I got an invite to the beta of Google+ (social network) which is funny 'cause I don't like social networks. Anyway, if you want an invite send me your gmail address and I'll send you an invite too.

Bioshock for $5? Done!

I had a ton of trouble getting it working though. There was a great guide here, but at the end of the day I had to disable Avast and reinstall. It's way cooler with sound!

I wonder what Steam will have on sale today?

Image-Line just released the FL Studio Mobile app for the iPod, iPhone, and iPad but it's NOT AVAILABLE IN CANADA! I'm not too happy about that last part, but here's a link anyway.

http://www.image-line.com/documents/flstudiomobile.html

Night Vision (Hopes and Dreams RMX)

I just put the finishing touches on my first ever remix and I've uploaded it all over the place:

NewGrounds - http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/422239

SoundCloud - http://soundcloud.com/dmgpunk/night-vision-hopes-and-dreams

YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yjx6IIY7L4Q

And of course Image-Line - http://forum.image-line.com/viewtopic.php?f=100&t=73988&p=548117#p548117 who was hosting the competition - http://www.image-line.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1303101802

I've discovered that remixes are fun, and it's great to challenge yourself to work on a project that you wouldn't typically take on, but listening to the same song over and over for a month does get tiresome. I don't think I came up with an award winner, but I like it, and I'm pleased with my work; I make music for me so I want to improve more than I want to be popular.

FL Studio induced issues

Reader,

My computer is great! It's not perfect and it's not new, but it is the product of investment (time and money) and it shows. As such my expectation is that it will do what I want when I want. With my resent purchase of FL Studio, two compliance issues have been brought to light; I was able to find solutions on both fronts.

Firstly: I wanted to record a sound clip from a movie that I own in 3 formats and I couldn't. I have a SoundMAX Integrated HD Audio device that I use for optical output. In the sound settings there should have been an option to record "what you hear" or something similar (stereo mix) but it wasn't there. It took me a while, but I eventually found this website with simple instructions on how to rewrite one of the driver initialisation files and fix the issue. Software fix, go figure.

Second: This one has been plaguing me for ages, the media keys on both my keyboards (yes I have two) stopped controlling iTunes properly. The button press would trigger a signal and the button unpress would trigger the same signal unless iTunes was focused. I would pause AND unpause the song, or skip ahead/back two tracks at once. Irritating to be sure! Solution? The first part was all over the internet, the MMKeys.dll is a well know requirement for iTunes on a Windows computer. The other piece of the puzzle came from a Zune forum (yes I use both). it turns out that the Intellitype software hooks the media key when pressed, and iTunes hooks it when unpressed. I uninstalled Intellitype and now everything works as good as ever. Software again, go figure.

I don't care who's "fault" either of the issues were, I just hope someone out there can enjoy the solutions. If you're in a different boat with different troubles, don't give up, there's a solution out there if you look long enough.

- Derek (dmgpunk)

Futile!!!

Why Google took away the ability to publish to Blogger I'll probably never understand... Enjoy the embedded file.

I just got a new keyboard! It's a ca...

I just got a new keyboard!  It's a cast-off from my dad who got it as a cast-off from work so I suppose new is a bit of a stretch; regardless, it's a Natural Ergonomic 4000.  What's important about it is the split keyboard which helps force me to use the proper fingers for the proper keystrokes.  There's going to be an adjustment period to be sure, but I'm enjoying it so far.

In other news it's December 31st which means people will take this opportunity to commit to any number of things to amend the previous annum's regrets.  That's not something I do, so I will not be starting January off with a flurry of writing.  Quite the opposite, I'll be levelling my Paladin to 85, playing some StarCraft2 and MineCraft, and writing when I feel like I have something to write.

The advice from R.A. Salvatore to young writers, "if you can stop, stop."  He didn't wish the life of a writer on anyone, and claimed that he only did it because he literally couldn't stop writing every day.  I am not R.A. Salvatore, so I will write when I write, and you will wait or go elsewhere.

Not good enough

If I say Day[9] to you, and you return the blank stare typical of most people, then I won't be surprised.  Well, if you think you can stare at me through your monitor then I am a little surprised.

Shocking oddities aside, I am currently enjoying the game of StarCraft2, and I also find pleasure in some of the gaming commentary and coaching that can be found on YouTube.  If this is too nerdy for you, feel free to skip the next paragraph.

In StarCraft I usually played Protoss, but in StarCraft2 I've been playing almost exclusively Terran.  I'm not good, I'm a mid level bronze player, but I thought I'd try something a little different today and play a game as Zerg since I've seen lots of cool Zerg games on the aforementioned YouTube channels.  I was doing okay until about mid-game, when the medium level Protoss A.I. just walked all over me.  My macro was abysmal, and I clearly don't know the ins and outs of that race.  There was a lot of stuff going on, and my one-track brain was clearly overwhelmed.

The pleasure of spectating  will bring me to the point of wanting to try something for myself.  I find that I am typically competent enough to get by at first, but (as in the example above) I get to a point where my performance falls short of my expectations and I am left feeling defeated by yet another challenge.  This is the fork in the road for me.

Do I back out?  Or do I invest myself in an attempt to improve?  I hate the feeling of being beaten, so if whatever I'm trying out is enjoyable, then I will often pursue overcoming the obstacle that's holding me back.  This is of course cyclical because there is always another obstacle waiting around the corner requiring more focus and commitment to overcome.  I'm usually okay with this, I simply apply the same solution and carry on.

At some point I inevitably reach a point where this is no longer effective.  This has happened over and over again; playing guitar, mountain biking, soccer, video games, et cetera.  The limitation is inevitably me, I'm simply incapable of going any further down the chosen path.  For me, that's worse than that initial feeling of being beaten, it's utter defeat and it's depressing.  I don't feel like listing specific examples, suffice to say that I would like it a lot if there was something I enjoyed doing that I was more than good at.  Is that something writing?  I don't know, I guess time will tell.

So, I like, posted a new video a couple days ago. If you haven't seen it, it's here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gU5BjGRk2ds

Push through the pain!

- dmgpunk

Professionals v2

Yesterday I was listening to an interview with Bill Slavicsek (an author and freelance/contracted writer), who stated that he averaged 12,000 words per day for the last month with peak days of over 14,000.  That means he’s written as much in 3 days as I did in 4 months.

Is that the kick in the butt I needed to get writing again?  Perhaps.  I’ve had ideas begin to reemerge of late, and I’ve started developing the story arc a little, which should alleviate that lost sensation I’ve had for so long.

After nosing around Google Docs for the last few minutes, it seems there’s some significant changes since I was here last.  Most notably the Gears offline editing has been disabled, and the ability to publish to my blogger account.  I’m not too impressed.

Creativity?

This web-log has been stagnant, so I highly doubt there's any traffic.  It's a good thing that I keep it for myself and not for anyone else.  The lack of posts is directly related to the activities of the past 8 months.
I was writing a lot there for a while, I wrote ~45,000 words-  Wow!  Was it really that many?  Anyway, I put many ideas to virtual page within a reasonable amount to time.

At the same time as that, I was playing around in a then recently free-to-play MMO called Dungeons and Dragons Online. I made a bunch of videos which were supposed to be a video-log but ended up being walk-through style which wasn't nearly as interesting to me.  In truth, my experiences in the game didn't really lend themselves to a video-log, and the form it took was simply natural.  The most interesting part of the whole experience was that I started to acquire subscribers on YouTube and for a little while I felt the desire to publish content to keep that ball rolling.

The other major activity over the winter was the renewal of my World of WarCraft account and the loss of time associated therewith.  While that was active, everything else seemed to grind to a halt.  I was still going to the gym and tending to social responsibilities, but all my creative juices were sucked into the game and the "need" to upgrade my gear and maximize the effectiveness of my "spec."

It wasn't until spring that my account expired, and the biking trails opened up that I realised the foolishness of the past several months.  My video-log attentions have turned towards mountain biking and actually replaced my old web-log, "The M Stands for MTB."  Making videos is more fun for me and I hope a more dynamic and simplistic consumption method for the internet.

Beside me on my desk is the script for my friend Dave's new movie, and I'll be laying down some vocal tracks in a few days.  An encounter with him helped inspire my previous fervor for writing, and I've had enough down time now to think through a couple hang-ups with my story.  I hope that I am able to spend some time writing this summer, and accomplish something I can be proud of.

- Derek

Oh, I just added it up, 42,146 words so far.  ^_^  Hands down the biggest thing I've ever written.

Strange Surroundings

My Father-in-Law has graciously allowed me the use of his desktop computer (a Vista based Dell) while we're visiting for Christmas.  I  sincerely appreciate it, and have found it to be quite sufficient for the task.  It has also brought some thoughts to mind.

The most notable thought is that it would be nice to have a familiar work station no matter where I find myself, i.e. a laptop.

 

I've never been a fan of laptops 'cause I never really thought of them as being serious computers.  To me they were always aimed at people who valued portability over speed, power, decent sound, and a full-sized keyboard.  Four things that are remarkably important to me.

 

However, sitting at a strange desk using a different (though admittedly full-sized) keyboard on an unfamiliar computer has made me realise that portability has value.  There is something to be said for being able to sit down and write without having to reorganise things to get comfortable.  There's something to be said for placing your fingers on keys so familiar you can type in the dark.  There's something to be said for an operating system (and programs) you know with settings tailored to you liking.

 

In short, laptops today are powerful enough to word-process, fingers can adapt to keyboards, and I already own nice headphones.  So for the purpose of writing laptops are pretty cool, and gaming can be done on your real computer.  ^_^

Hiatus

I'm taking a bit of a break right now.  My break was forced upon me last week when I was struck down by an unpleasant strain of influenza.  That might not have been so bad if it wasn't coupled with a 3 day training course that had my brain otherwise occupied.

 

The icing on the cake was that it's simply easier to play video games than to be creative when your brain is already hindered so.  Thus I've taken the past seven days off from writing, and I think I needed the break.

 

I'll probably start the daily discipline again after my birthday, but that brings to mind an interview I heard with an author of whom I was a huge fan in high school; R.A. Salvatore.  When asked what advice he had for aspiring authors he said, "if you can stop, then stop."

 

I trust the implications thereof have settled in, especially in the shadow of recent confession of doing just that.  The question I counter with is this, "if I stop, what do I do with all the ideas in my head?"  The past few days have been both relaxing for me, and have allowed my mind to dream up potential new concepts for my characters to explore.

 

In short, I am not done, I just may shed my previous schedule.  I think the months of disciplined writing was good for me, as it taught me how to overcome certain obstacles; namely intimidating/uncertain scenes and days where I'm "not in the mood."  After a breather I should be back at it with vim and vigor.

The Branches or the Trunk?

I've been writing a little on and off lately, though the sessions are longer which means the volume is about the same (34,000 so far).  I know that I need to nail down the bulk of my story before I move onto (one word or two?) other aspects, at least in earnest.  Thus I find myself yearning for time in my sketchbook, or Piant Shop, or blender; but resisting the urge to prevent distraction.  That discipline would be excellent if I wasn't in turn side-tracked by YouTube and other miscellaneous internet dross.  Sadly this tale does not come with resolution.

Tens of Thousands

I've just finished the twelfth section of my book and I know that puts me easily over 30,000 words written.  It takes me about 10 minutes to write 100 words, so do the math.  Yes, we're talking about fifty hours of writing.  It's neat to think of things that way.

 

The story is progressing well, and I'm starting to develop more of the full arc the more I invest which seems to be the generally preferred way to develop a story; and yet, I will continue to use what works for me.

 

Here's a brief sample of something I wrote today; enjoy.

Nathaniel's gaze shot to the larger man, "I value his input far more than I value yours, Militiaman."  The large man bristled and stepped forward, the woman placed her restraining hand on his arm again but he brushed it off.  The gray-bearded man seemed uncertain of what to do, and Nathaniel had reached up and grabbed his own livery.  "Do you see this insignia?" he said harshly.  "Do you see that I am ranked above you?

I realise there's no context for that paragraph, but at least you know I'm not writing, "he drew his sword and it was awesome!"  ^_^

Seasonal Inspiration

So it's very much fall now, and I'm spending a lot of time indoors keeping out of the cold rains.  As such, I've been writing, and blending, and taking care of all that stuff I like to do in and around my office.

 

YouTube changed their page layout, so I decided to take a look and ended up making a new background picture.

 

I did the cityscape in Blender, and then added the text and fading in Paint Shop Pro 9.

 

I also posted another video for the Ellenoir Experience, and recorded the footage for the next one.

 

I've been a busy little bee, but in my heart I'm hoping for a couple more bike rides before I call the season officially over.

25000

I've just finished my eighth section of my work, each being over 3000 words each.  That should put my current tally in excess of 25000 words.  That's pretty good for me.  I hope I can keep up the discipline  and creativity as the months go by.

Failure

I haven't written much at all of late.  I've  been biking a bit, and messing around with my computer a fair amount since I was victim of an "update" that destroying function.  I've got lots of excuses/reasons, but ultimately I have lacked the discipline.

 

I think part of the problem is that I have lost passion for my work.  I don't have a vision for what's happening with my characters, and I really don't know where they are going next.  That hadn't been a problem in the past when they were doing exciting things, but one of my characters is just really boring right now.  Should I focus on the interesting part of the story and come back to the hum-drum?  Or should I force myself knowing that most of what I throw down will be rewritten in a year anyway?  Having little to know experience to draw from I'm really not sure what to do.

 

I do know one thing though, I need to get writing again.

Limits

I have about two hours of game play video on my hard drive right now which I'll be going through when I get a moment.  I don't really have time to do it though.  If this was a normal game I'd just play and play, flying through the levels as fast as possible.  But I'm really enjoying this slower pace.

 

If that doesn't make sense to you allow me to contextualise.  I'm taking video whenever I play DDO, and trying my hand at a "vlog" of sorts.  You'll be able to find them all on my YouTube page, which should be linked on the left.

A Typically Rough Start

Today's the day, 9/9/9.  DDO goes free to play.  I thought about staying up until midnight last night to try the game out, but instead went to bed 'cause I was tired.

I was up pretty early this morning, say 6:30, so I thought I'd get an early start.  Sadly there was no new information on the site, and I'd already read through the old stuff.  So...  I still had my DDO client installed, and my Turbine account was still active from playing the LotRO beta, but that's where I'm stalled.  I guess I need a product key to proceed, and there's no way for me to get one since they took down the ten day trial a few months ago.

I spent a few moments this morning reinstalling FRAPS 'cause I've thought about doing a video journal about DDO.  Perhaps in the styling of WoWHobbs, but we'll see how that works out.  I suspect I won't have the time to commit to such an endeavour.

UPDATE:   13:30 - The DDO site is down for maintenance, so I'm assuming the information will be available soon.
UPDATE:  14:30 - The site is back up, but it keeps crashing IE8 when I try to fill out the form.  I'm assuming there's a volume issue, but who knows.

UPDATE:  14:45 - The latest news on the launcher is that they are having volume issues so I guess I'll have to wait for this to work.
UPDATE:  15:00 - This is too broken for me to even bother trying.  I'll come back with the rush is gone and their servers are capable of the task.

UPDATE:  15:45 - Looks like the site is finally working.  I got my new account set up without any trouble.

I and took the time to make my first character; Ellenoir Fonce, a rogue as per my norm.  I took a video of the whole thing which I'll edit together later on.  So far so good though.  It's pretty cool that the rogue is classed as challenging to solo, no game balancing here.