No one has that, since Jim hasn't released it yet.

Thats what I thought but some posts confused me. Nevermind. Still really looking forward to seeing them!

Any idea how long until we can see a beta of the moving clams?

Thanks

Regards,
Neil

I haven't heard from Jim specifically, but I'm looking for within a week or so. I guess it depends on what problems Jim runs in to, if any......................

Every time I think I have the clam movement in an acceptable state, I move the camera and expose all kinds of holes. Getting close, though.

Can't wait!

Agreed!

And I applaud Butters for her quotes! :)

Not that I'm biased or anything. :D

Still having a rough time with the clams. Usually when I create a complicated object, it gets more and more real-looking as I add each effect - movement, shading, etc., But the opposite seems true with the clams. The shells looked good opening and closing without the mantle, and the mantle looked OK unpacking itself and spreading out. But when I put the two together, it takes on a slightly unrealistic look that has been difficult to overcome. So far, I've just been dealing with one clam, so maybe it will look better when all three are in position.

Isn't there an old adage that refers to getting through life, one clam at a time?

Maybe not. :silent:

How about a "beta" clam. Just give us what you have and just throw out updates as the clam comes along, kind of like the aquarium :D

No, things are very ugly right now. The other two clams are not there, so all the gaps and seams that are usually hidden by them are visible.

Damn clams! Never met one I could trust.:loco:

Well, I'm off to the aquarium shop to study clams some more. No matter what I try, the clams have a certain hand-drawn quality that doesn't fit with the rest of the tank, and I need to break the cycle.

Just a suggestion. How about doing the new fish models and movement, and putting the clam movement on the back burner for now?:snorkel:

That would mean the current Beta would expire, since it's only good for 28 days and the new fish models would take at least a month.

Jim if you are looking for opinions, why don't you release a "special" beta only good for a week or so and see what people think.......................................

I'm not really looking for opinions. In my current experiments, the clams look fake. No other opinions are necessary. They look like something the competitors would do (cut it out, paste it in, airbrush a fuzzy too-dark shadow around it). But it's all in the textures - the movement algorithm is working fine. If I can get the textures and shading right, they could be done in an hour.

How did the visit to the Aquarium shop go?

yikes...the clams will end up dancing to musical playlists and opening on the hour and closing on the half hour, they might even end up being sponsored by logos *wink *wink...

maybe jim just needs a bit of a break...walk away and let it all settle a bit...we're patient...kinda...sorta....

Take all the time you need.

Better no clams than ugly ones.

It's only you that can decide when it looks ok to your eyes.

And if the beta period expires just release the last one with 28 days more.

The trip to the aquarium store didn't go well. They had sold all the clams.

D'oh! :)

Be Patient..
 

Jim Sachs has set a standard that seems to please us. It's served us well is his prior efforts. When it pleases him it dazzles me. I for one, do not wish to disturb this process. On the other hand, I can't wait either! Ed

Still wrestling with the clams...

RE: Clams Progress
 

Jim,

I know you'll get the clams perfected eventually.

I think it's great that you've got the animation created the way you want. I would think that would be one of the hardest parts.

I'm sure you'll get the artwork itself perfected eventually - that is your area of expertise after all.

I would have been more worried about your progress if you'd gotten the art perfect but then stalled on the animation itself.

For now I'm content just starting up the screen saver, sitting back, and watching the fish swim and the corals sway for hours at a time. It's so beautiful!

Regards,

Justin

Yeah, you must feel like giving up sometimes! Your dedication is very much appreciated. :)

I agree with The Old Man! This saver is by far the best anywhere and it takes relentless determination to finish it all, good job Jim!
:from a former Portland, OR "duck"

How goes the development on the clams today Jim?

That inspires some strange visuals... I mean, just exactly where would you apply a "sleeper hold" on a clam, and don't even think about a full, or 1/2 Nelson...


:lol:

Hang in there Jim! The final product is well worth the wait!

How about we disable the screensaver for EVERYBODY on the PROMISE that after 28 days we ALL get new and improved fish models! :TU:

Jav - Things are going a little better today.

Soc - If only my clams looked as realistic as that.

The main problem is that real Maxima clams are almost cartoonish in their colors and patterns. Some have blurry sections which don't even look real in photographs.

Not funny...

Shows some genuine "Yankee Doodle" initiative.. Projects like this have a lot of spin offs.. I can see a strong soup line coming out of something like this.. Boston Clam Chowder.. be prepared to take second place:)

A second NOT FUNNY...

Well, there you are Jim! - Look what can happen when you start, "... wrestling with the Clams.", :eek: ;)

... Better drop the Clam idea completely, - you don't want to incur the wrath of the PC brigade!

Gosh.. do you suppose Jim will be attacked by the "clam rights" activists for manipulating clams.. surely not:D

Sure is a lot of "clammer" over this subject. Sorry, I just couldn't resist. Don't know what came over me. It's a clam shame!

I'd better redouble my efforts to get these clams done before you all go stir-crazy.

Too late ;)