Any of this discussion would have to take place between you and the Cryptic and PWE executives. Nothing said here will have any impact. However in the rare chance that everything works out, it will at a minimum require travel and serious limitations on what you can work on. If Cryptic says they want you to improve the Duty Officer system, then you will be stuck doing the Duty Officer system. There is also the issue that all work on STO has to be done at Cryptic studios so that means moving. Cryptic will never release any of the Source Code or the programs they use to make STO outside of Cryptic Studios unless the program is some commercial program that is easily available to everyone like some 3D modelling software to design insignia badges.
@OP: No offense or flame intended, but if you're homeless, don't you think you have higher priorities than wanting to hack the game?! (Yes, modding = hacking, and specifically verboten in the EULA).
Offense taken.
I've been homeless for three years.
Having tried everything I can think of. And everything everyone else can think of.
So now - I am left laughing every-time I hear or read some self righteous narcissistic person such as yourself who feels entitled to 'insert' herself or himself or itself into my life and a thread I am developing to GIVE me something to do - thinking you're more capable of managing my life better than me or that I haven't tried everything in the three years of bind homeless with nearly 2000 resumes sent out - all with a BS and MBA and 30 years of work in IT,
So, let me respond to you by saying, THIS is what I am trying to do, and I would appreciate your support rather than your arrogant derision - because - well - there is quite literally nothing you can think of that I haven't already thought of as I try to 'reengage' in this capitalistic system.
This leaves me to think 'out of the corporate drone box' which feels a hell of a lot healthier than beating my head against a brick wall without padding.
And seriously, how old are you?
This isn't hacking.
This is programming. And this is me asking for permission to work WITH this company much like Microsoft does with it's development community AND MAYBE I can create a revenue stream from modded content.
Or is your tiny little brain capable of comprehending this?
Sorry. This really chaps my hide, after being homeless for 3 years and the vast majority of people such as you SO quickly and inanely point the finger at me without having walked in my shoes telling me this is 'my fault' and I should have other priorities, yet NOT ONE person LIKE YOU tends to try listening to me, consider what I am trying to do and why, nor consider lending a hand. You've very quick to judge.
Where's the community building with this?
In any case. Go away. You're precisely the annoyance I asked not to kick me again. And yet you do it anyways. Thanks for the holiday support, here's some bad karma back at ya.
I spent about 20 years in Corporate America development where design and development was a collaborative / kaizen like experience - leveraging something called SCRUM/Agile methodologies, and iterative design working in teams.
I suppose game development, particularly for combat oriented games, adopts a different and - for me at least - more toxic mindset.
Actually a lot of game studios use SCRUM/Agile for their development. The problem with toxic studios isn't the development methodology but rather with poor/incapable management, and that management's poor priorities that try to optimize all decisions for maximum profits at the expense of everything else (I've experienced both of these things firsthand).
Nitpicking is a time-honored tradition of science fiction. Asking your readers not to worry about the "little things" is like asking a dog not to sniff at people's crotches. If there's something that appears to violate natural laws, then you can expect someone's going to point it out. That's just the way things are.
This is programming. And this is me asking for permission to work WITH this company much like Microsoft does with it's development community AND MAYBE I can create a revenue stream from modded content.
If it is not authorized by the company in charge of the software and you are modifying their software, then it is hacking. As far as gaining money through modding, very few games allow that like Second Life and imvu and that is usually graphical related (clothing or avatar customization). Most people mod to satisfy their creative needs and want to release their content to other players that are incapable of being creative or create decent content.
In STO, only passive mods are allowed AFAIK. So essentially, mods that only read the combat logs and don't change a thing to the game. Cryptic used to have a MMO called City of Heroes where it had a passive mod called Herostats. It allowed you to see how much time a power had left on its cooldown, how many of a specific type of npc you defeated, etc., but it didn't change the game. Although, I am not sure if it was allowed or tolerated. There was also some mods that changed the map to show additional information or power icons to make them look better by replacing certain image files, but none of the changes actually messed with the game code.
Any of this discussion would have to take place between you and the Cryptic and PWE executives. Nothing said here will have any impact. However in the rare chance that everything works out, it will at a minimum require travel and serious limitations on what you can work on. If Cryptic says they want you to improve the Duty Officer system, then you will be stuck doing the Duty Officer system. There is also the issue that all work on STO has to be done at Cryptic studios so that means moving. Cryptic will never release any of the Source Code or the programs they use to make STO outside of Cryptic Studios unless the program is some commercial program that is easily available to everyone like some 3D modelling software to design insignia badges.
Starkaos, homelessness provides a wee bit o flexibility with the living arrangements, and since I have already been to nearly 40 countries, travel would clearly be fine
In any case, I have applied, numerous times in fact, and have yet to hear a response.
Which is why it made 'more sense' to me - to outline a healthier working relationship....
That is - rather than aligning with a typical employer/employee relationship which clearly does not seem to be a functional possibility for me after 30 years of work in and around Informational Technology I have realized I may be in a unique place and situation to contribute, and to take advantage of it.
Microsoft has something called a "Developer Network'. They've publicly documented the APIs and tend to contribute to their own communities by having 'ranking and ratings' within their own community. Now core operating system work is NOT farmed out. They are exclusive about this. But application development and retrofits - aka skinning - they openly support. They're even getting into Open Source Development because they've tired of 'owning' languages such as C#. This very successful strategy has seen Bill Gates become the wealthiest man on the planet - despite being retired the man's still worth $54 billion.
Now it's my belief that GREAT concepts and a game like STO managed by people who pay tight attention to detail with their core (like STO IS) are going to quite literally change this world. I won't weird you out with how profoundly I feel this will change the world if done right. And I mean this in a literal sense, above and beyond ANYTHING anyone has done previously.
However. THAT TIGHT core HAS to allow evolution to influence the changes, much like Bill Gates allowed with Windows. I have no doubt that the 'end product' that BG envisioned looks a little like he imagined, but my bet is - the 'branches' it created are beyond his wildest dreams. Heck, after a trip to Beijing in 2010, I wonder if Bill Gates even knows he has a games division.
In any case. A tightly managed core is undeniably crucial.
But careful planning, nurturing and 'balancing' with those who aren't as keen to 'fight fight fight' is the only real way a game like this actually stands ANY potential of changing the world.
The whole dictatorial tactic you outlined about 'working on precisely what you're told to work on' works well with military types and mindsets which promotes the militaristic conflicts and combat oriented philosophies.
I don't see this as my best fit - for you and others at PWE and this organization.
My best fit is 'on the outside', lateral evolution if you will - and perhaps unpaid is the only way this can be made acceptable to you. I do NOT intend to fight the warlords, cooperation and collaboration seems so much more effective and interesting, as I know - who'd win in a fight. Not worth it to me. But to help 'evolve' content and the system, who better to work with than a down and out man who fights for creative freedom and liberties yet understands the necessity to collaborate with those who control and designed the core systems?
Expanding content services to include user managed and maintained mods might need someone who's willing to work under tightly controlled circumstances understanding full well the implications of not doing so.
I think we can both agree that there's MUCH more to this than meets..
The eye.
I respect that. More than I think you can imagine.
Mark, you sound like an ignorant policewoman(or man) who does not understand that rules and laws are something malleable based on an ever changing legal and ethical structure as a society evolves.
YES, it may indeed violate rules which were originally written.
But do those rules HAVE to remain in place if the user community changes? Does the game want to continue, and if so, it may want to 'evolve' based on new information and ideas from a growing and different user demographics (us older dudes)?
Quit saying it can't be done and help me find reasons it can.
It's simple, if you want to work on STO in an official capacity.... email them your resume. talking to us on the forum is a waste of time.
If it is not authorized by the company in charge of the software and you are modifying their software, then it is hacking. As far as gaining money through modding, very few games allow that like Second Life and imvu and that is usually graphical related (clothing or avatar customization). Most people mod to satisfy their creative needs and want to release their content to other players that are incapable of being creative or create decent content.
In STO, only passive mods are allowed AFAIK. So essentially, mods that only read the combat logs and don't change a thing to the game. Cryptic used to have a MMO called City of Heroes where it had a passive mod called Herostats. It allowed you to see how much time a power had left on its cooldown, how many of a specific type of npc you defeated, etc., but it didn't change the game. Although, I am not sure if it was allowed or tolerated. There was also some mods that changed the map to show additional information or power icons to make them look better by replacing certain image files, but none of the changes actually messed with the game code.
For another example.... Blizzard had a sort of unofficial allowance of mods... with 2 caveats.
1: if it affects Realm play it is forbidden. (things that changed pictures might have been allowed but I don't remember)
2: Blizzard generally didn't care what people did when making mods for lan play or offline play. Why? because it didn't affect their servers. I can think of one exception, but BlueOrange wasn't the sort of guy anyone I ever talked to knew much about. Just that he released an odd and incomplete mod, then never was seen again. Actually from what I've heard he wasn't seen BEFORE then either.
If it is not authorized by the company in charge of the software and you are modifying their software, then it is hacking. As far as gaining money through modding, very few games allow that like Second Life and imvu and that is usually graphical related (clothing or avatar customization). Most people mod to satisfy their creative needs and want to release their content to other players that are incapable of being creative or create decent content.
In STO, only passive mods are allowed AFAIK. So essentially, mods that only read the combat logs and don't change a thing to the game. Cryptic used to have a MMO called City of Heroes where it had a passive mod called Herostats. It allowed you to see how much time a power had left on its cooldown, how many of a specific type of npc you defeated, etc., but it didn't change the game. Although, I am not sure if it was allowed or tolerated. There was also some mods that changed the map to show additional information or power icons to make them look better by replacing certain image files, but none of the changes actually messed with the game code.
Thank you, Google, for your two cents! Not sure why ya had to assert this. But I hope your knowledge about the technical definitions of hack as it relates to PWE's terminologies and EULAs makes you feel better about yourself, as clearly this is not what I intend on doing nor even remotely suggested...
To companies like Cryptic and PWE, it is all about control. Using a person on the outside means that they lose some control over their product which is not acceptable to them. Therefore, they require probably daily or weekly meetings at Cryptic Studios for all their developers so ideas can be finalized and everyone knows what they are doing. If I was a dev, then I couldn't work on customizable interiors when the others expect me to work on the Caretaker Array. Chances are that some devs are waiting on the Caretaker Array so they could do their changes. If you want to do your own thing and not be a cog in the machine, then there are far better places to utilize your creative talents.
Actually a lot of game studios use SCRUM/Agile for their development. The problem with toxic studios isn't the development methodology but rather with poor/incapable management, and that management's poor priorities that try to optimize all decisions for maximum profits at the expense of everything else (I've experienced both of these things firsthand).
mighty - my gut instinct is PWE and STO's development isn't to be taken at face value, and there's things going on 'with the game and engine and core' that are VERY MUCH not a product of mismanagement.
In my opinion, PWE and STO have not outright portrayed an iota of a sign that this game is attempting to maximize profitability The profiteering appears to be a retrofit to the engine, and something beyond their control to a certain degree. Even this message board. Why is it a redirect comes from the original site to here, why not just re-register the domain?
They seem more entrenched in INSURING and preserving the integrity of the core.
Which leads me to believe they need... help.. and a little respect and understanding for what they've done so far and why. And potentially someone who's a little less timid about making mistakes (I am homeless, and a fomer cocaine addict) - but who understands the necessity of 'stepping lightly' on creative controls when it defies the norms.
Not only do I respect that. But it also leads me to believe that underhanded tactics are being leveraged to attempt to make it appear that money and finance is their issue.
I personally DO NOT think they've been mismanaged.
To companies like Cryptic and PWE, it is all about control. Using a person on the outside means that they lose some control over their product which is not acceptable to them. Therefore, they require probably daily or weekly meetings at Cryptic Studios for all their developers so ideas can be finalized and everyone knows what they are doing. If I was a dev, then I couldn't work on customizable interiors when the others expect me to work on the Caretaker Array. Chances are that some devs are waiting on the Caretaker Array so they could do their changes. If you want to do your own thing and not be a cog in the machine, then there are far better places to utilize your creative talents.
And this I'd be fine with.
I've worked as a private contractor off and on for companies worldwide since 1988.
I'm typically 'the outsider', it's something I have gotten used to.
But to be sure. While I am a 'team player', I would only work as a part of a team if 50% of my effort - on approval of course - would 'contribute' towards non combat content of my own design.
Initially I'd work with strictly in game mechanisms with this 50% - just to - you know - get to know the engine - diversifying assignment chains with content - preferably something more engaging than 'Debrief Officer' - also reinforcing relationships and possibilities with duty officers.
And once I got a beefier machine. And 'understood' some of the mechanics I wasn't aware of 'outside' my 'sphere' of awareness - I'd engage in diversifying the non combat oriented 'ground game' - whether it was in ship, in planet - or (my favorite) the holodeck (which can REALLY diversify the offerings in fun ways)
Now I wouldn't 'expect' payment for any of this. Yes, having a job would be 'nice' if present day society remained my 'reality' - but there's more - and I sincerely envision one day hanging out on a real life starship - maybe in a USS Enterprise mess hall (like I am with Starbuck's) - and rather than lugging my suitcase to my tent every day when I am done, I merely lug my butt back to my comfy bed that I make it a fact to 'make up' every day.
i suppose that's where I am heading with this. Yep. I mostly understand the integrity and necessity to preserve the core. But hopefully it's understood why someone as incessantly obnoxious as yours truly can be - has a tangible benefit in wanting to emphasize the non combat oriented portion of this game and make it something..
So much more storyworthy!
I do believe it's possible to function both as a cog and as a navigator at the same time. And while I have no desire to be 'the pilot' or captain, to be clear about that, the captain and crew all benefit from a wider diversity of offerings on the road we're all traveling down together.
I'd think all these business gurus seeming to post in this thread would be smart enough to know that cryptic doesn't own the ip and that cbs is very protective of it. If cbs won't let a connie into the game what makes you think they're going to allow outsiders to mod one in? What makes anyone think they're going to allow modders to make designed owned by other artists and just throw them into the game? It took em like 2 years to work on the license for the vesta. You think Mark, or a dozen of other professional ship designers, won't sue the moment one of their designs show up in the game just because a modder made it? You think cbs wants 3rd party suits from this?
What CBS/PWE and STO decide to do to help a single homeless content creator enjoy his 'time off' and MAYBE dabble in a new potential revenue stream does not have to be anything but an exception to the rule.
Why it's a big deal is beyond me. It's not like this controls the universe or something! LOL!
thinking you're more capable of managing my life better than me or that I haven't tried everything in the three years of bind homeless with nearly 2000 resumes sent out - all with a BS and MBA and 30 years of work in IT
Nobody would even hire you to wait tables or clean toilets?
Nobody would even hire you to wait tables or clean toilets?
No. I've even applied to Starbuck's and Best Buy.
I swear I'm in the twilight zone and/or those in control of this 'Matrix' don't understand me and have labelled me as a 'ghost'.
It really has gotten downright bizarre with what's happened, for instance:
I conversed with Ray Kurzweil's SO, who conversed with me 'like normal', and we discussed a concept about the technological singularity which contributed to his philosophies.
"I'm going to publish this, if that's ok with you and yes I will give you credit" Two weeks later, the story appears on their blog, with deviations, and there's no mention of me as the source or any attempt to attribute. She didn't reply afterwards.
I've considered 'auditing' law courses at Georgetown, I applied to law school in 2009 - twice - and was denied both times - but I figured - they might regard the homeless man a bit different - so I sent a message to three profs and two deans - explaining what's going on and asked for permission to audit courses.
... NO RESPONSE.
I post ads on craigslist soliciting services - I have a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and a GMBA from Thunderbird - and figure having been to 40 countries I could offer travel services, web design, even assistance managing your business...
Not ONE single response. Ever.
With Costa Rica as the solitary exception, a year ago, I did find a partner who was keen on creating a business knowing my issues with finding work in the states - but it was promptly squashed by a local we'd hired who'd threatened me with immigration issues.
That led me back to the states. And has kept me homeless.
Friends don't return my calls. Family is acting weird. Unnatural even.
The weird thing is. People here seem to be convinced that the state has great benefits, despite the overcrowding of shelters that charge $5 a night.
This makes the Utopian notion of Star Trek almost a necessity. Which has me thinking about what I would do on long space voyages. Which has me trying to turn this into a positive experience, you know 'roll with the punches'.
but it's to the point of being bizarre. The instantaneous combat and childlike behavior on the internet - whether it's through STO forums summarily defeating me saying 'it wont happen' or Yahoo Answers where so many on there seem convinced there's one and precisely only one answer for every question.
I tell myself I am surrounded by Borg and they are not aware of who they are and they are leveraging technology to deceive my eyes trying to get me 'out' of their combat based system. And there's a part of me that's convinced they technologically collapsed the big bang and don't quite comprehend this is all that's left.
Because, where's the logic and rationality in a 'defeat the homeless man' scenario?
it's insane. it must be. and I must be caught in the cog of creation itself which is presently being mismanaged by a bunch of kids who are sick and tired of life and trying to kill the man they've mistakenly identified as god.
because there's no other plausible explanation for what's goin on.
not at this point. no matter how rational you think you ar.e
The Terms of Use specifically state that you are NOT allowed to mod STO in any way. That means nude mods, DPS counters, ANYTHING. You are not allowed, and you can very well be banned just for stating an interest in modding STO. You would do well to just drop the idea.
You would probably be banned already except all the moderators are on vacation...
There are very few jobs in the US for people who are not well connected. Most of my friends moved to Pakistan and South Korea where jobs are plentiful and white skin is worshipped.
First...I wish you a very Merry Holiday Season, you've obviously got more troubles than I could ever dream of and I sincerely hope things improve for you ASAP.
As for your request, I don't think They are willing to let others fiddle with Their 'toys'.
Several folks have asked through the years of the game and They haven't been willing to allow this.
There was a wonderful player back in the beginning that created some wonderful mods, but as said above, he was pretty much driven away and told to desist by Cryptic.
I don't really understand Their thinking as many in the player-base could do so much to improve aspects of the game beyond increasing DPs.
Also, may the new year find you in a much better place, it's not much but my prayers are with you.
Job Security?
Space the final frontier. These are the voyages of [your name here] on a five year mission to gain one level after the delta rising xp nerf.
The Terms of Use specifically state that you are NOT allowed to mod STO in any way. That means nude mods, DPS counters, ANYTHING. You are not allowed, and you can very well be banned just for stating an interest in modding STO. You would do well to just drop the idea.
lol. Sorry bub. Last I checked I'm still living in the United States and The First Amendment was still intact.
And I'm not suggesting nor even implying I'd do anything against the TOS, so get over yourself.
America's got something we refer to as the Bill of Rights and the Constitution - an evolving framework of rules and regulations which have been shaped and molded by lawyers with and as our culture and society has evolved.
Seeing as people such as yourself keep on citing the EULA and TOS and seem to be versed in it, then I can only assume you're prepared to understand that all law and contracts leveraging the US Bill of Rights and/or Constitution to retain validity are obligated to respect the intent of law rather than the rule of law.
Meaning, law, at least in the United States, changes over time based on society and the community's demands.
Accordingly, it doesn't take much imagination to consider that CBS/PWE and/or STO might consider adapting based on the situation and circumstance - and the community's desire.
Unless they are interested in 'killing' the project.
In which case.
All they need to do is state as much and I will respect that.
Oh FFS lay off with the TOS threats. Not one of you is a mod, not one of you works for PWE but everyone who quotes the crappy TOS which is nothing more than an arbitrary ruleset that's of no meaning 99% of the time as Cryptic/PWE take so many liberties with it it's not funny.
Stop being negative towards someone when you literally have no reason other than someone elses stated ruleset of total bollocks.
So many closed minded individuals, it's scary.
Go for it lingg, have a crack at it. If Cryptic can see that your work is worth it, maybe they'll hire you, or maybe they'll fail to send a Cease and Desist order as they have no address to send it to (a requirement in law which is hilarious I find). Either way you've lost nothing but a bit of time and had some fun in the process. Most of the Cryptic Defence Force are unable to comprehend much more than their masters tell them too so keep at it and enjoy yourself.
Chris Robert's on SC:
"You don't have to do something again and again and again repetitive that doesn't have much challange, that's just a general good gameplay thing."
Over the years, there is one absolute truth in this world that I have found. Everyone is insane. The world actually makes sense by taking this message to heart. The forums is a great way to show this truth because people are more likely to act like themselves without any filters due to anonymity protecting them.
You would probably be banned already except all the moderators are on vacation...
There are very few jobs in the US for people who are not well connected. Most of my friends moved to Pakistan and South Korea where jobs are plentiful and white skin is worshipped.
LOL. probably be banned? for what, asking for permission? You're adorable!
They wouldn't do that!
In any case, naw, I am stayin here in the United States. No desire to move abroad. If a flexible situation for work that works for me doesn't present itself here, then I'll continue being homeless.
Pretty simple really.
And at this point, with how much time I have 'invested' in homelessness - three years. What's another 10 years? I suppose I am willing to 'dig' for the right opportunity and/or relationship.
No company's going to punish me for asking for permission! Don't be silly!
lol. Sorry bub. Last I checked I'm still living in the United States and The First Amendment was still intact.
And I'm not suggesting nor even implying I'd do anything against the TOS, so get over yourself.
America's got something we refer to as the Bill of Rights and the Constitution - an evolving framework of rules and regulations which have been shaped and molded by lawyers with and as our culture and society has evolved.
Seeing as people such as yourself keep on citing the EULA and TOS and seem to be versed in it, then I can only assume you're prepared to understand that all law and contracts leveraging the US Bill of Rights and/or Constitution to retain validity are obligated to respect the intent of law rather than the rule of law.
Meaning, law, at least in the United States, changes over time based on society and the community's demands.
Accordingly, it doesn't take much imagination to consider that CBS/PWE and/or STO might consider adapting based on the situation and circumstance - and the community's desire.
Unless they are interested in 'killing' the project.
In which case.
All they need to do is state as much and I will respect that.
It's that simple.
I know you "applied" to Georgetown Law School, but I guess you didn't know that the First Amendment only applies to "State Actors" or those acting "Under color of law".
So for all of you wanna be lawyers, Cryptic doesn't have to follow the First Amendment and can cut off your speech at any time.
Oh FFS lay off with the TOS threats. Not one of you is a mod, not one of you works for PWE but everyone who quotes the crappy TOS which is nothing more than an arbitrary ruleset that's of no meaning 99% of the time as Cryptic/PWE take so many liberties with it it's not funny.
Stop being negative towards someone when you literally have no reason other than someone elses stated ruleset of total bollocks.
So many closed minded individuals, it's scary.
Go for it lingg, have a crack at it. If Cryptic can see that your work is worth it, maybe they'll hire you, or maybe they'll fail to send a Cease and Desist order as they have no address to send it to (a requirement in law which is hilarious I find). Either way you've lost nothing but a bit of time and had some fun in the process. Most of the Cryptic Defence Force are unable to comprehend much more than their masters tell them too so keep at it and enjoy yourself.
ROFL! you, my dear sir, have just made my night. And with that, I am packin up my suitcase and heading to the park for the evening!
And thank you for your support,i am glad someone else is rational out there and sees the failure in logic of regurgitatin TOS rules without care or consideration of the condition of who's receiving it!
That, is what us homeless people refer to as a little homeless love. Well needed, I might add!
I know you "applied" to Georgetown Law School, but I guess you didn't know that the First Amendment only applies to "State Actors" or those acting "Under color of law".
So for all of you wanna be lawyers, Cryptic doesn't have to follow the First Amendment and can cut off your speech at any time.
The First Amendment applies to every citizen of the United States without exclusion.
Forums can be moderated to support the community. Moderation of comments clearly does not violate the First Amendment.
The solitary reason I mentioned the First Amendment was to demonstrate the potential need for those who might be monitoring and/or administrating the user boards and forums in China to consider cultural influences of this individual may have inspired my request and that is in no way is intended to be offensive to those who might not be from my country and understand the intent I have is not to undermine them but to respect them for their product with the understanding of why my culture's values and rules make it acceptable for me to feel entitled to make these suggestions and requests :-)
Now if they ban me or act defensively or offensively for this.
Then clearly there's no respect they have of American culture, where their product is being used, which at this point would be all the motivation i need not to spend any more time or energy using their product!
I'm attempting to explain perspective and be respectful with my request at the same time.
if you don't see it that way.
Then perhaps you should come visit America for yourself and see why we cherish these values.
Oh I'm aware of it alright. It literally gives you the Constitutional right to do anything you want, without consequence. And the very fact that it is the very FIRST on the list means that it cancels the rest of the Amendments. Well, the real world is that you can't do whatever you want. Laws are there for a reason. Cryptic/PWE owns STO, so if they don't want people modding THEIR game, they have the right, and the responsibility to protect their product.
Comments
Offense taken.
I've been homeless for three years.
Having tried everything I can think of. And everything everyone else can think of.
So now - I am left laughing every-time I hear or read some self righteous narcissistic person such as yourself who feels entitled to 'insert' herself or himself or itself into my life and a thread I am developing to GIVE me something to do - thinking you're more capable of managing my life better than me or that I haven't tried everything in the three years of bind homeless with nearly 2000 resumes sent out - all with a BS and MBA and 30 years of work in IT,
So, let me respond to you by saying, THIS is what I am trying to do, and I would appreciate your support rather than your arrogant derision - because - well - there is quite literally nothing you can think of that I haven't already thought of as I try to 'reengage' in this capitalistic system.
This leaves me to think 'out of the corporate drone box' which feels a hell of a lot healthier than beating my head against a brick wall without padding.
And seriously, how old are you?
This isn't hacking.
This is programming. And this is me asking for permission to work WITH this company much like Microsoft does with it's development community AND MAYBE I can create a revenue stream from modded content.
Or is your tiny little brain capable of comprehending this?
Sorry. This really chaps my hide, after being homeless for 3 years and the vast majority of people such as you SO quickly and inanely point the finger at me without having walked in my shoes telling me this is 'my fault' and I should have other priorities, yet NOT ONE person LIKE YOU tends to try listening to me, consider what I am trying to do and why, nor consider lending a hand. You've very quick to judge.
Where's the community building with this?
In any case. Go away. You're precisely the annoyance I asked not to kick me again. And yet you do it anyways. Thanks for the holiday support, here's some bad karma back at ya.
..... And check out my Open Source Work, here: https://sourceforge.net/u/universalbri/profile/
Actually a lot of game studios use SCRUM/Agile for their development. The problem with toxic studios isn't the development methodology but rather with poor/incapable management, and that management's poor priorities that try to optimize all decisions for maximum profits at the expense of everything else (I've experienced both of these things firsthand).
Joined January 2009
If it is not authorized by the company in charge of the software and you are modifying their software, then it is hacking. As far as gaining money through modding, very few games allow that like Second Life and imvu and that is usually graphical related (clothing or avatar customization). Most people mod to satisfy their creative needs and want to release their content to other players that are incapable of being creative or create decent content.
In STO, only passive mods are allowed AFAIK. So essentially, mods that only read the combat logs and don't change a thing to the game. Cryptic used to have a MMO called City of Heroes where it had a passive mod called Herostats. It allowed you to see how much time a power had left on its cooldown, how many of a specific type of npc you defeated, etc., but it didn't change the game. Although, I am not sure if it was allowed or tolerated. There was also some mods that changed the map to show additional information or power icons to make them look better by replacing certain image files, but none of the changes actually messed with the game code.
Starkaos, homelessness provides a wee bit o flexibility with the living arrangements, and since I have already been to nearly 40 countries, travel would clearly be fine
In any case, I have applied, numerous times in fact, and have yet to hear a response.
Which is why it made 'more sense' to me - to outline a healthier working relationship....
That is - rather than aligning with a typical employer/employee relationship which clearly does not seem to be a functional possibility for me after 30 years of work in and around Informational Technology I have realized I may be in a unique place and situation to contribute, and to take advantage of it.
Microsoft has something called a "Developer Network'. They've publicly documented the APIs and tend to contribute to their own communities by having 'ranking and ratings' within their own community. Now core operating system work is NOT farmed out. They are exclusive about this. But application development and retrofits - aka skinning - they openly support. They're even getting into Open Source Development because they've tired of 'owning' languages such as C#. This very successful strategy has seen Bill Gates become the wealthiest man on the planet - despite being retired the man's still worth $54 billion.
Now it's my belief that GREAT concepts and a game like STO managed by people who pay tight attention to detail with their core (like STO IS) are going to quite literally change this world. I won't weird you out with how profoundly I feel this will change the world if done right. And I mean this in a literal sense, above and beyond ANYTHING anyone has done previously.
However. THAT TIGHT core HAS to allow evolution to influence the changes, much like Bill Gates allowed with Windows. I have no doubt that the 'end product' that BG envisioned looks a little like he imagined, but my bet is - the 'branches' it created are beyond his wildest dreams. Heck, after a trip to Beijing in 2010, I wonder if Bill Gates even knows he has a games division.
In any case. A tightly managed core is undeniably crucial.
But careful planning, nurturing and 'balancing' with those who aren't as keen to 'fight fight fight' is the only real way a game like this actually stands ANY potential of changing the world.
The whole dictatorial tactic you outlined about 'working on precisely what you're told to work on' works well with military types and mindsets which promotes the militaristic conflicts and combat oriented philosophies.
I don't see this as my best fit - for you and others at PWE and this organization.
My best fit is 'on the outside', lateral evolution if you will - and perhaps unpaid is the only way this can be made acceptable to you. I do NOT intend to fight the warlords, cooperation and collaboration seems so much more effective and interesting, as I know - who'd win in a fight. Not worth it to me. But to help 'evolve' content and the system, who better to work with than a down and out man who fights for creative freedom and liberties yet understands the necessity to collaborate with those who control and designed the core systems?
Expanding content services to include user managed and maintained mods might need someone who's willing to work under tightly controlled circumstances understanding full well the implications of not doing so.
I think we can both agree that there's MUCH more to this than meets..
The eye.
I respect that. More than I think you can imagine.
..... And check out my Open Source Work, here: https://sourceforge.net/u/universalbri/profile/
lol! you know it baby!
..... And check out my Open Source Work, here: https://sourceforge.net/u/universalbri/profile/
1: if it affects Realm play it is forbidden. (things that changed pictures might have been allowed but I don't remember)
2: Blizzard generally didn't care what people did when making mods for lan play or offline play. Why? because it didn't affect their servers. I can think of one exception, but BlueOrange wasn't the sort of guy anyone I ever talked to knew much about. Just that he released an odd and incomplete mod, then never was seen again. Actually from what I've heard he wasn't seen BEFORE then either.
My character Tsin'xing
Thank you, Google, for your two cents! Not sure why ya had to assert this. But I hope your knowledge about the technical definitions of hack as it relates to PWE's terminologies and EULAs makes you feel better about yourself, as clearly this is not what I intend on doing nor even remotely suggested...
... weird...
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mighty - my gut instinct is PWE and STO's development isn't to be taken at face value, and there's things going on 'with the game and engine and core' that are VERY MUCH not a product of mismanagement.
In my opinion, PWE and STO have not outright portrayed an iota of a sign that this game is attempting to maximize profitability The profiteering appears to be a retrofit to the engine, and something beyond their control to a certain degree. Even this message board. Why is it a redirect comes from the original site to here, why not just re-register the domain?
They seem more entrenched in INSURING and preserving the integrity of the core.
Which leads me to believe they need... help.. and a little respect and understanding for what they've done so far and why. And potentially someone who's a little less timid about making mistakes (I am homeless, and a fomer cocaine addict) - but who understands the necessity of 'stepping lightly' on creative controls when it defies the norms.
Not only do I respect that. But it also leads me to believe that underhanded tactics are being leveraged to attempt to make it appear that money and finance is their issue.
I personally DO NOT think they've been mismanaged.
Misunderstood, yes.
Mismanaged. No.
..... And check out my Open Source Work, here: https://sourceforge.net/u/universalbri/profile/
And this I'd be fine with.
I've worked as a private contractor off and on for companies worldwide since 1988.
I'm typically 'the outsider', it's something I have gotten used to.
But to be sure. While I am a 'team player', I would only work as a part of a team if 50% of my effort - on approval of course - would 'contribute' towards non combat content of my own design.
Initially I'd work with strictly in game mechanisms with this 50% - just to - you know - get to know the engine - diversifying assignment chains with content - preferably something more engaging than 'Debrief Officer' - also reinforcing relationships and possibilities with duty officers.
And once I got a beefier machine. And 'understood' some of the mechanics I wasn't aware of 'outside' my 'sphere' of awareness - I'd engage in diversifying the non combat oriented 'ground game' - whether it was in ship, in planet - or (my favorite) the holodeck (which can REALLY diversify the offerings in fun ways)
Now I wouldn't 'expect' payment for any of this. Yes, having a job would be 'nice' if present day society remained my 'reality' - but there's more - and I sincerely envision one day hanging out on a real life starship - maybe in a USS Enterprise mess hall (like I am with Starbuck's) - and rather than lugging my suitcase to my tent every day when I am done, I merely lug my butt back to my comfy bed that I make it a fact to 'make up' every day.
i suppose that's where I am heading with this. Yep. I mostly understand the integrity and necessity to preserve the core. But hopefully it's understood why someone as incessantly obnoxious as yours truly can be - has a tangible benefit in wanting to emphasize the non combat oriented portion of this game and make it something..
So much more storyworthy!
I do believe it's possible to function both as a cog and as a navigator at the same time. And while I have no desire to be 'the pilot' or captain, to be clear about that, the captain and crew all benefit from a wider diversity of offerings on the road we're all traveling down together.
Does that make.,.. sense?
..... And check out my Open Source Work, here: https://sourceforge.net/u/universalbri/profile/
What CBS/PWE and STO decide to do to help a single homeless content creator enjoy his 'time off' and MAYBE dabble in a new potential revenue stream does not have to be anything but an exception to the rule.
Why it's a big deal is beyond me. It's not like this controls the universe or something! LOL!
..... And check out my Open Source Work, here: https://sourceforge.net/u/universalbri/profile/
I would if I were them. I veto your reality and overlay it with my own.
..... And check out my Open Source Work, here: https://sourceforge.net/u/universalbri/profile/
Nobody would even hire you to wait tables or clean toilets?
No. I've even applied to Starbuck's and Best Buy.
I swear I'm in the twilight zone and/or those in control of this 'Matrix' don't understand me and have labelled me as a 'ghost'.
It really has gotten downright bizarre with what's happened, for instance:
I conversed with Ray Kurzweil's SO, who conversed with me 'like normal', and we discussed a concept about the technological singularity which contributed to his philosophies.
"I'm going to publish this, if that's ok with you and yes I will give you credit"
Two weeks later, the story appears on their blog, with deviations, and there's no mention of me as the source or any attempt to attribute. She didn't reply afterwards.
I've considered 'auditing' law courses at Georgetown, I applied to law school in 2009 - twice - and was denied both times - but I figured - they might regard the homeless man a bit different - so I sent a message to three profs and two deans - explaining what's going on and asked for permission to audit courses.
... NO RESPONSE.
I post ads on craigslist soliciting services - I have a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and a GMBA from Thunderbird - and figure having been to 40 countries I could offer travel services, web design, even assistance managing your business...
Not ONE single response. Ever.
With Costa Rica as the solitary exception, a year ago, I did find a partner who was keen on creating a business knowing my issues with finding work in the states - but it was promptly squashed by a local we'd hired who'd threatened me with immigration issues.
That led me back to the states. And has kept me homeless.
Friends don't return my calls. Family is acting weird. Unnatural even.
The weird thing is. People here seem to be convinced that the state has great benefits, despite the overcrowding of shelters that charge $5 a night.
This makes the Utopian notion of Star Trek almost a necessity. Which has me thinking about what I would do on long space voyages. Which has me trying to turn this into a positive experience, you know 'roll with the punches'.
but it's to the point of being bizarre. The instantaneous combat and childlike behavior on the internet - whether it's through STO forums summarily defeating me saying 'it wont happen' or Yahoo Answers where so many on there seem convinced there's one and precisely only one answer for every question.
I tell myself I am surrounded by Borg and they are not aware of who they are and they are leveraging technology to deceive my eyes trying to get me 'out' of their combat based system. And there's a part of me that's convinced they technologically collapsed the big bang and don't quite comprehend this is all that's left.
Because, where's the logic and rationality in a 'defeat the homeless man' scenario?
it's insane. it must be. and I must be caught in the cog of creation itself which is presently being mismanaged by a bunch of kids who are sick and tired of life and trying to kill the man they've mistakenly identified as god.
because there's no other plausible explanation for what's goin on.
not at this point. no matter how rational you think you ar.e
..... And check out my Open Source Work, here: https://sourceforge.net/u/universalbri/profile/
You seem very arrogant.
My Ship Builds: USS Conqueror, HMS Victorious, HMS Concord, ISS Queen Elizabeth, Black Widow III
Click here to view my DeviantArt.
No. I just choose to believe in myself nowadays.
..... And check out my Open Source Work, here: https://sourceforge.net/u/universalbri/profile/
There are very few jobs in the US for people who are not well connected. Most of my friends moved to Pakistan and South Korea where jobs are plentiful and white skin is worshipped.
Job Security?
lol. Sorry bub. Last I checked I'm still living in the United States and The First Amendment was still intact.
And I'm not suggesting nor even implying I'd do anything against the TOS, so get over yourself.
America's got something we refer to as the Bill of Rights and the Constitution - an evolving framework of rules and regulations which have been shaped and molded by lawyers with and as our culture and society has evolved.
Seeing as people such as yourself keep on citing the EULA and TOS and seem to be versed in it, then I can only assume you're prepared to understand that all law and contracts leveraging the US Bill of Rights and/or Constitution to retain validity are obligated to respect the intent of law rather than the rule of law.
Meaning, law, at least in the United States, changes over time based on society and the community's demands.
Accordingly, it doesn't take much imagination to consider that CBS/PWE and/or STO might consider adapting based on the situation and circumstance - and the community's desire.
Unless they are interested in 'killing' the project.
In which case.
All they need to do is state as much and I will respect that.
It's that simple.
..... And check out my Open Source Work, here: https://sourceforge.net/u/universalbri/profile/
Stop being negative towards someone when you literally have no reason other than someone elses stated ruleset of total bollocks.
So many closed minded individuals, it's scary.
Go for it lingg, have a crack at it. If Cryptic can see that your work is worth it, maybe they'll hire you, or maybe they'll fail to send a Cease and Desist order as they have no address to send it to (a requirement in law which is hilarious I find). Either way you've lost nothing but a bit of time and had some fun in the process. Most of the Cryptic Defence Force are unable to comprehend much more than their masters tell them too so keep at it and enjoy yourself.
"You don't have to do something again and again and again repetitive that doesn't have much challange, that's just a general good gameplay thing."
LOL. probably be banned? for what, asking for permission? You're adorable!
They wouldn't do that!
In any case, naw, I am stayin here in the United States. No desire to move abroad. If a flexible situation for work that works for me doesn't present itself here, then I'll continue being homeless.
Pretty simple really.
And at this point, with how much time I have 'invested' in homelessness - three years. What's another 10 years? I suppose I am willing to 'dig' for the right opportunity and/or relationship.
No company's going to punish me for asking for permission! Don't be silly!
..... And check out my Open Source Work, here: https://sourceforge.net/u/universalbri/profile/
I know you "applied" to Georgetown Law School, but I guess you didn't know that the First Amendment only applies to "State Actors" or those acting "Under color of law".
So for all of you wanna be lawyers, Cryptic doesn't have to follow the First Amendment and can cut off your speech at any time.
ROFL! you, my dear sir, have just made my night. And with that, I am packin up my suitcase and heading to the park for the evening!
And thank you for your support,i am glad someone else is rational out there and sees the failure in logic of regurgitatin TOS rules without care or consideration of the condition of who's receiving it!
That, is what us homeless people refer to as a little homeless love. Well needed, I might add!
..... And check out my Open Source Work, here: https://sourceforge.net/u/universalbri/profile/
The First Amendment applies to every citizen of the United States without exclusion.
Forums can be moderated to support the community. Moderation of comments clearly does not violate the First Amendment.
The solitary reason I mentioned the First Amendment was to demonstrate the potential need for those who might be monitoring and/or administrating the user boards and forums in China to consider cultural influences of this individual may have inspired my request and that is in no way is intended to be offensive to those who might not be from my country and understand the intent I have is not to undermine them but to respect them for their product with the understanding of why my culture's values and rules make it acceptable for me to feel entitled to make these suggestions and requests :-)
Now if they ban me or act defensively or offensively for this.
Then clearly there's no respect they have of American culture, where their product is being used, which at this point would be all the motivation i need not to spend any more time or energy using their product!
I'm attempting to explain perspective and be respectful with my request at the same time.
if you don't see it that way.
Then perhaps you should come visit America for yourself and see why we cherish these values.
..... And check out my Open Source Work, here: https://sourceforge.net/u/universalbri/profile/
My Ship Builds: USS Conqueror, HMS Victorious, HMS Concord, ISS Queen Elizabeth, Black Widow III
Click here to view my DeviantArt.