Inside: SereneScreen Fan Forum

Inside: SereneScreen Fan Forum (https://www.feldoncentral.com/forums/index.php)
-   Marine Aquarium 3 for Windows (https://www.feldoncentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=46)
-   -   Marine Aquarium 3 Comments & Appreciation (https://www.feldoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4382)

sunny 01-15-2009 02:16 AM

squarespot anthias
 
1 Attachment(s)
Jim, Iknow you're going to remake those fish models...but could resists to post this.:lol:

fish sleep swimming:loco:

feldon34 01-15-2009 07:11 AM

I think Jim wishes he could push a button and everyone would forget that particular fish was ever in the Aquarium. ;)

russnjan 01-15-2009 09:45 AM

For Jim
 
1 Attachment(s)
Jim, I trust that your "short" vacation went off without too much drama [although I suspect by your comments you'll be glad to get back to work so you can have a rest]. You have a small grotto in the coral, that would be ideal for the head and first few inches of the body of a Moray Eel. I thought in your "spare time" :lol: the image of a Moray shooting out to try and grab a fish would be interesting.

The attached is some basic info on them for anyone interested in what they are ....

Keep up the brilliant work Jim.

Russ
Darwin - Australia

Jav400 01-15-2009 11:21 AM

Boy are you behind,

Welcome to the forums though. :)

Jim said he would try to make me a Zebra Moray long ago. Thats what the cave is for in the first place.

Jim Sachs 01-15-2009 02:36 PM

Though originally designed to house an eel, the cave can also be home to an octopus or a couple of other shy creatures. With the new Shader code for the fish, I should be able to do some very realistic lighting effects if they should choose to explore the cave. The fish would get darker as it enters the cave, with the directional lighting and lightplay from the top ending at the edge of the cave. Lots of challenges ahead!

streetwolf 01-20-2009 08:32 PM

Jim Sachs for President. Oh wait, it's too late. Hmmmm, wonder if you could get a post in the Fish and Wildlife department.

I've been loving MA since it first reared it's fishhead. Can't wait until MA3 has all it's pieces together.

OT a little. Wasn't DA2 included as a SS in XP?

feldon34 01-20-2009 09:35 PM

Marine Aquarium 1 was included as a screen saver demo in the overpriced Microsoft Plus! XP Pack. They jacked up the price to $40 at the last second, and reneged on all the promises of profit sharing with Jim.

The most memorable thing about the experience? The tens of thousands of angry letters and phone calls from people who paid $40 for a free demo.

CheriePie 01-23-2009 09:11 AM

YOU DID IT!!

I was already a user of Prolific's other product, Lifeglobe Goldfish Aquarium. I figured why do I need more than one aquarium. I'm happy with the goldfish since I don't spend hours staring at my screen. But you went ahead and made me do it!!!!

This version 3 of Marine Aquarium looks sooooooo sharp, beautiful, and intense on my hi resolution widescreen monitor that I just HAD to have it. I was running the demo for only a couple days when I knew I just had to own this beauty. So yup, I went ahead and bought the current version all so I could get my hands on and drool over v3.

My bank account thanks you as well. NOT! LOL Just kidding! It wasn't too expensive at all, even though I emailed Customer Service first and asked about a cross-product upgrade price.

Keep up the great work, and I'll be lurking around, reporting any bugs I find or whatnot (but so far not a one on my Dell XPS M1730).

Jav400 01-23-2009 09:37 AM

Welcome to our forum, and we are glad you are enjoying it so much.

Jim's empty peanut butter jar thanks you. ;) :)

Jim Sachs 01-25-2009 03:00 PM

There's no real definition for "out". You can download and enjoy it right now. At some point we won't call it Beta any more, but work will continue at about the same pace.

Nicki 01-25-2009 03:22 PM

Let's just hope Vista doesn't throw any more curveballs .

Jim Sachs 01-25-2009 04:52 PM

There was another curveball last night when I tried to add the giant Vista icon. An icon image contains several images at different sizes. Windows uses these for different locations -- the tiny 16x16-pixel one is used for the taskbar, the 32x32 version is used for the normal desktop, etc. Well, Vista not only requires a 256x256 icon, but it can't use the normal Run-Length-Encoding compression - it needs to be compressed in the PNG format. OK, so I had to download and learn a new Icon Editing program. But then I find that Visual C++ will not accept an icon in the PNG format, and stops dead with an error message.

The very inconvenient solution is to compile the program with a dummy icon, rename it as an .exe, use a ReplaceIcon utility to surgically replace the dummy icon with the real PNG icon, then rename MA3 as an .scr file.

cjmaddy 01-25-2009 05:34 PM

Don't you just love Vista? ... :erm:

Nicki 01-25-2009 05:42 PM

You must just about be having nightmares about strangling Bill Gates with a USB cable ! It seems we are all permanent Beta testers for Windows .

feldon34 01-25-2009 08:45 PM

The random, arbitrary changes to the OS in Vista make absolutely no sense to me.

If you are going to change something, change it for a reason.

Dale 01-25-2009 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by feldon32 (Post 109683)
The random, arbitrary changes to the OS in Vista make absolutely no sense to me.

If you are going to change something, change it for a reason.

The changes are neither random nor arbitrary. And the changes were made for considered reasons.

You may well believe that they are unnecessary, and/or may well disagree with the reasoning behind them, of course.

e.g., 256x256 icons are required for uniform behavior with current (and future) high-resolution screens. Vista will automatically down-scale them.

Ralph 01-25-2009 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dale (Post 109684)
You may well believe that they are unnecessary, and/or may well disagree with the reasoning behind them, of course.

As does MOST of the rest of the world.. thus the popularity of Vista :)

Jav400 01-26-2009 05:00 AM

Do stupid considered reasons still count?

Evidentally MS has lost touch with the rest of the world to the point where their reasoning is out in space somewhere. As Ralph says, if Vista was worth a flip - sales wouldn't be in the toilet and MS would not be scrambling for a new OS.

PaulsPics 01-26-2009 08:35 AM

Can we stop update downloads due to loss of connections on internet ?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Sachs (Post 109674)
There's no real definition for "out". You can download and enjoy it right now. At some point we won't call it Beta any more, but work will continue at about the same pace.

Jim Hi, I know you have an awful lot on your hands, but if you can and have the time please read my rather long mail below my original entry posted years ago re the new MAT and Wide screen programs came out.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BIG QUESTION ??? reading your original e-mail you state " After the comment period, we will place the product for sale on our website " The comment period Does this mean that I will lose this test program after a set period of time ??????
I do hope not as it does look very good and I would be very sorry to lose it. have set as the official screensaver but sometimes run the old one as a stand alone program started by the icon on desktop. I have not had a conflict as yet .
Thanks very much
Paul Shallow paulspic@XXX ex -tech2u.com.au Sydney Australia
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Jim,
The above statement was sent by me years ago when your updated SS MAT was issued .
I originally bought the Boxed SS CD Rom in July 2002, then joined the forum at the end of that month. Then as a member of the Forum enjoyed several updates and new releases: -
1/- Firstly-- the release of the Lionfish
2/-secondly-- then added the 20 fish selection Further releases then came about
And these were also available through the forum.
3/- Wide screen; Followed by
4-/ MAT with the wonderful Crystal.
5/-Again this was then updated with the wide screen option.

Now over a period of time we have been granted the privilege of downloading this marvelous MA3 to test in Beta.
As such I acknowledge that it is an unfinished product of yours and that, you, as an artist who does not wish to reveal his painting until it is finished, but we have now most of your project in our minds eye.
So why not let us now reward you with some payment for the product as it stands.

Why do I ask this when you are faithfully adding each new addition to replace each Beta test that is outdated?

The problem arises from the fact that recently I have suffered 3 computer crashes entailing getting new computers and hard drives with resultant loss of data, many programs, and license registrations keys. Ok many of the programs are on CD and can be reloaded time and time again BUT many which were downloaded are now gone.
As such I am reminded of this problem when your Beta MA 3 # 8k was downloaded to day and most of the fish were unavailable, search as much as I could I was almost unable to find my original registration code which was of course NOT the one on the original CD disk of the 7 fish. (I have been lazy in that I used your short cut TEST FISH) up to now.
What has prompted me to write this lengthy screed to you now, is that I have realized that due to the constant #*&%@$! Barrage of things that come down with the Broadband that seems to have caused my computer to give up the ghost, despite the firewall and Virus checkers that I invested in, that my on line time wise is now almost terminated due to the end cost of the internet services and the unneeded access to mails as the casual work in Astronomy at our Observatory and updating my work notes is about to end due to poor health recently encountered apart from the downturn in the economy. As an aged Pensioner now in my mid 70s things are getting pretty tight and it is difficult to make ends meet, and unnecessary expenditure must be pruned (this internet connection) and I am sure that I am not alone in this respect
I would HATE to LOSE your valuable program now, having seen the beauty of the product.
Is there any way that you could let us keep the current version as it stands with some sort of permanent login AND OF COURSE SOME SORT OF PAYMENT that you have been contemplating?
Sincerely Yours
Paul Shallow “paulspics35@optusnet.com.au” Sydney; Australia

feldon34 01-26-2009 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dale (Post 109684)
The changes are neither random nor arbitrary. And the changes were made for considered reasons.

You may well believe that they are unnecessary, and/or may well disagree with the reasoning behind them, of course.

e.g., 256x256 icons are required for uniform behavior with current (and future) high-resolution screens. Vista will automatically down-scale them.

I fully support 256 x 256 PNG icons. But it is obvious that once again the implementation is ham-handed. Jim is having to jump through hoops to add Vista-compatible icons to the application that really should have been sorted out by Microsoft.

feldon34 01-26-2009 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulsPics (Post 109701)
The problem arises from the fact that recently I have suffered 3 computer crashes entailing getting new computers and hard drives with resultant loss of data, many programs, and license registrations keys. Ok many of the programs are on CD and can be reloaded time and time again BUT many which were downloaded are now gone.

With all due respect, and with all kindness intended, with the rotten luck you are having, it is time to seriously investigate a Backup program.

Memory sticks are inexpensive. A 4GB memory stick is $20 and will hold all your downloaded programs, your serial numbers/product keys.

You can burn Marine Aquarium onto a CD and write your serial number on the CD and file it away.

Again I am trying not to be rude, but hard drives are so cheap and Windows comes with a very good backup feature. Norton Ghost takes it another step and makes a complete Ghost of the computer at a "good" state so when it goes crazy, you can just roll back to that date.


Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulsPics (Post 109701)
As such I am reminded of this problem when your Beta MA 3 # 8k was downloaded to day and most of the fish were unavailable, search as much as I could I was almost unable to find my original registration code

Is there any way that you could let us keep the current version as it stands with some sort of permanent login AND OF COURSE SOME SORT OF PAYMENT that you have been contemplating?

Have you tried submitting an e-mail here? If you have, then I apologize for sending you down that same road. If they have your keycode on file for 2.6 then you'll get an e-mail with the code that you can write down.

I'm sorry to hear that your health and finances are not where you would like them to be. I hope things change for the better.

Jim Sachs 01-26-2009 12:15 PM

Paul - At some point (soon) we'll start advertising MA3 on the main SereneScreen website, and the free Beta Test period will end. Though it will still be called Beta, it won't have an expiration date, and the MA2.6 Keys will no longer work -- everyone will need an MA3 Key.

Here's the tentative policy:
Everyone participating in the current Beta testing on this Forum is entitled to a free MA3 Key.
Anyone who paid full price for MA2.6 at the SereneScreen website since last August is entitled to a free MA3 Key.
Anyone with an older MA2.6 Key or a CD version can upgrade to MA3 for $9.95.

There is a "Key Codes" button on the SereneScreen website which will automatically email you your Key if you have forgotton it. It's not foolprrof, and assumes that you purchased from the website and still have the same email address. If that doesn't work, you can always email Customer Service. Josh and Auden have always been very understanding about lost Keys, and if your story is even slightly convincing (and without any "attitude"), you will almost always get a Key,

Edgar 01-26-2009 12:23 PM

You might want to explain what Beta testing means since we are in Beta testing but in normal forum so there won't be any misunderstandings.

Jim Sachs 01-26-2009 12:43 PM

Anyone who has commented at least once in either this public Beta Forum or the private one.

feldon34 01-26-2009 12:52 PM

If we are going to publicize on the main website, then we really need to have a "clean break" on this Beta Test forum and move all the old stuff to a separate forum. For instance the Logo/Crystal issues since the folder where this logo has to be saved has changed several times.

Jim Sachs 01-26-2009 12:57 PM

I agree. By the way, there will be a major addition to the crystal in the next few days :)

cohiba420 01-26-2009 01:19 PM

That's Great Jim! VERY excited that you're being so generous with MA3 for us. Looking forward to the next new update too! :-)

Cheers to Jim & Crew!

jdtoomb 01-26-2009 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Sachs (Post 109714)
Anyone who has commented at least once in either this public Beta Forum or the private one.

Mmmmm. Comment, comment, comment.

I've had no problems with any of the beta releases.
I am such a casual user and, as such, a bad beta tester.
Love the Saver and look forward to all the changes to come.

Thanks too.

Jim Sachs 01-26-2009 01:46 PM

OK, jdtoomb - you're in :)

water1 01-26-2009 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Sachs (Post 109714)
Anyone who has commented at least once in either this public Beta Forum or the private one.

I presume you won't turn me down if I want to purchase the upgrade and contribute to the project that provides me with much enjoyment.
As a diver and underwater video hobbyist I have a little different appreciation than many for this software. I'm looking forward to the fish improvements.
I enjoy spending time in my theater cave listening to music while the MA3 screen saver is displayed on my 8' screen by a 1080p projector. A bottle of wine also contributes to the enjoyment.

JamesGreystone 01-26-2009 02:51 PM

I have been a proud user of MA since version 2.0 who's box still resides on my bookshelf. I have never posted anything regarding the MA3 beta because it seems I have none of the problems that others seem to have (Knock On Wood), however I have just lost 20 gigs of songs off of my IPOD(Another Story), and possibly because I threw my Vista disk into the snow after having nothing but problems. I am now back to the stability of XP.

Just wanted to say thanks to Jim for designing the best darn screensaver money can buy.

I look forward to the continuing evolution of MA3.

Cheers

James

cohiba420 01-26-2009 03:05 PM

wow... now THAT is relaxing in style... just missing a good cigar, but with that set up who needs it?!

Jim Sachs 01-26-2009 03:29 PM

water1 - Sounds like a great setup. Maybe you could post a shot it.

Wizwad 01-26-2009 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Sachs (Post 109714)
Anyone who has commented at least once in either this public Beta Forum or the private one.

That sounds absolutely marvellous, Jim!

Um, remind me how you're going to afford more peanut butter, again? :D

JamesGreystone 01-26-2009 03:35 PM

Actually Jim doesn't want Peanut Butter since they are recalling a lot of it due to Salmonella. Perhaps Tofu Jim ?

Quote:

Um, remind me how you're going to afford more peanut butter, again? :D

theOLDone 01-26-2009 07:33 PM

Will the clock be back?

Jim Sachs 01-27-2009 09:44 AM

Stay tuned...

PaulsPics 01-27-2009 10:21 AM

Very many Thanks, My post must have pre-empted yours
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Sachs (Post 109712)
Paul - At some point (soon) we'll start advertising MA3 on the main SereneScreen website, and the free Beta Test period will end. Though it will still be called Beta, it won't have an expiration date, and the MA2.6 Keys will no longer work -- everyone will need an MA3 Key.

Here's the tentative policy:
Everyone participating in the current Beta testing on this Forum is entitled to a free MA3 Key.
Anyone who paid full price for MA2.6 at the SereneScreen website since last August is entitled to a free MA3 Key.
Anyone with an older MA2.6 Key or a CD version can upgrade to MA3 for $9.95.

you will almost always get a Key,

Many Many Thanks Jim,
my posting seems to have been a couple days too early. I am wondering just how much you have planned for the end price of this MA3. I do purchase Aircraft for the MS Flight Simulator and the products are priced much higher than $20 I think you are very generous in your above quote and seeing the time you have spent on this program deserve not only all our applause but a larger return $ for time and perserverence in this program.

Sorry for my large mail/posting but MA 3 just looked too good to lose in the end.

I can report that I downloaded the installer, no problem, it all worked fine, the MA3 shows up on the Control Panel screensaver selection automaticly and it has come on several times when I left the computer idle for the time allocated. The program will also run from the desktop icon.

I feel that if you do not want to accept payment from old-timers on your Forum that I will also be purchasing a full program at the FULL price when you have it ready for sale on the front pages of SS and hope to be able to do that from a remote computer, like our local library in due course and will recommend it to all acquaintances I have here down under.
Once sighted who can not be enthralled and it will surely sell itself.

Many thanks for many hours of enjoyment, to sit back and relax after the mundane work on the computers. At this point I am running out of words, which I am sure that the many others listed on your forum, will like to put their hands together and applaud your efforts
Sincerely
from Paul In Sydney, Australia

Jim Sachs 01-27-2009 10:36 AM

Thanks, Paul. The price of MA3 will be the same as all the previous versions - $19.95. Upgrading from MA 2.6 will be $9.95.

tifosi 01-27-2009 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Sachs (Post 109714)
Anyone who has commented at least once in either this public Beta Forum or the private one.

wow Jim, its really a very generous of you. I think you really care about the people who are so keen on your project. I feel that, you should add in a "future purchase" option for those beta-testers and commentors who happen to be students or not drawing a salary. They will probably be happy to do when they draw their first salary which i really hope to get by the end of this year :D

keep on rocking and im glad to report you have the multimonitor issues sorted out. seriously that makes you the first screensaver developer that has a fantastic multimonitor screensaver (most screensavers only can do dual monitors being unable to maintain more than one miserable framebuffer)

and have a very happy and prosperous New Year (I'm from Singapore, where we are celebrating the Chinese New Year right now. Yes, your screensaver is famous enough to reach a tiny island at the equator :D)

ps: oh by the way, i think the ma3beta.zip link at fish-bytes.com is down =/


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:32 PM.

Powered by vBulletin®
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.