Kiwi: Hi there Za and thank you for taking the time to be interviewed.
Za: :)
Kiwi: How long have you been in Active Worlds Za?
Za: I was a Tourist for two weeks in 1998 then on Christmas Day I gave myself a present of citizenship here.
Kiwi: What was it you loved so much about AW that made you decide to be a citizen?
Za: The challenge of building. I love puzzles and AW was like one to me. However, meeting people from all over the world was and is fascinating, too.
Kiwi: You're very active in AW Za, as a DJ for PKToons as well as a Teacher in AWSchool. Do you enjoy both roles here?
Za: Yes I do, Kiwi. I love to meet new people and help when and where possible.
Kiwi: You're obviously a music lover.
Za: Music has always been important to me. My job when I was working was stressful and music provided the release I needed.
Kiwi: What other things do you like to do in AW?
Za: My teaching doesn't stop when I leave the School. I often have students I've taught, who ask me to see their builds which I consider an honour as I get to see wether my teaching is effective or not and where I might need to place more emphasis on. I enjoy traveling around seeing other builds as they do tell a history and inspire one. Rest of the time, it is listening to music and chatting with people and building.
Kiwi: Where would you like to see tourists land first in AW, and why?
Za: There are pros and cons in every possible idea, Kiwi. Everyone is unique, so coming into Active Worlds will elicit different responses to the reception at any "gate" put up. Perhaps one could suggest that we ask the newer ones coming in what they saw and felt during their first few days? I think that would be more helpful information than anything I can offer you, Kiwi. Personally, something like the school and gate combined and modified would be good, as it will allow the tourist to read and/or learn as much as they want. Or they can ask for help or simply stand around talking. Another idea is to show how fun it can be with a dance floor nearby. That also indicates socializing, IMHO. Just a few thoughts only.
Kiwi: Tell me one thing you think could be done to bring in more people to AW?
Za: Those with a blog or perhaps a social networking program like Facebook or even Twitter could help to advertise Active Worlds there. Putting up pictures which would entice people to come in to see what it is about. Just words are not enough. Maybe even a little video made in Active Worlds would go a long way.
Kiwi: What improvements would you like to see in our CAVs?
Za: For the current CAV system you and I have, Kiwi, more options for hair, clothing and perhaps the ability to add things like other textures. I like that we can be individual enough to edit the files if we so choose as not everyone can do it. Kiwi, we have seen some of the newer people coming in through the School and AWMix07 with a somewhat different CAV than we use now. After seeing and talking with those wearing the new ones, it is evident that we will not have that editing ability when it becomes available to all of us. In taking away that ability to edit the CAV files, I hope something really exciting is brought in to help us have more unique CAVs. The CAVs are the first draw for creativeness in Active Worlds so hopefully it's a priority in further enhancements to the program.
Kiwi: If you were given one thing you could change in AW, what would it be?
Za: I'm not a programmer so don't know what is possible even. I'm grateful that we have this program to play with and meet so many unique individuals from around the world. This is so different from being in say mIRC or other chat relay places where you can really do things and be a part of the community. It may be slow reaching a happy medium to please everyone but all good things are worth waiting for. They need us to play with their program to make it what we think we would like to see as well as achieving their own vision of the future of Active Worlds.
Kiwi: Do you have your own World Za?
Za: Yes, I do, Kiwi. It is currently closed as I can only have 5 people in the world at once and I don't have enough time to build in it so is not ready for the public. It will be open however for the New Years Eve events between December 30th and January 1st inclusive. Changes there are happening as we speak. Oh! You want the name of it? lol - Mirage is the name. What you see today, may or may not be! ;o)
Kiwi: What would be your favorite world to visit?
Za: There are so many unique and wonderful worlds out there, it is hard to pinpoint one world, Kiwi. A lot depends on my mood at the time and how much time I have. I am often found on AWMix07 or at the School though.
Kiwi: What is the biggest change you have seen since you came to Active Worlds?
Za: The type of people that come here since I became a citizen.
Kiwi: Can you explain that a little Za?
Za: Back in the heyday up to about five years ago, there were lots of people in "character". Now people are more themselves which makes it is more pleasant environment for everyone. Mind you the population has also dwindled considerably.
Kiwi: For others to get to know you better, describe yourself.
Za: My first thought reading your question, Kiwi, is my favourite saying "I am who I am I am". lol I enjoy helping people in any way I can. Be it to listen, lend a shoulder and/or hand - my favourite is having fun! I love music, laughter and good friends around me. Have always preferred a positive ambience. I am not one for being the centre of attention in a crowd. I do enjoy watching others have fun even at my own expense sometimes.
Kiwi: Za its been an pleasure to do an interview with you :-) Is there anything you would like to add to this interview?
Za: Let's all enjoy Active Worlds, help in improving Active Worlds and be active in the community. Above all else, have FUN!
Kiwi: Thank you so much for letting us get to know you better ;-) Have an awesome day Za.
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