Learning Torque Web Site being Built

#1 Keep us abreast of what you're working on. I know Geoff is extremely interested in this project--which makes sense since he's our Technical Writing Lead.

#2 Will do!,

I don't want to step on any toes or get anyone mad at me for something stupid I did. I also hope that a lot of the members will contribute to the Tutorials and Quick Tips sections!

From Time to Time I will post updates to the Site that can be viewed for Questions and Thoughts / Comments!


Thanks,
Mike

#3 I think it's much needed and way past due! I can't wait please keep us posted.

#4 Hoorah, Mikey!

I think a much needed video on collision detection is needed!

I'm just a beginner, but I might be able to contribute some videos!

#5 Not to rain on anybody's parade, but such websites have already existed in the past and died and failed a long ago time. Usually due to the website administrator losing interest in maintaining it and stops paying the domain registration and hosting fees, etc..

Thus the reason why the Torque Developer Network wiki was created as it'll continue to work and exist as long as GarageGames exists. I would think the smart move would be for GarageGames to invest in the time and manpower to upgrade/replace the mediawiki installation with the latest release and upgrade/install new plugins for the wiki system to make it more appealing. After that then the community could resume adding content to the wiki and improve upon it.

I would hate to see a lot of effort poured into yet another off-site community project for it to disappear without a trace several years down the road.

#6 Nathan, you are right. Maybe Garagegames should pay a little more attention to TDN. Maybe revamp the site making it visually more appealing, add a section for tutorials and or video tutorials. Those tutorials can be added by community member but I really feel some of the developers need to take responsibility for some of them too. Who knows the engine better than the individuals who designed it.

#7 Thanks.....

#8 Hmmm, maybe the TDN portion could be managed by volunteers like Michael.

#9 I refrained from commenting about the many intentions to create such a website before, but Nathan pretty much nailed it. I certainly don't discourage it however.

There have been a lot of volunteers for managing TDN, but nothing much has come of it. Some initial interest, then casual interest, and then it's forgotten again. It actually needs more than just management, it needs a total overhaul -- which has been discussed ad nauseam as well.

#10 Well, That's fine. It would be nice if GG, had the same Tutorials I propose to do on the GG web site. But, I don't think right now they want or can spend the money or time to do it.

That's a lot of time and money to spend to make a web site, even for GG
and on top of that they would have to spend the time to hire someone to moderate it or do it them selves and they are stretched right now working on making improvements to the Engine of Torque and all the other products they offer, to throw in another website they have to mess with.... We would never get any more updates to software.

Now I'm not saying my web site is the fix all, but I have invested a few dollars to making it and it's paid for the next two years in advance, so I'm just going to do my little thing and if anyone wants to help out or contribute great if not it will be a place holder with a blank screen on the web for the next two years, then I'll drop it from auto renew and it will be a history of wasted money and time.

So thanks to those who want to help out and "play" around for the next two years, and if it goes well, I'll dump more of my retirement into running it for another two years or so long as it's used by someone.

Don't take this as being directed at anyone, it's just my rant.

Thanks!
Mike

#11 Don't be discouraged, just do your best to keep interest high. Blog regularly showing off new features of the site, new tutorials, etc. Periodically ask for volunteers, to create and/or to moderate. At the least you'll need some sort of interface for submitting learning guides that's at least as easy submitting Resources here on this site. Once you're established and have content you may even be able to ask for donations to help defer the eventual cost.

Part of the reason the previous intentions failed was that the initial interest was covered up and lost in the forums, and if you're not repeatedly reminding people about it, it becomes lost. And once it's forgotten the creator sees little point in continuing. Regular blogging with content to show would certainly keep people informed and interested.

TDN is certainly not the "end all" solution that many want it to be, mainly because it does need official improvement/replacement.

#12 I know, I get upset easy now days, I'm not able to do the things I use to and learning new stuff is getting harder, but I guess part of that is getting.. EKKKK OLD. ahhhhhh :(

A for money, I may some time ask for donations but for now I'm covering the cost and It doesn't bother me, it's not that expensive and the web hosting I have is very reasonably priced, I got 2 years and domain registration, with unlimited bandwidth, storage, and pages/ sites I want to build for $130!! And they are a green hosting service with 8 server farms located around the world so up time is 98%, and it's Wind Powered! :)

Content is the one thing I am worried about, if I can't get Content for the site when built, no one will be interested. So I am trying to figure that out, along with trying to get the site built, who would have thought that a simple site would be so hard to build!

Well, I'll keep everyone up to date on the status of the build and grand opening, LOL.

Oh BTW @Michael Hall, that picture in your Avatar would be a good picture to use to model a human head, like a blank slate! LOL.

Thanks!
Mike

#13 Hey Mike, I wasn't trying to discourage your project I honestly think it's a great idea. I would love to see it go public and may even help with content if I come up with stuff the community could use but if you already have things taken care of go for it. Especially if garagegames doesn't have plans on updating TDN. The other engines already have something like this and it's helping there communities so if done right it may be the thing T3D needed to help the engine get the recognition it deserves.
Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!

#14 Yea, and the more it gets out there, and can show some of the ease at which you can make great games with it, Especially with Tutorials for the beginner, Intermediate and Advance user it will help a lot of people get into making games with Torque 3D, at least I think. Right now unfortunately I see a lot of negative YouTube videos saying Torque is junk and stuff cause they don't understand how it works. :(

The more people we get involved the more GG makes $$$ and we get even better add on's and Engine updates! Supply n Demand!
GG can't live off a few hundred people buying a product once and that's it, the more users you have the more Content, Add-on's, and stuff gets made and sold for it. Look at the Unreal Engine.... I think last time I looked at the Paid version it was like $1000.00!!!

BUT they have 1000 of free users making some great home made games with it.

We got to get the word out and wave the flag! Get in here and make some games! GO TEAM GG!

Thanks,
Mike

#15 @Michael,
I support myself partly by doing freelance web page development. If you want help let me know. I won't be able to allocate a lot of time, but I can certainly handle small tasks as needed.

Setup your website and include a PM system that does not expose email addresses. Also, integrate access to the GG IRC channel and maybe even have the server show latest posts (if the tech is available to do so). Once you have a PM system setup it will be simpler to communicate with the interested GG people. It will allow people to list tasks needed on the website and needed tutorials. Then people have a target to aim at. Not having a good way to see the holes will make it hard to influence people to contribute.

Anyway, let me know where you need the help. I added this thread to watch so I can catch your replies.

#16 Thanks Frank, not sure what GG IRC name is? But I'll try to integrate IRC on a page of the web site so users can chat without installing any software. Is the GG IRC open to all or just Members?

I also am going to try to have a PM system so you can PM other users online at the same time you are, with some privacy options, if I can get it done.
I'm reading PHP programming right now, never done it but it's so much like a mix of basic and C that it's pretty easy to catch on to, helps when you've programmed for the last 25 years.

As for task I think a simple Tutorial Request area could be made.
That others can view and maybe even assign it to themselves, kind
of to say I'll take that challenge on! Perhaps users could volt
for the best tutorial created for the subject?

Ahh, will have to see, it won't be built in a day, but I am
looking into a lot of options to add to the site.

Keep watching for updates or comments!

Mike

#17 @Frank, I may need some stuff created as time goes on,some help from you would be appreciated, but maybe I could "Hire" you for some more
involved work?

Let me know if your interested at LearningTorque@gmail.com

Thanks!
Mike

#18 @Mike,
Start with a CMS (Content Management System). Some good ones are Drupal and Joomla. I am sure there are more, but those are 2 that are fairly newbie friendly. Also, Joomla maybe the simplest and has lots of plugins including wikis and irc clients.

Edit:
There would be less programming that way. Drupal is similar, but more PHP would be required. Another good web system is CodeIgniter, but that will require a lot of PHP as it is just a framework.

#19 Wow this stuff is harder to do than I thought, LOL.

@Frank, Cool thanks, I am now testing an install of Joomla on
my web host. I have two domains registered that I use to test different CMS software. The *********** deleted for security, site is where the final site will rest.

My test site where I dump all these CMS engines to and test build the features is *********** deleted for security.

You can visit them at anytime to see if there are any changes.
They maybe there today and delete tomorrow if the CMS doesn't fit my needs, LOL, I am looking for the best, easiest to use and up-gradable site CMS to use so I test A LOT of CMS and other stuff to find the best.

Thanks,
Mike
Updated due to a facebook hack.

#20 In my experience Joomla messes things up the most (major sports store here have seen constant issues with it for years). And also in my experience you must know how to use a CMS, how to secure it and set registration off before you even let people know about the URLs in the building phase ;)