Originally posted by Brad Oliver
Don't worry - although I've noticed your continual barbs about the Civ3 editor, I haven't yet taken offense. In fact, I found your "optimistic" prediction in the other thread of 1Q 2003 funny.
I'm glad you found it funny rather than offensive, since I never intended offense. On the other hand, I also haven't meant anything I've said to be a "barb," though on further reflection I can see why you might feel that way. Most of my posts here (including the poll you referred to) were in the spirit of discussion among the regular (that is, the fans rather than the developers) members of the board, regarding a subject of substantial interest, rather than being directed at you.
To take a specific example, my post above about "soon" was not intended to convey the idea that I think you are deliberately being deceptive or misleading. As a matter of fact, I believe that you are being as honest and open with us as you are permitted to be, and I appreciate that, as well as the time you put in to keep us informed. In particular, I believe that what you meant by "soon" was what most people would expect in this situation - a matter of days or weeks. However, the word is rather context-dependent (as the examples I gave illustrate), and I thought it was funny to think about that here. Kind of a, "Well, it COULD technically have meant anything, and someone inclined towards conspiracy theories could have thought that was the sense in which 'soon' was intended, but isn't that ridiculous in this situation since it was clear what was actually meant?"
That being said, it certainly is true that, at the present time, I am not a satisfied customer, and I have not been attempting to hide that fact. In addition, I've been getting progressively more cynical and pessimistic (even, perhaps, a bit depressed) as time passes (as I gather you have noted).
I hope you can understand why it is I feel as I do, as well as the fact that there is nothing personal about it. On the professional level, yes, I am dissatisfied (with, I believe, quite reasonable cause), but I am not trying to make anyone feel persecuted, angry, offended, or anything else. My intent has always been simply to express my own feelings about the situation, nothing more.
This has become rather lengthy, I suppose, but I do want you to understand where it is I'm coming from. From how you phrased your post, it seems like my posts may have been giving an impression quite different from what I intended. I hope this has helped make it clear what exactly I mean now and have meant in the past.
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use sween32's marvellous leaderheads.. which are also downloadable from CFC
