Virtual Adventures Explained

[Soapets]

I'm going to try to explain HOW the "Virtual Adventures" of Annie and Willy, (and of others over time on PT) are done, to help clear things up and avoid futher confusion!

For those of you who don't know already, Willy and Annie have a "virtual internet romance" going on. Lorraine and I have posted pictures of Willy and Annie intermittently since they were both babies, with captions indicating they were probably wishing they could be together, etc. We have always gotten wonderful reviews from PT'ers when we have done this, and have had a lot of fun with it.

The idea of having Willy and Annie "send" theirselves to each other for Christmas this year, each without the other knowing about it, came to me last January. In December last year, Lorraine and I had both posted pictures of Willy and Annie at our own homes, in Christmas boxes or packages or bags, and put captions on the pictures indicating that the cats were probably wishing they could send themselves to each other. I contacted Lorraine by PM about the idea then, and she agreed to do it. We contacted Michelle (kittycats_delight) in November of this year, to ask her if she would help us by doing the work with the photos. She also agreed to it.

Lorraine and I have been taking pictures of Willy and Annie at our own homes, and have been PM'ing them to Michelle, who then manipulates the photos to make it look as if Willy is now at my house and Annie is now at her house. She then PM's them back to us, and we can post them as if they are real. The picture of Annie at the airport was done in the same way, and we have more to post if people want this "Virtual Adventure" to continue. If people DON'T want it to continue, we will put a stop to it.

We have learned a very valuable lesson about not making the "missing" messages so believable, and we have apologized for that part of this virtual adventure. We have also changed the titles on those original threads, and tried to make amends the best we can.

In the process of all this, the virtual thread about Willy being "kitnapped" in 2005 has also surfaced, and that has added to the confusion. That was a very popular thread back when it was done, and LOTS of PT'ers participated in that one. NO IT IS NOT REAL! That was one the first threads I ever saw where a virtual adventure was done, and had a big part in leading me to think up the idea for this current "virtual adventure" that Annie and Willy are on.

That being said, we would like to take a poll as to whether or not to continue Willy's and Annie's virtual adventure. Please vote if you'd like to, and we'll abide by whatever the PT'ers decide here!

[moosmom]

Thanks for explaining it. I was totally confused by the whole thing. I adore Annie and Willie and am just relieved that it was only a virtual thing going on, and not a true story about cats being kidnapped.

[jenluckenbach]

I don't care whether you continue with this "adventure" or not.

I have never been a fan of ANY of the virtual threads. I hate coming to pet talk at Valentine's day because more than half the threads are "this cat loves that cat"....etc., etc., a true waste of time. And I think the "party threads" are totally over done!

Some of the truely original ideas (like the cruise ship) were fun, but it gets old real fast.

I might post in these types once in a while, to help the topic starter feel good, but for the most part, I could do totally without them.

But telling people cats are missing when you KNOW how much we all care for each others pets (like our own) ..... went too far.

So, this is my opinion. I will just continue to avoid virtual threads.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

I don't care whether you continue with this "adventure" or not.
But telling people cats are missing when you KNOW how much we all care for each others pets (like our own) ..... went too far.

I have to agree with you Jen. I take prayer very seriously. Now to find it was all a joke. Well, it will be a while before I can forget this. I was so worried about Willie and Annie. I forgive it yes, but forget, well, not yet.

[Miss Z]

I only skim read the last threads on the matter and was getting a little confused. However now all is explained and its only intent was a bit of fun, I see nothing wrong with it continuing.

[Edwina's Secretary]

I think someof the virtual thread have been great fun. Sometimes it feels good to be silly in this all too serious life.

Go for it!

[Barbara]

I've said it before: I love the virtual threads and I had lots of fun in them.
This one mixed me up too- but I know you didn't intend it.
I want to continue

I am sorry that all your good and fun intentions did not work out.

[Killearn Kitties]

The threads where our kitties go off and have adventures are my favourite threads on the board. I love the creativity of them, the humour, and the amazing photo manipulation that some people can do.

I do understand though, why people were confused on this one. The original posts sounded very real. I do hope that you can find a way to tell us the whole story, because the graphics that we have already seen are lovely, and perhaps in all of this to-ing and fro-ing, there will be a way for me to finally get my hands on Willy! A-HA-HA-HA!

[Soapets]

After reading your response, jenluckenbach, I'm wondering if this site could have a forum specifically FOR virtual adventures in each of the pet sections. That way there would never be any confusion over it like this has caused. People who enjoy them could go to the forum that is totally made up of virtual adventures like this. People who don't enjoy them could avoid them entirely. I'll have to post something about this in the Townhall forum. Thanks for your input. Hopefully something positive can come out of this yet!

[jenluckenbach]

I will admit that the photo manipulation is FANTASTIC!!

[GreyhoundGirl]

Yea, I agree, OMG, it looks so real. I understand why people are being fooled.

[Laura's Babies]

I SO hope you get voted into keep it going because I enjoy the lightheartedness of it all and getting a break from the "real" world!

[catnapper]

I saw the original two threads and never responded but did say a quick prayer for their safe return. I thought it was awful tacky of Deb to make that thread of Willy ending up at her home when Willy was missing..... I thought, "OMG, Lorraine is going to cry her eyes out to see this!" I caught on quickly when she responded. Then it was no longer tacky

Go ahead and continue your virtual adventure if its still bringing you enjoyment. If you feel all the fun is sapped out because of hurting people, then stop. I don't think the threads should be deleted either way.

Merry Christmas both of you. I know you intended it to be fun and lighthearted. A lot of us are so stressed at this time of year that we don't read things as clearly as we would in less stressful times. So next time, like Karen suggested, simply spell it out in the title that this is all a fun thing instead of a true kitty emergency.

[jazzcat]

I voted to continue now that I know everyone is safe and sound and this was to just be a little virtual fun but I did pick the poll choice of don't do that again. Whew, I was so worried!

[Freedom]

I was also upset about the missing cats. I was praying for their return, and worried about their owners, to have such a thing happen at Christmas. It was too, too sad, because it sounded so real.

I lost a cat, on an inconsequential day. And each year I cry for him. My heart was breaking thinking these 2 owners would know that heart ache every year at Christmas time.

I am still shaken to learn it was all a hoax. I understand that you did not intend us to worry.

I will certainly have a different attitude reading ANYTHING on this website, now. It's gonna take a while for me to get over this.

I am glad you keep pointing out that Isis is REALLY missing, and REALLY needs our thoughts and prayers and positive vibes to return home safely.

Sandra