Archive: 24 posts

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Hey there everyone, I think we've probably had threads like this in the past, but I just wanted to start this one now, as I don't think there are any out there at the moment - and I suppose this thread may also inadvertently directed towards more well known creators. Several months back, I created a Demo version of a level series which I've been working on since. At first, I really enjoyed myself making this series, as well as having the ability to be creative and make what I wanted to make - and make the kind of game which I felt I would want to play. However, since it's been around 2/3 months since I've released anything, I've noticed that some people in the community have started behaving slightly aggressively and impatiently towards me - leaving comments such as: "Wow, it's taking ages for the next part to come out. Get a move on!" Comments like this are messages I've got a lot of recently, as well as basic messages and comments like: "When is part 2 coming out?" Whilst it does make me feel good that people appreciate something that I have done, the constant nagging is very irritating, and to be honest, it makes me enjoy creating less - because all of a sudden I'm not making something for myself anymore - I'm working on demand in my free time. Sometimes creating is no longer fun because of the pressure and the comments sent to me - and there is almost no getting away from it either, as messages sent to me via PSN are also frequent - which means it's actually pretty hard to communicate with people I actually want to talk to, without having constant updates saying "You have received a message from...." I hope people don't think that I'm trying to "big" myself up or anything, or show off - but I really miss the times where nobody knew who I was, because then I could do things at my own pace, and enjoy what I was doing rather than being pestered. I was just wondering what other people's opinions were on this kind of activity? I was also wondering what other people have done to overcome this problem - as this is a relatively new experience for me! People sometimes wish that loads of people played their levels - and while that's nice, it does seem like it comes with a pretty hefty price. It just feels like I am actually unable to take a break from LBP2 when I want to, and just play a different game or relax, or even watch TV (I have PlayTV you see, so it's part of the PS3) because of all this - and it makes me pretty tired. Thoughts and comments guys? I'm genuinely interested to hear what you guys have to say! Thanks, Standby250

2011-04-22 02:26:00 Author: standby250 Posts: 1113

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I understand what you mean, there's all the buttholes that comment on your stuff, they aren't nice at all. Only a few were kind, or defending you. I do wish people wouldn't rush you or any other great creator... When it's rushed then the final piece won't be good...

2011-04-22 02:39:00 Author: BonBonBoi Posts: 246

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Thanks for your support! I do want to stress though, that this isn't a personal attack on anyone in particular - I just suppose that like everyone, I kinda want a "break" for a little while! Working on something that is over 10 levels long IS hard work, and although I appreciate all of the comments, hearts, plays etc, I don't feel comfortable with the pressure!

2011-04-22 02:46:00 Author: standby250 Posts: 1113

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Pffft, I'd like to see them do better. Your level was absolute genius. :kz:

2011-04-22 04:13:00 Author: IronSkullKid99 Posts: 515

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Just take it as a compliment and be done with it. When LBP2 came out, a good number of people were asking me when the next Dream Catcher level was comings out (some pm'd me, some left comments on my profile, etc. Unfortunately, LBP1 destroyed the series due to lighting. I was a bit torn and felt I should start right away on a reboot, but found my heart wasn't in it. So, I started making other things until I finally decided on making Jumper. I really enjoyed making that level. So, I went on to the next project, but nothing felt right, even after making half of Jumper 2, I wasn't having fun creating. I was making Jumper 2 cause that's what people wanted, not because I wanted to. I decided I was ready to take a shot at rebooting The Dream Catcher. I'm glad I waited cause if I had started before, I would have been creating for them, but instead, I waited till I wanted to do it and I'm having a great time. It will still be 2 to 3 months before I'm finished, and I'm going to take my time enjoying the slow burn of creation. So, continue to do what you're doing. Take the "Hurry Ups", for what they are, people who appreciated your work and are excited to see what comes next, and appreciate them back by taking the time to make your level the way you envisioned it. You and they will both be much happier in the end.

2011-04-22 04:43:00 Author: CYMBOL Posts: 1230

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There are ways to circumvent the double-edged sword of popularity. Don't think that because you're famous, you're now forced to work at the pace of others. Yes, you may have higher expectancies now, but it is you, my friend, who is doing the work. You have to remind them that you are the one who is pumping out the awesomeness and that you will continue to do so at your artistic or personal convenience. And indeed, take the pleadings of these poor impatient souls as what they are - Prayers for more. But remember that in this situation, you are the boss. Naggers can be refuted with a quick sentence explaining that you prefer to work at your own pace, although a simple block suffices. And if it's any consolation, I played The Lost back in the beta, and it was terrific. Gamers have waited about 2 decades for Duke Nukem Forever - Surely they can wait a few months for the rest of that!

2011-04-22 04:54:00 Author: Astrosimi Posts: 2046

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You needn't be concerned with the "demands" of the two types of people who love your levels and leave reviews asking about sequels. One type, the main type, doesn't mean to sound that way, even if it reads like impatience and dissatisfaction in tone. It's like the uncle who says the wrong thing every time you meet him. "When you getting married again, ey? When you getting married again you old dog!" He means it affectionately, as a way to show that he cares about you and is up to date on your affairs, which in his mind is flattering, even if it's really rude to you. He lacks empathy and is genuinely shocked if you tell him to back off. LBP is full of children who have yet to learn real world behavior, but are well practiced in the anonymous online persona, devoid of emotional empathy like that uncle, not realizing how rude they sound. Young people also speak in superlatives and exaggerations (if it's good it's Epic, The Best Evar, Awsum, OMG I Wanna Die) and express satisfaction in the form of aggression and demands (if they're happy it's Get Out, ******* Off, Shut Up and Don't Even). That's a cultural problem. But the translation basically works out to, "thank you for the fun level." They may not really expect or even want a sequel, but what other comments can they provide? They have a very limited selection of words and experiences, as empathy-lacking superlative-slinging dramatic children. Hee hee. The other type of people, the ones who truly selfishly just want more, are self-entitled jerks who can go piston themselves. One major problem with all social networks is the ability to read other comments before making one. The alternative is keeping everyone in the dark until they've already spoken, which has problems, but I can't imagine any as bad as the current structure. The ability to read reviews and then write them is hugely warping. Too often we see "hive mind" choruses that pile on each other in glibness, rudeness, and outright hostility when no individual would have dared to leave such a message... but they saw 100 posts written in that style. People look at other reviews first to pattern their own reply, and when 100 others have said "hurry up and gimme more" with a smile they'll think this is acceptable, and do the exact same thing.

2011-04-22 05:10:00 Author: Unknown User

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In these circumstances I find that eating a apple and taking a nap calms the senses...........

2011-04-22 05:25:00 Author: damaz10 Posts: 771

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Simple, dont read comments.

2011-04-22 05:36:00 Author: Bremnen Posts: 1800

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I can totally relate. After I made Funktion Junktion, I got a ton of message saying things like "Make Part 2" and "When's your next level?" Like you said, it's flattering but a little overwhelming. Funktion Junktion was so well received by the community, that I now felt like I HAD to make something just as good. I've been stuck in this loop ever since; making whole levels, not being pleased with them and starting over. If anybody cares anymore, this explains my drastic lack of levels after FJ was released. It went so far, that I made another account, Mr_T-Shirt. It was to do like you said, to become somewhat anonymous again. It kinda worked too, I published two levels. Sorry to be so "Me me me!", but I thought my sob story was relevant to what you're talking about. If you're beginning to feel the game is starting to become a chore more than a hobby, take a break from it. Yes, there may be pressure from people wanting stuff, but not doing so will have no serious consequences and it's not too heavy of a burden to bear. Create what you want to create, not what other people tell you to. And most importantly....have fun! It's only a game! EDIT: Also, I find it quite amusing that your PSN name reflects your situation somewhat. Nyuck-nyuck-nyuck.

2011-04-22 05:45:00 Author: Mr_T-Shirt Posts: 1477

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I'm sure you realize that these kinds of comments are generally coming from kids. Anyone with any kind of life experience knows that anything worth waiting for is worth waiting for. That things that are great take time to create. Kids these days are impatient. Heck, kids in general are impatient... even from my generation, but today's youth is afflicted with a terrible syndrom I refere to as IGS... or Instant Gratification Syndrome. Let's face it... no amount of LBP fame is worth losing sleep over or stressing about. You don't get paid to do this, and you're not on any deadline as people who work in the entertainment industry are. There's no paparazzi outside your house or the set trying to get advanced snaps of your work to spoil the surprise, or harassing your family. There is only you, your spare time, and the game. If you let the stress of pressure from fans of your work get to you, your work will reflect that rushed state and chances are the fans may not appreciate what you did put into it. I'd just ignore them. If they can't understand that you have a life outside of creating in LBP, who cares? That's their problem, not yours. Trust me, if they are true fans then they will be more appreciative of your work when you decide it's time to release and share it. If not, new fans will show up to appreciate your work in their stead. Fans will come and go, but your work and the enjoyment you get out of it will last forever.

2011-04-22 06:46:00 Author: Rustbukkit Posts: 1737

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Take those comments as a compliment. You can always publish under a new psn if it bothers you that much. Also another reason why publishing demos are not always the best idea. I put pressure on creators to top their last level. Quality over speed dude.

2011-04-22 06:52:00 Author: midnight_heist Posts: 2513

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Gamers in general tend to be a very demanding lot. As are people on the internet... Or maybe it's just gamers on the internet who are very demanding.. I dunno, but whatever it is we tend to have these expectations and a sense of entitlement. Take that, and remember that the vast majority of people who play this game do exactly that: play the game. They aren't creators and in some cases can't really relate to all of what creation involves and in many cases they struggle with understanding the difference between some abstract company making things for them as a job and an individual who's taking up their own spare time to create something. Some of them are probably just ***** - I heard there's a few of those types on the internet as well I haven't been in create mode for around a month now - partly that's because I'm away from home, part of that is because I'm just not that fussed about creating for the time being. What I love about LBP creation as a hobby is that it's entirely up to me what I create and totally up to me when I create. If there is any pressure coming from outside then you shouldn't let that drive you, except in a positive way. As people have said, the main thing you should take from those comments is the unspoken compliment... If that helps to drive you because it feels good to know people have enjoyed your work then that is awesome... but that's still a drive from inside. But don't feel pressured by others to do what they want you to do. And if you feel like you might want to take a bit of a break then take it - if you don't then the result will be you needing to take a break because you are sick of the **** game, and that's a horrible thing to happen to a hobby that you enjoy.

2011-04-22 10:35:00 Author: rtm223 Posts: 6497

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As much as they nag, it's your level, your rules. People got upset when LBP2 wasn't out as soon as originally intended, but that didn't make Media Molecule have to listen to them and not put the game back. Nagging can be annoying, but you don't even know 99% of the people commenting, so why should you need to do what they say? If they can't wait, that's their problem as far as I see it. Just take it that people are looking forward to more and that you know when you get it done at your pace, people will definitely notice the work in the end and probably shut up nagging all together unless there's going to be more to whatever it is you're making. But once you've made them wait once without any consequences but petty nagging, you'll know making them wait on anything else won't matter since they're bound to like the end result any way. I've not ever made a level to talk off experience though, but that's how I would attempt to take things.

2011-04-22 11:04:00 Author: Moonface Posts: 310

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It's a compliment! Don't worry about it. If it does get too much, just say, 'It'll be released when it's done!"

2011-04-22 11:29:00 Author: tomodon246 Posts: 624

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I cant relate that to anything I have but i would take them as a compliment. Its like movie fans always pressuring for another movie, you just have to read them but still go at your own pace. Dont rush it for them, acknowledge they want another but try not to speed up the proccess for them. On another note your level was great and its no wonder people are anxious to see what happens next. If you release an eaqually as good level or better only more people will play because those who wanted it and played it will mabye tell others, you will undoubtedly post it here and your past levels will still be raking in plays. So just to summarise listen to the pressurisers but dont put all your attention to them just do what you want and when you want. Also if it helps post regular updates on your message page about the levels progress.

2011-04-22 13:18:00 Author: craigmond Posts: 2426

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Its hard not to anticipate the follow up, so its understanding where these comments are coming from; But to be put at rest, you should take a peek at their earth. If its filled with half-arsed levels, many not having any imagination or originality to them. They have no idea what it takes to dedicate time to a project, so they can't understand how much effort your putting in... and how much is for them! Its best if you try to ignore, but ultimatley you should try setting these people straight. Heck, why not make a short, Public information film about how much time and effort has to be put in to meet their standards... and how their constant bickering isn't helping anyone. You should be proud of what you've created (as I've seen). After all, they don't know the half of it.

2011-04-22 14:08:00 Author: Nurolight Posts: 918

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It's a fantastic complement that people want more from you, but I think a lot of the nasty comments come from that part of the community that doesn't really respect that creators are people that have lives too, and that this is all unpaid stuff we do in our spare time. I could put the blame on a particular age group, but I don't think it's just them. I remember the days when I used to get bombarded with random PSN requests and people asking me to help them build levels and people wanting to know when x level was coming out. I did the only thing I could do, which was thank them for their support, and carry about my business. You owe the community nothing, remember that. You do what you like, when you like, and if you choose to share your talent with the world, then they can enjoy it. If this pressure doesn't motivate you, then stop responding to it. Create offline at your own pace for a while if it helps. I took two major breaks during LBP1, the shortest of which was 6 months. I know there were people counting on me to release a couple of levels, including a sequel to an unfinished series. Neither of those levels ended up happening, because I'm just not there yet. If I get around to them, it's because that's what I want to create. Right now, I'm focused on more exciting projects that interest me. What's the worst that could happen should you choose to do your own thing? PSN mail can be erased. Comments on levels don't have to be read. Unless you care about maintaining a fanbase or seeing a steady rise in your heart count, I don't think you have anything to lose by doing what you want, at your own pace.

2011-04-22 14:08:00 Author: Thegide Posts: 1465

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Hey everyone! Thanks for all the support and advice about what to do with this - It's kinda good to hear what other people think about this, as well as how other people view it. Thinking of it as a compliment is a very good way of doing this - so thanks for that! I'm unsure if I'm going to be able to reply to all of these posts individually - so let me say this. It relieves me that everyone else feels like this sometimes, and that the LBP community is on the whole a friendly bunch! I do respect that many of the players of LBP2 aren't creators - so perhaps have no way of knowing how long something takes to make, complete and perfect. Whenever I read a nasty comment, I'll just thank them with a smile. I suppose I shouldn't worry what they think - if they can't wait, then tough - they'll have to. It's also good to remind myself that this is my hobby, and not my second job. So, I'll continue to work on this, at my own pace. Nobody knows who I am personally, so these comments will only ever be comments. Maybe I'll also consider setting up a new thread in the "ideas and projects" section, and simply tell people on the comments section that if they want to see the progress, to check there. I suppose I also can't help but feel a little bad about not replying to everyone's PM's - but that would take ages, and would probably end up as more of a chore eventually. Thanks for all of your support, and for making me see things differently! As Tommy012345 will be able to tell you, nobody has seen anything compared to what is to come - so it'll come when it comes - it is what it is and nothing else! Thanks!

2011-04-22 18:48:00 Author: standby250 Posts: 1113

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first, I love your levels standby. I think they are great. I don't understand the lack of patience some people have. There are over four million levels to play, and you're focusing on one creator? Geez, go play something else and it'll be ready when it's ready. I wouldn't want you or anyone else to do a rush job on a level and I'd hate for you to burnout because of rushing levels. I'm always elated when one of my favorite creators publishes something new but till then I play loads of levels and spend some time in create myself. second, do you have to be signed in to create? when I don't want to be bothered by family and friends I log out and play in create mode. anyway, to heck with all the pestering. take your time, build at your pace, and if they don't like it, bump 'em.

2011-04-22 21:20:00 Author: biorogue Posts: 8424

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second, do you have to be signed in to create? As every creator here will find out thanks to the PSN downtime, creating can be done offline. You just simply can't upload the level until you go online.

2011-04-22 21:31:00 Author: Moonface Posts: 310

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I wouldn't worry about it buddy. Just remember that you create in your own time and pace, 99%of the messages you get are from non-creators. They have a habit of leaving a message "MAKE PART 2 NOW!!!" the day after you publish the first part. Infact the ones that do create probably spend around 30mins to make their own Bomb survival level. They just assume that you take the same amount of time.

2011-04-24 16:13:00 Author: RtooDee2 Posts: 175

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Awesome! Thanks for that! I'm actually enjoying the PSN downtime a little coz of this...

2011-04-24 22:15:00 Author: standby250 Posts: 1113

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As a final word... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOyz1op6Wts#t=4m43s The situation is whatever you view it to be, and if you don't let it get to you, you can enjoy creating for what it is, rather than what it has become if you let others "take control."

2011-04-25 14:52:00 Author: Unknown User

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