Hard Light Productions Forums
General FreeSpace => FreeSpace Discussion => Topic started by: InsaneBaron on January 16, 2014, 06:56:23 am
-
I have a proposal.
When someone comes to our site, it's hard to find a real mission statement or explanation of what we are. Our "Main Page" is actually the newsletter. If you were to search around our forums, it's kinda hard at first to figure out what on Earth we are through all the chatter about Blue Planet and which Hercules is better.
We do have Karajorma's FAQ, but that's kinda hard to find if you're going through HLP itself- the only link here that I know of offhand is in Karajorma's signature.
So what I suggest is that we write an HLP Manifesto, explaining what FreeSpace is, What HLP is, and why after all these years it still matters. It should then be stickied to one of the main boards- preferably "Getting Started". It should probably include links to the wiki's Introduction article, Karajorma's FAQ, and Battuta's Guide.
As for who would write it: If people poll in favor of it but no one volunteers, I'd be willing to write it myself. I can write things like that pretty decently- it's my job as a reviewer. However, it might carry more weight if written by an older member- Goober or Karajorma.
So, yay or nay?
-
I'm not... entirely sure of the value of such a document - I think it's pretty clear what we are and what we do, but maybe that's years of experience of the place talking. But honestly, it sounds at worst innocuous, and at best potentially a useful resource.
My advice would be pretty straightforward: if you think we need it, write it. Throw the few paragraphs together and post it up for review. You can tweak it in response to feedback, and when/if it's generally liked and accepted, we'll put it up in the "Getting Started" forum using the Announcements account.
-
Which is the chance of getting the occasional internet surfer, oblivious to freespace, to hit on HLP's boards or the main page?
My estimation is: close to none if not already absolutely none.
I'm not against it, but it might prove to be a useless effort.
-
I'm not... entirely sure of the value of such a document - I think it's pretty clear what we are and what we do, but maybe that's years of experience of the place talking. But honestly, it sounds at worst innocuous, and at best potentially a useful resource.
My advice would be pretty straightforward: if you think we need it, write it. Throw the few paragraphs together and post it up for review. You can tweak it in response to feedback, and when/if it's generally liked and accepted, we'll put it up in the "Getting Started" forum using the Announcements account.
This suggestion makes sense, and so far people seem to be voting in this area ("It might be a good idea"). However, I don't just need votes, I need explanations like Black Wolf's. I need to know WHY people oppose or support the idea before I decide if I'm going to do anything- at this point I just don't have enough opinions to make the call, and I'm not in an authority position to do this on behalf of the community unless there's a fair number of people who state that they want it. After all, there may be factors I'm not aware of that would make this a bad idea.
So, thanks to Black Wolf for getting this started. Who else supports or opposes the idea?
-
Which is the chance of getting the occasional internet surfer, oblivious to freespace, to hit on HLP's boards or the main page?
My estimation is: close to none if not already absolutely none.
I'm not against it, but it might prove to be a useless effort.
You have a legit point here. However, I'm not thinking only of "Random" surfers. For instance, I got involved with HLP after hearing offhand references to it here and there. (wikipedia, for example). It took my a little bit to figure out what it was all about. This would be aimed, not just at "random" surfers, but people curious about FreeSpace and HLP. Particularly, it would set out to answer the question: "Why is there this bunch of people foruming about a game from the 90s, and why should I care?" In other words, what makes FreeSpace different- more worthy of this kind of community- from any other 15-year-old game.
-
Then that's a completely different purpose from what I understood from the description.
Think it would be a good adition, voting positively.
-
I think that it should have a small introduction, explaining Freespace, :v-old:, and who we are in a paragraph or two. Then, have a bigger section with links to the different aspects of HLP (FSOpen, FSPort, FSSCP, etc.), and explaining each in greater detail and how one might benefit from or contribute to each. I do think it should be stickied to the Getting Started forum. I don't ever visit the actual home page, so I don't know what to do with that. But I say go for it!
-
Volition Software's legendary space sims FreeSpace and FreeSpace 2 were among the finest games ever made. After the release of the FreeSpace source code, Hard Light Productions has continued to develop these games for more than a decade - and built an enduring community devoted to constant artistic and technical improvement. Continue the FreeSpace saga with fan-made stories, leap into brand-new worlds from the imaginations of our users, or join the fight as a pilot in the beloved worlds of Babylon 5, Wing Commander, Star Wars, or Battlestar Galactica. Whatever you choose, always remember: you can make your own mark, whether as a coder, an artist, or a mission designer.
-
I'm in favour.
I like immediate clarity about a subject, and a simple 1 paragraph at the front page of HLP (somewhere obvious and at the top of either the main column or the sidebar) would be great.
To keep it tidy It could have a little JS script and button to allow a sliding expansion down, to reveal further paragraphs and links.
Bh
-
Volition's memorable Freespace & Freespace 2 were among the Space Sim genre's most beloved videogames.
Hard Light Productions, originally a modding site for the franchise, took upon itself the responsibility of updating, maintaining and enhancing the engine of the games once Volition released their source code. Now, more than a decade after the release of the Source code, Hard Light Production thrives and prides itself on the hosting and interconnection of many of the modifications created by its community for either the original game or many of the standalone games made with FSO. (TBP, Diaspora, FotG, etc.)
Hard Light is a community in which even the inexperienced, but willing to learn, can make use of its tools to create something for all SpaceSim-nauts to enjoy; be it a mission, new ship models, textures, or even a story set in a cosmos of your own.
I am in favor of something clear and not intrusive to explain this community.
-
I looks like the idea is becoming popular.
Were I to write it myself, I'd probably be aiming for a sort of essay covering why FreeSpace is so resilient- among other things. Something a little longer than what Battuta and An4ximandros proposed. But, it's not solely my decision.
-
Something like one of those examples sounds good to me. Hell, we could put it under a big "Who We Are" listing in the uppermost menu, since as-is there's no real visible general mission statement sort of page like many sites have.
-
I'd suggest a short answer along with a link to a longer one. So you just have something like this
blurb explaining HLP
Dive in and start exploring (Links to the front page or the forum)
Read about HLP in more detail
-
I'd suggest a short answer along with a link to a longer one. So you just have something like this
blurb explaining HLP
Dive in and start exploring (Links to the front page or the forum)
Read about HLP in more detail
A capital idea!
The poll so far seems to indicate in favor of the manifesto. The other question is, who should write it?
-
Why not take a stab at it yourself? You might use Battuta's example for inspiration.
-
Why not take a stab at it yourself? You might use Battuta's example for inspiration.
Working on it now. Might take a few days, given that I'm juggling time between it, homework, and my own FRED project.
-
I've got to warn you that I'm going to be about as merciless on the final product as a modeler would be about bad smoothing. If this is going to be our community intro it's got to be super slick.
-
I've got to warn you that I'm going to be about as merciless on the final product as a modeler would be about bad smoothing. If this is going to be our community intro it's got to be super slick.
Read you loud and clear.
A quick note on the beginning: Are we agreed on the title "Hard Light Productions: A Manifesto", or does that come across as too communist?
Also, for organization, I was thinking of a section-question pattern:
What is this document?
What is FreeSpace?
What is Hard Light Productions?
Why is FreeSpace still alive?
What has Hard Light Productions done to FreeSpace?
Cool! How do I start?
-
I'd just call it 'What is Hard Light Productions?' Nerds on the internet tend to use flowery language just because they can, so you want to signal 'all business, won't waste your time'.
Your questions are fine, except cut 'what is this document' and answer each question with maybe ~two sentences. The shorter this is, the better.
-
Oh and no emoticons.
-
Hard-Light is its own manifesto.
-
They say not to judge a book by its cover, but a pretty cover can still enrich the book.
That means yes, this is a great idea.
-
Just do it. :)
-
Here it is, up for feedback. This is important, so be honest. If it's terrible, tell me so, no uncertain terms. ANYTHING you think should be changed, say it. Be harsh if need be. I won't get upset as long as it's directed at the document, not at me.
Oh, and I'm not titling it "Manifesto" anymore.
What is Hard Light Productions?
A brief introduction, for anyone who's curious.
1. What is FreeSpace?
FreeSpace: The Great War and FreeSpace 2 are plot-driven space combat simulators, sharing a genre with popular series like X-wing/Tie Fighter and Wing Commander. Considered to be among the best of the genre, they are sadly among the last: no plot-driven space sims of significant quality have been released in years.
In FreeSpace: The Great War (or FreeSpace 1), humanity (referred to as the Terrans) is locked in a fourteen-year war with an alien race, the Vasudans. This changes with the arrival of the Shivans, a species with unknown motives and powerful technology who launch a xenocidal invasion. Forced to co-operate against the Shivans, the Terran and Vasudan species attempt to defend their homeworlds against the Shivans and their seemingly invincible lead ship, the Lucifer.
FreeSpace 2 is set 32 years later. The Galactic Terran-Vasudan Alliance is threatened by the Neo-Terran Front, an anti-Vasudan separatist faction lead by the cunning and mysterious Admiral Aken Bosch. In the midst of this struggle, the Neo-Terrans trigger the arrival of a second Shivan armada, even stronger than the first. The enigma of the Shivans deepens as the alliance desperately fights to contain this new threat.
2. What is Hard Light Productions?
We are the primary fan community for the FreeSpace series, dedicated to keeping these games alive through modding, fan-made campaigns, and good old-fashioned playing. Because FreeSpace 2's source code has been publicly released by its creators, HLP has functioned as caretakers of the source code, using it to upgrade the games' graphics to modern standards while enhancing the game's already significant potential for user-made mods and campaigns.
3. Why is FreeSpace significant after all these years?
Three major factor explain FreeSpace's longevity. First, the fact that the genre has seen few or no proper entries in years. To enjoy a space sim, you need to go back to the classics.
Second, the quality of the original games, which combine robust and exciting gameplay with a fascinating story. The origin and motives of the Shivans remain a popular topic for debate and speculation.
Third, FreeSpace's potential for user-made material. FreeSpace came packaged with the FreeSpace Editor (FRED), a powerful tool for creating your own missions and campaigns. The release of the source code made the creation and use of mods (ranging from new ships and weapons to upgrades to the AI to complete total conversions based on other franchises) much easier. Whether you choose to make and publish your own creations or simply enjoy the vast library of excellent campaigns made by others, there's no denying that HLP's fan works are an essential part of what keeps us a strong fan community.
4. Sounds cool! Can I join?
HLP is home to a wide variety of fans. Moders, mission designers, ship modelers, coders, and ordinary players are all welcome, and we're always happy to have new members. So yes, feel free!
Links:
Good Old Games: a 100% legal, DRM-free site that sells both FreeSpace games for cheap. HLP recommends buying FreeSpace here, rather than getting it from other, less legal sources. Thanks to the work of the FSPort team, you don't even need to buy the first FreeSpace: just buy FreeSpace 2 for $10.
Official New People Thread: Exactly what is says on the tin! Introduce yourself, ask for starting directions, and be saluted by our welcome beams.
Installing FreeSpace Open (wiki page): how to install the source code upgrade, allowing you to play these classic games in modern graphical glory. Remember: the upgrade is not a stand-alone. You need to have a legal copy of FreeSpace 2 first!
Karajorma's FreeSpace FAQ: Extensive information covering everything from modding tricks to fan customs.
Battuta's Guide to finding your first (or next!) campaign: A incomplete(able) but very useful guide to some of our best campaigns. Not sure what to play? Look at the guide and see what sounds interesting- the variety is incredible!
-
:yes:
I have a question, though: what do you mean by "plot-driven" space sims?
Also, you should definitely add references to TCs as one of the reasons why people should come here. The FS continuity may have lost its appeal over the years, but tell people they can play for free an indie based on BSG and they'll change their mind. :)
-
:yes:
I have a question, though: what do you mean by "plot-driven" space sims?
Also, you should definitely add references to TCs as one of the reasons why people should come here. The FS continuity may have lost its appeal over the years, but tell people they can play for free an indie based on BSG and they'll change their mind. :)
Plot-driven as opposed to loose sandboxes like Privateer or FreeLancer, or MMOs like EVE or Star Citizen.
I think TCs would fall under mods, but it's still a good point. Let me see where that would fit in.
Side note: I'm reluctant to mention any specific campaign or mod here. This is more of a general explanation. I'll leave the specific campaigns to Battuta's Guide.
EDIT: And I would hardly say that the FS continuity has lost it's appeal- if it had, we wouldn't be here, and we wouldn't have Blue Planet and suchlike.
-
Plot-driven as opposed to loose sandboxes like Privateer or FreeLancer, or MMOs like EVE or Star Citizen.
I see. I don't think it's necessary, but it does no harm at all.
-
I was just trying to be specific, since the term "space sim", while traditionally identified with X-wing/Tie Fighter, Wing Commander, and FreeSpace, is technically a pretty broad term compassing things like EVE Online, which is more recent but in a very different genre.
Which call my attention to a spelling error.
-
It's sad that nowadays saying "space sim" may lead people to think about a genre of games that are so different compared to the classics we all love. I'm not saying that Star Citizen and EVE Online are bad games, it's just that they belong to a subgenre while games like FreeSpace and Colony Wars should be considered the real space simulators.
-
It's sad that nowadays saying "space sim" may lead people to think about a genre of games that are so different compared to the classics we all love. I'm not saying that Star Citizen and EVE Online are bad games, it's just that they belong to a subgenre while games like FreeSpace and Colony Wars should be considered the real space simulators.
Precisely. Star citizen is great, but while the setting is similar and the flight gameplay looks like it'll bring in nostalgia, it isn't in the same genre any more than Star Wars BattleFront and Star Wars Galaxies are in the same genre because both involve controlling a soldier and shooting.
-
It's wordy, stiff, and probably a little long. I took a hatchet to it but stuck more or less to your words.
=What is Hard Light Productions?
1. What is FreeSpace?
FreeSpace: The Great War and FreeSpace 2 are mission-based space combat simulators, like X-Wing/TIE Fighter and Wing Commander. Among the greatest games of the genre, they were also effectively the last.
The FreeSpace series follows humanity and their Vasudan allies as they fight to withstand the xenocidal, enigmatic Shivans, a species of unknown origin, vast technological capability, and seemingly limitless malice.
2. What is Hard Light Productions?
HLP is a fan community built on love and open-source code. Thanks to Volition's generosity, we've continued development of FreeSpace 2 as FreeSpace Open, building graphical enhancements to bring the original games up to modern standards, telling new stories set in the FreeSpace universe and original worlds, and creating spectacular total conversions that let players fly in the beloved universes of Babylon 5, Battlestar Galactica, Wing Commander, and Star Wars.
3. Why is FreeSpace significant after all these years?
First, the original games were fantastic - a complete package of snappy gameplay, strong writing, and excellent voice casting (particularly in FreeSpace 2). The series' cliffhanger ending triggered years of debate and imagination.
Second, FreeSpace is really easy to mod, and we've only made it easier. FRED, the FreeSpace editor, is a powerful, easy-to-learn tool for mission-building. You can create anything from your wild beam-fueled apocalypse dreams to BioWare-style RPG conversations, from stirring cutscenes to taco shopping. Whether you choose to make and publish your own creations or simply enjoy the vast library of excellent campaigns made by others, there's no denying that HLP's fan works are an essential part of what keeps us a strong fan community.
Lastly, we just haven't seen anything as good as FreeSpace. While the open-world space sim genre has done all right, with FreeLancer, X, and Eve Online among its notables, there simply haven't been any good mission-driven space sims.
4. Sounds cool! Can I join?
HLP welcomes all sorts. Whether you want to make missions, build ships, code improvements to the engine, or simply play play play - we want you on board.
Links:
Good Old Games: a 100% legal, DRM-free site that sells both FreeSpace games for cheap. HLP recommends buying FreeSpace here, rather than getting it from other, less legal sources. Thanks to the work of the FSPort team, you don't even need to buy the first FreeSpace: just buy FreeSpace 2 for $10.
Official New People Thread: Exactly what is says on the tin! Introduce yourself, ask for starting directions, and be saluted by our welcome beams.
Installing FreeSpace Open (wiki page): how to install the source code upgrade, allowing you to play these classic games in modern graphical glory. Remember: the upgrade is not a stand-alone. You need to have a legal copy of FreeSpace 2 first!
Karajorma's FreeSpace FAQ: Extensive information covering everything from modding tricks to fan customs.
Battuta's Guide to finding your first (or next!) campaign: A incomplete(able) but very useful guide to some of our best campaigns. Not sure what to play? Look at the guide and see what sounds interesting- the variety is incredible!
Cut about 150 words.
-
It's wordy, stiff, and probably a little long. I took a hatchet to it but stuck more or less to your words.
=What is Hard Light Productions?
1. What is FreeSpace?
FreeSpace: The Great War and FreeSpace 2 are mission-based space combat simulators, like X-Wing/TIE Fighter and Wing Commander. Among the greatest games of the genre, they were also effectively the last.
The FreeSpace series follows humanity and their Vasudan allies as they fight to withstand the xenocidal, enigmatic Shivans, a species of unknown origin, vast technological capability, and seemingly limitless malice.
2. What is Hard Light Productions?
HLP is a fan community built on love and open-source code. Thanks to Volition's generosity, we've continued development of FreeSpace 2 as FreeSpace Open, building graphical enhancements to bring the original games up to modern standards, telling new stories set in the FreeSpace universe and original worlds, and creating spectacular total conversions that let players fly in the beloved universes of Babylon 5, Battlestar Galactica, Wing Commander, and Star Wars.
3. Why is FreeSpace significant after all these years?
First, the original games were fantastic - a complete package of snappy gameplay, strong writing, and excellent voice casting (particularly in FreeSpace 2). The series' cliffhanger ending triggered years of debate and imagination.
Second, FreeSpace is really easy to mod, and we've only made it easier. FRED, the FreeSpace editor, is a powerful, easy-to-learn tool for mission-building. You can create anything from your wild beam-fueled apocalypse dreams to BioWare-style RPG conversations, from stirring cutscenes to taco shopping. Whether you choose to make and publish your own creations or simply enjoy the vast library of excellent campaigns made by others, there's no denying that HLP's fan works are an essential part of what keeps us a strong fan community.
Lastly, we just haven't seen anything as good as FreeSpace. While the open-world space sim genre has done all right, with FreeLancer, X, and Eve Online among its notables, there simply haven't been any good mission-driven space sims.
4. Sounds cool! Can I join?
HLP welcomes all sorts. Whether you want to make missions, build ships, code improvements to the engine, or simply play play play - we want you on board.
Links:
Good Old Games: a 100% legal, DRM-free site that sells both FreeSpace games for cheap. HLP recommends buying FreeSpace here, rather than getting it from other, less legal sources. Thanks to the work of the FSPort team, you don't even need to buy the first FreeSpace: just buy FreeSpace 2 for $10.
Official New People Thread: Exactly what is says on the tin! Introduce yourself, ask for starting directions, and be saluted by our welcome beams.
Installing FreeSpace Open (wiki page): how to install the source code upgrade, allowing you to play these classic games in modern graphical glory. Remember: the upgrade is not a stand-alone. You need to have a legal copy of FreeSpace 2 first!
Karajorma's FreeSpace FAQ: Extensive information covering everything from modding tricks to fan customs.
Battuta's Guide to finding your first (or next!) campaign: A incomplete(able) but very useful guide to some of our best campaigns. Not sure what to play? Look at the guide and see what sounds interesting- the variety is incredible!
Cut about 150 words.
I like it: shorter and more exciting, but still covers all the bases. I have a thing for wanting to be too specific: probably comes from too many college papers. Anyone else?
-
I'll leave the draft here for two days for further feedback. On Wednesday, if people are satisfied, I'll post the final version (currently Battuta's hatched one) in Getting Started and someone with the necessary privileges can sticky it.
-
2. What is Hard Light Productions?
HLP is a fan community built on love and open-source code. Thanks to Volition's generosity, we've continued development of FreeSpace 2 as FreeSpace Open, building graphical enhancements to bring the original games up to modern standards, telling new stories set in the FreeSpace universe and original worlds, and creating spectacular total conversions that let players fly in the beloved universes of Babylon 5, Battlestar Galactica, Wing Commander, and Star Wars.
The "Hatchet" Draft looks good except for 1) I thought Interplay released the source code. 2) There should be a (small) sentence or two explaining Volition/Interplay and the release of the source code and its restrictions. Some of this could be in part 1. My revision of parts 1 & 2:
What is Hard Light Productions?
1. What is FreeSpace?
Descent: FreeSpace - The Great War (1998) and FreeSpace 2 (1999) are mission-based space combat simulators, like X-Wing/TIE Fighter and Wing Commander, developed by Volition and published by Interplay. Among the greatest games of the genre, they were also effectively the last.
The FreeSpace series follows humanity and their Vasudan allies as they fight to withstand the xenocidal, enigmatic Shivans, a species of unknown origin, vast technological capability, and seemingly limitless malice.
2. What is Hard Light Productions?
HLP is a fan community built on love and the non-commercial open-source code made available by Interplay in 2002. Thanks to their generosity, we've continued development of FreeSpace 2 as FreeSpace Open - the upgrades to the original game engine - and FreeSpace Upgrade - enhancements to bring the graphics up to modern standards. Also, we are able to tell new stories set in the FreeSpace universe and beyond, by creating new missions and spectacular total conversions that let players fly in the beloved universes of Babylon 5, Battlestar Galactica, Wing Commander, and Star Wars.
Ok, so maybe I edited it a bit more than I was expecting, but I think overall it is clearer on what FreeSpace is and specifically what we have added. The rest of it looks good.
-
I was pretty sure that Volition (and Dave Baranec in particular) released the source code, precisely because Interplay owned the Freespace IP and Volition were acquired by THQ, leaving Volition owning code they couldn't do much with.
-
Yeah I'm pretty sure it was V, not Interplay.
-
This is pretty good, but regarding the "What is HLP" question, I'd like to see something along the lines of "bringing modders together" that was (and still is) the purpose of the site. Setekh expounded upon this a bit in the anniversary thread (http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=86511.0) he posted.
-
This is pretty good, but regarding the "What is HLP" question, I'd like to see something along the lines of "bringing modders together" that was (and still is) the purpose of the site. Setekh expounded upon this a bit in the anniversary thread (http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=86511.0) he posted.
Give me half an hour and I'll work this in.
-
What is Hard Light Productions?
1. What is FreeSpace?
FreeSpace: The Great War and FreeSpace 2 are mission-based space combat simulators, like X-Wing/TIE Fighter and Wing Commander. Among the greatest games of the genre, they were also effectively the last.
The FreeSpace series follows humanity and their Vasudan allies as they fight to withstand the xenocidal, enigmatic Shivans, a species of unknown origin, vast technological capability, and seemingly limitless malice.
2. What is Hard Light Productions?
HLP is a fan community built on love and open-source code. We're dedicated to bringing modders together and giving them a place to can share their own hard work and draw inspiration from the work of others. Thanks to Volition's generosity, we've continued development of FreeSpace 2 as FreeSpace Open, building graphical enhancements to bring the original games up to modern standards, telling new stories set in the FreeSpace universe and original worlds, and creating spectacular total conversions that let players fly in the beloved universes of Babylon 5, Battlestar Galactica, Wing Commander, and Star Wars.
3. Why is FreeSpace significant after all these years?
First, the original games were fantastic - a complete package of snappy gameplay, strong writing, and excellent voice casting (particularly in FreeSpace 2). The series' cliffhanger ending triggered years of debate and imagination.
Second, FreeSpace is really easy to mod, and we've only made it easier. FRED, the FreeSpace editor, is a powerful, easy-to-learn tool for mission-building. You can create anything from your wild beam-fueled apocalypse dreams to BioWare-style RPG conversations, from stirring cutscenes to taco shopping. Whether you choose to make and publish your own creations or simply enjoy the vast library of excellent campaigns made by others, there's no denying that HLP's fan works are an essential part of what keeps us a strong fan community.
Lastly, we just haven't seen anything as good as FreeSpace. While the open-world space sim genre has done all right, with FreeLancer, X, and Eve Online among its notables, there simply haven't been any good mission-driven space sims.
4. Sounds cool! Can I join?
HLP welcomes all sorts. Whether you want to make missions, build ships, code improvements to the engine, or simply play play play - we want you on board.
Links:
Good Old Games: a 100% legal, DRM-free site that sells both FreeSpace games for cheap. HLP recommends buying FreeSpace here, rather than getting it from other, less legal sources. Thanks to the work of the FSPort team, you don't even need to buy the first FreeSpace: just buy FreeSpace 2 for $10.
Official New People Thread: Exactly what is says on the tin! Introduce yourself, ask for starting directions, and be saluted by our welcome beams.
Installing FreeSpace Open (wiki page): how to install the source code upgrade, allowing you to play these classic games in modern graphical glory. Remember: the upgrade is not a stand-alone. You need to have a legal copy of FreeSpace 2 first!
Karajorma's FreeSpace FAQ: Extensive information covering everything from modding tricks to fan customs.
Battuta's Guide to finding your first (or next!) campaign: A incomplete(able) but very useful guide to some of our best campaigns. Not sure what to play? Look at the guide and see what sounds interesting- the variety is incredible!
-
I'd use
HLP is a fan community built on love and open-source code, dedicated to bringing modders together and helping them excel.
Scare quotes never work.
-
What about:
HLP is a fan community built on Bringing Modders Together, a place where we can share our own hard work and draw inspiration from the work of others.
-
That's fine except lose the caps because they're incredibly dorky.
-
Made the change, broke the sentence in half for stylistic reasons. Liking the way this is going. :yes:
EDIT: revised the revision combining elements of my, Battuta's, and Goober's BMT ideas. Everyone like it?
-
That's fine except lose the caps because they're incredibly dorky.
I specifically put it in caps because I wanted to emphasize our slogan. Lowercase provides no emphasis.
Bold or italic could be an option.
broke the sentence in half for stylistic reasons
:wtf:
EDIT: revised the revision combining elements of my, Battuta's, and Goober's BMT ideas. Everyone like it?
Where's the latest revision?
-
Yes, but emphasis is a bad idea - it feels corporate, disingenuous, artificial, and oily, like an unspoken (TM) (R) (all rights reserved) hovering over the sentence. Keep everything plain, unadorned, and genuine.
The best way to emphasize if you really want it is to give it its own sentence: We bring modders together.
-
Rather than repost the thing again I just modified my last post. I'm neutral concerning the emphasis issue.
Breaking the sentence in half=no longer relevant
-
To be honest, I'd drop the whole Bringing Modders Together thing entirely. It sounds like it excludes people who just want to play the game. Lots of people on HLP have never even opened FRED or looked inside the VPs.
If you must use it, say that's what HLP started out as, but that it now means much more than that.
Secondly, I'd drop the mention of my FAQ. It definitely still has its uses and a lot of it is still relevant but it is pretty outdated now.
-
To be honest, I'd drop the whole Bringing Modders Together thing entirely. It sounds like it excludes people who just want to play the game. Lots of people on HLP have never even opened FRED or looked inside the VPs.
If you must use it, say that's what HLP started out as, but that it now means much more than that.
Secondly, I'd drop the mention of my FAQ. It definitely still has its uses and a lot of it is still relevant but it is pretty outdated now.
I'll let you three figure out the Bringing Modders Together thing; that's a matter for senior members.
I'll remove the FAQ then.
-
Last call for feedback before I post this after my next class.
-
Aaaand POSTED. Still need someone with mod privs to sticky it. Thanks everyone!
-
Cut 'A brief explanation.' - the opening question implies that.
You've got an extra 'can' in here: We're dedicated to bringing modders together and giving them a place to can share their own hard work and draw inspiration from the work of others.
I'd cut 'incomplete' from Battuta's Guide since the functional component is complete.
Otherwise looks decent.
-
:yes:
-
Cut 'A brief explanation.' - the opening question implies that.
You've got an extra 'can' in here: We're dedicated to bringing modders together and giving them a place to can share their own hard work and draw inspiration from the work of others.
I'd cut 'incomplete' from Battuta's Guide since the functional component is complete.
Otherwise looks decent.
I'm on it! Glad this turned out so well. :)
EDIT: I removed "incomplete" and replaced it with "hardly exhaustive"- more accurate and more positive, still makes the point that there are plenty of great campaigns that aren't on the list (yet). Side note on that, I'd nominate Sol: A History for the list, but we can tackle that in the appropriate thread.
About the "explanation" part, I thought it might be helpful to clarify that "What is HLP?" is a thread answering the question, as opposed to some guy asking it. However, now that I realize it, once you actually open the thread it's obvious. Maybe include it in the thread title?
-
Last thing: who can sticky it?
-
I'd change the formatting slightly so that the titles of the sections and the content of those sections don't run together so much. Something like this:
What is Hard Light Productions?
1. What is FreeSpace?
FreeSpace: The Great War and FreeSpace 2 are mission-based space combat simulators, like X-Wing/TIE Fighter and Wing Commander. Among the greatest games of the genre, they were also effectively the last.
The FreeSpace series follows humanity and their Vasudan allies as they fight to withstand the xenocidal, enigmatic Shivans, a species of unknown origin, vast technological capability, and seemingly limitless malice.
2. What is Hard Light Productions?
HLP is[...]
Also, the title of the overall thing shouldn't be identical to one of the questions therein... but I'm not sure what to change it to.
-
I'd change the formatting slightly so that the titles of the sections and the content of those sections don't run together so much. Something like this:
What is Hard Light Productions?
1. What is FreeSpace?
FreeSpace: The Great War and FreeSpace 2 are mission-based space combat simulators, like X-Wing/TIE Fighter and Wing Commander. Among the greatest games of the genre, they were also effectively the last.
The FreeSpace series follows humanity and their Vasudan allies as they fight to withstand the xenocidal, enigmatic Shivans, a species of unknown origin, vast technological capability, and seemingly limitless malice.
2. What is Hard Light Productions?
HLP is[...]
Also, the title of the overall thing shouldn't be identical to one of the questions therein... but I'm not sure what to change it to.
I like the size suggestion... will implement after next class. "What is HLP" is the main question, so I think it works as a title.
-
I could sticky it, but honestly I think the far more ideal solution would be to get it made into its own page linked prominently from the top menu. I don't know that most of the people who would benefit most from seeing it will bother to read it as a stickied thread.
-
I could sticky it, but honestly I think the far more ideal solution would be to get it made into its own page linked prominently from the top menu. I don't know that most of the people who would benefit most from seeing it will bother to read it as a stickied thread.
It's already been stickied, however I agree that linking it in the menu would be a great idea.