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MAJOR Documentation Announcement 1
MAJOR Documentation Announcement 1
| Name: | Michael Perry |  |
|---|---|---|
| Date Posted: | Jul 11, 2008 | |
| Rating: |  5.0 out of 5 | |
| Public: | YES | |
| Comments: | YES | |
| RSS Feed: |  or Subscribe with  . | |
| Profile Page: | View profile page for Michael Perry |
Blog post
Part 1...
Hey everyone. Thanks for taking the time to read this blog. On top of the GG community reading this, I've sent a link of this blog to my friends and family as well.
This is indeed a HUGE announcement, but it requires an introduction. I never really introduced myself to the GarageGames community...soooo...
This is me...(taken in Englewood, FL)
For those of you who don't know, I've been working two jobs since GDC 2008 which was this past February. One was my full time job as a simulation programmer in Orlando, FL, working for a Department of Defense contractor. The other was a part time contractor for GarageGames, writing documentation for their game engines.
While at GDC, I finally got to meet some GarageGames employees that I've only spoken to online. Thanks to the help of Deborah Marshall I managed to get an introduction to Matt Fairfax. He recognized me from of the free tutorials I wrote for TGE and asked me if I was willing to create official docs on a part time basis. I jumped at the opportunity, having always wanted to become a GG Associate and help the community.
Surprisingly, I've really enjoyed writing Torque documentation and feel like it's helping everyone out. The only thing that's bugged me is that I just don't have the time to work on documents with my current job. So, recently I had to make a tough decision.
I haven't been happy working at my day job for some time. I still love programming; I just don't think developing serious simulations is what I want to do.
That's why I put in my two weeks notice. I'll no longer be working as a simulation programmer...
That's not all
After discussing it with the love of my life, Heather, we've decided it is time to see another part of the world. At the end of July, we are moving out of Orlando. If you haven't guessed by now, we already know where we are going and what we will do:
That's right; GarageGames has decided to hire me on full time as a Documentation Engineer. Due to the encouragement and support of Deborah, Matt, and Brett Seyler, I was convinced that I should not work remotely. That means GOODBYE FLORIDA:
(taken in the Florida Keys)
-and-
HELLO EUGENE, OREGON!!
(taken from Skinner's Butte)
We have hired movers, and at the end of the month we are piling ourselves, some luggage, and our dogs into the car for a cross-country road trip. I'm happy I'm not making this trip alone. I could not and would not do this without the love and support of Heather
Heather and I(taken in the Celtic Ray)
Though I will not miss Florida, particularly the hurricanes:
Aftermath of Hurricane Charlie(taken in Orlando by me, 1 day after)
I will miss my friends:
Me, Heather, and Tina(taken in Tampa, Red Sox vs Rays)
Me, Heather, Nikki, Kris, and Justin(taken on the island I rented, Dog Island)
And I will most definitely miss my family:
Heather and our sister Nikki(taken in our boat on the way to Dog Island)
My New Family(taken in the Florida Keys)
So that's the big announcement folks. Thanks for taking the time to read through all of it =). I'm very excited to move to a new state, and to start working full time producing documentation for the GarageGames community. My co-workers are some of the most awesome people I've ever had the chance to work with. This is the definition of an adventure.
There's no turning back:
A big chapter in my life is closing, but the one I'm starting is the greatest of all. To all my friends and family in Florida...
Goodbye...
- Michael "Mich" Perry
Part 2 coming soon...
Hey everyone. Thanks for taking the time to read this blog. On top of the GG community reading this, I've sent a link of this blog to my friends and family as well.
This is indeed a HUGE announcement, but it requires an introduction. I never really introduced myself to the GarageGames community...soooo...
This is me...(taken in Englewood, FL)
For those of you who don't know, I've been working two jobs since GDC 2008 which was this past February. One was my full time job as a simulation programmer in Orlando, FL, working for a Department of Defense contractor. The other was a part time contractor for GarageGames, writing documentation for their game engines.
While at GDC, I finally got to meet some GarageGames employees that I've only spoken to online. Thanks to the help of Deborah Marshall I managed to get an introduction to Matt Fairfax. He recognized me from of the free tutorials I wrote for TGE and asked me if I was willing to create official docs on a part time basis. I jumped at the opportunity, having always wanted to become a GG Associate and help the community.
Surprisingly, I've really enjoyed writing Torque documentation and feel like it's helping everyone out. The only thing that's bugged me is that I just don't have the time to work on documents with my current job. So, recently I had to make a tough decision.
I haven't been happy working at my day job for some time. I still love programming; I just don't think developing serious simulations is what I want to do.
That's why I put in my two weeks notice. I'll no longer be working as a simulation programmer...
That's not all
After discussing it with the love of my life, Heather, we've decided it is time to see another part of the world. At the end of July, we are moving out of Orlando. If you haven't guessed by now, we already know where we are going and what we will do:
That's right; GarageGames has decided to hire me on full time as a Documentation Engineer. Due to the encouragement and support of Deborah, Matt, and Brett Seyler, I was convinced that I should not work remotely. That means GOODBYE FLORIDA:
(taken in the Florida Keys)
-and-
HELLO EUGENE, OREGON!!
(taken from Skinner's Butte)
We have hired movers, and at the end of the month we are piling ourselves, some luggage, and our dogs into the car for a cross-country road trip. I'm happy I'm not making this trip alone. I could not and would not do this without the love and support of Heather
Heather and I(taken in the Celtic Ray)
Though I will not miss Florida, particularly the hurricanes:
Aftermath of Hurricane Charlie(taken in Orlando by me, 1 day after)
I will miss my friends:
Me, Heather, and Tina(taken in Tampa, Red Sox vs Rays)
Me, Heather, Nikki, Kris, and Justin(taken on the island I rented, Dog Island)
And I will most definitely miss my family:
Heather and our sister Nikki(taken in our boat on the way to Dog Island)
My New Family(taken in the Florida Keys)
So that's the big announcement folks. Thanks for taking the time to read through all of it =). I'm very excited to move to a new state, and to start working full time producing documentation for the GarageGames community. My co-workers are some of the most awesome people I've ever had the chance to work with. This is the definition of an adventure.
There's no turning back:
A big chapter in my life is closing, but the one I'm starting is the greatest of all. To all my friends and family in Florida...
Goodbye...
- Michael "Mich" Perry
Part 2 coming soon...
Recent Blog Posts
| List: | 09/29/08 - September Documentation Wrap Up 09/15/08 - Week of Awesome News! 09/04/08 - Documentation Announcements 08/14/08 - New Documentation System 07/11/08 - MAJOR Documentation Announcement 1 05/15/08 - What do you think about Documentation? 03/21/08 - What is Ars Moriendi? (images) 03/14/08 - Big News, and New Documentation |
|---|
Submit your own resources!| Kenneth Holst (Jul 11, 2008 at 00:21 GMT) Resource Rating: 5 |
Looking forward to having you here in Eugene!
| Deborah Marshall (Jul 11, 2008 at 00:38 GMT) Resource Rating: 5 |
Actually, that's not true. Once you start working here, I'll have nothing but time. mwahahaha!
| Syllus (Jul 11, 2008 at 00:54 GMT) |
| jydog (Jul 11, 2008 at 01:24 GMT) |
So, whats wrong with a few downed trees/signs/roads, 6 foot of water in your house, floating mobile homes and such?
Look forward to the quality of doc coming out at a steady pace.
excellANT!
Edited on Jul 11, 2008 01:26 GMT
| David Montgomery-Blake (Jul 11, 2008 at 03:23 GMT) |
| Novack (Jul 11, 2008 at 04:00 GMT) |
Also guys like you (able to take desitions of life with that strength, "goodbye") going onboard GG is always a cool sign!!
| Talana Fairfax (Jul 11, 2008 at 04:49 GMT) |
Welcome to Eugene!
| Stephan (viKKing) Bondier (Jul 11, 2008 at 06:01 GMT) |
I wish you all the best to both of you.
| Charles B (Jul 11, 2008 at 07:28 GMT) |
I drove from va to cali 2 round trips now and the only thing i don't like is when you go through utah there is 1 hella steep downhill.
One thing to keep in mind is vegas is the only place in america that you can legally shoot uzis, thompsons, machine guns and get a good lap dance.
Edited on Jul 11, 2008 07:33 GMT
| Konrad Kiss (Jul 11, 2008 at 08:53 GMT) Resource Rating: 5 |
Congratulations, and good luck! This was a really smart move on GG's part!
| Brian Wilson (Jul 11, 2008 at 13:33 GMT) |
| Michael Perry (Jul 11, 2008 at 13:46 GMT) |
@Ken - She can try, but she's seen my retaliatory skills
@Deborah - Aw come on! You know we work better as a team, collaborating mischief ftw!
@Syllus - This is definitely one of those "Do what you love and the money will follow" kind of things.
@jvdog - Well, the hurricane parties are super fun. Orlando pulled together to help each other out, which was cool. But when a hurricane spawns tropical tornadoes outside of your apartment, the town loses its charm.
@David - Mmmmm, lying cake....it's the best
@Novack - Thanks for the compliment. It was a tough life decision, but we knew it was right for us. Life without adventure is a wasted life =)
@Talana - Every time we talk, my vocabulary expands =). Big thanks again to you and Matt for helping us out with the move.
@Stephan - Thanks for the well wishes. Speaking of long...we have estimated the trip will take close to 50-60 hours by car...which brings me to...
@Charles B - The original trip was going to be a pure "Point A to Point B" route. Now, we've decided to see a few things along the way, like Yellowstone National Park. We are also going to spend the night in Denver, Colorado. I'm going to take videos and pictures along the way, and will make another personal blog when we are all settled in.
@Konrad - Like I said, I'm surprised how much I enjoy writing documentation. I originally went to a school for game design and development to become a game designer. Those dreams were crushed when I realized the school focused primarily on programming...but then I realized I enjoyed programming more than design.
Now, to go from programming my own games to creating documentation that helps others make their games....that just feels more rewarding =)
| Michael Perry (Jul 11, 2008 at 13:48 GMT) |
If you want to see the blog at an alternative location, you can check them out on http://www.myspace.com/i_r_genius. Send me a friend request and you can read the blog there too.
| Syllus (Jul 11, 2008 at 14:08 GMT) |
| Scott Burns (Jul 11, 2008 at 14:33 GMT) |
Still, that last picture is missing something.
| Michael Perry (Jul 11, 2008 at 14:38 GMT) |
Love "The Hulk" song...
Btw, this was originally going to be a video blog, but my camera is in another city =(
However, had this been a video blog, this would have been the outro song: 10,000 Pesos
| Anne Chilldon (Jul 11, 2008 at 15:34 GMT) |
You will be missed down here.
| Adib Murad (Jul 11, 2008 at 15:38 GMT) |
On the other hand, I couldn't be more happy to see a documentation effort. Document, Mr. Perry, please document! Hope you give some love to GG 3D engines.
| Matthew Langley (Jul 11, 2008 at 16:49 GMT) |
| Deborah Marshall (Jul 11, 2008 at 17:13 GMT) Resource Rating: 5 |
Quote:
Aw come on! You know we work better as a team, collaborating mischief ftw!
Hmm...you may have a point. You certainly did a fantastic job of expanding on my original idea.
Still, we have to get in occasional Photoshop wars, just to stay fresh. Think of me as a sparring partner. We encourage each other to stay in shape.
| Michael Perry (Jul 11, 2008 at 17:26 GMT) |
| Michael Perry (Jul 11, 2008 at 17:33 GMT) |
@Adib - I'll do my best to give proper attention to all the engines. Even when I do updates that only affect one engine, I'll still have back burner work cooking for the others. And don't worry artists; I won't forget you either =)
@MattL - I'm definitely looking forward to proper meetings. Even though I'm leaving the Awesome Division of Remote Employees, I know we can get more work done when I'm on site. I'm also excited to add to the ranks of samurai at the GG office.
| metalliandy (Jul 11, 2008 at 20:55 GMT) Resource Rating: 5 |
Its great to see someone working full time on the docs :)
sorry...couldn't resist :D
Edited on Jul 11, 2008 20:57 GMT
| Kenneth Holst (Jul 11, 2008 at 21:38 GMT) Resource Rating: 5 |
| Kenneth Holst (Jul 11, 2008 at 21:48 GMT) Resource Rating: 5 |
Edited on Jul 11, 2008 21:54 GMT
| Michael Perry (Jul 11, 2008 at 21:56 GMT) |
The Ferrari pic deserves an explanation. A few months back, a community member commented that the GarageGames parking lot is full of Ferraris since we make all teh internet money. I've been waiting for a while to incorporate that comment into a picture.
So, if you ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of GarageGames, now you know....Photoshop wars...
Edited on Jul 11, 2008 22:16 GMT
| Deborah Marshall (Jul 11, 2008 at 22:18 GMT) Resource Rating: 5 |
Edited on Jul 11, 2008 23:14 GMT
| Michael Perry (Jul 11, 2008 at 22:20 GMT) |
| Deborah Marshall (Jul 11, 2008 at 23:15 GMT) Resource Rating: 5 |
Edited on Jul 11, 2008 23:38 GMT
| Mike Rowley (Jul 11, 2008 at 23:46 GMT) |
Michael, all I can do is echo everyone else. This is an awesome promotion for someone who truely deserves it. Your work on the docs are the best. Bar none.
Congrats and enjoy the ride. :-) There is a lot of really beautuful country between you and Eugene.
| Drew -Gaiiden- Sikora (Jul 12, 2008 at 01:15 GMT) |
| Michael Perry (Jul 12, 2008 at 04:23 GMT) |
@Drew - Thanks! =) I'm pretty happy with how the blog, and the resulting comments, turned out. Much better than my originally planned video blog.
| JoZ (Jul 14, 2008 at 12:08 GMT) |
Further that I'll give to you my address to ship me all the documentation printed on glossy photographic paper... LOL! :-D
| Devon Winter (Jul 14, 2008 at 15:40 GMT) |
Second.. regarding the final pictures in your blog.. DUDE.. you should consider driving to Eugene. It's a long walk.. :)
g'luck!!, and OH btw -- Torque Documentation SO blows Unreal's documentation out of the water. I think we have you to largely thank for that.. so THANKS!!
Devon
| Michael Perry (Jul 14, 2008 at 15:54 GMT) |
Sorry about the photographic paper, though. I only feed my printer loose leaf notebook paper to show off my Indie mentality.
@Devon - Wow, thanks for the compliments. I am indeed driving, with two other people and 2 dogs. Walking could be a more comfortable alternative since I'm won't be getting any comfortable sleep without the aid of night time allergy medicine.
Quote:
I think we have you to largely thank for that
There is actually a documentation team, and I'm just the latest addition. No way in Hell am I going to take full credit, but you will see a lot more content and updates coming from me. I'll address all of this in Part 2.
| Mark (Jul 15, 2008 at 11:36 GMT) |
| David Montgomery-Blake (Jul 18, 2008 at 22:00 GMT) |
Michael attended my wedding. If you've ever tried finding someone who likes documentation, you'll understand.
| Charles B (Jul 25, 2008 at 02:35 GMT) |
>>now you know....Photoshop wars...
correction you alls poor so really its "gimp2.2 wars"
Please sir If you can you do overview documention like this is torque 1.5.2, this is what is built it.
This is the projectile system. This is how to create different projectiles, this is the physics that is built in, this is what the vehicle system will do for you, etc...
This is the starter fps that comes with the 1.5.2 release - this is docs on it. I have all the books, I don't really see a clean attempt at documenting starter.fps.
You know I didn't write torque so I don't know what is all there and it seems that only some people know some bits so maybe they will let you loop through the gg people that are there and get a gem of info and be able to document it.
Edited on Jul 25, 2008 02:42 GMT
| Apparatus (Jul 25, 2008 at 04:40 GMT) |
| Michael Perry (Jul 27, 2008 at 14:45 GMT) |
@Apparatus - I somewhat brought this on myself. Over the months leading up to becoming an employee, I was a contract worker. I would use various GG employees as subjects in my Gimp works, some more flattering than others.
The good docs are coming though, as are some videos.
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