Me? The epitome of VMK values?

While in one of my rooms chatting I almost knocked over my real coffee cup and told my friend I was chatting with "brb have to get lost of this coffee"
I took the cup to the sink and when I sat back down and there it was! BANNED for 24 hours for revealing personal information!!! What?

Good grief! What are there, ignorant 12 year olds monitoring that game?

Prior to that we were talking about building rides in VMK.

No recourse either to challange that stupid call which is why VMK needs to be a PAY service so they will think twice or at least give an option to question the QUESTIONABLE and very silly call.

Ridiculous.

That does seem a little silly, but I sure don't want to pay! That really doesn't seem like personal info so I really don't understand the ban, no address or phone etc. But honestly, I really don't want it to be a fee game! Sorry duck, hope to see you back soon!

That is really dumb. They need to sort themselves out!

tinker3: I'm assuming the 'personal information' revealed was that someone there at VMK 'assumed' I meant I was going to the bathroom??? Or that I drink coffee in real? Anyway the other person in the room eMailed she didn't get Banned or a warning so it wasn't the general conversation.

No telling. Just a matter of what walls, have what ears, at any given time.

Sorry this happened to you. I was in a room yesterday and watched someone get banned for saying that it was 7pm where they live.

Can you get as far as the "contact us" screen? You can e-mail them to appeal the ban. I almost got banned for asking someone how many pairs of golden ears they wanted in trade for whatever they were offering me - apparently "how many ears" looks like a solicitation of someone's age. I sent an e-mail explaining the situation in an effort to get that black mark removed from my record.

AVP

Holy canolies, this is just nuts.

Thank goodness the game *I* play isn't run by a bunch of Orwellian administrators. Sheesh.

I can't blame Disney for being concerned - even paranoid - about an online environment where kids run around unsupervised. The absolute last thing Disney needs is to have its name connected with a case where some nut job uses a Disney online game to prey on a child. That has to be their biggest nightmare.

At the same time, the current system isn't really going to stop a determined predator, and to some degree parents simply have to be held accountable for what their children are exposed to. It's not enough to say "oh, it's a Disney site, my kids should be safe" anymore than it's enough to say, "oh, it's Disneyland, I can let my 5-year old run around unsupervised because the cast members will look out for him." It's absurd, but that's the standard Disney is held to.

Obviously VMK was designed for kids, regardless of who's actually playing it. VMK could look at the actual demographics of their players and create an "adults only" instance with relaxed rules, but I don't think they will. I don't *need* to be able to give someone my e-mail address in VMK. I don't *need* to be able to give someone my phone number. I don't *need* to be able to send someone to read MousePlanet. All of those things would be nice, but they don't really impact my ability to lose at Ship Battle 2.

I *would* like for there to be a better customer service interface, because the canned responses from VMK Shorty usually don't address the actual problem I've reported. But unless they go to a pay-for-play system, and can add more staff and moderators, I don't see that happening either.

So I'll just go catch ghosts.

AVP

Yeah, my daughter was banned the other day for being in a room where someone communicated where they lived (not sure how they did it--I didn't see the conversation.) She didn't say a word, but happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, for a while, we had no idea why she was banned--and she was pleading innocent to any misdeeds (we believed her.;))

In a lot of ways, I appreciate the game's paranoia-as a parent. It's the only reason I even let the girls play. But the pain in the neck was trying to find out why she was banned, and figure out how to contact admin, etc. There needs to be a better system.

Sorry this happened to you. I was in a room yesterday and watched someone get banned for saying that it was 7pm where they live.

Can you get as far as the "contact us" screen? You can e-mail them to appeal the ban. I almost got banned for asking someone how many pairs of golden ears they wanted in trade for whatever they were offering me - apparently "how many ears" looks like a solicitation of someone's age. I sent an e-mail explaining the situation in an effort to get that black mark removed from my record.

AVP

Slight derail - AVP, I think I saw you playing VMK last night (pirates lobby) I was playing on my son's character. I wanted to say hello but didn't know how to say I am tinker 3 from mouseplanet lol. I saw a CL warning someone earlier because they said they said they talk on mice chat (it was on their signature).

Back to topic :) - The frustrating part is trying to get some answers from VMK or trying to communicate with them. We were very frustrated with shorty last November. We purchased some product from Disneyland and got two vmk cards for gold ears. When we got home and entered codes it gave us a DLR 50 yrs pin instead. I tried sending emails for about a month and ALWAYS got the same "canned" response that had nothing to do with my email. It's as if they aren't even read, and you just get an automatic reply.

That was probably me - I was playing pirates last night (you'll notice I didn't say I was winning...) I hope you weren't there when I was telling off the rude little snot who decided to spend one round mocking my playing skills. The twerp was on MY TEAM! He spent so much time typing his insults that he got blown to bits by the other side.

AVP

I am sorry that you were banned for such a mistake like that. I personally need to be careful about what I say, I have always felt like it was ok to discuss trips to Disney parks, since everyone who plays is usually a big Disney fan. I am sure it is only a matter of time until I am reprimanded for it.

As far as the smart @#$ kids in pirates, i generally feel the need to blow there little ship to pieces and then make the same comments back to them! That is just me.....and I have issues with being too competitive! lol :~D

That was probably me - I was playing pirates last night (you'll notice I didn't say I was winning...) I hope you weren't there when I was telling off the rude little snot who decided to spend one round mocking my playing skills. The twerp was on MY TEAM! He spent so much time typing his insults that he got blown to bits by the other side.

You mean there's more to do than walk from one room to another and ride the Jungle Cruise boat?

You know, I played VMK for about 6 months when it first came out, and tried it again a few months ago for about a month. I love what they are trying to do...but right now, it isn't working quite...

Frankly, I just don't think the technology (or funding for it) exists yet such that Disney can have the fun, community aspects of the system and the "totally kid safe" game environment they want together in one workable package. I see VMK continually limping along, creating bad press for themselves through struggling servers (with crashing issues and compatibility issues galore) and a confusing and achingly limited system of communication,that will keep future players away who they might wrangle into a pay-for-play version down the line (which is really the only viable business model for something as robust as VMK has become--it can't just be a money-sink)

This is NOT a VMK bash. I enjoyed it on so many levels, and love what Disney is trying to do. But right now, it isn't working and I don't think it is their fault, so much as an idea that has come before its time...and the world--technologically at least--isn't set up to support it just yet...

That was probably me - I was playing pirates last night (you'll notice I didn't say I was winning...) I hope you weren't there when I was telling off the rude little snot who decided to spend one round mocking my playing skills. The twerp was on MY TEAM! He spent so much time typing his insults that he got blown to bits by the other side.

AVP

No I wasn't there for that, but I am sure I played with the same little "sweetie" dishing out advice. It especially drives me crazy when they are telling you to get get health or ammo, "thanks, I have played before" :rolleyes: I usually type, "no advice from the dead please". You had to love those extra credits last night though :D.

Mr. Abominable, my boys & I have also brought up our recent DL trips in discussions and I have never thought of that as being personal info, but I guess it is. Yikes, I guess we will have to be more careful.

Couldn't agree more with your post #7 AVP. Except one point I'm not so sure about...designed for kids. The quality of the images and design elements is so high it seems to be for more sophisticated user as well from the get go...and just is trying to serve all masters at the same time...the girl characters are fairly well developed to reperesent little kids me thinks. But regardless, the safety rules must be in place and you put it perfectly in your post.

The custometr service feedback is horrible though and those form eMail notes just aggrivate the frustration any questionable situation.

I'm in there to build great rides and offer a fun experience to the visitors to my rides but I have come to keep the chatter to a bare minimum out of abject fear all my work will be for nothing in a major ban. I used to have a lot more fun. Now I'm a bit gun shy with all my older friends there. I know who they are where they live and who their kids characters are...heck, we are friends in 'real'! So the fun that COULD be is being whipped to 'Hi'...'Enjoy my ride'...'Tyvm'...'Bye'...'Sorry my list is full'...'Please dont be rude here'...'We do not talk Real here'...etc.

YAWN.

It needs to be a PAY service and soon. It's just too darn beautifully made to be otherwise.

Thanks for all the replies. This is obviously a hot topic on players minds, especially the total lack of response from staff.

Doug

Oh and YES...I was warned once months ago because I was telling someone about a feature of Disneyland and she said she cant go, lives to far away. She got banned and I got a warning. If we cant talk about THE REASON the thing is there in the first place what IS the point? Ridiculous.

That's just wrong that they banned you.

I have absolutely nothing else to add because I know nothing about VMK, but someone there is clearly a stupidheads.

Adrienne, having a really eloquent moment. My parents paid for a UC education, and that's what I post...

I think the point is...

IF they are going to have a 'Police Force' that makes arbitrary and indescriminate decisions there needs to be a CITY HALL to reply to.

VMK, to many is not just a frivilous game...there are many folks who put a lot of time, work and creative thinking into daily visits..it becomes a home 'away from home' and in many cases a point not only of pride of accomplishment but an ultimate relaxation. If it IS a Virtual Magic Kingdom (which it really is) then it is more than little girls running around looking for boy friends and boys saying 'nasty' things to get a thrill. Many friendships (real ones) are made by people with like interests from all over the map. Is it to the point where you can't talk to your best friend about having to go to the store or a movie? Is it? WHO KNOWS! I have heard of banings for the most innocent of reasons and one can only think of some power mad Virtual 16 year old hitting the banned for 10 years button, just because.

There is no recourse or way to even question the fact that years of work and attention to detail and thousands of credits and rooms and rides can be just wiped out on a whim.

You think maybe that puts a damper on the experience...not knowing...with no way to even ASK??

Rant over...points made...

Addriennek...you are exonerated...being self educated (for free), I absolve your 'stupidheads' comment. Next time use the correct term though...'Pee Pee Hats'.

Addriennek...you are exonerated...being self educated (for free), I absolve your 'stupidheads' comment. Next time use the correct term though...'Pee Pee Hats'.

Oooh, yes, I see it now. Thanks for the clarification. ;)

And, fwiw, I completely with your post. But you knew that.

Adrienne

there are many folks who put a lot of time, work and creative thinking into daily visits...years of work and attention to detail and thousands of credits and rooms and rides can be just wiped out on a whim.

I completely agree with your post. There are also some real-life expenditures that can be lost when you're banned. Disneyland sells pirate pins attached to VMK cards; the VMK code included in the box is a selling point and is advertised on the box.

A few months ago, I spent a crazy amount of money on those pin boxes because my daughter really, really wanted the code for "Mickey's Reward." If she got banned, she would lose those virtual items that we PAID for. If that happened, I'd be reallllllly angry!

I walked away from the computer one time and returned to find a warning that I could be banned for inappropriate conversation. Clearly, my character wasn't involved because there was nobody there to push the keyboard keys. Fortunately, it didn't go anywhere, but I thought that was crazy!

Yes you can be banned for someone else's mistake or evil Dictionary Dance...you need not be in the conversation or I understand even the room!
If it's your room and there are ppl in there yapping and you go check another room and leave them there they can get you banned...too bad for you. If you are in a room where there is a lot of chatter but you are just there and not talking the bad stuff...too bad for you. This is why you must control your room and when time boot you boot. I dont even warn them anymore if they come in with a smart mouth. Click & gone. All kinds of sad scenerios are on the forums as to bizarre bannings.

Don't get me wrong...I believe the safeguards need to be in place for protection of the kids...no problem there...but there is so much room for misunderstanding and stupid decisions without recourse that bugs me.

I know MANY who have got WARNINGS just for telling what position in the game Queue they were in. (There's one in this thread up above.) Many. And once you get a warning, the next one is a BANNING. So Tinkermommy watch out!

You can get a warning if some one asks you how many credits you have and you attempt to tell them! Like the game was set up in Iran for cryin' out loud.


I notice Webkins is adjusting their system to be very similar...now is the time if you do Webkins to get your 2 cents in about it over there. Be interesting since it DOES involve actual Purchase with real money if the feed back and customer service will be any better.

I totally agree thsoe 12 year olds think they are so powerfull in the game

Little do they know but they have no power what so ever!

The only people who have real power are VMK staff members!

I was banned for the same reason!

I said oops my dog ran out side..

When i log back on it said u have been banend for 24 hours for giving away personal information

Sad to say having the potential arbitrary Headsman's AXE hanging over me kind of took the fun out of the game...long time friends rarely want to talk at all in fear of losing all their stuff over NOTHING. I closed the major ride rooms and sold back all the parts and goodies.

I now have just two rooms and one of them is the Ship Museum I was pretty proud of and the other just a lobby to get to it. I go in and get the Day credits and that's about it. I have about 17 Grand if I ever want to do another ride. Maybe when the Pan track comes out. The Draconian overlords can rule over empty rooms. Most of my lengthy Friends List is hardly ever on either lately. The wind is out of the sails.

Kind of reminds me a great litle race track in Oregon. Great untill a bunch of Officials decided that's what people paid to see...them making bogus calls on the drivers and tamed it down to the point of no point.

Again for those who don't bother to read an entire thread...my gripe is in the lack of RECOURSE and two way communication to address phoney bannings.

I like many of the games at Webkins so the Wife and I are playing there alot and we keep the chat OFF.

See y'all

omg! when i got banned was like 5 monthes ago! i booted people when i said win cowboy or princess and i did have but i could not let go of it! so vmk red came i was sooo scared! i could not loose vmk! and the there it went! my whole future! vmk! banned! forever! good bye vmk! i am banned until march 30, 2017! i dont think i will get on vmk when i am in collage or out. lol not really funny cause i miss it. my user in vmk :crying::crying::crying:is sweetheartscutie. if i booted u and u won , sorry i wont do it again! luv ya, bye!Yes you can be banned for someone else's mistake or evil Dictionary Dance...you need not be in the conversation or I understand even the room!
If it's your room and there are ppl in there yapping and you go check another room and leave them there they can get you banned...too bad for you. If you are in a room where there is a lot of chatter but you are just there and not talking the bad stuff...too bad for you. This is why you must control your room and when time boot you boot. I dont even warn them anymore if they come in with a smart mouth. Click & gone. All kinds of sad scenerios are on the forums as to bizarre bannings.

Don't get me wrong...I believe the safeguards need to be in place for protection of the kids...no problem there...but there is so much room for misunderstanding and stupid decisions without recourse that bugs me.

I know MANY who have got WARNINGS just for telling what position in the game Queue they were in. (There's one in this thread up above.) Many. And once you get a warning, the next one is a BANNING. So Tinkermommy watch out!

You can get a warning if some one asks you how many credits you have and you attempt to tell them! Like the game was set up in Iran for cryin' out loud.


I notice Webkins is adjusting their system to be very similar...now is the time if you do Webkins to get your 2 cents in about it over there. Be interesting since it DOES involve actual Purchase with real money if the feed back and customer service will be any better.

My son was having a fit the other night because he was trying to type the word seven in and it kept coming back as a bad word. TMI, I guess. I don't even know in what context 7 was being used. He got so frustrated with VMK lately that he rarely plays anymore. Too bad. He really like it.

My son was having a fit the other night because he was trying to type the word seven in and it kept coming back as a bad word. TMI, I guess. I don't even know in what context 7 was being used. He got so frustrated with VMK lately that he rarely plays anymore. Too bad. He really like it.You can not use any numbers - either the symbol for or the whole word. Which has simply led the VMK world to create a new language:

one = on
two = too
three = tree
four = for
five = ive (because punctuation is optional)
six = (I can't remember, but I know I've seen it. Probably mix or something)
seven = even
eight = ate
nine = (I can't remember)
zero = oh

So if you need your team's help to catch 85 ghosts in the Haunted Mansion to complete a quest, you have to ask them to help you catch ate ive ghosts. My high score in fireworks in ive even oh oh.

I *understand* that they don't want kids to be able to communicate addresses and phone numbers, but people will always find a way.

AVP