What Modding Is

Iateronmly · 01-December-04, 11:23 PM

First off - the winner isn't one of our own but a "Major Havok", 2nd place is J-Dogg. Congratz to you both.

Going to only post Major Havok's essay since both these suckers (while gifted) are rather long winded.

Modding is the democratization of the PC, pure and simple. It's the ultimate interactive experience in computing. It is making good on the much-hyped promise of an accessible, usable technology that facilitates and inspires the free flow of ideas, information and creativity. And most significantly, it simultaneously fulfils the human need for both individualism and socialization. It at once shows us to be unique computer users who are also part of a global community.

Modding involves the computer end user in a way that totally transcends the idea of being a passive consumer. When someone takes a jigsaw to his mid-tower case, or creates machina or a whole new multiplayer experience out of the source code of her FPS, it takes the normal relationships in this commercial industry (the manufacturer makes the computer parts, the developer makes the software) and stands them on their head.

And by challenging the traditional supplier-consumer relationships, modding is also an expression of protest; a primal, anarchistic shout of rebellion. It frees and liberates people to do things that the producers of hardware and software never intended, or could even dream up. It is a dynamic system of user feedback that shows what can be done with knowledge and ingenuity.

Today, weÃ‚â€™re in the same era for computers. Except that compared to hot-rodding cars, the timeframe from mere tinkering with PCs to creatively re-engineering software and hardware has been accelerated. And the technology of computers is so much more diverse and rich that the expression of the modderÃ‚â€™s art (yes, I would argue that it is in many cases a form of technological art) is so much more varied than that of the automotive hot-rodder.

Modding is everything about computing that never was, and yet is bound to be. It is the inevitable consequence of people taking ownership over this technology and making it their own, and then giving it back to their community.

Rock on!

Marc (Major Havoc) H.

So that's the winner folks. But for the record - of the PR members, J-Dogg "pwnZ" you!

Iateronmly
Crazy Alaskan Hermit

j-dogg · 01-December-04, 11:26 PM

Awwww crap, oh well I came close

Congrats to all who entered, and, well, all i have to say is "neener neener neener!!"

JessAlba452 · 01-December-04, 11:29 PM

Congrats to everyone

Looks like it was a close race!

Ryj · 01-December-04, 11:31 PM

I want to read j-doggs anyway.

Edit in response to below:

I knew there was an evil plot to take over the world in there somewhere.

Iateronmly · 01-December-04, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryj


	I want to read j-doggs.

I'll post it tomorrow. I'm givin away my own stuff here, so I'm stretching it out so I don't have to be origonal with my DD posts this week.

They're getting free stuff, I'm getting a week off.

SpikeShot · 01-December-04, 11:35 PM

AWWW...I also want to read J-dogg's. Can someone link me to it, I have seemed to have lost that older thread somewhere in the other hundreds.

Good job guys.

What does the winner get again?

EDIT>can't wait to read it!

j-dogg · 01-December-04, 11:47 PM

I think you guys will like it, it is, *ahem* different....

Rob · 02-December-04, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j-dogg


	I think you guys will like it, it is, ahem* different....*

You mean like J-Dogg wearing a dress riding a tricycle different?

Now, in my best move voice....

"Damn you, J-Dogg, damn you to hell!"

Rob

P.S.

Just kidding. Congrats to both winners!

godfoot · 02-December-04, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob


	You mean like J-Dogg wearing a dress riding a tricycle different?

I have a picture of that, I was saving it in case I needed some extra ammo after that sig prank.

Edit: But he gets 80s style points for the leg warmers...

DuplexEmotions · 02-December-04, 11:41 AM

congrats to the two of you....

guess I won't be using a grav gun anytime soon *sniffle*

01-December-04, 11:23 PM		#1 (permalink)
Iateronmly Smooth Operator	What Modding Is First off - the winner isn't one of our own but a "Major Havok", 2nd place is J-Dogg. Congratz to you both. Going to only post Major Havok's essay since both these suckers (while gifted) are rather long winded. Modding is the democratization of the PC, pure and simple. It's the ultimate interactive experience in computing. It is making good on the much-hyped promise of an accessible, usable technology that facilitates and inspires the free flow of ideas, information and creativity. And most significantly, it simultaneously fulfils the human need for both individualism and socialization. It at once shows us to be unique computer users who are also part of a global community. Modding involves the computer end user in a way that totally transcends the idea of being a passive consumer. When someone takes a jigsaw to his mid-tower case, or creates machina or a whole new multiplayer experience out of the source code of her FPS, it takes the normal relationships in this commercial industry (the manufacturer makes the computer parts, the developer makes the software) and stands them on their head. And by challenging the traditional supplier-consumer relationships, modding is also an expression of protest; a primal, anarchistic shout of rebellion. It frees and liberates people to do things that the producers of hardware and software never intended, or could even dream up. It is a dynamic system of user feedback that shows what can be done with knowledge and ingenuity. Today, weÃ‚â€™re in the same era for computers. Except that compared to hot-rodding cars, the timeframe from mere tinkering with PCs to creatively re-engineering software and hardware has been accelerated. And the technology of computers is so much more diverse and rich that the expression of the modderÃ‚â€™s art (yes, I would argue that it is in many cases a form of technological art) is so much more varied than that of the automotive hot-rodder. Modding is everything about computing that never was, and yet is bound to be. It is the inevitable consequence of people taking ownership over this technology and making it their own, and then giving it back to their community. Rock on! Marc (Major Havoc) H. So that's the winner folks. But for the record - of the PR members, J-Dogg "pwnZ" you! Iateronmly Crazy Alaskan Hermit

01-December-04, 11:35 PM		#6 (permalink)
SpikeShot Probationary User	2 questions...EDIT...ok I can't wait AWWW...I also want to read J-dogg's. Can someone link me to it, I have seemed to have lost that older thread somewhere in the other hundreds. Good job guys. What does the winner get again? EDIT>can't wait to read it!

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01-December-04, 11:26 PM		#2 (permalink)
j-dogg Mystical Schwinn Guru	Awwww crap, oh well I came close Congrats to all who entered, and, well, all i have to say is "neener neener neener!!"

01-December-04, 11:29 PM		#3 (permalink)
JessAlba452 X5-452	Congrats to everyone Looks like it was a close race!

01-December-04, 11:31 PM		#4 (permalink)
Ryj Apex Master Tech	I want to read j-doggs anyway. Edit in response to below: I knew there was an evil plot to take over the world in there somewhere.

01-December-04, 11:47 PM		#7 (permalink)
j-dogg Mystical Schwinn Guru	I think you guys will like it, it is, ahem different....

02-December-04, 11:41 AM		#10 (permalink)
DuplexEmotions Bi P-Hoe-lar	congrats to the two of you.... guess I won't be using a grav gun anytime soon sniffle