Actually, my current project at work is implementing a scripting language for the level layout designers to use. I'm drawing heavily from my knoweldge of compiler programming to do so!
So, if you think compiler programming is tough, then I guess game programming is tough, too.:)
Also, the reason why people consider game programming to be "harder" than other areas (such as business application programming) is that we have to fight with our code in real-time. If your DB application doesn't give you the answer for a few minutes, you might get some grumbling, but it's expected. If your latest FPS takes a few minutes to respond to you, you'll quickly go find another game, I imagine.
I usually lurk, but I felt this post required a response. I even logged on to reply to something (usually don't care enough to do so).
When I read Katz's article, I thought the flamer was mean. Katz presented someone who offered what I considered a rude optinion, and used it to transition to the point of the article; however, I know now that that person that flamed him was actually a real asshole in his Email to Katz. I think Katz was actually doing Talisman a favor by paraphrasing the Email!
But, Talisman, who is quick to defend a caustic "style" is suprised that people react negatively! Of course, he seems to have missed the entire point of the article he so heartily attacks. Mindlessly flaming someone who writes an article about flaming? Do you pay for gas for your SUV using recycled-paper checks, too? (witty Onion reference for those keeping score)
I think the thing that people need to recognize is that something that is worthless to them isn't worthless to everyone. Start realizing there are other people out there, and some might have different opinions than you!
I am an online game developer, and the topic of civility in discourse (and action) is very important to me in my line of work. Admittedly, Katz didn't tell me anything I didn't already know, but he allowed me to think about my positions. Do you keep the flamers, but lose the potentially valuable discussions by timid posters? Do you spend your time squelching flames to allow more opinions to be expressed? These are vital issues in forming online communities, especially in commercial online games.
In general, I do tend to like Katz's articles. I think that too often people fail to see any relation to their own situtation in the article, then proceed to flame Katz into the ground. Ever wonder why you were never taken seriously as a kid? Because people could never put themselves in your position. The didn't have to. So, the cycle begins again...
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Actually, my current project at work is implementing a scripting language for the level layout designers to use. I'm drawing heavily from my knoweldge of compiler programming to do so!
:)
So, if you think compiler programming is tough, then I guess game programming is tough, too.
Also, the reason why people consider game programming to be "harder" than other areas (such as business application programming) is that we have to fight with our code in real-time. If your DB application doesn't give you the answer for a few minutes, you might get some grumbling, but it's expected. If your latest FPS takes a few minutes to respond to you, you'll quickly go find another game, I imagine.
Just some insight from a programmer-type.
-Psychochild
I usually lurk, but I felt this post required a response. I even logged on to reply to something (usually don't care enough to do so).
When I read Katz's article, I thought the flamer was mean. Katz presented someone who offered what I considered a rude optinion, and used it to transition to the point of the article; however, I know now that that person that flamed him was actually a real asshole in his Email to Katz. I think Katz was actually doing Talisman a favor by paraphrasing the Email!
But, Talisman, who is quick to defend a caustic "style" is suprised that people react negatively! Of course, he seems to have missed the entire point of the article he so heartily attacks. Mindlessly flaming someone who writes an article about flaming? Do you pay for gas for your SUV using recycled-paper checks, too? (witty Onion reference for those keeping score)
I think the thing that people need to recognize is that something that is worthless to them isn't worthless to everyone. Start realizing there are other people out there, and some might have different opinions than you!
I am an online game developer, and the topic of civility in discourse (and action) is very important to me in my line of work. Admittedly, Katz didn't tell me anything I didn't already know, but he allowed me to think about my positions. Do you keep the flamers, but lose the potentially valuable discussions by timid posters? Do you spend your time squelching flames to allow more opinions to be expressed? These are vital issues in forming online communities, especially in commercial online games.
In general, I do tend to like Katz's articles. I think that too often people fail to see any relation to their own situtation in the article, then proceed to flame Katz into the ground. Ever wonder why you were never taken seriously as a kid? Because people could never put themselves in your position. The didn't have to. So, the cycle begins again...
A few thoughts for the day,
-Psychochild