July 2016 – 🦄 Ponytropica 🦄

Poppin’ changes for our Poppin’ blog

July 31, 2016 Slanted Fish

phbupdates

Hey Poptropicans!

As you may have noticed, the PHB has had a few interesting new changes around here. We’ve also had a bit of downtime recently – apologies for that, and thanks for your patience – but not to worry, we are back up and running – hopefully for good! This was due to a recent change in which we moved our blog from WordPress.com to self-hosted WordPress(.org), which gives us more control over our site.

Some of these changes (marked by *) would not have been possible without the move, so we hope you especially enjoy them! Here’s a recap of everything that’s new:

*Art page – view fan art submitted to our DeviantArt page in a cool looking grid! (This in no way attempts to replace the dA group, but rather encourages more people to join.) “Magazines” (The POPCORN) is now included under this button on the nav bar.
*Forums – right here on the PHB, so it’s easy to pop into the conversation! Create new topics to discuss things both on and off the topic of Poptropica, reply to other threads, share your fan art and fan fictions, and more! Unlike the PHC, your messages are likely to be seen longer, as a forum moves less quickly than a chat by design.
*User accounts – You can now register for your own Poptropica Help Blog account for posting on the forums and other parts of the site. You’ll even get a snazzy profile page with a cover photo of your choice! Register today!
*Heading font to Luckiest Guy – We’re now using one of the main fonts Poptropica uses regularly on their website, Luckiest Guy, in our headings.
*Author blurbs can be seen at the bottom of each post.
*About page has a cleaner design, with author blurbs spread out and less text to go over.
Glitching section – dedicated to various aspects of Pop glitching, including clothing and item IDs! It’s the new, improved “Cheats, Codes, & Glitches” page, and includes a ton more stuff too!
“Cool Stuff” page renamed “Pop Plus” (as in Poptropica Plus, meaning extra stuff to help you take full advantage of your Poptropica experience)!
Poptropica Lexicon page under Pop Plus – get to know the slang of those who Pop!
Island trivia pages are now combined with their respective written walkthrough pages and the whole combination is known as an Island Guide!
“Party” subheading includes some former Cool Stuff pages, plus the Game Guides and Tribes pages, because they all involve partying with other Poptropicans!
“Wiki” button on the navigation bar leads to our Poptropica Wiki on Gamepedia! Help us edit!

Although these changes may not seem too major, we’re excited for you to check them out.

Since the PHB is always a work in progress, we do look out for feedback from you guys! If any of the new features are not too popular among the community, we will reconsider how it is used, and similarly, we’d love to know what you find is an improvement as well. And if you have any suggestions for new features, we’ll consider those, too.

Whether we continue with self-hosted WordPress in the future will depend on how well this goes, but we’re hoping it works out well for everyone. Stats and subscribers have been transferred as well. If you are experiencing any technical difficulties, please wait for about half a minute and then do a quick refresh of the page. For other issues, let us know and we will help!

Stay popping, Poptropicans! 🙂

My Place in Poptropica

My Place in Poptropica: Lucky Joker

July 30, 2016April 7, 2021 LJ

This is the My Place in Poptropica story of Lucky Joker, a longtime Poptropican who doesn’t plan on giving up anytime soon! See below for details on sending in your own MPIP!

mpip luckyjoker

Howdy, it’s Lucky Joker! Before we get started with my MPIP story, be sure to check out (and maybe follow 😛) my Twitter, @LJokerPop. Shameless self-promotion, I know. Anyway, here is my story!

2008 | The Discovery

Every Friday during my years in elementary school, my class was taken to the computer lab to practice our typing through a program called Mavis Beacon. Afterward, we were allowed to play a game of our choice. The teacher gave us four options which included Funbrain, Cool-Math Games, Zoombinis and — you guessed it — Poptropica (which he pronounced as pōp-tropica 😝). I mostly opted for Logical Journey of The Zoombinis, but one day after a while of playing I found myself yearning for something new.

I eagerly tried out Poptropica because of how cool the name sounded. Alas, Lucky Joker was born! Apparently I was late to the game among my peers as most of them had already created accounts and completed some islands by the time I joined.

2008-2009│Exploring the Islands

At this time I hadn’t known about walkthroughs, so I had to figure out each island on my own which was quite difficult as a kid. I had some help from friends, though, and it was really fun. Poptropica was quite popular at my school and everyone was always flexing their costumes and medallion count. It was very much a hierarchical thing, haha.

If my memory serves me correctly, Astro-Knights was the newest island, and a funny thing that I remember was when my friend had told me Monster Carnival was going to be the last island (after Astro-Knights), “ending Poptropica”. I didn’t even know what he was talking about. Even today I’m not exactly sure where he got that idea, but boy was he wrong.

2010│Lazy Bird

By this point, I hadn’t played Poptropica in a little while and I decided to check back in. I couldn’t remember my login information, however, so I had to create a new account — this time with my mom so she could keep note of my account info. My new Poptropican was called Lazy Bird; my mother and I thought the name described me perfectly. 🙃

She purchased a 6-month membership for me which made me all the more ecstatic to log in. I completed all of the classic islands on this account once more, and also played Counterfeit, Reality TV and Mythology (the newer releases) for the first time. This was when Mythology was available with early access and it became an instant favorite of mine. I also attempted Skullduggery once, but to no avail. Unfortunately my membership sort of ended up being a waste as I played a little less actively for the tail end of it.

2011-2012│Rediscovery

One day when I was cleaning my backpack — along with a bunch of loose crayons and pencil shavings — fell a small wrinkled up piece of paper. I unfolded it to see what it was and it turned out to be my previous account’s login info. Lucky Joker was back and here to stay! I immediately went into the living room and rushed to the computer with my love for Poptropica reignited. I was surprised with how much I needed to catch up on, but thanks to walkthroughs I was now aware of and my (almost insane) amount of determination, I was all caught up within a month. I had even bought Poptropica: The Official Guidebook from my school’s book fair to help me. I still own it to this day!

(In the states) After elementary school obviously comes junior high — and like most kids I was feeling pressured to “grow up”. Luckily for me though, I eventually made a couple of new friends who I could open up to about my “childish” interests. I introduced the game to one of them and learned that the other already had an account, so that was a good feeling. Poptropica was the topic of conversation during lunch from time to time and we also multiversed occasionally over the phone once we got home afterschool.

2013-2014│Finding Poptropica Fans

As time progressed, I found myself playing Poptropica more and more. I learned about replaying islands as an option and quickly took advantage of the feature. I was really impressed by the improved art and storytelling in the newer islands.

I then introduced the game to my two younger cousins who I’m very close to. They still play today and it’s somewhat of a bonding thing for us. I had also developed an interest for learning more about the online Poptropica community (at which point I didn’t know existed). I was searching for videos on YouTube and eventually ran into Brave Tomato’s YouTube channel! I started binging her videos and quickly subscribed.

I also remember searching for Poptropica content apart from YouTube and found a blog that immediately caught my attention — the Poptropica Help Blog! The design and the team of authors intrigued me. I knew I wanted to be a part of it someday.

2015–present│Now and Later

In the summer of 2015, I took part in the first Poppies event via the comments section, inserting myself a bit more into the fandom. I also participated in Poptropica’s Hall of Fame the month before. I kid you not, I must’ve been one of the most active players of the game at this point. Half of my summer vacation was dedicated to playing every island in order to get a spot. I replayed every island at least twice, and some even up to 15 times! I was pretty upset (to put it mildly 😅) when I found out I wasn’t one of the winners. Finishing the third episode of Arabian Nights at #49 on the World Champions map (right after BT!) made me happy, though.

Nowadays, as a high schooler, I don’t know anyone in person who plays Poptropica. However, I will never stop playing because of the status quo, and now that I’ve fully immersed myself in this community, I plan on playing the game for many years to come. I currently run a blog alongside my good friend White Ice and a couple of other cool people. The future has yet to be written, but it’s looking bright! I’m Lucky Joker and this is “My Place in Poptropica”.

– Lucky Joker 🍀

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Hope you enjoyed this “My Place in Poptropica” story! Feel free to send in your own (please include a minimum of 550 words, type with good spelling and grammar, divide it into labeled sections, and include your username). Look out for more community MPIPs in the future!

~the Poptropica Help Blog

Uncategorized

Cobalt’s Corner: Islands

July 29, 2016 Spencer

Hoi, I’m Koi.

Being in the Poptropica universe since 2008, I’ve had plenty of island ideas. Many I don’t remember, but a few have always stuck with me. Today I’m going to be sharing them! 🙂

Court Calamity

Plot: In France, the town of Loyar – Tyler Tortsin has just been accused of a crime, a good old cliché bank-robbery. He promises to pay you in a gold medallion and 150 credits – if you can prove his innocence. But… is he?

Objective: Explore the town, interrogate his family, his friends, his acquaintances, Loyar’s citizens – and hope you can give something good to Judge Tudy.

Plot-twist: Judge Tudy is actually Gillian Guiltman, the criminal herself!

Ideas: Here are Judge Tudy’s and Gillian’s quick, quick concepts!

I didn’t want to go too bold with their outfits, because one’s just a judge and the others just a girl who knows how to rob banks. (Not necessarily get away with it, though.) 😉

PoptropiKart Island

Plot: Poptropica’s favorite sport besides the Poptropolis Games are clearly PoptropiKart Racing! When Lester Leadlap gets into an accident and can’t compete, it’s you who must fill his place! You’re the one that dropped the doomed Korndog onto the race track, after all. Winning… can’t be that hard. Oh, but it is when a masked individual is placing traps on the track, tainting people’s karts with unneeded modifications and more! Who is this labeled Krazy Karter? Karter Krazfield, of course.

Ideas: 1) You can modify and customize Lester’s Kart with size, texture, color, and shape of wheels, exterior, etc… 2) Karter Krazfield runs a food shop inside the stadium – Karter’s Korndogs.

Here’s very quick, quick concepts I drew of Karter’s designs.

Super Soda

Plot: Professor Phizzy unleashes radioactive explosive candies into the world’s largest soda bottle – monster mentos. The soda bottle becomes alive, wreaking havoc on all islands – the worst part is, it acts like acid. You touch it with your hand… let’s just hope you write with the other. Poptropica’s precious islands are flooding, and you gotta do something! Everyone’s hiding places aren’t going to last forever.

Ideas: You’re in a locked down museum. You find a way out through the sewage system, and conveniently – a hazmat suit. With the sewage drain, you use it on the crazy cola as a bottle cap.

Here’s a quick, quick doodle of Professor Phizzy.

My interpretation of him when I was younger.

My interpretation now.

Yes, he purposely takes some influence from Rick Sanchez. 😛 I actually really like that my younger self gave him a rendition with rotten teeth, I think it’s still a nice touch. Just kinda gross. I have a few more island ideas, 3 more to be exact, but I didn’t want to stretch this post out more than necessary, so I’ll be talking about more in the future!

Hope you guys enjoyed my islands! Here’s a little extra segment:

Cobalt’s Comments: A drawn out thank you.

Ever since I came back, I have had a ton of support, I seriously didn’t expect it at all, and it’s absolutely awesome. To thank the most repetitive commenters, I’ve drawn you all. 🙂

Disclaimer: I don’t own a tablet, nor digital software on my laptop. I draw these on my iPhone 6 Plus, using the application Sketchbook. I’m no Crafty or HPuterpop. I just wanted to give you something more than a blatant thank you.

Also, if I didn’t thank you with a doodle – I’ll thank you now. ❤

Happy Lobster, Tall Cactus, Marshmallow, and MariotropicaX – these are for you!

For any reason you don’t like the quality, I’ll send y’alls a full resolution version on the PHC. I think it’s fine, though. 😛

I also do some more arts on my iPhone (wow, that seriously sounds pathetic) that I upload to my DeviantArt!

-Koi (◑‿◐)

Uncategorized

Quick Skinny Moon Session: It’s Friday Edition!

July 29, 2016 Spencer

skinnymoon phc

Hoi, I’m Koi. Just so before I get addressed any of these questions, my current Gravatar is a Poptropican version of what I really look like in real life, not a new Popsona! I want to start a blog for my own clutter that doesn’t surround Poptropica, but Poptropica is also a big part of me, so I thought the icon was appropriate.

Anyway Poptropicanos, just early this morning, from about 10:40AM to 11AM Eastern time, Pop Creator Skinny Moon dipped into our Discord chat – the PHC! She answered a few pressing questions – to the extent she could ‘Kick back, relax–’ oh, that’s for a post later today. Alrighty, let’s get into it!

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Skinny Moon: Hi all! Just popping in for a minute! I’m doing great! It’s Friday! YAY!

Tall Cactus: When do you think new pop will be out and when can you tell us more info? We want a new island on CURRENT pop!
Skinny Moon: I really can’t say anything. All details have to be kept confidential for many boring business reasons.

KeithSammut: Crisis Cavers got removed but are you guys gonna do some other island?
Skinny Moon: We do have plans for the current Pop. I can’t tell you what/when/how, but I definitely will start dropping hints when I can!

Tall Cactus: What about that guy who won Island Hopper Contest, the video chat was never posted in the Creators blog.
Skinny Moon: I just don’t have the resources/time right now to edit a video. It exists but I have to actually deal with it and have more pressing stuff to deal with right now! Sorry!

Kaliscene: Well, if I recall, you said we’d get some significant news about the New Pop very soon, will that be on the creators blog soon, and if so, how long from now?
Skinny Moon: I’m not sure I remember saying that. When we can release news, we will. I know it’s hard to wait but we have SO much going on.

Skinny Moon: You guys, I can’t give you details on the current and new Poptropica. Sorry. I’m just here checking messages and saying hi. I know it’s hard to wait but there are real-world business reasons I can’t talk about it.

Please know that all of us at Poptropica LOVE Poptropica and we are brainstorming and working and creating completely awesome stuff for you. It just takes time. Remember, we aren’t just working on the current Poptropica. We’re also developing the New Poptropica on a totally new platform – for web and mobile! So instead of just working on one game and its web and mobile versions, we’re working on two games and their web and mobile versions – on two different platforms (flash and unity). It’s a lot of work for a small company and we’re working like crazy to update what we can on the current Poptropica and create the New Poptropica.

When we used to release many islands each year, we only had web to focus on – know what I mean? We are in a period of transition and it’s very exciting!!!

Tall Cactus: Why don’t the other creators post as much on their blog as they used to? Will the second graphic novel become an island?
Skinny Moon: People don’t have as much time to post as they used to, for all the reasons I just wrote about. Not sure about the 2nd novel becoming an island – I hope so, but it’s not one of the ones we’re working on right now.

KeithSammut: Why did you choose the name Skinny Moon instead of all the other choices you had xD
^ I’ve always been curious about that
Skinny Moon: It was the first name that popped up and I went with it. I thought it was fun.

Skinny Moon: PS: Everyone should enter the #poptropicaArt contest. Even if you think you’re “not good.” We’re not necessarily looking for professional art! If you don’t have Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, a family member or another Poptropica player can enter you! And don’t forget to spin the wheel for credits so you can grab the costumes/powers you want in the store before they’re gone… Spin every day! Your credits will build up super fast! BYE! Have a great weekend!!!

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What a poppin’ morning! All the PHB staff sadly missed her while she was really on, whoops. I would’ve asked her why there wasn’t a shrine of me on an island somewhere. But, it is what it is. Thanks for coming on, Skinny Moon! See you guys later.

Contests, PHB Parties, Poppies, Web Development

Recap and a wrap: Poppies 2016 Party!

July 29, 2016July 11, 2019 Slanted Fish

Hey Poppie-troppie-cans!

As you’ve no doubt noticed on the PHB, over the past couple of weeks we’ve been hosting The Poppies, which is our Poptropica community awards event! We’re thankful for everyone who participated in nominating, voting, dressing up, partying, and of course, appreciating.

The main event, the Poppies party and winners livestream, took place on July 26, 2016 – the PHB’s 8th anniversary. Check out the well-dressed Poptropicans in the party collage below!

poppies2016 recap

Between the Poppies winners being announced via livestream (check out the winners here!), jokes and chatter filling up the PHC, and rounds of game battles, cake throws, and 8th birthday pigs in Multiverse rooms, it was a lot of fun and frenzy for everyone involved, including the PHB staff of course!

Here at the PHB, we’re amazed and grateful for all of your support, and how it has carried us for eight whole years. This year, in 2016, we began publishing Poptropica stories from the community, known as My Place in Poptropica. It has been quite interesting to hear your stories, and we’re honored to be part of it. We look forward to even more poppin’ times in the future.

Also, you may have noticed some new changes here on the PHB. They will be discussed further in another post, but we hope you enjoy them now and onwards. In the meantime, if you are experiencing any downtime, please just wait about half a minute and then do a quick refresh on the page.

One of the biggest new changes to highlight is the onsite forums – discussion boards right here on the PHB, for connecting our community in matters both on and off Poptropica. Unlike the fast-paced nature of the PHC, forum messages can stay for a while, and is its own medium worth exploring, so we hope you’ll check it out! We’d love to hear feedback as well.

Thanks again to all of you for being part of the Poptropica community, and we hope you enjoyed the awards for 2016. Congratulations to all the winners, and see you next time on the red carpet!