by Athlete{UK} on Sun Jul 17, 2005 10:05 am
I see a lot of people jumping onto “mods” these days but you should have a think before hand. Here are a few pointers. Some from experience some has been adapted from some guidelines for joining a CG collaboration project provided by the excellent 3D-world magazine for cg artists.
1: Do some research.
Just because on the surface a mod looks amazingly professional doesn't mean it is. Get on the forums for a bit, have a look at the posts and the general attitude. A good thing is to try finding out some background info about the mod leader.
I fell for this trick once when I joined an MMORPG. It looked great on the outside but inside it was a complete joke. I didn't learn anything and it fell apart.
2: Drop the attitude.
"Leave your ego outside." When you are working for the mod get ready to see your work ripped to shreds at times. Almost certainly all your work will be criticised. This isn't done because they are picking on you. They want the best work possible and you want to be able to produce it. It's the only way you will learn
3: Learn to walk before you can run.
This goes out to all you first time mappers who think you can instantly create a new mod from scratch. Go get some experience first. Join an existing mod, learn from them, see how they are run, find out what works and what doesn't.
4: Set a good example.
If you have been in the mod for a while or even if you are the mod leader do as much as you can to show newer members and the rest of the team you are well driven and professional. This doesn't mean refer to each other by mister etc it means creating good quality work on time and not acting like a complete idiot.
5: Delegate.
When new members join the mod don't leave them floating around with nothing to do. Give them something small to get on with. That way they are not bored stiff and you have a chance help them develop their skills.
6: Advertise wisely.
Don't run into every forum you can possibly google, register and post a thread about the mod and leave. If you are going to advertise; first have a nice site and some lovely media. Go into forums you actually are interested in or a part of and actively monitor the thread, answer any questions and get people interested. As far as media goes, get some good stuff before advertising but try and keep some stuff back (you don't want to reveal all your aces straight from the off.)
7: Keep it pleasant.
As I said before you want to look professional but not like a Nazi. Have a laugh in the forums etc and try and act like a member of a community you want to see do well and thrive and have fun rather then as part of a business.
8: Reward each other.
Not the hardest but very important. Post finished work around places you know it will get looked at and pimp it out. Even crew T-shirts can have a big impact and never underestimate the power of the thumbs up emote.
9: Be positive.
Whilst you will be critical about others work don't forget to tell them what they did well. Also try and be as optimistic about everything as you can. Be realistic, but optimistic.
10: Realistic aims.
You’re working for an independent team. You can create amazing stuff but don't set your sights to high. You won’t be producing a full valve quality game just yet.
This are a few simple points. Follow them and it will help your modding experiance a lot.
Last edited by
Athlete{UK} on Fri Aug 25, 2006 2:01 pm, edited 2 times in total.