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FlightGear Newsletter December 2011: Difference between revisions
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FlightGear Newsletter December 2011 (view source)
Revision as of 17:02, 7 December 2011
, 7 December 2011→Interview with a contributor (Olivier Jacq)
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* '''How long have you been involved in FlightGear?''' | * '''How long have you been involved in FlightGear?''' | ||
I've been following FG since [[FlightGear 0.9.8]] | I've been following FG closely since [[FlightGear 0.9.8]]. So, checking on the Wiki, this already dates back to... 2005! | ||
* '''What are your major interests in FlightGear?''' | * '''What are your major interests in FlightGear?''' | ||
At first, I was using FG as a "casual" user, mainly contributing positions in my local area ([[Brittany]]) and especially the [[Brest]] area (cause I'm not that good at 3D modelling!). So I would say my major interest is in definitely in the scenery side of FG - and HHS choppers! | |||
* '''What project are you working on right now?''' | * '''What project are you working on right now?''' | ||
This is HIGHLY confidential! But because Christmas is coming soon, I'll give you a small written preview on this | This is HIGHLY confidential! But because Christmas is coming soon, I'll give you a small written preview on this early present! Still under | ||
development, I'm working on automated scripts to add/delete/update shared or static scenery within FG, in order to ease the actual submission | development, I'm working on automated scripts to add/delete/update shared or static scenery objects/positions within FG, in order to ease the actual submission process, both for the user and the scenery maintainers. I'll let you know as soon as it's available - the newsletter will be the first to know! | ||
process, both for the user and the scenery maintainers. I'll let you know as soon as it's available - the newsletter will be the first to know! | |||
* '''What do you plan on doing in the future?''' | * '''What do you plan on doing in the future?''' | ||
I have at least a few months before all scripts are finished and under production, so I think when they're all done, I'll take some time to use them and add more objects positions into FG! | I have at least a few months before all scripts are finished and under production, so I think when they're all done, I'll take some time to use them and add more objects positions into FG myself! | ||
* '''Are you happy with the way the FlightGear project is going?''' | * '''Are you happy with the way the FlightGear project is going?''' | ||
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* '''What advice can you give to new developers who want to get started on their first aircraft/new feature/Nasal script?''' | * '''What advice can you give to new developers who want to get started on their first aircraft/new feature/Nasal script?''' | ||
Well, they have to check that noone is already working on it, or to get in contact with him. Most of all, I would advise them to start on small | Well, they have to check that noone is already working on it, or to get in contact with him. Most of all, I would advise them to start on small | ||
projects first. For instance, a LOT of cockpits need enhancement. So try to make existing aircrafts better, rather than try to build yet another one from scratch. Keep this for later and focus on what needs to be enhanced now. | projects first. For instance, a LOT of cockpits need enhancement. So try to make existing aircrafts better, rather than try to build yet another one from scratch. Keep this for later and focus on what needs to be enhanced now. FG will then look so much better to our fellow downloaders. | ||
* '''Have you previously used other flight simulators or simulation software in general?''' | * '''Have you previously used other flight simulators or simulation software in general?''' | ||
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* '''Do you remember what first got you interested in FlightGear? How did you learn about FlightGear? In other words, why did you actually download and try FG?''' | * '''Do you remember what first got you interested in FlightGear? How did you learn about FlightGear? In other words, why did you actually download and try FG?''' | ||
FG was the only free and open source | FG was the only free and open source advanced flight simulator I found under GNU/Linux, so when I decided to moved my computer fully to GNU/Linux, the choice was quite easy. Its success and improved quality over the years confirmed this choice was good! | ||
* '''Compared to other flight simulation software, what are FlightGear's major benefits in your opinion?''' | * '''Compared to other flight simulation software, what are FlightGear's major benefits in your opinion?''' | ||
Apart from the fact that it is free and opensource, I would say that its central scenery database and mapserver is one of its major features, | Apart from the fact that it is free and opensource, I would say that its central scenery database and mapserver is one of its major features, | ||
compared to other flight sims where you have to download here, download there, add patches, etc... what a mess it becomes after a few years of | compared to other flight sims where you have to download here, download there, add patches, etc... what a mess it becomes on your hard drive after a few years of addons! | ||
addons! | |||
* '''Do you think it is necessary to know how to program in order to contribute to FlightGear?''' | * '''Do you think it is necessary to know how to program in order to contribute to FlightGear?''' | ||
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* '''Have you ever used FlightGear professionally or for educational purposes?''' | * '''Have you ever used FlightGear professionally or for educational purposes?''' | ||
I've been talking about it in my job, so show its quality, even sometimes compared to professional ones I have seen. I would | I've been talking about it in my job, so show its quality, even sometimes compared to professional ones I have seen there. I would definitely recommand a stronger relationship between FG and professional/educational worlds. | ||
* '''On average, how much time do you spend working with/contributing to FlightGear?''' | * '''On average, how much time do you spend working with/contributing to FlightGear?''' | ||
For a few weeks, I've been working for around 3 to 4 hours per week developing scripts. It's been a while since I haven't | For a few weeks, I've been working for around 3 to 4 hours per week developing scripts. It's been a while since I haven't been having a flight in FG! | ||
* '''Which of the more recent FlightGear developments do you consider most interesting/appealing?''' | * '''Which of the more recent FlightGear developments do you consider most interesting/appealing?''' | ||
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* '''What do you think could be done to attract even more new users and contributors to FlightGear?''' | * '''What do you think could be done to attract even more new users and contributors to FlightGear?''' | ||
The fact that FG software is not localized into other languages can be a real | The fact that FG software is not localized into other languages can be a real drawback for some users and is often shown as such when magazines or forums talk about FG. If this support is added back, I will definitely work on the French translation!! | ||
* '''What about interacting with the FlightGear community? Any tips/experiences you'd like to share?''' | * '''What about interacting with the FlightGear community? Any tips/experiences you'd like to share?''' | ||
As many others, I regret the way some people ask for features like: "do this aircraft, I NEED it", or don't even have a look at the Wiki or forums | As many others, I regret the way some people ask for features like: "do this aircraft, I NEED it", or don't even have a look at the Wiki or forums archives to get an answer to their questions. Ask politely, try to understand the way FG community is organised, search for archives, don't pollute threads and everything will be better! | ||
* '''Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?''' | * '''Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?''' | ||