[starwolf1991]

Geez, this topic has really evolved, hasn't it?

(Looks around nervously) 

Well, I don't seem to be having much luck with coming up with a good initial plot for.....well, you know. Something I could start from. I've been looking at all the different eras that freespace has to offer when I consider a plot. But, nothing seems to really catch on, you know? Especially if it is similar to something that's already be done.

I guess its because I constantly aim to be original with whatever I do modding wise. And of course, as someone already said, being original all the time isn't exactly a good thing. But I rather be original than not, so that somebody doesn't start jumping up and down and say stuff like "OMG, you copied my idea or thing, scrap it" or something.

But nah, I've never been much of a storywriter. I better at making stuff for the story rather than making the story itself.

[VPR]

Perhaps just releasing something whether it's original and good or neither is worth it. The feedback could be the direction you need to make a better job next time.

I think new modders / FREDders (myself included) can be a bit too self conscious about their work (not that that's a bad thing) but sometimes a bad experience is what you need to identify your faults that you think you have and some you may even not know about.

There are plenty of experienced people here willing to help point you in the right direction if you're happy to take criticism.

[Dilmah G]

I think being overly self-conscious about your missions is a good thing. I always am, it helps you view things objectively to a certain point and polish up your mission.

[starwolf1991]

Attached here is something I built as a plot device to work from. It is a command briefing sized starchart, set in the north-eastern sector of the freespace universe. I've tried to stay as close to possible to the starcharts that are available to the community, mainly the one created by Blackwater Operations. It took me about half an hour in Gimp to create.

The only non-canon system there is the Endymion system. That is where I intend any future campaign to take place in. And yes, there is a little bit of distance between the systems, nodelines and titles. This was done to leave enough room for marker rings or whatever that highlight the system of interest. The stuff is not color-coded yet. The nodelines will be coloured, and I believe the same for the spheres respresenting stars (They should be in their real-life colors), but maybe titles colored based on the status of system?

Anyway, comments appreciated.

Edit: Did some coloring, not quite so sure about Regulus. Some people/references say white-blue and others say red. Anyone know which color is right?

Edit #2: Another version. Wasn't fully satisfied with the previous one. Added a background nebula, changed the icons representing system and reworked their colours, changed the colours of the nodelines, and bolded the system names.

[attachment deleted by ninja]