Re: [HoE] Character Generator News - All Users Please Read (Long)

[Jeffery D Vogan <phelan@eriecoast.com>]

Can't wait James. I have both DLCG and HOECG and they both are great.. Can't
wait for the new versions and Yes, I would be willing to shell out $5 for these
prog on CD.

James Cook wrote:

> Greetings,
>
>     I've run into a significant issue involving distribution of the new
> Brave New World character generator that I'd like to get your feedback on.
> Before all of you DLCG and HOECG users stop reading, a warning: this will
> effect you too if you plan to get the next versions of those packages.
>
>     Some background info: when I began working on the BNWCG, I made the
> decision to move the code up to the most current version of Visual Basic, in
> order to take advantage of some new tools. One of these is is Microsoft's
> new database access technology, called ADO. ADO is used in Office2000, IE5,
> and all future Microsoft software, until they come up with a new one in a
> few months. Think the Flash Gordon movie here ("Do you, Ming, take this
> woman to be your wife for as long as you both shall live....or until such
> time as you grow weary of her?") No, I'm not bitter :)
>
>     But I digress. My plans are to upgrade the DL and HOE packages the same
> way. Why? Because some other advantages will allow me to make updates
> significantly faster and easier, which means that you folks won't have to
> wait as long for updates, and I won't have to be as embarrased by the fact
> that the DLCG is WAYYY behind schedule.
>
>     After getting the Brave New World character generator ready for install
> testing, Microsoft has provided me with a rude surprise. It seems that in
> order for the new database access method that I'm using to work, I'll be
> required to distribute several more megabytes of DLL files. This isn't
> really an issue if I'm distributing on CD-ROM, but as an Internet download
> it's a big deal. I'm very sensitive to the concerns of folks who have slow
> connections (like my own at home), and going from a 4MB download to a max of
> 15MB download is a significant jump.
>
>     One important note: the base install will be about 4MB, like the HOE and
> DLCGs. The extra database component required is called MDAC (6.5MB). If
> you're an Office2000 or IE5 user, you probably already have it. If you're a
> Windows 95 user without it, you'll also need something called DCOM95
> (1.17MB). If you want to use the PDF functionality provided, you'll need
> Acrobat Reader as well, but it's not required. For Internet distribution,
> the best way to provide these things would be as separate downloads. If you
> need the extra components, grab them. If not, don't.
>
>     As far as updates go, I now have the install sets on a "controlled"
> machine. This means that I can go back to distributing small (few hundred K)
> updates instead of forcing you to grab the whole thing as has happened with
> the last couple of updates.
>
>     So here's the big question: assuming that there will be several folks
> out there who can't or won't spend the time to download these larger initial
> versions, would you be willing to shell out a few bucks (I'm thinking $5)
> for me to make a CD-ROM to mail to you? The $5 would pay for the following:
> blank CD, jewel case, label, and postage (for international users, I'll eat
> the extra cost if it's not too extreme.) I wouldn't make a dime, and don't
> intend to. As long as I'm supporting this software, it will be freeware. I
> would need to cover costs to send out CDs though.
>
> Now that the bad news is out of the way, here's what you'll see in BNWCG:
>
> 1) All main rulebook and "Ravaged Planet" material.
> 2) A database editor, to add and edit your own skills, packages, tricks,
> powers and quirks.
> 3) Print and save characters as ASCII text or PDF sheets (PEG's own, or an
> extended version that I have created. The PDFs are updatable as well, so you
> can continue to use them to keep track of your characters as they gain
> experience.
> 4) "Alpha Mode", similar to "Marshal Mode" in the other packages. This
> allows you to do some controlled cheating if you'd like to make characters a
> bit more powerful than starting ones.
>
>     Currently, the code is DONE. I still have to key in the descriptions of
> the powers/skills/etc., and test various install scenarios, but the software
> itself is ready to ship.
>
>     As for all you DLCG and HOE folks, you'll be getting the PDF and editor
> functionality in the next releases of those versions. As soon as BNW gets
> out the door, I'll be hitting DLCG full-bore. I plan to COMPLETELY update it
> for the next release, as in: Book of the Dead, Fu rules, LA
> Anah...whatevers, both Back East books, Hexagrams, and anything else
> currently out that I haven't mentioned. I'm as tired as you are of it being
> behind, and I guarantee it'll be done. HOE needs Junkman Cometh and Cyborgs
> info added as well.
>
>     If you're still reading this, thanks. I may be slow, but I am dedicated
> to getting these things out to you as efficiently as possible. I think that
> once you get to play around with the PDFs and the editor, you'll find the
> wait to be worth it.
>
> Thanks,
> James Cook
> jcook@net-serv.com
>
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