Webkinz Center

WebkinzChat PLUS -- what it looked like before!

According to a tip at WebkinzInsider, what has been suspected by many (including us), WebkinzChat PLUS, or KinzChat PLUS, the chatting feature at Webkinz *IS* making a come back!  WebkinzChat PLUS, in case you weren’t aware, is the currently non-functioning / defunct way of chatting with other Webkinz while you’re in Webkinz World via the Webkinz Clubhouse

However, unlike other chatting programs you might be familiar with, WebkinzChat PLUS is different.

In fact, it looks like they’ve spruced things up compared to even how it was before.  Anyway, to make sure that the things you’re talking about are appropriate, WebkinzChat PLUS has employed two methods to screen messages.

One is “word” dictionaries, which means that it screens and flags for inappropriate words (you probably know what these are), and these words will pop up in orange.  However, the words must *also* be spelled correctly, and if they aren’t they will also be flagged.  Phone numbers are also “objectionable” content and cannot be shared.

The other way is by “phrase” dictionaries.  This is an example that Webkinz uses: you can use the word “boy” and “friend” separately, but to use them together, they say, will trigger the phrase dictionary, and create an error.

Because words need to be spelled correctly, and you probably also need to have an awareness of grammar and diction as well, Webkinz is suggesting that its probably best for users 10 and up. I think, however, based on your own skill level, if that’s something that you’re (or your kids) are comfortable with.

Two other things that are in place that are of some help in making sure that the chatting environment is a safer one.

First of all, Webkinz World users must also get permission by their parents – which is done via an email *to* the parents.

Second of all, unlike the previous WebkinzChat PLUS service, there is a way to flag *other* people if you find the stuff they’re talking about weird, not right, or otherwise objectionable.  This is probably an attempt at addressing the criticism that Webkinz may not have been all that responsive if you tried to report inappropriate activity.

If you happen to talk about things that aren’t acceptable, be warned: by getting flagged you might find yourself getting kicked out of Webkinz World altogether!

There’s no timetable as to when Webkinz Chat PLUS is coming back exactly, but with this new information, and the fact that its now showing up in Webkinz World means that its probably pretty soon. Yay!