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                         Frequently Asked Questions

What is Profits Warning ?
     Profits Warning is a multi-player share trading game which uses actual
     share prices obtained from the Stock Exchange. Each player is
     initially allocated the equivalent of 100,000 ('virtual' cash if you
     want to call it something) which they have to try and increase by
     wisely investing it in a selection of shares. At any point during the
     game you can buy or sell shares as you think the price may rise or
     fall. A given game runs for a period of three months and the person
     with the most money at the end of the game is the winner (a BMW 328si
     or 25000 cash is the main prize for the first game).

Where can I get a demo ?
     Versions of the game software will be available for IBM PC
     Compatiables (With Windows 3.11 or above) and Apple Macintosh's.
     Currently available is the demo program for Windows. This demo version
     allows you to play the game using historical share data. The news
     feature on the demo may not be enabled on the final version. We'd love
     to hear your comments and opinions, so please send them to the Profits
     Warning Team.

What do I need to play the game for real ?
     You can use any IBM PC Compatibles (With Windows 3.11 or above) or
     Apple Macintosh. You also need a full Internet account (terminal
     accounts such as those offered with CiX are not suitable), and
     Internet software which is Windows Sockets compliant (such as Trumpet
     Winsock).
     Sorry we can't help you with setting up your Internet account but if
     you are reading this on a hardcopy and manage to get on the Internet
     have a look at ftp://rtfm.mit.edu and look for the internet groups.
     Otherwise just look in any of the major computer or internet magazines
     and you'll find loads of internet providers.

How long does each game last ?
     Each game lasts three months and there is no limit on how many shares
     you can buy or sell but remember that all share transactions will cost
     you some of your 'virtual' cash.

How does it work ?
     You play from home over the Internet by running the client software on
     your computer. The client software is free and you only make a one-off
     payment for a three month game. The client program is very easy to
     install and comes with full on-line help and tutorials that won't
     baffle you with jargon or drown you in facts and figures.
     You buy or sell shares off-line and then through the client program
     you can call us up and get hold of the latest share prices. The
     software does all your sums for you. Our end works like a 'virtual'
     broker, so we do all the hard work and you just decide which shares to
     spend your money on.

I heard something about a BMW as the first prize. Is it true ?
     Yep ! A BMW 328si or 25,000 cash is the prize awarded to the person
     with the most money at the end of the game. There will also be a
     selection of spot prizes, so there's lots to win.

What happens if I go on holiday or something in the middle of the game ?
     The public game will have a feature built in which gives you the
     option to trade shares automatically by setting limits on the price of
     a share at which it should be bought or sold.

How much does it cost and what do I get for my money ?
     To play a given game costs 25 and any additional portfolios for a
     given game cost only 10. Its not a lot to pay for three months of
     wheeling and dealing specially given the large prize money at stake...

Why is it called Profits Warning?
     The name came to Team 17 Managing Director, Mick Robinson, when
     reading the Financial Times. A headline reported a 'profits warning'
     for a company whos share price had dropped dramatically.

Do you have a comment or question about Profits Warning ? Then send it to
the Profits Warning Team

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