Everyone wants to get in on the poll booth petition action. But are topics getting out of hand? Join me, Astray, as I give my crude opinions, and share a shocking interview with you!

So, everyone loves to know others' opinions on what should be changed about our beautifully crafted Whyville. And just as much as people like to know them, they like to express them! So, what better way to get your thoughts out by starting a petition? It's exciting to get back from a long day at school, feeling bored and tired, get on the computer (after finishing your homework, of course!) and seeing you have 12 more signatures on your petition! However, I've noticed several petitions on the poll booth that greatly disappoint me. To make sure I wasn't insane for feeling discontent, I interviewed my good friend TaursChik.

AstRay: TaursChik, have you ever submitted a petition to the poll booth?
TaursChik: No, I haven't. However, I have read many petitions. I vote for a lot of the ones that I think are great ideas.

AstRay: Well, I would hope you only vote for them if you like them! Anyway. How do you feel about some of the subjects people choose for their petitions?
TaursChik: Well, a lot of people have really good ideas, like new games or more rooms to chat in. Some topics, though, aren't very appealing.

AstRay: Some topics. Do you have any examples?
TaursChik: Well, you see, there was once a petition that talked about liking a certain celebrity. I don't think the petition booth is a very appropriate place to talk about it. Opinions about things in real life like that, too.

Astray: I see. A very popular topic that people write about is the Face Factory. What do you think about that?
TaursChik: Well, when I see some things for the face factory, it's perfectly okay. But a lot of people say that the face factory should be bigger, or completely free. I disagree with that. I think the fact that people who have a whypass can get more easily into the Face Factory motivates them to get a why-pass. Also, Akbar would be flooded with way too many new parts all at once if everyone had easy access.

Astray: That's very interesting. You mention why-passes, which is another big topic. What are your thoughts on that?
TaursChik: Well, the main why-pass topic I see is to bring lifetime why-passes back. I think that's a great idea.

Astray: What about free why-passes?
TaursChik: No way, Jos??. How else would the website earn money? ;-)

Astray: Good point. Do you have any other views on petitions?
TaursChik: Well, another kind of petition is one about people being mean. People say "no cursing" or "don't be mean." Though people really shouldn't curse, and should be nice, it's not the right kind of idea for a petition. And unfortunately, now matter how many people sign the petition, the Whyville staff wouldn't be able to do anything about those people who are mean.

Astray: Great, thanks! I was very nice talking to you!

(Disclaimer: No petitons were damaged in the process of this interview!)

One thing I didn't talk about with TaursChik is huge immediate salaries, or easier games. I disagree with that. Whyville is all about science! If you can figure out the puzzles on the site, you get clams! How cool is that? If you have a low salary only because you don't understand the problems, try talking to your teachers or parents, even your friends about it so you could get a clearer picture. Even if you're glued to the computer chair, you could probably even look something up on the internet to help you! And no, I do not mean Whyville cheats or answers.

So, there you have it. I think that every single thing that TaursChik said is true. If you have an opinion about a celebrity, why not start a club on Whyville about them instead of making a petiton saying "I like this person!" Why not earn money cleaning your parents car, or doing extra chores so you can buy your own why-pass, instead of asking for a free face factory? You'll get brownie-points as well, I can assure you! Petitions are for posting all your fantastic ideas about things that will make things better for Whyville. So, the next time you post a petition, think twice about what you're saying!