MRC MEGA Challenge shifts to 25th anniversary

Yea $%&^#$ the first f*cking deadline we were going to make, and then they move the whole shebang, aaargh!

1 year more??
noooo......

Well, it's logical tho, with one BQgame, one entry from us, and I know of 2 other entries, the list o' entries would be on the skinny side, esp. for a challenge with 3 sub-challenges where one can win an OCM. A certain forumthread springs to mind..

Yeah dvik, if you develop a new good game or demo wolf's OCM will be yours!

I think that the decision of moving the deadline to the next year is appropriate, an extension of 6 months would have meant that the MEGA Challange and MSXdev would have coincided.

The organization has not respected the date of ending. What will be the next?
nothing

Why has not been commented this before?, Why has been said in the last week?, it is incorrect.
If you've seen earlier challenges then you would've known that in the last week(s) more and more entries are submitted. So far: 1. There has to be a point where you say 'ok, there won't be tens of entries if we stick to this deadline', and that's what we've done. I think it's fair to expect a considerable amount of entries for a challenge made out of 3 different categories, where one can win a brand-new computer.
Additionally, the first half year of MRC'07 was a bit quiet as the main motor behind MRC was having considerable private-life issues. While no-one knows whether this had a negative impact on this challenge, no-one knows whether it would turn out better without those issues either. Who knows.. in addition, the forumthread I posted above could be interesting to keep in mind.

This can not be benefit to the developers who have realized an program in the time fixed by the organization, and give advantage to others.
Well, there's the +1 point, that's a benefit. In fact, I've enjoyed some -1 points in the past, which usually had drastic effects. So, to say that '1' isn't a significant amount would not be correct.

If there is not so much programs at the end the new deadline, will be modify the date?
Nah, I don't think so. This deadline and the one next year are all set to match the anniversary date of the MSX. If you want a challenge to end on this date, you get one chance a year.

The "point extra" can be insufficient, because the system of punctuation is not known.
So, the programmer that sees an already finished program has so much advantage.
Read my statement above about the -1. I expect this challenge judging system to be like previous challenges, MRC crew gives points, dedicated jury gives more weighted points, and then the bonus or penalty points are added. -1 or +1 *can* make a huge difference depending on how the jury is going to give numbers. If the entries receive scores ranging from 7 to 8, then one +point or -point is quite considerable.

The new date is excessive, and to extend the date don't suppose more programs.
It's excessive in order to match the next anniversary date. We didn't extend it with 6 months, in order not to disrupt MSXdev'07. Whether the new deadline will give us many more entries is something no-one knows. But after a period of relative silence (including the regular under-the-belt mud throwing and FUD, which doesn't make web/admin-moods better here), MRC seems to get on track again, it might affect the challenge in a positive way!

Look at it from a more positive point of view:
* there's another year to create something!
* when not submitting a finished entry now, there's a whole year for polish/fine-tuning!
* perhaps people have made an engine for some type of game, now they can create an additional entry based on that engine!
* now you can win 3 OneChipMSX'es! (or rather, there are 3 to give away .. slightly different interpretation )
*
*

It's not fair for people who have finished their entry in time (only 'Ball Quest', in this case). Maybe they wanted to add or improve some things and they didn't because they were afraid not to make them before the deadline. And those possible improvements could have been greater than just '1' bonus point.
There's always something unfair in life, nothing is perfect. Imagine a balance with on one side: "one -good- entry, maybe 3 or 4 eventually", and on the other side of the balance: "the biggest MRC challenge ever with the most expensive prize". Not an easy one, huh..?

It's neither fair for people who have been working under the preassure of the deadline and now they find they have been working overtime for nothing. Wolf, I know you are in that situation (although you case is slightly different, because you are part of MRC crew and probably you've been involved in taking that decision too).
The possible extension of the deadline was discussed internally some days earlier than the announcement, maybe even a week earlier. I myself suggested to announce such an extension as early as possible, for exactly the reasons you gave in the first line, the pressure, the overtime, the stress. I know the drill, and boy are we drilling for wednesday. But well, MRC remains a hobby website, where there's not always time for drastic issues like these, bear with us. While there are other webmasters online, you might understand that ppl like Ivan, me, and another another buncha webmasters aren't just going to write a newspost in which we "give away" 3 OneChipMSX'es which aren't ours.. These things really need to come from, and decided by, snout.

If MRC intention was to give some more time to developers currently making whatever for the contest, I think a month or so would have been enough.
The problem here is finishing vs starting. How many projects are under construction atm? We don't know, we'd actually like to know. One month to finish a product is plenty, but if this month is only used to finish products then we again end-up with 3..4 entries. Question is, is one month enough to start a new project and have it finished in time? I actually don't think so, unless it's something really small, but considering the specs, people might prefer high-end material.

On the other hand, if the real reason for extending the deadline was just to match the 25 anniversary date... maybe it would have been better to finish the contest on the original deadline and inmediatelly starting a new edition with that new deadline (take a look at MSXDev first edition).

Finish the original contest with 3..4 entries? Nah, we didn't really feel like that. While not everyone may feel this deadline shift is ideal, considering the situation and the amount of entries, having a deadline shift may be the best solution. Discussion about this subject is open tho, so do continue..

My only point is that it is not fair to call it "25th anniversary" and not allow the original machines to enter the contest or force them to confront such configurations as Turbo-R, GFX9000, 512 KB, Moonsound, etc. Call it 23rd anniversay instead, as it is focused on MSX2 and higher machines

Hold it, the MSX2game challenge has minimum specs, but the other two are just generic challenges for all MSX models. An MSX1 game like MoG would make a perfect history entry, as it's about medieval times. So the '25' is really valid here. The fairness about having MSX1 entries and tR/G9k/Moonsound entries in one competition might be a point, but it's quite subjective. Some people argue that the best games they've played are Konami's MSX1 games. At the same time, people might not choose to use the tR and G9k. And even when they do, if the MSX1 entry has better gameplay, and has -considering the sc2 limits- "better" graphics than a lousy-design G9k game, then I wouldn't cancel out the MSX1 entry to win over Goliath. Ofcoz, it's true that a superb-design G9k game with fantastic gameplay and more yadayadayada is actually a Goliath you don't want to meet, being David. MRC's theme challenges have always been open to all systems, this one really is the continuation of what we had when we stopped after the Bounce challenge.

About the deadlines, I think it would be fair to let the makers of the only finished entry decide about extending the deadline. If they agree, then let be it. If not, you are clearly damaging their interest just to benefit someone else. I'm sorry if this post sounds a bit harsh, but I know what close-to-deadline work means.
Hm, I don't think this idea is that bad, might discuss it internally, no guarantees tho. Tho, it's up to wednesday to see how many finished entries there are, probably more than one.

If you've seen earlier challenges then you would've known that in the last week(s) more and more entries are submitted. So far: 1. There has to be a point where you say 'ok, there won't be tens of entries if we stick to this deadline', and that's what we've done. I think it's fair to expect a considerable amount of entries for a challenge made out of 3 different categories, where one can win a brand-new computer.

Additionally, the first half year of MRC'07 was a bit quiet as the main motor behind MRC was having considerable private-life issues. While no-one knows whether this had a negative impact on this challenge, no-one knows whether it would turn out better without those issues either. Who knows.. in addition, the forumthread I posted above could be interesting to keep in mind.

The organization had to tell this from start, not now.
The new prizes do not justify the new date.

Well, there's the +1 point, that's a benefit. In fact, I've enjoyed some -1 points in the past, which usually had drastic effects. So, to say that '1' isn't a significant amount would not be correct.

No, because the other participants has a year to compensate that bonus point, so, that "point extra" can be insufficient.

It's excessive in order to match the next anniversary date. We didn't extend it with 6 months, in order not to disrupt MSXdev'07. Whether the new deadline will give us many more entries is something no-one knows. But after a period of relative silence (including the regular under-the-belt mud throwing and FUD, which doesn't make web/admin-moods better here), MRC seems to get on track again, it might affect the challenge in a positive way!

You can extend it with 3 months, after the summer and it would continue without coinciding with other contest.

Look at it from a more positive point of view:
* there's another year to create something!
* when not submitting a finished entry now, there's a whole year for polish/fine-tuning!

A year is so much.

* perhaps people have made an engine for some type of game, now they can create an additional entry based on that engine!

This is a great error.

The organization can benefit to somebody. This can not be benefit to the developers who have realized an program in the time fixed by the organization, and give advantage to others.

* now you can win 3 OneChipMSX'es!

This does not justify the new date.

@imanok

I also think extending the deadline that way hasn't been a good idea. It's been extended too long and it has been announced too late (4 days before the deadline).

True

It's neither fair for people who have been working under the preassure of the deadline and now they find they have been working overtime for nothing.

That is. The change is incorrect.

@pitpan

About the deadlines, I think it would be fair to let the makers of the only finished entry decide about extending the deadline. If they agree, then let be it. If not, you are clearly damaging their interest just to benefit someone else. I'm sorry if this post sounds a bit harsh, but I know what close-to-deadline work means.

No, because it is possible that another people have their programs ready.

The organization is damaging the interest of all the participants who can send the program in the set date.

We'll discuss it internally, hold your breath. (but not too long )

But summarizing all together, the main issue is that one full year is overkill?

Do you ppl at least agree that -as things look now- 3..4 entries doesn't make a great challenge, considering the reward? Because that's what I miss in your counter-arguements. One thing we can hopefully all agree on is that a strict deadline this wednesday is not very good news.

Additionally, what about my finishing vs starting arguement? What if this deadline is moved 1 month instead of 1 year, would it help a lot, or would we end up with 3..4 entries again? Please ppl, if you reply, at least do so for all discussion points..

DEADLINES ? DEADLINES ? START PROGRAMMING YOU FOOLS !

Now a question rises naturally:

Is it possible to submit to the [MRC] competition the same (or almost
the same) entry submitted to another competition ?
(say e.g .MSXdev )

In case you require only unreleased games, can be submitted an
improved version of a game already released in another competition ?

How large should be the improvements/changes to have the entry
accepted in the [MRC] competition?

New deadline=more games. Then it is good

I think that with two OCMs more as price, developers with their entries already finished have more chances to win one of them. I doubt that in 1 year the number of entries will be x3...

Hmmm, the one year extension sounds great
My MSX2 is still parked in a box somewhere after moving to my news house last maybe. Maybe by that time, I will finally have in unpacked

Imho the MRC, as the organization behind this challenge, has the right to decide wheter to extend the deadline or not. Those kind of decissions are never welcome by everyone, so I guess they have had been discusing this quite a lot before announcing it: a just two-three entries "mega" challenge or extending the thing a bit for it to catch more attention. Which option would you choose as the organizer?...

Anyway, I'm with pitpan: people that have been stressed in order to get the entry ready (count me in that list) are not problably happy with the decission. But, again, it must have been a hard decision for the MRC: so, MRC challengers, let's polish the thing during this year!

Leech a free assembler from somewhere, hunt some Z80 (e)Book or online course, grab some VDP manual and go! And find out it's tough .. I guess the ppl in the forum are ready to teach you a few tricks. Years ago the same happened to norakomi.

So ASK, may I ask how many enties you are preparing to submit on Wednesday?

That line doesn't explicitly state that there are such people, only what the situation would be for such people. Could be wrong tho. We've one entry: BQMSX, which was finished quite a while ago, without stress I think, as it was way before the deadline.

The entire weekend? wtf? don't you mean 'the entire last 3 months' ?

Its may not be ideal to move the deadline of a competition but in this case I think its the most practical thing to do. The option would perhaps been to have the original deadline and then open a new competition with better promotion for next year.

And remember that this is a hobby competition and its not that uncommon that deadlines move. I had to wait an extra year once for ioccc and that is a much bigger competition (not as nice prices though).

I hope more entries will go for the bonus point and be released before the original deadline though.

Ok, this is going to be another of those 'long snout posts'. Where to start where to start...

First, a reply to the general situation. Yes, indeed, there is an element of unfairness in postponing the deadline to a challenge, especially when it is so near the deadline. There are downsides to every decision you could possibly make and as we liked to link a challenge with the anniversary of the MSX computer system we decided to move it up with an entire year. Another reason to delay the challenge deadline is the fact that the Western Edition of the One Chip MSX was postponed as well.

I think it is safe to say that we have compensated the delay of the challenge with a significant increase of the prizes to be won and a full bonus point to the people who send in an entry on or before the 24th anniversary of MSX. Pitpan's suggestion of letting the Ball Quest coders decide whether or not to move the deadline of the challenge gives all the benefits to the Ball Quest coders and given that their entry was already received on March 15th I think it is safe to say they have not been fighting against any deadline whatsoever. The only reason it has not been posted before is because of personal circumstances (see point 3). Like it or not, this is the decision we have made and given the fact that we're giving away a -huge- set of prizes I think it's fair enough we have something to say about the conditions under which we are giving those prizes away.

Second, I think there is something seriously wrong with the general attitude of a part of the MSX community these days. Despite the fact that the activity of MSX developers around the world has increased significantly, despite the fact that MSX emulators keep getting better and better, despite the fact that the MSX revival has continuously kept bringing us new developments (amongst which a new MSX computer), despite the fact that the boundaries of the MSX get broken and stretched time and time again there is an increasing tendency to focus on the negative side of things instead of the positive. This isn't doing the MSX community any good at all. How do you think it feels for an active member of the MSX community, who tries to create something nice for MSX users around the world (be it software, hardware, an emulator, a fair or a website/magazine) to hear mostly negative feedback and barely (if at all) positive remarks? I think it's a great way to make people drop their hobby completely - as has happened so often in the past already. Some people seem to take MSX as serious as a matter of life and death. MSX is a hobby and all people involved in it are in it for the fun. Nothing more, nothing less. I sincerely ask you to 'turn those frowns upside down' and start having fun with MSX again, or at least not to bother us with your negativity. I know there are quite a few people who think (partly) alike on this and can only hope they will raise their voice and show their positivity and enthusiasm more often.

Third. You might have noticed that things were a little different on the MRC during the past year. In fact, there were several factors (or more correctly: there was a combination of several factors) that got me very, very, very close to pulling the plug on MRC entirely. The continuous negativity of a part of the MSX community as mentioned above was one factor, the fact that that negativity was often aimed at me, my friends and the projects I am involved in was another. Last but not least my father became seriously ill a year ago. After a long and difficult time he died of lung cancer a few months ago, aged 59. It goes without saying that 'MSX' wasn't a lot on my mind in the time before and (shortly) after his death. The way some people kept making false accusations, making up conspiracy theories and giving some serious below-the-belt personal attacks made me wonder what I was doing this all for. Nobody spends hours of spare time on something that only gives him mud in the face, now, does he? All this directly lead to me spending little to no time on MRC, not promoting the MEGA Challenge at all. Other MRC team members did what they could (and did an amazing job at it), and one might argue that it's a bad thing that the MRC depends so much on one person but I'd say be glad the MRC is still around and there's still a challenge to compete for.

I propose we hang on to the following, simple guidelines from now on:

• MSX is a hobby and the people involved in it are hobbyists. Treat it/them accordingly
• Delays belong to hobbyist projects. Heck, even the largest commercial enterprises suffer from them. Accept them as a fact of life. Complaining might demotivate the people working on the project, whereas a positive approach might just give that little motivational boost they need
• Every single person on this planet wants to be treated with respect. Especially when he/she is working on his/her hobby. Take that into account when something pisses you off. Count to 10 before posting your reply and consider how your words might end up on the 'other side of the line'
• The current activity of the MSX community is exceptional and should not be taken for granted. Just browse the MRC news archive and see how little there was to report about only 5 or 6 years ago. At the time it was an exception for a new MSX game, demo or hardware extension to be released (let alone a new MSX computer) and I'm quite sure many people thought that MSX was about to die a silent death any time soon. Now, we have a vivid scene with a steady amount of releases. We should handle it with care, pride, joy and enthusiasm

Follow this simple guideline and you will receive my eternal gratitude in return.

Now then, I hear the MRC is giving away three brand new One Chip MSX computers. Who's game?

Then, you must be agree with me in the date matter.

I must do nothing. In fact, the situation is not as clear is you might think. For the past couple of months I spent a lot of time in making a good game. In fact, it turned out several magnitudes better than what we ever expected to hand in for the contest. But, it's also still a magnitude less of what it could be. Which makes it rather tempting to put the extra effort in. In fact, that would be due to the extended deadline. What other way would ever give you the option to do the final mad dash to the finish twice? It has not actually been decided, but since I'm in game development for the fun of it and not for the quick prize, making the game better is certainly worth considering.

As for the time. Three months buys me nothing. I have more projects than this one. And my next effort will have to be put into the msxdev07 game. Which will take the next 6 months to complete. Anything in between those six months would directly interfere with that release. So a deadline extension from less than 9 months would automatically mean that I couldn't do both. At least now I have the choice.

So pardon me for on agreeing with you, but the quality of the coming releases is much more important to me than any rule.

Now there's something I want to see! You have a g9k shot on your site. Could we have the rest that goes around it?

And my next effort will have to be put into the msxdev07 game. Which will take the next 6 months to complete. Anything in between those six months would directly interfere with that release. So a deadline extension from less than 9 months would automatically mean that I couldn't do both. At least now I have the choice.

Must the contest rule's to adapt to you?
Why don't you say before? You can say to the organization: "change the date because I want to participate in msxdev".
It is incorrect.

So pardon me for on agreeing with you, but the quality of the coming releases is much more important to me than any rule.

In this case because they favor you also you were on disagreeing.

About the snout propose:

MSX is a hobby and the people involved in it are hobbyists. Treat it/them accordingly

Maybe, but that hobby implies an effort and that effort you must treat accordingly, too.

Complaining might demotivate the people working on the project, whereas a positive approach might just give that little motivational boost they need

Ok, but doing unexpected changes might demotivate the people, too.

Every single person on this planet wants to be treated with respect. Especially when he/she is working on his/her hobby. Take that into account when something pisses you off. Count to 10 before posting your reply and consider how your words might end up on the 'other side of the line'

Ok, but is not disrespectful to change the rules 4 days before?, do you count to 10 before posting the news?

2 words:

be positive

May I ask what your role is in this? You are relatively new on the MRC. Were you planning to actually compete in the contest? Were you personally hurt or affected by the deadline moved or do you just want to nitpick because there is something to moan about?

About the questions, I insist, read the Imanok comment.
What do you mean about "You are relatively new on the MRC"?, can't I comment?

Given the fact that I am by far the most active member of the MRC crew (for more than 6 years now already), given the fact that the MRC Foundation does not entirely pay for the OCM prizes (but a large part of it is being donated by me personally) and given the fact that (which people keep forgetting) MRC is a hobby too I say yes, we/I do have quite a big say in setting a new deadline to challenges. Various other challenges were postponed in the past, why is this particular one a problem to you?

In the msxart - rpg, it had an alone participation, why don't the same?
I don't know that various other challenges were postponed in the past, how long were postponed? a year?

I understand that it can be demotivating to see the deadline move in such a short notice, but I have counted to 10 (and it took me nearly a week, damn it ^_^) and took it into consideration with the rest of the crew. I agree that a hobby implies an effort and that effort you must treat accordingly, too... but if you can't respect that personal grief and unforeseen circumstances can get in the way of those efforts than I can only feel sorry for you. I do know that in this case my personal grief affects a lot of people, but that does not mean you should have more or less respect for it. Again, I was very close on pulling the plug on MRC entirely... now the MRC and the challenge are still there, albeit that the deadline has been postponed with a year. I already look forward to celebrating MSX's 25th anniversary in a spectacular way and if you don't want to party along then that's your loss, not mine.

Excuse me, but I respect but I don't understand the so much time.
So, it's better that than to close as you say.

And I haven't said that "I don't want to party", that it has said by you. Be careful.

About the questions, I insist, read the Imanok comment.
Can you just reply to the question without referring to other posts all the time? (I insist! ) Were you going to participate yourself, or not?

What do you mean about "You are relatively new on the MRC"?, can't I comment?
You can, he was prolly referring to you being new here, while it's not sure whether you actually were passively around years earlier. If so, you could've known that things aren't as strict here as they are in the FBI..

In the msxart - rpg, it had an alone participation, why don't the same?
Having only one entry there, we don't really consider that challenge to have become a succes. It was actually disappointing to see some sorta confirmation on my regular remarks that the scene lacks graphicians. On the other hand, there wasn't a brand-new computer to hand out there, and it was not a very large challenge anyway, so we didn't bother extending it anymore. You can't just compare msxart with this megachallenge, for various obvious reasons. Btw, that msxart's original deadline was already extended.

I don't know that various other challenges were postponed in the past, how long were postponed? a year?
The reasons for '1 year' have been explained enough by now I think.

well, 1 entry isn't a contest or challenge.
If there is noone to compete with, then it's not a challenge at all.
as for the whole respect for deadlines, what the hell ?
People will always work their ass off on the last moment anyway, if it
would have been set next year, people would have finished things right before
the deadline, since people seem to like postponing till the last moment.
And so what ? If shifting means that more people (like me) can enjoy more games,
then more people benefit from it now then just handing a price to 1 person.

Nah, you'd get bogus-entries, like a BASIC program that loads an image, loads an MB tune, plays it, and waits for a key.

I'm not surprised by the rescheduling. It's not the first time an MRC challenge is postponed. I do feel that it would have been a good statement have kept the deadline. Things have to start-off somewhere. Look at most anual competitions. They need a starting period and build up the reputation.

I agree with such a BIG prize as an OCM it would be a shame to give it away when there are only a few entries with low quality. But an entry such as Ball Quest and 1 or 2 potential good entries to be expected on the deadline would justify the OCM for me. BUT I'm not the one donating the prize

What is done is done and I'm not the one organizing things. I accept the new deadline, there is more important stuff in life.

@ASK: I understand the point you are trying to make but it is not a matter of right or wrong. It is the way it is, but ofcourse you don't have to agree with it. Neighter do others with your opinion. I hope to see your participation in the competition in the end after all.

@snout: Satisfied people just sit quietly and enjoy their hobby so don't expect everyone to burry you under hundreds of 'thank you's'. It's not fair but thats how life is. Just look at the daily visitor count and subtract the number of naggers and there you have the number people who enjoy MRC. MRC is one of the nicest places for me to be on the net and got me into MSX again and brought me in contact with great guys (ARTRAG?) with who I can enjoy my hobby once again. And that's supposed to be a big 'pat on the shoulder' for you ( you fool ).

@ snout:
MicroTech: I don't see the problem. If you have worked hard and finished your entry in time for the initial deadline, nobody is stopping you from sending it in. You will be rewarded with a bonus point, nice comments from our visitors and many many downloads.

When MRC announced MEGA challenge 6 months ago I decided to dedicate all my spare time to my entry, planning/post-poning other projects/activities (not necessarily MSX related) to after the declared deadline.
I succeded in working on this "hobby" 8 hours per week (on the average) to be able to respect MRC's rules.
Now I see that an eventually new starting challenge project has 12 months available, and an already started (but not finished in time) project will have (in total) 18 months...

I'm not able (and I don't want) to work on my challenge anymore and, as a developer:
- I feel disappointed,
- I think 1bonus point is unbalanced with respect to a 12 (18) months of time.

Anyway, you are right when you say it is "only" an hobby, probably I have inflated my passion.

@ wolf:
Remember, challenges are not only here for the developers, but also for the audience. I guess if you were part of a band you wouldn't be playing for a hall with no-one in it.. rite?

I wouldn't play in an empty hall, but if there is 1 person I think the right thing would be playing for respect to the person who has came to listen to my band.

Well, what is your interest?
None really. We aren't going to submit this day, we'll finish our current entry until some months after dev7, until dev7 deadline we're full-'evening'-time on dev7. Something you should do as well, rather than complaining about details all the time, details which have been explained dozens of times by now.

If I would submit a program, would respect the organization the date?
Read the newspost: submit today before 23:59 CET and you receive a bonuspoint, if not, you have another year (which you don't *need* to use 100%, you can submit next week as well). That's it, love it or leave it. I actually think BQMSX might be the only submission to receive a +1 point.

I don't know that various other challenges were postponed in the past, how long were postponed? a year?
A few, not many, I don't know all of 'em, I guess snout can list 'm all from the head, in a splitsecond. But compared to this megachallenge they all had two things in common:
- they were relatively small challenges, with relatively simple prizes.
- they weren't aimed at a specific date (like this megachallenge was aimed at the MSX 24th b-day, and next year's deadline is set to the 25th b-day)

If you can answer this question, you can imagine the answer to your question, too.

and:

Could you reply to the question, please?
So, how log were postponed? a year? more, less, the same?

funny, you insist on me replying your question, while at the same time you avoid answering the question you were asked.

again: were you going to participate or not, just say 'yes' or 'no', no stories, no 'insist', no Imanok, no counter-question, no this, no that, just 'yes' or 'no'. If you don't answer, or give weird counterquestions/references, I'll assume a 'no', which would make me think what you're doing here in the first place.

Something you should do as well, rather than complaining about details all the time, details which have been explained dozens of times by now.

Excuse me. I will do, I think.

again: were you going to participate or not, just say 'yes' or 'no', no stories, no 'insist', no Imanok, no counter-question, no this, no that, just 'yes' or 'no'. If you don't answer, or give weird counterquestions/references, I'll assume a 'no', which would make me think what you're doing here in the first place.

I will answer as I think. You can assume you want. It is your interpretation.
About the participation question, I don't know why you insist. You have said you do not have any interest. Why do you continue with the question?

I think that it must be respect the rules before doing questions for the participation.

@snout:

I don't get you wrong. But you must understand that I disagree with this, it is so time.

but some understanding for the things that happened and the situation that arose because of that would be appreciated. Thanks!

Well, some understanding is. But I think that some intermediate solution would be correct.

What made you/Edwin decide against submitting your entry this evening?

While it'll take a while before it'll be released, I'm sure you'll all be surprised by the result!
looking forward to it already =P

entertain us with sneak preview screenshots
or 10 seconds of ingame music damnit !!!

again: were you going to participate or not, just say 'yes' or 'no', no stories, no 'insist', no Imanok, no counter-question, no this, no that, just 'yes' or 'no'

Why no Imanok??

Hence, you're complaining about a challenge in which you aren't going to compete, hence you're only here to troll. I guess enough has been said by now.

IMHO everybody can express his opinion/worries about the contest, rules, etc... regardless of whether he/she participates or not.

Yes, but we make the rules, not ASK, yet he insists on dictating us what to do or what we should've done.

Excuse me. I am not dictating you nothing.
I have said that I disagree with this and I have suggested a new date, only that.

organize your own challenge with your own rules

Or another people, and when you submit your program, that they change the rules.

There was neither rocks nor boats.

The only thing is that it doesn't coincide with an anniversary.

Bingo! Handing out 3 OCM's is well-suited to do on a party! By the way, you might be underestimating the time it takes to make a game. If this deadline was to be moved 3 months, then this would mean 27 September. That leaves anyone who needs all that extra time only 3 months for an MSXdev'07 entry. Depending on the gametype/scale that might be too little. UU1 already took some 3..4 months and ended up unpolished. Bottomline is, even if you move this one only 3 months, you're still colliding with MSXdev'07, with the time needed for a somewhat bigger entry to be exact. Keep in mind that the MSXDev'07 specs were also pumped-up, there might be people who're going to use that extra space.

But that is your problem. You did know when the contests started. Must the contest rule's to adapt to you?
No, it's a problem for everyone who's aiming to be doing something for both the megachallenge as well as msxdev'07. MRC doesn't aim to put ppl into a problematic position such as having to choose which contest to go for, we rather aim to have lots of releases and activities. A megachallenge deadline in september makes it very tricky for MSXdev'07. Hence, we choose for a situation where there's a big challenge each half year: dev at the end of the year, MRC halfway the year.

Well, I think it's a good thing to take care of other contests. Our community is not that large and having contests interfering is not good if you want the maximum possible entries for both contests (and we want that, because that gives more new MSX products!). The same goes for fairs. It's not nice to let fairs coincide too much, as people will choose only one to go to, instead of going to both.

@snout:
Had MSXdev or another fairly large scale competition collided with MRC's MEGA-Challenge then we would probably have shifted our deadline as well.

Then the organization must specify it in the rules and the change must be published when the others contest are announced.

In this way the participants know what can happen.

Hehehe... that is like 30 of the same answers for ASK.
Maybe it's time not to respond anymore and just go

Cool!
I was wondering what would be the (good?) ending of this competition ...

Any news about jury/prices/winners

Little bit of info here:

http://www.msx.org/MSX-Resource-Center-MEGA-Challenge.newspost4056.html