December 27, 1999

Cleaning|7:27pm
In case you're wondering about the changes in how pages are looking, or working, not to fear, it's just yours truly doing some cleaning in preparation for the new year. I've been wanting to clean up the table code, image names and sets, and add some new graphics here and there for a while. Since things have slowed down for the holidays, I figured that now was as good a time as any. I should have things back to normal over the next couple of days, just in case you find any weird links that don't currently work...

December 24, 1999

Merry Christmas|10:45am
I just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! I hope you all will have a great Christmas Eve and following day. I was out shopping and doing some family things yesterday, and I will also be out of town until Boxing Day, so this will be the only post during this time. I may have some reviews up next week, for you all to read after our Christmas hiatus, so keep your fingers crossed. Well, I'm off to get some last minute things done, so have a great day...

December 22, 1999

Playtest Over|11:10pm
Another playtest comes to a close. A very nice turn-out was had tonight, for pretty much all of the maps. My sincere thanks for that, as we really need all of your help in playing these. Please post your comments on the forums, as these are a key part of our review process. Sorry for the very late update on the site, but, once again, the web servers here on Planet Fortress were lagging again! I'll e-mail technical support about this, as this has happened 2 nights in a row, and is causing terrible havoc with organization. Let's keep our fingers crossed that this isn't a regular occurance...

PlanetQuake|4:52am
In my sleep-deprived stupor, I forgot to tell you to head over to PlanetQuake! They've just launched their new way-cool design, can I say I'm drooling? It's pretty awesome, with entire sections devoted to Quake, Quake2, and Quake3: Arena. It's massive, and chock-full of new info...

Vampire|4:45am
Yep, that's how I'm feeling right now, just like one of those proverbial blood suckers. Working the late hours away, so I can hide from the evil sunlight...blah! Anyway, I've been on a highly creative streak for the last 8 hours, so I wanted to keep going while things were still juicy. You'll notice the new date separator graphics. Neat, huh? Just a little idea I had while working on new concepts for that clan page I'm working on. I thought it looked pretty neat...

December 21, 1999

Beta-Test Update|11:10pm
Remember how I was saying the web servers are a little slow around here? Well, tonight was just another shining example. It took about 2 hours until the post I wrote at 7pm showed up at 9pm, and then, to make matters worse, I screwed up the link! So, needless to say, I was a little choked. I'm just glad that this wasn't the night for the playtest, which is still tomorrow, I might remind you. The list of maps needed is just below a few posts, so make sure you get them. Anyway, the test of Mooncheese is over, and although there were only a few of us, we still had a good look around. Look on our forums for feedback on this one. My thanks to Superdude for the map, and Coder, from the [OGzr] clan, for use of his server. Stay tuned for playtest time and information tomorrow...

Weird|12:05pm
Well, It seems that the GameSpy WWW servers are a little behind. I'm noticing some lag in updates from the time they're posted, until they're actually seen. So, you'll have to excuse any weird time postings. We're still on schedule for the playtest tomorrow night, so not to worry. Make sure you got all the maps kiddies. I'm also working on another website (egads, yes!) for a local clan who needs a hand. As one of our earliest members is in charge of it, he asked for some help...who am I to refuse? :) I'll be sure to let you all have a look at it when it's ready for the masses. I'm also sure you'll be impressed. I've got shopping to do this afternoon, yes, I know I'm bad, so I'll be out for the rest of the afternoon/early evening...

December 20, 1999

Hmmmm|6:10pm
I guess the web servers are having some trouble tonight, the reason my page has been sans updates is due to the web server not updating the most recent version. So, hopefully this will be fixed soon. Hellface is playtesting his latest creation Darkness 2 tonight, over at the Monkey Den. So, make sure to keep your eyes peeled on his site to get the announcement and download link. We'll review this one, after it's officially released, on December 22. In another shameless plug, I was so tired of TheFortress.Org's clan news page's logo, that I designed a new one for them. Make sure to take a peek, and let me know what you think, thanks...

Whoa|5:50pm
Ok, this is too weird. My page was current up until about an hour ago, and then I just checked back, and, it was gone! So, I'm just doing another update to make sure things look ok again...sheesh! More news later, as I do have some stuff for ya...

Counter|12:50pm
You may notice that our hit counter has changed. I decided to go back to the ones supported by the GameSpy sites, due to fact that the counter I was using counts page reloads. While seeing the high number of hits was nice, it wasn't 100% accurate, and I'd prefer to be accurate. It will start out from zero, but we can only go up!

4 Shopping Days Left|9:55am
Just a quick note. A new screenshot is up, and we've added a link to the Top10 Tournament, another of our hosted comrades here at Planet Fortress. I'm still trying to hammer out our playtest date as well...

December 19, 1999

Archive|9:55am
Well, World TF Day has come and gone, and I hope everyone had a blast. I wanted to thank those of you who sent in server information for that day, as it's good to see some support out there in the community. I intend to make a project out of accumulating a list where you can always find custom maps being played, and once it's ready, I'll have it available here on the site. As you can see from our poll, it's a pretty sad state of affairs finding servers running custom maps. Hopefully we can bring that up. I've also noticed, while doing link maintenance, that there wasn't a link for the December news archives...didn't anyone else notice? Sheesh. Anyway, there's now a link there...

December 18, 1999

Additions|10:30pm
I've made a few changes in regards to our TFC map listings. First, on the main TFC map page, I've added some code that will generate links to the 15 latest maps that have been made available for download on FilePlanet. This may help some of you get your hands on some of the newer maps faster. Although these won't have reviews, you can be sure that we'll get to them eventually. I've also decided to add all maps that I receive for review to our map library listing. When the map has been reviewed, the link to it's review will be made active. This will aid both map makers wishing to get their maps out to the public, and for you, the public, who are looking for new levels...

The Nutcracker|10:06pm
Well, another interesting night out on the town for your old team leader. I had an opportunity to see "The Nutcracker", as performed by the Alberta Ballet Company. I sure as heck wouldn't consider myself any kind of fan, but this was truly a good show. The music, performances, and sets were all done to perfection. Amazingly, the over 2-hour show seemed to go by in an instant, due to the simply grand scale of the production. If you get a chance to see a performance like this, I'd recommend that you go see it.

Directory Change|2:05pm
I hope you all are having fun out there, during World TF Day. I wanted to point out that we've finally gotten our directory changed, as you may see in the address window of your browser. Make sure to update your bookmarks, as the redirect will only be up about 2 weeks. Don't say I never told you so. I've got a few servers for you to try out today, so make sure to take a peek at the TF Day Servers page and check them out. Oh, and I finally got my copy of Unreal:Tournament to work, so expect some reviews on that one later. Now, I'm off to join the frag-fest...

December 17, 1999

Hullo?|11:53pm
Another little note, just before the midnight hour. Tomorrow is World TF Day, so make sure to get out and play some, ok? I've got a few servers for you to check out, so make sure to drop by, and tell 'em we sent you. Also, I promise that we will have a playtest next week...for sure! I need to get back on track, as the maps keep rolling in. My thanks to all of you map makers who keep on plugging, I, among others appreciate the efforts you make. Rest assured, we'll get some reviews up soon! In the meantime, I'll continue the fight with my copy of Unreal:Tournament, to get it running on my system, as well as convert over some of those old map reviews. I may also start a small listing of maps that have been submitted for review, so you can get the maps, while waiting for us to review them. This will probably help to alleviate some of the waiting times to get them out. More on this later...

Submissions|9:00am
Just a quick reminder to all of you that tomorrow is World TF Day. Show your support by going out and playing TF or TFC to your hearts' content! I've only received a few listings for our TF Day Servers page, so, please send more in! I'd like to have a good selection for all of you, but I can only put up what I receive. Thanks again all...

December 16, 1999
Joan of Arc|10:24pm
Sorry about the late posts guys, but I was out seeing an absolutely great movie: "The Messenger". All I can say is, this movie rocks! If you get the chance to go see it, by all means, do. The acting was truly top notch, even from the little waif Milla Jovovich, who played Joan. Dustin Hoffman has a short cameo in it, but boy, what a cameo it is. Needless to say, I was most impressed by this latest offering from Luc Besson, one of my personal favorites when it comes to directors. I've collected all of his works on Laser Disc, and DVD, as I truly love his style of story telling. My all time favorite from him is: "La Femme Nikita", which was later bastardized by the U.S. film industry, when they re-made it into: "Point of No Return", which was a truly horrid adaptation. True, "La Femme Nikita" is in French, but if you can find a subtitled version, you'll appreciate seeing this. Don't get it dubbed, as you'll loose the actors' valuable voices, which are so memorable in this movie. You'll also notice, if you've seen all of his movies, as I have, that he always uses his actors in 2-3 or more of his movies. This says a lot about how he envisions the stories, and how the actors he chooses are so important. If you get the chance, watch some of them, you'll be pleasantly surprised. It helps if you can understand/speak French, but it's not required. Sorry about this personal tangent tonight, but I just thought I'd share a little of the personal moments with you...

Opposing Force|1:30am
Here I sit, with blood-shot, bleary eyes, mulling over my experience with Gearbox's: Half-Life: Opposing Force add on mission pack. I guess, after finishing it, most reviews are pretty bang on. It does have some cool weapons, and fast-paced action, but for the amount of money, I'd have expected more...a lot more. Seeing how the copyright protection caused me a day of grief to get it running, and that there isn't much music to be had, I somehow wonder if it was worth it. Sure, I can go online, and DM with the cool new toys, but this was a bit of a let down. Some of the opponents were cool, but methods needed to blast 'em were at times aggravating. I don't need to give you full details, as there are plenty places doing that, and I also wouldn't want to ruin it for you if you haven't played yet, but suffice it to say, this was a mediocre add-on. Since I'm a die-hard Half-Life fan, of course I had to have it, and will play it over a few times, but I just wish it was longer...

December 15, 1999
Servers Needed|5:30pm
I'm going to give this idea I've been having to aid in the upcoming World TF Day. What I'm going to do, is make a page available on the site, that will list all TFC servers submitted to me. These servers have to be currently running, or be running on World TF Day. Please make all submissions in the format as displayed on our Servers page. I will create a new page for the World TF Day servers, that will be separate from our usual selection. Server admins, here's your chance to let everyone know where you're loyalties lie on this day. Please contact me with the information needed on your server, and, if possible, your map rotation for that day. I'll try and also provide links to the needed maps if they are non-standard ones...

News|3:50pm
Here's some tidbits for you all. Firstly, I've added a link and button for the site: Encounters with Llamas. If you don't know what a Llama is, maybe you are one! If you want to find out, take a wander over to their site, and have a peek. I've also received word of a new hosted site over at TheFortress.org. It's called: The President's Place. A brief quote from TegSkywalker should shed some light on this new site: "The President's Place is a wacked out humor site that includes pics of the prez caught in wacky situations, plus much more! Funny as hell." So, make sure you head on over and check them out...

Updates|3:30pm
So, I guess by now you've seen some of the slight changes to the site. I've decided to go ahead and implement the text-based site menu on the left, mainly to aid in speeding up the loading of pages, and for future expansion within the site. It's hard to believe how much the site has grown over this small amount of time, and we've got plans for more. I've also shut down the old UBB, and opened the new one. The link to the forums has been changed accordingly, so head over and register. This site will also be changing directories under the Planet Fortress locale very soon. This is to allow for the name change the site has had in recent weeks. There will be a forward placed here when the move happens, so you'll be sure to find us. If you've got any comments, gripes, or suggestions, feel free to post them on our new forums, or contact me directly. More news to come...

December 14, 1999
Grief|8:13pm
Well! It's a good thing I've got members of the site team checking the new bulletin board, because there are apparently problems. It seems that some of the forums I've created there just don't show anything when you enter them. Now, this isn't the case with all of them, just a few of them. Maybe the dreaded server space demon is showing his face again? only time, and GSI techsupport will tell. So, needless to say, the new BB is on hold for the moment. I've also changed the site navigation menu over to a text-based system, but that will make it's appearance when the new BB is ready. I'm also waiting for word on our site directory name change, so keep your fingers crossed that this all gets handled soon. I'll have a new pic up shortly, but I just wanted to bring you all up to speed. I'm also working on something for the upcoming world TF Day that many of the Team Fortress sites have been buzzing about. I'm going to try and get us a good list of servers to visit and play on that day. We need to show our support for this, so everyone please do your small bit for the cause, hoo-rah!...

Maintenance|3:00pm
Cleaned up a few things around the site that have needed attention lately. I've amended the archives for the Insights section, due to it needing more space for future editorials, I think you'll find it much smoother now. I've also brought our content copyright info into line with the next year. I'm also almost finished with our new forums, but I still need a bit more tweaking and checking on it first. The rest of the site team is helping me with that. I'm also contemplating going with text-based links for the various sections of our site, due to the ever-expanding menu bar. Let me know if you have any comments one way or the other on that one, but e-mail me with that, ok? I've also received a few more screenshots for our P.O.M. section, so my thanks for that. I'll update that shortly as well. No further news on the playtest as of yet, but I'll comment more on that later...

Link|9:05am
I've added a link button to The Ladies of Team Fortress site to our column on the left. I've actually been meaning to do this for a while, as having the women involved in this whole genre is pretty important. Drop on by their site, and give them a peek if you haven't before...

December 13, 1999
Construction|10:30pm
Just to give you all a little advance notice: I'm working on a new version of our current bulletin boards. The design will be the same, with some new forum additions, but it will be the latest version of the UBB code. This will mean increased security, better tracking features, and more control in the hands of those who need it, namely, me. Everyone will have to re-register, yes, I know it's a pain. The reason for this is twofold; one, it will allow past members who have lost their accounts for various stupid reasons (read, server hiccups, and meddling fingers), as well as making our member listing current. Your patience and cooperation are greatly appreciated in this, you have my gratitude. I'll make the announcement and update our forum links when the new board is ready for general consumption...

Addendum|9:10am
I forgot to add this earlier, but I'd also like to give mention to a new TFC site, The TFC Zone. They'll be covering a multitude of things TFC, so go have a peek.

Murphy's Law|8:50am
You know how when you try to get a multitude of things to work out just right, and at the last minute, one part gets pulled out, and the whole thing comes crashing down? Well, that's what happened in regards to the playtest we were hoping to have this weekend. I was trying to get confirmation from Wedge regarding the server and our set-up, but my cable-modem was offline for quite some time (argh!), and I had no other way of contacting him, or putting out any updates for that matter. Needless to say, this pretty much trashed all of our playtest plans. I was out of town yesterday, so that should tell you why I wasn't able to update then either. So, now that things are relatively back to normal, I'll try and get us a playtest as soon as possible, if not sooner. I'll get back to you on that one. In other news, the TFC Players Klüb has submitted a new link button. Have a peek at it on the sidebar, and give them a look see. I've also recently acquired both Half-Life: Opposing Force, and Unreal: Tournament, on the software front. I've had problems galore getting them to work, and so far, have only gotten Opposing Force to run. I've sent in e-mail to GT Interactive regarding Unreal: Tournament, so we'll see how that goes. So far, Opposing Force looks mighty nice. I'll have full review comments on both games as I get further along...

December 10, 1999
The Tree|9:41pm
Evening all. Sorry about the lack of news today, but it was a pretty busy one on the personal front, and it didn't leave me much time leftover. We picked up our Christmas tree, and after getting it set-up and stuff, the night is pretty much over. As such, I didn't announce a playtest, due to the fact that I knew I wouldn't have time to run one. However, I'm working to have it tomorrow night, so I'll update you all on that as soon as I can. Preferably in the morning, so you have most of the day to get the maps needed. I hope everyone else's Christmas preparations are going smooth, and for heaven's sake, stay away from the malls!...

December 9, 1999
Behold|10:37pm
We've got a winner! A big thanks goes out to Jake Ray, for his submission, which came in pretty quick. Thanks for the support guys, at least I know you're still alive out there too...

Pics|8:05pm
Well, I've gotten most of the junk done today that I needed to get done, so that's a positive aspect. However, since I've reformatted my HDD's, and hadn't really saved most of my submissions I'd received from Wedge for the Pic-O-The-Moment, I'm here to make an appeal. If you can, please send me in some screenshots, for consideration. E-mail them to me directly, as Wedge has been busy with other things at the moment. Normally you would send them to him for consideration, but I need something in the interim. First visitor to send in a good screenie gets a big smooch! Kidding! kidding...

Busy|9:18am
Don't expect a whole heck of a lot in the way of news today, I've got a bunch of stuff to do in normal-space, so I won't be online most of the day. We've tentatively planned a playtest for Friday night, but I'll give you confirmation and a map list on that later on. This will be a re-test of the last batch we tested, due to us all being away from things for too long, and proper reviews just wouldn't come out if we did them now. My apologies again for our slackness. I've also checked out that magazine, FragMag, and it looks interesting. As it's published overseas in the UK, it's a bit pricey, but looks to be worth the money. I'm planning on ordering at least the introductory issue, to see what It's like. I'll report more to you after I get my sweaty mitts on one. Check out the site if you're curious, they're pretty good at answering honest questions in regards to the mag, on their forums...

December 8, 1999
Recruiting|12:27pm
In case you hadn't heard as of late, it seems that MooG, of Mu-tilation fame, has decided to move into the Unreal Tournament area of reviews. In the wake of this decision, he's put out the word that he's looking for some people to take over management of the current DeathMatch and TFC areas of his site. If you think you've got what it takes to get into this field, why not head over and have a look. Rumor also has it that we may be having a playtest on Friday...

December 7, 1999
Ghosts|4:24pm
I had meant to make this update earlier in the day, but I've been sidetracked by a number of things. Well, it looks like the name change and slight design update have had a positive reception, which is good. The forums are pretty much back to normal, with only minor cosmetic work needing to be done. I'm still working on getting the site name and directory changed within Planet Fortress, so news on that as it happens. I'm also giving an apology to GameSpy tech support. They're doing their best to keep up, so a tip of the hat to them. I'll keep my bitching to myself for a while. In related news, I've been in touch with our favorite animal of the jungle, TestMonkey. It seems that he's still in search of a new job, so If anyone is looking for a super Unix-Monkey, be sure to visit his site, and maybe drop him a line. He's also informed me that he's running a part-time server again, for all us gamers. I've updated the I.P. and related information for him in our server section. Lastly, TheFortress.org has opened up a clan-based extension of their site, cool huh? If you've got a clan, and need to have your website hosted, be sure to drop on by their Clan Section and check it out. TegSkywalker is a pretty easy-going dude, and will be happy to answer your questions. I'm still working on a playtest time as well, so I'll keep you posted...

Roll Call|1:37am
No, don't panic, you haven's stumbled into the wrong place. After much deliberation, I've decided to change the site's name. Now, I realize that this will require some work in regards to my hosting, and various links that sites have up to this site. The reason I have done this is simple: "The Collective" no longer describes this site the way it should, and thus, doesn't fit the theme we're trying to achieve. In the beginning I had intended a more borg-ish theme, but the site just kind of grew it's own way. Hence, I've decided to make a bold move, and further tighten our unified look and feel. You'll also notice this transition on our forums. No need to fear, this is the most change that I plan on making to the site, no further redesigns are planned at this time. I like this design, and I'm sticking with it, darn it! I'll update you with any further news regarding our name change as it develops...

December 6, 1999
Updates|3:00pm
Well, lo and behold, I managed to find Wedge hanging around the local pub, and found a new editorial crumpled up in his pocket! It's the first in his series dealing with the various classes within TFC, and his opinions on them. Head on over to the Insights department to have a look at his latest offering. In other news, Pixel, another map review site, dealing with Half-Life Deathmatch, as well as Team Fortress Classic maps, has moved. They're now hosted by TheFortress.Org, and looking fine. Head on over and give them a peek...

Maintenance|11:17am
Just going through and fixing some of the broken links here on the site. Things are getting back to normal, the Bulletin Board is getting back in shape, and we'll be scheduling a playtest again very soon. We're going to be re-testing the last batch that we did. This is due to the amount of time that we've been away from the maps, the problems with the site that have plagued us, and to give the authors a fair assessment. More news on the playtest as they develop. Expect to see it fairly soon...

Progress|1:10am
I've finally managed to regain control of the Bulletin Board, only after much hair-pulling. I've posted an announcement there, and I'll put it up here as well: If you're a current member of the board, please go to the Member List forum, and make a post. This will let me know that your account is current and active. All dead accounts will be deleted when I do some much needed clean-up. If you have any other concerns about the Bulletin Board, or your personal account, feel free to e-mail me directly. The wheels are turning slowly around here, but at least they're turning again...

December 5, 1999
Plugging Away|11:16pm
Just a quick note that I've finally stabilized my system again. After getting too heavily involved with Windows NT, I've decided to go back to Windows 98 so that I can at least get some work done! I'll be concentrating some serious effort to get things back online here over the next few days. Thanks again for hanging in there. And no, the Bulletin Board is still flying on it's own...

December 4, 1999
Crawling Back|2:35pm
Well, I've finally managed to make an update. Things have been pretty chaotic around here for me. Quite a bit going on with my life in general, and it hasn't left me with any time lately to update the site. I'm slowly making progress on the Bulletin Boards, but we're still not back up to snuff. My thanks to nimrod for fielding many of the concerns you all have been having, and with Wedge hiding out from us, things have gone to pot. I'm working on getting things back up and running, so expect to see some things back online around here. Again, my apologies for the mess...