Lost the Magic?

[blizzard]

First of all, I want to say that this is not a sympathy post. I am not threatening to leave the game so that people will beg me to come back. I will not be leaving the game, however I think that I will considerably cut back on the time I spend on it.

Why will I be spending considerably less time on VMK? I feel that VMK has lost a lot of the magic that I felt originally. I have been thinking about this over the weekend, and wanted to post something to see what others think.

After WDWTigger72 posted about how the hackers were cheating on the fireworks game, I did some of my own investigation. I was able to find the site with the cheating instructions, and what I found there was extremely disappointing to me. Suffice to say that there are many more things there than just how to cheat at fireworks. Instructions are there for how to crash everyone in the room (except you) when you play a certain song on the music party - What fun! This is typical of the things that are there. Everything is either completely malicious or completely fraudulent. To find out that people are doing this (and I have reason to believe that it is more wide spread than just a few people getting high scores on fireworks) has really depressed me with regards to the game.

Some of you may know that I was the victim of a scam earlier this summer. I was trading for a code, and traded away my complete space suit. I agreed to trade first because the person had told me that he had lost a couple of codes already by giving them first. I felt sorry for the person on the other end, so agreed to trade first. (after all, someone has to trade first, and it can be hard for people to build up their reputation unless someone gives them a chance) Anyway, I was cheated by this person. I know from a reputable source that this person is now back in the game with another character (same IP address, mostly same MO, except staying away from code trading this time to avoid a permanent ban) I also know that this person is using the above referenced "hacks". I find it very frustrating that this person continues to scam people, cheat at the game, and just generally operate only a milimeter above scum level.

I know that the point of the game isn't to collect virtual items, but to meet friends, have fun, and chat. I guess my thoughts on this though, come from finding out that the cheating and scamming are a lot more wide spread than I thought. I just am having a hard time opening myself up for friendship, knowing that so many are choosing to cheat. I feel like I don't want to waste my time any more, associating with dishonest people. (not that I am accusing anyone here of cheating - the reason I chose to post this here is because I believe that the dis members are almost all honest)

So, that's my thoughts on the matter - slightly muddled, but I hope you can see what I'm getting at. I will continue to be on VMK, but I think it would be wise for me to step back for a while. I will also continue to spoil my secret Zeta recipients, so you may see me on line as that character.

I would appreciate hearing other's thoughts on this. Am I completely out to lunch?

 

[vellamint]

Canadian....I had no idea these things were going on in our little virtual magic place....I am so sorry to hear about it. Please dont leave us because of the "bad" .....

 

[lab_girl]

I read your post, and then had to think about it awhile.
I really am sorry you are not enjoying VMK and that you have had bad experiences.
I guess I am still enjoying VMK because I really only go to the 'DIS' gathering places and have only traded (or mostly given and received ) with 'DIS' members that I have talked to previously.
I have actually started enjoying VMK more lately because more and more 'DIS' members have started joining and I have been lucky to meet many of them.
I hope you will still spend time on VMK with us, I enjoyed meeting a fellow canuck and liked chatting about hockey and canadian bacon, lol.

 

[lovethattink]

After WDWTigger72 posted about how the hackers were cheating on the fireworks game, I did some of my own investigation. I was able to find the site with the cheating instructions, and what I found there was extremely disappointing to me. Suffice to say that there are many more things there than just how to cheat at fireworks. Instructions are there for how to crash everyone in the room (except you) when you play a certain song on the music party - What fun! This is typical of the things that are there. Everything is either completely malicious or completely fraudulent. To find out that people are doing this (and I have reason to believe that it is more wide spread than just a few people getting high scores on fireworks) has really depressed me with regards to the game.

Some of you may know that I was the victim of a scam earlier this summer. I was trading for a code, and traded away my complete space suit. I agreed to trade first because the person had told me that he had lost a couple of codes already by giving them first. I felt sorry for the person on the other end, so agreed to trade first. (after all, someone has to trade first, and it can be hard for people to build up their reputation unless someone gives them a chance) Anyway, I was cheated by this person. I know from a reputable source that this person is now back in the game with another character (same IP address, mostly same MO, except staying away from code trading this time to avoid a permanent ban) I also know that this person is using the above referenced "hacks". I find it very frustrating that this person continues to scam people, cheat at the game, and just generally operate only a milimeter above scum level.

I know that the point of the game isn't to collect virtual items, but to meet friends, have fun, and chat. I guess my thoughts on this though, come from finding out that the cheating and scamming are a lot more wide spread than I thought. I just am having a hard time opening myself up for friendship, knowing that so many are choosing to cheat. I feel like I don't want to waste my time any more, associating with dishonest people. (not that I am accusing anyone here of cheating - the reason I chose to post this here is because I believe that the dis members are almost all honest)

I would appreciate hearing other's thoughts on this. Am I completely out to lunch?

Wow, I knew about different trade scams since my son has fallen prey a few times, but I wasn't aware of these other things. Although, it doesn't surprise me. Last time I was at VMK central at WDW the CM's there were talking about how people have stolen cards and quest answers. Greed is a very common thing lately on VMK. Too many people are in the "gimme mode".

I too will be spending less time on the computer. Since I started VMK, my house is starting to get clutter and I've gained weight from just sitting at the computer. I'm totally addicted to the game. In fact when my toddler goes looking for me, he checks at the computer first. I love meeting up with all the great DIS and other friends that I've met. But just as I have a time limit on how long my son can play VMK, I'm going to have to do the same for myself. So I'll still be there everyday, just not for hours and hours.

 

[NJ Mike]

tink,

right there with ya.

I also took a step back. Realized that yes i am a disney nut/computer geek and could see how this was pulling me in more and more and only I myself could change that.

So I'll be doing the same as tink. Some days i may be on for 5 minutes a character to get credits, other days an hour or two, but those all day and night deals are done for me as well.


Canadian, i also had no idea people were scamming the system like that, heck i feel bad enough about the mules. Sometimes things change in your perception, or your heart, and it just isnt the same anymore and never can be. I hear you loud and clear on that one. Hopefully you wont leave totally, but if you do there are people here that will miss you, just hope you know that.

 

[Alyce]

tink,

Canadian, i also had no idea people were scamming the system like that, heck i feel bad enough about the mules. Sometimes things change in your perception, or your heart, and it just isnt the same anymore and never can be. I hear you loud and clear on that one. Hopefully you wont leave totally, but if you do there are people here that will miss you, just hope you know that.

Gee Mrs. Mousse is such a lucky goyrl !

Well said Mousse !

Alyce

 

[disvaclub92]

I am stunned!!! I had no idea. I know my children and I have been very close to being scammed during trades, that honestly we have stopped trading with people unless we know them. Same as NJ Mike, I too feel guilty with my mules.

What makes me even more sad, is that fact that due to my poor Fireworks playing skills, my 9 year old has tried numerous times to win me a pin and has had no luck. Why, because she is trying to win it legitimately.

This is so sad. I know it really stinks, but I would hate to have you leave because of a few evil people.

 

[Maleficent2]

OH NO Canadian you can not quit how will I do the Mule Ball without you??????



Ok here is my take...since I was scammed early on I do not trade with anyone that I do not know and know well and they have to be members of the DIS.

Scammers and Cheaters will be there in any game it is not so much about cheating the players and it is about hacking/beating the game programmers.
I am sure that VMk is working on a solution to this as we type away. And since I like to play Pirates with friends and am not going for high scores anyway this does not seem to bother me much because I am sure VMK will deal with this promptly. It really does not affect how I see the game. I quess what I am saying is that I am there for my DIS/VMK friends more than for competition with the games. With a dial up connection it was never about high scores to me anyway heck the game will not even let me play Fireworks 90% of the time it just kicks me back to the lobby before I ever start. I am not saying that it about the competition for anyone else just that it is not about that for me. And while I like having magic and items I just am not that into having the most magic and the rarest stuff.

And while I used to be on everynight until close I am not doing that so much anymore since school is back in session early mornings just come too early

Last time I was at VMK central at WDW the CM's there were talking about how people have stolen cards and quest answers.

How can you steal something that is free? As far as quest answers, I do not consider sharing of answers to quest questions stealing. This is afterall a virtual game and these are virtual prizes nothing material is given out at least not so far as I know. I know some of you will disagree with me on this but so be it. The reason I have the questions and answers posted in the guide is so that people who want to can check their quest answers before turning in their cards. Considering alot of us do not get multiple chances at doing the quests and getting the questions right.

I fully understand you thoughts though and to all my DIS VMK friends I hope no one quits the game completely, I would miss you and be sad at your loss.

Have a Magical Disney Day everyone!

Mal

 

[surferrat]

Hey Canadian,

I can truly understand your feelings toward everything. That is whay I have the surf spot. I could careless about the credits and the rare items...heck I can barley afford the stuff after putting together the photo album of menu.

I can always count on the normal group coming in and chilling...As soon as I log on do my measly credit runs I head to the surf spot and chill until the "regulars" come in..then the fun begins...It is a like a big chat room with little people....

That is why I created the room...so come in at anytime and just sit....and enjoy a not so regularl soda ...wink wink....

 

[lovethattink]

How can you steal something that is free? As far as quest answers, I do not consider sharing of answers to quest questions stealing. This is afterall a virtual game and these are virtual prizes nothing material is given out at least not so far as I know. I know some of you will disagree with me on this but so be it. The reason I have the questions and answers posted in the guide is so that people who want to can check their quest answers before turning in their cards. Considering alot of us do not get multiple chances at doing the quests and getting the questions right.

Mal

Mal---no, not the answers off the website, but their actual answer keys that the CM use to check the answers. In fact, when my son turned in his last tomorrowland quest, they ended up using his sheet as their answer key, because theirs had walked away.


Canadian---please continue to do the things you do enjoy on vmk. I hope to continue to see you around!

 

[blizzard]

As I said in the first post, I am not leaving VMK - I will just be considerably cutting back. I absolutely do not want this to turn into a "please don't leave" thread.

My point in posting was more about how I didn't realize how much cheating and scamming were going on, and how it seems to have pervaded most parts of the game. NJMike, kind of hit it dead on when he said sometimes your perception changes and your heart isn't in it any more. (to paraphrase)

I sincerely hope that the developers can come up with a way of detecting these cheaters and removing them permanently from the game. The people that have scored over 317,000 on fireworks are the easy ones. Heck, they are the stupid ones that have brought the whole thing to light. I'm sure the routine scammer/cheaters are probably not too happy with KingPiratePeg and KropQueen for proving that the game can be hacked and drawing attention to it. To find out that it has spread throughout the kingdom, and that since it is done on the users end, it would be difficult to detect, disappoints me so.

One of my personality characteristics is that I like competition, but it absolutely has to be fair. I detest cheating. I loved running around and trying to collect things in VMK, but to find out that others are cheating at it, makes me lose interest. I don't like the idea of throw away mules, and don't do that, but I know it is not against the rules, so I don't worry too much about it. I don't really like the idea of nedding for points, but again the game is set up so that you can do that, so I don't worry too much about it. To find out that people are "hacking" the game in their quest for virtual supremacy, is completely outside the rules, and is what has caused my heart for the game to change. In the end, I have more important things to be doing, so will spend more time on those things and less on VMK. You will be more likely to find me here on Dis than in VMK for a while.

 

[Beherenow]

Canadian (and MousseDude)-

I hate to hear you feel that way. I consider you one of the nicest people in the game.

I understand there will always be bad people in the world (virtual world included). Please do not let a few bad apples spoil the rest and turn you off the game. Don't let their reasons to be there, like accumulating stuff unethically, take away from the reasons why you are there. There needs to be good people to off-set the bad.

In these few short months, I have seen VMK change a lot. I miss the old beta days, but there is more fun to be had! I understand not wanting to voluntarily participate in something that would make you feel worse. A small break from the game should help you decide what you want to do. Regardless, I hope to continue seeing you in VMK.

On a personal note, I can say I find VMK very enjoyable because I have met some wonderful people there. I hope you can still find many reasons to visit VMK.

 

[Maleficent2]

Mal---no, not the answers off the website, but their actual answer keys that the CM use to check the answers. In fact, when my son turned in his last tomorrowland quest, they ended up using his sheet as their answer key, because theirs had walked away.

Tink I knew you did not feel that way and was not directing any of that at you more at the CM but thanks for the clarification.

Canadian I hope you know that you are a very dear friend and I was not directing anything I said at you, it was just how I feel about the game in general.

I do see how it (it being the hackers)could take the fun of of the game for some...It is not right, but I am sure it will be taken care of promptly.


Mal

 

[4fosterkids]

Wow, what a bummer that people are wasting their time trying to hack into VMK and spoil our fun. I wish people like that would put their "computer assets" into better, more positive uses, instead of trying to beat the system or get ahead, or whatever it is they need! What a shame.
I have still yet to trade with anyone other then my kids, as I am very unsure of trading with strangers, getting scammed and not very sure of the values of items. I would much rather help other people with their wish lists, and just give my extras away.
Let the good, positive, fun VMKer's prevail! I hope they are working hard on unhacking the hackers!

 

[Acemixmasta]

Blizzard-Thank you for the warning, I have seen this happen in the Music Game

Oh any I'm sorry about your Space Suit

 

[redbaybound]

Canadian,

I am sorry that you feel so bad. It is always a dissappointment for me too when I find ppl that are not very nice.

Unfortunately, I think a lot of the blame falls on the game designers themselves. The fact that there are rare items encourages greed and avarice. Most kids and adults are so commercialized these days that they have become focused on the material things instead of the things that really count(family and friends). With items being "rare" it only encourages this community of haves and have nots. When there are ppl that perceive that they have no opportunity to honestly earn something, they will cheat and steal to get it. And as we all know, there is always a cheater or two no matter how good they have it.

Alot of ppl would accuse me of being envious and they might be right. It is only human nature to want things that are precious. (I absolutely love the magic pins but know that I will probably never get inferno.)

I think also that the game is limited in scope and this trade system of rare and quest items gives ppl something to do and focus on, instead of focusing on the lack of other activities available.

I guess the reason I stay is because of the ppl I have come to know. Vellamint put it well one night when she said that it was like being young again. You know, where there was a place all the kids hung out? VMK is a place to go and hang out. A place where there is always a friend waiting and happy to see you. Ppl come and go during the day and you are never sure who is exactly there but what a great variety! and so much fun!

I have had to cut back on my VMK as well, not from dissappointment but from other RL committments. I can tell you this much: If you do choose do back off, we will all miss you when you are not here, but we will be waiting and so happy to see you when you do come back on!

Red

 

[iggbees]

wow. it really doesn't surprise me about the hacking thing. it seems to be common these days. most of it seems to be done by young kids who are interested in computer programming, but don't realize that what they are doing is immoral and wouldn't be accepted in most computer positions.

i really feel like vmk needs a complete overhaul. i really don't think it should be out of its beta version quite yet. there are still a lot of bugs that they need to fix. they also need to revise some of the things that they do to people. i read that post about how they were banning cl's for trying to help people. if the people who run it aren't going to make it fun for all, there's something wrong with this picture. it seems like the creators are more interested in helping themselves and their vmk_whatevers than helping the kids (and adults) who are just trying to play the game for fun. ie. giving out certain things to people, but not to others, banning people for saying words not in the dictionary, when they themselves use them, etc.

i was excited about the game when it came out, but not anymore. i hardly go on, because i a. don't want to be harassed about trading (which i have in my signature that i don't do) and b. don't want to be banned for saying something that is in the dictionary.