Folks, please don't degenerate into any kind of flame war.
- Yes, perhaps I reacted a bit harshly to certain posts, but I have an unfortunate tendency to do this periodically. L.Lumpy is at least partly correct in the way that years and years of sometimes-less-than-polite posts can grate, and more than a little correct in terms of the agita that my hardware problems are causing me. I do feel a responsibility toward those who are supporting me, and am more than a little depressed at the delays this is causing.
- I have zero problem with people deciding that this project doesn't match their preferred kinks, and wish them well in finding a game that does. A propos #1, however, I do sometimes wish that those people would simply move on rather than feel that they just have to drop some kind of "this game sucks because it doesn't have X in it" comment into the forum. Remember Mom saying "If you can't say something nice..."?
- Clarifying that last sentence, I do NOT consider constructive criticism or politely phrased requests as being "not nice." However, this project is what it is, and just because something is requested (regardless of how stridently) I will not guarantee that it will appear. But given the time and energy I've put into this project, sometimes it's hard not to take some of the negative comments personally. Yes, I know, I should have thicker skin. But, at times, I don't. This i
- That being said, you might consider looking at this for some of the things that it isn't...
OK, that's enough on that subject. I hope all of you are finding projects on this site that please you.
**Lowers flamethrower**
**Slips lighter back in pocket**
As I see it, there are a couple things I need to do here. 1. Explain my careless one line comment, and, 2. Apologize.
Shit.
So, I'm a writer. I have had a fair amount of experience with both getting and giving reviews. I have also had my fair share of having my work rejected, ridiculed, and malinged, only to then have the same piece of work given major writing awards and kudos from tons of readers. It comes with the territory. I can't write to suit everybody's tastes and I know that. I tell the best story I can and understand that, when it's in the hands of my readers it becomes their story.
As such, I'm completely comfortable with hearing and giving comments like, "This part of the story feels clunky, you need more dialogue and less narrative." Or, "I hate this character, he doesn't fit and has no buiness being in this story at all." Or, even, "If X doesn't happen later in the story I'm going to be pissed." Again, it comes with the territory. If you are a creative type, you need to be prepared for critique. The good ones know that, if approached right, it can be your best tool for getting better.
So, in my one line my response, I commented briefly about plotline, character arc and my personal feelings about both. I did not address concept, writing skills, CG skills, or any other attribute of the game developer, personal or professional.
That said... I could have, and should have, been more thoughtful in making my comment. It was far too brief and did not provide any of the context that I just provided above. That's my mistake and I sincerely apologize for making it.
Before this flared up, I shared some DMs with Rich (about a completely different part of the story) and was very impressed with his openess to review and his willingess to consider other people's ideas. He is a great guy. (Actually, one of the most friendly and personable developers I've had the pleasure of visiting with here.)
If you haven't seen it yet, click on his other page,
Scenes That Didn't Happen, It's the first time I've seen a developer open himself (and his story) up to allow his fans to suggest other possibilities for the story that they are all excited about.
So, tldr; I truly meant no personal disparagement with my comment and I regret that it caused any discontent and/or hubub. (Though hubub is really not all that bad it tiddies and tushies are involved. I will stand on that truth.)
Great VN Rich, as I mentioned in my more developed review on the other page, you kept me awake all one night feeling Parker's angst, Melissa's guilt, and Bill's perversion. You're talent shines throughout this effort. I'd appreciate talking with you more about your approach to scene and/or story development.
Peace
