Comments on: i paid $190 for this

By: Matthew

Matthew — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 03:25:24 +0000

@Andres Kievsky:

Let’s take your computer vision example. Compromises must be made in the face of complexity. Maybe your program can detect the gender of a person, but only from the front. That places limits on the use case (photos from behind must be discarded, for instance).

In the abstract, the IGF also loses functionality as a means of logistical optimization. I don’t think Steve is simply whining that the logistics are insurmountable. However, I *do* think logistics are a valid defense against why the IGF isn’t “perfect” and why the IGF cannot absolutely satisfy all parties.

Your point makes a very big assumption, too–that the IGF organizers tackle the IGF full-time. This is not the case.

Frankly, and to your comment specifically, negative-only messages don’t accomplish much. Sure, the IGF can–and should, and will–improve, but there is no reason why you cannot frame your comment as “thank you for all that you have done, and here are some things I care about that I would like to see improved”, versus your slightly wordier “FU”.

By: ANDRES KIEVSKY

ANDRES KIEVSKY — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:23:52 +0000

@STEVE: I’m thinking about your comments again, and they seem especially out of touch with reality: imagine what my clients would say if I told them I couldn’t finish an AI program or computer vision application because “they were too hard, as you know.” Would I still get paid? Of course not!

By: ANDRES KIEVSKY

ANDRES KIEVSKY — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:18:07 +0000

@STEVE: I don’t like the “logistics for this are hard” argument. If they were so hard that you couldn’t do them properly, you should return the money to Auntie and to every other person who complains, since your own organizational problems put them in this situation.
Also, if it’s so hard you can’t do it properly, maybe you shouldn’t do it at all. Game programming is also quite hard and so are many, many other things that are worth doing. Why didn’t you say anything about how difficult this was *before* starting the competition? That would have changed things for the participants. and I’m sure many wouldn’t have participated.

By: Visiting the Village » Blog Archive » Visiting the Village: Episode 5

Visiting the Village » Blog Archive » Visiting the Village: Episode 5 — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:34:36 +0000

[...] Carless defends the IGF – via Auntie Pixelante [...]

By: auntie

auntie — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:36:30 +0000

at the game over show, phil fish was pretty excited about indiecade (he is apparently on the judges panel).

By: Hunter

Hunter — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:47:09 +0000

Hahaha, welcome to the IGF! That’s almost verbatim the feedback I got on the game I submitted three years ago.

I said it before in anticipation of this “feedback”, and now that you’ve received the feedback, I’ll repeat it:

FUCK THE IGF. (to the tune of “Fuck the Police”)

I still say we should start our own game festival. With hookers, and blackjack.

By: tim

tim — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 00:03:39 +0000

Teclo: someone send me some recording equipment, because I play nearly all entries every year.

I’m serious.

By: Teclo

Teclo — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 06:48:41 +0000

I think when the entrants are paying this sort of money, they should get a proper review of their work. In that case, it would actually encourage people that wouldn’t normally enter (due to costs or other reasons) to take part – not necessarily to “win” but for detailed feedback and critique from experienced individuals in the field.

Even if they don’t do a big professional-level review, if I were to enter a game, I’d personally enjoy a video review. The judge would record themselves playing the game and comment as they play it. This would potentially be more valuable feedback than a conventional review because it would be more natural and more honest – essentially, the thoughts expressed would be “live” and more likely to reflect the thoughts of the average person as they play the game. Obviously this becomes less and less practical the longer the game is.

It’s hard for me to read the Calamity Annie “critique” as anything other than “it’s really good but I suck at it”, but then that’s how a lot of reviews sound nowadays (and I know I sound like an old bastard when I say that).

By: Visiting the Village » Blog Archive » Visiting the Village: Episode 3

Visiting the Village » Blog Archive » Visiting the Village: Episode 3 — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 23:24:23 +0000

[...] Auntie Pixelante vs. the IGF – via Auntie Pixelante [...]

By: Matt

Matt — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 17:28:04 +0000

Hey, wow, awesome conversation happen from this post. I had something to say when I came here, but I’ve forgotten it after reading all the comments.

It’s a growing experience.