Ladies and Gents, I'd like to take this opportunity to provide a quick Link to my Deviantart Gallery. I've been very... writey, for a lack of a better word, and have been updating it with a lot of stuff. The most recent pieces you'll see is a pair of Allegories I wrote, and, of course, the beloved Magipedia. Well,the parts I was able to find in the Royal Library, at least ;)So, go check it out!
And also, so I don't look like I wrote this post only for my own selfish gain... here's a few updates from CDP:
Since we SERIOUSLY need one more female voice actor for our game (To play the part of everyone's favorite ninja girl, Dimona!), I'm going to make a bit of a deal with you all. I am going to offer a REWARD to anyone with the guts to step up and take this job. At the moment, it's 6:28 PM and I am sitting happily at home, so I still have to talk with the team about what this reward will be. Will post later once we get that. If you're interested, contact us at eternitysendrecruiting@gmail.com
Also, since Eternity's End's release date is probably going to end up sometime during the summer, we may have time to put in some nice CGI cutscenes. But we need the software and experience to do so. Right now, we have Mmykle in charge of that, but I'm sure he won't mind having a bit of help. If you'd care to donate any software program that can render CGI animations (Like 3ds Max, or Maya [Maya CAN make animations, right?]), and/or already have these programs, as well as some experience in using them, and would like to do these cutscenes for us, once again, contact us at eternitysendrecruiting@gmail.com
Oh, and also... The Magipedia. Check it out above at my dA gallery, or head to Our official site and check it out there.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
5/18 The Apology pgs 61-70
For the third time in a row, the assignment is as follows:
Mark the text by highlighting or underlining two sentences that strike you as interesting and/or directly significant for the trial. Directly significant for the trials means something that can be used by the prosecution or the defense to make their case.
ON YOUR BLOG (You should also print this out and keep it with your notes)
Indicate one sentence that you highlighted or underlined (give page number and section number) and write a short paragraph (at least 4 sentences) that explains why you underlined it or highlighted it. Be prepared to share this in discussion.
"But I suggest, gentlemen, that the difficulty is not so much to escape death, the real difficulty is to escape from wickedness, which is far more fleet of foot." (Page 67, section 39a)
I rather like this quote. Socrates expressed several times throughout this reading that he did not take death as a bad thing, since nobody really knew much about it. However, Socrates has experienced suffering several times over, and thus he knows much more about it. Plus, one experiences wickedness in his life more often than death.
END OF LINE.
Now, the obligatory CDP update:
If you haven't done so yet, check out The Magipedia. We worked really hard trying to get it up, and it's quite a good read.
Also, since Eternity's End's release date is probably going to end up sometime during the summer, we may have time to put in some nice CGI cutscenes. But we need the software and experience to do so. Right now, we have Mmykle in charge of that, but I'm sure he won't mind having a bit of help. If you'd care to donate any software program that can render CGI animations (Like 3ds Max, or Maya [Maya CAN make animations, right?]), and/or already have these programs, as well as some experience in using them, and would like to do these cutscenes for us, contact us at eternitysendrecruiting@gmail.com
Oh, and we still need voice actors (Especially females)! Once again eternitysendrecruiting@gmail.com
SHUTTING DOWN...
"Daisy, Daisy,
Give me your answer do!
I'm half crazy,
All for the love of you!
It won't be a stylish marriage,
I can't afford a carriage
But you'll look sweet upon the seat
Of a bicycle built for two."
Mark the text by highlighting or underlining two sentences that strike you as interesting and/or directly significant for the trial. Directly significant for the trials means something that can be used by the prosecution or the defense to make their case.
ON YOUR BLOG (You should also print this out and keep it with your notes)
Indicate one sentence that you highlighted or underlined (give page number and section number) and write a short paragraph (at least 4 sentences) that explains why you underlined it or highlighted it. Be prepared to share this in discussion.
"But I suggest, gentlemen, that the difficulty is not so much to escape death, the real difficulty is to escape from wickedness, which is far more fleet of foot." (Page 67, section 39a)
I rather like this quote. Socrates expressed several times throughout this reading that he did not take death as a bad thing, since nobody really knew much about it. However, Socrates has experienced suffering several times over, and thus he knows much more about it. Plus, one experiences wickedness in his life more often than death.
END OF LINE.
Now, the obligatory CDP update:
If you haven't done so yet, check out The Magipedia. We worked really hard trying to get it up, and it's quite a good read.
Also, since Eternity's End's release date is probably going to end up sometime during the summer, we may have time to put in some nice CGI cutscenes. But we need the software and experience to do so. Right now, we have Mmykle in charge of that, but I'm sure he won't mind having a bit of help. If you'd care to donate any software program that can render CGI animations (Like 3ds Max, or Maya [Maya CAN make animations, right?]), and/or already have these programs, as well as some experience in using them, and would like to do these cutscenes for us, contact us at eternitysendrecruiting@gmail.com
Oh, and we still need voice actors (Especially females)! Once again eternitysendrecruiting@gmail.com
SHUTTING DOWN...
"Daisy, Daisy,
Give me your answer do!
I'm half crazy,
All for the love of you!
It won't be a stylish marriage,
I can't afford a carriage
But you'll look sweet upon the seat
Of a bicycle built for two."
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
5/17 The Apology pgs 51-61
Today's assignment is the same as yesterday's, but in case you forgot...
Mark the text by highlighting or underlining two sentences that strike you as interesting and/or directly significant for the trial. Directly significant for the trials means something that can be used by the prosecution or the defense to make their case.
ON YOUR BLOG (You should also print this out and keep it with your notes)
Indicate one sentence that you highlighted or underlined (give page number and section number) and write a short paragraph (at least 4 sentences) that explains why you underlined it or highlighted it. Be prepared to share this in discussion.
Hmm... I picked quite a long one. It starts page 55, section C, and ends slightly after section E. Please forgive my for not typing it out, but it'll be hard to discriminate quote from assignment XD
Anyhow... I rather like this section. It shows his determination towards his god-given mission. However... I wouldn't use this in the trial. It could easily be taken the wrong way as a sign of defiance to the law.
END OF LINE.
EXECUTING OBLIGATORY_CDP_NEWSPOST.BAT...
If you haven't done so yet, check out The Magipedia. We worked really hard trying to get it up, and it's quite a good read.
Also, since Eternity's End's release date is probably going to end up sometime during the summer, we may have time to put in some nice CGI cutscenes. But we need the software and experience to do so. Right now, we have Mmykle in charge of that, but I'm sure he won't mind having a bit of help. If you'd care to donate any software program that can render CGI animations (Like 3ds Max, or Maya [Maya CAN make animations, right?]), and/or already have these programs, as well as some experience in using them, and would like to do these cutscenes for us, contact us at eternitysendrecruiting@gmail.com
Oh, and we still need voice actors (Especially females)! Once again eternitysendrecruiting@gmail.com
Mark the text by highlighting or underlining two sentences that strike you as interesting and/or directly significant for the trial. Directly significant for the trials means something that can be used by the prosecution or the defense to make their case.
ON YOUR BLOG (You should also print this out and keep it with your notes)
Indicate one sentence that you highlighted or underlined (give page number and section number) and write a short paragraph (at least 4 sentences) that explains why you underlined it or highlighted it. Be prepared to share this in discussion.
Hmm... I picked quite a long one. It starts page 55, section C, and ends slightly after section E. Please forgive my for not typing it out, but it'll be hard to discriminate quote from assignment XD
Anyhow... I rather like this section. It shows his determination towards his god-given mission. However... I wouldn't use this in the trial. It could easily be taken the wrong way as a sign of defiance to the law.
END OF LINE.
EXECUTING OBLIGATORY_CDP_NEWSPOST.BAT...
If you haven't done so yet, check out The Magipedia. We worked really hard trying to get it up, and it's quite a good read.
Also, since Eternity's End's release date is probably going to end up sometime during the summer, we may have time to put in some nice CGI cutscenes. But we need the software and experience to do so. Right now, we have Mmykle in charge of that, but I'm sure he won't mind having a bit of help. If you'd care to donate any software program that can render CGI animations (Like 3ds Max, or Maya [Maya CAN make animations, right?]), and/or already have these programs, as well as some experience in using them, and would like to do these cutscenes for us, contact us at eternitysendrecruiting@gmail.com
Oh, and we still need voice actors (Especially females)! Once again eternitysendrecruiting@gmail.com
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
5/16 The Apology
Today's assignment:
Mark the text by highlighting or underlining two sentences that strike you as interesting and/or directly significant for the trial. Directly significant for the trials means something that can be used by the prosecution or the defense to make their case.
ON YOUR BLOG (You should also print this out and keep it with your notes)
Indicate one sentence that you highlighted or underlined (give page number and section number) and write a short paragraph (at least 4 sentences) that explains why you underlined it or highlighted it. Be prepared to share this in discussion.
Let me see...Page 44, section 21d: "Well, I am certainly wiser than this man. It is only too likely that neither of us has any knowledge to boast of; but he thinks that he knows something which he does not know, whereas I am quite conscious of my ignorance"
I underlined this because it shows not only how humble Socrates is, but how conscious he is of making sure he does NOT mislead anyone (contradictory to what many accuse him of). While other people will go on ranting about something they only have half a mind about, Socrates is very careful with what he says. If something is fact, he will clearly state it as such, and if something is his personal opinion or assumption, he will clearly state that as such. He does not claim to know anything, but instead points out holes in other people's thinking, and giving them a new point of view.
END OF LINE.
*Sigh.* I'm really disappointed that we're finally back to Plato and Socrates, and I have so little to say. Ah, well. Time for the obligatory copy-and-pasted CDP update:
If you haven't done so yet, check out The Magipedia. We worked really hard trying to get it up, and it's quite a good read.
Also, since Eternity's End's release date is probably going to end up sometime during the summer, we may have time to put in some nice CGI cutscenes. But we need the software and experience to do so. Right now, we have Mmykle in charge of that, but I'm sure he won't mind having a bit of help. If you'd care to donate any software program that can render CGI animations (Like 3ds Max, or Maya [Maya CAN make animations, right?]), and/or already have these programs, as well as some experience in using them, and would like to do these cutscenes for us, contact us at eternitysendrecruiting@gmail.com
Oh, and we still need voice actors (Especially females)! Once again eternitysendrecruiting@gmail.com
Mark the text by highlighting or underlining two sentences that strike you as interesting and/or directly significant for the trial. Directly significant for the trials means something that can be used by the prosecution or the defense to make their case.
ON YOUR BLOG (You should also print this out and keep it with your notes)
Indicate one sentence that you highlighted or underlined (give page number and section number) and write a short paragraph (at least 4 sentences) that explains why you underlined it or highlighted it. Be prepared to share this in discussion.
Let me see...Page 44, section 21d: "Well, I am certainly wiser than this man. It is only too likely that neither of us has any knowledge to boast of; but he thinks that he knows something which he does not know, whereas I am quite conscious of my ignorance"
I underlined this because it shows not only how humble Socrates is, but how conscious he is of making sure he does NOT mislead anyone (contradictory to what many accuse him of). While other people will go on ranting about something they only have half a mind about, Socrates is very careful with what he says. If something is fact, he will clearly state it as such, and if something is his personal opinion or assumption, he will clearly state that as such. He does not claim to know anything, but instead points out holes in other people's thinking, and giving them a new point of view.
END OF LINE.
*Sigh.* I'm really disappointed that we're finally back to Plato and Socrates, and I have so little to say. Ah, well. Time for the obligatory copy-and-pasted CDP update:
If you haven't done so yet, check out The Magipedia. We worked really hard trying to get it up, and it's quite a good read.
Also, since Eternity's End's release date is probably going to end up sometime during the summer, we may have time to put in some nice CGI cutscenes. But we need the software and experience to do so. Right now, we have Mmykle in charge of that, but I'm sure he won't mind having a bit of help. If you'd care to donate any software program that can render CGI animations (Like 3ds Max, or Maya [Maya CAN make animations, right?]), and/or already have these programs, as well as some experience in using them, and would like to do these cutscenes for us, contact us at eternitysendrecruiting@gmail.com
Oh, and we still need voice actors (Especially females)! Once again eternitysendrecruiting@gmail.com
Monday, May 14, 2007
5/15 Pericles Funeral Oration
It's been a while, eh? Haven't posted here since the Magipedia went live. Anyhow... Today's assignment...
Make a list of some of the Athenian values that you encountered in the text. Choose one a write a couple of sentences (or more) about why it might be good for the trial of Socrates.
END OF LINE.
And now, the obligatory CDP news post:
If you haven't done so yet, check out The Magipedia. We worked really hard trying to get it up, and it's quite a good read.
Also, since Eternity's End's release date is probably going to end up sometime during the summer, we may have time to put in some nice CGI cutscenes. But we need the software and experience to do so. Right now, we have Mmykle in charge of that, but I'm sure he won't mind having a bit of help. If you'd care to donate any software program that can render CGI animations (Like 3ds Max, or Maya [Maya CAN make animations, right?]), and/or already have these programs, as well as some experience in using them, and would like to do these cutscenes for us, contact us at eternitysendrecruiting@gmail.com
Oh, and we still need voice actors (Especially females)! Once again eternitysendrecruiting@gmail.com
Make a list of some of the Athenian values that you encountered in the text. Choose one a write a couple of sentences (or more) about why it might be good for the trial of Socrates.
- Athens tries to be a role model for the rest of Greece. Sort of hypocritical, then, that they kill Socrates for expressing a few opinions.
- They believe in the right to speech (Or, more accurately, everyone minding their own business). Again, sort of contradictory to Socrates' trial
- Understanding consequences before taking action is important. Just like what Socrates was trying to teach!
END OF LINE.
And now, the obligatory CDP news post:
If you haven't done so yet, check out The Magipedia. We worked really hard trying to get it up, and it's quite a good read.
Also, since Eternity's End's release date is probably going to end up sometime during the summer, we may have time to put in some nice CGI cutscenes. But we need the software and experience to do so. Right now, we have Mmykle in charge of that, but I'm sure he won't mind having a bit of help. If you'd care to donate any software program that can render CGI animations (Like 3ds Max, or Maya [Maya CAN make animations, right?]), and/or already have these programs, as well as some experience in using them, and would like to do these cutscenes for us, contact us at eternitysendrecruiting@gmail.com
Oh, and we still need voice actors (Especially females)! Once again eternitysendrecruiting@gmail.com
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
CDP Update: Magipedia!
Hey everyone, Justin here
Well, since alot of people have been implying confusion about how Kakana's magic works, I've decided to sneak into Kakana's Royal Library and borrow a book our very own Fenrir Flameseeker wrote, "The Magipedia." It's rather short, but pretty detailed and pretty extensive. With permission from our legendary warrior, I have posted an online version Up on the site! (Hmm... maybe I can bribe him into putting it up on creative commons :D)
The only thing is, some moron decided it'd be funny to rip out the last page, so I had to exclude that from the online version. If anyone could find it for me though, that'd be great!
Oh, and a second update, this time about a book of my own that's going into the Kakana library: The Disneyland Allegory That I seemed to have promised. Yes, sorry for the delay. I've been doing a lot of chores, and I really want to write it on a very boring, workless weekend, so that my train of thought isn't interrupted by something stupid like having to dust the house. So, be on the lookout for that!
Well, since alot of people have been implying confusion about how Kakana's magic works, I've decided to sneak into Kakana's Royal Library and borrow a book our very own Fenrir Flameseeker wrote, "The Magipedia." It's rather short, but pretty detailed and pretty extensive. With permission from our legendary warrior, I have posted an online version Up on the site! (Hmm... maybe I can bribe him into putting it up on creative commons :D)
The only thing is, some moron decided it'd be funny to rip out the last page, so I had to exclude that from the online version. If anyone could find it for me though, that'd be great!
Oh, and a second update, this time about a book of my own that's going into the Kakana library: The Disneyland Allegory That I seemed to have promised. Yes, sorry for the delay. I've been doing a lot of chores, and I really want to write it on a very boring, workless weekend, so that my train of thought isn't interrupted by something stupid like having to dust the house. So, be on the lookout for that!
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
4/25 Jigsaw Activity
1) Give a quick explanation of the topic and propose a debate resolution of the topic. (a couple of sentences)
This section is about flag burning, and whether banning this act is a threat to Liberty in America or not. A good debate resolution would be whether this shouldn't (Con) or should (Pro) be allowed.
2) Explain why it is an important topic. You choose what to write about, but here are some suggestions if you are stuck: How does it impact your constitutional rights? Can it impact your daily life? Does it empower or disempowered you as an individual? Does it promote or inhibit public discussion? Does it help or hurt people getting along with one another? (short paragraph)
Although burning an American Flag does show the exact opposite of patriotism, every man, woman, and otherwise is entitled to their own opinion, no matter how unethical that opinion is. As the saying goes, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." If that is so, then surely, the government need not bother with such trivial matters, especially since their own First Amendment allows them to anyway.
3) Write one or two sentences that explain a good point made by the con side and one or two sentences that explain a good point made by the pro side (2-4 sentences total).
Con side:
The con side made a very interesting point about how banning flag burning was a contradiction to the war efforts the US makes. The author of this point (A Vietnam veteran) says that banning this act does not support freedom of expression, and that it would "Be the ultimate irony for us to place ourselves in harm's way and for my family to sacrifice to gain freedom for other nations and not to protect our freedom here at home"
Pro side: Flag burning is rarely a symbolic act. It is more for gathering attention, and thus not a form of speech.
END OF LINE.
Obligatory EE plug (Sorry there hasn't been any real updates in a while. We're already hard at work on the next demo, and that's been eating most of our time, so we don't get the chance to daydream much):
I've decided that I MAY be publicly hiring for the last main voice-acting job, the voice of the younger of the two princesses of Kakana and the mercenary team's only Kunoichi, Dimona. However, I'm going to be a lot more strict. You gotta go through an audition, of sorts. In reality, that just means email us, I'll send you back a little script, and you send me back the soundclips.
I warn you though, since this is a REALLY BIG test on the concept of a virtual office, you gotta be serious about this. That doesn't necessarily mean putting in 16+ hours of work a day (Although I would love it if you do ;)), but just that you don't fall behind too much.
Oh, there are also a bunch of little jobs up for grabs, too. These are only a few lines or so, so these aren't as serious ;) For all genders, too!
Also, if anyone is good at designing towns, I really need help in that. I'm horrible at it.
So, if anyone is interested, mail us at eternitysendrecruiting@gmail.com
This section is about flag burning, and whether banning this act is a threat to Liberty in America or not. A good debate resolution would be whether this shouldn't (Con) or should (Pro) be allowed.
2) Explain why it is an important topic. You choose what to write about, but here are some suggestions if you are stuck: How does it impact your constitutional rights? Can it impact your daily life? Does it empower or disempowered you as an individual? Does it promote or inhibit public discussion? Does it help or hurt people getting along with one another? (short paragraph)
Although burning an American Flag does show the exact opposite of patriotism, every man, woman, and otherwise is entitled to their own opinion, no matter how unethical that opinion is. As the saying goes, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." If that is so, then surely, the government need not bother with such trivial matters, especially since their own First Amendment allows them to anyway.
3) Write one or two sentences that explain a good point made by the con side and one or two sentences that explain a good point made by the pro side (2-4 sentences total).
Con side:
The con side made a very interesting point about how banning flag burning was a contradiction to the war efforts the US makes. The author of this point (A Vietnam veteran) says that banning this act does not support freedom of expression, and that it would "Be the ultimate irony for us to place ourselves in harm's way and for my family to sacrifice to gain freedom for other nations and not to protect our freedom here at home"
Pro side: Flag burning is rarely a symbolic act. It is more for gathering attention, and thus not a form of speech.
END OF LINE.
Obligatory EE plug (Sorry there hasn't been any real updates in a while. We're already hard at work on the next demo, and that's been eating most of our time, so we don't get the chance to daydream much):
I've decided that I MAY be publicly hiring for the last main voice-acting job, the voice of the younger of the two princesses of Kakana and the mercenary team's only Kunoichi, Dimona. However, I'm going to be a lot more strict. You gotta go through an audition, of sorts. In reality, that just means email us, I'll send you back a little script, and you send me back the soundclips.
I warn you though, since this is a REALLY BIG test on the concept of a virtual office, you gotta be serious about this. That doesn't necessarily mean putting in 16+ hours of work a day (Although I would love it if you do ;)), but just that you don't fall behind too much.
Oh, there are also a bunch of little jobs up for grabs, too. These are only a few lines or so, so these aren't as serious ;) For all genders, too!
Also, if anyone is good at designing towns, I really need help in that. I'm horrible at it.
So, if anyone is interested, mail us at eternitysendrecruiting@gmail.com
4/24 The press in a time of crisis
Ach. Today's post is a day late since my internet company refuses to be smart. Bleh. Computer industry these days. Smart ideas always seem to be the least popular, and idiocy seems to sell.
But I digress. Today's assignment:
1) Indicate whether your reading selection is pro or con for the above resolution and write three things that support the pro or con position on this issue.
I am reading the con section of this resolution.
Supporting ideas:
1. Several people being jailed for suspected terrorism attempts, and government being very secretive about it. (The people have a right to know why!)
2. The press has an obligation to be on guard when an administration claims that national security requires repression.
3. Government is threatening constitutional values, and the media should be ble to report on that.
2) Write a paragraph where you state your opinion on the issue. It should include some evidence from the reading, but it does not have to follow each viewpoint to the letter. You can also include ideas and evidence from other sources or individuals.
I think that the press should not be censored during times of crisis. The First Amendment's goal was to keep a freedom of the press, so there is no point in going back on that. In the modern day world, I doubt anything threatening will leak out, anyway. As sad as it is, people are more interested about Brittany Spear's newfound lack of hair than something important, like the war on terror. I assume it's because people would rather have something funny to talk about 'round the water cooler, or something of the sort. Ignorance IS bliss, after all.
Then again, just because Ignorance is Bliss, doesn't mean we should force the country to such a state. Even if the masses will not listen, that information should still be out there for the few who realize this.
But I digress. Today's assignment:
1) Indicate whether your reading selection is pro or con for the above resolution and write three things that support the pro or con position on this issue.
I am reading the con section of this resolution.
Supporting ideas:
1. Several people being jailed for suspected terrorism attempts, and government being very secretive about it. (The people have a right to know why!)
2. The press has an obligation to be on guard when an administration claims that national security requires repression.
3. Government is threatening constitutional values, and the media should be ble to report on that.
2) Write a paragraph where you state your opinion on the issue. It should include some evidence from the reading, but it does not have to follow each viewpoint to the letter. You can also include ideas and evidence from other sources or individuals.
I think that the press should not be censored during times of crisis. The First Amendment's goal was to keep a freedom of the press, so there is no point in going back on that. In the modern day world, I doubt anything threatening will leak out, anyway. As sad as it is, people are more interested about Brittany Spear's newfound lack of hair than something important, like the war on terror. I assume it's because people would rather have something funny to talk about 'round the water cooler, or something of the sort. Ignorance IS bliss, after all.
Then again, just because Ignorance is Bliss, doesn't mean we should force the country to such a state. Even if the masses will not listen, that information should still be out there for the few who realize this.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
On the Presentation of Media
I originally posted this on the Eternity's End devlog, but I thought it'd be fun if I shared it here, too:
Hey all. Illy here. No updates today, instead, I'm giving you a little peek into the life of a game developer ;)
Well, first off, I just got a Wii today, and I should be ordering a trio of books by next week (Gamer Theory, Simulacra and Simulation, and the Disgaea Manga.)
And I've been watching Discovery Channel's ever-so-sublime "Planet Earth" series (Against my will, oddly enough.)
So, as you can see, I've been intaking a lot of media as well as outputting it. As such, I've come up with a few conclusions about media in general, and how it's presented:
To me, there seems to be four ways to present media: There is interactive media (Games), printed word (Books, comics, newspaper, etc.), non-visual (Radio, music, etc.), and non-interactive (Movies, television, etc.)
Now, of course, the highest form of media, is of course, interactive. It simply is the most immersing, since one not only listens to the story, but takes command of it.
Next up comes printed word, the second-most immersing form of media. Although it is both the most technologically un-advanced as well as a passive media, I find it that it is almost as immersive as a game for one reason: One has to use his own imagination to visualize the scene the words portray.
Now, in dead-last comes everyone's beloved television and movies, AKA non-interactive media. To me, a great story portrayed by television and movies (Like Planet Earth, for example,) is easily ruined because it's portrayed through this form of media. It's like going to a dirt-biking stadium with training wheels. Sure, you can still get some thrill out of it, but it's just not the same.
(You'll notice that I left out non-visual media. I simply did this because it's too reliant on content to generalize.)
Now, another thing I've seemed to notice is how media seems to deteriorate when passing between certain mediums, even if it's going up in the ladder. The biggest one's I've noticed are:
Printed Word into Non-Interactive (Example: The Harry Potter movies. Sure, they're interesting for first-timers, but to hardcore fans of the series, there are a lot of disappointments)
Non-Interactive into Interactive (Example: Games based on cartoons or movies, like Spongebob or Spiderman. These are often horribly made in order to make a quick buck, and are never quality pieces of media)
Interactive into Non-Interactive (Example: Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children. I, personally, found the movie rather interesting, but I've never played the game. I'll take the word of the hardcore fans for this one.)
Interactive into Non-Interactive, then back (Exapmle: Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children, again, and it's offspring: Final Fantasy 7: Dirge of Cerberus. Horrible game, even for a Vincent fan like me.)
Strangely enough, any other transition between two mediums is acceptable. Thoughts, anyone?
Hey all. Illy here. No updates today, instead, I'm giving you a little peek into the life of a game developer ;)
Well, first off, I just got a Wii today, and I should be ordering a trio of books by next week (Gamer Theory, Simulacra and Simulation, and the Disgaea Manga.)
And I've been watching Discovery Channel's ever-so-sublime "Planet Earth" series (Against my will, oddly enough.)
So, as you can see, I've been intaking a lot of media as well as outputting it. As such, I've come up with a few conclusions about media in general, and how it's presented:
To me, there seems to be four ways to present media: There is interactive media (Games), printed word (Books, comics, newspaper, etc.), non-visual (Radio, music, etc.), and non-interactive (Movies, television, etc.)
Now, of course, the highest form of media, is of course, interactive. It simply is the most immersing, since one not only listens to the story, but takes command of it.
Next up comes printed word, the second-most immersing form of media. Although it is both the most technologically un-advanced as well as a passive media, I find it that it is almost as immersive as a game for one reason: One has to use his own imagination to visualize the scene the words portray.
Now, in dead-last comes everyone's beloved television and movies, AKA non-interactive media. To me, a great story portrayed by television and movies (Like Planet Earth, for example,) is easily ruined because it's portrayed through this form of media. It's like going to a dirt-biking stadium with training wheels. Sure, you can still get some thrill out of it, but it's just not the same.
(You'll notice that I left out non-visual media. I simply did this because it's too reliant on content to generalize.)
Now, another thing I've seemed to notice is how media seems to deteriorate when passing between certain mediums, even if it's going up in the ladder. The biggest one's I've noticed are:
Printed Word into Non-Interactive (Example: The Harry Potter movies. Sure, they're interesting for first-timers, but to hardcore fans of the series, there are a lot of disappointments)
Non-Interactive into Interactive (Example: Games based on cartoons or movies, like Spongebob or Spiderman. These are often horribly made in order to make a quick buck, and are never quality pieces of media)
Interactive into Non-Interactive (Example: Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children. I, personally, found the movie rather interesting, but I've never played the game. I'll take the word of the hardcore fans for this one.)
Interactive into Non-Interactive, then back (Exapmle: Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children, again, and it's offspring: Final Fantasy 7: Dirge of Cerberus. Horrible game, even for a Vincent fan like me.)
Strangely enough, any other transition between two mediums is acceptable. Thoughts, anyone?
Friday, April 20, 2007
4/23 Viewpoints
Hmmm... Today's homework is about Censorship, something I have rather... mixed feelings about. But I shall speak of those later on in the assignment. First, let us get the ever-so-boring comprehension questions out of the way:
Assume that our next debate will have the resolution, "There should be limits to free speech."
1) For chapter 1, write three things based on the reading that supports the above resolution. This is the "pro" argument.
1. There are a lot of things that ARE indeed censorship, but people usually don't think of them when debating censorship. Examples include banning porn from places children can easily access, and copyright laws.
2. The Founding Fathers and the First Amendment itself weren't against censorship. The First Amendment is a prohibition against the federal government restricting free press.
3. There are several types of censorship that people don't think of as censorship, but as "responsible policy." Trying to ban stealth advertising, for example.
2) For chapter 2, write three things based on the reading that goes against the above resolution. This is the "con" argument.
1. "If only popular ideas were protected, we wouldn't need a First Amendment.
2. Government is more apt to use censorship to prosecute minorities than protect them.
3. Freedom of Expression is Essential to a Free Society.
3) Write a paragraph where you state your opinion on the issue. It should include some evidence from the reading, but it does not have to follow each viewpoint to the letter. You can also include ideas and evidence from other sources or individuals.
Hmmm... at this, I am rather torn. There are certain types of censorship I wholeheartedly believe in, like copyright (especially now that the genius idea known as Creative Commons is now in effect), but me being the game developer I am, there's a lot of censorship in media that I don't quite agree with (Like the mindless drivel Jack Thompson tries to pass). The problem is, the media (and lawyers) tend to hype up the tiniest of subjects, just so they can make money out of it. The most popular, of course, is either
1. Anything that can be connected to people murdering people, no matter how bewildering the connection
2. Any Racist, Sexist, Slanderous, and otherwise mean-spirited things said on air. Apparently, the old adage "Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but words shall never hurt me" only applies to minors.
I would go on to explain my reasoning to this, but I'm sure you'd all find that rather boring. Instead, I shall post a quick excerpt of a chat I had with a friend of mine today. I'm very sure that it's easier to understand a person as you watch him in action, as opposed to him trying to dissect his own thoughts:
(This chat was slightly edited. Don't worry, all I did was clean up some spelling errors, and remove a few out-of-context bits from what we were talking about earlier ;))
"Veronica: so, are you for or against censorship?
me: I'm for certain kinds of censorship
not all of it
I mean, I believe in copyright in stuff
(Especially now that they have creative commons!)
Veronica: lol
me: But not like, y'know, certain kinds of censorship in media
Veronica: what about censoring things that could raise national panic?
me: Well, that depends
Veronica: on what?
5:52 PM me: Give me a situation
because a lot of things people say will raise national panic
but not all do
Like... if I could find it in the packet...
the Pentagon Papers, for example
The papers that were leaked back in the Vietnam war
5:53 PM that explained why they were in the war
5:55 PM everyone said those would cause a bunch of panic
but they didn't
5:56 PM Veronica: hmm... lemme think up a situation...
5:57 PM umm... hmm...
pictures of the war in Iraq, or of soldiers dieing
5:58 PM if people saw those, they could press stronger against the president in trying to stop it
your opinion?
5:59 PM me: Well...
Sure, that causes some... unrest in some people
but they throw those out already, and I see no riots in the streets
well...
not often.
Veronica: point taken
6:00 PM do you think the government should allow the photos to be printed?
me: Of course!
Veronica: mhmm
what about slander?
6:01 PM me: Hmmm...
Veronica: or anything that can make the president look bad, even if it's true?
me: That's a tough one
For sure, false statements shouldn't be allowed if they're slanderous
but the true ones...
hmmm...
6:02 PM Veronica: because, obviously, false statements aren't protected by the first amendment, but those that are true are
me: mhmm
Veronica: so by trying to keep the president's image, aren't the Bill of Rights being violated?
6:03 PM me: I suppose, yes.
Although, my knowledge of such politics is... lacking XD (EDITORS NOTE: Apparently, America has become so media-driven that a man has to waste his life in front of some passive medium, like a television, just to keep up with the modern day world, eh?)
6:04 PM Veronica: but on the other hand, people want to be able to trust their president, and isn't there a saying "Ignorance is bliss"? some people think what they don't know wont hurt them, but is that really a good reason to hold potentally thought provoking information?
6:05 PM opinions?
me: Ignorance IS bliss, true, BUT...
Knowledge IS power, no?
6:06 PM So I suppose, if you don't like, don't listen.
Veronica: but should the information be available?
me: yes
6:07 PM Hey, do you mind if I use this chat as part of my homework today?
I'm sure a few people would find it rather interesting :D"
END OF LINE. STANDBY FOR OBLIGATORY EE PLUG:
So, throughout the production of Eternity's End so far, I've been really experimenting with the concept of a virtual office (Partly inspired by Tom Clancy's talk of it in "Teeth of the Tiger"). Until now, I've only been recruiting classmates and close friends, so I can still meet up with them in person if the Virtual office fails.
Well, I feel confident, and feel like stepping up this concept to the next level. Now's the time to, ah, "overcome topography through the use of the topological plane", as McKenzie Wark's "Gamer Theory" would probably put it.
I've decided that I MAY be publicly hiring for the last main voice-acting job, the voice of the younger of the two princesses of Kakana and the mercenary team's only Kunoichi, Dimona. However, I'm going to be a lot more strict. You gotta go through an audition, of sorts. In reality, that just means email us, I'll send you back a little script, and you send me back the soundclips.
I warn you though, since this is a REALLY BIG test on the concept of a virtual office, you gotta be serious about this. That doesn't necessarily mean putting in 16+ hours of work a day (Although I would love it if you do ;)), but just that you don't fall behind too much.
Oh, there are also a bunch of little jobs up for grabs, too. These are only a few lines or so, so these aren't as serious ;) For all genders, too!
Also, if anyone is good at designing towns, I really need help in that. I'm horrible at it.
So, if anyone is interested, mail us at eternitysendrecruiting@gmail.com
Assume that our next debate will have the resolution, "There should be limits to free speech."
1) For chapter 1, write three things based on the reading that supports the above resolution. This is the "pro" argument.
1. There are a lot of things that ARE indeed censorship, but people usually don't think of them when debating censorship. Examples include banning porn from places children can easily access, and copyright laws.
2. The Founding Fathers and the First Amendment itself weren't against censorship. The First Amendment is a prohibition against the federal government restricting free press.
3. There are several types of censorship that people don't think of as censorship, but as "responsible policy." Trying to ban stealth advertising, for example.
2) For chapter 2, write three things based on the reading that goes against the above resolution. This is the "con" argument.
1. "If only popular ideas were protected, we wouldn't need a First Amendment.
2. Government is more apt to use censorship to prosecute minorities than protect them.
3. Freedom of Expression is Essential to a Free Society.
3) Write a paragraph where you state your opinion on the issue. It should include some evidence from the reading, but it does not have to follow each viewpoint to the letter. You can also include ideas and evidence from other sources or individuals.
Hmmm... at this, I am rather torn. There are certain types of censorship I wholeheartedly believe in, like copyright (especially now that the genius idea known as Creative Commons is now in effect), but me being the game developer I am, there's a lot of censorship in media that I don't quite agree with (Like the mindless drivel Jack Thompson tries to pass). The problem is, the media (and lawyers) tend to hype up the tiniest of subjects, just so they can make money out of it. The most popular, of course, is either
1. Anything that can be connected to people murdering people, no matter how bewildering the connection
2. Any Racist, Sexist, Slanderous, and otherwise mean-spirited things said on air. Apparently, the old adage "Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but words shall never hurt me" only applies to minors.
I would go on to explain my reasoning to this, but I'm sure you'd all find that rather boring. Instead, I shall post a quick excerpt of a chat I had with a friend of mine today. I'm very sure that it's easier to understand a person as you watch him in action, as opposed to him trying to dissect his own thoughts:
(This chat was slightly edited. Don't worry, all I did was clean up some spelling errors, and remove a few out-of-context bits from what we were talking about earlier ;))
"Veronica: so, are you for or against censorship?
me: I'm for certain kinds of censorship
not all of it
I mean, I believe in copyright in stuff
(Especially now that they have creative commons!)
Veronica: lol
me: But not like, y'know, certain kinds of censorship in media
Veronica: what about censoring things that could raise national panic?
me: Well, that depends
Veronica: on what?
5:52 PM me: Give me a situation
because a lot of things people say will raise national panic
but not all do
Like... if I could find it in the packet...
the Pentagon Papers, for example
The papers that were leaked back in the Vietnam war
5:53 PM that explained why they were in the war
5:55 PM everyone said those would cause a bunch of panic
but they didn't
5:56 PM Veronica: hmm... lemme think up a situation...
5:57 PM umm... hmm...
pictures of the war in Iraq, or of soldiers dieing
5:58 PM if people saw those, they could press stronger against the president in trying to stop it
your opinion?
5:59 PM me: Well...
Sure, that causes some... unrest in some people
but they throw those out already, and I see no riots in the streets
well...
not often.
Veronica: point taken
6:00 PM do you think the government should allow the photos to be printed?
me: Of course!
Veronica: mhmm
what about slander?
6:01 PM me: Hmmm...
Veronica: or anything that can make the president look bad, even if it's true?
me: That's a tough one
For sure, false statements shouldn't be allowed if they're slanderous
but the true ones...
hmmm...
6:02 PM Veronica: because, obviously, false statements aren't protected by the first amendment, but those that are true are
me: mhmm
Veronica: so by trying to keep the president's image, aren't the Bill of Rights being violated?
6:03 PM me: I suppose, yes.
Although, my knowledge of such politics is... lacking XD (EDITORS NOTE: Apparently, America has become so media-driven that a man has to waste his life in front of some passive medium, like a television, just to keep up with the modern day world, eh?)
6:04 PM Veronica: but on the other hand, people want to be able to trust their president, and isn't there a saying "Ignorance is bliss"? some people think what they don't know wont hurt them, but is that really a good reason to hold potentally thought provoking information?
6:05 PM opinions?
me: Ignorance IS bliss, true, BUT...
Knowledge IS power, no?
6:06 PM So I suppose, if you don't like, don't listen.
Veronica: but should the information be available?
me: yes
6:07 PM Hey, do you mind if I use this chat as part of my homework today?
I'm sure a few people would find it rather interesting :D"
END OF LINE. STANDBY FOR OBLIGATORY EE PLUG:
So, throughout the production of Eternity's End so far, I've been really experimenting with the concept of a virtual office (Partly inspired by Tom Clancy's talk of it in "Teeth of the Tiger"). Until now, I've only been recruiting classmates and close friends, so I can still meet up with them in person if the Virtual office fails.
Well, I feel confident, and feel like stepping up this concept to the next level. Now's the time to, ah, "overcome topography through the use of the topological plane", as McKenzie Wark's "Gamer Theory" would probably put it.
I've decided that I MAY be publicly hiring for the last main voice-acting job, the voice of the younger of the two princesses of Kakana and the mercenary team's only Kunoichi, Dimona. However, I'm going to be a lot more strict. You gotta go through an audition, of sorts. In reality, that just means email us, I'll send you back a little script, and you send me back the soundclips.
I warn you though, since this is a REALLY BIG test on the concept of a virtual office, you gotta be serious about this. That doesn't necessarily mean putting in 16+ hours of work a day (Although I would love it if you do ;)), but just that you don't fall behind too much.
Oh, there are also a bunch of little jobs up for grabs, too. These are only a few lines or so, so these aren't as serious ;) For all genders, too!
Also, if anyone is good at designing towns, I really need help in that. I'm horrible at it.
So, if anyone is interested, mail us at eternitysendrecruiting@gmail.com
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