Charas-Project
Off-Topic => All of all! => Topic started by: Linkforce on February 28, 2011, 01:26:07 AM
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Well, it sure has been a while since I made a topic that wasn't in the requests page or in my game thread. I've been checking on Charas less and less recently, and I have a hard time accepting that very soon I may not be showing up at all. "Why is that?" I ask myself. Well, the answer is pretty clear.
Charas ain't what it used to be.
I joined here years ago when I was just starting out as a game developer. Through those years I've come to know a lot of people here and I've made some good friends. But recently, the Charas effect is wearing off. Whereas this place used to be a hub for game developers to come and share their games, ideas, and creations to each other, I see that it's become more of a place for idol chit-chat and discussions on topics irrelevant to gaming. Talking about other subjects is all fine and well, but what it does for Charas is dispel any sense of a gaming community.
I've found other websites that are very focused on games and their creation and all aspects that go into it. Yes, these sights offer threads for conversations on other topics non-game related, but they don't consume the site. The main focus of these other sites are 90% games, 10% other. The focus of Charas seems to be 25% games, 75% other.
It sucks, because I used to visit Charas daily to see what new things it had to offer. Now I find myself glancing though the ghostly "Games" section for any new updates and passing by the other sections to glance the overwhelming amount of posts on other topics.
I guess the point I'm trying to make is...what has happened Charas? What has happened to you? Is it the new generation of people that care less and less about making games and more about random topics? Has the majority of dedicated game makers already fled? Have I outwelcomed my stay? Is this a natural process and soon things will be back to normal?
I miss the old Charas. I miss the root of what this place used to be for me. If anybody understand what I mean, please share your thoughts. And if you're completely clueless, then maybe you can offer insight to why you visit Charas and what it means to you, and whether you even care whether Charas focuses on game making or not.
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Things happen. Lots of us gave up on making games. But lots of us grew attached to Charas so much that we couldn't leave even after giving up on gaming. So we stood here, and started talking about random matters.
A lot of us are still working on games, though. But since we all know how hard it is to make a game and how low the chances of it getting finished are, some of us just decide not to start a thread until there is enough to show, or don't update their threads often.
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The new charas is the same community as the old charas. We've outgrown our old hobbies, but we still like each other. Doesn't that mean we're a better community than we were before?
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It's not that we don't want it to be what it once was, it's just that everyone else up and left, and we just can't keep it up by ourselves forever. We've been plotting and planning all sorts of awesome to try and entice new users to join and share their works, but it hasn't been put into place yet.
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No.Body.Cares.
I am just waiting indefinitely for charas implosion really. Hoping to say " i was there". Everything else: Don't give a flying ****.
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A lot of us are still working on games, though. But since we all know how hard it is to make a game and how low the chances of it getting finished are, some of us just decide not to start a thread until there is enough to show, or don't update their threads often.
This. As I posted in my introductory thread to the forums, I am working on a game. It's still in the very early stages now and I don't like to post until I've completed enough that it actually starts to resemble a game. I was warned when I first joined that most of the community has moved on from RPG Maker, which seems to have been this site's original focus. However, after digging around in all of all a bit, I started posting, and...well...found out I'm pretty similar to the rest of the people here. I still haven't decided whether or not that's actually a good thing, but I'm having fun. The game's still being developed in the background, but for now, I'd rather keep it under wraps.
There are still a few interesting projects lurking in the games forum that seem to be taking shape little by little. Many of them are heading in interesting directions, and I'm eager to see how far their creators go with them. It may take them a while to finish these games, but I'm sure they'll be great once they're finished. I wasn't around on this forum when RPG Maker was in its prime, but I've played some really bad/generic games that people have made and released to the public. I'd rather have people taking their time with their games and trying to make them original and fun to play. There may not be as many of those people around as there once were, but it seems like those that remain are putting an astonishing amount of effort into making their games excellent.
Also, I've noticed a trend with the ages on this forum. With some exceptions, we all seem to be within a few years of each other. This is coming from someone who just joined, so I might be wrong...but people tend to be busier when they're older. When I was in my teens, I could spend hours on end working on my game. Now, I'm lucky if I can squeeze in an hour or so after I get out of work, and let's face it...when you've got a full-time job, you sometimes don't feel like doing that.
Anyway, I hope you'll stick around. There may be a lot of socializing going on now, but I wouldn't say that's a bad thing. We have fun. And from what I've seen, people still offer suggestions on what to improve and comment on one another's games, music, art, etc.
...I guess maybe that's one of the reasons I like this place. It was originally intended as a forum for game-making and people still discuss it here, but it's not like working a job where the game-making seems like a chore and socializing is discouraged.
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Charas never adapted to the new software available to independent game developers. It was rm2k, then rm2k3, and that was it. Support for XP and VX was never very popular around here. No one learned ruby so there were no tutorials on scripting. I don't even know anything about VX and I feel neither do most people on charas.
Even other programs like stencyl were never popularized. Part of it is people gave up on game-making, part of it is no one really used rm2k3 anymore. Why visit a forum dedicated to outdated abandonware?
The less and less focus on gaming and fewer topics on games only compounds the problem, but its not THE problem. Charas is exactly the way it was years ago and that's why it loses its legitimacy as anything more than a resource bin and spam forum.
Sorry, I love this place, but the truth hurts.
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The people that don't care about game making drowned out the people that did, and now the people that did largely shut up and don't talk about it here anymore. It's why I've never pushed for more support for other makers and stuff. Why bother when nobody here cares?
There's nothing anyone can do about it. Just enjoy the freefall.
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I kind of agree with the OP. I check charas a few times daily, but I rarely actually write anything
because I'm not sure what valuable contribution I can make. I always get really excited when I see a
game thread and check everything. It also feels discouraging though. I wrote a 10-page summary
with updates on my game and posted it in my thread but not a single person replied.
I know people check, but it's sometimes hard to know if people give a damn about your project in the
first place! People here need some inspiration of sorts. I've seen a few game ideas suggested that I'd
really love to see come to light that just got abandoned. A few never seen again projects I can remember
were the Goblin Camp game, Super Mario RPG and the game about nightmares that someone made when ill
(forgot the title), but yeah and stuff...
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A lot of the people who are active anymore are college age and are just bogged down with other stuff. It sucks, but no one has the time anymore. I know I barely can post on charas like I used to.
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Freefall...
You know, Charas was built by a community since the very beginning, it never was anything like a "one man site".
So, the ability and the duty of being up to date is 90% of the community itself.
No matter how hard few users, moderators and admins works: if the community will not give its support, the path will slowly be to a deadline.
Reading Zuhane's comment, would you still call a strong gamemaking community a place with a new game thread with...no replies?
Some years ago, every single new announced game was really an event: that was the main goal, at the end!
Now i do know there are really many users, and i surely can't expect everyone to be strongly active in gamemaking. But as the percentage seems to be falling, i can understand why users who cares about it feel there are better places out there.
New ideas are to be from the community: Charas itself started as a single experimental thread in an Italian RPGMaker forum, and developed to what we can see now.
Again, no matter how hard few users, moderators and admins works: why should they do anything hard if there will be nothing back?
Charas is no more an experiment, it's an established and known community: expectations should be high.
If for any reason the "new charas" isn't able to be at the level it should meant to be, we cannot surely blame anyone who will prefer to leave for better places.
Still, there is life in here. Perhaps many users are no more heavily involved in gamemaking, but still enjoy a place in which they can talk with friends. Writing about themselves, find some relaxing time. It's possible our original gamemaking mission is fading in time? Surely. no reasons to lie about this.
But I naturally still hope the community will be able to rise once more. New younger and motivated users are needed, users able to bring back life and the passion of creating and showing something created with their own hard job.
Let's just see the direction they will decide to follow.
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Holy, I got Alex to reply to my topic!
But staying on topic, I know the older members have gotten older and strayed away from game making, but there are those of us who haven't, myself included. Maybe that's just my stubborness but I believe it to actually be that I just love to make games...well game. Alex is right however, a few people who do enjoy game making here can't change Charas to the way it used to be.
But maybe this is just a transitional period where old members are fading away and new ones just...don't get it yet. Maybe, like Alex suggested, a new generation will come along and pick this place up.
Regardless, this is where I began my game making journey so at least for me, I CAN'T ever leave. :P
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Even if it's all truth, Alex's reply makes me sad. I don't want to move on, darn it :(
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I don't want to be the old generation! wtf!?
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This is what happens to most communities, really, assuming they have a solid userbase who like each other. I'm part of a Garry's Mod RP community that hasn't actually had any real RP going on in two years, and another game making forum with little to no game making going on. If a community is solid, the members will stay long after the initial focus of the community has been forgotten. It's just a natural progression.
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Um.... people are still making games here you guys.
I dont know if you noticed...contestes...
Its an rpgmaker2003 focused resource community. Its 2011 now.
Its going to slow down.
But then again, there are some of us that actually make an effort to bolster the communities activity.
Likewise, as has been previously pointed out...a lot of the 'old'community grew up, and liked other stuff. Or eventually got bored and decided to get themselves banned, and then start new accounts with lame names and feign aloof whilst taking themselves way too seriously, if not just move on alltogether.
Change is inevetable dude.
And Ive seen more cool stuff around here in the last two years then ever before.
Were still awesome. Suck it.
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Come for the Charas, stay for the Razor.
It's how we've worked for the past 8 years.
Frankly I don't know how this place survived in 2002/2003.
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Even if it's all truth, Alex's reply makes me sad. I don't want to move on, darn it :(
I'd just like to underline it was an observation, but natural evolutions aren't to be considered bad.
This place was built around the original RPGMaker, initially we even forbid anything about rpgm2003... Isn't incredible, after that, we're still here?
We are a 10 years old community, internet talking it's an incredible result!
This entire thread looks to be about looking forward, and that's great!
It's not about "old users fighting not to die" (this would actually be the saddeest option), but "users discussing about the future of THEIR OWN COMMUNITY".
Ben spotted out this really well. Let's not confuse changes with death. Cool stuffs are happening, we had hardest times in past.
Moreover I recently renewed the hosting contract... so, no matter what, Charas will stay online :)
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We were a great community back when RPGM2k was new, it was pretty much a "one of a kind" software back in an age where parents didn't know what internet was. And we still have the awesome generators that made all types of people come here as well as the complete resources. Charas is the dream for any person who wants to make a 2k/3 game. Doubt any other site can say the same.
Since then a lot of user friendly materials have been created, XP, VX, gamemaker and hell - even map editors for most games offer the possibilities. It's only natural that you visit the places where you can share the kind of game you are making. For a site aimed for a maker developed 11 and 8 years ago - we've done good. Lots of great games, projects, resources and systems.
And after starting and ending a lot of projects I kinda don't post a thread everytime I come up with a new idea. I bet we all have a project, wherever or not it have even started. But posting it every time would make us like teh noobz we like to giggle at. Writing a long post about what the game will be and have and then quit a month later.
Gamemaking gets harder the older we get since we want to put ambition into stuff. At least for me. Just making a game with the CBS wouldn't do for me, I want something different. And making that happen takes time.
We got lives now, when we joined we were kids(lucas) or at least teenagers. Nowdays we're old, getting jobs and or a higher education. There is little time to just lay back and enjoy what you like to do. I still have time for programming and writing replies, but spending an afternoon just spriting is a luxury I can't find anymore.
The new generations seem to get sucked up in MMOs and drinking their decency away, I hope that some of the future will still hold love for sprites and games that didn't have HD graphics.
But the people who are still here have been around for quite some time, like Zerl said - we don't really spend as much time on our hobbies, but that's not a reason to spend less time with our friends.
@Zuhane. I read that 10 page summary and watched the youtube clip. It was 10 pages. What can you say about it that don't just sounds like empty cheering such as "Awesome", too much information. praise and thoughts while reading and it just goes on. You should already know by now that all rpg interested members are looking forward to that game of yours. Tease us more and we will probably explode.
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So Charasians; do we embrace change... or embrace the otherwise inevitable?
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I appreciate the boost, Purps! It makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside :D Maybe we should have some kind of 'Serious Game Reviews'
thing going on where the reviewer only does 20 mins of the game. I understand how it's hard for people to feel incentive to update their threads
now and again.
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To me, three (and only three) things are clear.
1. Charas is an established game-making community. It's not the biggest, but it's one of the longest-lived that I know of.
2. We need to modernise. RM2k is great but not really relevant any more.
3. There is a whole load of cool stuff out there, like Stencyl, Blender and of course all kinds of programming languages and such that we should be looking into.
We have a great community spirit here. We should be putting it to good use and getting with the times.
Okay, four things.
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Just because we're changing doesn't mean we're dying. We still all love each other. Right? RIGHT!?
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Maybe we should have some kind of 'Serious Game Reviews'
thing going on where the reviewer only does 20 mins of the game. I understand how it's hard for people to feel incentive to update their threads
now and again.
I'd be up for it. This actually sounds like a good idea.
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Oh! Me too! We could create a charas youtube account.
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That's an absolutely fantastic idea, drenrin! Is it possible to have a Charas page with separate Youtube
accounts on or something? All I'm worried about is Drak's scenario with his channel, where someone thought
it'd be funny to delete everything.
Getting back to the serious review competition, this new system could involve someone giving a game 20 minutes
of their time and recording it and commenting on it appropriately. The sender has 20 minutes to completely "wow"
the reviewer. This would bring publicity to the game itself. It's almost like releasing a really impressive tech demo
for a new game engine or something!
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As for creating a separate page for different accounts to post videos on, I'm not sure that's really a possibility. Maybe someone who's more familiar with the more advanced features of Youtube will correct me, but I haven't seen anyplace in the settings where you're able to create a page like that.
I do have a few ideas as to how we could manage this, though. If we're going to be having multiple people doing reviews, perhaps we could have someone create a separate Youtube account solely for those serious game reviews. We could either have the reviewers upload the videos separately onto their own accounts and then have the Serious Review account make them into a playlist, or we could have the reviewers submit their videos to the person who manages that account and just upload them regularly. Otherwise, I think the only other option might be to use a separate website (such as wordpress, or, better yet, a custom website) as a means of clumping all of the video reviews together in the same place.
Anyway, share your thoughts! I think this is a terrific idea.
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Youtube is good because people will likely visit the video without having to have followed a link from charas, which in itself could attract new members. I also like the manager thing, one account where all videos are uploaded too.
As for the review style, how about we just let the person reviewing each game decide how they want to go about it? You can use a simple program like windows movie maker to make a collage of video clips and such highlighting the good and bad of each game.
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Come for the Charas, stay for the Archem.
There you go. I can't believe how atrocious your spelling has become, Razor.
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So Charasians; do we embrace change... or embrace the otherwise inevitable?
I thought you were already embracing the inevitable.
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Well another thread had revealed that a faction of the Charas populations hates hugs, so they won't be embracing either.
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I tell you this. Charas is the best goddamn place on the internet. My life without Charas would be a sad[der] miserable life, and I'd probably never have gotten better at art (not that I'm good now, just better), and I KNOW for sure that I would NEVER have learned English, which's something that ended up being quite handy for me.
So, no matter what happens, I'm sticking with Charas to the end. My end or Charas', whatever comes first. I'd say that this is like a second home to me, but it's more than that. I'm gonna leave me "first", "real" home as soon as I can, but I don't plan on leaving Charas as long as I still have internet.
So. Yeah. I love this place. I love you guys. If you want to make cooler, new games with new gaming software, great idea, let's do that together. If you want to stick to old software and wait until we have no more members? Sure, go ahead, I'll stay here until I'm the only member left then.
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I thought you were already embracing the inevitable.
I am. But you guys seem loftsided
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Sure, go ahead, I'll stay here until I'm the only member left then.
It will be a cold day in Hell before I let you have that honor over me.
Or I'll succumb to heart problems. Whatever.
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Getting back to the serious review competition, this new system could involve someone giving a game 20 minutes
of their time and recording it and commenting on it appropriately. The sender has 20 minutes to completely "wow"
the reviewer. This would bring publicity to the game itself. It's almost like releasing a really impressive tech demo
for a new game engine or something!
As for the review style, how about we just let the person reviewing each game decide how they want to go about it? You can use a simple program like windows movie maker to make a collage of video clips and such highlighting the good and bad of each game.
I'm going to make a separate thread regarding this, as I like the idea but feel that we're going to be having two different conversations in the same thread otherwise.
Or I'll succumb to heart problems. Whatever.
WTF? Archem has a heart? o.O
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Surely, he jests.
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I guess you're all right in ways. It's true, the resources for rm2k are what brought is here, but after thinking about it for a while, I've come to the conclusion that while we may have joined for the resources, we stayed because of the community. Whether we found more in common, or argued, holding our opinions. Trust me, I know all about the "this is a rpgmaker community" thing. And like previously stated, its just easier to let people do what they do, and interact, communicate.
I think its all peachy
Edit:wow, don't type under the influence guys and gals. It's HARD
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Uhm, glad to see you've not completely left again.
And yeah, I came for the resources, but stayed for the community. Though I don't post all that much, Charas is the only Forum I visit, and will probably be for a long, long time, as I don't plan to leave either. I'll stay until the place or myself pass out. Or until I lose my Internet Connection once again...
It became quite less active, though, but that probably won't be the case for too long. I hope... maybe one day I'll come back after 1 day of inactivity and have 2-3 pages of Topic unread, which weren't started by bots.
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Well honestly
I've been here for 8 years now
Yes, I was a lot more active back when Forum Gaming was a big part of me, but I grew out of that and forgot how to roleplay.
But still I persist. If I was going to quit forever I would've done it by now.
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What happened is that we realised game-making wasn't all roses and smiles like we first thought. Most here probably firt joined seconds after excitedly finding RPGM, and thought we could make a game that would rival FF6 in a few months. Then reality kicked in after we struggled three hours to make a single variable for that NPC that should say how many coins we have but instead froze the game and moonwalked, after which we kind of just stood around embarassed and murmiring "yeah" before shuffling to all of all trying to pretend that's where we wanted to go in the first place.
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I agree with you there. Fleeting moments of inspiration. The ability to create the games we loved so. I think everyone finds out its not as easy as it looks. It's easy to get distracted. I'm still haunted with inspiration; its kind of annoying. You know I haven't legitimately lifted a pencil in a long long time? It's kind of sad. But maybe like art, seeing you guys make some stuff happen, I'll get inspired to do some work myself :D
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Wait, Carmen you still here?
I've been absent for some time so I might not've noticed.
Who's next, GhostClown? Tell me that dude still here. He scared the crap out of me.
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He's got bigger fish to fry. Speaking of which, he had a review system that I liked, but I'm biased. I like the idea of you guys starting something fresh from scratch. Scratch. Scratch . Oh yeah. Right there behind he ear. Scratch.
You get what I'm saying.
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Honestly, what we should do is drop RPGM and re-start as a creative forum of sorts. You know, poetry, stories, music, digital art (photoshop/sprites/3D models) and of course game-making.
In other words take Creative Arts and expand it. It's currently the most popular part of the site, AFAIK.
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I've been honestly trying to kill this place for a while cause it's lost it's varied fun. But I am too lazy to put that much effort into real consideration.
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At first, I thought to myself, "Thats ridiculous! Drop RPGM? Pshhhh." But actually, expanding to other creative arts might not be too bad an idea. The problem is, everyone that ever registers an account here is here for the game-making, specifically RPGM. Charas is known for RPGM. I think we should stay as a game-making community who's open to other forms of art. I mean, we practically are exactly what you described, Grandy.
I think Charas best bet is attracting attention and young, enthusiastic new members who are also interested in various processes of game-making. We could serve as a guide to teaching them not to repeat the mistakes we did which lead to our disinterest in game-making. That is, start small, bigger isn't better, set goals you can actually accomplish. Stuff like that. We can easily start doing this through video reviews. It does everything: attract attention, provide guidance and helpful advice.
I remember one of the coolest things about Charas was the option of having someone critique your work. Now that option isn't available anymore.
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we struggled three hours to make a single variable for that NPC that should say how many coins we have but instead froze the game and moonwalked
I remember once making a walk cycle where the sprite was supposed to just walk straight, and instead after a few steps he tripped and fell. And I didn't even animate that...
(this was in softimage though)
But yeah, this is surprisingly accurate.
I disagree though that we all gave up because it was difficult. I just think maybe the span of time needed to complete a game is longer than most of our attention spans.
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I disagree though that we all gave up because it was difficult. I just think maybe the span of time needed to complete a game is longer than most of our attention spans.
This.
Also, it's been said before, but not everyone here has given up on game-making. I'm still working on my forsaken project. I'm probably just in denial.
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I like the idea of you guys starting something fresh from scratch. Scratch. Scratch . Oh yeah. Right there behind he ear. Scratch.
You get what I'm saying.
This new carmen is awesome :)
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Meheh, too much cat nip....8o
But you know what I noticed? This really isn't a great place to showcase art etc because its all tucked away in a thread, deep down in the scary hollows of creative arts. I say you make a live , automatically updated gallery and allow for comments, as in da or pixel joint. Ya dig?
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At first, I thought to myself, "Thats ridiculous! Drop RPGM? Pshhhh." But actually, expanding to other creative arts might not be too bad an idea. The problem is, everyone that ever registers an account here is here for the game-making, specifically RPGM. Charas is known for RPGM. I think we should stay as a game-making community who's open to other forms of art. I mean, we practically are exactly what you described, Grandy.
Everyone comes here for the game making because we advertise ourselves as an gamemaking forum, even though very few of us still make games.
EDIT:
Also, if we continue as an game-making forum, we could expand and make subforums for game-things other than RPGM. I remember a few of us being into that plataform game-making thingie. Lucas is definetelly into Brawl skin editing and whatnot.
I imagine something like
CHARAS
Social
Welcome Board/Fuse with Bifday
All of All
Forum Gaming (RP Board included)
Game Making
RPGM (Resources)
RPGM (Projects)
Non-RPGM Projects and Resources
Game Mods
Requests (General)
Tutorials (General)
Arts/Crafts
Paintings
Music
Digital Arts
Tutorials
I dunno if we should even keep Programming and Web development, since, judging by browsing it right now, it's pretty dead. It also seem redundant to keep a forum for deleted topics.
This is of course, just expeculation. I don't want anyone see this as Grandy saying Charas is wrong to be the way it is right now or anything. i will not murder alex and steal his account. You can't prove anything. I want my lawyer.
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Meheh, too much cat nip....8o
But you know what I noticed? This really isn't a great place to showcase art etc because its all tucked away in a thread, deep down in the scary hollows of creative arts. I say you make a live , automatically updated gallery and allow for comments, as in da or pixel joint. Ya dig?
Most people here despite dA, while some dedicated others (aka Gemini, Lucas) love places like pixel joint. I bet if there was a vote, "the way it is now" would win.
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Votes? What do you think this is, a democracy?! Ha! Ha ha ha!
If I can con someone into programming the setup, it's happenin'
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*high fives*
All I know is...I CON't do it. Get it? I CON. Forget it.
In all actuality, there used to be, or still is, not sure, newest resources submitted on the main page. Well we need that info on the forums as well. Initiating some kind of personal gallery for each individual isn't easy, but it would encourage people to post creations instead of have them follow the trail of crumbs. I mean they had the same idea with the main site. I don't know, maybe have a 'gallery' page on people profiles, where anyone can view , comment on things people upload. Less doo itt.
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God help the programmer who tackles the complete resources... I say we just go through it one day, stop being wusses about it, and delete all the crap stuff and repeat resources.
EDIT: I'm almost positive there's a ton of charas.ex generated stuff in there.
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I think the complete resources are too large of a job for one person to tackle alone. That is...unless they want to shed years of their life away and lose their sanity as a bonus.
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For some reason I'm replying to this thread. >_>
I'm guessing people just get older and life gets in the way of things. I don't have anywhere close to the amount of free time I used to spend here now. I still like RPG Maker and spriting, and would love to finish a game someday. I also really like this site and visit it often even though most people won't recognize me. *10 Points if you can.
It's already been said here, but there should just be a new program. I originally got into RPG Maker because I wanted to make an SNES style FF Fangame for free. I've actually purchased VX and XP, and I've looked into Stencyl and some 3D game makers. All of those programs are wonderful, but if you want a new generation of users you need something that appeals to them when they have that free time. I remember in high school VX and XP were turn offs because they had a cost, and I was afraid learning to program would eat even more of the time I had.
I'm actually very thankful for frequenting this site. Getting into RPG Maker helped me get into making and finishing art in general. I was able to become a very good musician and composer because of that.
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Most people here despite dA, while some dedicated others (aka Gemini, Lucas) love places like pixel joint. I bet if there was a vote, "the way it is now" would win.
Dont pretend you know my online habits.
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Wow, it's like an older members reunion.
Weird.
I don't really have any opinion on the overarching topic, though.
I guess my beliefs on the matter are closely related to Lucas's.
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Deleting shitty/repeated resources: I've offered to do that multiple times but nobody ever gave me the power to do so. At one point they said I was allowed to find crappy resources and link them to Darkfox so he could delete them. But that was way too complicated and didn't last long.
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I feel like every time the subject came up, there was an opposition to it. People didn't want to label shitty art shitty. But the resources are too big for their own good. I'd even suggest considering shutting down submissions for a while, I have my doubts anything useful is being submitted as of late, tho I could be wrong. I think a new system should def be put in place.
I'd even be willing to help lucas. Since he seems to be so eager to delete stuff. Someone should supervise him. >:(
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I can just kill his ability to delete things.
This brings up a question, that I hate to ask... if the guy deleted such a prominient and old thread, for whatever reason, should he still be a moderator?
You guys figure it out. Ive gotta go pay my cable bill and send razor some blackmail moneys.
-
I think it was an honest accident.
At least he didn't freak out and start deleting an entire forum.
-
Yeah, considering that it was just an accident. His only punishment should be the usage of such honest mistakes against him until he cries.
-
Like I said on the private thread, I have no idea how it happened and I don't ever remember hitting the "Remove topic" button on WPLW. It wasn't something I did on purpose, or that I remember doing at all.
-
It just means you have a split personality.
One that hates fun.
-
How about a probationary period where he has his powers restricted. I believe that it was an honest mistake, but punishments shouldn't be issued based on how we feel, but rather by the actions of the accused. Think of it as a kind of tough love.
Sorry, Lucas.
-
If he said it was an accident, hell, give him the benefit of the doubt. I mean its charas, sucks for the old post, sure, but look at all the new ones that came out of it? Lol. I'm just saying we're all friends, he said it was an accident, okay, cool.
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I'm with Carmen on this one. I was actually talking to him on MSN when I noticed that my post count was somewhat lower. I mentioned it to him and then we realized that a lot of post counts were like that, so we were hunting around on the forums trying to find out where the posts had been deleted. It really didn't seem to me like he knew about it until I mentioned it, so I'd say give him the benefit of the doubt. For all we know, the forums bugged out.
-
This thread is an interesting thread with interesting discussions, leading to ideas and good thoughts.
There's an entire forum out there, discussing about what Lucas did (accidentally or not) in here is a bit OT, don't you think so?
-
So Alex, you think a personal gallery is possible?
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I think so, it would just need to be well planned... and possibly with some user ready with something to populate it immediately.
At a more general level, I think a working tool with something attractive already loaded in is the best way to encourage new and younger users to expose themselves are bring new life to the community forces.
We do have some experience to share, younger users have the time many of us have no more.
In simpler words, i think any idea that will make users fairly proud of showing their works and progresses would win.
I'd keep in mind to think at something that will not "depress" younger users who are in the learning curve, because they will need some reasons to spend the time required to become better and better.
We saw with our own eyes kiddies playing badly with pixels becoming good spriters just by helping with the original generator resources creation, or by sharing their drawings and receiving fair comments on them.
I'd love to see the perfect mix between experts and learning user.
Personal galleries would surely fit nice in this, just need to determine how they shoulod technically work (first Q would be: in forum, or not?)
And find someone who will follow them too, naturally :)
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I def think they should be in forum, you know, tied in with everything. And maybe a favorite feature? The key is enabling everyone to Comment on each individual piece, in a gallery setting. Separate it into categories etc.
-
☢ CAUTION ☢ N00B ☢ CAUTION ☢
I hope this community expands D:
I've been here, like, for ten seconds and already people are giving me helpful advice on
my spriting and screenshots, which not too many other sites are willing to do.
So like, a more active site and a gallery would be wonderful xD
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Dont pretend you know my online habits.
I don't pretend. I found out about this along time ago when you and lucas were being annoying on the same subject.
-
Carmen: So, in the forum... what do to then? Something like a single thread for each unique artwork, or one thread per user?
2nd option would be more handy, but would make more difficult to comment on a specific artwork. Do you have any specific structure in mind, by any chance? I'm talking especially about something useful, but naturally usable too.
Miracle: that's simply it!
A more active site means new users like you making it live. Gallery will help, but always keep in mind it will be you. Never be afraid to ask, show and propose. The main trick is all in there.
So, once this gallery thing will be defined, don't forget to fill it with your progresses everyday :)
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Well I was thinking, internally in the users profile, he/she would have a gallery, each being like its own thread where people can leave comments/favorite etc. This gallery section of each user idea may be slow to start on the downside since its never been done here, an external gallery? I'm not sure, but you see the general area I'm aiming at. I think pixel junk is a nice gallery site, not to say I want that and only that, but just to draw some inspiration off of
-
Probably the best now would be to discuss this with whoever is currently following the forum's code.
It's possible there are already SMF gallery modules out there, ready to be implemented and edited.
-
Sounds good, even of we could rig a uniform way to submit art etc. And have it show up in a recently uploaded thing in the forum would even work out too
-
I don't pretend. I found out about this along time ago when you and lucas were being annoying on the same subject.
He hasn't logged on PJ or posted anything in ages actually
-
This reminds me of the topic a few years(?) ago where some of us newer people were freaking out thinking charas was dying. Only this time, there is some good coming out of this topic. I like the set up Grandy mentioned, and the stuff we have all been discussing. I'm willing to help sort through resources as well.
This topic has had input from most of the active members on the forum, and I think we all generally agree that we will do something, and we will be behind it all the way. Lately, if its for the good of the forum, we have been all for it. Just my two cents.
-
Even if nothing comes out of it, this topic is still worth it for the surreal carmen and Alex discussion. It's like we've stepped back into the year two thousand and something here. Good times.
-
Surreal? It's real, it's real.
Sai, bring here everyone with current access to forum admin. We need the gallery before we'll disappear into the shadows once more! :)
-
They're all a bunch of rogues, but I'll see who I can round up and send this way.
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Wow, it's like an older members reunion.
Weird.
Yea, I haven't seen most of these members since WAY back... And I'm one of the top 10 oldest ACTIVE members here. And the only one who's never been a mod, or something, not to mention how low my post count is for 8 years here.
-
the profile mod I added a few months back allowed for profile comments, photo galleries and more. It bugged up when we had to update the SMF.
Ill look into finding an up to date equivalent tomorrow, as I should have some time to do so.
If any of you happen to secretly be SMF forum mod coders, this would be the prudent time to tell us
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If each person has their gallery inside their profile, would there be a way to browse through separate people's galleries? Like a "Galleries" page with everyone's galleries there.
-
That would be fantasical. Awesome idea
-
If each person has their gallery inside their profile, would there be a way to browse through separate people's galleries? Like a "Galleries" page with everyone's galleries there.
A gallery of galleries.
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Maybe the most recent with stuff posted?
-
All that would be needed would be a page linking to people profiles. Easily done
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Man, this thread is historic.
I think the Galleries thing would certainly make Charas more game-focused, and that can only be good. We may agree that many of us are no longer here for the game-making but for the community, but we came and stayed first of all because of the fervent game-making activity.
So yeah, full support.
-
Alex, would it be possible to set up a video review board, similar to the old Beta Testers thread?
-
I'm no more the coder of the forum so really, i don't know.
But i think so. Need to have actual coders in the discussion.
-
SOmething for everyone to consider....is the new SMF engine in development. All of these things are not only possible now, but will be possible AND easy to implement once there is a stable version of v2 available. From what I understand its pretty swell. I think the Stencyl guys are planning on using this one for the public launch in spring. I should check on the staus of this...not only would personal gallerys be supported, but video galleries, profile flash "arcades" and stuff. Also...New themes. Much of what has been brought up in this thread has already been discussed in the recent past. It would be prudent to plan this for V2 release, as we can make all of this happen now, but it would be way more smart to do so upon installation of the new SMF
sounds like its close to completion...
We believe 2.0 RC5 to be free of significant problems. It should be given the same treatment as any other Release Candidate, and will be subjected to continued testing.
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Cool beans.
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Sweet! That should give us time to work details out. Having everything linked directly to charas would be sweet. Also, we have unlimited space to use on our server, right? Or, atleast, a lot of it?
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Server space would become an issue if used heavily over an extended period of time I'd Imagine. I don't know the particulars, but something gotta give. What's the server status on that? I know similar sites use multiple servers.
-
Well, that considered, we've gotta have a ridiculous amount of gigs used up by the complete resources anyway.
-
Also when it comes to galleries. Like personalized galleries, copyrights, become a problem. However that doesn't start happening til later down the line.
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I see your point. And after it becomes a big gallery it would be hard to weed through everything. Maybe a report button or tool?
Edit: also, charas.net is available I think, what about the options of exploring a new domain name? Something that doesn't have a dash. Just make the old one a redirect?
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That sounds like something worth thinking about, since we've become more (or perhaps less) than a project by now.
-
Just would like to point out that Ultima Island's forums have been down for a while, and RMN has officially announced its permanently shutting down.
This is a GOOD time to start getting people over here!
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Not anymore. Soolar got UIRPG back up and running. No hope for RMN though ;-;
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Well even if we had flow here, we really need something to grab people. Make a big splash about it.
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Not anymore. Soolar got UIRPG back up and running. No hope for RMN though ;-;
Thanks for the fix. I had stopped checking UI cause it was down for a decent length of time. Mind you, there wouldn't be a lot of people mvoing from there.
RMN on the other DOES have a lot of stuff. I think we should include an area where COMPLETED games are available, as well as a section for demos. I love that about RMN.
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I see your point. And after it becomes a big gallery it would be hard to weed through everything. Maybe a report button or tool?
Edit: also, charas.net is available I think, what about the options of exploring a new domain name? Something that doesn't have a dash. Just make the old one a redirect?
Carmen... you sure it would be a good domain name to attract new (and young) users? I assume you know what the charas is... :)
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Lol! I didn't. And I totally should have known that. Well I was just using that as an example. Something shorter that still embraces the original url
edit: Wait... how do you know that. Lol. I think I'll visit charas right now. Close enough anyway.
-
I'm sure most of us have come across charas' alternate definition at some point. Thanks, google!
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You mean physically?
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Carmen... you sure it would be a good domain name to attract new (and young) users? I assume you know what the charas is... :)
Uh, I don't know if my search is weird but all I find is this site and the hockey player Zdeno Chara? I'm kinda confused on this now.
But on the point of the new domain name, I think that having charas.net or something similar would be good. For a long time I would just google charas and come to the forums that way, cause I'd forget the address.
-
Charas is a type of lebanese Hash or some junk.
Lebanese Hash is Garbage anyhow.
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Well I'm glad my thread, for the most part, sparked some good ideas and plans to move the site forward. With RMN closing down, I'll be packing my things up and moving back to Charas, my original home. I think organization and accessability should be the top priorities of the site moving forward. Then onto making games and all things involving them the center of attention. I thin before RMN closes down, those who have the power to change the site should take a trip on over there to see what they were doing with game profiles, which I thought was a genius idea, rather then making a normal thread for your game. I think we should change the "Games" section and move it to the top of the site and have like a game profile thing, where each game has it's own page.....much like on RMN.
If you want to see the difference in my game here and there, click the link. http://rpgmaker.net/games/1748/
As you can see, the organization is much much better and user friendly. I think something like this would make charas so much better.
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...dude. what. I managed to remember charas-project.net/forum/index.php and charas-project.net/resources.php?lang=en ever since I was friggin 13. It can't be that hard. I don't see the reason for a domain change. Maybe redirect charas.net to charas-project.net but I'm not even sure about that.
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Yea, I agree Linkforce, I had already mentioned that I would like to see us incorporate some of the Game pages from RMN.
...dude. what. I managed to remember charas-project.net/forum/index.php and charas-project.net/resources.php?lang=en ever since I was friggin 13. It can't be that hard. I don't see the reason for a domain change. Maybe redirect charas.net to charas-project.net but I'm not even sure about that.
Well, perhaps your memory is better than mine?
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An actual "Games" page would be awesome, instead of a board.
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Keep in mind that in 9 years nobody has really finished a game here.
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All I'm saying is, when you have to Google charas just to get the correct url, (I had to do it recently) there's a problem. I understand there's a sentimental value to the url, but it wouldn't be gone. I think that and finalizing a gallery tool, would give us a nice fresh boost
Edit: you know what I mean? I mean people come here and they see the same board, the same stuff. But they see the new url, the new gallery system, and say hey, things are going on here, things are happening. Y kna?
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Just my 2 techy cents...
Would the domain name really give this freshness sensation?
No matter what (else) the charas is, the keyword "charas" still lists us as firsts. How many users are still manually writing an url in the address bar? Email notifications, google, bookmarks... I honestly doubt it would even be noticed.
Because yes, we would still have to keep the actual domain name, forever: it's a 9 yo and established domain, and this is our main SEO force. This is the domain linked by hunderd forums all around the internet. Changing the domain and making this one weaker would reduce our SEO position, while our actual position in search engines would probably be the best way to boost new projects.
In one word, a single move into the charas-project.net domain would be reflected in realtime by Search engines. Popular sites are spidered more often than newer ones, as they're more "trusted".
But a new domain would be like a new site: it would need years to gain popularity by itself, while weakening the current domain because of the so called crossdomain-contents.
So, technically talking: would this really worth the risk?
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You brought up good points, nine years. And the true user base stays relatively low for the amount of hits we get. We can't have multiple domains? I'm not talking about keeping hits, I'm talking about keeping users. The domain would not be a big thing, your right, but it would spice things up imho.*salt shakers dance*
Like right now, we're a truck stop, where most people come here to get resources. I want us to be a hotel, where people stay a while, and get free breakfast. So while a url change may not help a lot by itself, paired with other changes would be a much needed face lift.
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Just a silly example:
Users creating new RP games would like to be reviewed by sites granting them also visibility. So they would search google for something like "RPG reviews", to see which are the most popular RP sites.
Now Suppose we will launch some dedicated page to RP games reviews. Such a page into the current domain, known to search engines, would more likely be placed well in results.
By try to place the very same page on any other unknown domain... do you think it would pop up on top the same way?
What i was pointing out is the current domain would be stronger in proposing outside whatever we will do new.
It's not about getting hits, it's about getting even more active users. I mean, users looking for a good place to DO and SHOW things.
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What about making a shorter domain just a redirect to the current? Then the result would be the same? And the shortcut would still be in place
-
Everything could be done, but I'd like to hear what other member thinks about this, by keeping in mind also the "popularity" variable i'be pointed out.
My opinion is it should not be done: any link to one domain is a link less to the other one. Having redirects would simply weak down both of them. In a really ancient past we faced the very same problem because the popular link was the "alex.ombra.net" address, it took 3 years to disappear as google's 1st page results evenif we completely redirected anything to the new chras-project.net domain
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Well either way, I think we should keep the ideas coming. Really brain storm it up. Considering we have the resources to make this old community into something very awesome, I think we should just brain fart until we come up with some solid ideas!
On a side note, my lap top just died, and as I was going through the hard drive before I found your wedding pictures, Alex. I was like why the f did I save these!?) Lol
-
I think having charas.net re-direct to charas-project.net would work best. That way, people have an easier time with it.
-
Wait, no. Okay.
First, we buy out Google.
-
I'm late to this thread, and I admit to not reading more than the first page, but I know the feeling you're talking about. I always thought it was just me, though, and not Charas, especially after coming back and seeing how many people were still here. I guess I'm still not entirely sure which it is, but there's one thing that always sticks out in my mind. Remember the Chain Game? That was the best thing I ever remember being completed, and it was a group effort. I really think someone should start something like that up again. It doesn't require too much of a commitment from anyone and all the little bits that people do put in makes a decently lengthy and fun game.
-
Unfortunately, the last Chain Game attempts were in vain, for none has been completed, though I suppose it could be worth trying again. Maybe even revive one of them, like the SteamPunk one.
-
Also, the Community games never come anywhere near completion... People always end up losing interest, and disappearing.
-
NEVAR SAY NEVAR! This is not a thread for pessimism!
-
I quote Sai.
At the end, charas itself is the result of a community job.
Started by one person, first 15 resources made by 2 persons, ended with 32686 resources created by... well read here (http://charas-project.net/thanx.php?lang=en) and wait for the page to load fully :)
There's a first time for everything, the army is rising up again!
-
Vaguely relevant!
Sai'Kar says:
There's a severe Mid shortage.
Mid says:
<<...I just don't post.
Because either Kijuki or someone trolls my thread or someone's posts.
Or I suggest an idea and it gets shut down <<
I'm like -.-;;
Honestly, I think Charas should be more open to other RPG makers >>
Or forms of art. <<
Sai'Kar says:
That's what we're in the process of talking about right now.
Mid says:
...I SUGGESTED THIS A YEAR AGO
Sai'Kar says:
But it's stalled into talking about how to actually code that and nobody really seems to know.
Mid says:
WHO THE HELL IS STEALING MY THUNDER NOW?!
...No one knows how to make new forum boards?
Sai'Kar says:
If I tell you, are you just going to rant about it? >_>
Mid says:
Or rearrange boards? <<
...Maybe.
Sai'Kar says:
They want it to be some sort of gallery that you upload stuff to and people leave comments for.
Mid says:
...I SUGGESTED THAT
WITH THE GODDAMN PROFILE ****
Sai'Kar says:
http://www.charas-project.net/forum/index.php?topic=27467.0
Mid says:
AND BEN DID SOME INVISION BOARD PROFILE ****
AND I JUST FACEPALMED
I was implying that people should have their art work in their profile.
Goddamnit
Sai'Kar says:
You're such a graceful loser ^_______^
Mid says:
I'm just a whiney bitch.
<< Who is unappreciated.
/me cries
Sai'Kar says:
You are absolutely the best whiny bitch ever.
Sai'Kar says:
Have a Myrin face http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/SaiKar/Art/MyrinFace.png
Sai'Kar says:
:) !
Who's the old one that's losing their memory now?!?
HINT HINT ITS NOT ME
Mid says:
SHUTIT
Sai'Kar says:
Maybe I should tell you that it's YOU since you can't remember this sort of thing!
But seriously
Jump in, start swearing, claiming you said this a year ago, etc etc
Mid says:
lOL
NO
YOU DO IT
Sai'Kar says:
It's all good. We love it when you do that.
You're better at ranting than I am.
Mid says:
YOU. DO. IT
Sorry telling some *** to shove his religion up his *** politely
Sai'Kar says:
... you have the capacity of being polite?
Mid - Ohhh I'm so mad right now. :3 says:
...>> Well...I'm a mod lead on another site.
So...I kind of have to set an example.
Sai'Kar says:
You're a mod LEAD?
You! Example! Bwahaha
Mid says:
...<< yes.
...DON'T LAUGH ;O;
Sai'Kar says:
I think you're awesome for a lot of reasons. You always jump to my defense even when I totally don't deserve it.
But it's hard for me to see you as a role model for internet politeness.
Mid says:
YOU USUALLY DO
LOL
DUDE
You and Osmose speak again?
Sai'Kar says:
Not really
He probably still thinks I'm an evil manipulative bastard.
Mid says:
<< Oh so he just speaks to you on the forums.
Got it.
:( WHATEVER
Sai'Kar says:
Yeah
Mid says:
He im'd me like...once to ask me to fix his password
Sai'Kar says:
Professional courtesy and all that.
Mid says:
pssch
Sai'Kar says:
Your face is a pssch
Mid says:
>=(
Sai'Kar says:
Yes, that face right there!
Mid says:
...SILENCE
And.,.
Go find some coders.
DON'T YOU HAVE CODER FRIENDS??
Sai'Kar says:
I do, but they're totally unreliable.
Mid says:
...
SO IS CHARAS
IT WILL BE PERFECT
LIKE
I LIKE HOW ALL THESE PLANS ARE BEING MADE
BUT YOU AND I BOTH KNOW...
NONE OF THIS **** IS BEING DONE.
MAYBE LIKE ONE THING WILL CHANGE.
MAYBE A NEW BANNER.
....NO.
THAT'S MAD MUCH.
Sai'Kar says:
Yeah, no kidding.
Mid says:
MAYBE ANOTHER BOT ATTACK.
/me nods.
Sai'Kar says:
Oh, they held a banner contest. They even chose winners. But nobody knows how to update the banner!
Mid says:
..........................LOLOLOL
Sai'Kar says:
It's so sad its funny.
Mid says:
Did no one think to ask Alex or Osmose?
Sai'Kar says:
They didn't, actually
Mid says:
...Goodfuckinglord.
You're using an outdated version of SMF, which contains some bugs which have since been fixed. It is recommended that you update your forum to the latest version as soon as possible. It only takes a minute!
...I thought he did update the site.
Sai'Kar says:
Well, the new version has some errors in certain mods we want, so he's holding off on updating to the newest new new version.
Mid says:
Oh okay.
So...I'll uninstall it.
<< >>
Jk
Sai'Kar says:
Eh
You keep ranting that you're an unpopular whiny bitch, but I kind of am too now.
So I wouldn't lose much sleep.
Mid says:
<< YOU SEEE
YOU SEEEEEEEEEEEEE WHAT I MEAAAAAAAAAN
Sai'Kar says:
Yeah.
Charas is full of people that don't care about the purpose of the site anymore. They just want to hang around and make crude jokes with eachother.
And I mean, okay, sure, community is great. But its not giving new people a reason to stay.
But nobody wants to hear it.
Mid says:
..And they have to make a new style sheet I think in order to change the banner
Sai'Kar says:
Oh, that's not hard.
Mid says:
Welcome to my song, Sai.
Sai'Kar says:
:)
You can sing now eh?
Mid says:
;)
Sai'Kar says:
I should post this conversation!
Mid says:
/me shrugs.
**** YOU CHARAS.
:)
Sai'Kar says:
You're so shameless.
Mid says:
^_^ I wouldn't be me otherwise.
Also, I'll see if I can figure out teh banner thing.
/me goes into google.
Sai'Kar says:
Style sheets aren't that hard to modify if we know what we're doing.
Mid - Ohhh I'm so mad right now. :3 says:
Yeah but I don't know what we're doing.
Or if we have to upload the banners on the site
Sai'Kar says:
I'm actually posting it btw
Maybe I'll get myself fired or something. That'd be cool.
Mid - Ohhh I'm so mad right now. :3 says:
LOL
Do you know what will happen if we install a theme?
Sai'Kar says:
DEATH
DESTRUCTION
Mid - Ohhh I'm so mad right now. :3 says:
Lol
Sai'Kar says:
Not really
Mid - Ohhh I'm so mad right now. :3 says:
Oh well
Sai'Kar says:
You could try it anyway.
I mean, that's the worst that can happen? You break all the bbc code for like a week?!
What are the odds of THAT!
Mid - Ohhh I'm so mad right now. :3 says:
...<<
GEE
I DON'T KNOW
WHY DON'T I ASK BEN
>> << <3 U BEN
-
I edited in the best part which was the last part. << GODDAMNIT HARVEY. >:(
-
BITCHES EDITING MY POSTS
-
QUIT YOUR DAMN WHINING!
-
The point, as I see it, is that we are mostly dependent of a very small group of people that aren't actually here.
Like phantom coders and stuff.
-
Wait, wait, for banners we're dependent on a new stylesheet? Like, CSS? Or am I missing the point?
If so, I'm guessing what we're doing is inserting the banner image into the stylesheet and toggling between stylesheets at random? That seems weird to me and in my ears sounds more like a job for a quick pull-up-a-random-image-from-an-array PHP script, but I may be getting the wrong end of the stick here.
Ben or Moose, explain this to me pwease, I might be able to lend a hand.
-
There's no point of going any further, if we aren't going to actually go any further.
Most people might think this thread is an initiative. I see it as an emotional passing. You guys will start something and then give up a week or two into it. Either that or get shut down by something in the process.
Reason is here: You are either too busy, too bored, or don't give a pig's turd enough to give enough dedication.
I mean if we think that changing banners is anything significant /important to this equation, then that's just sad. Long time ago it was agreed the forum's color, although could be personally switched out, was outdated and boring. It is still the default.
oh and btw RMN isn't shutting down.
-
Wait, wait, for banners we're dependent on a new stylesheet? Like, CSS? Or am I missing the point?
If so, I'm guessing what we're doing is inserting the banner image into the stylesheet and toggling between stylesheets at random? That seems weird to me and in my ears sounds more like a job for a quick pull-up-a-random-image-from-an-array PHP script, but I may be getting the wrong end of the stick here.
Ben or Moose, explain this to me pwease, I might be able to lend a hand.
Pretty sure the banner is just as you say; it generates a random index into an array of URLs that store the banner images. Specifically the code is in the template, as it has a section for generating the header that's common to all pages.
-
When are the admins (read: Razor) stop being lazy and upload the new banners?
-
There's no point of going any further, if we aren't going to actually go any further.
Most people might think this thread is an initiative. I see it as an emotional passing. You guys will start something and then give up a week or two into it. Either that or get shut down by something in the process.
Reason is here: You are either too busy, too bored, or don't give a pig's turd enough to give enough dedication.
I mean if we think that changing banners is anything significant /important to this equation, then that's just sad. Long time ago it was agreed the forum's color, although could be personally switched out, was outdated and boring. It is still the default.
oh and btw RMN isn't shutting down.
I wish you would take your crap elsewhere. Honestly though. If charas sucks so much, then leave man. OH WAIT...thats because the rest of the internet thinks you are a dick too.
Seriously man... nobody cares...were trying to have a conversation. Do try to contribute with something aside from "god, you guys suck at having a conversation"
ANYWAYS... yeah about the Banners... I dont know how to operate those
-
There's no point of going any further, if we aren't going to actually go any further.
Most people might think this thread is an initiative. I see it as an emotional passing. You guys will start something and then give up a week or two into it. Either that or get shut down by something in the process.
Reason is here: You are either too busy, too bored, or don't give a pig's turd enough to give enough dedication.
I mean if we think that changing banners is anything significant /important to this equation, then that's just sad. Long time ago it was agreed the forum's color, although could be personally switched out, was outdated and boring. It is still the default.
oh and btw RMN isn't shutting down.
Okay folks, show's over. Charas is dead. We're all far too much of a bunch of lazy slobs to do anything to save our near-decade-old community. We might as well just shut down now because this place is going nowhere and we're all terrible, terrible people. Because Kijuki said so.
Pretty sure the banner is just as you say; it generates a random index into an array of URLs that store the banner images. Specifically the code is in the template, as it has a section for generating the header that's common to all pages.
Okay, so it's just a case of opening up the template and slotting a few more entries into the image array in whatever randomiser code we have (nothing shows in the page source). So simple an Australian could do it!
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Oh, can I ban him again?! Can I can I!! Come on!
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I wish you would take your crap elsewhere. Honestly though. If charas sucks so much, then leave man. OH WAIT...thats because the rest of the internet thinks you are a dick too.
Seriously man... nobody cares...were trying to have a conversation. Do try to contribute with something aside from "god, you guys suck at having a conversation"
ANYWAYS... yeah about the Banners... I dont know how to operate those
No, just this forum thinks so, I am pretty fun loving in other places. Also I did contribute, you are just too busy being butthurt.
If at all, I am trying to motivate you guys. But instead of saying "screw his opinion, let's do this!" you are just acting up.
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On a lighter note, I've started on my first game dungeon. It's pretty guuurrddd! :D
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That makes perfect sense. Your discouragments, condescensions and generally crappy attitude is actually the most helpful thing in this thread.
Piss off.
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I didn't say THAT was my contribution. Come on.
Harvey, if you do, Ill make you an award. A special one. In the shape of a thank you card.
Oh God.
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Hey guys, chill. HTML loves us in his own way, and we love him too. He's like that creepy uncle who touches all the kids, but deep down, we know he's a nice guy.
Now, let's go back to talking about how to improve our forums, okay?
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This is probably going to be one of my longest posts... ever on this site.
Honestly, I'd love to see something happen. This site has not changed at all in the 8 years I've been here, and it was relatively new when I joined.
We need to get something to keep people around, aside from just the community. This site used to focus on rpg making, and while most people here don't make them any more, when new people come asking for help, or trying to show their project, they usually don't get anything.
There was a time when requests would be filled. I remember there was a team that was very good. Kijuki was a part of it, which was great for requests, although it's been a long time, so I forget it's name. All the other teams have died, and no one helps out new people any more.
When I came here, I found the generators. Then I joined the forums and had a few requests filled, and I filled a few requests myself. The All of All and Forum Gaming were still there, and I remember racking up my post count early on in one forum game with Mid (who was new herself at the time) then, when forum gaming became 'seperate' posts, I stopped going in there, and now I really have no interest in it.
Look through the games forums. With the exception of a handfull of current members' projects (Like Zuhane's, Felix's and a few others) most projects never even get a comment or two. And how many people even give people's demos a chance anymore? This is all part of the community too. So while I would love to see this board get a facelift, and have galleries and allow conversation about XP and VX programs, it won't help unless the community actually puts a bit of effort into using these new features.
We also should borrow some new board ideas from other indie game making communities and have areas where people can discuss game making, and stuff like that. I'm sure I'm not the only one who visits RMN and RRR and other sites, and those sites do indie game making better than us.
We need to community to support this more than just 'hey! that's a good idea'. If it can all be implemented (and I'm sure it can, since it's in other sites) we need to community to actually work WITH the additions, so that new people feel like there is a reason to stay.
Also, KM, cut it out. I've never had a problem with you, but you're one of the senior members here, and you can help out here.
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When the teams were segregated a lot of people stopped going there. I believe that subconsciously it was like "these aren't that cool, let separate them from the rest of forum." Then again i don't remember if I ever was part of that decision. A lot of the team specified activity was the reason new people were being brought here. But, as the teams grew and got tired so did the activity.
Repetition builds up boredom.
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ANYWAYS... yeah about the Banners... I dont know how to operate those
Well I was asking a friend about it and he directed me to where and how but...after I told him it was a rotation banner he didn't know where I could locate it and I saw a lot of crap that gave me a headache. So after spending two hours mocking Harvey, Charas and myself we called it a night.
..And who exactly set up the previous banners? Why can't they appear now and say "HEY I'LL GIVE YOU SOME ADVICE?!" or something? <<...
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That's not even the problem we have. The problem we have is that a rock could do the job, if it had access to the template code.
All the big changes planned are great and will eventually happen, but let's get the small niggling sidequest out of the way first, aye?
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I can't be bothered really. Every impression I've gotten outside of the past week or so is that the current members don't give a frick about the future of the site at all and just want to hang around here doin' nothing. So I'm not going to wading through code to make people like that happy. If Mid or other crazies want to try, I will render them any support I can, but that's about it.
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So I see that someone did something, because I am greeted with this lovely image at the top of the page:
(http://www.charas-project.net/forum/Themes/Charas_Blue/images/banner10.png)
How many times am I going to leave my mark on this place?
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I can't be bothered really. Every impression I've gotten outside of the past week or so is that the current members don't give a frick about the future of the site at all and just want to hang around here doin' nothing. So I'm not going to wading through code to make people like that happy. If Mid or other crazies want to try, I will render them any support I can, but that's about it.
To be honest, I think it's a bit hypocritical to accuse people of having a lazy and defeatist attitude, then when you, one of the few people able to make changes to the site, are called upon to help, you say you can't be bothered and Charas is going nowhere.
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Uh that's just him being honest. He's not a coder and never was. I doubt he has any actual interest in it too but he's get for suggestions, prodding with a stick and an occasional mocking. :)
Edit: And a certain retired person was prodded and did things. So yay!
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To be honest, I think it's a bit hypocritical to accuse people of having a lazy and defeatist attitude, then when you, one of the few people able to make changes to the site, are called upon to help, you say you can't be bothered and Charas is going nowhere.
See, you say this, but new banners. So suck on that.
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...Real mature Harvey. <<
(hi-fives)
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:heart:
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I wonder how much pestering from Mid THAT required.
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Geeze, you guys are more depressing then a Vonnegut novel... -_-
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I wonder how much pestering from Mid THAT required.
None, I just lurk and do things when you guys ask. But, see, no one asked!
Anywho, I taught Sai the secret (It's not so secret) on how to do it, and he will share it with the rest of the staff.
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Moose did the real work. He just showed me what he did. It would be more meaningful if I had actual FTP access of course, but hey!
Edit: and for the record, Mid was trying HARD last night to update this. It was a dead end because she doesn't have FTP access either, but she only found that out afterward. The fact that she failed doesn't diminish the sincerity of the attempt. If you guys want to rag on the staff for being lazy, rag on me - I'm openly not a coder. But don't you dare hit the people that do try.
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I wonder how much pestering from Mid THAT required.
I lol'd so hard XD But truthfully I don't bother Moose cause I know he's usually busy. :) Also, thank you Moose <3
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don't take it so personal sai. People are behind this, there's always a few touch holes gotta complain.
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I don't think anyone genuinely thinks the staff don't care. As has been stated, it's more a combination of being busy and not having the required knowledge or rights.
Sai, I don't like your attitude, but I like and respect that you and others are making the effort.
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People liking my attitude is not a requirement for others and I to get done what needs to get done.
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Yeah, I agree. I'm not being argumentative, I just wanted to make it clear that I'm not disagreeing with what you do.
If nothing else this thread serves to show the naysayers that we can work down the to-do list when we need to.
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Totally tl;dr, but based on the 1st post, my input is such: I joined when I was 14 (I think) which around that time RPG Maker 2003 had just come out. Actually, it was the complete resources section that lead me to the forums... you guys were totally cool we were like a family, although since then I've became way less active so now I'm more like a distant cousin... anyway... I still play with RPG Maker but I've also moved on to 3d animation and more advanced video game development software. We had a lot of cool people and lost a lot of cool people. Trials, tribble-ations. This place always had something going on, weather good or bad, it concerned everyone because Charas was so important to us. So for me I am less frequent due to lack of interest in RPG Maker, not because I hate you guys or anything. Plus life is crazy right now, moved to Hawaii recently... it's awesome here. But yeah. </2 cents> Aloha brahs
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Hawaii? 3D animation? Advanced game development? Damn dude, awesome. :P
I love it when old members show up and tell us how awesome their lives are.
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I love it when old members show up and tell us that we have a future after all.
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Hey, speak for yourself, I'm studying arts so I can become a better artist, and a teacher, and that's pretty much all I need.
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I disagree with Sai all the time. Generally, trolling aside, it's a good hobby. Sadly lately, he just ignores me :(
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Sounds like someone needs a hug. :( I nominate Lucas to give it out.
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I disagree with Sai all the time. Generally, trolling aside, it's a good hobby. Sadly lately, he just ignores me :(
I've been honestly trying to kill this place for a while cause it's lost it's varied fun. But I am too lazy to put that much effort into real consideration.
Yeah, I wonder what's up with me ignoring you.
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So what are those new sections about?
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Well, it's going to be a place to separate game projects (since people use various kinds of games) and keeping things organized. We're just messing around with the board arrangements and thinking about what will or will not work.
At the end of the day we have to be more open minded to what other people like since there are always new RPG makers (However, RPG 2k and 2k3 will always be there because that is part of what made Charas and it's the respectful thing to do).
A writing and music board was also added and when I have time, I'll go through and start moving things to where they belong (or the other mods can stop being lazy bastards and do it as well :D).
If you guys have any suggestions on what can be added or feel something is not needed then please let us know. We will see what can be done.
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A writing and music board was also added and when I have time, I'll go through and start moving things to where they belong (or the other mods can stop being lazy bastards and do it as well :D).
I've been wondering when we could do this -_-
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By all means, go right ahead.
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This is good guys. I like that we're moving forward. I'd recommend that the things we want people to go to the most are near the top. Perhaps break up the whole 'off topic' and 'creative' sections and just have the 'Games' Which opens to 2k/2k3 and the XP/VX boards, as well as the game maker.
That way people don't miss it.
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We should move Gallery to the archives, and move the active threads to Creative Arts.
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Yeah, I wonder what's up with me ignoring you.
Oh, we've grown so much apart.
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Hey guys, I...
*Looks up*
New banner? What.
*Looks around*
New sections? After all those years?!
*Inspects closer*
GAME MAKER?!
WHAT IN THE WORLD
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I was happy when I saw Sarah C. greeting me. Oh and Murof, yeah.
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Sarah C and Murof are the best. They deserve their own game.
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I want to draw Sarah C again, but I'm shy and defensive these days.
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I want to make a game with them but I don't want to give up.
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I just doodle'd her.
For some reason ended up as Nami from One Piece.
The one from the Enel saga, not the busty.
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PLEASE NOTICE. STUFF HAPPENING.
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STUFF?! WHERE?!
LET ME AT 'EM! LET ME AT THEM!
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I want to draw Sarah C again, but I'm shy and defensive these days.
Don't be. I did like your last one.
Plus, who would I be to judge anyway, I can't even draw her myself!
And it seems I forgot to change her belly top into a sleeveless shirt for this one. Oh well.
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And it seems I forgot to change her belly top into a sleeveless shirt for this one. Oh well.
Pr0nz!
Anyway, love the new changes.
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Think of our children!
Nah seriously though I just preferred the tank top. Forgot to change that. But that, I'll live with it, yes. It's not such a big deal, no.
And yeah. Hope it'll make Charas a more lively place.
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Where is this drawing at Cerb? I see it not!
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Oh sorry, by "this one" I only meant the banner... my bad, my bad.
But I did draw a Sarah C. once, though. Bug eyed, RPG maker-style or something, maybe you remember. Didn't look that great... but hey, I'm not much of a skilled artist.
...
:'(
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Ah, yes. Confusion = cleared up
Pft, I'm more awful than anyone. No natural talent. I just don't stop trying cuz I know nobody else will draw what I want to see.
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Ah, yes, persistence. Something I should do, too.
Oh yeah, patience, too. And many things actually...
Maybe a better program than MS Paint or a Tablet could help as well.
Also, you say you don't stop trying. Then, why did you stop? Don't be so defensive or shy, as you say. You have at least one person who'd like another drawing of Sarah C. and who liked your previous drawings, too (ex: the Anne Laroche you discarded). They weren't perfect, of course, because nothing is perfect, and everyone has different opinions, but they were good.
And, in the worst case, just perma-ban anyone who disagrees.
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I should totally perma-ban people.
I didn't *stop* per se. I just draw different stuff, and largely don't show people.