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VMK - The Magic is Gone - RIP - 05.21.08

   

Yavn's Final Message from VMK

Live and direct from VMK Central, here's Yavn with a final mesage to the Kingdom...

Not Goodbye...

Well here we are, at the end of a long journey. First, I'd like to say thank you for your notes, emails and letters – they have all made their way to me. I too have many great memories, and like you, I have a great appreciation of VMK.

I wish I could list out my favorite VMK memories and moments, but there are so many it's impossible to list them all. Of course something that I get asked over and over again is what inspired you to make VMK. For each of us it started with a love of the Disney Parks, and in my case it was a book...

The Big Blue Book

I was 11 years old when I went to see a Disney stage show. I don't remember the details of the show, only that each family that attended received a big blue book. In my family, I ended up with the book and spent many, many nights reading it. Over and over again.

The book was called "Disneyland, The First Quarter Century."

The book showcased the first 25 years of the Park with a few pages of the then upcoming Big Thunder Mountain. Many of the attractions shown were still in the Park, but a few that caught my eye (Flying Saucers, Phantom Boats and Carousel of Progress) made me wish I could turn back the clock.

Yavn took inspiration for VMK from this book about Disneyland.

I spent so much time visiting and reading about Disneyland that I started to know every inch of it, past and present. But Disneyland wasn't my only passion, I was also a huge fan of video games, and I always thought it would be cool to make a computerized version of Disneyland. Of course I had no idea what that would mean until much later...

What amazes me now is the way that Disneyland found its way to the internet, and again is showing the world an exciting new frontier – a digital frontier, that lives on the internet.

Now VMK is going away. Just like several attractions at Disneyland that have come and gone, VMK was just the first step in a new age of online attractions. However unlike Disneyland, VMK was never built to run forever. VMK was just the beginning – who knows what we will imagine next!

Still we've had a great time, shared some great memories – and years from now, someone will mention VMK in a conversation and you can smile and say proudly "Yeah, I played it."

Thank You!

Finally, we'd like to give all our players 30 days of unlimited access to both Pirates of the Caribbean Online and Toontown Online. If you're interested in this offer, email us at: vmk@disneyonline.com.

Important: Please make sure you provide your VMK character name to be eligible (this is the character name you played as in VMK -- we don't need your login, password or other info, just your character name).

And Thank YOU!

It takes a great many people to create, build and run a virtual Park. I'd like to thank Team VMK, all of our friends and partners at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom – but most of all, you.

I ask one last favor of all of you – remember VMK as one step along the journey. Like I said, in the history of the Disney Parks, we've seen attractions go away to be replaced by better experiences. Still those older attractions are talked about today just as fondly as they were when they were opened (Flying Saucers, House Of The Future, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride at Walt Disney World, America Sings).

Let's keep a special place in our hearts and minds for VMK and remember the fun, friends and fantasy while we keep an eye toward the great things to come.

Remember this is farewell, not goodbye! After some much needed rest you'll probably catch me sailing the virtual seas in Pirates, or flying around in Pixie Hollow.

Thanks for playing VMK,
Yavn

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Social Media is NOT an Experiment!!

"Bad move: Disney shutting down Virtual Magic Kingdom:

Disney's Virtual Magic Kingdom to Close Doors

On May 21, Disney is closing down Virtual Magic Kindgom. Launched to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Disneyland in 2005, the virtual attraction saw strong enough numbers to keep it running for three unexpected years, but, as producer Seth "Yavn" Mendelsohn explained in a newsletter earlier this week, "the game has lived well beyond the originally intended time it was planned to run."

"At Disney we're still committed to building communities and online virtual worlds – and we're looking forward to providing you the opportunity to enjoy other exciting new experiences," Mendelsohn continued..."
read entire post

Source: Laurel Papworth -Social Networks

VMK R.I.P. 05.21.08

IsadoraQ from SaveVMK.com Would Like to Say Something...

"I have been thinking, and I wanted to say this:

In this world we come across many different types of people. We may find that people are generally doing positive and helpful things. Or, they may be doing negative and harmful actions, either by themselves, or by allowing others to do so.

It is always wise to try to steer clear of those who are so wrapped up in their own concerns that they will hurt others -- either on purpose, or indirectly because they simply don't care enough about other people to think about the consequences of what they are doing.

Even when we are careful about who we choose deal with, it can still be disappointing to find people choosing these negative actions, whether it is a single person, or a group of people, like a company.

We are sadly surprised to find Disney in this category. We are stunned at the way they have treated people all over the world, especially kids. They did not even give a sincere apology, but instead watered down their explanation with excuses and defenses. It is also sad to see how different the Walt Disney Corporation is now from the man, Walt Disney, himself. He was a good businessman also, but he kept his focus on making people -- especially children and families -- happy. He once said:

"A person should set his goals as early as he can and devote all his energy and talent to getting there. With enough effort, he may achieve it. Or he may find something that is even more rewarding. But in the end, no matter what the outcome, he will know he has been alive."

Happily for us, as in the words of Walt Disney, something even better has come along when something else goes away. Maybe VMK went away, so a better thing could come alive?! We want to express our profound gratitude and admiration for the folks over at www.virtualfamilykingdom.com. They are concerned families, just like we are, who wanted to help and not allow the friendships and lives of VMKers to die. The people at VFK have been working so hard to have their kingdom ready for everyone, so that no one need be disappointed. Their new world looks lovely and exciting! We feel very happy that they stood up and decided to help, thus becoming a true hero for us all, and saving the fun and friendships we enjoyed on VMK, and giving hope to all of us. May their kingdom last forever, and our friendships, too!!

Walt Disney also said,

"You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you."

This is, no doubt, true. But I don't think anyone -- including Disney himself -- would ever have imagined that the Walt Disney Corporation would be the one kicking millions of children in the teeth.

Lizzie_Magic wrote today, and said,

"Thanks so much for setting up this site IsadoraQ! It is too bad that Disney still refuses to listen to the voices of the people. I don't know about you, but after VMK is over, there is no way I am going to support the other Disney websites that they are trying to switch us to. Did you ever find out the REAL reason why they are shutting it down? Well, we have one day. Maybe there will be a sign tomorrow that says: BIG NEWS! VMK LIVES ON!!!! Otherwise, there will be a great sadness throughout the world. Oh well. Thanks again!"

So we will see what happens tomorrow. Regardless, please know that SaveVMK.com will still be here. Hang in there. Talk to your parents, or others who care about you, about how you feel. And, I'll see you all at Virtual Family Kingdom!!

Thanks to everyone for their support,
        IsadoraQ "

Source: SaveVMK.com

AN IMPORTANT NOTE FROM VMKBLOG.COM...
VMK KIDS PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not post your e-mail address on any blog, YouTube video, comment, discussion forum or otherwise, with the hopes of tracking down your VMK friends.  I do not know what VFK has in store for us, but it is probably safer than posting your info online in an effort to find your friends.  PARENTS: PLEASE discuss with your kids/pre-teens/teenagers, etc. the risks of posting your personal information online.  DISNEY has most certainly let the VMK community down by not creating a safe harbor or transition period for the kids of VMK.  Disney hoped VMK kids would just transition over to their new virtual worlds, but due to understandable trust issues, it cannot be assumed they will automatically convert into a toon, pirate, penguin, fairy or car. 

Message Sent...

Hello,

I, like so many others, are asking you to please reconsider your decision to close Virtual Magic Kingdom (VMK).  You will not see a letter from me.  Instead my “letter” consists of my blog, www.vmkblog.com, which I have been actively posting to regarding virtually each and every aspect of VMK’s closure.  Among the hundreds of posts, you might be interested in some of the headlines you have been creating (listed at the end of this message). 

You have billed VMK as a “promotion” when in fact you knew from the very beginning that you were building a community.  You never told the kids/families that VMK would not be around for the long haul.  Now you have tens of thousands doubting Disney, and the magic that it so often embodies.   

In closing, I thought you would be interested in the following video that was sent to the Los Angeles Times.  They are interested in covering the story as many other media sources have over the past several weeks:

This song was written and sung by a “VMK’er” hoping to help Save VMK with her music video…please watch it.  It is another example of children reaching out and trying to make a difference in their “world”.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qLVeQpTRZk

Please let their voices be heard, the media exposure and positive feedback from the VMK discussion-forum community has helped them feel like they have a voice and an impact.  However, they feel their actions have fallen on deaf ears as it concerns Disney and its executives.  Their efforts do not end poverty or end wars, but it is a youthful display of activism and it deserves to be recognized, encouraged and supported.

Thank you for your consideration (and see below),
vmk blog

VMK CLOSURE: RECENT PRESS COVERAGE
Los Angeles Times
There's no Tomorrowland for the Virtual Magic Kingdom of Disney

Wall Street Journal
Fans Resist End of Virtual Disneyland

OC Register
Disney’s Virtual Magic Kingdom explained by virtual world expert

The Industry Standard
When Virtual Worlds Die

Associated Press
Associated Press: OMG! VMK is Going Away

The Motley Fool
Disney Trashes Its Kingdom

CBC Radio: Spark
Corporate Responsibility to Online Virtual Worlds

NextUp
Does Disney "Get" Virtual Worlds?

Central Florida News 13
Breaking News Video: Online Disney Dilemma

Virtual Worlds News
On Another Note: Nielsen: Club Penguin Growth Slows

Virtual Worlds News
WSJ Notes Virtual Magic Kingdom Backlash

Los Angeles Business Journal
Media Coverage on VMK Closure

GameSpot
Editorial: Ideas for the Mouse

Sydney Morning Herald
Why Games Matter

NewsTalk 710 Seattle Radio
NewsTalk 710 KIRO from Seattle - TBTL Show

Silicon Valley Insider
‘Casual Gamers’ Not So Relaxed If You Mess With Their Games (DIS)

Church of the Customer Blog
Closing a Disney Community

VMK Blog Commentary
Club Penguin...Obvious Fit...HUH???

NBC Local News 6
Local 6 - Save VMK Media Coverage

United Press International
Fans protest end of Disney online game

VMK BLOG CATEGORIES OF INTEREST:
Home Page
http://www.vmkblog.com/

Media Coverage
http://www.vmkblog.com/media_coverage/index.html

Commentary
http://www.vmkblog.com/commentary/index.html

Daily Picture
http://www.vmkblog.com/daily_pic/index.html

You Tube
http://www.vmkblog.com/you_tube/index.html

An Analysis of VMK, from Chris

"No need to try to contact me unless you wish to.

I noticed the following things that happened in rapid order:

Following the end of the pirate celebration, specifically the big pirate quest, there was the Yavn "scolding" about all the cheating and other stuff going on in regards to that quest. A couple of days later, VMK announces its closure. The next day, I start seeing a surge in the "Year of a Million Dreams" television promotion. Then, I see commercials for the Disney pirates online game within days of that. As April rolls around, a new batch of Disney travel shows on The Travel Channel(which I have recorded). Also, notice sites such as MSN and other high traffic sites with Disney travel banner ads.

Obviously, Disney is spending millions on marketing, promotional and other advertising, with no real method of finding out what is working for them.

And here it is, VMK, a great promotional tool, which they have used to promote a good many things Disney. And like the print, television and internet ads, no real way of knowing what is driving income into the big pot of money that is Disney. The other games are not open ended enough to allow the direct and blatant interjection of promotional material. VMK allows this. Proof? Pirates stuff during the releases of POTC3. High School Musical mania promoted via a long running quest. Hannah Montana and Twitches got similar treatments. Ongoing games from the Narnia, POTC and Terabithia promotional sites handing out codes for use with VMK. The game helped get my little kids excited about their trip to WDW last November.

So, axe VMK. Let's make every a penguin. Make everyone a pirate. Make everyone a toon. Soon, make everyone a fairy(let's avoid crude jokes). Let's make everyone a car.

Sorry. I like Disney parks. I want to be me. Unlike some people, I chose to make my little avatar look like me. I walk around in black shorts, black shoes, wear glasses and it even came with hair similar to mine.

VMK: I could be ME in Disney, as if I was there without the costs. My daily escape. The other games won't do it for me.

Oh well. I'm a technician. What do I know about marketing?"

Source: Save VMK Comments (please give this page time to load, there 4,311 comments)

LA Times: There's no Tomorrowland for the Virtual Magic Kingdom of Disney

"The online game created to celebrate Disneyland's 50th anniversary in 2005 is to be closed today because it 'never achieved scale,' a company spokesman says. Thousands of loyal players are outraged.

By Dawn C. Chmielewski and Alex Pham, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers
7:47 AM PDT, May 21, 2008

With the aid of a special mouse pad and on-screen keyboard, Madison Reed has found a way to venture beyond the protective confines of her home in suburban Columbus, Ohio, and play with other children in a Disney theme park.

Madison, who suffers from a severe neuromuscular disease called spinal muscular atrophy, gravitated to Disney's Virtual Magic Kingdom, an online game that re-creates aspects of the company's theme parks. It was in this online world that she took her first steps. She rode a ride without being held or sitting in a wheelchair. And, at the age of 11, she celebrated the first birthday party with friends in February..."
read entire article

Source: Los Angeles Times

On Disney's Puzzling Online Move: Buy vs. Build

"This Wall Street Journal article lays out one of the most perplexing things about how established companies, leaders in their industries, behave with an incumbent's mind-set...

"The situation shows how sticky things can get when free, nonrevenue-generating gimmicks blossom into hits. In 2006, Disney boasted that one million avatars had been created inside VMK, though the company declines to say how many users the site actually has (individuals can create multiple characters). The site, which operates from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. Pacific time, still boasts a few thousand daily users."

Couple of remarkable takeaways from this little quote.

1.  Disney managed to get a million folks to translate their off-line affinity for Disney parks into some online activity.  It fizzled in growing users from there  of course, since the whole thing was designed just as a short-term "promotion" for the perennial off-line properties.

2.  Disney actually had off-line operating hours for an online site, which presumably can be accessed 24/7, from anywhere in the world.

Some of these questions popped into my mind reading this saga:

1. How much does it cost to keep the site running?  How does that cost compare to other promotional initiatives by Disney for it's off-line properties that last for years or indefinitely?

2. What are the pros and cons of moving the site from it's marketing/promotional departments, to the operational side?  What if this were turned over to some in-house employees with a "start-up mentality", and ask them to see how something like this could be turned into a sustainable virtual presence of Disney's real-world properties?  Could it be morphed into being both a permanent promotional and an entertaining  online property in it's own right?  And of course, could that be turned into a profitable operation in the long-term?

3.  Would an effort like this cost anywhere near the $700 million it cost Disney to buy Club Penguin last year from outside entrepreneurs with the right "startup mentality"?..."
read entire post

Source:   *michael parekh on IT* Ruminations on the Internet, Technology, and Interesting Trends around the globe.