SOS Mickey

[blitzkrieg]

The following is the opinion of Blitzkrieg and is not intended to imply anything about the abilities of Mickey.

I'd like to put a call out for people capable of programming to make a difference to this game. At the moment as I have read it, Mickey is very busy. He is also not willing to give all his code out to anybody else. Both these statements are fine with me.

I don't understand programming so at the end of the day if I'm completely wrong, feel free to delete this thread.

Is it possible for other users similarly excited by the potential of this game and who have programming expertise to code up certain features of the game in such a way that they only need to be cut and pasted with a few minor changes into the main game.....?

When I suggest a feature, I not only suggest some effects of it but also how it would work from a logical point of view (and some maths) for example;

http://www.googleearthhacks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3759
http://www.googleearthhacks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3485
http://www.googleearthhacks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3484

What are your thoughts Mickey?

I can give whoever codes it a logic path to follow (after some discussion in the forum) I need someone or somemany people who can help in coding it for a cut/paste addition for Mickey?

We used to get new features in the game most weekends but now we've been waiting and suggesting for over a month and the game is stagnating.

blitzkrieg

disclaimer: just trying to help. :slant:

[Stanley]

Is it possible for other users similarly excited by the potential of this game and who have programming expertise to code up certain features of the game in such a way that they only need to be cut and pasted with a few minor changes into the main game.....?


Alas, this is not possible.

The size of most of these features is cumbersome. It'd take Mickey longer to debug other peoples code than it would take for him to write it.

Sucks that he's busy, but maybe, just maybe, you should find something else to play while he's busy.

-Stan.

ps. I'm gonna go back to quietly lurking now

[His Lord Uberdude]

Still, is there no one he can trust? Games are made by whole teams of programmers. Why should we stick to one? I understand there are issues with releasing the code, but maybe just to one person, who wouldn't be allowed to play afterwards. Not me, of course, since I know nothing about coding/programming. :slant:

[WalterNeff]

Hi,
let me quote 'free-style', it's easier that way...

"Is it possible for other users similarly excited by the potential of this game and who have programming expertise to code up certain features of the game in such a way that they only need to be cut and pasted with a few minor changes into the main game.....?"

That is the normal procedure, you set up a cvs-server, let other participate, the project manager runs the code changes in a test environment and after testing and 'acknowledgeing' the new version will be released by the manager.


"It'd take Mickey longer to debug other peoples code than it would take for him to write it."

As it was stated in another thread, the more persons work at the code the better it will get. Debugging would not be Mickey's task, he would have to look for security leaks/bugs, the debugging would have been done before the changes would be commited to the cvs.


"Why should we stick to one? I understand there are issues with releasing the code, but maybe just to one person, who wouldn't be allowed to play afterwards."

Then you would rely on two persons, furthermore the developer ought to quit the game? That's is - to put it mildly - a bad idea.

If the infrastructure is set up right, no one except Mickey and the mods will have access to the Database and the web site.

I would gladly help out, maybe others of our alliance, too.

Regards

Walter

[blitzkrieg]

Stan; but I like THIS game..........

Walter, you could do this? And you know of others who could help? Excellent.

This game is in BETA so any bugs created by this new code can be found and fixed, as long as the finders don't exploit the bugs as has happened in the past, but after a week of an exploit we all forget and balance is restored, so I still say ........ What do you think Mickey?

blitzkrieg

[Lukepuuk]

I'm sorry guys, but I have to agree on Stanley here though the idea is good.
It would be awesome if Mickey had more programmers.
But I think that in the way of copy and paste stile this would take quite some time.
He could do it if he knows someone in his neighbourhood who can program, who he can trust, who gets the source code so he can adapt the new code to it right away and who knows exactly what mickey means when he tells his idea.

[Mickey]

My two biggest problems right now are:

1 - Time. I simply don't have time to put into this (which I think is quite obvious), as I have a handful of other projects that I'm working on.
2 - Server resources. This game is chewing up the server. The main site is continuing to grow (along with some unrelated sites of mine on the server) and it's getting pushed pretty hard.


I think at this point I'd be pretty much willing to give the game away to someone, provided they could come up with some things:

1 - A place to host it. The game (at this point) requires that you have vBulletin installed, so at the very least it would need that on the server. The ability to schedule cron jobs is also a must.

2 - PHP skills. The code is a mess and I don't have time to go through all 3 million scripts and explain them all. You'd need to be able to figure it out. I could answer some questions, but can't hold your hand.

3 - The approval of the majority of the other players on here - not to approve that I give it away (because that's my call), but to approve WHO I give it away to.

4 - Remember that I started it, so if it gets huge and you become a bazillionaire, show me the money. :)

Thoughts?

[WILDCAT1976]

:whine: I've only been part of the game for a little over a month but I don't want it to go away....of course I can only offer my babbling ideas....I do good to spell computer...no help anyother way.

As far as the time issue.....Mickey do you see that changing? I know certain times of the year are tougher than others....is that the case or are you just completely swamped with no end in site?

server problem....is this a financial problem? I'm sure "something" can be done about that... ;) see my post on the ending fake accounts thread.


I dunno....You obviously had a GREAT..GREAT....GREAT idea....would hate to see it die :whine:

[anthonywitt]

Mickey this is sad news. I wish this was not happening but it is.

How big of a server do you project this game using? What is it using at this time?

Lukas and I spend alot of time in this game and Lukas has even created a site devoted to the game. I have offered in a time long ago to fund a stand alone server for the game but seeing that your time to devote has expired I am at a loss.

All I ask is that the game goes to the member or player that would have the same goals as you. To me I would say you best choices would be Lukas and I, beezer and araT. I cant speak for thier time to devote but they would be good owners and as far as vbscripters I belive that would not be an issue, there would be plenty of offers to help.

Have you thought about keeping the game and bringing members in to work with it. You could keep it in range of your watchful eye.

[WILDCAT1976]

Now, I know this is probably be the last thing Mickey or the mods want to hear but I think it's more important now than ever.

Even though some of the items that everyone wanted fixed before the reset haven't been done I think a reset is needed...AND SOON..

Many people have been posting that things are getting "stagnant" because we know a reset is coming. If you just say ok..no reset...then new players have no chance to recover...Players that love the game but haven't been too active because they knew a reset was coming won't have a chance to recover....

I say just start us over then work on who's going to take over game if Mickey can't continue....This way more players would be active and offering any and all help that they can.

Again, it's just me babbling but I think I'm right on this one. :confused:

[Mickey]

As far as the time issue.....Mickey do you see that changing?
Not likely. If anything, things will get worse. My wife is pregnant with our second child, which certainly will require more of my time.

server problem....is this a financial problem? I'm sure "something" can be done about that... ;) see my post on the ending fake accounts thread.
Somewhat. Most of the other sites on the server are money-makers (although not a whole lot) and I need to keep at least a little income coming in so that I can let Kelly stay at home with the kids. It's not exactly a financial problem, but the game is growing to the point that it's affecting the speed of the other sites, which could develop into a larger problem as things continue to grow.

I have some thoughts in mind for server expansion, but I've not done much serious work in that direction. My ideal situation (1 server for the database, one for GEH, one for GEwar) would require an extra $320 a month, but would really help. However, the fact that the game is bringing in $0 income, that would be a rather silly move for me to make right now.

I dunno....You obviously had a GREAT..GREAT....GREAT idea....would hate to see it die :whine:
I'd hate to see it die as well. I'm not gonna do anything rash, but something obviously needs to happen or it will just fade out.

I would say you best choices would be Lukas and I, beezer and araT. I cant speak for thier time to devote
I agree that those are good choices. I tend to doubt that Beezer could handle much more time investment in the game (and he doesn't know PHP - at least not yet). araT would be great, but just don't take all of her time, as she is essential to the running of the main GEH site! :)

As for you and Lukas, my question goes to PHP - what kind of skills do the two of you have?

[araT]

Not likely. If anything, things will get worse. My wife is pregnant with our second child, which certainly will require more of my time.

Congrats Mickey! how far along is Kelly? :givebeer: :kiss: :D

https://www.travelthere.com/ContalResources/site_images/img-congratulations.gif

T.

[WILDCAT1976]

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[araT]

I agree that those are good choices. I tend to doubt that Beezer could handle much more time investment in the game (and he doesn't know PHP - at least not yet). araT would be great, but just don't take all of her time, as she is essential to the running of the main GEH site! :)

As for you and Lukas, my question goes to PHP - what kind of skills do the two of you have?

Awww :kiss: I'll do my best to play Queen-of-the-world for both sites, But GEH will always be #1 for me - this place has become home. As far as I see it they should be partner sites, anyway.. GoogleEarthWar.com (or GEWar.com) & GoogleEarthHacks.com one & the same!

As far as I know Anthony & Lukas know PHP pretty well (I mean look at all the customization on the GEWarrior forums :p) They should be able to manage it nicely - They will probably have programmers helping too if it gets too big, and of course you'll always have a role in it if you wish :)

T.

[anthonywitt]

Not likely. If anything, things will get worse. My wife is pregnant with our second child, which certainly will require more of my time.


Somewhat. Most of the other sites on the server are money-makers (although not a whole lot) and I need to keep at least a little income coming in so that I can let Kelly stay at home with the kids. It's not exactly a financial problem, but the game is growing to the point that it's affecting the speed of the other sites, which could develop into a larger problem as things continue to grow.

I have some thoughts in mind for server expansion, but I've not done much serious work in that direction. My ideal situation (1 server for the database, one for GEH, one for GEwar) would require an extra $320 a month, but would really help. However, the fact that the game is bringing in $0 income, that would be a rather silly move for me to make right now.


I'd hate to see it die as well. I'm not gonna do anything rash, but something obviously needs to happen or it will just fade out.


I agree that those are good choices. I tend to doubt that Beezer could handle much more time investment in the game (and he doesn't know PHP - at least not yet). araT would be great, but just don't take all of her time, as she is essential to the running of the main GEH site! :)

As for you and Lukas, my question goes to PHP - what kind of skills do the two of you have?MIckey skills are at hand. Lukas and I would look at this as a venture. There would not be only one in the controll but several. As you know this is more than a one man show and if this is going to progress to the level you where wanting to take it then it would become a bussiness. I want to see the game reach your goals and beyond. It will and it will make money.
The changing of the tourch would be slow as you know. We have never seen the inside of the program and I am sure that needs to happen. All this needs to be done in a fashion as not to shut the game down for a lenghty time. The players are the heart of the game.
We can...no we will make it work.
lukas and I will spend much time on this topic to make sure we are the right ones and I fell you will need much convencing.

[blitzkrieg]

My wife is pregnant with our second child, which certainly will require more of my time.

WOW!!!!! Well done, my wife is 39 weeks pregnant with our third! Braxton Hicks contractions and false alarms are the norm now ..... :spin:

Jeez this topic has really not gone the way I had hoped it would....... I cross my fingers that a solution can be found that will keep the game running and moving forward. I have no preference in the way this occurs, but will continue to stick my nose in where it may or may not be wanted :kiss: .

[anthonywitt]

Awww :kiss: I'll do my best to play Queen-of-the-world for both sites, But GEH will always be #1 for me - this place has become home. As far as I see it they should be partner sites, anyway.. GoogleEarthWar.com (or GEWar.com) & GoogleEarthHacks.com one & the same!

As far as I know Anthony & Lukas know PHP pretty well (I mean look at all the customization on the GEWarrior forums :p) They should be able to manage it nicely - They will probably have programmers helping too if it gets too big, and of course you'll always have a role in it if you wish :)

T.Okay Mickey, Lukas and I can meet the needs. PHP is not an issue nor is money. All programming aspects are at hand. Personnel has come together. A contract for you to have royalities when it comes out of beta is just a phone call away. What else would you like to see from us?

By the way...congrats are in order.

[Brendo]

As far as I know Anthony & Lukas know PHP pretty well (I mean look at all the customization on the GEWarrior forums) They should be able to manage it nicely - They will probably have programmers helping too if it gets too big, and of course you'll always have a role in it if you wish

Well Lukas is a website designer so I'm hoping he has PHP experience (I know he does, just look at GEWarriors.com (http://www.gewarriors.com/) as Tara was saying).

Anthony on the other hand, is a champion (not that Lukas isn't :lol:). He is 7 months away from his MBA and has all it takes to run a business. And I can't forget to tell you about his HUGE bank account ;). He can program in many languages (atleast that is what he says :p)

Ok, that will do.:x

[anthonywitt]

Well Lukas is a website designer so I'm hoping he has PHP experience (I know he does, just look at GEWarriors.com (http://www.gewarriors.com/) as Tara was saying).

Anthony on the other hand, is a champion (not that Lukas isn't :lol:). He is 7 months away from his MBA and has all it takes to run a business. And I can't forget to tell you about his HUGE bank account ;). He can program in many languages (atleast that is what he says :p)

Ok, that will do.:xThere are programmers at hand. It is not an issue. As far as money my job pays more than the average bear. The game will be taken care of and all the players will as well. After all you players are what it is all about.

[Lukepuuk]

I am a website designer in PHP, HTML and MySql yes so I would hope indeed that I know how to program lol.
I was reading this thread with 2 collegeaus of mine and they would love to partition in this as well. To go through all of Mickey's code and design new features for this already great game.
As far as i've read on this forum, mine and in PM's we have a pretty solid team and it seems lots of people want to help form an administration for this, but the choice is ofcourse Mickey's and we'll all respect that.
And with Tara as one of the main leaders in the project with access to the administration and database, the users shouldn't notice a huge change except that we might have a bit more time then Mickey has to work on new features.
I'm still at work now, but I'll check again.

[anthonywitt]

There you go Mickey. We will take care of your game and keep it going in the direction you wanted to take it. I hope you dont mind if we make it better. ;) All the hard work you have put in this game will always be part of it. You created it and anything we or anyone else do to improve will not change the fact that it is your creation. In fact your name would be in the credits as creator. It will be no other way. Lukas could even change his name to Mickey. :whoa:

[bueth]

i think we should create a developer group or some sort of task force that takes care of this.

btw: i would love to help develop this game. i'm programming since six years and am now employeed as a php developer and webmaster in a big medical company. i'm also member of the typo3 community (best php code i've ever seen). since approx four years, i'm working with it and develop extensions.

[LtScoundrel]

For the financial/server problem - is there no chance to get sponsored by anyone? Small banners wouldn't destroy the design i think - and perhaps google is directly interested to support this excellent game? (It was a really good feeling to own Berlin for 4.5 hours last night :D)

[Mickey]

What else would you like to see from us?
I guess the next move is for you to get a server running with vBulletin installed and then we'll begin to install war. My thought is that it be installed in a similar manner as it is now in terms of directory structure, like:

www.whateverurl.com/forums
www.whateverurl.com/war
and have www.whateverurl.com be a main info page about the game.

Make sure you install vB 3.0.8 and NOT the new 3.5, as that will have some extra complications that need to be worked out.

Sounds like we've pretty much got a plan in place. Get that going and we'll head out from there.

[Lukepuuk]

I'll get working on that server.
For that I don't want the provider I'm currently at because they would be too slow for all the users.
And for a little more money you have unlimited bandwidth and that could come in handy.
A server is usually arranged within 24 hours...though sometimes the weekend delays it.

[anthonywitt]

Lukas it must be unlimited. PM me and we will get the server.

[anthonywitt]

I guess the next move is for you to get a server running with vBulletin installed and then we'll begin to install war. My thought is that it be installed in a similar manner as it is now in terms of directory structure, like:

www.whateverurl.com/forums
www.whateverurl.com/war
and have www.whateverurl.com be a main info page about the game.

Make sure you install vB 3.0.8 and NOT the new 3.5, as that will have some extra complications that need to be worked out.

Sounds like we've pretty much got a plan in place. Get that going and we'll head out from there.We will get right on it Mickey.

[Mickey]

Beyond that, there are only two other issues I can think of:

1 - Everyone will need to register again on the new site. I don't think this is a big problem, as it's much like a reset.

2 - The jewel hunting stuff comes out of the main GEH database. The whole logic behind jewel hunting needs some work anyhow, but that will cause an immediate problem.

[Lukepuuk]

Beyond that, there are only two other issues I can think of:

1 - Everyone will need to register again on the new site. I don't think this is a big problem, as it's much like a reset.

2 - The jewel hunting stuff comes out of the main GEH database. The whole logic behind jewel hunting needs some work anyhow, but that will cause an immediate problem.

New registering shouldn't be any problem.
The jewel hunting stuff would cause a problem yes, but not one couldn't be fixed fast enough.
I was thinking that as everyone has made placemarks of these jewels, to just add a whole bunch of new ones instead.

[anthonywitt]

I have some thoughts on this. We need to get on our chat....I feel brainstorming coming on.
I think we can handle this issue in good time.
I have been looking at this most of the day and we need to put all our heads together.

[Timmetie]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOWA big news.

firstly, thank you mickey, for sharing this game with us, we will carry on your legacy! i feel a mickeytown coming.

Secondly, i offer any and all services i can provide to our proud new owners of this game (who are the proud new owners? luke and anthony?). And continue to swear my allegiance for further years to come!

[KayEss]

It's all starting to look quite exciting again. Good luck guys - I'll be on the new server, but playing badly as usual - you need somebody to beat up on don't you?

[WILDCAT1976]

Is all this stuff going to happen quickly or do we have a bit of time??? Is buying cotton fields at this time pointless?

I will admit...I was concerned at first...but it seems like the game will be in great hands....going to be fun...

Question...Lukas and Anthony...will you two continue to play the game or just dedicate your time to serving us :menacing:

[Lukepuuk]

I am not going to play.
I think everyone will be screaming cheater if I did and would ever be succesfull.
I'll dedicate all to new features that means.

For anthony you will have to ask him :)

[WILDCAT1976]

I am not going to play.
I think everyone will be screaming cheater if I did and would ever be succesfull.
I'll dedicate all to new features that means.

For anthony you will have to ask him :)

well sir...let me say that it was a "pleasure" having my arse kicked by you and your alliance members.....I am extremely excited about the future of the game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Timmetie]

once you migrate server, will they run paralel? or will they be basicly thesame? or will this one stop, and we continue on yours? if so, will everything be reset?

I need tha info!

[Mickey]

once you migrate server, will they run paralel? or will they be basicly thesame? or will this one stop, and we continue on yours? if so, will everything be reset?

Everything will be reset, as you will need to create new user accounts on the new server.

[Timmetie]

old server goes? or we'll get 2 communities :D

and its clear for people what to do? or we'll lose quite a lot of players i guess.
Some clear voice of reason, let them see this is not being abandonned just given to more capable (joking ;) ) hands.

[Mickey]

old server goes? or we'll get 2 communities :D
The old server runs the main GEH site (as well as some others) and it will again be able to focus on those tasks. This community will stay, but the game will go.

and its clear for people what to do? or we'll lose quite a lot of players i guess.
Some clear voice of reason, let them see this is not being abandonned just given to more capable (joking ;) ) hands.
I'll put up a large annoucement on the current GEwar page with links to the new one.

[Timmetie]

great, but dont underestimate the ability of people to overlook things, ive done so many times before (overlook obvious things that is) :D

[Radeon]

Mickey i just want to say thank u for all you have done. This game has been the best game, and the most time consuming game i have ever played.. And that is a very good thing! It means that this game isnt boring and something new is allways happening.. I wish u a good future with your family and your life. Thanks again! My 150th post goes out to you my friend!

[anthonywitt]

Is all this stuff going to happen quickly or do we have a bit of time??? Is buying cotton fields at this time pointless?

I will admit...I was concerned at first...but it seems like the game will be in great hands....going to be fun...

Question...Lukas and Anthony...will you two continue to play the game or just dedicate your time to serving us :menacing:I am not going to play but may show up to test new changes. I will mis playing the most.
We have a lot in store for Mickey's creation and most of ideas come from involment as players.

[Radeon]

Anthony.. I posted this in the other thread about the reset but could you plz tell us the new website for the new server when u find out.. So we all know it. Thanks much!

[araT]

It will be announced soon enough, Radeon :)

T.

[jokosr]

please dont rush this new reset...I for 1 would love to have it today ..BUT..i would rather you get everything just right so we can have all the bugs out and be able to play for awhile without wondering if reset #3 will happen to soon...good luck to all the new people running the show..and thanks

[araT]

jokosr: the reset will be happening because we are moving the game, its unavoidable - the other fixes will have to be made during the move or after :)

T.

[anthonywitt]

More than likely after the game is moved. We need to descover what fixes are needed. I understand from Mickey that there is plenty. Lukas and I will address them in the order of operational importance. This will take time. Some may be fixed with out much interference to the game but this wont be known until our programers look for and find the issues.

[Mickey]

Plus, the code is a huge mess, so they'll have some fun with that. :)

Adding all of those features without much of an overall plan in mind led to a ton of scripts. They should be able to work things out, though.

[Lukepuuk]

The server is already ordered.
My best guess is we might as well start playing there as soon as we have a jewel hunting system online, as this would be the most practical way of resolving bugs.
Server should be up in a matter of days(darn weekend).

[Mickey]

The server is already ordered.
My best guess is we might as well start playing there as soon as we have a jewel hunting system online, as this would be the most practical way of resolving bugs.
I would agree with that. It makes sense.

[tony bennett]

This is all very exciting but sad at the same time in sone respects.

I will be staying with the game, it's great.

[anthonywitt]

Mickey is wise and knows that his time for this game is slight. Mickey as the creator wants the game to continue and grow. Mickey will always be the creator and our role will be to keep the game going. Out of respect for mickey we will do this. It is sad that Mickey is hard pressed for time but it is also a exciting time that the game will continue and will grow.

[Radeon]

Mickey i have to ask.. Will u create an account on the new game? I mean just so you are there? Its not like you will be #1 on the top players, not saying its not possible, but it would be kool to have u join again as just a player.

[Mickey]

Mickey is wise
Suck-up. :)

Mickey i have to ask.. Will u create an account on the new game?
Can't say for sure, but I would consider it very likely. Not sure how much I'll play, but I'll certainly want to see where the game ends up going.

[ronnielim]

err.....hmmm...err....

ok... now the NAR even owns the GEWAR server...there is no way in beating the NAR now... :crysmilie

JOKING.... keep up the good work.. make the transfer fast...RESET~~RESET~~

[anthonywitt]

Suck-up. :)


Can't say for sure, but I would consider it very likely. Not sure how much I'll play, but I'll certainly want to see where the game ends up going.Suck up.....yes I know. ;)

[anthonywitt]

err.....hmmm...err....

ok... now the NAR even owns the GEWAR server...there is no way in beating the NAR now... :crysmilie

JOKING.... keep up the good work.. make the transfer fast...RESET~~RESET~~
Hey NAR only owns NAR. I am not part of NAR and Lukas wont be. This is only fair to the game. Infact we wont play unless it is for testing. So all players are safe from Lukas and I. Except multi FA's, damaging hackers and super scripters. ;)

[michael fontenot]

Thanks Mickey,
for creating this game and bringing it this far. I think it's in good hands with anthony and Luke and I can't wait to see what kind of changes are coming for us once everything is migrated and worked out.
Anthony and Luke, you know I'm not going anywhere, I'll help in any way I can. Just want to be a part of it.