Kiwi: Hiya Merry, and thank you for taking the time to be interviewed.
Merry: Hello Kiwi, I am very chuffed to be asked :-)
Kiwi: Can I ask you where in the world you are?
Merry: I live in Mid Devon in the UK, near Exeter.
Kiwi: How long have you been in Active Worlds?
Merry: Seven years now.
Kiwi: How did you find Active Worlds?
Merry: I was actually introduced to Active Worlds by CadGuy who used to post on the same AOL Message Board as me a few years back.
Kiwi: What was your first impression when you arrived in AW?
Merry: I was gobsmacked. This might sound silly, but I was fascinated by the movements of the avatars. I couldn't help constantly doing the macarena because it amused me. :)
Kiwi: What is it you like to do in AW? Apart from slaying zombies lol
Merry: lol! Well when I have slain as many zombies as I can in the day, I like nothing better than to just chat at AWGate and to catch up on doing the birthday builds, as organised by NurseMom.
Kiwi: Can you tell us what kind of things you like to do in life away from AW?
Merry: Well I love the countryside, I love animals and natural history. I have 4 cats a guinea pig and 4 goldfish. I also love gardening, trying my hardest to achieve a cottage garden look with loads of colour and scent. Can I mention here that I will become a Grandmother for the first time in March! That means I will be getting out my knitting needles again (having put them away when my kids objected to hand knits many years ago!) lol
Kiwi: Wow! Congratulations Merry. What is it about Active Worlds that make you want to keep being a part of the AW family?
Merry: It's famously addictive. I love the characters in AW. If I ever feel a bit down, I log in and can guarantee being cheered up. There are some lovely people around.
Kiwi: What changes would you like to see made in Active Worlds?
Merry: I will be honest and say I do not like the current gate. It is cold and clinical. I would love a return to the old gate where it seemed less claustrophobic and there was more to see and do. I also liked the blue sky and green hills of the old gate. I know it's only pixels, but it does have quite a strong psychological effect. I think it would be nice to have a quiz bot at the gate maybe once a week. Every AW quiz I have ever been to, I have smiled so much. If we don't know the answer, we can be silly! lol
Kiwi: The customised avatar is something we love thats been added to AW. It's a girl thing ;-) I love what we have been able to create with them. You have made some hilarious CAVs Merry. What improvements would you like to see in our CAVs, if any?
Merry: Oh gosh where do I start? lol More hats for females, curly hair that is not 'afro', flared skirts not hip hugging ones, a selection of patterned fabric i.e tartan and polka dots and long tops. I would like the ability to add textures to clothing items. Oh and bigger beards for the male cavs (re: Father Christmas, ZZ Top)! Last but not least, it would be fantastic to have a larger selection of dance sequences at the gate. I recently discovered the 'Vogue' sequence, amazing!
Kiwi: What would be a world you would suggest new people in AW go check out?
Merry: I guess for newcomers, it would have to be Alpha or Yellow. I keep meaning to explore the entire worlds list because I am sure there are loads of gorgeous worlds out there that I haven't yet discovered, then I could be more qualified to recommend. (I need the Starship Enterprise) lol
Kiwi: Where would you like to see tourists land for the first time in AW? And why?
Merry: I am not sure, but I do know that first impressions are so important. Like I said before, my first impression of AW was one of fun, movement and colour. Dare I say that I think all new tourists should land in the old gate? :)
Kiwi: You can say ;-) lol Tell me one thing you would add to bring in more people to AW?
Merry: I think friendly banter with newcomers is very important to give a good first impression and therefore encourage them to return, just so long as it isn't misinterpreted! lol
Kiwi: Do you like to explore much?
Merry: When I was new to AW, I explored a lot, but then I got sidelined. However, I intend to start again very soon, just so that I don't miss any really good worlds.
Kiwi: Is there one world that stands out to you that has impressed you the most?
Merry: It has to be AWReunion for the wonderful community spirit it created. The fact that every person, whether tourist or citizen was given a cabin to 'do up' was a fantastic idea and also while there I got to learn about Movers and Particle Emitters, which I am very grateful for.
Kiwi: I loved it there to. We had heaps of fun. What would be on your wishlist for the next Active Worlds update?
Merry: Return of the old gate. But if that wasn't possible: Christmas decorations, balloons and a Christmas Tree in the middle of AWGate with presents underneath :)
Kiwi: For others to get to know you better, how would you describe yourself?
Merry: A bit dippy, quite sensitive, married with two children, brown hair, brown eyes, big mouth. Always daydreaming.
Kiwi: Is there anything you would like to add to this interview Merry?
Merry: Yes just that I hope AW doesn't change TOO much in the future. I love it for its simple charm and the geniality of the people who regularly visit it.
Kiwi: You're very much loved in AW for being a kind and very helpful lady ;-) As well as someone I call a friend ;-) I hope you stay in Active Worlds a very long time. Have a great day, smiles!
Kiwi: Thank you for letting us get to know you better
Know someone who would make a great Meet Our Citizens guest? (Including you!)
E-mail newsletter@activeworlds.com with your suggestion!
