Not so long ago I told myself NOT TO take part in a discussion about TG Documentation anymore. Done. Finito. It is going round in circles for years.
We`ll never see a "helpful, proper and somehow complete" documentation. The programming side of this software seems to eat up all resources.
So, deal with what is there. Scattered around, incomplete and to quote the wiki in a lot of places "TBC".
Well, reading comments like the ones I quote here really make me kind of wtf....
First let me say that the quoted passages of N-drju really are only a placeholder for each and every comment made with this attitude
(sorry, I do not know a better word for what I mean here) one can read discussing this topic.
So, sorry I picked you to quote from, N-drju.
Quote from: N-drju on August 08, 2019, 07:56:26 AMBe careful, as this has already been discussed - there is no possibility at all, to describe all nodes (blue especially) in a definite, word-for-word manner. This is because each node can have tremendous effect on the entire project depending on their usage.
I for one am not after something like that. I actually think nobody really is.
I am looking for a understandable example of typical usage. If that means to explain the mathematical function of that node is necessary - do it.
Planetside did that already with a lot of nodes. Get rid of all the "TBC" in the Wiki. Start there.
In order to describe some nodes, you would have to describe 10 possibilities and then describe further 20 possibilities arising from each previous possibility.
No, you would not. Only in a ideal world where time and money is not an issue.
Did you read the thread about the "distribution shader" Rene started a few days back?
Look at the answers "Hetzen" wrote. That is more or less what I would like to read in a Manual describing the blue nodes.
Once again, searching through the forum, the wiki or asking questions, trying stuff for yourself is not the path to wisdom for everyone.
Users like Ulco seem to be very good in getting where they want using this method, for example.
But, one big difference here is that it is his day to day work (at least that is what I presume).
The Occasional User (me included) does not get to that level this way, I think.
The simple truth is some can - others can`t. For those who can`t this Helpfile-Documentation-Manual-UserGuide should be made for.
If one gives me enough information in form of examples of how something can be achieved to realize where my shortcomings really are
(be it workflow, math or anything else) I can go on and invest time useful and aimed at the right goal, so to speak.
Even then I might never reach the level some of the "TG Forum Masters" have reached.
The best documentation I`ve ever came across is surely for SideFX Houdini.
And please don`t tell me about the manpower they have or that I am comparing apples and oranges.
I am aware of that. It is the concept of there helpfiles which is topnotch.
Quote from: archonforest on August 08, 2019, 09:25:57 AMWell I think this can be a test for this "community". We can put together our individual knowledge and understanding so each member can benefit out of it.
Forget it. Sounds harsh - but in my view the "community effort saves the day" is just a myth.
That is what I think about this.
What more do you expect than all you get here in the forum.
Almost everyone I wish for here has shared knowledge, files, solutions and motivations you could not buy for any money.
And on the other hand NWDA closed its doors because sales did not justify keeping it online any longer.
And that was almost the stuff you get here for free from these guys.
I would not want to imagine where Terragen would be without this...
Last words: if I were KING! -->> Planetside should start small.
Get the things finished that are already there. Finish the Wiki. With the (presumed) manpower and time at hand (from observation) available
this already will take long enough. Once you get this done, open the Wiki up again to users who want to contribute in a moderated fashion.
Papers have to be proofread by Employees or Masters, for example, before uploaded.
The Waiting is not over, I fear...harharhar
CHeers, Klaus
ps: a lot of Last Words, right? I hope I have not completely lost myself in the lamenting and Non-Sense. Thanks for your time.