Regarding the involvement of the community in expanding/creating art pipeline tools. I think its a really solid idea.
Typically artists with a programming bent make the best importing/exporting tools, programmers make 'programmer art' capable tools.
Secondly other projects like wxMax prove that the community (in this case one hyper-commited member) take on projects that someone like Mark decided was 'too large to wrap' when he was looking for UI solutions. Remember Mark/BRL is one person and his labour output is finite.
Ditto the community ads the spit and polish to other BRL creations (such as MaxGUI)
Marks brain has always been best at language design and graphic engines. Any tools that BRL have created have always been minimilist and in most cases outdone by someone in the community who feels more passionate about that particular part of the process.
Note: I do not mean the above offensively just objectively.
By Mark making hooks that allow 3rd parties easier development for art pipeline tools you get.
a) Him bringing the part of the product that only he can do, to market quicker (which is what everyone seems to want)
b) a viable and vibrant commercial outlet for art pipeline tools.
c) Mark spending time doing what he loves namely languages and engines. You always do the best job of what you enjoy. e.g. Blitzmax the language vs Blitzmax - the docs.
Surely if you look at the history of the products this is the best outcome for all, and would seem to me that Mark has rationalised where his skills and passions are best spent. And been very upfront and honest about it, which I applaud.
Now.... if only someone in the community was passionate about documentation :)
Typically artists with a programming bent make the best importing/exporting tools, programmers make 'programmer art' capable tools.
Secondly other projects like wxMax prove that the community (in this case one hyper-commited member) take on projects that someone like Mark decided was 'too large to wrap' when he was looking for UI solutions. Remember Mark/BRL is one person and his labour output is finite.
Ditto the community ads the spit and polish to other BRL creations (such as MaxGUI)
Marks brain has always been best at language design and graphic engines. Any tools that BRL have created have always been minimilist and in most cases outdone by someone in the community who feels more passionate about that particular part of the process.
Note: I do not mean the above offensively just objectively.
By Mark making hooks that allow 3rd parties easier development for art pipeline tools you get.
a) Him bringing the part of the product that only he can do, to market quicker (which is what everyone seems to want)
b) a viable and vibrant commercial outlet for art pipeline tools.
c) Mark spending time doing what he loves namely languages and engines. You always do the best job of what you enjoy. e.g. Blitzmax the language vs Blitzmax - the docs.
Surely if you look at the history of the products this is the best outcome for all, and would seem to me that Mark has rationalised where his skills and passions are best spent. And been very upfront and honest about it, which I applaud.
Now.... if only someone in the community was passionate about documentation :)