Greetings, Neopians! This week's Editorial will focus on the recent changes since (of course) we received so many questions and comments about it. Please note that, like all Editorials, we are answering questions as truthfully and accurately as we can at this time, meaning this isn't written in stone. Please don't point at this Editorial a week or five years from now hollering that we've "purposely" deceived you in some way. That's not how the Editorial works. :P

...click to read the entire special editorial about the new layout...

And now, a public service announcement.

We often see quotes like these on the boards: "Be lucky you only got warned! I was suspended for a similar reason. It's not fair."

So, we'd like to clarify. Issuing a suspension is step two in a three step process. Step one is to issue warnings. If you have never been warned before (and the infraction is not serious enough to warrant a freezing straight away), you will likely just get a warning. If you continue to break the rules even though you've been previously warned, we move on to step two and you are suspended, again even if it's a very minor infraction. (Your history has shown that warnings don't work and you need a more serious punishment.) Eventually, should you continually break the rules after being given several chances through warnings and suspensions, you'll be frozen. There's a lot more to this system, of course, but we don't want to give all our secrets away. ;) We just wanted to help clarify why the same infraction serves as a warning to some, a suspension to others, or even a freezing at times. The monitors are not being harsh or unfair, nor do they have a grudge against you personally. They are just going by your past history and warnings you have already received.

**Special Notice of TNT Flubbing +1**

Sooo... there's no great way to say this so we'll start from the beginning. :P

The Support/Monitoring and Content departments had a total communication failure. While we (Content) do site stuff and write the Editorial, they (Support/Monitoring) have the thankless job of enforcing rules and dealing directly with millions of players, and it seems that somewhere along the line one head wasn't aware what the other was doing and... yeah. As such, we unknowingly gave you guys bad information on two rules we clarified here in the Editorial recently - rules we thought were correct but didn't verify. Yes, we know we stink because of it and it's really embarrassing to admit it, but we're happy to shame ourselves if needed to get the proper info out there. So, along with this rambling apology, we'd like to re-clarify some rules mentioned in a couple of Editorials. Here we go:

- "Hell" and "damn" are in fact NOT allowed, despite our big, babbling response in a past Editorial saying it was okay in certain forms. (Acronyms containing the words are also not allowed, just like acronyms containing profanity are not allowed.) While our answer was the rule at one point in time, the words have just been misused too much and the rule had to be changed to disallow them completely. So, regardless of how you use them, "hell" and "damn" are no longer allowed.

- Religious usernames are an outright no-no. Just having a username as such stirs up conversation when other users see it on the Neoboards, so these usernames had to be outlawed (same reason usernames of a political nature were already outlawed, as we mentioned in that same Editorial). This includes all religions no matter how large or small. Users with old, established accounts will be grandfathered in (meaning no worries!). Anything created recently will be looked into and we'll work with players broadsided by this, but anything created from here on out will be frozen.

- This wasn't stated in the Editorial before, but we'd like to clear this up, too. Using the word "sexy" in usernames is not allowed, either. This has been in effect for quite some time, but it's made clear now. Old usernames are again grandfathered in, but usernames of this nature will be frozen if they are created now.

So, that's it. We'd also like to apologise to the Monitors for causing confusion. Despite our attempts to help them out by clearing up the rules every week, we appeared to have made things worse this round. DX Whatever the Editorial has said in the past, they're the ones that need to enforce the rules and it's their call about what is and isn't allowed. We hope this clears things up!

And yes, they've checked other rule clarifications for inaccuracies. ;)

Hiya TNT! I recently made a side account and a few new Neopets, and I'd really like to know if it's okay to go fishing with all of my Neopets, or if it's like the other dailies and should only be used on my main account. I figured that, since you can go fishing with more than one Neopet anyway, it wouldn't matter. But then I thought that, just like the other dailies, you get stuff for free when you go fishing, and the more Neopets you go with the more stuff you get (like in Tombola or Coltzan's Shrine). And THEN I thought that Neopets actually have fishing skill levels, just like Battledome stats and things, and that raising stats and things are fine on sides, as long as you get the NP from your main. So fishing would be like that, except free... and now I'm just confused. ^^" Thanks! ~starshineadrienne

We're glad you though it out on your own before asking us. Most people just try and take the easy way out. :P

Whenever you hit the "you get free stuff" part of your internal monologue when trying to decide if an activity is allowed on side accounts, it's time to stop. :) That alone means it's not allowed. Training (which is okay on side accounts, as you mentioned) doesn't yield any items, so that's why it's okay to raise your Neopets' stats on side accounts. Also, we'll note that the Healing Springs is the only exception to this rule. It will occasionally give away a healing potion, but since it's necessary to keep Neopets healthy and happy, we allow visits to her even on side accounts. This Fishing Hole question gets asked so often to the Editorial that we think we may put a notice at the top that it's not allowed on multiple accounts!

So, bank accounts on side accounts? Yes or no? If they're allowed, are you allowed to collect the interest? Some people say they are allowed, other people say not, some people say you can collect interest because it doesn't have much of an effect (and they'd get the interest on their main account anyway) others say its making Neopoints on a side account. It's a question I keep running into on the help boards and a lot of people aren't sure of the answer... ~reclusivity

You know, we actually think we haven't answered this question before! (Or perhaps we have, and forgot; remembering what's been in 300+ Editorials is a bit difficult. x_X;) Congrats to you for a fresh question!

Anyway, going by our own rules, we say that's a no (to collecting interest on sides) since that would be using your side account to generate NP. Best just to keep the bulk of your NP on your main account and collect the interest there (you'll earn more interest, anyway). There's really not much reason to have a lot of NP sitting around on side accounts, either. PIN numbers keep your loot safe, and sticking your side-account Neopets in the Neolodge every 28 days doesn't really cost that much. If you've collected interest in the past, don't fret about it... just please don't do so going forward.

Ok I am veeeeeeery confused. What exactly are side accounts? Everyone asks if you can earn Neopoints on a side account, and I know that you can't, but how does that help me if I don't know what a side account is?!? I hope you answer this, cuz u guyz roxz! ~07vbgirl07

We actually get this question a lot. On Neopets you are allowed to have up to 5 accounts. However, you may only use one of those accounts to do most activities (like play games, earn Neopoints, etc). This is called your main account. The (up to) four other accounts that you may have that aren't your main are considered "side" accounts, and are also known as alt (alternative), gallery, guild, or storage accounts amongst players. These accounts can be used to house more Neopets or perform any other function mentioned in the previous sentence, but may not be used to earn Neopoints (as you so astutely mentioned).

I have tried to get this confirmed in many different ways so I am trying you. Time and again I see people with their account referral links on lookups and other parts of their accounts. Is this not abuse of the referral system? One person literally asks people to make side accounts and use his referral link. This doesn't seem what it is meant for. Isn't it meant to get new members, not to talk existing people into making more accounts? That doesn't seem any different than if I were to have used my own referral link when I made my side accounts. Could you please clear this up once and for all? Thanks. ~poohbear1320

While yes, the intention is to get new people to join, we know that's not always what happens. We're going to have to go for the "reasonable balance" response here. While we don't mind referral links in shops, ULs, or Petpages, actively mailing Neopets players or posting it (or requests for people to use it) on the Neoboards is crossing the line. Also, we'd just like to throw it out there that using your own referral link when creating side accounts is a no-no as well.

Hey TNT! Thanks so much for running a great site, and I'll spare you the rock jokes. I was just wondering, is it a freezable offense to put a "paint brush" in your shop for a very cheap price, when it really takes you to a pet page? I thought I had seen something like that in an editorial before, but I just wanted to clarify. Thanks so much! ~soccer_340

Unless it's an attempt to scam, then no, it isn't freezable. You may get a warning though for such a thing (and frozen if you repeat the behavior after being warned for it). Such mean-spirited jokes are not welcome on Neopets.

Dear kind TNT, this question has come up on the help boards and, well, we would like an answer, please. Can you send to a side account and then turn in World Challenge map pieces to earn the prize? I mean, if you get the prize you could send it to your main, correct? Some of us are just wondering. Thanks! ~egyptian_prophecy

No. Aside from Secret Lab maps, you may only turn in map pieces of any sort (including WC) on your main account. There's no good honest reason to turn in others on side accounts because, as you said, you can send the resulting prize to your side account once you redeem it.

I want to send a painted Pteri to my side, but at the same time don't want to risk losing it. So, if I buy the paint brush, can I send it to my side, followed by my Pteri, and then paint it while on the side? I really don't want to risk my painted Pteri, but at the same time don't want to risk getting frozen. ~ashleyt94

Yep! That's a perfect way to handle it! Quite clever to wait to paint it until it's on your side account, really. Just wait until the Pound is back up! Remember, everyone... you can send whatever you like to your sides, just finance it with your main!

Hi, in Issue 276 you stated that it's alright to participate in DON (Defenders of Neopia) on side accounts. I was just curious, though, since the only way to get the Brain Tree (mission 5) as a challenger is by doing quests (for him and the Esophagor). Is this still acceptable? When you do a quest you get an item and NP, so I wasn't sure how that would fit in with not earning NP on a side. I'd like to be able to get the DON trophies on my side accounts, but don't want to break the rules to be able to do so. Thanks in advance for your time TNT. Love the site. :) ~chia_lubber

Oh. Hrmmm... well, we'll be quite honest with you and say that, as you probably guessed, we totally forgot about situations like that when answering the original question. So we're sorry for opening our big mouths and creating confusion! As you mentioned, the rule is that if the activity earns you Neopoints or items, it's off limits, so that mission is definitely not one you should do on your side account. Thank you for pointing it out!

However, we completely understand you wanting to earn the trophies on your side account, especially after we said it was okay and there's only one mission getting in your way. :) So while we can't promise anything, we'll talk with our Battledome gurus and see if we can work this out.

To be very clear, you currently CANNOT do any missions on your side accounts that involve earning Neopoints in any fashion. If this changes in the future, we'll let you know in New Features! (And we're hoping it can since you were so nice in pointing out our stupid mistake! Thanks, again!)

Can you do Underwater Fishing on side accounts? I love Neopets also. Bravo TNT! *claps hands* ~Frenchfry678954

Alas, we must say no to this one as well. You can, however, fish with up to all four of your Neopets (on your main account), so hopefully you can fulfill your daily fishing appetite with them.

I know we're not allowed to get free items on our side accounts, but we are allowed to get the newbie packs, right? ~starfox164

Yes, taking the Neopets-given newbie packs is fine as long as you are following the rules and not making more than 5 accounts. And yes, if you self-deactivate one and create another you can have the newbie pack there, too. It's mostly just a little kit to make your new Neopets feel welcomed.

If you were to get a Fountain Faerie quest on your Side account, would it be okay to do it, as long as the item was sent from your main? ~hermione_890_neo

Yep, that's exactly how you should handle it. Random events received in side accounts are all yours!

Hi TNT, my friend emailed me yesterday and said that she is all stressed because she forgot she was on her side account and went to get her Advent Calendar prizes. It was a complete accident. Now she thinks that you are going to freeze all her accounts and she will have to start over! Is this true because it was an accident? ~ saphira_999

It's okay, she doesn't need to worry. There is an obvious difference between an occasional mistake and blatant multiple account cheating. :) Should this happen to you, do not collect on your main account that day, and be sure to pay close attention the next time you visit to make sure you're on your main.

First off, allow me to humble myself before the mighty TNT! I love you guys! And... on to the question. Is it okay for me to take care of a buddy's account while they are gone on vacation? And, if I do this, am I going to get frozen for collecting their daily "freebies" for them while they're gone? I wouldn't take them for myself-- it would be their items. Please let me know! ~isthefox

No, you are not allowed to even access their account at all, let alone playing Neopets for them. This would be considered sharing accounts (even if only for a short period of time) and playing someone else's account for them is cheating. You would both be frozen.

I know you've probably had questions like this before but I'm worried that I might lose my account if you think I'm using more than one. See, my home computer broke down and I don't want to miss out on the Advent Calendar so I'm at a library where other people use neopets.com as well. I don't want to be accused of multiple accounts. What can I do? ~dee121105

Don't worry, and just play normally. We are well aware that many people use public computers, and take that into consideration when investigating accounts. We would like to stress, however, that you please, please, PLEASE remember to log off your account when you are done if you are ever using a public computer. If you don't, the next person to visit Neopets may end up in your account!

Hi TNT! I'm just asking -- can you change main accounts every month or so? Thanks! ~zbelac

Uh, no. This doesn't quite go along with the spirit we intended when we said you could change main accounts. While there is no definite number of times you can switch, we imagine it would be more like a one or two time thing. Basically, you may switch accounts if you feel serious about leaving an old account behind and starting anew or moving to one with a new name. This shouldn't be something done lightly, and please do your best to stay committed to your new main account. Randomly swapping back and forth all willy-nilly-like is basically using multiple accounts to play Neopets, which is not allowed. (Just because it's not every day doesn't mean it's okay.) We do realise that you may find a username you like better down the line and want to switch to that one, for example, so we're trying to accommodate by allowing you to switch. But make a decision. Pick one account and stick with it, eh?

I am concerned with the messages below the Advent Calendar, Tombola, and many other places that say "IMPORTANT - Do not use more than one account per person to claim the prizes. This is against the rules, and people who cheat will have their accounts frozen." or something like that. My brother and I both have an account, so I was wondering how you would be able to tell if we both wanted to claim our prizes, so we went on both accounts and got them. Could we be frozen? This has been bugging me for a long time, so please answer my question. I really don't want to be frozen, and I don't think that my brother wants to be, either. You've done a wonderful job on Neopets! Thanx! ~hailey1010101

Don't worry, we understand that families often play Neopets together! :) We have quite a few ways to determine the difference between families and cheaters. Things you can do to help is making sure you and your brother have different email addresses, secret words, names, etc. Otherwise, just play as you normally do you'll have no problems.

PS: To all those multiple-account cheaters out there, we have other ways of tracking, so don't try to use this information to be clever and try to hide. ;) *cackles*

I am going to word this as simply as I can since you are probably sick of these questions, but here is goes: can I play Tombola on my secondary account if I did not play it on my main for that day? Like alternating as long as I am not transferring the Neopoints. I would still be within the "Once Per Day" rule. So I guess I just want to know can I alternate days to grow my secondary account and for those purposes only? ~Anonymous

Please play the Tombola on your main account, and send any items you won to your side account if you wish to develop that account as well. Though if you want the profit from the item, please sell it in your main shop, then send those Neopoints to your side account via the Auctions or Trading Post. Your side account should only receive items or Neopoints directly from your main account or via Random Events you happened to get while logged in to that account. Thanks. :)

Hello there, oh great Editor of Doom. I have a question for you, almighty one. I got a codestone from a random event on my side account. 'Tis okay if I transfer it to my main account... right? o_O ~earthterra55

Yep, yep. Go right ahead. Random event items are all yours. (Sorry. We know we answer this a lot, but obviously the word isn't spreading too fast. Hehe.)

If I make a side account and create a Neopet, is that included as making Neopoints? ~creempii

No, this is one of those very few exceptions to the rule. :) You can have as many Neopets as you like on your side accounts... as long as you can take good care of them!

I was wondering if the Soup Kitchen was considered a daily. I have too much money on my main to visit it but I visit it on my side account. You can't make money from it but it certainly saves you some. I really don't want to violate any rules so I was wondering if this was allowed. THANKS!!! ~lost_penelope

No, you are free to visit the Soup Faerie and Healing Springs faerie on your side accounts, to keep your Neopets there healthy and happy. This also includes the Neolodge.

Hiya, folks! I just downloaded the nifty toolbar and like it a lot - but I've got a question. I understand that you get prizes from using the toolbar, and I'm a bit nervous about using it with the browser I use for my side accounts (I use two different browsers so I don't get muddled about which account I'm logged in to). I don't want to get frozen! It doesn't seem like it would be freezable to get a prize on a side account, but I've been surprised by some of your answers on what's freezable and what's not, so I want to be dead certain before using it. (I really wish you guys would do a checklist thing for what's OK with side accounts and publish it here, so we'd have a reference to go to.) Thanks -- and I love the toolbar! ~dejectedkat

You need to "pick up" your prizes from the toolbar; it's not something that is automatically given to you like in a Random Event. While, yes, you may feel free to use the toolbar on multiple browsers, please refrain from collecting prizes with any account but your main (much like the Advent Calendar). As for side accounts, here are some things you can and can't do:

...click to read more...

Um, I have a question. If you were to receive a warning for doing something and your inbox is full, would you still receive the warning? Just wondering. ~erosionsette

Hehe, sure would. Mail from theneopetsteam always goes through. ;)

My son was trying to access Neopets to play and he accidentally typed in the wrong spelling. A page came up and it looked like the Neopets sign in page. I stopped him from signing in and re-entered the correct spelling for him, but was curious if this was indeed a link to Neopets or was it a fraud page designed to steal our information. The misspelled site was noepets.com and neopet.com. Thanks, Stormsmom6199

Good eye. :) Don't worry. Both those sites are owned by us because we know spelling mistakes do happen. However, you did the right thing. If you are ever prompted to log into Neopets, make sure the URL is www.neopets.com specifically. If not, do NOT log in. Change the URL immediately. There are indeed sites out there made to look like Neopets to try and trick you into giving out your login information, so it's better to be cautious.

Thank you for being alert, and for keeping such a close eye on your son! :)

I didn't know what to put this under but I put it under opinion. Well I was in my guild chatting and my computer did a double post so I posted a message like so "sorry about the double post my computer is stupid" and TNT deleted all my messages on the board and gave me a warning. Do you think you can read the messages before you delete them and hand out warnings? Or is this done by a system? I have never gotten a warning for saying my computer is stupid. Thanks! ~nitetimecarebear

Well, in regards to what you said, your exact wording wasn't "my computer is stupid." You used another word that is NOT appropriate and therefore can't be mentioned here, but suffice to say the warning was warranted, even if you don't feel that is the case. The reason all your posts were deleted is because any time anyone gets a warning, ALL their messages are deleted. This includes chat posts, guild posts, and even notice board ads. Also, all warnings and freezings are dealt out by human beings, not a computer. Your message was seen by a human, who decided it was not appropriate, and took the correct action in warning you not to use that word again.

I was going to buy a lab map with my main account and send it to my side account so I can adopt pets from the pound and zap them so they'll have a better chance of finding a home. I won't get frozen for this, will I? ~super_penguin_queen

Nope! Not at all! You're doing everything just right. :)

Hi, I have heard that users have gotten frozen for logging in on different computers. I have two computers at my house and I login on both (not at the same time though!) and I login at my friend's computer also. If this is not allowed to login on different computers I will be happy to choose one to login on. Thanks. PS: If you choose this (which I reallllyyy hope you do) please don't put my username. ~anonymous

No, people are not frozen for logging on to different computers. We're not sure where this rumour started, but judging from notes on many user lookups, it now seems widely spread. We can't go into detail about how we track accounts (since that would only aid scammers in trying to find ways to sneak past our most watched areas), but we can assure you we only freeze your account for being logged in elsewhere if we have solid evidence the account is being shared, has been scammed, or there is some wrong-doing involved. Simply logging on to the site in more than one location will not get you frozen.

My little brother tried to log on to his account, and it asked for his b-day. Why is this? ~anonymous

If an account has been inactive for a while, when you log in it will request that you provide additional information to prove you are the true owner. This is to stop people who try to steal older accounts by guessing the secret word.

Can the altador cup be played on side accounts? ~rudething131

No, as with all site-wide events, the Altador Cup can only be played on your main account.

Hi TNT! Is it okay if you are logged into one account using Mozilla and your second account using Internet Explorer? It would make transfering stuff via the TP a lot easier. And you can send Neopoints from your main account to a side account via the TP, right? Thanks! ~ cmf_fern

Yes and yes! This is fine... as long as it is used in a responsible manner. You are allowed to send Neopoints to your alternate accounts, of course, since you will need to take care of your Neopets on that account. If using two browsers makes this easier, have at it! But many people use this trick to gain an unfair advantage over other players, to participate in multiple account restocking, to scam while pretending to be two different people, and a host of other shady dealings. Of course, in cases like these, it is absolutely NOT allowed. Just keep in mind that one account is your main, and the other is your alt, and all rules still apply even if you are playing both accounts at the same time.

Dear TNT, I know someone that is under the COPPA thingymadoohickie (under 13). He is a HUGE altador plot fanatic, set a PIN, and forgot the PIN, so he can't get the Collector(?). Whenever he tries to recover it, it says that there is no E-mail address. My question is: "how do you add an E-mail address to an account that is under 13?" Just drop a neomail or something if you find this question answer-worthy. PS. this might be the wrong category. ~frostbite327

~frostbite327 Due to COPPA regulations, we cannot retain the email address of anyone under the age of 13. Please tell your friend to email support staff in order to have his pin reset. Also, as a note to everyone, please write down your Neopets PIN number somewhere and keep it in a safe, secret location to reduce the number of related emails sent to our support staff. Remember, the less overall emails we receive, the better service we can offer you all. Thank you!

Are you allowed to go over to other peoples accounts to take care of their pets that know you in the real world and have an arrangement? I know that the neolodge doesn't collect your freebies or make your pets any happier. ~ anonumus

No. Your Neopets will remain perfectly happy in the Neolodge, and you certainly may not do freebies for anyone else that is old enough to navigate the site themselves. This is sharing accounts, too, since someone else has your secret word and is using your account. That is also not allowed (for reasons described in a recent editorial).

Will I or my brothers and sisters get in trouble if our accounts use the same e-mail address? And does it count as account sharing? Because we aren't sharing, we just have accounts with the same e-mail because only one of us has e-mail. Also, are all of us in danger of getting frozen if one of us (say, my evil brother) gets frozen? ~mememe939

If you play on your own without your parents' help (we're too lazy to look up your age!), then your accounts should have separate email addresses. If one of you is frozen for doing something inappropriate enough to warrant all your accounts being frozen (such as scamming), then your accounts would be linked by email and would be frozen as well. :( Please ask your parents if they can set up an email account just for you. There are many free email sites, and it just takes minutes to sign up.

Parents who monitor their young children while playing Neopets may set a shared email address, since they are the ones taking responsibility for what happens in those accounts.

Dear TNT: Quick question. I have one main account and one side account. Would it be ok for me to do my dailies (coltzan's shrine, tombola, etc.) on both accounts but not on the same day? Like switch off every other day? ~ cutiepie8026974

Erm, no. :) You can only have one main account from which you earn Neopoints or collect freebies, including free training and stats. Yes, you can switch main accounts if you like, but switching back and forth daily is going a bit overboard. Pick one account to use and stick with it. If you need Neopoints on your alternate account to train your Neopets at the various training schools, you're more than welcome to transfer them there from your main (using the trading post, for example). But if you're trying to get free training from Coltzan for a Neopet on your alternate account, that is not allowed.

Is it okay to feed your pet in Soup kitchen in your side accounts? And what about underwater fishing? Are you allowed to fish in side accounts?

Yes, you may feed your Neopets at the Soup Kitchen in all your accounts, as there is no way to profit from it, and it does not give you an unfair advantage over other players. You may NOT play Underwater Fishing in your alts, as it is considered a game/daily, and you receive something from it.

Just think of it this way: before you do anything in your alternate accounts, just ask yourself, "Will I receive any Neopoints/items from this activity?" If the answer is yes, then don't play. Activities such as the Soup Kitchen, and the Roo Island Merry Go Round are fine to play in alts, because no matter what, you will not receive anything from it (except maybe happier Neopets). The ONLY exception to this is the Healing Springs. We wouldn't want your pets to suffer if you couldn't afford their medication.

Let's say you take over a friend's account who has quit neopets. There is a shop on that account and no way to get rid of it. I don't think it to be fair to ice that account if the shop is not used. Will TNT ever give the option to delete the shop? ~ --name removed--

The account would be frozen because you are NOT allowed to access an account you did not create. Even if your best friend in the whole wide world didn't want their account anymore, their only option is to either abandon it or self freeze it. You may NOT give/trade/sell your account to anyone else. If you do, that account will be frozen.

As for the shops thing, we understand people had shops on accounts before the rule went into effect. As long as the shop is empty and you're not using it to sell items, you're fine. :)

TNT-will i get frozen if i change to a new active account and make it obvious that i no longer use this one? ~gator120693

Nope! Just make sure your new account is easily identified as yours so we don't think someone stole everything from your old account. :)

Is it okay to have labrays on multiple accounts? I have two because i never thought it was against the rules, but then someone told me it was. could you clear this up for me ~ piquel

It is perfectly fine to have access to the Secret Laboratory Ray on all your accounts, just as it's okay to have a Neohome or Stamp Collection on your alternate accounts. :) Just be sure you earn the NP to pay for these things with your main account!

Let's say you get restock banned on your main account. Can you use a side account to restock and transfer the items to your main accounts, as long as you don't get freebies or play games? ~ xo_dearjamie

Umm, no. You're restock banned for a reason. Using another account to bypass that ban is cheating. You'll have to wait until it's over before you can restock again.

A few of my friends who are not able to get on Neopets every day have asked me to get on their accounts and get their advent calendar prizes for them. I've been doing it, but I'm terrified that I'll get myself, and all my friends, frozen for "having multiple accounts". Can you assure me that you have a way to know that I'm not on multiple accounts? ~ [removed]

Whoa whoa. Yeah, stop now. PUT THE MOUSE DOWN!

You CANNOT log into another user's account to play Neopets for them, and getting someone their dailies (including Advent) is indeed playing the site. It's not the multiple account thing you have to worry about... you're all cheating and that's definitely not allowed. They're cheating by asking you to play for them and giving you their account information, and you're cheating by playing the site for someone else. Tell your friends to stop being slackers and get their own freebies, and for Fyora's sake, stay out of their accounts so you don't get frozen.

The old Terms and Conditions said that if we already had more than 5 accounts, we would be allowed to keep them as long as we didn't create any more. In the updated version, this has been taken out. Does it no longer apply? ~ helixnebula

Yes, ma'am. That no longer applies. 5 is the absolute limit for accounts. If you deactivate your extras and just keep five, you'll be fine. You'll also need to designate one as your main and close down all your shops on the other 4 accounts you keep.

Is sharing accounts legal, even though you do not do like the snowager and tombola stuff in two accounts? Or will you get frozen if you share?

Do not share accounts. The vast majority of people who try to get people to share accounts only do it so they can steal their pets, items or NP. That is why we will freeze people who are asking for people to share an account.

Am I allowed a contest in my shop?

Unfortunately the vast majority of shop contests are scams. If any user wins a prize it is normally one of the shop owners other accounts. Because there is no real way for us to monitor if a contest is legitimate or not, we have decided to ban all contests. This is to protect innocent players that could be tricked into purchasing over-priced items. Apologies if you are a shop owner that ran a honest contest, but you should understand why we are doing this.

Is Asparagus World real? :P - captainfrappacinno

Only in Adam's dreams.

Do you REALLY like Asparagus that much, or is it all hype? And if so, why? It's icky.

Yes, I love it. It is especially good wrapped in proscuttio (cold italian meat). I had cold asparagus soup once too, with cream, that was awesome. I didn't like it when I was a kid, but then again I didn't like tomatoes, onions or mushrooms either, and I told my mum that I would never, ever like them. She is the one laughing at me now!

how do you get the asparagus avie?

All I can say is that it could involve 1,300 bottles of sand. Don't take my word for it though. I got it at around 1,560 personally but I have heard that the limit required can vary from account to account.

You should make more asparagus stuff. - Cyberaardvark

Hahaha.. Did Adam set you up to do that?

I was wondering if Adam could post some tips on how to Cook Asparagus in the editorial?

Ha ha.. Adam has no idea how to cook asparagus... The best way is to steam it or to grill it, although you can cook it other ways.

Is Adam ever going to make Asparagus Jelly Beans?

Eww Gross... and I thought Brussel Sprout flavoured jelly beans were a sick idea :)

If an asparagus was a person would it have a really cool pants or a really cool haircut?

A really cool hair cut!

Are you like obsessed with asparagus or something?

I am not, but Adam is - it's really weird!

Why is there so much asparagus on the site?

Because it just tastes so good! Seriously, tonight just ask your mum to cook some for you, you will be suprised! Boiled or steamed is best, maybe with a bit of mashed potato and gravy. Mmmmmmm!

I have a question about avatars and I want to know if this is against the rules: say a person already has a certain avatar, but they want to get their friend lent the avatar item for said avatar. What if the person lends their friend some items to make up for collateral so the person's friend can get the avatar? Is that against the rules? This has been bothering me for quite a while. Please keep my username out of publication. ~[username removed]

Two or more people cannot combine collateral. This is considered pooling and is against the rules.

My friend's MAIN account was recently suspended for around 2 days (48 hrs.). However, she created a side account at the time so she could continue to chat in the guild and such. She then also began to get avatars, though. I read some previous Editorials and learned that playing games was not allowed. So does that also mean earning avatars, even if the avatars were from games? Also, because her account was suspended, there was no way of sending the Neopoints or items to her main in the first place. Mk. Thanks. (: ~omgringo

Earning certain kinds of avatars on side accounts is fine, like clickables or ones where you need a certain type of Neopet or Petpet, etc. Avatars that require you to play games or do dailies that can grant you either NP or an item is off limits on side accounts, though. You may not use side accounts as mains during suspension periods.

I know everyone is still going nuts about the Bonju avatar and that you won't give us any hints at all. :( (Maybe just one hint? Is it bork or the cooking pot we have to worry about? :P) So in the midst of all this controversy let's say someone gets the avatar? Would it be considered a scam to "sell" off how to get the avatar? I've seen a few boards with this topic going around and it looks like if Bonju does get out there will be a heavy price to pay. P.S. TNT rocks. ^^ ~ nene70

No one has it yet, but if someone does find it, while they are perfectly allowed to keep the secret to themselves or only tell who they like the secret, they may under NO circumstances request someone to "donate" or pay them for the secret. That's one quick way to the freezer.

Hiya TNT! I've been on Neopets since faeries had no faces so I'm hoping you'll help an old lady out by answering my question. Has Punchbag Sid been retired? I was really hoping for the avie, but the boards say he's gone for good. Tell me it isn't so! ~schwiftyschwarah

Oh man. You remember those days? Erm, we apologise for those faeries. Really. We didn't mean to scar people for life.

Anyway, don't worry. Punchbag Sid isn't retired. He just doesn't come out to play all that often. He didn't before the avatar, and he's not going to change now. ;) You'll just have to keep an eye out for him. We wish you luck on beating him senseless.

Hey NT! I was wondering... you are the only guys with that super awesome "TNT Esplode" avatar. I've never seen anyone else with it. Is there ANY WAY to get the avatar with the dynamites on it? :D Thanks for answering! ~kai_pawz

Nope, sorry! Only theneopetsteam (and some official accounts used for notification) can use that avatar. Anyone who sends you a Neomail and claims to be The Neopets Team or a representative and does not have that avatar is lying and should be reported.

I'm having trouble with the Symol Hole. I'm trying to get the avatar, and I've been trying for months. I never got anything from there, and it seems impossible for me to get the avatar. Is there any special time where you have to get items or the avatar? ~xxrainydayxx

Alas, there is no secret to getting the Symol Hole to award you prizes. It's just plain luck. Some people may get it on their first visit, while others can visit hundreds of times and not get anything. Don't give up! Your persistence will eventually pay off.

Are we allowed to send avatar items to our alts so that they can get the avatar too, or is that against some rule? ~ [anonymous]

Yes, this is just fine, again because you aren't making a profit. Avatars that require you to visit dailies or play games are not allowed to be obtained on side accounts since you are then making a profit while you do so. Sending a Faerie Queen Doll to your alt to get an avatar is just fine, as long as you don't then use that Doll to make a profit on that account. You'll have to send it back to your main if you want to sell it or trade it.

Before you do anything, just ask yourself, "Will I be making a profit?" If the answer is yes, then it's not allowed.

If you sent your score three times on a game and then got enough points to get the secret avvie would you still be able to get it or would you have to wait untill the next day?? ~flamingcandycorn

Avatars are only awarded after you've successfully sent the correct score for the game. So, if you're trying for an avatar, it's best not to send your score until you're positive that score will get you the avatar.

If you have a series published in the neopian times, does each part count towards the avatar? ~ *anonymous*

Anonymous! Curses.

Our Neopian Times editor saaaaaaaaaaaays... YES! *hurray!* Each part credits you with a trophy, which is one step closer to the avatar. :D

How do you enter a comic in The Neopian Times, and do they count for the NT Star avatar? ~ green_day_rox_72

You can enter you comic to the NT here, and yes, getting your comic into the NT has the same rewards as getting an article in. Your account will be credited a trophy, and it will go towards the total needed for the NT star avy :)

Is getting game avatars for other people against the rules? I know people have been frozen for it but I don't know why it would be against the rules. ~ sparkyfish

When someone offers to "help" you get a game avatar, the majority of the time they are simply scammers who are trying to trick you into giving them your secret word. Never EVER give anyone your secret word for any reason. They will definitely be frozen if they ask for access to your account.
Aside from this, having someone else play games for you (to get avatars or otherwise) means that you are not earning these things on your own. Someone else is doing all the work for you. This is cheating and is not acceptable.

Why do you have to KEEP the gothic usul as your shopkeeper? I really want to change my shopkeeper AND be able to look at my shop front without the avatar being taken away. do you only have to keep the shopkeeper there for a little while? or do you have to keep it there forever? I would really like to know because I want to change my shopkeeper, look at my shop front, and not have the avatar taken away from me!! - Katexi14

Some avatars require you to do different things in order to have them. If you really want the avatar that badly you will keep your shopkeeper as the gothic Usul. It is easy to change back to it if you change your mind and there is no limit to the amount of times you can change to and from the avatar.

I was wondering, did you even release the mediocre avatar because I know about 20 fan sites and none of them know. - qwaz12

It has been released, but nobody has managed to get it yet. You need to win the grand prize of 1,000 NP on the Wheel of Mediocrity in order to get the avatar. We tested it and it does work, it is just extremely rare!

How do you get the Brightvale avatar on the Wheel of Knowledge? I still never see a 'flag' and some said that you had to land on a flag to get the avatar. Is that true? - chaotic_magi

The Brightvale Flag is the golden star, but it is a very rare icon to land on.

Are you allowed to play games or do quests on multiple accounts to gain avatars? - Noober400

The rules for creating multiple accounts are stated clearly in our terms and conditions. I believe you are allowed other accounts if you want more pets or a gallery. You cannot play the once a day freebies and I really do not see the advantage of creating multiple accounts to get avatars. Those avatars would be on your other accounts, not you main one.

Hey TNT, let's say I had a royal Zafara that I zapped at the Lab Ray and it turned into a green Uni. Then I zapped it again and it turned into a robot Zafara. Would I have the royal clothes in my closet from the Zafara being royal to apply to the robot Zafara? Or do we only keep the clothes when we paint our Neopets? P.S. I would like to know this before I get a Lab Map, so it would be nice if this was answered!! ;) ~xx_twinkerbell_xx

Yes, you would indeed still have the royal Zafara clothes. Any clothes you acquire for your Neopet through paint brushes, the Lab Ray, etc. will remain in your closet, ready to be worn should you ever again own the appropriate species of Neopet. Also, these clothes can be worn by ANY of your Neopets as long as they are of a species that can wear the item. Your new Uni might not be eligible for Royal Zafara clothes, but if you had another Zafara, they would be.

Thanks for the Notable Neopets question last week. My guild mates and I were wondering if, when we enter the Customisation Spotlight, a screenie is taken at that moment. Will it hurt our chances to win if we then change outfits after we enter? Please clear this up. Perhaps it is why some people enter Neopets with not one item attached. An answer to these questions will be appreciated even if it's not mine. It would be awesome if you picked mine, though. ^_^ ~bbgirlsmom

It's... sort of a screen shot. :) We have a pretty hefty back-end system that uses a bunch of codes to determine what colour/species your Neopet is and what it's wearing. When you submit to the Customisation Spotlight, those codes are stored so that we know what that Neopet was wearing at the time it entered. If you change your Neopet's outfit after you submit, it won't affect the spotlight at all or dampen your chances of winning. Those voting will see what your Neopet was wearing at the time of entry and have no idea that you changed outfits.

Okay! HI!!! HI!!! You... are so totally awesomeness! Heh heh. So now onto my point. I zapped my Uni about... a week ago, and it changed from a robot Uni to a rainbow Uni. So I was like, "that's cool," but then after going to another page, on the side, my Uni was still a ROBOT Uni!! Why?!? When I go to his Petpage, it says that he is a rainbow Uni, but the picture is of a robot Uni. That's just strange, and after a week, it's still like that. Is it a bug or something? Thanks! (By the way, if my Editorial question is chosen, would you mind leaving out my name? Thanks a lot!)

This was asked quite a few times! Robot casing is a clothing item that your Neopet is wearing, so when they change colour at the Lab Ray, it's hard to see because the casing is still being worn, covering your Neopet up. If you go to the Customisation Application, you can click to view the "applied" items and remove the casing, revealing the beautiful rainbow Uni underneath!

If you're sure all the clothing has been removed from the Neopet but the sidebar image is still showing an old version, this likely means the image just wasn't saved out correctly. Head over to the Customisation Application again, but this time re-save your Neopet. This will force the application to write out the image again, hopefully properly this time. :)

Hello TNT, thanks for the great site. Anyway, I was looking at the NC Mall and noticed the "Down With NC Flag" and I was wondering how many, if any, were sold. Wow, lots of commas, sorry, about that. ~shawn_small

Your, sentence structure, looks fine, to us. Let's see... it seems 3 people have purchased the Down With NC Flag! We salute you flag buyers, and are sad you don't support the NC Mall. :(

(Seriously, though, we'd never thought anyone in their right mind would actually buy the item, so those of you who took one for the team to play along with the joke are made of awesome. We need an "I spend money for the sake of comedy" trophy.)