User:Realmeleven
Eleven is the fifth prime number and considering the state of my mods (namely as vapourware), the realm of this number seems entirely appropriate in application. I come into modding from software development, so I find myself somewhat more at home in the script editor than in the render window. How ironic considering that I got into this to take a break from coding!
Script Extenders[edit | edit source]
People wonder why some of us avoid external "frameworks" or additional API layers such as script extenders. May I suggest a book called "Human Performance Engineering: a guide for system designers" by Robert W. Bailey (1982) with ISBN: 0-13-445320-4. Experience has taught me that if I want to share something it must be as simple as possible to use and this means that user-friendly Oblivion mods cannot be dependent on the user running more than a clean (unmodified) but up-to-date Oblivion installation. Otherwise, a mod must carry its own dependencies in order to maintain a reasonable level of user-friendliness.
If I am to use any script extender, it needs a proper SDK preferably including a compiler to:
- build installers that doesn't get barred by Internet Explorer's no *.exe downloads without dropping all security bug (eg. an MSI file)
- build installers that check for updates (like DirectX) without any brainpower required on the part of the end user.
Something that ships with an installer builder that includes built-in optional trial-purchase system would be preferable - but if Microsoft can't do it properly after investing so much in their product activation system, it's probably unreasonable to ask anyone else!
The Art of Making a Living from One's Imagination[edit | edit source]
When I get around to it, (assuming someone doesn't save me the trouble by getting around to it first) I plan to write an installer builder that takes care of some basic ecommerce issues for those of us who need to put food on the table and would like to make a living in the real world from the fruits of our imagination. If the makers of any script extender for Oblivion can come up with a direct file download address for updates that does not change (because the filename remains unchanged to facilitate unlimited update access by programs), I'll be more than happy to include the script extender with automated updates if the author wants the script extender included in installers,
...and if or when I get around to writing an installer builder!
If this might be of interest to you, I am contactable via my personal web site: http://timothycasey.info
If I hear that there is interest in something like this, it will get a higher priority: meaning earlier/more-likely completion - so if something I am doing sounds interesting, visit my website, skip the philisophical meanderings and drop me a line to let me know.