Post by hookonsonic2 on Oct 13, 2011 16:31:20 GMT -6
For all of our fellow new-comers and perhaps our current members, this thread is dedicated to providing all people with the general information about our project, including (but not limited to) software, methods, techniques, scheduling, etiquette, and roles. For certain reasons, only an admin may edit this post. Regular members much ask an administrator, such as hookonsonic2, isentar, brian, hissara, XT-421, or twilitbeing. Please note that hookonsonic2 and isentar are the only regular admins, so inform us of any wanted changes to this thread since we're the only ones that are logged on often enough to see them.
Our general info is as follows:
Software:
We prefer the use of free software. As this project is done voluntarily, we would rather not have to accept donations to pay for expensive software or resort to illegal methods to obtain said software. We currently use the following software:
Blender; used for modeling, animation, and a "beta" game engine until we can sort out bugs with other possible engines. It has many of the features that can be found in other expensive programs and is relatively easy to learn and use.
MuseScore; used for designing music. It can create sheet music and can export to a variety of formats, so it is our best option until we can find other free yet professional methods of audio design.
MikuMikuDance; A simple 3D animator popular with dancing videos. It is not compatible with Blender, so we will probably use it for cutscenes if anything.
PMDeditor; Is the program that you use to make or edit models for MikuMikuDance. The english version still has a lot of Japanese writing. As far as I know, it's the only editor compatible with MikuMikuDance.
Methods:
This section is a bit trickier to explain, so bear with me.
File sharing: We use Dropbox for all of our file sharing needs. Unlike websites such as rapidshare, mediafire, and megaupload, Dropbox is a service that doubles as both an online resource AND a program that can be run on your computer. Online, it works like most other sites, containing a file system that works similarly to your own computer. As a program, it works as any regular folder on your computer, but it is automatically synced with everyone else. This allows us to instantly share new and updated files without having to post links to download sites and stuff like that. It is completely free, and details for signing up are located in this thread: www.bpskotch.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=info&action=display&thread=84&page=1
Work assignments: Being a voluntary group, we don't ever force anyone to perform certain deeds. By telling us about yourself in the sign-ups thread, we can learn about your skills and talents. If you would like to submit some kind of work, please let us know in the appropriate section. This allows all of us to know what is going on so that we can offer advice, constructive criticism, and simple guidelines. Please, don't ever feel pressured to "show us your stuff." You don't need to show off for us. Please take your time and submit things on your own time.
Communication: Without communication, we'd fall apart in the blink of an eye. For any general things, we have appropriate sections on the forums. We have a section where you can ask questions, discuss the various areas of development, or talk about general off-topic things not necessarily related to this project. For all private matters that are meant to be kept between specific people, please use the forum's private messaging system. Do not try to send emails, as some people choose to keep them hidden or may not always check certain emails.
Etiquette:
Like any place of work, you are to conduct yourself in a general manner. We do not allow any form of harassment. All instances of harassment will be dealt with upon further investigation by the admins. Do not start "flame wars", as this distracts from the purpose of our project. If you are going to get into a debate of sorts, then keep it in the private messaging system and NOT in the public posting areas. Saying that another person's work is "lame" or "dumb" or "stupid" will not be tolerated. Constructive criticism, please. Any issues that arise should be presented to an admin through a private message so as not to cause any problems with other members.'
That should just about wrap us up. For further questions, please post them in our questions section. If you would like any further information to be added or edited to this post, please contact one of the main administrators listed at the beginning of this post.
This thread will remain locked to prevent any possible un-needed posts by non-administrators. To all other administrators, feel free to make reasonable edits.
Our general info is as follows:
Software:
We prefer the use of free software. As this project is done voluntarily, we would rather not have to accept donations to pay for expensive software or resort to illegal methods to obtain said software. We currently use the following software:
Blender; used for modeling, animation, and a "beta" game engine until we can sort out bugs with other possible engines. It has many of the features that can be found in other expensive programs and is relatively easy to learn and use.
MuseScore; used for designing music. It can create sheet music and can export to a variety of formats, so it is our best option until we can find other free yet professional methods of audio design.
MikuMikuDance; A simple 3D animator popular with dancing videos. It is not compatible with Blender, so we will probably use it for cutscenes if anything.
PMDeditor; Is the program that you use to make or edit models for MikuMikuDance. The english version still has a lot of Japanese writing. As far as I know, it's the only editor compatible with MikuMikuDance.
Methods:
This section is a bit trickier to explain, so bear with me.
File sharing: We use Dropbox for all of our file sharing needs. Unlike websites such as rapidshare, mediafire, and megaupload, Dropbox is a service that doubles as both an online resource AND a program that can be run on your computer. Online, it works like most other sites, containing a file system that works similarly to your own computer. As a program, it works as any regular folder on your computer, but it is automatically synced with everyone else. This allows us to instantly share new and updated files without having to post links to download sites and stuff like that. It is completely free, and details for signing up are located in this thread: www.bpskotch.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=info&action=display&thread=84&page=1
Work assignments: Being a voluntary group, we don't ever force anyone to perform certain deeds. By telling us about yourself in the sign-ups thread, we can learn about your skills and talents. If you would like to submit some kind of work, please let us know in the appropriate section. This allows all of us to know what is going on so that we can offer advice, constructive criticism, and simple guidelines. Please, don't ever feel pressured to "show us your stuff." You don't need to show off for us. Please take your time and submit things on your own time.
Communication: Without communication, we'd fall apart in the blink of an eye. For any general things, we have appropriate sections on the forums. We have a section where you can ask questions, discuss the various areas of development, or talk about general off-topic things not necessarily related to this project. For all private matters that are meant to be kept between specific people, please use the forum's private messaging system. Do not try to send emails, as some people choose to keep them hidden or may not always check certain emails.
Etiquette:
Like any place of work, you are to conduct yourself in a general manner. We do not allow any form of harassment. All instances of harassment will be dealt with upon further investigation by the admins. Do not start "flame wars", as this distracts from the purpose of our project. If you are going to get into a debate of sorts, then keep it in the private messaging system and NOT in the public posting areas. Saying that another person's work is "lame" or "dumb" or "stupid" will not be tolerated. Constructive criticism, please. Any issues that arise should be presented to an admin through a private message so as not to cause any problems with other members.'
That should just about wrap us up. For further questions, please post them in our questions section. If you would like any further information to be added or edited to this post, please contact one of the main administrators listed at the beginning of this post.
This thread will remain locked to prevent any possible un-needed posts by non-administrators. To all other administrators, feel free to make reasonable edits.