Profile for moonear

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Displayed name	moonear
Member number	5410
Title	Infiltrator
Postcount	687
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Registered	Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00

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Author	Recent posts
Global Warming or Global Cooling in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Monday, June 6 2005 05:29 Profile #41 quote: Frankly, I can't give you any links, as I don't gather my information from internet. Part of this information was taken from a TV documentary I saw a year back, some info was taken from 'CD-facta 97' by WSOY, and most was gathered from those dozens of science magazines I've read. The implication I get from this is that the internet is not a reliable form of information dissemination. As in any research of any merit, one must look at the references attached and determine the quality of the source. The FORM the media is delivered is irrelevant. At least one of the links cited comes in a document form that was REPRODUCED in electronic form - the electronic form is not the primary source merely the most accessible source. At least by giving the links readers can do their own assesment as to the quality of the source - many dozens of "science" magazines may included pop journals, documents that aren't rigorously assessed by peers or even unrefereed journals. Sorry, I cannot accept unamed sources as reliable. Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
Who are you? and What's your IQ? in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Monday, June 6 2005 04:59 Profile #196 It's interesting to note that in surveys of engineering grads, recent graduates wish most strongly that they had been able to take more course at the undergrad level in their field of practice, while older grads wished they had been able to take more "horizon expanding" courses in arts, sciences and humanities. University is more about developing the ability to be a critical thinker, to have skills of acquiring new knowledge, determining its value and finding use for that knowledge then about developing a specific skill set. The ability to learn is not a natural skill, but is acquired through time and effort. That being said, university still plays a vital role in acquiring specific skill sets needed by employers and needs to work better with employers in meeting those needs of its graduates. Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
Global Warming or Global Cooling in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Friday, June 3 2005 09:35 Profile #25 Heres my two cents: Temperature data showing global heat warming has been heavily skewed due to proximity to urban centres. That is, locations that once were quite rural are now being affected by urban growth, with cities acting as heat sinks. Thus, temperature data from these locations WILL show increased warming, but the warming is lcal in nature only. Check out this ling for temperature data from locations that remain rural, some data goes back more than 50 years, and none of the data shows ANY conclusive evidence for global warming. http://www.john-daly.com/stations/stations.htm#Canadian%20Arctic Next, as far as the scientific community being at one with the idea of global warming, here is an article that discounts the major theory, signed by over 17,000 scientists (look at the number of Phd's as well as the expert qualifications for many of these scientists. http://www.geocities.com/kekogut/population/Globlw4.pdf I'd also like to comment on fears that oil will run out in the next 20 to 50 years. If you trace the use of energy throughout history you will note a progression, from the burning of wood, to using wood to create charcoal, to coal, to oil. Nearing the end of each stage there have usually been warnings about the rapid depletion of resources and the unsustainability of energy use. None of this has come to pass. Oil too will be a transitional energy form. The question is really do we have enough oil to reach the next transition. Given that traditional oil reserves are being supplemented with bio-fuels, extraction from tarsands and gasification of coal, technology advances allowing access to deeper reserves and greater utilization of existing reserves, I question the fear-mongering tactics being used to harpoon oil and oil-based economies. Environmental awareness IS important, but to achieve environmental awareness we are far better off linking real, tangible concerns to acheivable goals as fear-mongering eventually dulls the senses - witness the boy who cried wolf and chicken little. Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
Ferion in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Thursday, June 2 2005 10:44 Profile #13 "oh" I send you a link to one of the greatest movies of all time and that is all you can say? This is not just a western, it is a genre changing icon creating movies whos reach went beyond the fabled silver screen. It launched the career of Clint Eastwood, who as a director and movie star scaled the very heights of both critical and commercial success, as well as enterign the political arean (on and off screen). And Sergio, can more be said about the fabled director? His use of the soundtrack, understated dialogue, and complex characterizations - I mean he not only breathed new life into a dying genre (OK it is practically dead again) but he also changed the fabic of movies outside the genre. seeing is believing - highly recommended viewing here. Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
Ferion in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Thursday, June 2 2005 10:08 Profile #11 Movie reference. http://www.clinteastwood.net/welcome2.html Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
Ferion in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Thursday, June 2 2005 09:51 Profile #9 It's "A Fistful of Dollars" Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
Why do you like BoE but not BoA? in Blades of Exile
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Thursday, June 2 2005 09:47 Profile #44 Here are more recent comments that did not merit warnings: quote: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Originally written by Hawk King: if you meant I should have had the sense not to say I support bush because people who do not like him would rate me bad I knew perfectly well that would happen when I posted. And I really don't care -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No, I meant that people with sense don't support Bush, so in essence or a sense, I was supporting the other camp. Savvy? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Well, at least not all Americans are stupid then. "What crack are you smoking?!?!" I like your logic, Mr. Goebbels. So, in the first comment there is an implication the Bush supporters have no sense, the second comment advocates that some Americans are stupid, the third comment addresses lunacy in the form of mind-altering drugs and the fourth comment calls another person a Nazi of the worst sort (are there any good Nazi's). I would suggest that "half-wit" and "children" are mild admonishments campared to the above - OK, perhaps not the first comment, it seems on par with the tone of my two earlier statements. -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
Why do you like BoE but not BoA? in Blades of Exile
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Thursday, June 2 2005 09:23 Profile #43 So, I take that priviledged few are allowed to make sexual innuendo, denigrate others or call into question the character of another. Is it because of my relative few posts that I am being singled out for rudeness? Or, (heaven forbid) is there a movement to create a greater level of propriety on the boards - will I see others called to task for comments similar to the ones I cited in my earlier post? -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
Why do you like BoE but not BoA? in Blades of Exile
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Thursday, June 2 2005 09:12 Profile #41 Quotes from earlier posts: they're all philistines who want to live out their Conan the Barbarian wet dreams. I think we'd all appreciate it if you stayed away from Kel's privates. What privates? Then there is the always useful "go to hell" aimed directly at one individual and the ever descriptive graphic ^o^ None of these merit aeven a raised eyebrow yet "half-wit" does? Perhaps no-wit would be better? Or maybe I should of used a sexual slang (as from above it appears that is A-OK)? Really children, grow up. It was so obviously a slur against Kel that no credit should have been given to the comment. ALos, if you note from earlier posts, I actually have a high regard for the individual, at least as it extends to the type of scenarios created. -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
Why do you like BoE but not BoA? in Blades of Exile
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Wednesday, June 1 2005 12:03 Profile #35 OK half-wit, read between the lines. Wait, you cannot do that, let me fill in what was implied. quote: On that point, BoE is more engaging (to me) as one feels more "immersed" in the world of Avernum. -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
Why do you like BoE but not BoA? in Blades of Exile
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Wednesday, June 1 2005 07:34 Profile #33 I think we play these games for technical merit over graphical pleasure (there are better 2D and 3D graphics in a myraid of other games). On that point, BoE is more engaging as one feels more "immersed" in the world of Avernum. This may be partly the maturity of scenarios out there for BoE vs BoA, partly the criper graphics and/or better dialogue interactivity. That being said, I played BoA first and still enjoy it as I am able to participate in its development (although not as a designer). I am curious to see what designers will do with the engine. -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
PC personalities in Blades of Avernum
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Wednesday, June 1 2005 04:37 Profile #25 I don't consider this a flamewar, just a friendly discussion on interpretation of art. In fact, looking back at the posts it has been remarkably free of mud-slinging. Malachai and myself, we see the world from diiferent perspectives, both from creative needs and interpretive positions. And, it appears there are others who do so as well. -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
PC personalities in Blades of Avernum
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Tuesday, May 31 2005 12:25 Profile #22 Designer creativity and player creativity are often at two ends of the pole. Where a designer makes virtually all choices for a player, the player is limited in interacting with the game in a compelling manner, neither engaging my intellect or my curiosity. At the other end of the spectrum is where nothing is constrained and one meanders without purpose - again failing to engage strong interest. Likened to art, an artist does not simply create art and them tell the masses what it must mean. Art is presented and allowed to create responses in people, some intended some unintended. Player creativity in a game engine can be likened to response to art, it is an interpretation of the vision. Repeatability also has value, such as using different combinations of characters/solo vs. group effort, attempting to win using handicaps (and finding that different scenarios respond to different handicaps). This has as much (or more)value in providing new experiences as playing entirely new scenarios. I do not have problems with an artist who argues cogently for a specific vison and pushes the envelope to try and attain that within a community. The difficulty I have is with an insistence that a certain path is the only path to walk. Such force strikes me as belligerence and intolerence. -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
PC personalities in Blades of Avernum
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Monday, May 30 2005 10:53 Profile #14 I can accept that a designer is compelled to create something new, as an author is driven to write new stories. As an author who works well within a genre is forced to push boundaries or to change elements of his/her writing (shyle, characters, plot elements…) a good designer will also push the boundaries of the tools he/she works with (game engine, plot devices, dialogue). This is why I appreciate elements of Canopy such as the new spells (horribly named though they be) that allows oneself to explore new modes of strategy. What I think certain designers fail to understand is that when a game player is compelled to follow game play only as specifically directed by the designer at very rigid times and in a very specific manner the environment fails the player. Designers who preach creativity for themselves and limit creativity for players code stagnancy directly into their “artwork”. As a player, to try an unintended (by the designer) strategy and fail is far better then to be compelled to follow the directions of the controlling “artist”. This gives the gameplay meaning and richness, and repeatability. It becomes a struggle to find the winning strategy, or to beat the design with a unique strategy. Inasmuch as one compares himself/herself to an artist then one must also look at an artists response to created art – it is put on display and is allowed for others to determine its meaning. Rarely does an artist create a work and then tell the public exactly how that art is to be interpreted, where it is to be displayed, the audience that should view it, conditions of display etc. In an open gaming community such design could be, and should be, interpreted as intolerant, heavy handed and filled with self-importance. Designing for oneself is very different from designing for others. Design scenarios that meet your needs, expose them to others if you wish, but don’t be pissed off if they don’t come to the same conclusions/accept your interpretations. -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
PC personalities in Blades of Avernum
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Monday, May 30 2005 06:06 Profile #11 Blades is not just an artfrom. Blades graphics, coding and plotlines all have artistic elements to them but the primary purpose for the majority of users is to create an interactive, entertaining environment and to share that environment with others. Perhaps this is why I don't play certain scenarios, because the "art" alone is not sufficient merit for me to spend time in that environment. Control freaks who need to force their view of merit on others, well they lack maturity and/or self-confidence. I note this also comes through in the quality of writing in their posts. If you cannot defend yourself, make infantile barbs at others to deflect the argument away from one's own inadequacy. -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
Combat in Canopy Poll in Blades of Avernum
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Friday, May 6 2005 07:00 Profile #26 quote: Don't play this game. No Access, Locked, non-admin accounts having No Access. (That means you can't even COPY the script.) Point is, I can win the being-an-***** game. And honestly, I think some scenarios need to be hard. Some scenarios need to bring out the best aspects of combat and not have it be spoiled by neophytes. Some scenarios should be achievements. I probably won't make higher-level parties mandatory, but I am most definitely considering locking the text files and including a level uphike for enemies when a given party is massively above the level intended. Since most of the challenges are script-based, this should not be a problem. If the point of the scenario is for the designer to control every aspect of the game play then why bother releasing it to the public. Enjoy your neat coding and game trickspat yourself on the back and have a cold drink to celebrate. Personally, I prefer those who release scenarios and allow players to determine how they will obtain enjoyment from playing. If I want to use a God party and make winnning the scenario mundane and predetermined, but I find enjoyment from that so be it (My preference is to rely on the designers recommendation and try at or a little above the recommendation). If one wants to be a God designer, so be it. I will keep my God parties (and all other parties) out of those scenarios on principle alone. -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00**
Least Fun Scenarios in Blades of Avernum
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Wednesday, May 4 2005 11:42 Profile #9 quote: Undead Valley was never officially distributed. The testing version just leaked. I've nearly finished the latest test, so hopefully all of the bugs will be gone, and people will like the new surprise ending. (Which lets me put Renmtar-Ihnro in it without people complaining.) That's good news. Never played it as the reviews were horrible enough to warn me off. -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
Least Fun Scenarios in Blades of Avernum
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Wednesday, May 4 2005 11:00 Profile #7 Let's beat him to the punch. I tolerated EM and couldn't stand RoR. After Canopy, I will likely never play another of his scenarios. If he designs scenarios for his own pleasure he can ignore this post but if he wants others to enjoy his creations and give them validity, it ain't coming from me. -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
Least Fun Scenarios in Blades of Avernum
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Wednesday, May 4 2005 10:38 Profile #4 Hmm, interesting. Look at the favorites poll (which only gave one option) and this one. Canopy, love it or hate it, no middle ground. -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
Least Fun Scenarios in Blades of Avernum
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Wednesday, May 4 2005 10:25 Profile #3 Babysitting, RoR and Canopy - all filled with characters too simple to be interesting. Canopy had interesting tricks but all flash and glitter without substance. In fact, I prefer those who design to be interesting in the characters, combat and plot first and then design interesting tools that advance these aims. -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
LP Nethergate graphics in Blades of Avernum
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Thursday, April 14 2005 07:21 Profile #6 I am attempting to spread mayhem throughout the SW world. Reality: no new scenario from me, but I am looking forward to more scenarios in Rome. -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
LP Nethergate graphics in Blades of Avernum
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Thursday, April 14 2005 06:54 Profile #4 Love the idea of taking the BOA engine into a new world. New opportunities for interesting storylines and scenario dynamics (i.e., no magic creates new fight dynamics). So, if you're going into new worlds, for sure a new look on the party. I'm currently coding a scenario to take place in Hugh's mansion (Hefner that is). Everyone's in thongs and mono-kini's (women) or full blown tuxedos (the guys, they have dignity and self respect). -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
Phaedra in Blades of Avernum
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Friday, April 8 2005 05:07 Profile #34 Har Har Hardee Har Har. You folks have given me humor for the day, perhaps longer. Thoroughly entertaining. You know, I played the scenario and barely noticed what the poor lady was wearing. Perhaps I have not been sexually traumatized enough to notice these things, or perhaps I am more interested in storyline and plot development. Playing the scenario, I was intrigued by the mystery of Phaedra and actively sought out what makes her "tick". Excellent character, entertaining and multi-faceted. And again I say Har Har Hadee Har Har :D -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
Lord Putidus (The Darkness) Released! in Blades of Avernum
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Tuesday, April 5 2005 11:45 Profile #45 quote: That point of view is EXACTLY what the scenario is speaking towards. AHH, I knew you had a reason, I'm just trying to justify using the scenario editor rather than replaying. Thoroughly enjoying the test. Keep writing scenarios. -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
Lord Putidus (The Darkness) Released! in Blades of Avernum
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Tuesday, April 5 2005 08:02 Profile #41 Yeah well, I tried to heal him. The GAME DESIGNER didn't include that feature OR THE ABILITY TO TAKE HIM TO SAFETY. I couldn't even drag him to his bread. Another thought (and this is really cold). If I kill him first then take the bread it isn't really stealing. And this should please Puditus since I am just finishing off what he failed to do. Plus, Collanitus has nothing to live for, thus should be looking for death (right to die, active euthanasia) -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00

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