As promised, here is an UPDATE to the Travel Guide:
I believe it's time for a little clarification regarding the Webmaze.
I created the Map and Travel Guide for the sole purpose of helping folks navigate what I call the LOST Webmaze. This consists of all game playing, clue giving, active, or ARG websites dedicated to LOST. Both official and fan-run.
Here is an up to date list of LOST websites in the Webmaze and the status of their legitimacy (based on Chapter):
Prologue
www.oceanic-air.com - Official LOST site, hasn't really done anything since last summer
www.oceanicflight815.com - Official LOST site, besides the "Zombie script" this site also hasn't really done anything since last summer
www.thehansofoundation.org - Official LOST site, currently OFFLINE (but I anticipate it's return shortly)
Chapter One
www.thedharmainitiative.org - does nothing, Fan-Run
www.thedharmainitiative.info (etc) - Fan-Run Scam
www.dharmainitiative.com - OFFLINE, Fan-Run
Chapter Two
www.mrclucks.com - Fan-Run. The WhoIs shows this site registered to a "Hugo Reyes" in SF at IP 204.9.178.12 and no email contact listed. At the inception of this site, there was a statement in the source code claiming that the site was run by a writer from S1.
Chapter Three
www.oceanicworldair.com - Fan-Run by our own Vincent_Madison. Extremely well run. Very very fun to participate. See also - www.aralai.com / www.globespotter.com / www.oceanicworldairlines.com
Chapter Four
www.kingcrossstatepolice.com / www.th3sn0wman.com / www.xna4all.com - this is where it gets a little touchy (more on this later). As far as the legitimacy of these sites is concerned, we're gonna go with Fan-Run here also for the time being. All three sites are registered to a "Dr. Marvin Candle" in SF, CA
www.marvincandle.com - Fan-Run. Doesn't really do much besides change invisotext occasionally.
Chapter Five
www.bigspaceship1.com - Fan-Run. Started by Matthew Bardram. Overrun by Adam Rodruiguez's game/hoax. Currently redirects to the following .pdf link: http://www.gameset.com/Resources/Unicode/pdf/EGPZ-BMP-0.1.pdf
Chapter Six
I want to use this opportunity to add BORKCHAT to the Webmaze - www.bork.scifivision.com - this chatroom was set up as a replacement for the BSS1 chatroom when it went down, and since then has become an excellent place to come and talk Webmaze, LOST, or anything else. Great folks, awesome vibe.
emri.perception.net - Fan-Run. Very fun to play with "compy". Currently disabled.
Chapter Seven
All of the sites here disappeared when Adam Rodruiguez came clean about his hoax. This Chapter is Officially removed from the Travel Guide.
Now that that's cleared up I'd like to address a few things.
First off the Fan-Run sites. Just because they're not "official" doesn't mean we'll care any less about it or put in less effort while playing (provided your site is well run). I used to say "I don't care if it's fake, I'm having fun" but now I change that to "I don't care if it's unofficial, I'm havin fun". There is NO NEED to pretend to be legitimate when you are not. So PLEASE folks, NO MORE HOAXES!!
Next, regarding the legitimacy of the KCSP branch of the Maze - I don't know if the IPs being the same makes a definitive connection, but I believe MrClucks is also run by the same folks who do KCSP etc. "Dr.Candle" always knew when MrClucks was updated, and clues in that game would involve that site. Before the end of the Snowman game, I recieved an email from "Dr.Candle" that was out of character. It was the first time I had been contacted in this manner by "Doc". At the time I was asked not to post it to the boards. But now, in an effort to try and clear up the legitimacy of these sites, I will share it with you. I recieved this on Jan 1, 2006:
You seem to be having a lot of fun with our websites. But don't get too worked up about what people are saying in message boards. JJ and ABC don't want us posing as characters outside of the sanctioned game sites. The web team really appreciates your dedication though. You are a great leader in your online community and great fan of our beloved show. (edit here as Vincent_Madison's real name was used) has been contacted too. We like what he is doing, but we told him to tone it down a bit as the next week or so will be critical to the show. I just wish we didn't have to work these crazy hours!! You guys should sleep more or watch more TV!! :)
Later, Dr. Marvin Candle & Friends
Then when I wigged out about it without revealing it on the boards, I recieved this moments after:
I wouldn't post our email to the boards. It could ruin the game for the others folks playing along. We are headed out - look for some fun with the snowman starting at about 6 am PST. Bye!
"Marvin"
Since that portion of the game is over I see no harm in posting them now. Besides, I would really like to know 100% that these sites are either Fan-Run or Official. From the looks of those emails, it sounds like they're either pretending to be Official or they are. So if they're not, and pretending to be, I plan on getting to the bottom of it before we're hoaxed again. The main reason I question this is because Damon made a statement about websites being released real soon that they weren't going to officially announce, that hopefully people would find. This statement was made long before the Hiatus in December (I don't recall the exact date of the quote), my point is, if KCSP and crew weren't the sites Damon was referring to....WHAT WERE? More to come on this for sure.
Please feel free to PM me if you have any questions, concerns, or comments regarding any of this.
To close, I'd like to say that while none of the active sites right now in the Maze are "official", I think TPTB is preparing to launch more websites in the near future (or at least update the ones they have). We are SO ready for anything they throw at us. They don't stand a chance. :D
ON FRIDAY, MAY 5, I recieved this email from "Dr.Candle" revealing himself as Jason Ruby of the Delta Park Project LOST Podcasts -
Agent 5743946 aka Truffula,
Hey All!
It's Jason here; from the Delta Park Gets Lost podcast. (maybe you've
heard it?) :)
Now that the REAL game has started I thought I would send you a note to
say I am pointing the old game domains to Mr. Clucks. So don't take
this as a clue or anything..
Old Game Domains:
It was fun while it lasted and you guys kept me up late at night. I
have no doubt you will tear through this new 'Experience' rather quickly.
I am going to be playing along too so watch for me in the boards.
Later!
Jason
Delta Park Gets Lost
http://www.deltaparkproject.com/Lost
And on April 24, 2006, this press release was announced -
NEW YORK - ABC will launch a global interactive game based on the hit TV show "Lost," the network announced Monday.
Details, however, are about as mysterious and convoluted as the plot of the island castaway drama. The "Lost Experience" will be Internet-based and will feature a parallel story line that is not part of the TV show.
It will begin May 2 in the United Kingdom, May 3 in the U.S. and May 6 in Australia. There is no winning prize, but the experience will offer clues that could unlock some of the island's many secrets.
"It's like a giant, worldwide mysterious jigsaw puzzle that will come to life for all the world to solve," Mike Benson, senior vice president of marketing for ABC Entertainment, said in a statement.
What is known about the challenge is that it includes the introduction of new characters and the mysterious Hanso Foundation. The first clue requires finding a toll-free number that will be released during the show or commercial breaks.
Clues will vary by continent, so participants will benefit from coordinating their information. ABC said the game is designed to appeal to both fans and people unfamiliar with "Lost."
IT IS COMING.
See Volume 2 of the Map and Travel Guide for all FACTS pertaining to the Official LOST ARG.
Peace,
Truff