Vol. 2, No.10, October 1, 1999
Highlights From This Issue:

 


Active Worlds News, Product Highlights, Contests


Educational Universe Opens Its Doors To Educators

On Monday, September 27, The Active Worlds Educational Universe held it's first *Open House* event, a first of its kind event for the educational community. Educators from around the globe were invited to come tour the revolutionary educational environments that the Active Worlds technology makes possible, as well as participate in discussions with veteran VR (virtual reality) education specialists. Michael Heim, author of the acclaimed Electric Language and Virtual Realism discussed the Art Center College of Design's innovative approach to virtual space as an educational tool. Margaret Corbit, Science Writer for the Cornell Theory Center, took educators on a virtual tour of Cornell University's SciCentr, a virtual exploration of scientific methods and data; and Bonnie DeVarco, Director of the V-UCSC project, shared some of the experiences of the University of California at Santa Cruz's highly successful virtual campus and orientation program. The day culminated in a fantastic hands-on exploration of Geometry with the Struck Team.

The Educational Universe will be hosting regular events for educators to come experience how Active Worlds is changing the face of education. For more information, please visit the AW EDU's web site http://www.activeworlds.com/edu.

Let Us Host Your World At Our New Lower Prices!

Let us host your world on our servers. We have the expertise and technology to provide you with worry-free, high-bandwidth server hosting. Your world server will reside on the same machines that are currently running AlphaWorld and the entire Active Worlds Universe. Our servers are backed up by quadruple T1 connections to ensure continuous service to our customers.

Pricing Configurations for World Hosting (no FTP)

  • Personal class $199
  • Commercial class $399
Purchasing: Ordering by Secured Web Transaction. Activeworlds.com, Inc. supports the SSL Internet security standard. Just fill out our secured online transaction form. https://www.anacom.com/order/cof/hosting.htm
Ordering by Phone:
You may pay over the phone with a credit card.
Dial (978) 499-0222 in the USA.

Avatars 99: Colonizing Cyberspace

Saturday Dec 4th, 1999, all day, all time zones

Following in the success of AVATARS 98, which was held entirely online in Active Worlds, the Contact Consortium is bringing back it's popular Annual Conference on Inhabited Cyberspace.

Avatars are your identity in Cyberspace, a new kind of Cyberspace: 2D and 3D virtual worlds inhabited by real people in real time. From their humble beginnings in the spring of 1995, avatar Cyberspace has grown into universes of thousands of worlds inhabited by hundreds of thousands of people just like you. From cities, to galleries, to storyspaces, to businesses, to virtual universities and anything else that can issue from the imagination, these worlds show that there is "a new cyberspace" coming on the cusp of the new millennium.

This year's theme is "Colonizing Cyberspace" and we will take you "avonauts" on a magical mystery tour of worlds and show you how people have begun to populate this new alternative cyberspace and let them tell the stories behind their lives "in-world". Last year we pioneered this kind of event with Avatars98, the first conference and tradeshow held entirely online within a 3D conference hall. This year we will have an expanded exhibit, art show, webcam central, avvy awards area, tour telepark, and most importantly, a highly advanced "virtual discussion room" system driven by bots that allows speakers to "colonize the program" and set up and operate their own sessions.

If you're interested in finding out more about Avatars 99 check out the Contact Consortium's web site at http://www.ccon.org

If you'd like to volunteer to participate in Avatars 99, contact Bruce Damer (Digigardener). damer@digitalspace.com

Think AW Rocks? Then Tell A Friend!

When we updated the web site last month, we added a new feature where you can send an email to your friends to let them know about AW! Since then hundreds of you have invited your friends to come join our awesome community! If you have a friend you want to tell about Active Worlds, then send them a note! http://www.activeworlds.com/products/share.html

AW Support's Tech Tip Of The Month

SHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! IT'S A SECRET!!!!!!!!!!!

KEEP YOUR PASSWORD TO YOURSELF!

We've seen an increase in people complaining that their accounts have been stolen due to the fact that they have been sharing their passwords. We recommend that if you want to share your privileges with someone else, you allow them to use your PRIVILEGE PASSWORD, but not your main password. You should never give your main password out to anyone, especially a total stranger. Remember, if they have your password, they can easily take over your account; and it can be quite a process to get it back. Not to mention you could risk losing some of your property too.

We also recommend that you exercise extreme caution in accepting files from other people, there are many different viral strains roaming around the Internet, and you could accidentally become infected. Please make sure you exercise caution when accepting files in AW, via ICQ or email.

Worlds/Sites We Recommend This Month

Check out these really cool places in the AW Universe :)

ABC, one of the really cool AWCOM public building worlds!
http://objects.activeworlds.com/cgi-bin/teleport.cgi?abc

Kuijfe's Hand Painted Tolkien Gallery, a medieval wonderland. (AW 5559N 6684E)
http://objects.activeworlds.com/cgi-bin/teleport.cgi?aw_5559N_6684E

Mr Majesty's Kingdom, an very interesting place in AW. (AW 24664.6S 26673.4E 0.0a 90)
http://objects.activeworlds.com/cgi-bin/teleport.cgi?AW_24664.6S_26673.4E_0.0a_90

TRC's Listening Center, the spot for MIDI's in AW. (AW 8288.9N 8276.5E 0.0a 260)
http://objects.activeworlds.com/cgi-bin/teleport.cgi?aw_8288.9N_8276.5E_0.0a 260

Thee's Golf Club, Mauz's Historical Recommendation of the Month. (AW 16S 217E)
http://objects.activeworlds.com/cgi-bin/teleport.cgi?aw_16S_217E


Community Events


From the AWEC Calendar

http://www.awcommunity.org/awec
October 1999 Events
October 1st, 1:30AM VRT DreamSide Gorge Opening Gala (AW 72.3N 21177.1E 10.5a 180)
http://objects.activeworlds.com/cgi-bin/teleport.cgi?AW_72.3N_21177.1E_10.5a_180

October 2nd, 5:00PM VRT Cy Awards voting closes
Cy Awards Vote Page: http://www.awcommunity.org/cyawards/cyawards7.htm

October 2nd, 10:00PM VRT AWTeen party hardy (AWTEEN 200n 38e)
http://objects.activeworlds.com/cgi-bin/teleport.cgi?awteen_200n_38e

October 9th, 11:00PM VRT ZGV's New Art/Artist Exhibition (cofmeta 1000N 30E 180)
http://objects.activeworlds.com/cgi-bin/teleport.cgi?cofmeta_1000N_30E_180

October 16th, 5:00PM VRT Cy Awards Gala (AWCC)
http://objects.activeworlds.com/cgi-bin/teleport.cgi?awcc_0n_0w

October 17th, 7:00PM VRT Community Show Off (AWCC 26s 2e 240)
http://objects.activeworlds.com/cgi-bin/teleport.cgi?AWCC_26s_2e_240

October 23rd, 7:00PM VRT AWEC's Trivia Contest (AWCC 14.6n 20.5e)
http://objects.activeworlds.com/cgi-bin/teleport.cgi?AWCC_14.6n_20.5e

October 23rd & 24th PV Cyber Pride '99 (AW 2222s 2222e 222)
http://objects.activeworlds.com/cgi-bin/teleport.cgi?AW_2222s_2222e

To let the community know about your upcoming event, please submit the registration form on the Active Worlds Event Committee's web page.
http://www.awcommunity.org/awec

Regular Events
Active Worlds University Classes in Building, Graphic Arts, RWX Modeling, and AW Technologies
http://objects.activeworlds.com/cgi-bin/teleport.cgi?AWUniv

A'tuin Treasure Hunt
http://objects.activeworlds.com/cgi-bin/teleport.cgi?A'tuin

Prayer Meeting, Sundays midnight VRT in Christian
http://objects.activeworlds.com/cgi-bin/teleport.cgi?Chrstian

Astrology & Relationships discussion, Mondays 1:00AM VRT in A1stLove
http://objects.activeworlds.com/cgi-bin/teleport.cgi?A1stLove

Bible Study, Thursdays midnight VRT in Christian
http://objects.activeworlds.com/cgi-bin/teleport.cgi?Chrstian

Bingo in AWBingo, every Wednesday night
http://objects.activeworlds.com/cgi-bin/teleport.cgi?AWBingo

"Tech Talk" with Active Worlds lead developer Roland Vilett, Fridays at 8PM VRT, in AWUniv
http://objects.activeworlds.com/cgi-bin/teleport.cgi?AWUniv_32N_32W


News From The Active Worlds Community


The Active Worlds University system (AWUniv, AWUniv2, and AWNewbie) is actively recruiting teachers in all fields. If you think you've got what it takes to teach a course or two, they would love to hear from you!

If you're good with bots, graphics, objects, avatars, textures, backdrops, or building then we need you! Courses include:

    Intro to Photoshop
    Intro to PaintShopPro
    Making Textures for use in AW
    Making Objects/Avatars for use in AW
    Making Bots for use in AW
    Basic and Advanced Building Techniques
To apply to be a teacher contact Kellee in AW or email awu@awcommunity.org

Travel To Mars!!!!!

(courtesy of Canopus)

The Mars Travel Bureau Tours to many of the best sites on Mars world have been updated to include building activity from August 1998 to August 1999. There are now over 150 sites on 17 separate Tours. Mars is organized by a system of 7 spaceports & 22 railways leading away from the spaceports. There are Mars Travel Bureau desks in all the spaceports, & the Tours use the railways. Visitors arriving via the Gate at GZ can go directly to the Mars Travel & Information Building at
Mars 31S 8E
http://objects.activeworlds.com/cgi-bin/teleport.cgi?mars_31s_8e
and board the Amazonis express train to Mt Olympus Spaceport, or go on either of two local Tours of the Amazonis region. More information is available at
http://pw1.netcom.com/~aek2/sites.html

Cy Awards - All That Glitters is AW Gold

(courtesy of AlphaBit Phalapha)

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Each round of the Cy Awards gets more exciting! To date we have over 250 votes that have come in! Thank you Activeworlds Community for this great show of Community Involvement!

Voting will close this Saturday October 2nd at 5pm VRT...so if you haven't placed your votes yet...please make sure you beat that deadline:) You can vote on the Cy Home Page at http://www.awcommunity.org/cyawards and if you have any problems please email us at cyawards@awcommunity.org

Please be sure to attend the Cy Awards Ceremony Saturday October 16th at 5pm VRT in AWCC World, to congratulate this round's Recipients and all that were nominated:) Winners will be announced at the Ceremony:) They have all done a fantastic job in building...designing...creating...sharing..well....the list goes on and on:)

So please don't miss this opportunity to share in what YOU the Community have made possible; and continue to nurture and grow...The Cy Awards:)

Thank you again! And see you at the Cy's!

AlphaBit Phalpha and The Cy Committee:)

Ancient Dinosaur Pyramid Found In AWGate

(courtesy of Grok Wolf)

In Active Worlds, you never know what you're going to run across next. What you'll find in the hundreds of worlds that you can visit using the Active Worlds Browser range from a castle with a moat and a working drawbridge (want the location?) to a fountain that flows from a seemingly magical source, hidden from mortal eyes.

One day in the world awgate, the world where new users are greeted and welcomed to Active Worlds by friendly and helpful Gate Keepers, a small group of citizens who had registered and were able to make use of a large number of avatars decided to make a 'dino pyramid'. They each assumed the form of a tyrannosaurus rex by selecting the T-rex avatar in their avatars list, and then moved into position. Since dinosaurs aren't exactly well known for their organization skills, no one should really be surprised that the result wasn't perfect, but was without any doubt rather unique.

http://homepage.davesworld.net/~grokwolf/awdinos.jpg

Are You A Master Bot Builder? Then Show Us Your Stuff!

(courtesy of Byte Me)

AWBot will be hosting it's first Bot Making Contest this month! Participants will be designing bots for different categories, and AW's master bot makers will be putting them through their paces. Prizes for the contest include worlds and citizenships.

Contest begins October 10th. To find out more contact Byte Me at webmaster@byte3d.hypermart.net for more information.

Get To Know Your Neighbours

We think it would be great if everyone got a chance to get to know some of the volunteers in the community, and to find out why they love AW so much. This month we're highlighting the Gatekeeper of the Month, Frosta, and AWNewbie's Teacher Energiser! If there's a volunteer you'd like to see us highlight, let us know!
newsletter@activeworlds.com

Meet Frosta!

OK This is More Like A Confession :)

I'm from Northern Illinois. I'm Almost *cough* 41 yrs old I have 2 Wonderful children. My Son IS 19 yrs old My Daughter will be 3 yrs old Now that's what you call Planned Parenting!

I have been in AW for close to 2 yrs now and a GateKeeper for 1 yr. I found out about AW through A friend on AOL and boy does she regret ever telling me since I pretty much live here now. Like so Many Others I have Alot of Dear friends here. Have seen Life and Death and Marriages (won't mention bad stuff)

May Sound strange to some but besides being nominated GK of the Month, I was also given the pleasure of being made a Team Leader.

So Enjoy AW And always Hope There will be someone to Help Newcomers and Old at AW Gateway :)

Meet Energiser!

Hi, my name is Energiser. I chose this name because I like to think positive and charge everyone up. I'm from C eh N eh D eh and I love to help. In November of 98 I emigrated from tourist to citizen and about 1/2 way through my first year as a citizen I discovered there was more that I could do and began teaching. I've since found this great spot in Activeworlds where I can use my skills and help others to enjoy the program. It's called awnewbie and it's where you can learn to build and occasionally someone will come in with unrelated questions. I teach basic building there and along with a few other great teachers whom I've watched and learned a great deal from. Occasionally I get to show someone the advanced stuff. This world has demo area's that you can review on the different lessons as well as a great object yard that uses AW objects.

I'm told I have the patience of a saint at times so if you think you're unteachable, not to worry. I may not have all the answers but I'm not afraid to ask and I don't always understand the answers the first time either but hey look at me now :) Totally addicted to Activeworlds and the people I meet there. Have a good day :) I do, it's a rule of mine.

Universal Town Network

(courtesy of Goober King)

The Universal Town Network offers exposure and advertising for towns in the Active Worlds Universe, help for those who need to find land to build on, and help to those who're thinking about starting their own community. I feel this would be an invaluable resources for AW citizens and tourists alike.

http://lavender.fortunecity.com/heat/318/utn/utnhome.htm

Gotta Problem? Call A Peacekeeper!

If, while you are travelling in AW, you find yourself in distress don't hesitate to call upon the Peacekeepers for aide! The Peacekeepers are community volunteers who are available to help you with issues pertaining to harassment and vandalism, or any other troublesome situation. They are a great resource for conflict resolution and mediation! To find out more about the Peacekeepers, please visit their web site at
http://www.peacekeeper.net
or email them at
peacekeeper@activeworlds.com.

We Wanna Hear From You!

If you would like to write an article for the newsletter or have a project you would like to share with the community through this newsletter, please contact us (newsletter@activeworlds.com) to find out more about participating.


Help/Contact Information


Need Help With AW?

http://www.activeworlds.com/help
support@activeworlds.com

Wanna Take Building Lessons?

Beginners - AWSchool
http://objects.activeworlds.com/cgi-bin/teleport.cgi?awschool
Intermediate/Advanced - AWUniv
http://objects.activeworlds.com/cgi-bin/teleport.cgi?awuniv
Clase de Construcción en Español - Spanish
http://objects.activeworlds.com/cgi-bin/teleport.cgi?spanish
Missing Pieces?
If you can't find the object you need to finish your project, then try one of the many building yards other community members have created! Teleports courtesy of The Real Pops (AW 8985S 187W).
http://objects.activeworlds.com/cgi-bin/teleport.cgi?aw_8985s_187w
AW Object Picture Library
http://members.xoom.com/alphaworld/

Community Resources

Web Sites
The Official Active Worlds Web Site
http://www.activeworlds.com

The Active Worlds Web Ring
http://www.activeworlds.com/awwr

The Active Worlds Community Pages
http://www.awcommunity.org

The Active Worlds Yellow Pages
http://www.8day.com/awyp/default.asp

Active Search
http://www.horrorhorizon.net/search/

Ring of Chaos
http://www.aamie.com/roc/index.html

Newsgroups
AWCommunity
news://news.activeworlds.com/awcommunity

Bots
news://news.activeworlds.com/bots

SDK
news://news.activeworlds.com/sdk

WorldBuilders
news://news.activeworlds.com/worldbuilders

The Wishlist
news://news.activeworlds.com/wishlist

AW Contact Information

Activeworlds.com, Inc.
cof@activeworlds.com

Billing Questions
billing@activeworlds.com

Technical Support
support@activeworlds.com

Community Coordinator
community@activeworlds.com

Newsletter
newsletter@activeworlds.com

@mart
amart@activeworlds.com

Active Worlds Commitment To Education Program
edu@activeworlds.com

Gate Keepers
http://www.activeworlds.com/gks
gatekeepers@activeworlds.com
The Gate Keepers are citizens of Active Worlds who have decided to devote an amount of their own time to helping new users of the system to get used to the software, the environment, and the culture of ActiveWorlds.

Peacekeepers
http://www.peacekeeper.net
peacekeeper@activeworlds.com
The Peacekeepers are citizens of Active Worlds who have volunteered to devote time to aiding new users and assisting all users in disputes and try to prevent harassment of any user by others regardless of the form, be it verbal abuse and harassment, racism or vandalism.

SMILE : ) AWCOM  LOVES YOU!



The staff at Activeworlds.com, Inc.
http://www.activeworlds.com
cof@activeworlds.com