package. I would like to see some proof of horses and being able to ride them. Release a picture of someone on a horse.

Sorry but things are getting way to shady for me. Seems money is the big issue and if it is that big of a problem what is there to make us think it will improve. I have read somewhere else that if you are concerned you can contact your credit card company and file a charge back for goods not received. I just hope people do not loose a lot of money.

Bug

[littlebelle]

Just reading over at the fan page and yes there are many not happy over there either. Including the maker of Gadget. The only ones not complaining are the ones that did not get the first package. This is not good business sense. From what I understand they had planned 2 plans in advance. They say they plan no more. But still this is bad marketing I think.

[Astro]

I was very surprised to see that people that have already paid on the founding membership package, would be required to pay again at full price.  I would have thought there would have at least been a price break, guess not.  

I'm very surprised to see VFK requesting money again.  It hasn't even been a month yet!

I have seen people already wearing the new Akubra hat in game.  Which I thought was quick.  And they also had the VIP pin on, so they are people that have already paid on the original founding membership, and are already paying $94.00 into this game now.


Thanks Add for combining these posts.  Looks like Bug and I posted the new information about the founders package at exactly the same time ~ GMTA!  

[NotAZoo]

I just give it a big "BOOOOOOOOOO!"

I sent an email with a simple statement to VFK.   In it said, "I think you have a lot of nerve expecting people to give you more money when you haven't even provided all of the things you promised per your first Founders Package. (i.e. Horse, Shirt, DVD, etc.)  In order to rectify a poorly handled situation before it gets worst I suggest you find a way to offer a heavily discounted package to existing founders or find another way to prevent an overwhelming loss of support from some of your loyal fan base who has been there since day one"

[Adventuredaz]

This is not good business sense. From what I understand they had planned 2 plans in advance. They say they plan no more. But still this is bad marketing I think.

Actually it’s more like good marketing gone awry.  They have developed a way to keep people interested in paying without keeping them or paying members interested in the game - so in the sense that they may be able to get more people to pay or some people to pay again they have something.  In the sense that it mostly sucks for everyone but them and for the time being new founding members.  I am not real surprised and felt this may have been what someone alluded to without describing what was known.  I wondered if anyone but members would ever be able to have a horse.

I think the biggest issue is, they have not delivered on the first one-time only founding membership things.  They are well aware that most of the buyers will be people that are currently members, question here is does the 3 months add on to your already paid time? And will they still be around in 6 months.  They promised horses weeks ago, now they have new horses they won't deliver anytime soon either - and now to find out certain horses will only be good for certain things - only we really don't know what that means yet either. 

I had no issue paying to play this or any other game if that’s what you want to do, I think most agree that it is not a finished product but many of us paid to help support the development.  I would hope that members would have had access to all new items – not just select new items.  Also this seems to set a pattern that could become a regular thing – if you want this item pay this, again if that was how it appeared to be set up that might be ok but it was indicated members would get early access to new items. 

I think many of us that did pay will look at this as we decide if we will pay again in the future.  They clearly need money to operate and they put in a lot of work but they need to get their act together – get a plan and stick to it.  Many of the details remain unclear and will require calls to them where everyone gets a different happy story. 

[littlebelle]

I just give it a big "BOOOOOOOOOO!"

I sent an email with a simple statement to VFK.   In it said, "I think you have a lot of nerve expecting people to give you more money when you haven't even provided all of the things you promised per your first Founders Package. (i.e. Horse, Shirt, DVD, etc.)  In order to rectify a poorly handled situation before it gets worst I suggest you find a way to offer a heavily discounted package to existing founders or find another way to prevent an overwhelming loss of support from some of your loyal fan base who has been there since day one"

Well said!! I would at least expect a heavily discount package especially when they have a link for already a founder it takes you to the same page no matter what.

[littlebelle]

This is not good business sense. From what I understand they had planned 2 plans in advance. They say they plan no more. But still this is bad marketing I think.

 I wondered if anyone but members would ever be able to have a horse. 

I think the biggest issue is, they have not delivered on the first one-time only founding membership things.  They are well aware that most of the buyers will be people that are currently members, question here is does the 3 months add on to your already paid time? And will they still be around in 6 months.  They promised horses weeks ago, now they have new horses they won't deliver anytime soon either - and now to find out certain horses will only be good for certain things - only we really don't know what that means yet either. 

The horse issue is getting me. I have a bad feeling in my tummy over this one

Yes how can the offer this and not have the horses working for the founders yet. I am beginning to think unless some amazing coding happens this game will be gone by September. If you can not get sitting down a basic in any game hard to belive they can get horses working.

[AmberDaze]

If you can not get sitting down a basic in any game hard to belive they can get horses working.

What?! This isn't sitting?! 

[Adventuredaz]

If you can not get sitting down a basic in any game hard to belive they can get horses working.

What?! This isn't sitting?! 

Sadly I think the sitting is a weak - rushed out feature as many have been.  Not all chairs are programed yet, often we just stand next to it or sit in the chair.  They have actually promised sitting in chairs, on the ground and on horses...I don't remember thin air but i doubt I would give them a gold star

[Happy]

Well, now I know where the news pins and hat came from.  For the record, I'm not a founder. 

I can certainly understand why those that did become Founders may be very frustrated.  I'm wondering if there is any way for "an Original Founder"  to have their membership transferred to a "Aussie Founder".  Simply what if you like that hat better.  Are we sure there will not be a "Space Age Founder", "A Wild West Founder" and so on along the map?

Further, what happens to those that joined in between the 2 founders offers?

[Bugdozer]

This all scares me... what has it been 3 weeks? They told people the real items they will get in 6 weeks. 1/2 way there they roll out this new pay us again plan. My fear is they will try to grab what money they can then in 3 more weeks when packages don't show up in the mail they go away.....

I hope people think long and hard on this one. I don't want to sound down but man this smells funny and my gut instinct is telling me to to run not walk away....

Bug

[AmberDaze]

Are we sure there will not be a "Space Age Founder", "A Wild West Founder" and so on along the map?

This same thought crossed my mind...

[Adventuredaz]

Hey, apparently a real hat (akubra) like that might run you $90-$150 So $47 is a deal  

[PrincessWendyBird]

If you can not get sitting down a basic in any game hard to belive they can get horses working.

What?! This isn't sitting?! 

Apparently not, since I can't see your bum! 

[AmberDaze]

 

[Astro]

Are we sure there will not be a "Space Age Founder", "A Wild West Founder" and so on along the map?

This same thought crossed my mind...

- sigh -   Me three ... I too see a trend happening here.....

[Purpleduck]

Curiosity (I haven't followed this too much).. could this new founders package be aimed at the Aussies?  They were not on for the original founders package 

[Astro]

Curiosity (I haven't followed this too much).. could this new founders package be aimed at the Aussies?  They were not on for the original founders package 

I think you are correct Ducky.  I do remember something about that in the very beginning of VFK too.  Good point on bringing this up.   

[Bugdozer]

Hi,

I do not believe for a minute that they are marketing to Australia. I also do not believe that there really is staff from Australia working on the game. I think it is all just a smoke screen. Staff could tell people anything and they would take it as fact. I also heard someone say that there are now like 55 staff in the game- don't believe that either. Many staff could be 2, 3 or more different titles- happened in our other game. People believe there are "all these staff" that need to be paid and make you feel bad so you cough up the money- great scheme.

All of this just amazes me. People were so critical of VMK yet they are willing to fork over 100 bucks to a company/person that they know nothing about. I am also tired of hearing how this game is so much better then VMK in graphics-are people blind? There are so so many games out there that have much better graphics.

What does VFK have to do before people wake up and smell the coffee......

Bug

[littlebelle]

Well I for one will not be getting the Australia package, but I do believe it is a different group. Why because the texture and graphic style is different. Actually Australia to me is done worse not better. Take a look at the bird game water graphics. Now look at Australia waterfall. A very different style. Not sure there ar over 50 staff rofl. BUt I also do not believe there are multiples of many. Though there could be doubles. That I have no way of knowing. I will comment on fact or what I believe to be fact. No way to tell and thus will not say one way or other. There is enough wrong in the game we do not need to be hunting for any more


I do not know where you are hearing this game is so much better than VMK sure did not hear it here.  There are kids that will say anything. As for graphics I do not mind them. But would like to see animation of items then I would be happy. I think the reason is they are waiting to upgrade their servers because the one room animated Merlin's shop is so  laggy people avoid it at all costs.

[Bugdozer]

Producers

     Fred

    Sara


Male Staff


     VFK_Cricket
     VFK_Digger
     VFK_Fusion
     VFK_Hurricane
     VFK_Lion
     VFK_Shark
     VFK_Stingray


Female Staff

     VFK_Aloha
     VFK_Bondi
     VFK_Brizzie
     VFK_Butterfly
     VFK_Cat
     VFK_Coral
     VFK_Dolphin
     VFK_Dragon
     VFK_Dutchess
     VFK_Finley
     VFK_Groovy
     VFK_Harmony
     VFK_Ivy
     VFK_Legend
     VFK_Marsupial
     VFK_Merly
     VFK_Owl
     VFK_Panda
     VFK_Pirate
     VFK_Princess
     VFK_Smiles
     VFK_Sunny
     vfk_test (Note: This user is not capitalized.)
     VFK_Tiger
     VFK_Tink
     VFK_Toni
     VFK_Willa
     VFK_Wolf
     VFK_Zoo

Developers

     user1
     user2
     user3
     VFK_Enigma
     VFK_Logan5
     VFK_Mintie
     VFK_Surfer


Unconfirmed Staff

     VFK_Montie
     User7

[littlebelle]

Ok but how many of those are like VMK_Sparkie or VMK_The guy who made the pins. And really with the other more important issues the drain on your computer for the longer you stay in VFK. The problem with fireworks that some with Vista and not play as well. Not being able to sit or stack. How many producers staff etc. Is really at the bottom of the list. Might help to prove peoples points they are not to be trusted. But how many staff are there really does not affect my bird game. Only when it is busted and it takes them all day to notice!!!! It does not want me to give more money because there are supposedly more staff. Trusted or not they are really behind the 8 ball. Without some of these basic functions there is no game down the road.

This is not a wake up and smell the coffee well at least on this board. We are very well aware of the major downfalls of VFK. We decided to take the risk and support them. The only thing we have lost if it does not work is 45.00. Our credit cards are fine. I have lost $45.00 on much more stupid ideas and spending.


But I will not be joining the Australia Founders.

[Bugdozer]

Ok but how many of those are like VMK_Sparkie or VMK_The guy who made the pins. And really with the other more important issues the drain on your computer for the longer you stay in VFK. The problem with fireworks that some with Vista and not play as well. Not being able to sit or stack. How many producers staff etc. Is really at the bottom of the list. Might help to prove peoples points they are not to be trusted. But how many staff are there really does not affect my bird game. Only when it is busted and it takes them all day to notice!!!! It does not want me to give more money because there are supposedly more staff. Trusted or not they are really behind the 8 ball. Without some of these basic functions there is no game down the road.

This is not a wake up and smell the coffee well at least on this board. We are very well aware of the major downfalls of VFK. We decided to take the risk and support them. The only thing we have lost if it does not work is 45.00. Our credit cards are fine. I have lost $45.00 on much more stupid ideas and spending.


But I will not be joining the Australia Founders.

The point I was trying to make is that I am hearing people justify the $47 more because there is so many staff to play-they maybe should justify it by saying the need the money to fix x y and z that would make more sense to me. Seems to me that VFK has gotten very quiet on their updates to keep players posted on what is going on. Also what do you mean by "we decided to take the risk and support them" ? Do you mean "we" as in the board or we as in some of the players?

Did not know bird game is broke as I have not played it recently-sorry to hear this as many get their credits from just this game. I have not played for a while so I have probably forgotten all the birds.

Bug

[Adventuredaz]

Bug you make valid points, as does Littlebelle. I will clarify for Belle, when she says “we” she is speaking in general terms about people that have evaluated everything they know about the game and decided to join.  Each person has made his or her own decision and most of us don’t even know who else joined.  Bug I like the graphics in VFK but are in no way better then VMK and are very lacking in areas such as the avatars.  I think we have to remember that liking or disliking graphics is pretty subjective and individual. 

I do believe that at this point they have delivered enough to say it is not a scam and they are there to rip us off, this is different then they are in it for our money and they want as much of our money as they can get.  That does not mean I like that and it does indicate a bit of greed or desparation on their part.  I am not sure which is better – neither are good signs. 

I do also believe they have an Australian group of developers/investors and staff that have joined – while this has happened some known staff are MIA i.e. Groovy.  I think they do have close to 50 staff – many are most likely generally behind the scenes but they but them in the game now and then.  Most seem pretty personable – without saying they are necessarily qualified to moderate.  I don’t think this fact or anything else justifies needing more money from people that already paid.  Nor do I think its my problem if they need more money to fix problem X, Y, Z – I paid already – you sold it – you fix it.  While they have added people from Australia – I doubt this is marketed at Ausie people any more then this was not aimed at VMK players.  Where have we ever seen this advertised? Could people from Australia not previously access the site???  I am pretty sure they could and I doubt they have a huge following that jumped on once Australia opened.  While it isn’t a scam it is clearly a tricky scheme – they know most that pay will be people that already have paid.  We continue to have no guarantee they will survive and I will not give them anything else until we reach the end of the current membership and this will depend on if they have fully progressed.  I think as a group we could easily make a list of what they need to do to make this game more enjoyable but even if they implemented everything, it still would not ensure they would survive.

[Disney Dreams]

I am very curious of 1 thing from anyone who paid for the Founders Package.

Are you offended at this new Founder's Package?

If I purchased a special deal under a 48 hour time-pressure sale only to turn around 2 weeks later and see almost the same offer being made again to others (and yes, I know it is not the exact same deal), I would feel somewhat, "What the ?!?!?"

I did not purchase the Founders Package for many reasons, including that I do not think the game is in a stage that deserves money and I do not care to pay to support early development phases.  (Not judging anyone who did - I have wonderful friends who paid and that's their choice.)  If I DID purchase under the 48 hour push, I would be really GRRR upon seeing this new offer.

How are those of you that are Founders Members feeling about this?  

Thanks to any who choose to reply,
Dreams

[Adventuredaz]

I am very curious of 1 thing from anyone who paid for the Founders Package.

Are you offended at this new Founder's Package?

If I purchased a special deal under a 48 hour time-pressure sale only to turn around 2 weeks later and see almost the same offer being made again to others (and yes, I know it is not the exact same deal), I would feel somewhat, "What the ?!?!?"

I did not purchase the Founders Package for many reasons, including that I do not think the game is in a stage that deserves money and I do not care to pay to support early development phases.  (Not judging anyone who did - I have wonderful friends who paid and that's their choice.)  If I DID purchase under the 48 hour push, I would be really GRRR upon seeing this new offer.

How are those of you that are Founders Members feeling about this?  

Thanks to any who choose to reply,
Dreams

Offended is a bit strong, but yes not suprised however except that they actually called it a "founder" program - mainly because as members we felt we were promissed we would have access to all item.  I think it should just been aand Auustralian member package - no founder and then other members should have been offered the oportunity to buy the items with credits.  I feel this borders on a breach of the original agreement - if only it was writen clearly and concrete.  Does the breach nullify the agreement?  I am not sure but it will effect future decisions.

I will continue to be supportive of the game and of people that chose to play.  Playing this game is just as much a free choice as chosing to play Secondlife or Dizzywood two extreams but as time goes on I will not be surprized many of us continue to search for home.  I like the Fireworks game but still want more of a "game" selection in the game.  If a second incarnation of VMK ever came we would probably all exit whatever we were doing to go play and be very willing to pay.

[awesomepatty-cake]

I bought the first founders package thinking that I will see what happens with the game and decide whether I would want to keep paying.  I was shocked when they came out with another already. It has thrown a wrench into my plan. LOL As of today I will not be buying the new package to add months onto my account but I may change my mind tomorrow who knows.  I’m not sure where the idea that it is being aimed at the Australian market came from that doesn’t make sense to me with the time zone.  Perhaps because it says Australian Founders people have interpreted wrong, I did see someone asking if you had to be from Australia to get it.  Bug the statement you made “What does VFK have to do before people wake up and smell the coffee…” If you want to complain about the money or the game that is fine you have your opinion and I have mine, but I do take offense to your statement because it is aimed at the people paying/playing.   I have never ridiculed my friends for not playing it is their choice but I don’t want to be ridiculed by them or anyone else for playing.  It really is a very condescending statement to make.

[littlebelle]

Yes I meant "we" as in people who decided to join in general. As not all people on this board did. But how awesome was it to have people who did not take the package respect the decision and make no big deal of it. And visa vera the ones that got it not flaunt it.

I think where I was coming from is that I understand your concerns but from reading this post I might have missed it but I do not think one person here said we need to join this because they need more money. People were actually giving the exact opposite view. No way until I get what you first promised!!

It is probably happening on other boards and that is why I was confused. So I was kinda wondering who needed to wake up and smell the coffee. Because so far not one person has been impressed with the lastest "Founders Package".

As far as I can tell this is not a scam. But people who have no clue what they are doing, no clue on how to really program a difficult game this big. Under estimated time by months not days. There is a reason places like Wizards was not even in first beta for something like 3 years. And we heard how long Elf island has been the drawing board.

To keep people interested they have put out grand ideas.

Unfortunately those grand ideas are just that. After so many ideas that are still not coming people will leave in droves.  I give it to the opening of Elf Island if it is a good as it looks. However, as we have seen the ideas might be great but still not be what people are looking for

[Purpleduck]

Sorry.. MOD time.

Both Adventure and I have been following this thread today.  I almost called two people out, to say "chill, it's only a game".  Instead, Adventure made a very nicely stated post addressing both sides.

That appears to not have resolved the issue as we are now receiving reports.   Which means you now have to put up with me..  and maybe Decoy, as he shall be made aware of this.


First, I do not believe Bug's "people should wake up and smell the coffee" was directed specifically at anyone here on noBS, but more a general comment to suggest she is surprised by how many are still hanging in there.. which is her opinion to voice.

Second, as Adventure pointed out, Belle did not mean "we" as in noBS, but in general, also her opinion to post.


HOWEVER, Decoy's rules include "Play nice."  They also include a provision for staff to look into issues that have been reported.  As even Adventure and I "guess" at what was meant by these comments.. it only further shows that without specifics, anything is open to interpretation.

So.. as of this time.. I will NOT lock the thread.. BUT, from here out, do not leave comments, such as those left by Bug or Belle mentioned above, using generalities - REGARDING PEOPLE.  They are open to interpretation, causing some to be hurt or offended.  BE SPECIFIC when talking about "people".   Future posts with generalities like, but not limited to "we" "us" "people" that can be interpreted more than one way, either seen by Adventure, myself or reported to us.. shall be removed from this topic, and passed to Decoy for potential penalties.

Play nice.. Please!  (Choosing Preview, before Post, and reading it, may help too.)

[Bugdozer]

Hi,

Well I certainly did not intend to cause such an uproar I am sorry. I was not taking pop shots at anyone. All I have to do is be in the game 15 minutes and that is the "people" I am referring to. If I offended you I am sorry that was not what I was trying to do.

As for Belle she is a great friend We agree on many things and disagree on many things- that is the way of life. I have met her and she is the kindest person and even though it is not my place to "worry" about her I do because she is my friend once again sorry if that upsets anyone.

Adventure and Duck sorry this has made more work for you

I will not post anymore since it is upsetting people. I am just not feeling comfortable. Good luck to all of you. I hope VFK can make it as I am truley hoping they do.

Bug

[Purpleduck]

Hi,

Well I certainly did not intend to cause such an uproar I am sorry. I was not taking pop shots at anyone. All I have to do is be in the game 15 minutes and that is the "people" I am referring to. If I offended you I am sorry that was not what I was trying to do.

As for Belle she is a great friend We agree on many things and disagree on many things- that is the way of life. I have met her and she is the kindest person and even though it is not my place to "worry" about her I do because she is my friend once again sorry if that upsets anyone.

Adventure and Duck sorry this has made more work for you

I will not post anymore since it is upsetting people. I am just not feeling comfortable. Good luck to all of you. I hope VFK can make it as I am truley hoping they do.

Bug

Bug, you and I have had this discussion several times about you not posting here anymore.  That IS NOT what is being asked of you, nor what any of us want to have happen.  You are a valued member, and provide, like in this case with VFK, a needed "devil's advocate" position, to spur people to think.

What is being asked, is do not use a generality.  You know how you just said right in this post, that it is the people in the VFK game that cause you to say that "coffee" remark.   SAY THAT when you speak of people, and noone would have mistaken your comment for being about them personally.   Whether right or wrong that they did take it personally, it was so easy to have been avoided!

I hope you will please reconsider not posting here girl friend

[Happy]

I know many friends that joined and many friends that did not join the first Founders Package.  For those that did join, I am sorry that you are not allowed access to the new items in the Aussie package.  It is my understanding some joined to show support for VFK, and others joined because they are "collectors".  Regardless of why you accepted the first Founder's Option, I do feel you should have access to the room and items. 

Last night a player sporting the new Aussie hat was saying that in the future rooms could be traded. My reaction to his statement was, "At what price?"  The new high rise room is really nice, just like the Area 51 Conference Room.  However if there is only one room given per paid membership, how likely is it someome will trade it?  The bigger question would be at what price? 

[Astro]

Curiosity (I haven't followed this too much).. could this new founders package be aimed at the Aussies?  They were not on for the original founders package 

I think you are correct Ducky.  I do remember something about that in the very beginning of VFK too.  Good point on bringing this up.   

Hi,

I do not believe for a minute that they are marketing to Australia. I also do not believe that there really is staff from Australia working on the game. I think it is all just a smoke screen. Staff could tell people anything and they would take it as fact.

Im not sure where the idea that it is being aimed at the Australian market came from that doesnt make sense to me with the time zone.  Perhaps because it says Australian Founders people have interpreted wrong, I did see someone asking if you had to be from Australia to get it.

I'm just quoting to quote.      This is where I have gotten the interpretation of the "Australian Market" from.  I know there was more said by VFK, but sadly I think it's gone now, along with their original website.  But at least Ducky and I know we are not crazy in what we did read somewhere, at some point.  This little blurb should explain on why there were specific thoughts on that.  What's in RED obviously.

This appears way at the bottom of the VFK home page currently where you sign in at.:  I cut and pasted this specific date portion only.

May 13th, 2008

We've got a lot of exciting news to share with you this week.

As you have noticed, we have upgraded our web site!

We have a new video trailer highlighting upcoming features which you can find above.

We liked the music, "A New World", which we used in our first trailer so much that we used it again in this one.

We wanted to share with you some of the behind the scenes activities that go into creating the exciting new features we will be adding to the Wild West land. To see this special sneak peek, you can visit our Wild West story board.

We are highlighting our Medieval lands, and these will be previewed in our next alpha test.

We have included our new VFK constitution, which you will find on the right, outlining our values.

We are really pleased to be introducing a new land, in conjunction with the help of our friends in Australia, which is planned to open on June 20th.

We are in the process of approving pre-registration character names, so watch your email for confirmation of your character name.

You can visit the previous Virtual Family Kingdom alpha test by visiting this page.

[Astro]

Last night a player sporting the new Aussie hat was saying that in the future rooms could be traded. My reaction to his statement was, "At what price?"  The new high rise room is really nice, just like the Area 51 Conference Room.  However if there is only one room given per paid membership, how likely is it someome will trade it?  The bigger question would be at what price? 

Do you REALLY want to even know?  Maybe your job at the Purple Feather Cafe?      You know I'm just teasing you Happy.  But seriously, I highly doubt it will even be virtually affordable for anyone sadly.

[awesomepatty-cake]

Well I guess I just interpreted this sentence a different way.  "We are really pleased to be introducing a new land, in conjunction with the help of our friends in Australia, which is planned to open on June 20th."  I always thought it just meant they have a company (people I have no clue who) that live in Australia who work on that land for VFK. 

[NotAZoo]

Bug come back!   

[PrincessWendyBird]

Well, King and I have been quiet about this new "founders" membership. I can only speak for myself and King, but I want to share our take on this. When I first saw this new package offer, I felt like I had been punched in the gut. Then, I saw the link below for players who had already purchased the founders package. My thought, as I clicked the link, was that we would be receiving the virtual items at a discounted rate. When the order form popped up, I again felt sick to my stomach. In retrospect, I think I was simply stunned and confused about what the founders membership we paid for was really about. We had expected to receive access to all game items. I personally could care less about a boomerang or another T-Shirt, but that room is really nice. We have studied Australia in our homeschool studies because King has always had a real passion for the country itself. His eyes lit up when he saw that hat and didgeridoo. So, now we feel VFK has placed us in a pretty stinky position. We love the new items. We do not love the idea of forking over $47 again this quickly, especially with so many of the game's features not being ready. There are many who have already purchased the new package and I have no problem with that at all. In fact, if money were no object here, we might do the same. A solution which would make us happy is for only the virtual items to be offered at a discounted rate to current founders. As I said, I am not interested in the real items, but I'd like to have a chance to be able to have some of the virtual items.

In the end, I suppose one thing VMK taught King and I was that virtual items can be gone in the blink of an eye forever, as can an entire virtual community. We would like the virtual items, but life will go on if we do not get them. Hopefully VFK will rethink some of this, but it may be too late for that now. As of this time, we will not be purchasing this new plan. However, this could change in the future if things change. (or if King starts gassing me until he gets his didgeridoo  )

Hugs to everyone. 

[NotAZoo]

I think the "punch to the gut" summed up the feelings perfectly and it is basically the feeling I had, but couldn't simplify it so well.

Now I am typically a person who avoids conflict at all costs and usually make excuses for people so as to not see fighting or arguements ensue, however what makes it tough is that a big part of me feels like I am being or got conned.    I know I am not being conned and trust that VFK is legit, however the fact that what they did is actually making me feel that way speaks volumes on how bad of a decision this was.   On top of that I don't know how seriously I can take any other offer they may put out in the future.   

At this point VFK needs to provide a "mea culpa" and find a way to win back those it dissapointed, otherwise I am afraid the numbers will dwindle for sure.   Maybe some kids will remain, but those who actually pay for stuff will slowly go another way.

All I can say is, I pray now more than ever for the Second Coming of VMK.     

[Astro]

Well I guess I just interpreted this sentence a different way.  "We are really pleased to be introducing a new land, in conjunction with the help of our friends in Australia, which is planned to open on June 20th."  I always thought it just meant they have a company (people I have no clue who) that live in Australia who work on that land for VFK. 

I did some more searching and came up with this statement from VFK dated 5-24-08.  I don't know, I could take the statement either way too, but now that I found this one, it kinda makes more sense to what I had seen before.  VFK specifically made reference to targeting the Aussie's, that would be joining VFK later.  Sadly I can't find that anywhere, because I think it was posted on their first website, which has now been taken down or changed.

5-24-08:

A Word From Sara

Woot! Is this the greatest community or what? You guys ROCK! But hey, what's this? You DON'T want invisibility magic?  Now there's something I never thought I'd hear!

Thank you all for standing on top of roofs, hanging from walls, being ghosts, moving the "pink couch" incognito, and of course, being the best beta testers ever! You made it possible to create a stable environment in less than three days and we've had an awesome time doing it!

Because we had over 8,000 members online at one time today, we are behind our ambitious schedule, so we are posting a new revised schedule below. Who knew we would have an opportunity to beta test with so many of you at once!

Knowing this great community, you will probably take our servers down again at least a few more times, but we can't wait!

So let's kick this party up a notch, we want to be ready for our "mates" from Australia in June.


Sara

Virtual Family Kingdom:


Revised Schedule:

Sometime this evening:


Friends List
Customize your character (maybe, if not, tomorrow morning)

Sometime tomorrow:


Victorian Setting
Rooms List
Whatever else we have time to do if our servers aren't taken down again.
Mini games if at all possible!

[PrincessWendyBird]

Hello Everyone! Princess here to throw a monkey wrench into the works.   As I have posted already, we have had many emotions going on regarding this new founders membership. Even with that, I never thought the people at VFK were trying to scam us or take the money and run sort of thing. Just my opinion here based on communication we have had with them and the fact that this would be a pretty elaborate scam. So, this evening King called VFK and spoke with them about a few questions we had about the Aussie founders program. I will start by saying we did join this second founders program. We had been waffling all day about this and our phone call this evening sort of sealed the deal I guess. We really were torn all day about what to do here. As many of our friends here know, I am in a wheelchair, and we don't spend as much on an entertainment budget, so online gaming is something we had budgeted in the off chance that VMK became pay to play or we would find another game for our family. I'm sure some of you are questioning our decision and quick turn around. All I can say is once King spoke with them, we decided to go ahead and give it a go. As I said before, this is only our opinion, but I think the intent of VFK was far different than the impact of this package offer.  But, as we have seen, even the most innocent intentions can have an unexpected impact - which I believe is what happened here. King did get some facts to pass along to everyone here.

-Duck.he and Astro were correct. This offer was really something set up for their Australian office to have something to offer for their contribution to the game. Down the line, there are plans for an Australian version of VFK. They are working towards that goal. There will be some cross over in hours and they hope for players to be able to visit both worlds. I'm sorry I did not get details on what that will entail, since this is all still in the works. Inserting my guess here - please note this is only my speculation. It would be my guess that Australian VFK would have tabs based on Australian history with a United States tab - perhaps the opposite of our American history with an Australian tab?

-Also, if you are a founder already, including your current 4 month VIP subscription (assuming you use the extra month for yourself) you will get an extra 4 months added if you choose to purchase the Aussie founder package. This is a bonus month meaning you would have a pre-paid 8 month subscription once they go Gold. This was our understanding of the phone call.

-Just wanted to add that items will be able to be stacked in room building. Sitting was more than they had anticipated as we all thought. The coding of clothes and hair to sit as well as our little folks was more work than expected. Stacking is planned. This may seem of little importance, but to a room builder like myself - I wanted to know if that would be possible in the game with the coding they are using.

I know for many, calling is not an option, but if you can, you should. Especially if you are a current founder. It did take some tries to get through, but once we did Gail and others were more than helpful.

[Happy]

Princess thanks for sharing your findings with us.

Prior to reading your post my thought was that VFK should open a "Founders Store" where the primary founder account holder,  like yourself, could shop and purchase the items for credits, not cash.  Even if they had an item limit it would at least give a non-cash option for those that did already pay.

[awesomepatty-cake]

So let's kick this party up a notch, we want to be ready for our "mates" from Australia in June.  I still took that as talking about the makers of the land I never thought it meant the people of Australia.  As you can see from Princess' post you were right in what you thought.   

[KingQuackATac]

VFK says they will have an Australian version at some point, with their own servers and playing hours, etc. Sounds like the Australian arm of VFK is on a course to make this happen. It was even suggested that they are trying to work with the Australian Zoo (Steve Irwin's) to have an on-line representation of it on the game. I don't know if that means the American or Australian version of VFK would have this, but sounds interesting none the less.

It was also said that there will be player cross-over, like American players able to log-in to the Australian VFK and vice versa.

[Astro]

Quote from the VFK Home Page, under this specific Australian Founder's Membership:  ** There's our answer on when this offer will expire too.  When the boomerangs are gone. **


UPDATE: We were not at liberty to discuss this until now, but we have been in negotiations with one of the sacred aboriginal tribes here in Australia, and have just completed arrangements for them to provide the boomerangs which will be sent to the new members.

The boomerangs are being created by hand by one of the aboriginal elders, as part of a project we are supporting to help aboriginal children.

There are obviously a very limited number of these authentic handcrafted aboriginal boomerangs, and when they are gone we will have to end this offer.