Disclaimer: not really sure where this should go so I just put it here.
I see plenty of nice maps here and there and even some interesting campaigns, but one thing all of these seem to have in common is bad writing. Now, I don't mean ALL maps have terrible text, but, you know, a lot of them could be better. So to this end, I offer my help. This means I can write map descriptions, hints, tooltips or even conversation between two characters for you.
If you want to be sure I can even write in the first place, you can... sample my know-how right here. Or you can read the whole thing, it would make me happy :D
My tooltips and descriptions are horrible. I think lots of people could request your help to just look though their tooltips in a map and point out what should be changed.
Also somebody who plays the game first time may get better idea what tooltips lack or over do, than the people who made the map.
Send me a PM with the a link to a word document/pdf/txt/forum post/etc to your descriptions and I'll look them over and fix/rewrite them for you. If I'm having trouble understanding some of them I'll play the map :)
Yeah. I get my texts mostly from remaking books, but english isn't my first language so I could use a proof reader, especially grammar. Though, I probably won't be able to hand out anything until the whole project is finished... after LotV is out I guess.
This is an excellent service that I absolutly could need. Alas only 1 and a half mission in my 5 map campaign is ready. But I think many of us could need this. Nice initiative.
Well one mission already has plenty of text, I'd imagine. To be perfectly honest I'd rather get stuff little by little rather than having 5 missions to proof-read all at once, which would take longer.
I don't personally think I need a writer, but then again my head is pretty far up my face, so what do I know? Maybe for future projects. Cool to see more initiative from the writers' side, though. Some of the stories in custom maps can be pretty bad. Where is the symbolism? The allegories? The depiction of the true horrors of war? The plot twists?
Hmm, I don't think I have a style yet. I think so far I'm emulating George R R Martin (poorly) because the language he uses is a great reference for what I'm trying to do (plus he's a genius at PoV writing) but, who knows, on the way I might move on to something different. The thing there is that the nature of the story I'm telling has a somewhat Victorian tone (which for me is uncharted territory) so I need to be very careful how I describe things, especially the dialogue. Otherwise, I've had practice with a more modern, candid style that's easier to read. I'd say so far my true style would lie somewhere between the two, but I'm still learning to be a better writer, so who knows what will happen? :P
PS: Btw, I played Crimson Moon. The dialogue could use a few touching up here and there but otherwise I loved it. Can't wait to play Amber Sun when it releases :D
Given the *impeccable* level of English that's going around the various maps, I'd say that's bollocks. The amount of work that goes into making a map for Starcraft 2 can get ridiculous, so why not give it some polish with proper English? It's not like they have anything to lose. No one's charging them money or anything. I say writers are very much needed - people just need to be aware that bad English is a problem.
The only way in which I see a person not needing a writer is if they're good enough, or they just don't care, which imo is the most common occurrence. There are also the people who think they are good enough, but aren't. Writing good dialogue, for instance, is much harder than people think, and they sometimes end up with something mediocre and don't even realise it.
Maybe it's just a few people that care about their writing, but at least they care, and if I'm good enough, I can help them.
I know that sounds kinda idealistic btw. Don't mind me :P
I have actually considered co-writing future campaigns with other people. I have two prospects lined up:
The Khaal-Ro: Protoss campaign functioning as a prequel to Crimson Moon and Amber Sun. Been wanting to do another race in a campaign (read: Protoss), and I have a foundation here, though not a story. I know where it starts, but not much else.
Aureolin Eclipse: The finishing chapter. Can't say too much considering Amber Sun isn't finished yet. I have the beginning figured (basically, the two first missions), but not much else.
I could use a writer, not for a sc2 project, but for an Age of Empires 2 scenario I'm working on. The dialog will be 40 lines at most, but it can only improve the map to have them written by a native speaker. I can PM you the details if you are interested.
Disclaimer: not really sure where this should go so I just put it here.
I see plenty of nice maps here and there and even some interesting campaigns, but one thing all of these seem to have in common is bad writing. Now, I don't mean ALL maps have terrible text, but, you know, a lot of them could be better. So to this end, I offer my help. This means I can write map descriptions, hints, tooltips or even conversation between two characters for you.
If you want to be sure I can even write in the first place, you can... sample my know-how right here. Or you can read the whole thing, it would make me happy :D
My tooltips and descriptions are horrible. I think lots of people could request your help to just look though their tooltips in a map and point out what should be changed.
Also somebody who plays the game first time may get better idea what tooltips lack or over do, than the people who made the map.
Maybe you could join our mapnights:)
Send me a PM with the a link to a word document/pdf/txt/forum post/etc to your descriptions and I'll look them over and fix/rewrite them for you. If I'm having trouble understanding some of them I'll play the map :)
Yeah. I get my texts mostly from remaking books, but english isn't my first language so I could use a proof reader, especially grammar. Though, I probably won't be able to hand out anything until the whole project is finished... after LotV is out I guess.
Well if I'm still up to this by then I'll be glad to help you out.
This is an excellent service that I absolutly could need. Alas only 1 and a half mission in my 5 map campaign is ready. But I think many of us could need this. Nice initiative.
Well one mission already has plenty of text, I'd imagine. To be perfectly honest I'd rather get stuff little by little rather than having 5 missions to proof-read all at once, which would take longer.
@Spellbound7: Go
Yea so I read your story and I can say it's really good and I will be watching for more chapters.
While I don't have anything for you to look at now I'll certainly keep your offer in mind.
I don't personally think I need a writer, but then again my head is pretty far up my face, so what do I know? Maybe for future projects. Cool to see more initiative from the writers' side, though. Some of the stories in custom maps can be pretty bad. Where is the symbolism? The allegories? The depiction of the true horrors of war? The plot twists?
What would you say is your style?
@JacktheArcher: Go
Hey, thanks! I'm glad someone like it, I put a lot of time in planning and writing it so any feedback is appreciated :D
@EivindL: Go
Hmm, I don't think I have a style yet. I think so far I'm emulating George R R Martin (poorly) because the language he uses is a great reference for what I'm trying to do (plus he's a genius at PoV writing) but, who knows, on the way I might move on to something different. The thing there is that the nature of the story I'm telling has a somewhat Victorian tone (which for me is uncharted territory) so I need to be very careful how I describe things, especially the dialogue. Otherwise, I've had practice with a more modern, candid style that's easier to read. I'd say so far my true style would lie somewhere between the two, but I'm still learning to be a better writer, so who knows what will happen? :P
PS: Btw, I played Crimson Moon. The dialogue could use a few touching up here and there but otherwise I loved it. Can't wait to play Amber Sun when it releases :D
If you like George R.R. Martin, you're gonna love Amber Sun.
Hm, last time I offered my skills as a writer I was told that no one would ever need one.
Given the *impeccable* level of English that's going around the various maps, I'd say that's bollocks. The amount of work that goes into making a map for Starcraft 2 can get ridiculous, so why not give it some polish with proper English? It's not like they have anything to lose. No one's charging them money or anything. I say writers are very much needed - people just need to be aware that bad English is a problem.
The only way in which I see a person not needing a writer is if they're good enough, or they just don't care, which imo is the most common occurrence. There are also the people who think they are good enough, but aren't. Writing good dialogue, for instance, is much harder than people think, and they sometimes end up with something mediocre and don't even realise it.
Maybe it's just a few people that care about their writing, but at least they care, and if I'm good enough, I can help them.
I know that sounds kinda idealistic btw. Don't mind me :P
I'll probably be ready with a completed mission within next week. Can I send it to you for a first-impression considering story and dialouge?
@njordys: Go
Sure thing.
I have actually considered co-writing future campaigns with other people. I have two prospects lined up:
I could use a writer, not for a sc2 project, but for an Age of Empires 2 scenario I'm working on. The dialog will be 40 lines at most, but it can only improve the map to have them written by a native speaker. I can PM you the details if you are interested.
@EivindL: Go
Oh, so not just for better writing but actual story brainstorming? I'm game if you'll have me.
@Telenil: Go
Sure. PM me and I'll see what I can do.