KQIX Project shuts down

[deonast]

hmm I haven't received a reply to my email to Vivendi, wonder if I'll get a generic one as well some time in the future.

It is good to see we are not taking up too much of their time in the email writing department.  That doesn't really matter if we have a positive impact on helping to bring back KQIX.

Now what is that phrase "Time will tell"

[koko_99_2001]

Then maybe they are trying to discourage anyone else from contacting them?

[Ptyme]

Nope, my letter wasn't signed.  And it was a snail mail letter that they responded to, not the email.  I'd imagine that all the emails are either filtered out or just dumped as soon as they read the subject line.  Hard maybe, but given the generic response I was given to my snail mail letter I don't even think they read that one.

[Say]

You probably could just wonder whatever you'd choose to, I guess. But I'd rather be optimistic about such events, a company like them wouldn't seriously just respond letters just because they have free time, I do know so. On the other hand, I believe it's at the very least POLITE to do so,  hence no big company would care to reply to a small market anyhow, so maybe it's not so small after all? to be noticed enough to be given an email, generic or not seems alright to me

[GunHoMac]

Generic emails are only created when making an individually-specialized one is too time consuming or repetative.

This is the same thing done by companies who mass-mail a newsletter/brochure/advertisement with your name pasted into the <name here> spot of the original document.  The key here is, the computer and database produce more mails for everyone generically, than does a team of people typing/writing them all.

Basically, they've taken the time to produce a generic email/mail for a few optional reasons:
- They're lazy
- They don't care
- They've received too many mailings and need a generic system to 
   handle them all.

I'm going with the 3rd option...clearly the development and management departments have heard about the project.  They're the ones who saw the trailer material and forced the cancellation, not the PR department for VU.  They realize the Sierra label is more prominent to the public than they thought, and though generic in response, we've been heard loud and clear to elicit a response.

The "we haven't received a large enough response from the public" is just a tactic to get a few things happening:
- Let the public create a buzz about KQ and Sierra
- Discourage you from pursuing further mailings
- Buy them time to come up with a viable solution besides apathy

Having said all that, it's really hard for me to believe in the viability and seriousness of these responses when the author can't even get the name of the franchise right.  King of Quest?  That just about throws any respect I may have had for the company and the author out the window.  Obviously, we're dealing with bottom-basement people who have neither heard of nor played King's Quest.  I'm willing to bet this is coming from someone who only learned of the game through MoE or when they were hired by VU.

Note to VU:  If you haven't heard of Sierra, Roberta Williams, or the Quest series before these mailings...you should be fired.  If you haven't played King's Quest, and weren't able to find a copy to play because you were searching for "King of Quest"...you should be fired.  If the only adventure game you've ever played by Sierra is Magna Cum Laude...go home.

[Say]

Im not legally entitled to say absolutly anything at this moment, and even though we know somehow what's going on about that, we can't freely speak about anything, all I can say is what I have already, the support and fan voice has been taken into consideration, -I know so-, it's up to you to give up or continue regardless of what the "generic email" might say or whatever.

This is amazingly overwhealming for us, POS, because we never imagined half of what saveKQIX has done for us, we appreciate it... and I promise you once we can speak up about such things, I'll give out all the details you wonder about.

For now, you could just read as much as I can say.

[Skeptikal]

I might have done what some of you could call a "mistake" but I have decided to send my 'snail-mail' "not that snaily" I mean that I've just call FedEx to have it sent to VUG... They should pick up the 'document' tomorrow...

Since FedEx is not 'at the door' yet, if any of you would like me to attach a mail within the same enveloppe, do so. If you are interested in sending WRITTEN mail to Vivendi Universal, feel free to attach a WORD document (triple spell checked, please) and send it to aventura05@gmail.com .I'll be glad to print it and send it out, all in one package, ASAP FedEx comes by here.

At least that way I am sure they will receive it... I'll keep you updated about the tracking of such mail. I will post the tracking number in the forums as soon as I have it.

Please send all you concerns / Word docs to aventura05@gmail.com
-be aware that this email will only be used to receive those mails. it is not my personal mail.

[dark-daventry]

Im not legally entitled to say absolutly anything at this moment, and even though we know somehow what's going on about that, we can't freely speak about anything, all I can say is what I have already, the support and fan voice has been taken into consideration, -I know so-, it's up to you to give up or continue regardless of what the "generic email" might say or whatever.

This is amazingly overwhealming for us, POS, because we never imagined half of what saveKQIX has done for us, we appreciate it... and I promise you once we can speak up about such things, I'll give out all the details you wonder about.

For now, you could just read as much as I can say.

I can wait eternities if I have to to find out what's going on. I generally don't have much patience (due to ADHD), but King's Quest is a game I am extremely passionate about, and am able to wait as long as time itself if at all neccesary. And when you do spill the beans accidentally/or reveal the information, I'll make sure to turn off this really big atomic bomb addressed directly to VU. Until then, they'll be receiving a few dozen atomic bombs. (And by atomic bombs I mean the fans and their letters that are right now being ignored.) For christmas, I think I'll ask for a huge amount of lawyers and what not to help you guys out. Expect a Christmas gift from me sometime... I didn't just say that... You never heard anything...

Oh, and, say, why do you and all of POS rock? I just can't quite figure it out... I think it has to do with something about reviving a dead game, I'm not sure... Could you help me?

[Skeptikal]

Hi !

After posting my 'proposal' on page 65 of this forum (a few post sooner), I have received a great amount of interest an I allready have about 20 documents to be printed... As I see, there is great response in sending a package through FedEx (or any other express mail). Since there is that much response, I think I will wait until Monday afternoon to give time to those who want to send something and send it on Monday afternoon.

I may underline that I WILL NOT disclose any personal information sent to aventura05@gmail.com. Be sure that I, as you are, am a fan and only want to help; I am not collecting personal info.

I was wondering if you, Cat, has any feedback that you have not sent allready; If you do and if you want, I could send them along with the ones I received; as I said before: I swear to post the tracking number as soon as the package will be sent.

I re-write the sending info: attach a word document to an email and send it to aventura05@gmail.com ; I will personnally print those attachment and have everything sent to Vivendu Universal Games throught FedEx by monday 21 - nov. afternoon.

[koko_99_2001]

I do have several petitions I have yet to send since they came in after the first package.

Posting the tracking number for the fans is a good idea. The reason I did not do that when I was sending the petitions, though, was to keep from alerting Vivendi, in case they were keeping a close eye on the fans of the project. But your idea's a great one. Just another way for the fans to get involved.

And guys, I do know that some of ya'll have signed petitions, emailed, AND sent letters. But using any and every way that you can to contact VU and inform them of your feelings...I think is beneficial.

[Say]

For christmas, I think I'll ask for a huge amount of lawyers and what not to help you guys out. Expect a Christmas gift from me sometime... I didn't just say that... You never heard anything...

Haha, your secret is safe with me

Oh, and, say, why do you and all of POS rock? I just can't quite figure it out... I think it has to do with something about reviving a dead game, I'm not sure... Could you help me?

We're all really happy to count with such an amazing support from you guys, it really means everything to us

[Skeptikal]

I do have several petitions I have yet to send since they came in after the first package.

Posting the tracking number for the fans is a good idea. The reason I did not do that when I was sending the petitions, though, was to keep from alerting Vivendi, in case they were keeping a close eye on the fans of the project. But your idea's a great one. Just another way for the fans to get involved.

And guys, I do know that some of ya'll have signed petitions, emailed, AND sent letters. But using any and every way that you can to contact VU and inform them of your feelings...I think is beneficial.

Thanks for your quick reply, Cat. We'll work something out, I do beleive that KQIX will definitly see day light sooner than we expect.

This morning I've got 6 more letters to send out... a total of 26 for now... It might not be an amazing amount, but I did not expect such wonderful response.

BTW: my offer is still there, Cat, if you want, you can send me what you've got and I'll post everything by Monday.

See you later !

[lost_wisdom]

you know, all this time you spend trying to get vivendi to change their minds, you could just be changing the names of characters and places in the program, and youd have just as good a game, that wouldnt infringe on copyrights.

I would rather it be a kings quest game too, but theres no reason to totally stop months (or years) of work because a dumb corparation wants to stop the creative process out of greed, just make a few minor changes. For example

King graham = king graeham
Queen Valanice = Queen Valinece

you get the point, its not infringing on copyrights if its not the same.

OR

pretend to scrap the project but start another website about the same game, and work under assumed names, make all liasons with the public by a third party, and release it on a filesharing program like bittorrent.

OR

combine both ideas, start a new website about a game that is exactly the same with different names, say its a totally different game, and if anyone tells you otherwise, tell them theyre sadly mistaken.

[Warlock]

you know, all this time you spend trying to get vivendi to change their minds, you could just be changing the names of characters and places in the program, and youd have just as good a game, that wouldnt infringe on copyrights.

I would rather it be a kings quest game too, but theres no reason to totally stop months (or years) of work because a dumb corparation wants to stop the creative process out of greed, just make a few minor changes. For example

King graham = king graeham
Queen Valanice = Queen Valinece

you get the point, its not infringing on copyrights if its not the same.

OR

pretend to scrap the project but start another website about the same game, and work under assumed names, make all liasons with the public by a third party, and release it on a filesharing program like bittorrent.

OR

combine both ideas, start a new website about a game that is exactly the same with different names, say its a totally different game, and if anyone tells you otherwise, tell them theyre sadly mistaken.

This has already been brought up, several times, in this very thread. We do not want to "trick" Vivendi and make a game in hiding, and even if we changed names etc, we'd still be infringing on their copyright. Copyright can extend to beyond just the exact names. For example if I were to make a fastfood chain with the name McDonulds, I'd still get a heavy lawsuit from the real Mcdonalds, and they'd win. Likeliness is a big no no too in copyright. But thanks for your continued support, we aren't giving up!

[koko_99_2001]

BTW: my offer is still there, Cat, if you want, you can send me what you've got and I'll post everything by Monday.

See you later !

Thanks I appreciate the offer. If I had them only as emails, I'd send them your way. I already printed them out, though, so I'll just keep hold of them for a bit longer to see if any more will come in, then send this batch out.

[lost_wisdom]

you know, all this time you spend trying to get vivendi to change their minds, you could just be changing the names of characters and places in the program, and youd have just as good a game, that wouldnt infringe on copyrights.

I would rather it be a kings quest game too, but theres no reason to totally stop months (or years) of work because a dumb corparation wants to stop the creative process out of greed, just make a few minor changes. For example

King graham = king graeham
Queen Valanice = Queen Valinece

you get the point, its not infringing on copyrights if its not the same.

OR

pretend to scrap the project but start another website about the same game, and work under assumed names, make all liasons with the public by a third party, and release it on a filesharing program like bittorrent.

OR

combine both ideas, start a new website about a game that is exactly the same with different names, say its a totally different game, and if anyone tells you otherwise, tell them theyre sadly mistaken.

This has already been brought up, several times, in this very thread. We do not want to "trick" Vivendi and make a game in hiding, and even if we changed names etc, we'd still be infringing on their copyright. Copyright can extend to beyond just the exact names. For example if I were to make a fastfood chain with the name McDonulds, I'd still get a heavy lawsuit from the real Mcdonalds, and they'd win. Likeliness is a big no no too in copyright. But thanks for your continued support, we aren't giving up!

well, theres no way you should let any work go to waste...

Im not sure vivendi will back down just because of a petition, i cant see any reason why they would stop you... so i cant see any reason why theyd quit stopping you. Perhaps theyre just crazy about these things.

If youre distributing it for free, how could they get any money in a lawsuit?  because its not like theyre going to lose money, or its not like your making any monetary gain on the kings quest name.

You shouldnt stop WORKING on the project just because a bunch of suits told you not to, they cant stop you finishing something you want to, just wait to distribute it.

If it was me id find any way to work around them i could, because id me right pissed that they stopped that much work for selfish reasons. Perhaps youre more morally sound than me, but id totally do it all, leak it on the internet, and cover all my tracks, vivendi hasnt seen exactly what the game looks like, so you could cover your tracks and deny it.

Perhaps you should translate the story to other characters and different place names, you wouldnt have to scrap your work, just replace the character models, and then change the place names, you could even throw in some references to kings quest, such as a picture of graham on the wall.

I just think its a shame to halt everything because of a company.

Oh, and has anyone tried contacting the Williams' about this? they dont own the company anymore, but they may have SOME sway in the name.

[GunHoMac]

Contact Williams....check
Williams have no pull with Vivendi....check

Considered changing names/places...check
Still doesn't cover copyright infringement...check

Suggestions to distribute on P2P network...check
Illegal and traceable...check

Not reading the last 64 pages....check

[koko_99_2001]

65 pages including this one, dear

[dark-daventry]

I have a question... I don't know whether this would be the place, but... I'm wondering if both POS and SaveKQ9 want to be affiliates with my really poorly made website... I probably don't get any visitors at all because it's a freewebs site, but still....

I'm making a kings quest animated series, to be on the internet by december 2006.

When ever you release the animated series, I'll be there to watch EVERY episode. I think KQ would fare well as an animated TV show. (How would we convince VU rto sell the rights to Disney for a KQ series?) If Disney were to handle an animated KQ series, I don't know what I'd do... I'd have a thousand headaches in one... No offense to Disney, but they just don't seem to make much good shows...

(Goes back on topic)

For christmas, I think I'll ask for a huge amount of lawyers and what not to help you guys out. Expect a Christmas gift from me sometime... I didn't just say that... You never heard anything...

Haha, your secret is safe with me

Oh, and, say, why do you and all of POS rock? I just can't quite figure it out... I think it has to do with something about reviving a dead game, I'm not sure... Could you help me?

We're all really happy to count with such an amazing support from you guys, it really means everything to us

Tell anyone and I make sure the FBI comes to your house and asks for Mordack... Or mannanan if he's not a cat...

I'm working on a KQ book idea... (Then again, I've had so many, that they've all failed to come out right... I just hope this one does...) Let's just say the words Fountain of Youth are involved...

Sorry about constant off-topicness... It's my specialty in school. Once I got my teacher so off-topic we were talking about the meaning of swears in the middle of math...

[TribeHasSpoken]

I just thought of something! Why don't you ask Ken and Roberta Williams to support you? Failing that, you could just change all the character and place names. Have you considered releasing the game over a file-sharing service without telling Vivendi?

(Yes, I'm being sarcastic)