sorry for the current lack of updates. I'm under quite heavy work pressure with several projects going on, a company creation in the plannings and stuff like this. But here we go:
1. SSCXML: The source code, as I've already said it, has gone open source and is available through Sourceforge. Currently, whenever time allows it, I'm cleaning up the code and helping out companies that are using the library.
2. Prohibition-Online: I've decided to throw away tikiwiki because I didn't feel well in that environment. I'm now using CMS made simple which is... well... simple to use. I've yet to transfer the stuff I already had in tikiwiki but there's progress.
I've also selected the "area" in the world which will be the playground for the game. While it finally will be transformed and re-worked to make it an interesting playground, I thought that the area itself contained interesting spots that can be used. Why re-invent the wheel if you can start with an already existing "grid" of roads to which you "only" have to add the buildings (well... it's more work than that but you grasp the idea). I already had that spot in mind some years ago: Kill Devil Hills :) Interesting name :)
At Kill Devil Hills you'll find coast roads, a small airport (Brother Wright Airport), creeks, hills, etc. I think it'll be an interesting place after stuffing it with a more dense town.
3. The Team Foundation Server review: I have asked John to postpone the review a little bit because of my heavy workload. I've yet to start the article but I'm already struggling through the install process. Absolutely a negative point for the software (amongst others). Normally it should appear on april 21st in GameDev.net.
4. My secret project: Is in the planning. I've got a rough concept for it and I've now to plan the database for the whole stuff. Another thing I can say about it: It'll be a web-service business and it will be interesting for you ;)
5. Company creation: If everything works out as expected, I'll create my own company within the next couple of weeks. The business plan is in the works, I've still to write the corporate statutes and find a notary.
6. Work, work, work: Currently I'm working 200-240 hours per month for my main customer. I'm fitting all the above stuff in between. And I must say that I start to feel the fatigue. But unfortunately, I cannot really slow down now. I've so much work for my main customer and so many "construction zones" within the software that I struggle to finish things as should. There's always something new, more importing coming. Material DB, new gui, formula integration into reports, interfaces to outside applications, improved localisation possibilities, modularization of the software package, ... Aaaargh...
IF someone of the Verviers (Belgium) area is reading this, and if you're interested in a job as a programmer, please contact me ASAP.
Thanks and have fun,
Stefan
