1) the new tele-arena engine will be closed source, i do not feel open sourcing is the way to go on this project.
2) it is completely different and rather than post every single difference as i do it i am making a document available for viewing where people can see the differences being done as they get done, feel free to email me anything you see you want more info on. the document is called ARENADEV.DOC and i will place it in my worldgroup root folder tonight. http://azonebbs.dyndns.org/ARENADEV.DOC
3) there is no converter at this time to convert the old DBASEIV databases to my format.
4) yes, after its initially released and bug tested i fully intend on releasing a future release supporting sql-lite over btrieve.
5) sorry, there is no discounts for previous owners i know yall got shafted with that promised and never released 5.6f
6) i am not accepting beta applications at this time, it will run on my server where it can be played from a "players" standpoint, i will accept any emails for people wanting to staff the beta server.
7) yes an official site will be put up for players/sysops to all come and play, chat, post forums, etc.... and it will be ran under Worldgroup only.
yes i will have an option for sysops to install a mod that will let their WG server act as a standalone Ta server, however i cannot make decisions on if Rick will sell you WG any cheaper, you will have to email him on that.9) yes, it does come with a DEMO that does not expire, it limits how many records can be added til it is registered but it is enough to see the game's full potential.
10) no a source version will not be released for internal modding, any changes you want to see done post it in the forums.
anything else you want to know please feel free to email me i tried answering everything, the online version of the document is updated several times a day but the downloadable version only updates once a day.