Jester983 0 Posted January 23, 2003 Okay I got to thinking about it and i felt that this would make a good debate. Should we have teasers/previews (screenshots, betas, etc) on upcoming addons? IMO I dont think we should. Because number one, its nice to be totally surprised. Number two is the addon makers can work at their own pace and not have to felt rushed to get their addons out. Thus, producing even higher quality in addons. Now im not saying that there isnt high quality stuff out, Im saying that maybe if addon makers didnt have people bugging them to beta test it, asking when it will be released, they might be able to really show us some even better stuff. So what do you guys think? Is it a good idea or bad idea? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted January 23, 2003 Moving to Addons & Mods Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OxPecker 0 Posted January 23, 2003 I think they should, but only when the addon is within a few weeks of release. I hate seeing teasers for addons that dont come out for another 6 months. And betas only if they are looking for the community to help iron out bugs or log fault reports. Otherwise wait for the final release. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bullz_eye_on_my_back 0 Posted January 23, 2003 Hmm...very hard qestion!!! I think its good to have some teasers, since it keeps everyone ready to play them. I agree on the whole waiting months and months for them...thats just too much teasing lol. On the other hand, if someone was thinking about making an addon, they would know if someone else was working on the same exact thing or not. Personally I like taking a couple min. out of the day to check and see what might be coming. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
suchey 0 Posted January 23, 2003 I think they help the designer to get some good end user feedback. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PiNs_Da_Smoka 0 Posted January 23, 2003 For usual initial 1.0 releases, no, i don't think the addon maker should say anything about what he is doing. As said already, you get the "When is it going to be released!?" and "Can i beta test it!?" and all that other annoying crap. So, for the first release i don't think thy should say anything, just let it come out, let the people soak in it and whatnot. And also, if there is a whole bunch of hype about it, maybe it just looks good for example, people won't be AS disappointed if everything else sucks about it. Meaning, maybe for 4 weeks they've been waiting for this thing being built up and whatnot, then when they get it, its total crap. Then you may have to deal with people telling you it sucks and stuff like that, i've seen it happen. But if you just release, it will be just another shitty addon, thus saving you all the pain of disappointing a whole community. This is all theoretical, by the way. The only time i see fit to maybe give release dates is on fixed versions of the addon. At least then, for hte most part the model is done, the .cpp is complete, and one or the other, or both, usually just need some fine tweaking. /me drops his two cents in the bucket Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blackdog~ 0 Posted January 23, 2003 BIS was like that. They held back the release date on resistance a week or so. It might've been Codemasters, but DAMN that was dissapointing! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PiNs_Da_Smoka 0 Posted January 23, 2003 Resistence was disappointing? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Edge 2 Posted January 23, 2003 IMHO teasers/screenshot are useful for keeping some kind of feedback from community (Good point, OxPecker!. When I plan to release something, I release screenshots (I cannot help myself ) and deliver betaversion to some friends to test it. Sometimes it helped the addon to be better balnced, more realistic or so. This means: Surprise is good thing, but do not underestimate the power of teasers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theavonlady 2 Posted January 23, 2003 I think you should have set up a poll on this thread. IMO, from the experiences I've had, I would say no. Anything put out that could possibly have critical faults will leave a bad taste in the mouths of the community. That being said, there's another issue regarding mods that have multiple addons. For example, Invasion 1944 just released a very limited WWII US and German soldier addon. It looks and works just fine and gives people a taste of things to come. I think this is great for a mod. Again, the addon released should be really ready for release. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PiNs_Da_Smoka 0 Posted January 23, 2003 Now, releasing an addon previewing a MOD is completely fine in my opinion. In fact, i would recommend it in most cases. Sometimes, considering the status of most OFP mods, it could say "yes, we are still working and going strong, and here is a little something to keep you guys interested" And there is nothing wrong with that. But, as far as maybe releasing a single addon, like a jet or something, and you release the 0.0.1 alpha version to the community and say "GIVE ME FEEDBACK!", which turns out to be an f-16 untextured that has the .cpp of a jeep. (yes, i'm exaggerating, but i'm just proving a point) That is just ridiculous and really pointless. some guys are just over zealous and are maybe happy with the work they did so far and want people to see it. Which is nothing wrong with taht in theory, but if for some reason you don't finish it, people aren't gonna find you a dependable addon maker. Or sometimes people steal addons from someone else, and then release them, even though the addons were really stupid, not finished and probably weren't going to be released. something along the lines of a cow gun, BFG and an SAR-21!!! (sorry about that last part, but in case you were wondering, i did make those and badguytje stolded them! *cough*) It really does depend on the situation. But for the most part, i still say keep it to yourself until its ready to be released and keep beta testing to you and some friends. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
llauma 0 Posted January 23, 2003 I couldn't resist to post a teaser. But the point is that even thou it seems to be ready for beta testing soon it will propably never be finished. I would never release it unless I am ready with it, but I have nothing against screenshots. It's such a simple addon so not much testing is required by the public. The RAH-66 Comanche on the other hand had alot of new features so I would have understood if they released it for beta testing even if the textures wouldn't have been finished yet etc. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dm 9 Posted January 23, 2003 From a Mod makers point of view there is nothing more bl00dy annoying than a teaser.... not only does it create more work, it creates more spam thatn you can ever imagine... It is much easier, a lot less hassel, and a lot less stressful just to work on something secretly until its ready for release... That is why BAS has adopted a "Secrecy" policy, to not inform the public of any new projects until they are nearly ready (like a week or so) of any NEW (and by that I mean NEW) projects... As an example, between us (the BAS team members) we get over 100 emails daily asking "when will this be done?", "Where can i download this?", "Why can't i download this", "Can you make this?" and the cheekyist of all: "My mod needs a helicopter, will you make it for me?" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PiNs_Da_Smoka 0 Posted January 23, 2003 Exactly my point. It makes things alot easier on the addon maker. And sometimes, when they keep getting all this mail asking all the things people ask, it can frustrate them and sometimes drive them into a dark corner rocking back and forth. And, its common knowledge, that when rocking in dark corners, its hard to make models. So, as a PSA to all people who see addons that people may send out "teasers" for, leave them alone. If they have information they want you to know, they will give it. And to the "teaser" releasers, give out the information about the release and whatnot. You'll be saving yourself alot of hassle. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest BratZ Posted January 23, 2003 Maybe have a seperate forum for previews? If you don't want to see a preview then don't follow that forum.I think preview is nice.It helps us hold off for things to come ,helps plan for things to come and without any preview modmakers will make the same thing (DKM and Brsseb both made a RAH ) There is a very good example.Although I agree with DKM where people like them may get bothered so it is their choice.And by teasing someone you may get offered more help and may get a project finished that may not have.Also lets say we get teased by a modmaker and then the modmaker gives up.How many times has mods been resurected this way? Because of interest people hunt down the unfinished mod.Also how many times have we convinced someone to release what they werent going to. BTW Llauma...nice rod ...please release it!! LOL Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pzvg 0 Posted January 23, 2003 Well, while we are on that subject, I disagree with this whole "We're making one of those, you go make something else" hell, maybe his is better than yours, but if we can't compare we won't know. this isn't rocket science, the fate of nations doesn't hang upon our efforts, we should not sweat this. In my Combat Flight simulator files I have over 23 different versions of the FW190-D9, by 23 different folks, which one do I like? ALL OF THEM. As far as teasers, hmm, on one hand they do dilute effort from the mod and open the mod to copytheft, On the other hand, how many mods have released screens of interesting stuff you'd like to have, only to go belly up and vanish without releasing ANY of their work? And btw, some of you forget one salient point, you do not have any authority whatsoever, you cannot make folks do, not do, release,or not release. you can ask nicely and hope for the best, and that's about it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Oberon3d 0 Posted January 23, 2003 Well... I personally like to see what people is doing...For example that helicopter from MASH....If you don´t want teasers just don´t look at work in progress. My Ferret it´s going to take long time ( not because I don´t know how to do it, nor because It´s not quality enough...) because I want to keep working on it untill I´m happy with it. But I like to see how things progress in other projects and so I show mine... Maybe some people would be anoyed having to wait for some addons...(specially those who ask can you make me an helicopter?....) but some other people like me like sharing screenshots of your work and compare, talk about it and give tips. If people bothers making addons let them show whatever they want. It seems that there is a feeling about addon makers as if they had the duty to finish their addons because of some contract with the comunity.... We should understand that people enjoy Flashpoint in two ways...playing and making addons...If for any reason they cannot finish their addons on "time" or not finishing at all there is no reason to be angry with them as it´s their own time and effort what they give you. If an addon it´s not good enough or it´s not released at all just don´t worry, they are some more coming.... ( this doesn´t mean I´m not finishing mine  I´m quite excited about the new textures that you haven´t seen yet but...as you don´t want to see them....   ) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jester983 0 Posted January 24, 2003 </span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (BratZ @ Jan. 22 2003,21:31)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Maybe have a seperate forum for previews?<span id='postcolor'> I dont think that would be a good idea. Because number one it just makes another board for the mods to go through and look at on their forum runs... And second it would be partly spam.... example: I post screenies of a new fire truck addon (work with me here ) Joe smoe says: "oh i cant wiat. Let me beta test it...." Jan blan says: *drools* gojo dojo says: Yes! exactly what we need. ..... Okay you get the idea. IMO i think itd just be a spam place. AND NO IM NOT MAKING A FIRETRUCK ADDON! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest BratZ Posted January 24, 2003 LOL thats more constructive than for instance people making topics "Should we have previews" lol,lol At least it would involve talking addon making.Thats ok,I am in the process of joining a WW2 mod and you will have to go to the site to get previews. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pzvg 0 Posted January 24, 2003 Would that be a certain site that likes to boast of their work being better than everyone else's? good luck to you, cya when they release. <2006?> Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest BratZ Posted January 24, 2003 Which one is that? I'd like to know before I join,I don't think so ...this one has releases almost ready,including my plane Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
