Messages

http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.5.0/docs/api/

Not really the ropes of game creation. With Java you probably want to look at the swing libraries. But I've found the best place, as far as seeing what code does, is that Java site. Game making, I don't know. I created a backgammon game with Java, but I found the graphical libraries provided to be awkward to that of C++ libraries I had fiddled around with. Although, the difference is the C++ was a graphics library for game creation, and Java's was just a graphics library.

If I were you, I'd start on a small game. Something to give you an idea of how to build your own framework that you know works.

-MillsJROSS

Why would you not want your PC to have the least-hackable (i.e. fully updated) version of Windows XP?

Personally, I did have SP2, but every windows update kept slowing down my system. So to me it's about speed. Plus, I don't do anything fancy on my computer.

-MillsJROSS

I was talkind percicely about income tax in USA, which is a fraud.

This is only half-true. To become eligible for not paying taxes, in the US, you have to separate yourself from social security, credit cards, and you can't check mark that you're a U.S. citizen. There's a bunch of legal jargon to go with it, but it's not really worth it. Many of the freedoms offered by the constitution are signed away unknowingly. The fact that tax is taken out of my paycheck has never really stuck me as a bad thing. I enjoy driving on clean roads, I enjoyed a state run education. There's far too many things that go into taxes that I do agree with. Not to mention, I'm a State employee, so I'm kind of paid through peoples taxes.

Trust me, I'm not that kind of person who whines about his poor lot and yearns for riches. With this thread I just wanted to address an issue; why a certain profession (highly academic and with a key function in society) is considered so little worth. I don't know what good the argument "it has always been like this" does, or what your boss's comment was meant to achieve.

I don't know that I'd agree that teaching is considered less worth because of its salary. I think most of the problem stems from working in a state run, or government run job, where there's far too much people they have to worry about getting an education, that they're more willing to take people who really aren't qualified to teach. It's not a competitive market, so they give out a base pay for everyone. I'm sure there are many private schools that work much more like a corporation. Where its goal it to get the best it can, and pay them a better wage (Not necessarily). Of course, the state benefits are generally fairly nice.
The problems that can arise, sometimes, is that a teachers salary may not be affected by cost of living in the local area, whereas, in some locations a teachers salary can comfortably be lived with.

I get paid $25 an hour of work, 40 hours a week. But I don't have benefits, and I only get paid for hours I work, even if there is a holiday. I can work on holidays, weekends, or whenever I feel like it though. So a holiday doesn't have too much affect on me. I'm a computer programmer, mostly working on web development, and web applications for the state. I do plan on supplementing my income by doing some web development for the local area or whomever asks. The area I live in now, allows for me to live comfortably with my income. But I have roommates, which help with rent, and I don't have a family I have to support.

The most important thing, though, is I completely love what I am doing, and I enjoy the people I'm working with. I feel like I'm valued as a person rather than a cog in the machine. And I prefer this job to the five years prior as a bagger/cashier.

-MillsJROSS

I think a private business has the right to enforce a dress code, much like a nice restaurant would be able to do so, without having news coverage.

I'm still not understanding how hypocrisy is being used here. As far as their being a Hooters plane and a Southwest plane, their two different entities. They can do different opposing actions without being hypocritical.

It's the same country. America is both the country with the highest amount of moral panic among its populace, and the biggest porn industry worldwide.

Perhaps the moral panic is caused by America having the  biggest porn industry. Not really hypocritical to me, just cause and effect.

And just because people do one thing in the privacy of their own home, but do something entirely different out in public, doesn't make it hypocritical either. It's a time and place thing. Southwest isn't saying anything about people not being able to dress how they want outside of their planes.

Evenwolf's youTube post does allow some hypocrisy to be thrown to Southwest Airlines. But as it's 30 years ago, it really isn't a strong case. Different times, different people running SW, different morals. The only thing I think SW needs to do, is make it explicitly clear that there is a dress code And be firm with that dress code.

-MillsJROSS

I have no problem if an airline would like to enforce a dress code. However, it would probably be more appropriate to tell people before they get on the plane, rather than after. It would also be prudent to explicitly tell people a dress code when purchasing their ticket, so they know in advance. If people don't like it, they can fly another airline.

While I don't really have a problem with what those women were wearing, I'm sure someone does, and I respect that it makes them uncomfortable. The only problem I have with the dress code, is it's up to employee discretion, and it doesn't sound like there is a firm set of rules.

-MillsJROSS

Another good installment. The music was great, the graphics were consistent, and the story, and what was hinted at, was fun.

Criticisms:(And I haven't read anyone else's posts, so excuse me if I repeat something someone else has griped about): SPOILER WARNING

Spoiler

I hate it when Ben says "Hi, bye" type of dialog. If there is nothing currently in the dialog tree, then he shouldn't say anything.

I thought directing the ship was awkward. I would have preferred a map interface, and if you wanted to just see the ship, you could have clicked the ship. It was just annoying, when most of the time I was on the ship I intended to go somewhere, rather than just be on the ship. I understand why it was done, but I think there was a more elegant solution.

Killing the monster was very reminiscent of the Longest Journey Scene with the monster. There was nothing to really fear, and I just didn't understand what Ben couldn't have distracted the monster himself.

While I did think the drinking game was a bit silly, I did love the solution.

[close]

Overall, the game was great. What you do wonderfully, in all these games, is you have the ability to set a mood, which goes a long way. As always, looking forward to the next installment.

-MillsJROSS

Kind of a vague subject I know, but it's hard to pinpoint exactly what this post is about.

I'm getting to a point in my life where I'm reflecting on my past, and, consequently, my future as it applies to Adventure Games. Looking back in the past, I am filled with regret for the little amount of work I have put into making a game. Yeah, I was going through college. I had a part-time job. I had friends to hang out with. But it's not like I didn't have any free time. I still love Adventure Games as much as I ever have, and the desire to make the games is just as big as it ever has. But I've come across a wall.

It's not a wall I can really ignore. In the past five years I have barely, and I mean barely, touched AGS. I've played around with it here or there, but I haven't created anything of significance. I have this strong desire to do something about it, but every time I try, I'm left staring at a blank screen. I try to create small, manageable game ideas, but they never pan out.

I started working full time not so long ago, and I'm absolutely loving it. I don't know what it is, but when I'm at work I am really productive. Yes, I'm getting paid for it, but why should I be more productive on a application I personally don't care for, then creating something I've been thinking about doing since I was a little kid?

I think the difference lies in that at work, I'm given tasks to do, and completion of those tasks doesn't take longer than a day to two weeks. There's a big picture to what is being developed, but I don't have to be concerned with it. I can be given what I need to do, drive forward, and be rewarded quickly when I complete my task. The task of creating an adventure game is daunting. It's one task in my head. I can't split the tasks up. I see one thing that must be completed. The graphics, music, plot, dialog...it's all just one big blob of work.

So now I'm getting to the heart of the matter. While I deem myself an intelligent person, I no longer think I am capable of creating a game. I am left with a feeling that I'm not fulfilling my desires and personal goals. I need to fulfill this goal. It's been my drive for so long, and I have no desire to change that. Stalemate.

I think I need someone to work for. I think I need to take what I like most about my job, and apply it to this hobby of mine. I need someone who can give me a small amount of tasks at a time, where I know of the big picture, and may contribute to it, but I'm not concerned with how the big picture will be put together. Give me a task, I complete it, give me another one. While this may seem droll and hardly a way to attack a hobby, it seems that that's how, I, as a person, work.

I want to fulfill my desires, and while I used to think I was able to fill them myself, I think I realize now I need to depend on other people. Am I the only one who feels this way? And for those who don't, how can I help you? Or, tell me your secret.

-MillsJROSS

I'm somewhat of an addict, but not really. I do go on pretty much everyday, but I don't necessarily go on for very long. I don't browse the internet for interesting things to do. I'll go to You Tube when someone sends me a link to something, but I don't usually actively seek anything further. I also, about once a year, take about a month off from the internet. It's not a conscious decision, I just find other things to do. The majority of time spent on the internet, now, is work related.

I think there's nothing wrong with going on the Internet a lot, but as with anything, there is such a thing as too much.

-MillsJROSS

I think a lot of SQ6's downfall can be attributed to the shift in management at Sierra. It was rushed to be released, and the team creating the game seemed to be in a constant change. The plot seemed forced, and even with a general idea of what needed to be done, there was still a feeling that you were just wandering around aimlessly.

SQ7's project seems to be very quite as of late. I hope it is released, but looking at the graphics, I haven't really been impressed. I think, as a independent effort, they tried to bite off more than they could chew. Rather than making a simple game with lower resolution graphics they opted for 3dish bad looking graphics. The lead programmer had a problem with AGS, and refused to use it, and decided instead to make their own Adventure Game Engine using Java. I think they made some bad choices because they had been in big name brand products and didn't comprehend how much more effort goes into an independent game, when you're backing the cost of everything, and the only reward from anyone helping to create this free game, is the satisfaction of finishing a game. At least if they had decided to create the game, and then sell it, it might have had more of a drive from everyone else.

-MillsJROSS

While I agree SQ6 is not up to par, I will argue that the level of detail in the game is fairly nice.  There are so many jokes packed into each room. By contrast, the other SQ games seemed to lack this. Other than that, the plot wasn't compelling, and the sense of saving the universe was never present. Nor the sense that Roger was ever really in that much danger. Still, it wasn't a bad game, just not a good SQ.

-MillsJROSS

I think part of Space Quests charm is that it didn't always give hints. Of course, there was many a time that it didn't give hints in the game, but there were subtle clues in humorous magazines that came with the game. The collection that they now sell, lacks these items, but they can be found on the internet with a quick google search.

Yes, there were infuriating moments. But those are the parts of the game I've come to love the most. I think if anything the lack of hints allows you to become more emersed in the game. You're uncomfortable with the stark reality that you're alone in space and no one is going to help you.

-MillsJROSS

Back to what Spaceboy said about the best way to quit is not to start, okay grammatically and logically that statemeny doesn't make sense but I think its absolutely spot on.  If you never started in the first place you have no need to worry about having to give it up.

I agree that, regardless of grammar and logic, people understand what the expression means. However, I feel it's almost a snipping comment to a smoker. It's not actually helping anyone who has started smoking to quit. If anything it separates us into the smokers and non-smokers groups, and it's attacking the smokers. Which, if I was a smoker, I'd defend my fellow smokers honor by continuing to smoke.

I'm sure a lot of people smoke because of parents, siblings, family, or friends. Some for dieting, as mentioned. Some for mans desire to hold and become master of fire. It doesn't really matter. Knowing the reason doesn't really stop them from having smoked. Regardless of all the information thrown down their throats.

The actual reason I would never start smoking, is that it takes so much time in the day. I can't play a card game without it taking twice as long because there are three or four cigarette breaks. My roommate can't watch a full DVD without having to stop for a smoke break. I don't really care that much about the health risks as reasons. I know what it can do, but that alone won't prevent me from smoking. It's too far down the road to be concerned with. The time it would take out of my day is my main concern.

-MillsJROSS

I think the best way to quit smoking is to start smoking and then quit. And then people are all like, "I'm proud of you, you finally did it!" Whereas, the non-smokers don't get such a nice pat on the back. I want my congratulatory "you quit smoking, hurrah!" speech given to me. So I guess I should start smoking then...

I don't agree with smoking, but then I tend to overeat a bit, which is probably far more unhealthy. Yet perfect strangers are more than willing to tell a smoker they should quit smoking, but if you're a little chubby, no stranger says a word. Of course, arguably, smoking does cause health risks to others, whereas indulging in food doesn't usually have any affect on casual observers.

But most of the people I know who have quit smoking quit cold turkey. When I quit drinking coffee (which, I've gotten back into, but I stopped for three years), I stopped cold turkey. I had the biggest headache for about two days, but I felt great afterwards. Now, flushing out nicotine probably takes a little longer, but same concept.

I think regardless of how you quit, you'll never stop craving cigarettes. You'll have more control over your addictions, and be able to say no much easier as time goes by, but there will always be a lingering desire to start up again. Of course, never having smoked more than a pack of cigarettes in my lifetime, I really know nothing about what I'm talking about. But what else is new.

-MillsJROSS

A log of my college experience.

Everythings new! Football! Drinking! Graduation! Job! Sober Up! Hey I actually learned stuff.

I used college more as a life experience than as an educational one. That's not to say I didn't hit the books, but I've found that college just prepares you for the work force. It's behind a desk that I've learned the most.

I suggest getting a job while in college. It definitely didn't hurt my resume when I had held a job for five years.

Keep all your books. If you have a job, they should be no money concerns (hopefully). By all, I mean books in your are of study, because not all the classes you take will be of importance to your major. For instance, multiculturism in film doesn't help me program any better. I did keep all my books, just because you never know where your interests may lie later in life.

Have fun. It's a great experience. There are ups and downs, highs and lows, and it's all part of the ride.

-MillsJROSS

Can't say I read every post, so if I'm out of the times, I apologize. I'd go to Miami, but I'd go for just a gloves, let alone a mittens. I'd also attend France, now that I have a real job, I can afford things.

-Justin

I'm on the fence about this issue. I feel I should have more compassion to either side, but it's really hard to when we're attacking such a broad and general group of people. That being paedophiles. You just have to be attracted to young children to be grouped in this category. Rape, molestation, kidnapping, etc...Is wrong, no matter the age group. The only people I have any ill will against are those who act upon their thoughts, with no regard for anyone else, or even if they have regard, with no control over themselves.

I mean, I'm attracted to a lot of women my age, which society says is alright. But no one will throw a fit about that unless I rape them. So I can't really say I feel strong hatred to someone who hasn't acted on their thoughts.

Now once someone has acted, it becomes a different story. I don't like those people much at all. Of course, I can't perscribe a punishment on a general bunch of people. It should always be a case by case basis.

-MillsJROSS

Well... I hate the stupid books, but I did kind of get the feeling they might work better as a film.
But this trailer looks pretty glossy and arbituary and, honestly, I think the weirdly specific genre of big budget movies adapted from subversive childrens fantasy novels might just need to take a little bit of a breather.

I'm hoping for Roger Zelazny's Amber books to be adapted to film. And considering we still have 6 Narnia books left, a breather probably won't happen.

I'm looking forward the The Golden Compass, at least if it's bad, I'll have forced a few people to read the books before the movie.

-MillsJROSS

The first definition of cult "a particular system of religious worship, esp. with reference to its rites and ceremonies." I believe most, if not all, religions would fall into the cult category. And while half a million is small compared to the world population, it's big enough where it's not considered a cult by size. The closest definition I could find on it, is "a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist, with members often living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader." However, I'd argue that there are many religions that people feel are false or extreme.

In, general, the term cult doesn't necessarily have to have a negative connotation, even though, that's generally the case. I'm sure Scientologists don't think Christianity is a religion just because their followers say it is. Once again, we're back to the fact that this is a religion in its infancy, and so people tend to just wave it off. In a couple thousand years, it could be a dominating force (I hope not).

-MillsJROSS

Also, it might be a good idea to also to keep a list of who graphics/animations you'll need if you want someone to help you. Just so they have some sort of check list while their helping you. I completely hate creating graphics, and more likely than not, it's one of the walls that I come across.

The great thing about this approach, is you could get some descent beta testing done while you're getting your graphics finished.

As far as game planning goes, I think it's generally a personal choice, and you have to try and test a few things, and know what keeps you motivated, and what doesn't.

-MillsJROSS

I've always been interested in space, though I don't own a telescope, I used to read books about space all the time.

I do believe that there are other forms of life outthere. It's just too big, and statistically impossible for there not to be. Now, it doesn't necessarily mean there is intelligent life, but I think there is. Whether or not aliens would be friendly or not is entirely up to them. But if they think anything like us, I'd assume it could go either-way. To go this far out into space, I'd assume they's be looking to either mine planets, or find one to live on. They could be peaceful, maybe not. It would almost be like when the America's were found and the Native Americans were forced off there land.

But to subject. Space is a very big interesting place. If I could afford it, I want to be "buried" in space.

-MillsJROSS