FAQS

1. No offensive posts This includes, but is not limited to:
   
   *Using vulgar, profane, or sexually explicit language
   *Using race, religion, sexual orientation, culture, ethnicity, handicap, nationality, or gender as a means of insult
   *Using sexual preference terms as a term of insult in any way, shape, or form
   *Using threatening, harassing, defamatory, hate-speech, or libelous language
   *Posting or requesting links to or material from pornographic, obscene, or hate-speech web sites
   *Posting links to web sites with potentially offensive content without a clear warning
   *Descriptions or details about any sexual act or sexual organs
   
   
   
2. No Flaming This includes:
   
   *Name-calling
   *Direct insults
   *Offensive orders
   *attacks against other sites (ZT related or not)
   *Insinuations or insults towards family
   
   
   
3. No posts concerning Illegal Activities This includes, but is not limited to asking for/providing:
   
   *Illegal copies of copyrighted software
   *Methods of circumventing copyright protection (Cracks, CD Keys, etc...)
   *Illegal copies of copyrighted music (MP3s), movies, videos, or any other type of media
   *Methods of cheating in online games
   
   
   
4. Spamming & Disruptive posting This includes:
   
   *Message posts or topic titles that force browsers to scroll horizontally
   *Large blank or content-free posts
   *Bumping old or "dead" topics without a reasonable cause
   *Posting multiple identical or near-identical messages or topics
   *Topic titles or posts consisting of all or mostly capital letters
   *Intentionally hard-to-read posts (i.e. using all, mostly, or alternating capital letters; using no spaces, capital letters, or punctuation, et cetera)
   
   
   

5. Inciting Others This includes:
   
   *Provoking other users to respond with flames
   *Provoking fans of a particular system, game, sports team, etc...
   *Making misleading topic titles
   *Asking obviously useless questions
   *Posting false information as fact

General Questions

What can you tell me about Zoo Tycoon Unlimited?
Zoo Tycoon Unlimited was established in 2001 because I fell in love with the game and wanted to share that love with others. I started out with a very simple premade site and slowly taught myself HTML. From there, I added to and improved the main site. As time went on, I added a forum to better organize all the information that we had available. We went through several different forums, with the most recent being the one now known as Zoo Tycoon Unleashed. We parted ways with them in late 2005 and have worked very hard to get back to what we used to be - a leading fansite devoted to creating a place for people to gather and learn. To that end, we continue to cultivate relationships with Blue Fang and Microsoft to keep you up to date on all the latest in Zoo Tycoon games and news. We also periodically run surveys asking for opinions on what works, what can be added and what keeps you coming back.

 

Why should I register at Zoo Tycoon Unlimited Forums?
Registering at ZTU Forums gives you access to lots of things, like our downloads and exclusive events. You also gain access to our chat room, storefront and more. It really makes your experience more enjoyable if you are a full member. Registering for an account is completely free! Be sure to check out our Members Rankings & Benefits page, as we have made some changes to member permissions based on activity. We have done this to ensure that we are directing our focus on the members who are using and enjoying our site.
 

What are the rules for Zoo Tycoon Unlimited Forums?
We ask that you remember that this is a family friendly site, so there are certain rules that must be followed - no exceptions! No Offensive Posts, No Flaming, No Posts Concerning Illegal Activities, No Spamming or Disruptive Posting, and No Inciting Others If you are unclear about the definitions of any of these, please read the rules located at the top of the forums. When you register, please choose an appropriate user name. A user name is yours for life, so if you choose an inappropriate name, we will have to remove it. Please do not use punctuation in your username as it will cause you to see an error message and you will be unable to log in. See above for complete rules.
 

I want to share a picture with everyone...How do I do that?
At present time, only staff have privileges to post directly to the board. However, this doesn't mean that you can't share your pictures with us. There are plenty of free photo hosting sites out there (my favorite is PhotoBucket) that will give you the code to use to post your pictures. They are simple to use..and we offer help if you are unable to figure it out...  UPDATE: We have added Gallery software to the forum. It runs on a seperate database, so you need to register for it in order to upload your photos.

 
I want to share one of my zoos...How do I do that?
Donating to our site gives you what we call Benefactor status to upload your zoo directly to the board. For those who prefer NOT to donate (and that is fine) you may send your zoo to any member of the staff for them to post for you. As the board grows and new software upgrades are released, we may reconsider this setup. UPDATE: Once you have reached Zookeeper status, you have the ability to post attachments yourself.
 

Why don't you have an arcade or gallery?
Currently the forum software that we are using does not include these features. As new versions and mods are released we will add what we can. We have also considered adding a free standing gallery for our members. We continue to look into improvements for the site all the time.  UPDATE: Gallery and Arcade have both been installed. You need to register for the gallery software, and the arcade currently does not track high scores (yet). Be sure to be on the lookout for updates and upgrades.

 
Why aren't there subforums?
Again, this is a limitation to the forum software. We will continue to upgrade and improve as the opportunities present themselves. UPDATE: Subforums have been added!

 
How can I support Zoo Tycoon Unlimited and the forums?
Donations are always welcome. They may be sent via PayPal or mail. We also have what we call a "subscription" which you may purchase via your account panel. In addition, we have a storefront supported by Amazon.com where you can purchase books, games and more. A portion of all sales go to the site. All financial support given to the site goes towards paying the server fees, domain registration, chat room software and all the things that go into running a website. If you are interested in learning more, please contact a member of the staff for more information.

Contest Questions

1. What is a ZOTM contest?
A ZOTM contest is a monthly zoo contest. ZOTM is an abbreviation for Zoo of the Month. We usually host a new contest each month and we occassionally do some larger projects 4 times a year called quarterly contests. Our contests range from simple to more complex with themes that often fit the time of year.

2. How do I enter a contest?
Well, that depends on what kind of contest you are looking to enter. A screenshot contest simply requires you to post a screenshot in the appropriate contest thread. A ZOTM or Quarterly contest has a couple more steps to enter, but is still very simple. First, create your zoo following the directions for that month's contest. Save it to an easy to find spot on your computer. Open up an email program and put zt1contests@ztunlimitedforums.com or zt2contests@ztunlimitedforums.com (depending on contest entered)   in the address to line. In the subject line, put your name and ZT1 or ZT2 ZOTM (month). Tell us a bit about your entry in the email and then attach your saved zoo file to the email. Hit send, and that's it! See, simple!

3. Why should I enter a ZOTM contest?
Sometimes you just want to challenge yourself to create something new, other times you want to show others what you can create. Occassionally we offer prizes to the winners of ZOTM contests, but not all the time. Nearly all Quarterly contest winners are awarded prizes of some form. Details about prizes are often in the original contest thread.

4. How do I know if it's even worth it for me to enter?
Well, though it is really up to you if you think you are good enough... However, keep in mind that 97% of our zoo entries are from first timers. Part of the reason we have gone to the current ZOTM format is to help ease members into competitive zoobuilding. Our design workshops are also a great place for you to hone your skills as a zookeeeper. Sadly, some months we get only one or two entries, other months none at all. But you can't win if you don't try. Please don't be intimidated by the contests, they are meant to be fun