what makes an associate an associate?

#1 There's no hard and fast rule per se, but I can tell you some of the qualities I look for when looking at making someone an Associate :

1. Great attitude in general.
2. An active presence on the site, helpful to newcomers and others on the forums or IRC channel.
3. Strong skills with Torque.
4. Gives back a little something to the community in the form of resources, code, tutorials, etc.

What I like to give Associates in return is :

1. Access to our software repos for both old and emerging technologies.
2. The ability to submit early feedback directly to us and let us know their thoughts and needs related to our software.
3. Free stuff, when I can get away with it - software, GDC passes, etc.
4. Private forums and a place where they can discuss things like betas and tech previews.

I'm looking to gather feedback from the Associates and try my best to make the program even more attractive than it is now. There are a lot of ways the program could be improved and expanded upon.

Hope this answers your question somewhat!

#2 yes it does Kenneth, thanks.

#3 Okay then, so what are "community alumni" ?

8^)

Illuminati made of aluminum... that's my bet!

#4 nice one Ken ;)

#5 Hmm.. well
I'd say I like to associate myself with GG, but... I am not an associate.

I have however, conversed with a few associates, and you do get that feeling
of "knowing" when you hear their words / advise / suggestions :D

#6 I think Mr Finney's "Community Alumni" status ranks higher than a mere "Associate". I mean look at who they let be an Associate nowadays <points at self> ;)

Ken certainly illuminated the way for me with both of his books!

#7 @eb,
yeah, noticed that one, maybe he fulfils these prerequisits of Kens?

1. Great attitude in general.
2. An active presence on the site, helpful to newcomers and others on the forums or IRC channel.
3. Strong skills with Torque.
4. Gives back a little something to the community in the form of resources, code, tutorials, etc.

dunno

#8 eb - your posts are inflamatory and irritating. Please don't disprespect other people.

It is not your concern why someone makes it in to the Associates. For all you know he could be a long time tester of mine, working behind the scenes. In any case, please try to show a little restraint before you start criticizing everything in sight.

#9 If nominations are allowed, I'd like to nominate Daniel Buckmaster for an associate.
Daniel Buckmaster's Profile

He has contributed greatly to the forums and resources for the advancement of TGE 1.5.2. He explains things well, he has lots of patience with non-programmers, and he just seems like a very nice person.

Tony

#10 Nominations are definitely accepted. Thanks Tony :)

#11 @Ken, I understand it is not my concern. I never thought it was my concern. ::shrugs::

...and TBH, those postS of mine were not as bad as you're trying to make them out to be.

[Take my words verbatim. Not what you read in and out of them.]

#12 If I misread something that wasn't there, you have my apologies. I just don't want people to think I choose Associates Willy-Nilly.. I have my reasons :)

Anyways, sorry again if I read something that wasn't there.