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away time
Sabradin
Member Posts: 772
I am jealous of the people who get as many vacations. However it makes me upset to hear that the game I have my hopes set on is being created by people who are leisure about time off. If we want to create an awesome game we need to hire people who will work hard all year round with two weeks vacation maximum. This full month half month vacations is something that puts a damper on the whole progressive attitude.
Also thoughts of a second delay announcment coming directly after a vacation period is a little daunting and no real signs of hope have come my way. That said I have hope the game will succeed.
Just when you think you have all the answers, I change the questions.
Comments
Are you suggesting that Funcom developers shouldn't take any holidays at all?
Did you know that the holidays Funcom staff took before the delay was the European summer vacation (July/August)? Most workplaces in Europe shutdown for a few weeks during that time anyway as it is also a popular time for people to travel to and within Europe to enjoy the summer weather.
This recent break Funcom staff are taking is Christmas/New Years leave. When they return on January 2, they'll have only been gone for a couple of weeks (not even that), and I do believe there is a skeleton staff in place as there would be in other large companies.
Things may not seem so "progressive" to you because perhaps you're spending too much time sitting at the Age of Conan website or forums WAITING for something to happen. Honestly, just get your mind off it for a while and occupy yourself with something else.
Let them catch some breath. Whenever they release, be it march or april, they are facing a 6 month rough ride. Gazillions of interviews, overtime coding for hotfixes, flamewars and mischievous hardware is their fate for 2008
I want them to be fresh in case we burn them on the stake after release
Things work different in different countries. For example in the UK, full time and part time staff are by law granted 4 weeks paid vacation time per year so long as they work 16hrs plus per week. I recently moved to Canada where the average time off is 2 weeks per year paid.
Also I bet you the your typical person working on AoC isnt the 37.5/ 40hr per week standard. Saying that, did you know the normal working week in most European countries is 37.5 working hours with the maximum "legal" working week being 48 hours? As is like in Norway.
Now I dont think its fair to judge either
A) A Countries, or
Working codes of conduct and practice based on the fact employee's take vacation time of a different points of the year based on their terms and conditions of employement within the law of the country of operation, in relation to an unfinished product.
The fatal mistake the Original Poster has made is in what they say:
Now forgive me, but its not a "We" as in the public making the game. It's Funcom making the game, its Funcom that set the pace, the content, and publish the product in conjunction with the publishers, and pay some 200 peoples wages. Public opinion based on inclusion of content and beta feedback counts for some direction in the development of the game, but its not the be all and end of its development cycle.
Ultimately, its unfair to be critical of a product that hasn't even been released yet. Yet alone open for public perusal and judgement at the high end. Employee's get paid for the work they do, there's probably performance related pay, bonus' for deadlines and such like or something similar.
I can understand your frustration in going thru one or maybe two set back before, but really, set backs and changes to a games release date are common in the industry, especially the MMO genre. Since August last year, we have seen more product knowledge and information flowing out from FC marketing department than any other time during its development cycle. Coupled with ever increasing people being invited to general beta. The consensus right now is that everything is right on track for an end of march 2008 release. The product is near the end of its development cycle, naturally its ok to be dubious with a similar set of circumstances earlier this year, but as it stands right now alot of things and situations are completley different to back then.
Its already been said that AoC is being taken "on the road" in January. Who do you think will do that or organise it? = The Marketing Department. Who has just said that there wont be an update for the weekly friday update over xmas = The Marketing Department. Other games coming out also have their staff on leave over this period, such as Mythic. Its standard practice, also consider that AoC has been in development for 4 yrs plus now, this isn't something unusual!
So by all means, Funcom staff, enjoy your vacation time, you certainly deserve it, but by the time work starts again for you, I certainly hope you've got the energy to carry the game's development through and make the March 25, 2008 launch date.
In 20 days time I'll be in their offices myself checking it out. Although im sure some might like it if I bring the whipping stick, it probably wouldn't make it thru customs anyway! muahha!
In 20 days time I'll be in their offices myself checking it out. Although im sure some might like it if I bring the whipping stick, it probably wouldn't make it thru customs anyway! muahha!
Nah... dont hit them. Just make sure they are chained to their desks
And bring some informations about crafting with you. Oh.. and.. i think 20 days is enough to have a crash course in "howto hack a beta server". We need access to check if the work hard enough !!!
Nothing can be judged merely because its different. Being different isn't in itself wrong. Whats wrong is taking too much time off and being different doesn't excuse you from such a judgement.
Just when you think you have all the answers, I change the questions.
Nothing can be judged merely because its different. Being different isn't in itself wrong. Whats wrong is taking too much time off and being different doesn't excuse you from such a judgement.
Uhhh, being different gives BASIS for judgement. I
It's almost like you WANT to believe the game will be delayed again because the developers have taken vacation time.
How old are you? Do you work full-time? Do you know anything about work, holidays, leave entitlements, and so forth? Keep in mind Funcom is not making the game for you exclusively, so they don't need to pander to your ridiculous expectations.
Seriously, get a hobby or something and stop worrying about holidays being taken by people you don't know.
Can you please define to me, what is <<too much time off>> and how does this vacation that affect you?
Do you really think a christmas vacation could avert a possible delay? If the delay comes, it has nothing to do with these few weeks off work...
Nothing can be judged merely because its different. Being different isn't in itself wrong. Whats wrong is taking too much time off and being different doesn't excuse you from such a judgement.
Uhhh, being different gives BASIS for judgement. I
Different from right, is wrong. Different from "us" isn't wrong, its different. Afterall, we could be wrong and them being different means they could be right or just another form of wrong.
Just when you think you have all the answers, I change the questions.
The time off is an issue, but reason for feeling like its okay to spend more than a month and a half a year doing nothing is a bigger issue.
As stated above two weeks a year off is more than plenty. Clearly those that agree with me cannot prove this belief because it is a heart issue. Its like trying to prove to someone that lying or murder is wrong; you can't, you can only present them as the truth and let the chips fly.
Just when you think you have all the answers, I change the questions.
/sarcasm on
Yeah!, throw all the devs in a room and close it with a big iron key, and then tell them they will eat when they finish the game.
/sarcasm off
The time off is an issue, but reason for feeling like its okay to spend more than a month and a half a year doing nothing is a bigger issue.
As stated above two weeks a year off is more than plenty. Clearly those that agree with me cannot prove this belief because it is a heart issue. Its like trying to prove to someone that lying or murder is wrong; you can't, you can only present them as the truth and let the chips fly.
Most danes get 5 weeks of paid vacation a year.Most danes work for 37,5 hours a week.
That's just the way we do it. That's just the way many countries i Europe do it.
Don't like it? Fine, just walk away and find another game then.
Hardly anyone spends a month and a half a year doing nothing. Those 6 weeks of vacation? You know, you could.. Go on a vacation. Spend quality time with your family and friends. Spend a bit more time on that hobby of yours. Go out partying like a mad man.. Or just relax.
And no, i doubt the norwegians would cut away those 4 weeks of vacations, just for your silly sake.
Nice joke thread, you did well at making yourself sound ignorant and needy. If your problem seriously lies in how much vacation time they take, than its clear your not interested in playing a quality game, but instead are interested in bitching about relatively meaningless things to attract flames, or you got a bad case of the "gimmie now's"
Either way it's none of your concern, it is their game and they know much better than any of us how much time it will take, and what it takes to get it done. If that means another delay, so be it, but I can guarantee you they will not look back and say "oh we delayed the launch because we took too much vacation time" or "Sorry guys, we wold have released it on time but those few weeks off around New Years really set us back." It's just not going to happen.
I think they deserve that time off... Funcom knows how to treat there dev teams. One full month of vacation acually make me some-what jelous.
Well you know when a company pumps in like $40 million or whatever it cost's, im sure they factor in vacation time into the development cycle.
Different from right, is wrong. Different from "us" isn't wrong, its different. Afterall, we could be wrong and them being different means they could be right or just another form of wrong.
Nice way to change the context to suit your argument there. Anyway...
If "column A" is different from "column b", then that's basis for judgement because we've come to the conclusion that the columns are different from each other; it's a judgement that we make based on what is presented to us.
As far as work in Europe compared to work in North America is concerned, working conditions are different based on what we've seen quite clearly presented to us with Funcom taking a few weeks in the summer off and these recent Christmas/New Years days break. We can come to the conclusion that working conditions are different, and that's a judgement because we're basing it on evidence. It's not a matter of "right" or "wrong" in this case like you were convolutedly trying to suggest; it's "column A", "column B", apples, oranges, chalk and cheese.
Funcom or any other European-based company taking time when they are LEGALLY entitled to it is not wrong, but only seems so by your "standards". It's different, and yes, we can come to that conclusion because we've seen the evidence (what we have observed) and judged it different.
You should really consider getting some fresh air and enjoy the real world for a little bit, and maybe see your doctor because I think you've got a serious case of Hyborian Fever and it's clouding your ability to think cognitively.
well guess what
I don't want Joe Commoner developing the game, I want Hank Hill who lives for his propane.
Keep in mind I don't want to do that for anything, I just want to know the people who make stuff I buy do. Double standard? Yes. Is it what I the customer want? Yes.
Cure for cancer? No. But my boredom is eating away at me so I'm just waiting for the cure.
I also wish Age of Conan was in the states for financial reasons. I know people make everyone pay for people's faults/mistakes/misfortunes (aka healthcare) over there and Id rather that money be spent towards making a better AoC game.
Judge me, I think i like it
Just when you think you have all the answers, I change the questions.
You think people's taxes should go to fund video game creation? Your priorities are seriously out of whack.
what ? time off ? holidays ? guys, im quite sure that even these guys have people and stuff to do in their lifes when they shut the door after 12 hours of making code
at least we should cut them some slack
I would laugh if taxes were geared towards the making of Age of Conan lol though id rather them just keep their money and use it as they wish
(i.e. as i wish aka towards the making of aoc)
Just when you think you have all the answers, I change the questions.
Wishing Age of Conan was being made in the US? Pffft. Let me guess, you think ALL the best stuff comes form America, right? You do realise there's a Funcom office in the US, right? In Durham, NC. There are also American developers working on the game, Jason "Athelan" Stone, being one of them. So don't worry; there's still a "touch" of the US in this game, but it's a European production since Funcom HQ is in Oslo, Norway.
You need to get over yourself, because tFuncom will not pander to your individual needs. If you want a cure for your boredom, like I've suggested a few times now, get yourself outside and do something with your body. It's scientifically proven that sunshine can help improve the quality of life.
THE BENEFITS OF SUNSHINE:
1. It reduces stress and depression by causing the release of endorphins - the body's own mood elevator. It thus enhances the mental outlook and sense of well being.
2. Sunlight has a positive electrifying influence - it electrifies the oxygen in air with negative ions (charges). During long overcast winters many people develop a clinical depression known as Seasonal Affected Disorder (SAD). Sunshine cures this problem. It also occurs in old age homes when people remain indoors.
3. It has many positive effects on the cardio-vascular (heart and blood vessels) system:
a. It increases general circulation. Warm sunshine dilates the blood vessels in the skin and helps to normalise circulation. It is said that, at any given time, only 25% of our tiniest blood vessels - the capillaries - are open. Sunshine causes more of them to be open at a given time leading to a more efficient circulation. More nutrients and oxygen are taken to the cells and more waste is removed at a given time.
b. It decreases a raised blood pressure. Its effect remains for at least 24 hours after one day’s controlled exposure. Three consecutive day’s exposure to sunshine maintains its effect for a further three days.
c. It increases cardiac output. The pulse rate is decreased and cardiac (heart) output is increased for an average of 39% for several days after a sunbath. This means that a slower, more efficient and rested heart pumps more blood.
d. It increases the number of red blood cells. It is also beneficial for anaemia.
4. A tan and an increased skin circulation results in increased healing of wounds skin ulcers, skin fungal infections, eczema and acne.
5. The immune system in strengthened by exposure to moderate sunlight.
a. The production of the various types of white blood cells is increased.
b. Their ability to perform their tasks [which include the ingestion (eating up) of harmful microbes, cancer cells and other substances as well as to make antibodies] is greatly increased. It is postulated that the rays shining into the blood vessels (capillaries) that lie just under the skin stimulate this effect. It also increases gamma globulin - another protein that helps the body fight infection.
Before the use of antibiotics research into the effects and use of ultraviolet rays to fight serious infections had reached an advanced stage of usefulness. Blood was removed from the body, passed under ultraviolet light and then reintroduced into the body with very positive results. The advent of antibiotics terminated this procedure.
6. Cholesterol levels in the blood are decreased by sunshine transforming cholesterol under the skin into vitamin D. Vitamin D plays an important part in the deposition of calcium into the bones. Bones are made strong, rickets (bow legs) and osteoporosis (brittle bones) are reduced and the healing of bone fractures is increased.
Dr Zane Kime in his book called “Sunlight” tells of an elderly lady who received sunlight treatments for four days. A decrease of 13% in cholesterol was shown two hours after the sunbath. After four days there was a 1/3 decrease in levels without any change in diet or exercise program.
If your blood calcium levels are found to be low, it is suggested that you have a dose of sunshine that will raise Vitamin D levels, which, in turn, will increase the amount of calcium deposited into the bones.
It now appears that Vitamin D may also be a powerful preventative of breast and colo-rectal cancer. Another study suggested that too little sunshine might increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Adequate vitamin D is obtained by exposing an area the size of the face or the two hands to sunshine at midday for about 10 minutes. Darker skin requires longer exposure.
7. Metabolism in increased (weight loss and more energy!) and blood sugar levels are stabilised.
Carbohydrate metabolism was increased, more glycogen (the form in which sugar is stored in the body) was stored in the liver and muscles and thus blood sugar levels were decreased towards normal limits. The interesting part of the study was that, if blood sugar levels were below normal levels sunlight caused it to increase towards normal levels.
8. Muscle tone and endurance is increased. During the periods when they ruled large parts of the world, the Romans and Greeks had discovered that sunlight builds muscles. They trained their lightly dressed sportsmen in an open-air arena on warm sand (sand has a reflecting effect).
Studies show that when patients who are unable to exercise, when wheeled out and daily exposed to the sun, they develop an increase of muscle growth and tone. This can cause some weight loss because the increased muscle tone uses up more kilojoules. Moral of the story? Exercise in sunshine builds greater body muscle than the same amount of exercise taken indoors.
9. Microbes are killed not only in and on the body, but also in our surroundings. it has been clearly shown to destroy viruses, bacteria and even ringworm. Bedding should be exposed regularly to sunlight in between washes. Sunshine reduces strong odours. Open the windows in your house in order to allow the rays of sunshine in. The common house mite found in the bedding and dust in our houses is destroyed by sunlight. Sunshine also helps to destroy dangerous water-borne microbes e.g. cholera, hepatitis and typhoid, up to a depth of 3,5 metres. Don't allow trees and shrubs to shut out the sunlight from your house.
10. Sunshine balances our hormones and body rhythms. The rays come through the eyes and firstly, effect the pituitary gland that lies behind and between the eyes. This gland controls the hormone production of other glands e.g.
* It has an inhibiting effect on the hormones that cause the maturing process. Children born blind mature too soon.
* Melatonin, the hormone produced by the pineal gland, encourages sleep. It’s production blocked by sunlight. Melatonin has been the subject of keen interest lately as the studies suggest that the hormone possesses remarkable healing powers that slow down the ageing process and even inhibit tumours. There has, however, been no proof that the artificial melatonin that is being marketed possesses the same powers! What has been underscored is that the body repairs and renews itself during sleep. High night levels are lowered by sunshine. Lack of sunshine in the morning will leave you feeling drowsy, lethargic, and depressed all day.
* Metabolism is increased by a more effective functioning of the thyroid gland.
* An extra dose of sunshine can be particularly effective for PMS (Pre-menstrual syndrome) and menopause. One suggestion is that people with these problems introduce full-spectrum lighting into the home, if possible.
11. Other rays travel beyond the pituitary gland to the pineal gland. It here that our body rhythms, also known as circadian rhythms, are controlled. It is only in very recent years that the functioning of this gland is becoming understood. It is well documented that, if one is not exposed to sunshine, the body rhythms run 50 minutes slower every day. This can have disastrous effects on the sleep wake cycle as well as the rest of the body hormonal rhythms.
12. Sunlight is a very effective treatment for jaundice of the newborn.
13. It helps improve liver function, and helps the body to eliminate toxic chemicals and environmental pollutants.
14. Sunlight helps keep the home free from disease-causing germs as well as the microscopic house mite.
P.S. Wall of text crits you for 38989731235 points of damage.
P.S. Wall of text crits you for 38989731235 points of damage.
well all the best to you and i hope you have a happy new year
Just when you think you have all the answers, I change the questions.
I lol'd
Which Final Fantasy Character Are You?
Final Fantasy 7