A reasonable expanation pehaps?
I have noticed a downward trend in the CFS2 forum which I feel needs addressing.
I have 2 comments here:
#1 - it's summer
(in the northern hemisphere) ... many people are outside enjoying the warm weather, not sitting at the PC nearly as much as they do in the cold winter months. Most people take their vacations during this time of year.
#2 - to the best of my knowledge; this (SOH) is the largest & busiest CFS2 forum & database on the internet.
For some developers out there, we feel that there has been a significant decline in the amount of appreciation expressed when a new item is released.
Particularly for those who design missions and campaigns, and especially those that are historically-based, (I'm not just referring to myself here, I'm also including other developers who may back me on this if they wish) there is a significant amount of research which goes into constructing these projects, and most of us have jobs and children, which means that we have only limited time to work on our beloved hobby.
Given those facts, it's understandable that some of us get frustrated when we get very little feedback for other CFS2 members. Please note that I'm not just referring to "atta boy" messages, I'm also talking about constructive criticism...
It makes it kind of hard to know what campaigns or missions to do if you don't offer suggestions and ideas on what it is you want to fly. Frankly, it also makes it hard for developers to get motivated to do these products, considering that they're freeware, if we don't get occasional praise for our work.
Re: feedback
Have either of you Gentlemen
(Rami & Talon) stopped to consider that even though your campaigns have been downloaded, that they have not yet been installed and flown by everyone?
hence - little or no feedback. To me; this is probably the major reason.
As I said earlier, summer is a slow time. I've been kicking around this forum for more than a few years and things slow down at this time
every year. The statistics don't lie; even Skype has had less users on-line daily since June.
(down aprx. 15 - 20% when compared to the winter)
I'm sure you'll both know when your work is being flown as that's when the questions will start & user problems will appear. Until then, relax & enjoy what's left of the summer. -
except for Talon, cuz it's always summertime for him!!
Why do we make stuff for CFS2?
I had this discussion with a senior member 5 years ago
(when I wuz just a 'noob" or "Dirt-let"???).
What is more fun ... flying CFS2 or mucking around with it?
For me, mucking around inside the program for sure! Learning the inner workings of CFS2 taught me how programs work and opened the door to understanding how to apply this knowledge to other apps.
We always do things for a reason. This
usually boils down to 2 possibilities:
(1) we do it to expand our knowledge and abilities; to test new theories or for the simple joy of creating something that others can enjoy too.
or
(2) we do it for glory & praise from our peers.
Personally I do it for reason #1.
Because I LOVE CFS2; but I noodle around with it MORE than fly in it. Most of my contributions have been in private discussions or Skype conference calls. Figuring out new things, trying to solve old problems and helping to find solutions to new problems encountered by others.
Recently I became aware that sometime vital was needed for a new campaign. This
(I thought) had been produced by someone else, but learned that it had been lost due to two unfortunate accidents.
So I stepped up & made a complete Canadian screenpack for the ETO. Funny thing is that
I DON'T FLY IN THE ETO!
But I had the ability to make it, I'm a Canadian & it was needed. Add to this the fact that I have only 2 previous uploads & had not uploaded anything in 2 years.
(mostly because I've been concentrating on Vietnam-4-CFS2)
I enjoyed making the screenpack and am pleased with the end result. It's not nearly as good as the one that was lost ... but it's better than nuthin!
I know others will use it although I doubt that I ever will;
BUT I will always have the personal satisfaction of knowing I created something useful for my fellow CFS2ers -
and that is enough for me.
There is great joy to be found in creating something .... and a greater joy when those creations are shared with others.
Do whatever you wish in life or CFS2 - just understand your motivations and be honest with yourselves.
.
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