NOTE: The forums I established are located at http://forums.jscompass.org.  Please read the following if you haven’t already:

I’m sitting here at 2:50AM on Wednesday, March 3rd.  Quite often I’d be up late like this working on some new feature for jScompass, but that is no more.  Thoughts have been scattered around my head all day but I haven’t really had a chance to collect them – to process everything.  Even now I’m just starting to pull it all together.  Please bear with me … this is going to be a little long, but I really hope you take the time to read it.

I joined my first virtual world, vMTV, in September of 2008.  Many people who were members of vMTV for way longer then I will tell you that the place was pretty much on it’s way to shutting down at that time.  Having suffered a pretty bad break-up in real-life, I immersed myself in that place, and I loved every minute of it.  Then it all changed.  In early February of last year, vMTV announced that they’d be closing.  Anyone who went through that knows exactly how that went.

It was tough to move to There.com, and I didn’t like it at first.  But it certainly grew on me… in a big way.  I started working on jScompass as a way to bring some improvements to the compass replacements in There at the time.  Ironically, the first version of jScompass was released on March 9, 2009 – exactly one year before There’s closing date.

Many of us will be moving on to other virtual worlds, and many may decide not to.  Either way, the important thing is that we remember the good times we shared and to preserve the friendships we’ve all made.  There’s closing cannot take away the friendships and relationships that the service helped create.  Do not allow that to happen.

I have heard some things about people blaming michaelwilson for There’s closing.  This is not true at all.  I think it’s much more likely that Mr. Wilson actually kept There running longer then it should have, if it was treated as a normal business.  His love for There is apparent, and I think he kept it open beyond when other business owners would have had to make the decision to pull the plug.  No CEO wants their business to fail.  You have to know that Michael Wilson would have done absolutely everything he could to prevent that from happening.

I would like to thank all of you for making the last year a great one.  I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.  I’ve especially enjoyed working with my fellow Island Guides, many of who gave so much more of themselves to the team then I’d ever be able to.  The Greeters and other staff I’ve worked with I appreciate very much.

I have established a forum in a temporary site at http://forums.jscompass.org for people to come and talk.  If there is interest, I will work to create a full website where those of us who love virtual worlds can gather.  I will not make a website that is tied to any particular virtual world, however.  I think that’s a bad idea.  If you’d like, please bookmark and join those forums.

Many of you have written me to say “sorry” or that all the work I did on jScompass is all for nothing now.  I don’t see it that way.  While the compass itself cannot do much outside of the There service, the skills I’ve gained are something I plan on doing something with, and I am extremely thankful for the chance to have taken up interest in something like this. 

I am extremely honored to have helped so many of you through jScompass, and am very proud of what it accomplished in it’s year in There.  I am thankful that so many of you liked it as much as I enjoyed working on it.  And I really hope you all stay in touch with me.  Here’s my contact information:

jerseySteve87 – AIM
jerseySteve87 – Yahoo
jerseySteve87@live.com – MSN
jerseySteve87@gmail.com – Email
jerseySteve There – Facebook

I look forward to hearing from you.  Please keep in touch, everyone.  And yes, I do plan on being online when the service is closed for good next week.  Join me if you can.

jerseySteve87

This valentines day say “I love you” with a one-of-a-kind personal ad in jScompass, the most advanced compass replacement for There.com.  For a limited time, your photo ad can display in the compass for just 1K now through Valentine’s Day.  This offer is valid for Personal Ads only, and cannot be used for advertisements that advertise anything for sale.  The ad cannot include action buttons and the picture must be prepared by you.  If there’s any text you need added to the picture, you must do it yourself.

If you’re interested, contact jerseySteve87 now in-world by IM, Theremail, jSmail, or by email to jerseySteve87@gmail.com.

Thanks so much, and have a great Valentine’s Day!

ATTENTION: Due to a problem in 1.40, I released a quick fix, which was version 1.42.  However, that didn’t really fix the problem, so I did it again and released 1.44.  Unfortunately, this problem was not likely to have been found during testing no matter way (weirdness in how Flash converts strings to numbers that would not have affected the string “0139” the same it affected “0140” (version number).  I apologize for the rapid updates, but I WILL release updates as much as necessary to correct problems with jScompass.  Thank you for your understanding.

Happy new year!  Today I am pleased to make available jScompass version 1.44.  This version incorporates many new changes and additions, as well as significant changes to the internals of the compass.  /vout is restored!  This new function will only operate if both persons (you, and the person you perform the /vout command on) are both using this version (or higher) of jScompass.

New features in the “Manage vecollections” panel allows you to quickly enable and disable entire vecollections, and give you more control over which vecollections are added to your compass configuration.  The first time you launch this version of jScompass, you will be offered all of the vecollections that used to be automatically included.  Select “Add” or “Skip” on each one.  Also, all of your old vecollections will be migrated to the new method.  If at any time, you want to be asked about these vecollections again, use the new command /vemote reoffer or /ve reoffer.  Volume is now able to be changed while an ad is playing, with the /ve vol ## command.

Also, the /url command now works differently.  If the url to invoke is a .JPG, .PNG, .GIF, or .FLV, it will now open internally.  Also, YouTube URLs will be attempted internally (like /yturl does).  If you want to force something to be done the old way, you can use /furl.  Also, you can disable this feature in the jScompass Options by selecting “classic” /url Mode.  Please let me know if you have any trouble with this new function.

One other thing … I made a commitment in the There Forums to make available a copy of the proxy script that is used for some server functions.  That can be downloaded at this URL: http://www.jscompass.org/hostedfiles/download.php?fileid=postproxy.  To override it, you need to create a section in your jscompass-config.xml called <override> and a tag called <postproxyurl> with the URL to your hosted postProxy.php file.  If you need help with this, please contact me.  Thanks.

I URGE YOU TO STRONGLY CONSIDER SIGNING UP AS A TESTER OF JSCOMPASS.  If enough people are able to test the compass and find problems before they make it into a general release, the compass would require less updates.  I feel obligated to release updates to correct significant problems, and because of the scope of changes made today, I expect at least one update will occur from this release.  I have tested everything as much as I can, but unfortunately sometimes problems don’t appear until after a release.  So, basically, I need more testers.  To become a tester, check out this page: http://www.jscompass.org/devdownload.  Please note… there is no test version right now, but there could be in the next few days/hours if the need arises to fix issues.

jScompass versions below 1.38 will be expired in the next few days, due to changes on the server.  Version 1.38 will be expired on an expedited basis as well, due to changes to vecollections and how they’re stored on the server.

Thanks so much for your support throughout 2009.  I never would have thought we’d be here today!  I look forward to continuing to make progress with jScompass throughout 2010.

One last reminder: The price of jScompass Paid is increasing on Monday, January 4, 2010 to 1000 TB (1K TB).

VERSION 1.39 AND 1.40 RELEASE NOTES:

• Added /retfrom all, to retrieve all items on loan to anyone.  This is different from /retrieve all, which retrieves all items that can be retrieved.
• Changed vecollection code substantially. Now vecollections that were normally always included will be offered to you at login.
• Restored /vout command in a new way that operates only on jScompass Platinum users, but takes into account the privacy considerations that lead to the first /vout being removed.
• Added /ve reoffer command to re-offer any vecollections that you did not previously add.
• Added "Manage vecollections" panel and "vemote Browser", to view vemotes yourself.
• Added /drive, /getout, /lock, and /unlock by request of Krazytots.
• Added /bing for Bing.com search engine by request of Seckoa92.
• Changed /url command to allow preview of images (links ending in .JPG/.PNG/.GIF) and video (YouTube URLs or .FLV links) through internal viewers.
• Added /lisa's,lisas for The Tower @ Lisa's Loaners by request of Drain_Bramaged.
• Limited /dressup to once per 2.5 seconds, due to a few reports of the function being misused.
• Made changes to listener core to resolve some problems that can cause IMs to stop being listened to in some cases.  The new method is considerably more stable and also seems to have a performance advantage.
• Restored /vout command, in a different way that does not have the privacy considerations of the old command.  To use this command, both you and the person you’re using it on must be users of jScompass Platinum. Also added a “Platinum options” section to the jScompass Options panel, so you can configure “Always ask”, “Always allow”, or “Always deny” for this command.
• Redesigned /fav command to use a new type of XML Parsing, which should be slightly faster but more importantly have considerably less lag when parsing.  If it works properly in /fav, I will next apply this new method to “My Things” commands like /hold.
• Revised Privacy Policy.
• Added an option to host the proxy script used by jScompass elsewhere.
• Changed the Uninstaller to allow a “complete” or “normal” removal.
• Many small changes and fixes.

ConstrictedX has created a “vemote Manager” app to quickly add YouTube videos as vemotes.  To use this app, visit his page for it at: http://flame.hosteternity.info/vemanager/.  With the app, you can find a video on YouTube you’d like to have as vemote, and submit it on his site.  Then the vemote will become active in the compass and can be used by you and others like any other vemote.  Very handy!  I recommend you give it a try today.  The collection that he creates has been added as part of the master include file on the jScompass server to enable this feature.  As always, if you see a vemote you do not like, press the “Ig” button to ignore the vemote.  Thanks very much ConstrictedX!

PLEASE READ THIS POST IN FULL FOR SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION, INCLUDING INFORMATION REGARDING A CHANGE IN PRICE OF THE UPGRADE COST OF JSCOMPASS PAID.

I have just made jScompass version 1.36 available for download.  I encourage you to download it today.

Tonight’s release includes some cool new features, such as a Paintball Functions panel that I’m still evolving.  I am very interested in feedback on this feature and also very thankful to xSnoopy for giving me the idea for the feature.  Give it a try and see if you like it.  Because it’s new, it may have bugs.  If you find any, please let me know so I can work to fix them.  Thanks.

A number of other new features are included in today's release, including /bal to display your Therebucks balance, and /mypoke and /mylaunch, which work like /myping but for the Poke command and for a “launch message” to be displayed when the compass loads (usually at login).  Have fun with these new features.  I have also enhanced the message box system in the compass to allow different size ads to be displayed.  Some of these ads may be a little larger, but the main point was not to increase the size but to allow different proportions of images to be used.  This rewrite of the message box system also improves some other things about how they operate.  If you find a bug with a message box, please report it to me so I can fix it.  Thank you very much.

I also need to let you know about two important changes in the compass: /rainbow and /vout.  The /rainbow command in jScompass now defaults and enforces a much longer delay between color changes.  This is because rapid flashing of colors can make people physically ill.  In extreme cases, they can cause seizures.  In other cases, it can cause discomfort to a person viewing the text.  While it is possible for a person to go away from someone using the rainbow command, I never intended the command to cause harm to anyone ever.  So I have researched the issue and dramatically slowed the rate that the color changes happen.  I will continue to monitor this and may make further changes, if required.  In addition, I have introduced a new command that can be used by someone if they’re around a person who won’t stop using the rainbow when asked.  The command is /rainbow stop.  This command will disable rainbow text from all avatars in the area of the person.  A person does not need to be a user of jScompass in order to issue this command.  I have provided this command out of an abundance of caution and as opposed to removing the /rainbow command entirely.  I am of the opinion, in most cases, that the person providing a legitimate tool or utility, such as my compass, is not responsible for how they are used and cannot control people who may with to use a useful tool for a destructive of abusive purpose.  Giggles is similar in that it can be used to spam and harass people.  However, in the case of /rainbow, with the potential to cause real-life physical discomfort to a person sensitive to flashing colors, an exception from this thinking is merited out of an abundance of caution.  Yes, /rainbow stop can also be abused, by stopping people from being able to use the /rainbow command for no reason.  However, this is a better outcome to me then hearing that someone had a seizure due to jScompass.  That is not something I’m comfortable with, and I will do everything to prevent that.  Please, if someone asks you to turn off /rainbow, please just do it. 

I also need to tell you about another change in jScompass.  The /vout command has been removed from this release.  This is in response to a request from There, and a series of communications I had with senior staff members of There.  It was never my intent for /vout to be used to invade the privacy of other members, and while most members don’t have a problem with you viewing their outfit, I have come to learn that some certainly do.  I do not want the compass to be used to violate the TOS of There and in the sense that outfit details are considered private information, it could be used to do so.  Therefore, I have removed the function.  While I know some of you may be upset about this, I encourage you to read and/or post in the following There forum post about some improvements I have suggested to the View Outfit Details function in the There client to improve the situation for those who do not mind their details being viewed.  This post is located at: http://forums.prod.there.com/forums/showthread.php?p=31458.  I have suggested making a way to toggle View Outfit Details, not only for 5 minutes, but until you turn it off, similar to how the forcefield works.  While I know There is very stretched for engineering resources, it is my hope that one day something like this can be put into place.  Also, I am thankful to There for handling the issue in the way they did.  There is Makena’s game, and they make the rules.  If they decide something is against those rules and they can present a valid case regarding it, then it’s not my intention to ever fight them on any issue.  That would be counterproductive and a disservice to the users of jScompass.  A cooperative attitude towards Makena/There is a much better approach to take.  I hope you understand my reasoning on this matter.

Finally, a number of people have expressed concerns to me about the advertising feature now in jScompass, and I have stated quite a lot on this topic.  Please look in the There forums for more details on my feelings on this matter.  One important thing I want to note is that I am planning on increasing the price to remove advertisements from jScompass.  While I do not yet know the amount of the increase, it will not be an extreme amount of Therebucks.  I am strongly considering making the price 1000 TB (1K). I do, however, know the day that the price increase will take effect, and that date is Monday, January 4, 2010.  I need to be able to balance keeping the ad feature relevant for advertisers as well as keeping an upgrade cost affordable.  I wanted to wait until after the holidays to introduce a price increase.  More details will be made available when everything is finalized.

Thanks again for all of your support and thanks so much for using jScompass.  Last night we reached 5000 avatars using jScompass (Platinum, I cannot count people using Basic), and the list continues to grow every day.  Thank you for supporting this little project as it grew and benefited more people.  I hope you continue to do so.

RELEASE NOTES, VERSION 1.36

• Fixed the “Close There Central" function.
• Redesigned the msgbox system into "complexbox", which will allow more configurability in the box design.  This will allow additional box sizes, and also means that ads appearing will not pop up until the image and/or MP3 have fully loaded.
• Added Paintball Functions panel.  This panel allows you to quickly take out a paintball gun and turn your forcefield off at the same time.  It also has a reload button, and when you click the button to activate it, it will copy a special command into your clipboard that will allow you to reload by pressing CTRL-V.  The Put Away function on this panel also will ensure your forcefield is enabled.
• Added /ffgun,ffpb command to take out your gun, wait for you to press the confirm button, and then disable your forcefield.  It also opens the new Paintgun panel, so that you can use the rapid reload and other functions on it.  Special thanks to xSnoopy for this idea, as well as the Paintball Panel idea.  Please note: These panels are untested and may not function as expected.  If there are problems, please notify me and I can make changes in a future release.
• Added /bal command to display your Therebucks balance.  Thanks to JennaLovesMouse for this great idea!
• Added /mypoke and /mylaunch.  These work like the /myping command in that they allow an easy way to override the /ping or /poke text, which is saved on the server (these commands only work for the current session in jScompass Basic).  In addition, the /mylaunch command allows you to define text that will be sent to bubble chat text shortly after the compass launches.  There is a bit of a delay, as sending text too soon causes the client to not catch any emotes you might have used in the text.  Enter the commands without a parameter to restore the text to the defaults.  Thanks to Mistyy2290 for this great idea!
• Added server-side support to allow config overrides on a per-avatar basis.
• Fixed title bar not restoring when using ~unoverride command to unoverride the holiday text/colors.
• Added a webpage that will open when the Flash local storage pop-up is triggered, that explains what the pop-up is and that I recommend clicking "Allow".
• Removed /vout command at the request of There.
• Changed /rainbow speed to 3000ms (or higher), and added /rainbow stop option that will disable /rainbow from all people in the area.  Thanks to coolnet560 for making me aware of the potential issue with this command.
• Added the ability to add views to an advertisement in an automated way using the Ad Manager.  The system will guide you through the payment process.  All of this is always double checked and especially so during its early days.  If you have questions, please contact me.
• Changed the way /ad upgrade works to be compatible with the new payment system.
• Added the ability to view your own ad through the ad manager panel.