What does it take to get developing again

Ascended (15187)

17-07-2003, 15:28

In the past months we have seen many people more or less returning to the MSX Scene right here on the MRC forums. Although we have had a lot of activity, and despite the fact many people state they still would want to make some (small) things for MSX every now and then, something seems to be keeping them from actually starting to develop again.

I would like to know how you think the MRC can contribute to get all these people back to actually developing again. Or at least some of them

We have been thinking for a while about this subjects, and would like to introduce a 'Projects' module in the future. In this, people can not only announce MSX Projects they are working on, but also look for help, launch ideas and form new 'internet-teams'. What functionality do you think this module will need to have in order to make it succesful?

The things I have in mind right now:

Of course it should supply basic information on the project so, its name, the people who are working on it, the status, a link to a website about the product (if there is any), and the option to put up a screenshot or a download (could be final or beta version).

However, since it possible to let people know you are a coder, a GFX-specialist, a musician or a hardware-whizzkid in the 'my account' settings it would be nice to use this information.

For instance: A musician could do a search on all projects that still need a musician. Also, people who started a project could browse the contacts database in a special way, looking for people that want to be found (still not too sure about this part, since I can imagine quite some people don't want to be bugged with the same questions all the time)

Also it could be smart to add some extra information than just code, music, gfx, hardware. For music it's useful to state which trackers the musician can use, for code in which languages etc. etc.

Mind you, it _WILL_ take quite some time to make this module and there are several other things that need to be done as well. The amount of response will also determine what priority this module will get (Maybe I'll start a full thread on other things we have in mind later on ;P)

By MrRudi

Hero (525)

17-07-2003, 17:15

The fact that I returned here, and pop in #msx every once in a while does not mean I was thinking about developing for MSX again So I hope you were not referring to me, I only do MSX-related stuff, which according to some elements on this forum is either blasphemy or an insult

By anonymous

incognito ergo sum (116)

17-07-2003, 17:49

I only do MSX-related stuff, which according to some elements on this forum is either blasphemy or an insult Calling people 'elements' is not nice, it has a negative ring to it. And unless you're working on a MG2 or SDS remake that statement is false anyway...

By MrRudi

Hero (525)

17-07-2003, 17:56

>>I only do MSX-related stuff, which according to some elements on this forum is either blasphemy or an insult <

It was meant to have a negative ring to it, or I would have used a different word

And your remark about the remakes is understandable, but not entirely justified. Since for years and years my active link with the MSX community has been REMAKING MSX music, with the Arranger music discs and the Arranger Gold album. That is kind of the same right? Most people like it, some people call it an insult to the original musician, which is why I referred to it.

By anonymous

incognito ergo sum (116)

17-07-2003, 19:02

I never said anything about covering music. So don't try to be smart with me.

By ro

Scribe (4698)

17-07-2003, 19:03

insulting ppl (especially yourself) is just plain cool
nothing like a good spanking and beating the otherguy's wit (if any) untill one gets in temptation of cursing and damning the other element.
See how far you can get away with it. hehe.

but uhrm, of topic here.
whaz the topic again?

By FiXato

Scribe (1734)

17-07-2003, 19:10

sounds like a nice enough idea
how about adding that knowledge database so beginners and restarters can look up some basic developing info to get them started?

By MrRudi

Hero (525)

17-07-2003, 19:31

I never said anything about covering music. So don't try to be smart with me.

And I never mentioned your name, nor did I refer directly to you. I am not trying 'to be smart' with you, I was explaining what things I do I consider "MSX-related" and which are regularly described as an insult, blasphemy or lack of skill. Since my universe doesn't resolve around you (sorry!), not everything I say is directed at you, ok

And Ro, such 'contest' as you mentioned, however fun, is not the target of my posting, and has nothing to do with this topic, just like this post btw. Or as Luke Chadwick used to say: "Take it outside fella's".

And to add a bit of ontopicness to this post: I think the projects module by itself is a pretty good idea, but basically it won't help that much getting people to develop, or stay developing. That's always a matter of dedication, does one get lazy, does one stay interested or does a nice girl or a nice weather disrupt that? That has always been the problem of any hobby project. At least that's what I think.

By sunrise

Paragon (1091)

17-07-2003, 20:10

>>
And to add a bit of ontopicness to this post: I think the projects module by itself is a pretty good idea, but basically it won't help that much getting people to develop, or stay developing. That's always a matter of dedication, does one get lazy, does one stay interested or does a nice girl or a nice weather disrupt that? That has always been the problem of any hobby project. At least that's what I think.

Sofar, this the only direct answer to the subject snout mentioned.All other remarks are not to the point.
I think it already worked to get people started again. Take e.g. the fact that remarks to someone who contributed to Realms of Adventure lost contact with the other person who worked on it. By this forum they will be reunited. Also the contribution from Ivan, Grauw and Snout have lead to the very close -as negotiations regards- possible distribution of Moonlight Saga by Sunrise.
Jon de Schrijder will take a look if it is possible to make msx-1 people happy to enjoy the pleasure a Sunrise Ide of CF- interface and so on ...
And of course there are many hardware projects as well
Status CIEL 3++, The Z380 project of Padial and all related stuff( perhaps Guyver will tell us a little bit more if he plans to do more than the gameboy emULATOR)
Ofcourse our plans for the SDRAM memorymapper and ethernetcard, the status of the TMT networkcard etc ...
So IF people are interested , give an email to me or snout to help around !!
Remember MRC as well as Sunrise , Padial ,TMT etc can only help if people want to support EACHOTHER so that you can even have a girlfriend , a job and remain your fun and pleasure to create something

By BiFi

Enlighted (4348)

17-07-2003, 21:18

support EACHOTHER so that you can even have a girlfriend , a job and remain your fun and pleasure to create something
Was this supposed to refer to the on-topic part of the off-topic part?

By BiFi

Enlighted (4348)

17-07-2003, 21:24

That's always a matter of dedication, does one get lazy, does one stay interested or does a nice girl or a nice weather disrupt that? That has always been the problem of any hobby project. At least that's what I think.
It's all a matter of priority in this case. A girlfriend might understand you doing something that might be sold commercially, even though it started as a hobby project. That way you can afford nice things for her and you'll be loved even more (haven't had experience with this, so don't kill me if it backfires immensely).