tiltjlp
PN co-founder

When I returned to the VP scene, I hoped, but didn’t really expect, to see some positive changes. Well, I guess VP Land isn’t any worse off than when I left, but most of the things that were problems still remain. The Free Forums are no longer, which I’m sure pleases some folks no end. And while I didn’t appreciate some of the conduct of a number of the more vocal and vulgar members, it gave a lot of people a place to let off some steam. And once the name calling had settled down, and Marv was banned, VPFF wasn’t nearly as evil a place as a few folks felt.
I always figured that if you didn’t approve of VPFF, the wisest thing to do was to ignore it, and not visit, knowing it would make your blood boil. So now as least some of those member who were banned from VPF have returned, and the earth hasn’t stood still, and there are even more members who register only so they can download VPM tables. And what is so wrong with that, there is no requirement that anyone take an active role in the forums and post. But if you do decide to post, please say something in your posts, rather than the same one line “glad-handing†empty comments some folks churn out. Maybe VPF should remove the post count statistic, since “saying nothing†really shouldn’t ever be acknowledged or rewarded.
I have noticed a few new authors, Furio in particular, who I’m glad to see doing first rate work. But on the other hand, one person still is churning out flipperless tables without making any improvements to the playfield, and sadly, is using altered script from another authors older tables. The borrowed script comes from a few of Druadic’s earlier tables, which is only one of several reasons Will has left VP for a while. But of course one constant that has remained is the excellent work by the IRPinball team, so all is not lost.
But what disappoints me the most is that seemingly half of the posts at VPF are in the Outlanes, and have nothing to do with anything akin to pinball. Oh well, at least I don’t have to read the chatter. But one thing that is missing, which should be, is meaningful and thoughtful replies to WIP posts. Sure, many WIPs simply are showing you what the author is working on, and don’t ask for input and suggestions. But those WIPs that do ask for advice or opinions receive very few replies, and most of those are not helpful in the least. “Looks great, can’t wait to play it†doesn’t help the author improve his work, only feeding the ego of the poster. Nearly 9,500 post, so what?
A few things did surprise me. PacDude back at VPF. And as long winded as ever . . . but most of what he says I agree with. If only he could learn to be concise. It was good to see that shiva has returned to mind the store at the best developers site ever, what a shame that shivaSite is so underused. VP Originals is up and running, and promises to be a good place to snag originals. And lastly, thanks to JonPurpleHaze for keeping TMOF alive, and arising from its ashes with Flipperless.com. It’s a shame that no one visits any more. Hopefully this opinion piece and others which will follow will liven things up a bit, and bring folks back. So there you have it, my first look at the plight of the VP scene. Agree or not, let me know. Especially if you don’t agree, since a little friendly debate is always good for what ails you.
tiltjlp
I always figured that if you didn’t approve of VPFF, the wisest thing to do was to ignore it, and not visit, knowing it would make your blood boil. So now as least some of those member who were banned from VPF have returned, and the earth hasn’t stood still, and there are even more members who register only so they can download VPM tables. And what is so wrong with that, there is no requirement that anyone take an active role in the forums and post. But if you do decide to post, please say something in your posts, rather than the same one line “glad-handing†empty comments some folks churn out. Maybe VPF should remove the post count statistic, since “saying nothing†really shouldn’t ever be acknowledged or rewarded.
I have noticed a few new authors, Furio in particular, who I’m glad to see doing first rate work. But on the other hand, one person still is churning out flipperless tables without making any improvements to the playfield, and sadly, is using altered script from another authors older tables. The borrowed script comes from a few of Druadic’s earlier tables, which is only one of several reasons Will has left VP for a while. But of course one constant that has remained is the excellent work by the IRPinball team, so all is not lost.
But what disappoints me the most is that seemingly half of the posts at VPF are in the Outlanes, and have nothing to do with anything akin to pinball. Oh well, at least I don’t have to read the chatter. But one thing that is missing, which should be, is meaningful and thoughtful replies to WIP posts. Sure, many WIPs simply are showing you what the author is working on, and don’t ask for input and suggestions. But those WIPs that do ask for advice or opinions receive very few replies, and most of those are not helpful in the least. “Looks great, can’t wait to play it†doesn’t help the author improve his work, only feeding the ego of the poster. Nearly 9,500 post, so what?
A few things did surprise me. PacDude back at VPF. And as long winded as ever . . . but most of what he says I agree with. If only he could learn to be concise. It was good to see that shiva has returned to mind the store at the best developers site ever, what a shame that shivaSite is so underused. VP Originals is up and running, and promises to be a good place to snag originals. And lastly, thanks to JonPurpleHaze for keeping TMOF alive, and arising from its ashes with Flipperless.com. It’s a shame that no one visits any more. Hopefully this opinion piece and others which will follow will liven things up a bit, and bring folks back. So there you have it, my first look at the plight of the VP scene. Agree or not, let me know. Especially if you don’t agree, since a little friendly debate is always good for what ails you.
tiltjlp