Podcast Interview with Jim Gindin

Ben E Lou · 09-01-2009, 06:37 AM

The interview with Jim starts at the 19:44 mark. Some highlights include...

"I think there's gonna be a minor maintenance update coming in the next month or so." (20:20) (This is referenced again at around 37:30.)
Discussion of the Football Frontier ranking system and BCS computer rankings
On the card game--"It was just a fun experiment, probably not something I'm gonna do again, but I enjoyed it." (32:43)
Regarding delivery systems for games--"Certainly for the multiplayer community, web-based is absolutely the future." (33:38)
"I know people are anxious. I have not taken another job in another field entirely. This is still my focus, so even though I haven't been actively working on Front Office Football, it's still the future." (50:08)

Fritz · 09-01-2009, 07:38 AM

•"For years I worked with that Bell jar stuck on my left hand. I called myself 'Jim Gindin - One Armed Coder' like the dude from Def Leppard. THEY ROCK!!! Then late one night I saw this add for a Jar Glove. That was a disapointing dead end. One day it, the Bell jar, just fell off and my pale clammy finger were free. This is my metaphore for life." (57:21)

Cringer · 09-01-2009, 08:14 AM

Here comes the crying over no new game, again, with a comment like that above. I will see what the update does for the game I guess. Maybe is gets me to hold onto my last MP league for another year.

Nogram · 09-01-2009, 09:46 AM

I hope Grey Dog and Wolverine are reading this. This is called a market opportunity, this is called a void in the marketplace. Get your game out this year and there is no competition.

I am just hoping for a new game at some point.

Nogram

headtrauma · 09-01-2009, 09:52 AM

Yeah, if you're looking for anything major in the podcast, you'll be a little disappointed.

Ben E Lou · 09-01-2009, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nogram

I hope Grey Dog and Wolverine are reading this. This is called a market opportunity, this is called a void in the marketplace. Get your game out this year and there is no competition.

Is there any indication that Grey Dog or Wolverine are anywhere near a new release? I haven't checked either board in a few weeks, but last I looked, everything I saw indicated that I shouldn't expect anything at all in 2009 out of either. Has something changed recently?

Chubby · 09-01-2009, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben E Lou

The interview with Jim starts at the 19:44 mark. Some highlights include...

"I think there's gonna be a minor maintenance update coming in the next month or so." (20:20) (This is referenced again at around 37:30.)
Discussion of the Football Frontier ranking system and BCS computer rankings
On the card game--"It was just a fun experiment, probably not something I'm gonna do again, but I enjoyed it." (32:43)
Regarding delivery systems for games--"Certainly for the multiplayer community, web-based is absolutely the future." (33:38)
"I know people are anxious. I have not taken another job in another field entirely. This is still my focus, so even though I haven't been actively working on Front Office Football, it's still the future." (50:08)

LINK

Hello Front Office Curling!

3ric · 09-01-2009, 11:41 AM

Well, that last statement doesn't rule out TCY2 completely, does it?

DaddyTorgo · 09-01-2009, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3ric

Well, that last statement doesn't rule out TCY2 completely, does it?

I'd focus more on "I have not taken another job in another job in another field ENTIRELY" if I was the sort to do that type of thing, and venture a guess that that means that Jim has returned to the workforce and thus the development cycle has slowed.

Which is fine by me. Gotta do what you gotta do. I came as a result of the FOF, but I've stuck around since then for other reasons.

Tim Tellean · 09-01-2009, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben E Lou

Is there any indication that Grey Dog or Wolverine are anywhere near a new release? I haven't checked either board in a few weeks, but last I looked, everything I saw indicated that I shouldn't expect anything at all in 2009 out of either. Has something changed recently?

We lost our coder a couple weeks back and have actively been looking for someone to grab the reins. We do have a possibility of one person but we'll wait to see. I've been trying to get this game done for 3 years so as much as people want it out, I want it MORE.

Hopefully we can make it by the draft next year.

Khorium · 09-01-2009, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben E Lou

The interview with Jim starts at the 19:44 mark. Some highlights include...

"I think there's gonna be a minor maintenance update coming in the next month or so." (20:20) (This is referenced again at around 37:30.)
Discussion of the Football Frontier ranking system and BCS computer rankings
On the card game--"It was just a fun experiment, probably not something I'm gonna do again, but I enjoyed it." (32:43)
Regarding delivery systems for games--"Certainly for the multiplayer community, web-based is absolutely the future." (33:38)
"I know people are anxious. I have not taken another job in another field entirely. This is still my focus, so even though I haven't been actively working on Front Office Football, it's still the future." (50:08)

LINK

Translation: "You'll get a roster update this year and like it."

Gary Gorski · 09-01-2009, 02:15 PM

Guess I might as well add to the fray here - just got finished talking it over with someone and we've got a new guy on the job! Hopefully he works out and helps get the FB game rolling for us.

TheMeat · 09-01-2009, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben E Lou

I have not taken another job in another field entirely.

Translation: "I have taken another job in another field entirely. Also, I did not have sexual relations with that woman."

RomaGoth · 09-01-2009, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMeat

[/list]Translation: "I have taken another job in another field entirely. Also, I did not have sexual relations with that woman."

Wait, Monica Lewinsky was a woman?

molson · 09-01-2009, 02:38 PM

So 4 years at least without a new game, that'll be the longest gap yet. I don't fault him, this seems like a dieing genre and maybe its not the best business project for real talent at this point.

It's nice though, to know not to expect something this fall. Not sure why that's a huge secret here, but not to sportsgamerblog.com, but its nice to know.

I also don't understand why it's apparently now considered poor form, even in the FOF subforum, to speculate about the future of this franchise.

DaddyTorgo · 09-01-2009, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by molson

So 4 years at least without a new game, that'll be the longest gap yet. I don't fault him, this seems like a dieing genre and maybe its not the best business project for real talent at this point.

It's nice though, to know not to expect something this fall. Not sure why that's a huge secret here, but not to sportsgamerblog.com, but its nice to know.

I also don't understand why it's apparently now considered poor form, even in the FOF subforum, to speculate about the future of this franchise.

because the OTDJ said so?

RomaGoth · 09-01-2009, 02:52 PM

I would love to see a new FOF, or even a TCY2, but I am not holding my breath for it either. As DT said, I came here for FOF, but stayed for other reasons.

dawgfan · 09-01-2009, 04:11 PM

Hmmm. Not exactly encouraging for those of us who are dying to see a TCY2.

I wonder if Jim has ever considered teaming up with Scout.com or Rivals.com to brand a new TCY as a means of expanding his market?

Sgran · 09-01-2009, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Gorski

Guess I might as well add to the fray here - just got finished talking it over with someone and we've got a new guy on the job! Hopefully he works out and helps get the FB game rolling for us.

Can you tell us anything about the prospects of graphics? 2d? 3d match engine? straight text? depends on...

AlexB · 09-01-2009, 05:10 PM

Huh, whaddyaknow - all the noob whining did actually have an effect in the end despite the advice of the vets!

Chubby · 09-01-2009, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jari Rantanen's Shorts

Huh, whaddyaknow - all the noob whining did actually have an effect in the end despite the advice of the vets!

It did? He didn't actually tell us anything...

gstelmack · 09-01-2009, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by molson

I also don't understand why it's apparently now considered poor form, even in the FOF subforum, to speculate about the future of this franchise.

Nobody said it was poor form, did they? Most of the comments have been more along the lines of "why whine about the lack of info, he's done this for 11 years, why do you think he'd suddenly change?"

"Whining about lack of info" is not the same as "speculate about the future of this franchise".

molson · 09-01-2009, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gstelmack

Nobody said it was poor form, did they? Most of the comments have been more along the lines of "why whine about the lack of info, he's done this for 11 years, why do you think he'd suddenly change?"

"Whining about lack of info" is not the same as "speculate about the future of this franchise".

That's my point, if you speculate about the future of the franchise you're called a whiner. Or at least are mocked for beating a dead horse.

And yes, there's been plenty of threads on this, but it just seems like its weird to attack whatever interest remains in these games here.

Just my observation going through those threads today.

gstelmack · 09-01-2009, 07:36 PM

You missed the point completely. It's the whining about Jim not talking about it that's mocked, not the whining about if there will ever be one.

Celeval · 09-01-2009, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawgfan

Hmmm. Not exactly encouraging for those of us who are dying to see a TCY2.

I wonder if Jim has ever considered teaming up with Scout.com or Rivals.com to brand a new TCY as a means of expanding his market?

He already did, with TCY and Rivals.

dawgfan · 09-01-2009, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Celeval

He already did, with TCY and Rivals.

Did he? Was there a tie-in to Rivals in his recruiting database or something? I don't recall there being much promotion (if any) of his game at Rivals, which was what I was suggesting - if he could get advertising on their sites (or Scout.com's) it could do wonders for expanding his TCY audience.

sidthelid · 09-01-2009, 08:52 PM

Minor update, no new features, looking at other opportunities, no plans for anything............. great marketing Jim, but at least we got an answer.

Come on Grey Dog or Wolverine get your game out, something tells me you may a fair few new customers coming your way.

MalcPow · 09-01-2009, 10:17 PM

I'm just throwing this out there, but if the dominant product in this market isn't profitable enough to cover Jim's opportunity cost every few years, well, maybe Grey Dog and Wolverine should take a cold shower and think things through. *ducks*

kcchief19 · 09-01-2009, 10:28 PM

I'm unabashed Jim Gindin homer, so take this fwiw. Personally, I can see the glass as being half-full for this reason.

Starting with the first version of FOF, each successive version was for better or for worse and "EA-style" update. Maybe a few new features here and there, some major tweaks under the engine there. I believe there was only one rewrite of the game from the ground up over all the years.

When Jim began working on 1997 he's often said he tried to forget everything he ever knew about football and tried to learn it from scratch. From reading Jim's writings on Football Frontier and here, it's clear to me that Jim's knowledge and understanding of the numbers of football are far greater than they were 10 years. The time he has taken away from FOF to me will lead to a good thing because I think when he returns to the game he will bring a different approach that he had in 2006. I'm frankly more excited about FOF 2011 than I would have been for an FOF 2008 and FOF 2009. Heck, Jim has essentially given us for free what EA charges us $60 for -- a roster upgrade and a few new bells and whistles.

I'm as anxious as the next person to see Jim's next game because I think it will be a winner. But I think the longer wait will lead to a bigger pay off down the road.

That said, I never discount a Solecismic release -- as a wise man once said, the next FOF release will come like a thief in the night.

headtrauma · 09-01-2009, 10:37 PM

I did learn from the podcast that I'd been mispronouncing "Solecismic" for years now.

JonInMiddleGA · 09-01-2009, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawgfan

Did he? Was there a tie-in to Rivals in his recruiting database or something? I don't recall there being much promotion (if any) of his game at Rivals, which was what I was suggesting - if he could get advertising on their sites (or Scout.com's) it could do wonders for expanding his TCY audience.

Hard to make that pay off really.

Although Rivals doesn't seem to have their network rate card online, I found Purdue's site (goldandblack.com) rates listed at $800/month for a combo of a front page tile & spots on their four main msg boards. UTsports.com for Tennessee goes for $20 cpm & with their traffic you're going to need at least 20k impressions a month to make even a tiny impression, so that's $4000 per month for that site alone. That's a hell of a lot of games to sell to break even on the ad budget.

There are good reasons you don't see text sims running too many ads on major websites.

dawgfan · 09-02-2009, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

Hard to make that pay off really.

Although Rivals doesn't seem to have their network rate card online, I found Purdue's site (goldandblack.com) rates listed at $800/month for a combo of a front page tile & spots on their four main msg boards. UTsports.com for Tennessee goes for $20 cpm & with their traffic you're going to need at least 20k impressions a month to make even a tiny impression, so that's $4000 per month for that site alone. That's a hell of a lot of games to sell to break even on the ad budget.

There are good reasons you don't see text sims running too many ads on major websites.

I guess my thinking was seeing whether Rivals.com or Scout.com would find any value in putting their name in the game, i.e. in exchange for some amount of free advertising of the game on their network.

NewIdentity · 09-02-2009, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sidthelid

Come on Grey Dog or Wolverine get your game out, something tells me you may a fair few new customers coming your way.

Football Mogul 2010 comes out Sept 9!

Samdari · 09-02-2009, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by molson

That's my point, if you speculate about the future of the franchise you're called a whiner. Or at least are mocked for beating a dead horse.

And yes, there's been plenty of threads on this, but it just seems like its weird to attack whatever interest remains in these games here.

Just my observation going through those threads today.

To suggest that speculation about the future of this franchise is allowed is disingenuous. Any speculation that suggests a negative outlook for the game and/or company is simply not tolerated.

That said, the statements:

"I have not taken another job in another field entirely."

and

"I haven't been actively working on Front Office Football"

Are very interesting. Sounds like there has been some other work. Not entirely would seem to indicate he has not taken a full time job elsewhere.

boberot · 09-02-2009, 09:15 AM

Like I posted in the another "locked and forbidden" thread, I just think it's good business to tell your fan base [which now hangs out on your message boards for Alizee photos and trout humor] either A: Go home, losers, there's nothing to see here or B: Yeah, I'm working on an update for FOF/TCY but don't ask when it will be done I have no timetable. I'll update you on progress every three months.

Why the shroud of secrecy? Why the bashing from the FOFC "Elite" when somebody with a genuine interest in the product inquires about its future? This approach seems, at best, counter-productive and, at worst, like utter douchebaggery.

molson · 09-02-2009, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samdari

To suggest that speculation about the future of this franchise is allowed is disingenuous. Any speculation that suggests a negative outlook for the game and/or company is simply not tolerated.

That's true, I think that's what I was trying to hit on.

If you post about the inactivity of this company, the reponse is usually along the lines of "stop freaking out! (even if there's no freaking out). There's been less time since the last game then there was between the prior two!"

I think maybe they misinterpret commentary about the company's inactivity as personal criticism towards the company.

Ben E Lou · 09-02-2009, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boberot

Like I posted in the another "locked and forbidden" thread

I locked the thread because what I and others had been pointing out as obvious was confirmed: Solecismic isn't dead. There was nothing more to be said about the original question asked. And it was time for the discussion to move into a new thread regarding the podcast.

Quote:

I just think it's good business to tell your fan base [which now hangs out on your message boards...

FOFC is not Jim's message board.

Quote:

...for Alizee photos and trout humor] either A: Go home, losers, there's nothing to see here or B: Yeah, I'm working on an update for FOF/TCY but don't ask when it will be done I have no timetable. I'll update you on progress every three months.

...and Jim doesn't think it's good business. After all these years of people whining about what Jim has stated repeatedly is a conscious business decision, I've just grown tired of the same ol' whining. (And again, for the umpteen jillionth time, I don't particularly agree with the wisdom of said decision in many cases, but it ain't my business.) Plus, virtually every single time (as was true in the thread in question) these threads are filled with complete disinformation.

Quote:

Why the shroud of secrecy?

Answered in the podcast by Jim for, oh, the umpteen jillionth time.

Quote:

Why the bashing from the FOFC "Elite" when somebody with a genuine interest in the product inquires about its future?

Answered...

Quote:

I've just grown tired of the same ol' whining.

Kodos · 09-02-2009, 09:54 AM

Maybe we should sticky the closed thread in the FOF discussion subforum so people can readily see the latest update.

RomaGoth · 09-02-2009, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewIdentity

Football Mogul 2010 comes out Sept 9!

Doesn't even compare with FOF. Baseball Mogul has been decent, but Football Mogul has not impressed in many years. At least imho.

Samdari · 09-02-2009, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben E Lou

I locked the thread because what I and others had been pointing out as obvious was confirmed: Solecismic isn't dead. There was nothing more to be said about the original question asked. And it was time for the discussion to move into a new thread regarding the podcast.

To you (and others) it is obvious that Solecismic and FOF aren't dead from the podcast.

To me (and others) there is more reason than ever in that podcast to believe that it may be.

But, only one of those sides will be allowed to express their opinion.

And, I am in no way whining (about the delay, anyway) I have long since stopped playing FOF, so don't really care if there is another release or not. But, I find the conversation interesting. Sadly, it won't be allowed to happen.

MalcPow · 09-02-2009, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samdari

To you (and others) it is obvious that Solecismic and FOF aren't dead from the podcast.

To me (and others) there is more reason than ever in that podcast to believe that it may be.

But, only one of those sides will be allowed to express their opinion.

And, I am in no way whining (about the delay, anyway) I have long since stopped playing FOF, so don't really care if there is another release or not. But, I find the conversation interesting. Sadly, it won't be allowed to happen.

The only interesting thing to me about those threads is that they are started by people too new to have seen the same exact thread's cycle play out just a few months before. Which seems to imply FOF keeps drawing enough new people in, even at this stage, for there to be a sizable portion of posters showing up here that think Ben works for Jim, these are the official forums, and that there might be an annual new release.

As far as your other point, I'm not sure what you're looking for. You want to have a conversation that centers on your speculation that Solecismic is dead? I think this is your thread. My guess is Ben would rather have that discussion taking place where people could also listen to Jim's speculation on the company's future.

johneh · 09-02-2009, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewIdentity

Football Mogul 2010 comes out Sept 9!

I'm not sure why Clay hasn't put some serious resources into FBM because there is a lot less competition compated to BBM. But year after year FMB is a major disappointment.

molson · 09-02-2009, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MalcPow

The only interesting thing to me about those threads is that they are started by people too new to have seen the same exact thread's cycle play out just a few months before. Which seems to imply FOF keeps drawing enough new people in, even at this stage, for there to be a sizable portion of posters showing up here that think Ben works for Jim, these are the official forums, and that there might be an annual new release.

That's why I don't get the annoyance and frustration expressed at these posters.

I'd guess that we're not going to see another game from the company as it's currently structured. I could see a sale or some kind of joint venture. Hopefully someone else can surpass it and become "the" football sim franchise. But I'm thinking its still going to be the best football text sim out there 4-5 years from now.

It's a bad sign to be that text sims aren't really improving. Computer/video games genres pretty much always show dramatic improvement in a short period of time. It doesn't seem like we've advanced all that much in the last 5, even 10 years. Except adding "features".

Solecismic · 09-02-2009, 12:14 PM

The truth of the matter is that I find Alizee overrated.

I plan a press conference later this week where I'll attempt to define the word "entirely."

Ben E Lou · 09-02-2009, 12:16 PM

*chuckle*

Chubby · 09-02-2009, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solecismic

The truth of the matter is that I find Alizee overrated.

I plan a press conference later this week where I'll attempt to define the word "entirely."

we'll hold you to that

molson · 09-02-2009, 12:33 PM

Gotta love the smugness of the designer and board HNIC towards the fanbase.

Many of us have bought everything this company has ever put out. And there just seems to be this disdain towards us (But especially to new posters who have questions about the franchise).

Ben E Lou · 09-02-2009, 12:43 PM

My chuckle there was not intended to be smug. Jim just cracks me up sometimes.

sidthelid · 09-02-2009, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solecismic

The truth of the matter is that I find Alizee overrated.

I plan a press conference later this week where I'll attempt to define the word "entirely."

If I remember correctly you mentioned in the pod cast that us gamers don't understand and can't see some of the stuff that’s going on within the game engine and therefore don't or can't see the true depth of the game. I understand why you've done this but for us gamers it's almost pointless, so as it seems your not working on anything in-depth right now how about explaining some of these features in the 20 question thing you used to do with Ben, please. This would be a massive benefit to everyone out there and maybe spark a few more sales!!!

Is this something you feel you would be happy to resurrect?

kcchief19 · 09-02-2009, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by molson

Gotta love the smugness of the designer and board HNIC towards the fanbase.

Welcome to Hollywood.

09-01-2009, 07:38 AM	#2
Fritz Lethargic Hooligan Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: hello kitty found my wallet at a big tent revival and returned it with all the cash missing	•"For years I worked with that Bell jar stuck on my left hand. I called myself 'Jim Gindin - One Armed Coder' like the dude from Def Leppard. THEY ROCK!!! Then late one night I saw this add for a Jar Glove. That was a disapointing dead end. One day it, the Bell jar, just fell off and my pale clammy finger were free. This is my metaphore for life." (57:21) __________________ donkey, donkey, walk a little faster Last edited by Fritz : 09-01-2009 at 08:37 AM.

09-01-2009, 08:14 AM	#3
Cringer Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Edinburg,TX	Here comes the crying over no new game, again, with a comment like that above. I will see what the update does for the game I guess. Maybe is gets me to hold onto my last MP league for another year. __________________ You Stole Fizzy Lifting drinks! You bumped into the ceiling which now has to be washed and steralized, so you get NOTHING! You lose!

09-01-2009, 11:41 AM	#8
3ric College Starter Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Sweden	Well, that last statement doesn't rule out TCY2 completely, does it? __________________ San Diego Chargers (HFL) - Lappland Reindeers (WOOF) - Gothenburg Giants (IHOF) Indiana: A TCY VC - year 2044 - the longest running dynasty ever on FOFC!

09-01-2009, 02:15 PM	#12
Gary Gorski Wolverine Studios Join Date: Oct 2003	Guess I might as well add to the fray here - just got finished talking it over with someone and we've got a new guy on the job! Hopefully he works out and helps get the FB game rolling for us. __________________ Wolverine Studios http://www.wolverinestudios.com

09-01-2009, 02:38 PM	#15
molson General Manager Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: The Mountains	So 4 years at least without a new game, that'll be the longest gap yet. I don't fault him, this seems like a dieing genre and maybe its not the best business project for real talent at this point. It's nice though, to know not to expect something this fall. Not sure why that's a huge secret here, but not to sportsgamerblog.com, but its nice to know. I also don't understand why it's apparently now considered poor form, even in the FOF subforum, to speculate about the future of this franchise. Last edited by molson : 09-01-2009 at 02:39 PM.

09-01-2009, 09:46 AM	#4
Nogram Mascot Join Date: Nov 2006	I hope Grey Dog and Wolverine are reading this. This is called a market opportunity, this is called a void in the marketplace. Get your game out this year and there is no competition. I am just hoping for a new game at some point. Nogram

09-01-2009, 09:52 AM	#5
headtrauma H.S. Freshman Team Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: D/FW	Yeah, if you're looking for anything major in the podcast, you'll be a little disappointed.

09-01-2009, 04:11 PM	#18
dawgfan Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Seattle	Hmmm. Not exactly encouraging for those of us who are dying to see a TCY2. I wonder if Jim has ever considered teaming up with Scout.com or Rivals.com to brand a new TCY as a means of expanding his market?

09-01-2009, 05:10 PM	#20
AlexB Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Newbury, England	Huh, whaddyaknow - all the noob whining did actually have an effect in the end despite the advice of the vets! __________________ 'A song is a beautiful lie', Idlewild, Self Healer. When you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you. Sports!

09-01-2009, 07:36 PM	#24
gstelmack Pro Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Cary, NC	You missed the point completely. It's the whining about Jim not talking about it that's mocked, not the whining about if there will ever be one. __________________ -- Greg -- Author of various FOF utilities

09-01-2009, 08:52 PM	#27
sidthelid Mascot Join Date: Dec 2007	Minor update, no new features, looking at other opportunities, no plans for anything............. great marketing Jim, but at least we got an answer. Come on Grey Dog or Wolverine get your game out, something tells me you may a fair few new customers coming your way. Last edited by sidthelid : 09-01-2009 at 08:57 PM.

09-01-2009, 10:17 PM	#28
MalcPow College Benchwarmer Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: San Diego	I'm just throwing this out there, but if the dominant product in this market isn't profitable enough to cover Jim's opportunity cost every few years, well, maybe Grey Dog and Wolverine should take a cold shower and think things through. ducks

09-01-2009, 10:28 PM	#29
kcchief19 Pro Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Kansas City, MO	I'm unabashed Jim Gindin homer, so take this fwiw. Personally, I can see the glass as being half-full for this reason. Starting with the first version of FOF, each successive version was for better or for worse and "EA-style" update. Maybe a few new features here and there, some major tweaks under the engine there. I believe there was only one rewrite of the game from the ground up over all the years. When Jim began working on 1997 he's often said he tried to forget everything he ever knew about football and tried to learn it from scratch. From reading Jim's writings on Football Frontier and here, it's clear to me that Jim's knowledge and understanding of the numbers of football are far greater than they were 10 years. The time he has taken away from FOF to me will lead to a good thing because I think when he returns to the game he will bring a different approach that he had in 2006. I'm frankly more excited about FOF 2011 than I would have been for an FOF 2008 and FOF 2009. Heck, Jim has essentially given us for free what EA charges us $60 for -- a roster upgrade and a few new bells and whistles. I'm as anxious as the next person to see Jim's next game because I think it will be a winner. But I think the longer wait will lead to a bigger pay off down the road. That said, I never discount a Solecismic release -- as a wise man once said, the next FOF release will come like a thief in the night.

09-01-2009, 10:37 PM	#30
headtrauma H.S. Freshman Team Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: D/FW	I did learn from the podcast that I'd been mispronouncing "Solecismic" for years now.

09-02-2009, 09:15 AM	#35
boberot High School Varsity Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Western NY	Like I posted in the another "locked and forbidden" thread, I just think it's good business to tell your fan base [which now hangs out on your message boards for Alizee photos and trout humor] either A: Go home, losers, there's nothing to see here or B: Yeah, I'm working on an update for FOF/TCY but don't ask when it will be done I have no timetable. I'll update you on progress every three months. Why the shroud of secrecy? Why the bashing from the FOFC "Elite" when somebody with a genuine interest in the product inquires about its future? This approach seems, at best, counter-productive and, at worst, like utter douchebaggery. Last edited by boberot : 09-02-2009 at 09:16 AM.

09-02-2009, 09:54 AM	#38
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	Maybe we should sticky the closed thread in the FOF discussion subforum so people can readily see the latest update. __________________ Author of The Bill Gates Challenge, as well as other groundbreaking dynasties.

09-02-2009, 12:14 PM	#44
Solecismic Solecismic Software Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Canton, OH	The truth of the matter is that I find Alizee overrated. I plan a press conference later this week where I'll attempt to define the word "entirely."

09-02-2009, 12:16 PM	#45
Ben E Lou Morgado's Favorite Forum Fascist Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Greensboro, NC	chuckle __________________ The media don't understand the kinds of problems and pressures 54 million come wit'!

09-02-2009, 12:33 PM	#47
molson General Manager Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: The Mountains	Gotta love the smugness of the designer and board HNIC towards the fanbase. Many of us have bought everything this company has ever put out. And there just seems to be this disdain towards us (But especially to new posters who have questions about the franchise). Last edited by molson : 09-02-2009 at 12:39 PM.

09-02-2009, 12:43 PM	#48
Ben E Lou Morgado's Favorite Forum Fascist Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Greensboro, NC	My chuckle there was not intended to be smug. Jim just cracks me up sometimes. __________________ The media don't understand the kinds of problems and pressures 54 million come wit'!

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