Modern Media to Launch Gustown Ultimate Web Contest

Posted on May 30, 1997

Modern Media Ventures (MMV) announced what it expects will be the most successful kids promotion ever run on the World Wide Web. Beginning with the June 1, 1997 launch of "The Ultimate Web Contest" at GusTown. MMV expects 1 million visitors will participate in its event. Among the many prizes are Apple's new Power Macintosh 6500/300, the first 300 MHz system on the market, and the eMate 300, the first of a new class of affordable mobile computers that work as a companion to home computers.

Modern Media's GusTown was recently recognized by FamilyPC Magazine's kid and family testers as the Top Rated Web Site for Kids. FamilyPC Tested Web Sites were scored in three categories: Content; Ease of Use; and Fun. Testers evaluated graphics, articles, the overall usefulness of the site, the interface, attractiveness, navigation, quality of help on the site, entertainment value, activities and overall appeal to kids. In earning the "Top Rated" recognition with the highest overall score, GusTown also received the highest rating for Fun from both parents and kids and was "the hands-down winner for the site most likely to be bookmarked," with 65% of kids indicating they would bookmark the site and 83% reporting they would revisit the site.

GusTown is a high tech destination where kids can play animations, complete entertaining projects, create an animating funny face, play trivia games and watch QuickTime movies. Kids can also join the CyberBud Club for free software and access to special events and games. Hosted by Gus and the CyberBuds, well known characters first introduced in 1993 in Modern Media's award-winning CD-ROM titles, GusTown claims to be kid friendly and safe.

The Ultimate Web Contest, hosted by GusTown, will consist of a series of four weekly interactive challenges. Each week's game will be fun, engaging and challenging, offering children the opportunity to test their wits and interactive gaming skills. Contestants successfully completing the weekly challenges become eligible to win Weekly Prizes through a random drawing, and advance in the competition for The Ultimate Grand Prize drawing which will be awarded at the conclusion of the Contest.