*Whoops!* For those of you who might wonder how I substitute TheGimp for 3DSMax, well, I don't. I got off-track (ahead of myself) and forgot to plug Blender (www.blender3d.com, I believe). Blender is also free software. Version 2.28 out now!
(and if you're wondering about models and what not, I don't necessarily do that.. I just render static images, process with TheGimp, and use those to "texture" quads, essentially using OpenGL for a 2D type game)
*YOU* choose your platform. THink about it. Are you tired of seeing the best games only come out for Win32? Maybe you're a Linux user and have to dual-boot, just so you can play the greatest/latest game. Maybe you're a Mac user and you're just SOL (for the most part). The fact is, most commercial companies only want money, and lots of it, and money can be made on Win32. Even with a shitty game, if it can sell to just 1% of the market, can still pull a profit (unless it's one of those billion dollar all-graphics-no-game jobs). With Indie developers, there's no shareholders to satisfy. There's no board of directors mandating you use DirectX or whatever. You can target minority platforms if you choose, and with a reduced overhead (and pent up demand for a good game), can actually find a market. I don't know if A Tale in the Desert is making a profit, but you know, the marketing (almost non-existing, word-of-mouth kinda thing), the packaging (download only? I've not seen a box) and the fact that it runs on Linux without WINE is truly revolutionary in many ways. While the game doesn't appear to be my cup of tea, I give them mad props for doing it and doing it on their terms. AFAICT, they didn't have to rush it out of the door to meet some projected sales targets. AFAIK the rollout was very smooth. It's nice to be able to produce quality. (Of course, someone's probably going to come along and say they're not an Indie company and were bankrolled by EA or something and completely crush my dreams..:: sniff::)
Anyway, if I were under the pressure to produce mounds and mounds of money, you can bet I'd be a Win32 developer. However, I'm just a hobbyist/indie/wannabe, so guess what? I'm trying to do everything I can on Linux, because I can. No one is there to say I can't. YOu know what? I'm even using Java! Take that! (see www.lwjgl.org). See, I'm not stuck in a shop that says I have to use 3DStudio Max (I can't afford $6k, can you?). I use TheGimp because it works for what I do (although Photoshop + some KPT filters is better for a few things (the KPT Procedural Texture plugin is just.. nifty.. For the kind of stuff I require, that is). I can use Eclipse + Java + LWJGL, all on Linux, targetting Linux (of course, get the benefits of cross-platform, but that's secondary, eh?). What I'm getting at is, as an indie developer, you can call the shots! And I can even GPL the game, if I so desire! That's what's rewarding, to me, the ability to have control.
(Also note: I'm an independent musician (lack of talent?;) ) Same rules apply. I play the music I want to play, no one can tell me otherwise.)
Internet hosting does cost money and time. I recently had to give up my ISP because I could no longer afford it. (Now I post from work). I mean, I could afford it, but why? Consider that most of my time is on/., and/. really is worthless (it's fun to bait the damn FSF/GNU guys, but that gets old after awhile), and it's not worth $30/month, for sure.
It's kinda amusing in a way. I've found the perfect way to keep myself from being infected with virii and becoming r00ted. It's called: turning off the computer and killing your ISP. See, I've found that 95% of my spare time on the computer is, well, posting on/., reading comments on/., reading the articles on/., and thinking about/.. By being on the net, I've found I waste a whole lot of time that I could be doing something else. Like, finding exploits in girls. Chocolate + handwritten love letters + good hygiene seems to be a good route for r00ting them. And I also save about $30/month in ISP fees, not to mention the health benefits (I now go outside and ride my bike much more). Now, I only browse and post on/., on the clock, just like god intended. Let the admins worry about security fixes.
And your point is? To run the OS I need a processor, a motherboard, a harddrive (or maybe just a CDROM drive if I want to use a LiveDistro), keyboard, mouse, etc. Linux + GNU + hardware == muy muy muy importante. Quit niggly picking and get a clue: GNU is not Linux is not GNU. Linux is the name. If you don't like Linux, use HURD. Again, you miss the point like everyone else: It's just a name. GNU/Linux is not going to solve the world's problems, nor is it even viably correct. You're rationalizing. Be happy that people are CHOOSING free software, much of which was created with GNU tools.
See my other posts. Fuck being polite. It's impolite to tell Linus to rename his OS, which incorporates GNU components, just to satisfy some megalomaniac zealot's idea of "recognition". GNU/Linux is not the proper name, Linux is. You want to call it "GNU/Linux"? Go right ahead. I won't or can't stop you. But stop with the so-called "moral high ground" because you nor RMS has it. Quit bitching and get HURD out so you can call it whatever you want.
Ack, you're right. Sorry. The point still remains that credit has been given to the GNU Project over and over again. "GNU/Linux" is redundant, unwieldy, and somewhat intellectually dishonest. By using the tools that come with Linux, you are using the hardwork and effort of the GNU Project, for what we are all grateful for. But, Linux is Linus' baby, without him, we'd all be using BSD or Windows. Let the man call it what he wants. In fact, RMS can call it whatever he wants. But as far as I'm concerned, it's Linux.
Linus did not "offer" his kernel. He wanted to create an UNIX-like operating system. He used GNU tools because they were the only thing available. He did it not to "contribute" to the GNU Project, but to create his own project. There was no preconceived "HEy! The GNU guys need a kernel!" notion there.
I know what was said, jerkoff. I've read that "polite appeal" to the masses. You really think that just because a CDROM vendor at that time found 28% of the code to be "GNU" software that you should call it GNU? WTF? Yeah, GNU software is important to Linux just like consumers are important to Nike, Walmart, whatever. (Without users, what's the point?) May I politely suggest that you go fuck yourself?
Also kinda a point in itself. We already give TONS of credit to RMS and the GNU Project. Want to compile something on Linux? The de-facto standard is gcc, the GNU Compiler Collection. GNOME? GNOME is GNU, too. I like to use software written under the GPL. The GNU Public License. Do you see where this is going? It's like being surrounded by billboards advertising the exact same thing. I know GNU was/is important to Linux. Why does the man INSIST (try talking to him about "Linux" and see where that gets you) that you say "GNU/LINUX" then? The only thing I can figure is that he has a severe inferiority complex and just can't stand the fact that people might use Linux and not understand or acknowledge the GNU Project for their efforts. In a way, his fears are justified, because they missed the boat on HURD. It's not Linus' fault that HURD wasn't (isn't) ready. Still. After how many years? Linus licensed his kernel under the GPL. How much more credit do you want, RMS? How much Linux kernel hacking have you done, RMS? How many Linux projects have you worked on, RMS? What have you done to PROMOTE Linux, by far the most distributed collection of GNU tools in the world (instead, RMS seems to be concerned with the fact they won't call it GNU/Linux and don't view software as religion, instead of realizing that the fact that there are literally millions of people using GNU Project software, every day, very successfully)? Talk about being a goddamn cry baby.
They are most certainly parts of MY system. Without any of those, Linux is useless to me. The point is, and I'll try to make this as succinct as possible: By selecting the GPL instead of the BSD or some other license, the software creating is giving RMS more credit than he will ever achieve by simply prepending "GNU/" to Linux. Linux is more than GNU. Go fish.
/* Then RMS says linux is the kernel, and the product is GNU/Linux. */
Man that really bugs me. Linux does not live or die by GNU alone. It is a system, and yes, GNU is part of that system, but so is Xfree86, so is GNOME, KDE, etc. The biggest tying knot of them all seems to be the GPL, which, by its very nature gives credit where credit is due: The GNU Public License. It seems rather childish for RMS to stand up and shout "Well, if it weren't for ME you wouldn't even have your ball to play with!" RMS, we hear you. The problem is, most of us really don't give a shit.
I write open source software because it's a superior development methodology for those of us with limited resources. I don't give a flying fuck about children in Nigeria, your public good, or even you, if it really comes right down to it. I don't write it because it makes me "feel good", I don't write it because it's going to make me a million dollars, I don't write it so YOU can get a free ride, I write it because I want to write it and take advantage of the other similarly interested developers who may be able to contribute to my personal knowledge. It might be "good" for the public, but that's a secondary consequence.
Get your fucking religion out of my goddamn software.
I killed my ISP access at home, so I need ways of moving new version of applications to my home machine without needing a network connection. While I'm at work, I download the latest.rpm's or tar files (or even Windows.exe's for my Win desktop). The problem them becomes, how to get them home? Well, I have a USB keychain device (128 megs, more than enough to hold stuff that I download, like blender (a hefty 2 megs)). The problem is, our IT "image" disables the use of removable storage devices, such as USB keychains. So, I just boot up my Knoppix CD, it automagically mounts all my drives, pop in the USB keychain and copy the files over, reboot back into Windows, done!:)
We also have several Linux servers, but no desktops as of yet.
I don't think so. A lot of folks here like to say that touring is where the money's at with bands and I, as a musician, strongly disagree. Smaller acts mostly take losses on tours, CD sales at the merch table typicall lessens the effect (and pays for gas and dinner to the next town), not to mention that TOURING FUCKING SUCKS (you try living with 5 of your friends in a van for a couple months. Chances are, you won't be friends afterwards. Even if you do live through it, it's still a miserable (albeit rewarding in its own way) experience). Remember that "big bands" usually start small (unless you're a manufactured group) and it's a long road to the top sometimes. You should read "Our Band Could Be Your Life" for a good look at what it's like being an "independent" band.
Let's take a cartoon character that's been languishing for awhile that is dangerously close to your 5 year rule. Simple solution: Make a Tshirt ($10), slap it on some kid in some movie somewhere, and now it's "used" (to make it more legitimate, maybe charge $10 as a licensing fee for that movie). Have a bunch? Make a Tshirt with a giant collage of them. Same deal.
Basically, you'd end up creating another beaurocratic system arguing semantics over "use", all at tax-payer expense, and yet another group to get influenced by the lobbying efforts of big business.
Heh. That kinda reminds me of some old story that some "old guy" told me when I was just a kid.
A homeless man was sitting on the corner with a bundle of pencils. He held a sign that said "Pencils for sale! $1,000,000 each". A business man walked by and exclaimed "You're not going to sell many at that price!" The homeless man simply answered "I only have to sell one."
Let's see: 1) He mentions he writes interfaces for.. Visual Basic 2) He mentions he writes code in Java 3) He mentions Microsoft in a positive light 4) He admits to owning a Mac
Fuck, man, the only thing he didn't do is say "vi" or "emacs".
Does this mean that, in reality, all of the contention regarding languages, operating systems, and idealogies is completely artificial and that we should really just use what we like instead of jumping on a particular bandwagon and denying the legitimacy of anything else?
HRm, you're obviously not a bike rider (or a serious one at that). Steel absorbs a lot of the bumps you encounter while riding and distributes it through the frame. It's also got a little play in it that gives it a somewhat "plush" ride. Aluminum bikes, while light, tend to pass every little bump in the road straight into your spine and rattle you senseless. Some people can tolerate it better than others. Therefore, the ride is considered much harsher than a steel frame. I have an aluminum bike frame and ride it everyday and if it weren't for the fact I forked out about a grand for it 10 years ago, I'd grab another steel frame.
Slashdot Mirror
*Whoops!*
For those of you who might wonder how I substitute TheGimp for 3DSMax, well, I don't. I got off-track (ahead of myself) and forgot to plug Blender (www.blender3d.com, I believe). Blender is also free software. Version 2.28 out now!
(and if you're wondering about models and what not, I don't necessarily do that.. I just render static images, process with TheGimp, and use those to "texture" quads, essentially using OpenGL for a 2D type game)
*YOU* choose your platform. THink about it. :: sniff ::)
;) ) Same rules apply. I play the music I want to play, no one can tell me otherwise.)
Are you tired of seeing the best games only come out for Win32? Maybe you're a Linux user and have to dual-boot, just so you can play the greatest/latest game. Maybe you're a Mac user and you're just SOL (for the most part). The fact is, most commercial companies only want money, and lots of it, and money can be made on Win32. Even with a shitty game, if it can sell to just 1% of the market, can still pull a profit (unless it's one of those billion dollar all-graphics-no-game jobs). With Indie developers, there's no shareholders to satisfy. There's no board of directors mandating you use DirectX or whatever. You can target minority platforms if you choose, and with a reduced overhead (and pent up demand for a good game), can actually find a market. I don't know if A Tale in the Desert is making a profit, but you know, the marketing (almost non-existing, word-of-mouth kinda thing), the packaging (download only? I've not seen a box) and the fact that it runs on Linux without WINE is truly revolutionary in many ways. While the game doesn't appear to be my cup of tea, I give them mad props for doing it and doing it on their terms. AFAICT, they didn't have to rush it out of the door to meet some projected sales targets. AFAIK the rollout was very smooth. It's nice to be able to produce quality. (Of course, someone's probably going to come along and say they're not an Indie company and were bankrolled by EA or something and completely crush my dreams..
Anyway, if I were under the pressure to produce mounds and mounds of money, you can bet I'd be a Win32 developer. However, I'm just a hobbyist/indie/wannabe, so guess what? I'm trying to do everything I can on Linux, because I can. No one is there to say I can't. YOu know what? I'm even using Java! Take that! (see www.lwjgl.org). See, I'm not stuck in a shop that says I have to use 3DStudio Max (I can't afford $6k, can you?). I use TheGimp because it works for what I do (although Photoshop + some KPT filters is better for a few things (the KPT Procedural Texture plugin is just.. nifty.. For the kind of stuff I require, that is). I can use Eclipse + Java + LWJGL, all on Linux, targetting Linux (of course, get the benefits of cross-platform, but that's secondary, eh?). What I'm getting at is, as an indie developer, you can call the shots! And I can even GPL the game, if I so desire! That's what's rewarding, to me, the ability to have control.
(Also note: I'm an independent musician (lack of talent?
/* cost next to nothing */
/. :)
/., and /. really is worthless (it's fun to bait the damn FSF/GNU guys, but that gets old after awhile), and it's not worth $30/month, for sure.
Yeah, until someone posts it up on
Internet hosting does cost money and time. I recently had to give up my ISP because I could no longer afford it. (Now I post from work). I mean, I could afford it, but why? Consider that most of my time is on
It's kinda amusing in a way. I've found the perfect way to keep myself from being infected with virii and becoming r00ted. It's called: turning off the computer and killing your ISP. See, I've found that 95% of my spare time on the computer is, well, posting on /., reading comments on /., reading the articles on /., and thinking about /.. By being on the net, I've found I waste a whole lot of time that I could be doing something else. Like, finding exploits in girls. Chocolate + handwritten love letters + good hygiene seems to be a good route for r00ting them. And I also save about $30/month in ISP fees, not to mention the health benefits (I now go outside and ride my bike much more). Now, I only browse and post on /., on the clock, just like god intended. Let the admins worry about security fixes.
Then switch to the stranger. :)
And your point is? To run the OS I need a processor, a motherboard, a harddrive (or maybe just a CDROM drive if I want to use a LiveDistro), keyboard, mouse, etc. Linux + GNU + hardware == muy muy muy importante. Quit niggly picking and get a clue: GNU is not Linux is not GNU. Linux is the name. If you don't like Linux, use HURD. Again, you miss the point like everyone else: It's just a name. GNU/Linux is not going to solve the world's problems, nor is it even viably correct. You're rationalizing. Be happy that people are CHOOSING free software, much of which was created with GNU tools.
See my other posts. Fuck being polite. It's impolite to tell Linus to rename his OS, which incorporates GNU components, just to satisfy some megalomaniac zealot's idea of "recognition". GNU/Linux is not the proper name, Linux is. You want to call it "GNU/Linux"? Go right ahead. I won't or can't stop you. But stop with the so-called "moral high ground" because you nor RMS has it. Quit bitching and get HURD out so you can call it whatever you want.
Ack, you're right. Sorry. The point still remains that credit has been given to the GNU Project over and over again. "GNU/Linux" is redundant, unwieldy, and somewhat intellectually dishonest. By using the tools that come with Linux, you are using the hardwork and effort of the GNU Project, for what we are all grateful for. But, Linux is Linus' baby, without him, we'd all be using BSD or Windows. Let the man call it what he wants. In fact, RMS can call it whatever he wants. But as far as I'm concerned, it's Linux.
Linus did not "offer" his kernel. He wanted to create an UNIX-like operating system. He used GNU tools because they were the only thing available. He did it not to "contribute" to the GNU Project, but to create his own project. There was no preconceived "HEy! The GNU guys need a kernel!" notion there.
I know what was said, jerkoff. I've read that "polite appeal" to the masses. You really think that just because a CDROM vendor at that time found 28% of the code to be "GNU" software that you should call it GNU? WTF? Yeah, GNU software is important to Linux just like consumers are important to Nike, Walmart, whatever. (Without users, what's the point?) May I politely suggest that you go fuck yourself?
Also kinda a point in itself. We already give TONS of credit to RMS and the GNU Project. Want to compile something on Linux? The de-facto standard is gcc, the GNU Compiler Collection. GNOME? GNOME is GNU, too. I like to use software written under the GPL. The GNU Public License. Do you see where this is going? It's like being surrounded by billboards advertising the exact same thing. I know GNU was/is important to Linux. Why does the man INSIST (try talking to him about "Linux" and see where that gets you) that you say "GNU/LINUX" then? The only thing I can figure is that he has a severe inferiority complex and just can't stand the fact that people might use Linux and not understand or acknowledge the GNU Project for their efforts. In a way, his fears are justified, because they missed the boat on HURD. It's not Linus' fault that HURD wasn't (isn't) ready. Still. After how many years? Linus licensed his kernel under the GPL. How much more credit do you want, RMS? How much Linux kernel hacking have you done, RMS? How many Linux projects have you worked on, RMS? What have you done to PROMOTE Linux, by far the most distributed collection of GNU tools in the world (instead, RMS seems to be concerned with the fact they won't call it GNU/Linux and don't view software as religion, instead of realizing that the fact that there are literally millions of people using GNU Project software, every day, very successfully)? Talk about being a goddamn cry baby.
They are most certainly parts of MY system. Without any of those, Linux is useless to me. The point is, and I'll try to make this as succinct as possible: By selecting the GPL instead of the BSD or some other license, the software creating is giving RMS more credit than he will ever achieve by simply prepending "GNU/" to Linux. Linux is more than GNU. Go fish.
/* Then RMS says linux is the kernel, and the product is GNU/Linux.
*/
Man that really bugs me. Linux does not live or die by GNU alone. It is a system, and yes, GNU is part of that system, but so is Xfree86, so is GNOME, KDE, etc. The biggest tying knot of them all seems to be the GPL, which, by its very nature gives credit where credit is due: The GNU Public License. It seems rather childish for RMS to stand up and shout "Well, if it weren't for ME you wouldn't even have your ball to play with!" RMS, we hear you. The problem is, most of us really don't give a shit.
I write open source software because it's a superior development methodology for those of us with limited resources. I don't give a flying fuck about children in Nigeria, your public good, or even you, if it really comes right down to it. I don't write it because it makes me "feel good", I don't write it because it's going to make me a million dollars, I don't write it so YOU can get a free ride, I write it because I want to write it and take advantage of the other similarly interested developers who may be able to contribute to my personal knowledge. It might be "good" for the public, but that's a secondary consequence.
Get your fucking religion out of my goddamn software.
I killed my ISP access at home, so I need ways of moving new version of applications to my home machine without needing a network connection. While I'm at work, I download the latest .rpm's or tar files (or even Windows .exe's for my Win desktop). The problem them becomes, how to get them home? Well, I have a USB keychain device (128 megs, more than enough to hold stuff that I download, like blender (a hefty 2 megs)). The problem is, our IT "image" disables the use of removable storage devices, such as USB keychains. So, I just boot up my Knoppix CD, it automagically mounts all my drives, pop in the USB keychain and copy the files over, reboot back into Windows, done! :)
We also have several Linux servers, but no desktops as of yet.
Hrm, I just thought of a new "slogan"..
.sig.
"I don't believe in God, why the hell should I believe in RMS?"
I may have found a new
I don't think so. A lot of folks here like to say that touring is where the money's at with bands and I, as a musician, strongly disagree. Smaller acts mostly take losses on tours, CD sales at the merch table typicall lessens the effect (and pays for gas and dinner to the next town), not to mention that TOURING FUCKING SUCKS (you try living with 5 of your friends in a van for a couple months. Chances are, you won't be friends afterwards. Even if you do live through it, it's still a miserable (albeit rewarding in its own way) experience). Remember that "big bands" usually start small (unless you're a manufactured group) and it's a long road to the top sometimes. You should read "Our Band Could Be Your Life" for a good look at what it's like being an "independent" band.
Define "use" though.
Let's take a cartoon character that's been languishing for awhile that is dangerously close to your 5 year rule. Simple solution: Make a Tshirt ($10), slap it on some kid in some movie somewhere, and now it's "used" (to make it more legitimate, maybe charge $10 as a licensing fee for that movie). Have a bunch? Make a Tshirt with a giant collage of them. Same deal.
Basically, you'd end up creating another beaurocratic system arguing semantics over "use", all at tax-payer expense, and yet another group to get influenced by the lobbying efforts of big business.
Heh. That kinda reminds me of some old story that some "old guy" told me when I was just a kid.
A homeless man was sitting on the corner with a bundle of pencils. He held a sign that said "Pencils for sale! $1,000,000 each".
A business man walked by and exclaimed "You're not going to sell many at that price!"
The homeless man simply answered "I only have to sell one."
That's why I buy everything at the local corner Quik Stop. I know I'm getting fucked, just like everyone else. :)
/* 1) This guy has waaaaaaayyyyyyyyy too much time on his hands! */
;)
I think it's a rather nice way to spend time whilst unemployed.
Let's see:
1) He mentions he writes interfaces for.. Visual Basic
2) He mentions he writes code in Java
3) He mentions Microsoft in a positive light
4) He admits to owning a Mac
Fuck, man, the only thing he didn't do is say "vi" or "emacs".
Does this mean that, in reality, all of the contention regarding languages, operating systems, and idealogies is completely artificial and that we should really just use what we like instead of jumping on a particular bandwagon and denying the legitimacy of anything else?
Man, I think I want to go back to bed.
From my photographer friend:
"It's not the film that makes you look fat. It's the fat that makes you look fat."
Um, haven't they been shouting that at SCO for the past few months? And yet, the case is still there and no one's shit yet. :(
HRm, you're obviously not a bike rider (or a serious one at that).
Steel absorbs a lot of the bumps you encounter while riding and distributes it through the frame. It's also got a little play in it that gives it a somewhat "plush" ride.
Aluminum bikes, while light, tend to pass every little bump in the road straight into your spine and rattle you senseless. Some people can tolerate it better than others. Therefore, the ride is considered much harsher than a steel frame.
I have an aluminum bike frame and ride it everyday and if it weren't for the fact I forked out about a grand for it 10 years ago, I'd grab another steel frame.