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Gaia Life
A catalog of my experiences as an employee and citizen of Gaia.
Week Thirty-One: Everyday People
Okay, programmers are NOT everyday people. I mean, we have lives, loves, relationships, hurts, and all that stuff -- but we're also creators of things, and there's a lot of power and responsibility that falls on our shoulders. I'm going to talk a little bit about being a developer this week, along with whatever junk falls out of my brain.

Sweet Home Alá Gaia
I was really excited about the Homes update this week, partially because it was a long time in coming, but also because lots of programmers have an inherent unease when something's not working right.

Have you ever had a "Calm Attack"? When there's something there that's in plain view, and somethings just off and it drives you nuts. Like when there's a picture frame that slightly askew, or when there's a corner of a rug that's curled up, and you just want to go and fix it because it's making you insane?

That's how we sometimes feel about stuff that's broken around the site. There are a bunch of programmers here I'm sure (I at least know of a few, myself included) who have half-started improvements to various issues around the site. Unfortunately, our main projects often keep us from finishing these up or even getting really started in some cases.

Now when I say "stuff that's broken" I don't necessarily mean stuff that's just down (which we try to fix ASAP) or glitched (which does get on our nerves), but also stuff that could use a lot of improvement or that users have made really great suggestions for, like towns and guilds.


What's Love Got to Do With It?
A few of us were sitting in Snacktopia as we are oft wont to do, talking about working at Gaia vs. working at other places.

We agreed that if any of us were doing this same kind of work for, say, a database-management firm or somesuch, we'd probably approach work in a very different way.

Fortunately, none of us are office goons. We're contributing to something fun and meaningful to a lot of people, and that often keeps us chipper even when we have to put in long hours to get something out on time, or to get an event running as smoothly as possible.


Site Feedback Feedback
SF is one of my favorite threads to look over, mostly because:
  • 1. I often have answers to people's questions

  • 2. It sometimes has great ideas

  • 3. It warms my heart when someone suggests something and I'm able to say "We're already on it."

  • 4. It's a great place to keep an eye out for stuff that breaks

  • 5. When it consists mostly of item suggestion threads, I know all is right in the [Gaia] World.

Of course sometimes some users can be pretty brutal, like in any other thread, but I know it's just 'cause they love Gaia so much pirate


Attack of the Announcements
Relatively speaking, there were a LOT of announcements this week. I just wanna recap some of them to highlight how busy the various departments of Gaia were this week. Zounds!

And there's a ton more stuff in the works. February is going to be a fun month for Gaians everywhere smile


But Seriously, How Are You Doing?
I mentioned last week that I was in between 3 projects. 1 is in testing, 1 is going to be in testing very soon, and the last one I'm going to be working on for the next couple of weeks for release at the end of February.

Why am I not making a big deal about it like I did Quest System? Cause a bunch of people already know about it.






User Comments: [47] [add]
ZakuMent
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commentCommented on: Fri Feb 02, 2007 @ 08:08pm
I like the new programing for the homes. smile Its sheer brilliance to have the house lots expand automatically when it starts running out of room.

Hehe, I'm also looking forward to the new things coming out.

Particularly the Valentine Day update. xp Can't wait for plot update.


commentCommented on: Fri Feb 02, 2007 @ 08:11pm
I want a Snacktopia! crying



honsue
Community Member
~Princess Catnip~
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commentCommented on: Fri Feb 02, 2007 @ 08:14pm
:}O You mentioned the SoF again <33

Yay! I'm so excited for your projects to be released :}D

And I still wish I could work at Gaia... *lesigh* T-T

Third comment ninja

*cough* I claim this comment in the name of Pepper!


commentCommented on: Fri Feb 02, 2007 @ 08:22pm
That fact that you refferenced two of my favorite movies, has made my horrible day alittle less horrible.


And keep up the good work.



Tidus Guado
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Cid High-Wind
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commentCommented on: Fri Feb 02, 2007 @ 08:26pm
Great entry, once again! :3

Yeay for Office Space and Gaia updates! xd


commentCommented on: Fri Feb 02, 2007 @ 08:36pm
Great journal as usual Fleep. I am looking forward to your next entry smile . and I vow to win the sound alike contest :-p



Seal of the Scorpion
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Subaku No Kameko
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commentCommented on: Fri Feb 02, 2007 @ 08:55pm
Everytime I see snacktopia I get lost in the realm of happy candy and bunny land where you can eat all the food you want without gaining weight.


commentCommented on: Fri Feb 02, 2007 @ 09:10pm
Fleep who does the hair colors?
When I bought this hair the other day even though it said it was brown it showed up as a gold color instead. Yesterday I canged my out fit and the brown showed up, ugg!! I don't like the yellow you pass off as blonde. Can you put the gold back please. sad



cindy sue who
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Awiergan
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commentCommented on: Fri Feb 02, 2007 @ 09:17pm
I really question how original a bunch of code can be. Who is the real creator, the programmer, or the programmer who programmed the language that the programmer used? Or the computer engineer who designed the firmware on which the programmer developed an operating system for other programmers?

Either way, I hate to say it, but that's an awfully bold statement you made. >.>

Though I don't doubt they may be a greater species of superhumans.


commentCommented on: Fri Feb 02, 2007 @ 09:25pm
E-gads!.....well thats was pretty much all i had to say. neutral



Lethal Shadow
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Austierra
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commentCommented on: Fri Feb 02, 2007 @ 09:27pm
The front page tastes yummeh.
And so will the new releases.


commentCommented on: Fri Feb 02, 2007 @ 09:33pm
I guess I never thought of it that way. Unlike with gaia, I've never had to program anything that hasn't been done before. But you're a pioneer, developing software for the largest community on the internet. I guess that is a new creation.

idea You guys really are creators. This journal has given me new respect for the developers.



Awiergan
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Sgt.PepperHat
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commentCommented on: Fri Feb 02, 2007 @ 09:45pm
-steals a comment-

x3
Ha.
There's totally a rug that's curled up and I REALLY want to fix it.
But I'm too lazy to actually get up and do it.
I can see it out of the corner of my eye and its bothering me. x3

Hurrah for mentioning SoF again. <333


commentCommented on: Fri Feb 02, 2007 @ 10:34pm
hey fleep good work in towns ...its the best uptade that ive had for a while it needed
to be fixed ...but OMG its just brilliant .THANX guys
well good luck with all the work



BazThree
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Shine On Crazy Diamond
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commentCommented on: Fri Feb 02, 2007 @ 10:42pm
The towns are running MUCH more smoothly and hanging up FAR less for me! The only thing is I'm on a Mac, so it usually seems to take about a week or so for anything to do with the houses to work for me.

What are you going to start on once you get the Feb project done?!


commentCommented on: Fri Feb 02, 2007 @ 10:45pm
Towns updates are cool, and my house is trying to come along, except when you get into a house it stays at the words, "Loading" and something about the inside.

Can't wait til the Feb projects are out!



Kimiteru
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kyleen66
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commentCommented on: Fri Feb 02, 2007 @ 11:08pm
I do totally love your journal!

And I love the updates you and the other developers do for Gaia! It's ASTOUNDING what you've managed to pull off with PHP! I really mean that!

Unfortunately , I know a lot of programmers, so I am in a position to say this is good stuff.

(Unfortunately because I really hate programming myself, but keep being sucked into it by the lure of cash. I need to be stronger.)

Hugs and kissies.

- Mama Kyleen


commentCommented on: Fri Feb 02, 2007 @ 11:13pm
You know, mentionning your fanthread shows a bit of favouritism, eh?

In any case, you're working hard, so don't push it...



Wrath of Ezekiel
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Skine99
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commentCommented on: Fri Feb 02, 2007 @ 11:17pm
I was SOOO excited when I purchased a home. I was shocked at the fact thast towns grow. eek That was a great idea. wink
I hope you are working hard on the other stuff and that they'll be worth our time unlike another 31 items. blaugh
I hope they are on the GGN but I guess I'll be happy no matter what if they're good. 3nodding


commentCommented on: Fri Feb 02, 2007 @ 11:18pm
Pwesome whee



chi honda
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No User Found
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commentCommented on: Sat Feb 03, 2007 @ 12:53am
Towns is working for me! It's never connected to the proper server and let me outside the Train Station before, but due to the newest update it DID! whee
And even more stuff is coming... wow. I thought it was crazy when we got four updates in two days.
Looks like the GCD and SF will be busy. x_X
And yay for mentioning the SF! I lurk there... too much...
I also lurk in the GCD...
But you're right, SF really is a kind place. Even the meaner complaints are just trying to draw attention to perceived problems (real or unreal) in Gaia. And it's also true that it's good when there are just general item suggestions instead of fifteen thousand threads on the same subject.
Those are the periods I lurk for longer that half a second. <3


commentCommented on: Sat Feb 03, 2007 @ 01:22am
Many things bug me.

Like today I was sitting down in a chair, and there were TWO MARKERS ON THE FLOOR.


So I picked them up and used them to colour in my socks.


True story.



Cleocatra
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PixelShank
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commentCommented on: Sat Feb 03, 2007 @ 02:09am
OMG SERIOUSLY
Can you tell me what it is?
The thing that's being released end of February?

Lol you tottaly just got me mega suspenced.


commentCommented on: Sat Feb 03, 2007 @ 02:59am
NEEERRRDDDSSS! scream

rofl Thanks, I thought I really was the only one that remembered those movies.
I know that you guys have lots on your plate. That's why I refrain from asking much of you guys. I also get that "Calm attack" thing. Especially when I'm drinking. My friends left me at home one night when I passed out drunk, and when I woke up, I cleaned the entire apartment, because I just couldn't stand to think of anything having an imperfection in it, like lint or spots or stains. I even washed and folded everyone's laundry. sweatdrop

My friends started getting me drunk a lot ofter that... stare



Coyotecom
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Pirate Dirge
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commentCommented on: Sat Feb 03, 2007 @ 03:05am
Omigod, Revenge of the Nerds AND my favorite scene from Office Space? Your journal is the highlight of my weekend. heart


commentCommented on: Sat Feb 03, 2007 @ 03:32am
your jurnal is awesome.



[jessie]
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penis.gif
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commentCommented on: Sat Feb 03, 2007 @ 03:43am
Snacktopia makes me want to forget my diet and gain twenty more pounds.

ninja

For shame, you should eat your celary and peanut butter!


commentCommented on: Sat Feb 03, 2007 @ 04:42am
Ahhh, damnit, I forgot to stalk your activity today to be able to post the first comment in your new entry xp

Anyway... I have a mini-Snacktopia in my house XD I know it's a required thing to have in places where people sit in front of PC for lots of hours - and do some other things, even if you can't believe it surprised Right now my Snacktopia is kinda empty, though D: We'll have to re-stock the next Monday.

I have those 'Calm Attacks'... with my pencils, and my paper sheets. Everything around me can be a mess, but my pencils and paper must be shiny. And alphabetically organized (No, not really)

I personally love the new haircuts - a couple of them don't go well with my avie, but oh well. I may get the french braid one of this days...say, tomorrow?

Have you seen that kitty's brother? eek That family sure has issues.

See ya!

Don't do it, kitty! D:



Nite Lewis
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Druki
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commentCommented on: Sat Feb 03, 2007 @ 06:30am
*tries to think about what's happening this month*

Valentine's, MC'S, Anniversary. All within a week. Plus whatever you have planned.

Sounds like the 4th Anniversary of Gaia will be a fun one. surprised


commentCommented on: Sat Feb 03, 2007 @ 07:09am
I have calm attacks all the time. Like right now.. there's a piece of paper on my desk and the corner is bent.. but there is another piece of paper on top of it... so its not perfect. >.< I've tried to fix it.. but only made it worse gonk

Well, that and I have a lot of things out of place. I'm just trying to ignore it as long as possible. That way I'm not AS obsessive about that sort of tihing... great just noticed that a picture on my wall is crooked. crying

I adore the new Housing Commission. I now have a house in Towns. heart That and I upgraded.. which I shouldn't have.. but I couldn't resist. xp

Thanks for making Gaia great Fleep. <3 Oh and of course everyone else too!!



Ginger Flare
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Randalf
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commentCommented on: Sat Feb 03, 2007 @ 07:22am
Sounds like being a Gaia Developer sure has it's pluses and minuses..

(And now for a random, but honest comment! SERIOUSLY!)
WOW, YOU'RE SO COOL o_o, SERIOUSLY!


commentCommented on: Sat Feb 03, 2007 @ 08:25am
I was wondering if the system could manage to automatically add to itself with the houses, good job!

...And now I have that song in my head...

Sly and the Family Stone. ...I guess that's better than yesterday, when I had the Cowsills "Hair" stuck in my head.

...The irony...



BenjaminBriggs
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Sheshira
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commentCommented on: Sat Feb 03, 2007 @ 05:48pm
You referencing a few of my favorite movies made this crappy weekend a little less crappy.... Thanks for lessening the crap! xd


commentCommented on: Sat Feb 03, 2007 @ 08:19pm
More quests please.

Its sad to have a warm, fuzzy dream of the quest icon lighting up and then to only wake up ..... crying ....yes...that's pathetic. But I want a new quest! I'm so excited about that feature.

Good luck with your current projects. And thanks for your hard work as always, and keeping us updated.



Hydro
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PliR
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commentCommented on: Sat Feb 03, 2007 @ 09:45pm
Office Space is the smex! I wish you luck and functionality with all your projects.


commentCommented on: Sun Feb 04, 2007 @ 02:10am
Oooo, I'm looking foreward to February fun! X3 And, by the way... Monty Python is awesome... Nice way to slip that in there, oh Great Devloper! *bow and scrape*



Buni Doom
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Sheikeh
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commentCommented on: Sun Feb 04, 2007 @ 05:40pm
Snacktopia is pretty darn cool.


commentCommented on: Sun Feb 04, 2007 @ 07:03pm
I know, its that thing where users can elect people for diffeent spotlights or whatever, am I right? razz



z-bandit
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marukawa
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commentCommented on: Sun Feb 04, 2007 @ 09:21pm
will you be my older brother? xD! LEIK TEACH ME STUFS. LAWL

someone needs to stop letting you get into the coffee after morning hours you crazyass poor hyperactive creature. heart


commentCommented on: Sun Feb 04, 2007 @ 10:07pm
*comes back to rub your head for good luck* OH I WISH I HAS A WATERMELUMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! xO!



marukawa
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Packs
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commentCommented on: Mon Feb 05, 2007 @ 05:13am
Cant wait to see these new features. :sqeee:


commentCommented on: Mon Feb 05, 2007 @ 12:32pm
go fleep ^^



Itchigo Marasik
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Yoinki
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commentCommented on: Tue Feb 06, 2007 @ 02:43am
Yay ! Fleep is cool!

well i sitll can't wait to see the new things around!


commentCommented on: Wed Feb 07, 2007 @ 07:08am
Lawl. Sweet home Alabama. Sweet home ala' gaia. Thats one of the few things I get of yours. I know what you mean.

The site feedback is awesome. But I hate it at the same time, so I dont regular it anymore. When they suddenly started argueing about MCs being in the quest system I just said "screw it". Sometimes I still go back.

Yeah. I like anouncements. Good job guys. Feb. should be good.

Good luck with the projects, they'll be great. I'm.. not excited, but im sure other people are.



KoNterra
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Jac E.
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commentCommented on: Wed Feb 07, 2007 @ 10:16pm
Fleep the Amazing, Talking, Developing Sheep! domokun

Mwahaha.. I'm staying up waaaay too late just to surf Gaia and comment on this neato journal. I have school tomorrow... But eh, this is worth it... Right? sweatdrop

Quote:
we'd probably approach work in a very different way.

OMG Fleep, one of them is bald! eek

Towns is absolutely stylin' now. And the updates are perfectly timed; my new house is so much warmer than the shaded places under the trees, especially in Februrary. (Though sometimes the trees gave me money.. But I think they were just pitying me. >> wink

I like the new hairs. Kudos to those great artists in Snacktopia HQ. mrgreen

Ooooh, three more projects you say? This is like Christmas - but secular and all year! All these new things are better than Christmas! Keep up the great work

PS: I have been seduced by Snacktopia. The candy amounts must get unbearable come Singles Awareness Day Valentines Day. ninja


commentCommented on: Thu Feb 08, 2007 @ 01:23am
What about the exchange at HR Westly???



A-Sqrd
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Nikkic87
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commentCommented on: Thu Feb 08, 2007 @ 08:29pm
The Sheep of Fleep... o_O;

..Dude, doesn't that freak you out, even a little bit?


User Comments: [47] [add]
 
 
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