Steve Schacher

quote:Man, I can't believe the author allowed them to rip it up like that. L. Ron Hubbard has been dead for at least 10 years (although you wouldn't know it if you looked in the sci-fi section in bookstores). His estate's share of the royalty goes to Scientology.

I'll add my recollections... From thread: http://www.3000ad.com/ubb/Forum7/HTML/000623.html quote:quote: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Now that we have mySQL, am gonna look for volunteers to setup the new fleet and roster databases. Anyone up to the challenge? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My coding skills are caput, but I'm a data modeler and JAD facilitator. I can certainly help in the relational data modeling for the new database. What tools would be necessary for the new roster database? What is mySQL (I'm in an Oracle shop)? I'd volunteer to work with developers to design a good, normalized database. You asked for volunteers and I offered my services as a data modeler. When Antilles started this thread, I bellied up and started a draft data model for people to comment on. As the comments rolled in, I adapted the model. There is no "DBMS System." There is only a conceptual design based on comments that people posted to this thread. I have data modeling tools and thought it would help people to visualize what they are asking for. Since the thread was silent for a few days, I offered to generate a prototype database in case someone else was interested in prototyping a front-end. If this isn't going where you want it to, then I will graciously step back. Ron: I tried accessing your page, but all I got was a white screen. Am I missing something? [This message has been edited by Steve Schacher (edited 05-13-2000).]

DBMS = Data Base Management System I remember Derek saying he's using MySQL. I don't have it, and my version of PowerDesigner doesn't generate it, so in the end, I will have to generate the most compatible DDL for MySQL and then it would be modified by hand. Before we get that far, I wondered if anyone who wants to code a front-end would like a prototype database to use in the interim.

I'm a little confused about the purpose of MP rankings (I've never played on any multi-player sites, so I have no experience in this area). Is the purpose to create an "Arena" where everyone dukes it out and the person with the highest rank reigns supreme? That seems to go against the purpose of BC3K and fleets as I understand it. I thought the purpose of fleets was to coordinate activities, defend territory, perform covert operations, stage invasions, etc. In other words, role-play a simulated military branch in a simulated universe. If this is the case, then fleet players assigned to lowly sentry duty in the boonies will never get the MP rankings that front-line troops will get. Also, how will a marinie's kill compare with a cruiser commander's kill? Perhaps there should be no MP ranking as we know it. Perhaps we should leave it to fleet commanders to promote their troops as gameplay warrants? Maybe there are other stats that can be captured to give others a "profile" of a player? I'm playing a solitaire boardgame right now that has role-playing aspects to it (wild west gunfighting), which uses attributes like RESPECT and FEAR. Another game uses FAME and NOTORIETY. The fantasy genre must have all sorts of characteristics that can be drawn upon. I'm wondering if it is possible to use simple to obtain stats to derive more complex characteristics in an offline process. For instance, saving only kill (what was killed, datetime of kill, where killed), we could determine FEAR (many kills of lesser enemies in a short timeframe), RESPECT (many kills of equal or larger enemies in a short timeframe), FAME (many kills of enemies deep in enemy territory), low RESPECT or FEAR (many friendly kills in area where you are). I'm just brainstorming here. Bottom line is: What is the purpose of MP rankings?

Well, I took a stab at a first-cut data model. It's over here: http://members.home.net/srschacher/BC3K/BC..._Data_Model.htm It's a 3rd normal form data model developed in PowerDesigner, so I can generate almost any kind of DDL from it. This model will allow you to keep information on commanders (rank history, ship history, fleet assignment history) and fleet history (organizational structure, allegiance). On the fleet side, you can define the various fleets, the positions within the fleets, and which positions report to which other positions. On the commander side, you can define the commander, assign a rank, assign a ship to the commander, and assign the commander to a fleet position. The relationship is between commanders and fleets -- not ships to fleets. Ships are expendable, commanders are not. If you lose your ship, you don't lose your fleet affiliation, therefore the link to fleets is not through the ship. The model can be expanded to do all sorts of things, such as make individual operational assignments to commanders, etc. This is just a first cut. Tell me what you want it to do and I'll model it. When someone is ready to program it, I can create the necessary DDL. [This message has been edited by Steve Schacher (edited 05-08-2000).]

quote:Zimrat fleet finds flourishing human race on Earth and destroys it, and againt thinking they've annihilated humanity but leaves a probe so they don't make the mistake they did last time (These guys must have a pretty long grudge against us apes ); Hawkeye returns and finds decimated Earth; probe transmits Hawkeye's existance; Hawkeye searches for a new home away from the Zimrat for its crew to colonize and rebuild. Almost sounds like the Cylons...

quote:Now that we have mySQL, am gonna look for volunteers to setup the new fleet and roster databases. Anyone up to the challenge? My coding skills are caput, but I'm a data modeler and JAD facilitator. I can certainly help in the relational data modeling for the new database. What tools would be necessary for the new roster database? What is mySQL (I'm in an Oracle shop)? I'd volunteer to work with developers to design a good, normalized database.

Cynical, I see that you're in Mountain View. I'm sure you can find it at CompUSA or Best Buy. Check the bargain bins

quote:since its been a long time since most of us have seen it for sale anywhere but the 10 dollar bargain bin I should let Derek do this, but I'll jump in anyway... BC3K is in the $10 bargain bin by choice. It was intentionally published as a budget title as a daring gamble to get the title back out in front of the public in order to redeem the franchise after the Take2 fiasco. Prior to appearing in the bargain bins, it was distributed for free in all the PC game magazines. The bargain bin title is actually the 8th functional enhancement of the free title. Following the success of the bargain bin gamble, the title was picked up worldwide where it is not in the bargain bin. The fact that we are now talking about a new state-of-the-art version, along with a multiplayer online version, is a testament to the determination of Derek Smart and his entire development team. People respect accomplishments, and the people who resuscitated the BC3K franchise are respected by the people here. BTW, many of the old-timers here can claim to be a small part of the success too, since their devotion to the game, their constant playing, and their suggestions for new features (some of which were added in the previously mentioned functional enhancements) have made this more than just an off-the-shelf game. There is a little bit of each of us in this game, and the people here identify strongly with that. [This message has been edited by Steve Schacher (edited 04-25-2000).]

Doesn't all this make you want to go over there and post "I'm rubber, you're glue..."

Hey, Rattler... I used to stay overnight in Crestview on my drives back home from Houston after graduating college. It is exactly half-way between Houston and Ft. Lauderdale. I'd stay at the EconoLodge right by the I-10 exit, and have breakfast at that family-style restaurant across the street (can't remember the name - don't even know if it is still there). Never made it more than 2 miles from the exit, though. But it looks like a nice place. I don't get over that way anymore.

One aspect not explicitly mentioned before is the community over here. We just did an age poll, and it appears that this board has as many youngins as that other board over there. However, from what I read, this is a much more civil place to be. Nobody here is hacking anybody else; we don't flame, but we do express reasoned opinions. But most of all, everyone is supportive of each other. That adds tremendously to the total experience.

I bought my P3 only last summer -- prior to that, I had a 486/66. Since I could no longer run any of the newer PC games (for at least 2 years), I started playing my first love -- board games! As a teen-ager in the 1970's, I played a lot of the Avalon Hill or SPI strategy board games (chit-pushing). If you want to give up PC games, try conflict simulation (consim) board games. There are many solitaire games, as well as multi-player games out there on just about any topic imaginable. You can find anything on Ebay these days.

Of course, the most important tip is to read the manual 10 times. Put a copy in the bathroom and read it during bio breaks. Also, learn how to search the forum for previously discussed topics. If you have a question, then dozens before you had it too. But, after all that, don't be afraid to ask. Everyone here is extremely helpful. Oh, and don't forget... Have fun!!!

Mike, Please accept my condolences with deepest sympathy. Steve [This message has been edited by Steve Schacher (edited 04-18-2000).]

quote:Microsoft donating $2.7 million to bridge digital divide for tribes By Associated Press, 4/16/2000 22:05 SHIPROCK, N.M. (AP) Microsoft Corp. says it's donating more than $2.7 million in software and cash to help bridge the ''digital divide'' and economic disparity between Indian tribes and wealthier segments of society.

quote:Bill Gates To Fund D.C. Center By Jim Abrams Associated Press Writer Thursday, April 13, 2000; 4:08 p.m. EDT WASHINGTON ÔÇôÔÇô Bill Gates' charitable foundation has pledged $10 million for what would be the biggest Capitol Hill construction project since the 19th century, a $265 million underground visitors center.

I'll be 41 in May.

As I recall, this slowdown only occurs in the first mission of the ACM. Killing off the hostiles (or waiting for them to dock) will end the problem. Once you move past this, the speed picks back up. Otherwise, play Free Flight. You won't have this problem there.

Jimbo, you didn't mention if you were playing the ACM or Free Flight when you noticed the slowdown. If it was the ACM, then the slowdown is likely to be caused by the number of AI hostiles in the neighboring region. You wouldn't see it on your screen until you jump to the region, but they are active none the less. Killing them off will increase the frame rate.

Oh, the pain... the pain...

I don't think this is a technical issue, and I don't think it is a newbie issue either, probably just a clarification. How exactly does debris field population work? When I order the bc to fly to a debris field, it hyperjumps near it and then accelerates to about 16,000 kph as it approaches it. I've been switching to Tacops to see when it gets there. I have to order a halt for it to stop, otherwise it continues on through it. When I switch back to the bridge, I can see in Tacscan that it is full of cargo pods and mines. So, now I launch a shuttle and order it to cargosweep. When it finishes, I order a RTB. When it gets back, I figure that this is a good time to save the game. When I get back into the game, the debris field is full of new stuff! Something is probably not getting set properly after continuing the game after a save (I think that it is working properly after a restore, but I'm not sure). An unscrupulous player could probably score big by continuously cargosweeping, saving, continuing, and cargosweeping again. I don't know if anyone else has seen this. I just thought I'd point it out in case there is something in the code that may find it's way into BC:M.

Sometimes I like to just goof around a little and sit back and watch the graphics. Here are a few things to try: 1. Cargosweep in a debris field. Fly to a cargo field. When the field fills up with cargo pods, order a shuttle to cargosweep. Then, order your battlecruiser to escort the shuttle. Lock onto the shuttle with your CVD and then press F8 until you are in the inverse tactical view. Set your zoom to a comfortable view and sit back and watch. See how well your Battlecruiser crew pilots your ship around the shuttle! 2. Minesweep in the debris field This is similar to Fun Thing #1. Launch an interceptor, then order the BC to escort it. Lock onto the interceptor with the CVD and give it the interceptor a minesweep order. This time, press F10 until you get the inverse tactical view and set your zoom for a nice view. Watch your interceptor zig and zag, and see your battlecruiser follow the interceptor! Does anybody else have any Fun Things that they do?

One cargo option is to jettison. From Logistics, choose Cargo. From there, you can select any items that you wish to jettison. There is a button on the lower right to jettison the cargo.

quote:an F never looked so good. Who's permanent record does that go on?