Simple additions

[Jim Sachs]

I'm planning to work on some simple additions to MA3, like allowing the user to change the digital clock colors.

Many of these requests have been lost in the labyrinth of the Forum, so if you have a pet easily-implemented feature, please re-list it here.

Points mentioned so far:

• Bug fixes - Yes (if I can pinpoint exactly what the bug is).
• Fading between logos - Yes.
• New background color interface - Yes.
• Multiple bubble columns - Borderline(-).
• Starfish on glass - Remote.
• New critters - No (I haven't even finished the re-do of the old critters yet).
• More Featherdusters - Borderline(-)
• Clock-Logo enhancements - Probably.

[Jav400]

Its difficult for users to know what to you is simple and what isn't.

But one that I would say would benefit everyone would be adjustable background lighting/coloring.

[Jim Sachs]

That one's borderline, but I'll see what I can do.

[Jav400]

multiple bubble columns/curtain

[cjmaddy]

Yes, adjustable background lighting/colours.
Yes, moveable or multiple bubble column/columns.
Two or three additional feather dusters? (Tubeworms do look more natural in groups) This was in fact agreed to here!
Starfish on glass?

[Wizwad]

On the crystal, when one display changes suddenly to another and jarrs the attention, would it be easy to implement a fade out / fade in from one to the next? (e.g. fade out duration 0.5s, maybe blank for 0.5s, fade in duration 0.5s?)

[Dale]

Are bug fixes included in your plans?

If so, fix the one from this thread: https://www.feldoncentral.com/forums...ead.php?t=5164

Re: borderline --
"Automatic lights. There will soon be a greatly expanded interface for customizing the background colors. "

[Nicki]

This is a great idea. And you never know, that Eureka moment might come while the pressure is off. I'm okay with the lighting as is, because the registry hack is very simple, but it does seem to be of great importance to a lot of people. Having said that I'd rather have moveable multiple bubble columns or a new critter first.

[Marian Nichols]

I vote for a new critter too.

[Jim Sachs]

Bug fixes - Yes (if I can pinpoint exactly what the bug is).
Fading between logos - A good chance.
New lighting interface - Borderline(+).
Multiple bubble columns - Borderline(-).
Starfish on glass - Remote.
New critters - No (I haven't even finished the re-do of the old critters yet).

[Nicki]

Some people had asked for different fonts for the clock too, including an etched effect.

If critters are out does that include what Cliff asked for-- more than one feather duster worm?


Edit: Sorry for being a picky Nicki, because apart from the request for the critter, these are all other peoples suggestions , a few people also had mentioned that the gravel on the extreme right side of the tank is a bit too straight.

[JohnWho]

Regarding "changing background colors" -

the F1 -F4 keys do it a little now.

How about a "auto rotate" through the current upper and lower background shades?

Is that less of a problem than a "new lighting interface".

[Jim Sachs]

You are talking about Automatic Lights, which would be part of the new lighting interface.

[cjmaddy]

This topic, "Simple additions", could be just what MA3 has needed. - I've been searching around for some time now in my remaining brain cell, to see if I could come up with some approach or other, that might kick-start some progress into Jim's ongoing updating problems. - Then yesterday, we get, as Nicki so well described it.... a Eureka moment!.... Jim himself, starting a new thread, requesting our suggestions for easily-implemented features. - If this goes the way I hope it will, and if we can somehow dissuade some members from introducing the very things that Jim will be put off by. - then this just might be the start of something productive.

Let's all try to avoid resurrecting yet again, old might-be-bugs, that are more likely to be OS or third-party related, and just stick to the type of requests that Jim has indicated, - ie, "Simple additions to MA3, like allowing the user to change the digital clock colours." etc!

It's not often we get Jim coming to us asking us for ideas, it's usually the other way around. - This may all result in only minor additions or changes, but if they can be implemented easily, it could mean a step forward for MA3. After what I think we all will agree has been too long a period of Jim slaving away at his apparently never ending struggles, whilst we just moan or pester for the impossible.

I wish this topic every success, Jim. - If you do manage to succeed in revisiting and implementing some long awaited additions or changes, however small or few in number, I'm sure that not only will MA3 and its ever impatient following benefit, - but you also might return to the new fish models and all their accompanying difficulties, with renewed vigor!

[Nicki]

Originally posted by cjmaddy:

if we can somehow dissuade some members from introducing the very things that Jim will be put off by.  

I promise not to mention new critters again

[Jim Sachs]

Bravo, Cliff. That's the spirit I was looking for. I know that there have been requests where my response was something like "That doesn't sound too hard, I'll consider it", but I can't remember most of them. I started this thread in hopes that the folks who made those suggestions would jog my memory.

[Jav400]

Jim,

I edited your first post and listed what has been mentioned so far - along with your response. Hopefully this will make it easier on you to keep up with what is discussed since you only have to refer to your original post for the list.

[cjmaddy]

Can we have a response on the Feather Dusters? ...

[Jim Sachs]

Borderline (-). It would mean tearing into the background again, which means many days of plugging holes.

[patscarr]

I know it says "remote," but I hope you can put "Borderline(+)" after "Starfish on glass."