Hello! Mylo9810, here! We've heard the citizens' opinions, but don't you want to know the City Workers' opinions? Want to know more about Whyville's new layouts and updates? Well, I do, so let's hear what they have to say!
Mylo9810: Why does there suddenly seem like there are so many changes in Whyville?
Lopan: Growth requires change, either Whyville grows or it dies. I prefer we grow and change.
Lovedyed: Well, all virtual worlds are constantly changing. I wouldn't say we have suddenly made changes - we are always making changes, trying to find ways to keep things interesting and to keep up with other virtual worlds. It may seem like "suddenly" since a few things got launched around the same time but users who have been on for years should know that change happens here, as it does anywhere else.
Holykow: Whyville is constantly changing! We have new projects to take underway and are constantly finding new and exciting things for Whyvillians! If we always kept the same thing, Whyville would be old and dusty!
Akbar: Websites usually change on a regular basis. Whyville had gone for a long time without introducing something BIG. Yes, we have added new games, or new chat rooms, but nothing like Pearls or Pets. It was about time that we came up with some new things, because we need to attract new members just as much as please those of you who have been around for a while.
Mylo9810: Do you think the citizens will eventually get over the new things and begin to like them?
Lopan: Yes, change is sometimes difficult to adapt to, most people don't like change, but if you love Whyville you'll adapt and soon the changes won't bother you anymore.
Lovedyed: Well, they have done so in the past, so hopefully they will continue to do so. What many users do not realize is that it takes Whyville about $100,000 a month (!) to keep running. If we didn't make changes and try to keep up with what other sites are doing, we would have had to shut down the site and let go of the employees who run Whyville. And most Whyvillians seem to understand that. We always get complaints when we change something but we always get complaints about not doing things too - so we are going to get complaints no matter what we do. We are just trying to do our best to keep Whyville up and running.
Holykow: I truly believe that the citizens will get over the new things. It's almost like moving into a new house. At first you're not used to it but later on it becomes comfortable and cozy.
Akbar: Yes I do. It's always hard to change. It's just not human nature. But I am sure things will work out just fine.
Mylo9810: All of the City Workers must have voted on the changes for Whyville. What did you think about Pearls?
Lopan: Pearls was needed, it was an update to our purchasing process in Whyville. We added some tweaks and made it easier so that those who spend real money in Whyville to help support us, can do it smoothly.
Lovedyed: I don't know where citizens might have got the idea that all of the City Workers must have voted on Pearls or that City Workers even vote at all on these things. That is not how it works at all!!! City Workers are employees of Whyille but they all work in different departments. Pearls was a concept that was developed by the design team, and then it moved into production. The production team did the programming and art and City Management was consulted. But nobody in production and City Management "votes" on what we do. We may discuss what we do next but it is the senior staff and the design team that comes up with what we do.
Holykow: Pearls is a great deal for Whyville, without it we would not have enough money to maintain Whyville! If we had kept the old system (WhyPasses), Whyville could have potentially been gone forever. Pearls help support Whyville, so it's a great concept.
Akbar: I thought it was a good idea. Whyville needs income to help keep it running. We are not forcing anyone to use Pearls, it's just that you will be able to buy special things on Whyville if you have them.
Wow. I don't think anyone ever noticed how hard Whyville worked to keep the site running! $100,000 a month!? Now I know why they say that they need Pearls . . . and I guess that all of these City Workers love Whyville as much as we do!
Until next time, farewell!
Author's Note: Special thanks to: Holykow, Lopan, Lovedyed, Akbar, and the Whyville Times, of course :)
