That research guy a few months ago...

Thunder_Child

@apitlekays invited members to answer some questions more than a few months ago it seems...behind the scenes I have been a part of that research and its come to a close...for me at least. Here is my summary and I thought I would share THIS with you all....i was completely honest the entire time of research.

Here goes....

Thunder_Child 9:04AM

Since becoming a member of the community about a year and a half ago...I have used the forums to answer questions about making games using GameSalad. That was my first goal. The forums provide a wide range of information to do this. You can search for existing topics and discussions that teach you how to fix mistakes...and how NOT to make the mistakes. You will always be learning something new as GameSalad is forever changing. Being an ACTIVE member puts you in a position to become part of the COMMUNITY...a group of people working together to learn themselves and to help others.

Moderators in the forums also provide a lot of help relating to questions in the forums as well as keeping a rule of law. Just like in game creation there are rules to follow and if you dont use them correctly...things dont and wont go your way.

When you cross a line of learning to ALSO being able to help others you can become somewhat of an ASSET to the community. I personally, now, spend an equal amount of time between learning how to use GS for my games I make...as well as helping other with their games they make. I help others as often as I can because people helped me and I know the struggle and learning curve it takes...never having made a game, coding, learning how to use rules and attributes as well as finally publishing your game with the hopes of making them millions of dollars....but like most in the forums...that bubble gets busted very quickly.

Once you get past that fact you will either give up...which I have close to doing many times...or then move on to making games and apps...for the fun of it...the pride you gain from having that phrase pop up..."Your app status has been changed to Ready For Sale" and "Announce your Game" to the community hoping for good feedback from other game developers...which can also burst your bubble if the feedback is not good or people find flaw after flaw in your game...its up to you to learn from that to make updates or use that knowledge for the next game.

From there you can move on to your next project and in my case...I made tutorials for publishing on youtube. Thousands of views, which I believe not all are from GS users...pushing 100 subscribers soon. When you become efficient at something you can keep it to yourself or let it be known in the forums. Thats one thing the forums do day after day...is help people. To become a trusted member of the community you need to know what your helping others do and not lead them in the wrong direction...you can answer them directly, lead them to previous discussions that provide that answer or elaborate on answers..or help them even make sure they are asking the right question that leads to the correct answer so they can move on with their project.

Over all I love being a part of the community and should I ever leave...I would miss it and hope to be missed. I decided from the beginning...and even stated early on I woukd become somewhat of a well known presence in the forums....I knew there would be two goals...to learn and teach...a few other goals were to make friends...earn trust...and to learn to trust others. People I think of that have taught me...I have taught...peoole I have learned to trust...and I will exclude those I dont so my list is all positive :-)...those would include @socks @gingagaming @deeblueapps @lovejoy @braydon_SFX @tatiang @jonmcauley @codemonster @tshirtbooth @alltherestofyoubastages. :-)

Even this discussion between us has been invaluable to make me at times...strongly evalute myself...sometimes exposing my weaknesses...providing an outlet to rant...show my strengths. I have completely enjoyed this for the past...4 months or so?

I hope this is a good summary and your research makes you an "A" !! Lol

Thanks alot.

Keep in touch,
David Ballew
Thunder_Child

tatiang

Well said! I've participated, too, in an ongoing conversation and I've found it stimulating and interesting to think about my various roles on the forums.

Thanks for sharing that.

Braydon_SFX

Good read and glad you decided to stay!

Lovejoy

A good read indeed. I leave off with a quote

"We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community... Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own."

-Cesar Chavez

ogreofwart

I think these forums are not just about making games, but making friends and helping each other with what skills you can.
I have learnt a lot in my short time here and have received some real help from genuine people.
So I think you are right about the positive aspects T.C.
Also its good that sometimes we don't take this stuff too seriously and find time to have a laugh as well

Thunder_Child

@ogreofwart

Hello Everybody on the Gamesalad Planet. I come in peace (despite the gun!!!)

Lol. Brilliant !

ogreofwart

So? Do you like my gun? I made it myself you know and it fires real bullets too ooooh!

apitlekays

Thanks @Thunder_Child for this, and the opportunity to see the community from your eyes I can't believe I've been lurking in this community close to 8 months now.. Haha!