*Technically not, I play Sax, which any Trumpet playing purist well tell you is a woodwind instrument, even though its not made out of wood.
And they would be right, as a piece of wood (the reed) is what produces sound. The saxophone itself (metal) is simply an amplifier. (albiet an amplifier that alters pitch and refines tone)
There are other factors involved in this, especially if you are a musician. (Depending on the setting)
If you are involved with wind ensembles or play a wind instrument, Bb is the traditional tuning pitch, and more than likely one of the first notes you ever played on the instrument. Since it's the common tuning pitch, it's really ingrained. Just about everyone I know who plays a wind instrument can hum a Bb on command with no problem. This is simply because of the emphasis placed on it. (and in the case of brass players, it's a fundamental pitch on the instrument anyway)
A string orchestra member will be able to do the same with A 440.
Yup, and the used VHS market is KILLING Hollywood. And don't forget rentals, where hundreds of people basically share a couple copies of a title. I bet that is killing the DVD and console game market. Down with Blockbuster!!/sarcasm
American animators need to wake up and stop pumping out animations that are always kiddie-oriented and start making some more mature content like that which is represented in Anime. Well, that's what I think.
Wonder what Pixar has in the pipes after their contract with Disney is up? (2 more films I believe)
The problem is more to do with public expectation. When people see an animated movie, they expect it to be aimed at a younger audience. Comic books and video games are experiencing the same problems. Once the general populace starts to separate the content (currently kids stuff) from the mode of expression (animation, comics, games, etc) then the artists will be able to produce material that spans all genres. (Stuff like the Animatrix is a good start)
Now this isn't to say that content aimed at children is less "legitimate" than mature content. Quality is no more tied to genre than mode of expression is. Ideally, you will have quality art and entertainment in any form, and any genre. Unfortunately, crap is just as limitless.
Will Advent Children suffer the same fate as The Spirits Within? "We learned a lot from the movie experience," Otobe said. "This is really a new type of movie content."
Reflecting more on The Spirits Within, Otobe said, "We should have created something that looked more animation-like. Think of artists. They have the ability to create realistic pictures, but they don't. They create artistic expressions. We should have done the same thing, but we didn't. That was a huge mistake."
This makes me very hopeful that Advent Children will be what The Spirits Within should have been. I bet aiming for a DVD release instead of theatres will give Advent a much better chance of being commercially successful, as the break even point won't be as astronomically high as a theatre release.
For the record, I thought The Spirits Within was a good movie, and a fantastic technical achievement. However I can see why it failed miserably in the box office. The themes were very much in line with those of the rest of the FF series, unfortunately those themes are not that accessible to American audiences. Gaia spirits are a little too deep for Joe Popcorn I think.
BTW, why is it that we can render near photo-realistic faces on characters, but their hands look like rubber? I guess hands are REALLY hard to get right. I know that was one of the traits that really popped at me watching Spirits.
If the gameplay is good a decent story is nice, but hardly needed. However, no amount of storytelling will make up for bad gameplay. We are talking about games afterall, not "interactive movies".
Windows is almost never installed by the user of the machine or anyone that the user knows. Linux is typically installed by the user of the machine or someone they know.
Take this a step further. Attempt to buy a prebuilt computer WITHOUT an OS. Just try.
I own a license for Windows XP. If I purchase I computer from a normal manufacturer, I am pretty much FORCED to buy another Windows license. Lets assume I'm a law abiding computer user, and the old box will no longer be used. I am still forced to plop down a few hundred dollars for an OS I already own a copy of.
I would be willing to bet that OEM's are required to sell Windows with their machines contractually by Microsoft. The fact that Windows is preinstalled on everyones PC's is completely intentional. As is the side effect of noone wanting to use anything else.
Ever try to install the latest ati drivers in win98? It is hell! You basically have to search the internet for someones instructions they have graciously posted somewhere, then you have to find the files to delete, the registry keys to delete or change, then each driver must be individually installed (video, capture, remote, etc..) in the correct order, restarting the computer after each one.
I know what you're talking about. Updating my AIW drivers were hell in any OS for a while there.
Thankfully ATI has released unified driver packages for a while now. It's ALOT easier than with the seperate install components.
Unfortunately, you can't expect very tech-savvy tech support reps working for $9/hour in the US. (or like $2/hr overseas)
I work at a tech support firm myself doing internet tech support, and when it comes to unsupported OS'es, software, etc we are specifically instructed NOT to troubleshoot. In your case, I would have given you the server names and generic configuration options and let you config the software yourself. (I'm suprised this wasn't done for you in the first place)
Most people working tech support (especially for ISPs) only know what their employer has trained them for. Basic setup and troubleshooting for Windows amd MAC OS systems. Linux is as alien to them as it is to your typical Windows user.
Back on topic: Microsoft has put themselves in a very strategic place in the market. 99% of the userbase doesn't know there are options, or even know that they would want there to be options. Most of them can't fathom that the hardware and software are seperate things and if it came with Windows, it will always need Windows to work. Hell, some of them are so uneducated that they don't even know they have Windows in the first place. It's just a computer to them. ("What operating system do you have?" "Dell" is a lot more common than you can imagine)
I guess a parallel would be in the automotive industry. Your Ford comes with a Ford exhaust system. Now, car enthusiasts know you can install exhaust systems fom other manufacturers that are made to work with a Ford car. Average drivers have no clue about this, and assume that a Ford needs Ford parts, and would not even imagine that someone elses parts will work with their car.
It really comes down to public ignorance of HOW computers function on the most basic level. Don't expect this to change quickly. Most people have no desire to learn this. They assume it's too complicated. Remember, alot of people out there didn't grow up with computers as a part of their lives, so it's very foreign to them. You notice how kids are usually better with computers than their parents? That generation, to whom computing is something they've always known and patently understand will be the ones to really question the state of the market and bring about sweeping change.
By this argument, classic movies should not be released in new formats. Why should we have to buy Casablanca AGAIN just to get it on DVD? Agreed, the turnover on console tech is much faster, but in this case at least it's from a non-mobile (NES/PSX) to a portable platform. (GBA)
Obviously, theres a market for these ports, or else they wouldn't be made, and having a choice of what platform to buy the game for is kinda nice. I'm sick of buying new consoles just for one or two games I know I want to play. (I bought N64 solely in anticipation for FF before they switched to PSX)
It's not like you need to buy these anyway. If you own the game for another platform, no reason to buy it again. (Unless you prefer to play it on the new platform it's being released for)
One other point: When did SE stop developing new games? These ports are not their only output. FFXII is in development for PS2 as we speak. The fact that people are willing to buy their old games again just reinforces that they're quality games. This does not automatically detract from the quality of their current titles. I would expect ports of FFVII-IX to future consoles once PSX games really become obsolete. (the backwards compatability of the PS2 makes porting unneeded right now)
I agree on one thing tho. They REALLY need to get FFIII over here.
Slashdot Mirror
I'd take the PS2 then ask her back to my place for a fun filled game of SOCOM. (or some other good PS2 multiplayer game, I can't think of any)
If she says no, it was never meant to be. If she says yes....
MP3 = lossy format. If you're interested in maintaining integrity don't use compression techniques. Just use uncompresed .WAV or something.
There are other factors involved in this, especially if you are a musician. (Depending on the setting)
If you are involved with wind ensembles or play a wind instrument, Bb is the traditional tuning pitch, and more than likely one of the first notes you ever played on the instrument. Since it's the common tuning pitch, it's really ingrained. Just about everyone I know who plays a wind instrument can hum a Bb on command with no problem. This is simply because of the emphasis placed on it. (and in the case of brass players, it's a fundamental pitch on the instrument anyway)
A string orchestra member will be able to do the same with A 440.
Yup, and the used VHS market is KILLING Hollywood. And don't forget rentals, where hundreds of people basically share a couple copies of a title. I bet that is killing the DVD and console game market. Down with Blockbuster!! /sarcasm
The problem is more to do with public expectation. When people see an animated movie, they expect it to be aimed at a younger audience. Comic books and video games are experiencing the same problems. Once the general populace starts to separate the content (currently kids stuff) from the mode of expression (animation, comics, games, etc) then the artists will be able to produce material that spans all genres. (Stuff like the Animatrix is a good start)
Now this isn't to say that content aimed at children is less "legitimate" than mature content. Quality is no more tied to genre than mode of expression is. Ideally, you will have quality art and entertainment in any form, and any genre. Unfortunately, crap is just as limitless.
For the record, I thought The Spirits Within was a good movie, and a fantastic technical achievement. However I can see why it failed miserably in the box office. The themes were very much in line with those of the rest of the FF series, unfortunately those themes are not that accessible to American audiences. Gaia spirits are a little too deep for Joe Popcorn I think.
BTW, why is it that we can render near photo-realistic faces on characters, but their hands look like rubber? I guess hands are REALLY hard to get right. I know that was one of the traits that really popped at me watching Spirits.
chalk one up to /. n00biness! :)
Remember:
Story != Gameplay
If the gameplay is good a decent story is nice, but hardly needed. However, no amount of storytelling will make up for bad gameplay. We are talking about games afterall, not "interactive movies".
I own a license for Windows XP. If I purchase I computer from a normal manufacturer, I am pretty much FORCED to buy another Windows license. Lets assume I'm a law abiding computer user, and the old box will no longer be used. I am still forced to plop down a few hundred dollars for an OS I already own a copy of.
I would be willing to bet that OEM's are required to sell Windows with their machines contractually by Microsoft. The fact that Windows is preinstalled on everyones PC's is completely intentional. As is the side effect of noone wanting to use anything else.
Truly amazing (and evil) marketing strategy.
Arrgh! Where did my line breaks go?
Unfortunately, you can't expect very tech-savvy tech support reps working for $9/hour in the US. (or like $2/hr overseas) I work at a tech support firm myself doing internet tech support, and when it comes to unsupported OS'es, software, etc we are specifically instructed NOT to troubleshoot. In your case, I would have given you the server names and generic configuration options and let you config the software yourself. (I'm suprised this wasn't done for you in the first place) Most people working tech support (especially for ISPs) only know what their employer has trained them for. Basic setup and troubleshooting for Windows amd MAC OS systems. Linux is as alien to them as it is to your typical Windows user. Back on topic: Microsoft has put themselves in a very strategic place in the market. 99% of the userbase doesn't know there are options, or even know that they would want there to be options. Most of them can't fathom that the hardware and software are seperate things and if it came with Windows, it will always need Windows to work. Hell, some of them are so uneducated that they don't even know they have Windows in the first place. It's just a computer to them. ("What operating system do you have?" "Dell" is a lot more common than you can imagine) I guess a parallel would be in the automotive industry. Your Ford comes with a Ford exhaust system. Now, car enthusiasts know you can install exhaust systems fom other manufacturers that are made to work with a Ford car. Average drivers have no clue about this, and assume that a Ford needs Ford parts, and would not even imagine that someone elses parts will work with their car. It really comes down to public ignorance of HOW computers function on the most basic level. Don't expect this to change quickly. Most people have no desire to learn this. They assume it's too complicated. Remember, alot of people out there didn't grow up with computers as a part of their lives, so it's very foreign to them. You notice how kids are usually better with computers than their parents? That generation, to whom computing is something they've always known and patently understand will be the ones to really question the state of the market and bring about sweeping change.
By this argument, classic movies should not be released in new formats. Why should we have to buy Casablanca AGAIN just to get it on DVD? Agreed, the turnover on console tech is much faster, but in this case at least it's from a non-mobile (NES/PSX) to a portable platform. (GBA)
Obviously, theres a market for these ports, or else they wouldn't be made, and having a choice of what platform to buy the game for is kinda nice. I'm sick of buying new consoles just for one or two games I know I want to play. (I bought N64 solely in anticipation for FF before they switched to PSX)
It's not like you need to buy these anyway. If you own the game for another platform, no reason to buy it again. (Unless you prefer to play it on the new platform it's being released for)
One other point: When did SE stop developing new games? These ports are not their only output. FFXII is in development for PS2 as we speak. The fact that people are willing to buy their old games again just reinforces that they're quality games. This does not automatically detract from the quality of their current titles. I would expect ports of FFVII-IX to future consoles once PSX games really become obsolete. (the backwards compatability of the PS2 makes porting unneeded right now)
I agree on one thing tho. They REALLY need to get FFIII over here.