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Morpheus
Registered: Feb 2004
Posts: 152 |
Commodore 64: For the Love of a Machine
Hey guys!
I'm working on a book called "Commodore 64: For the Love of a Machine" which is a tribute to the Commodore 64, the people who created it, the people who used it, and the people who still use it today. From a scene perspective, there's going to be photos from various events like the X parties, pixel graphics from the likes of Mermaid, Pal and Mirage plus an in-depth interview with Mr.Z.
Most of the content in the book has already been decided upon, but as I will crowdfund it, there's the possibility of more pages. My plan is if lots of sceners support the book, there will be more scene stuff in those extra pages.
My question to you is, what would you like to see on those pages? What I've been thinking about is a special on cracking and I've also been trying to get hold of Crossbow/Crest for an interview (although he seems to have gone into hiding.)
Please let me know if there's anything you'd like to see in the book and also check out the video teaser I released today: http://bit.ly/2mN3dWl. |
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Compyx
Registered: Jan 2005
Posts: 631 |
How about that special feeling that you got when there was a square and flat package in the mail? New demo's/cracks! And checking if your contact sent your stamps back. Mail fraud was definitely a part of the scene. |
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Acidchild
Registered: Jan 2002
Posts: 474 |
crossbow is regulary posting on the german forum forum64.de under the nick 'roland'. |
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Morpheus
Registered: Feb 2004
Posts: 152 |
@Compyx: Yeah, I'm thinking of doing something like a 'swappers collage', you know, spread stuff out such as disks, disk notcher(s), TFCIII, swapletters and the typical "stamps back" note, then photograph it and put it on a spread. There will at least be *something* in swapletter-way as I have many of Mr.Z letters and also Inferno/SCC's stuff.
@Acido: Then he's just ignoring me. :) If you're in touch with him, please ask him to answer my email(s). |
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Giulio/Wolf
Registered: Apr 2016
Posts: 18 |
Can't wait to see it released, looks very promising.
Only God know how much I admired (and envied) the LAST NINJA version of MR.Z that I bought in 1987 at NIWA SHOP in Milan, Italy. His version was the perfect one with all the tape stuff transferred on disk. I cracked for my personal use a lot of games but I always failed with the CYBERLOAD protection, my tape loader trojan was detected. :)
I still have that floppy, with the A side full of various games and the B side with the NINJA levels...
Sincerely I have no real suggestions, maybe some words about the pioneers of the italian cracking scene (2703, PIER, etc.) would be great. |
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Morpheus
Registered: Feb 2004
Posts: 152 |
@Giulio: Thanks for your comments and suggestion!
This one is for you:
"I also enjoyed playing some of my cracked games, even if a few of them were frustratingly hard, even with infinite lives. A real challenge just made me more motivated. The game Frak! was almost impossible; it took me a whole night to complete. Paradroid was very fun and addictive. Delta was entertaining and seemed to go on for ever. Several games by Dave Collier were quite challenging: Terra Cresta was hard, and Green Beret almost drove me insane. Finally, I really liked The Last Ninja, which was perfectly balanced: neither too easy nor too hard." (Mr.Z/Triad) |
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Oswald
Registered: Apr 2002
Posts: 5086 |
yeah Green Beret drove me insane with savestates :) |
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Giulio/Wolf
Registered: Apr 2016
Posts: 18 |
Thank you Morpheus! These words from Mr.Z are really appreciated! |
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Skylab
Registered: Dec 2005
Posts: 183 |
You should contact dipswitch. He got tons of material (letters, envelopes aso.) from us for his Got Papers project. He also got such material from Honey/1001 and others. |
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hedning
Registered: Mar 2009
Posts: 4723 |
Would be interesting if you added something about the modern C64 cracking scene; attitudes, philosophies, what drives people to preserve the scene etc, compared to the views of the old days. |
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bugjam
Registered: Apr 2003
Posts: 2581 |
Yes, and also the scene history preservation projects (first and foremost csdb of course, but many others as well, like intros.c64.org or Jazzcat's mag archive) are certainly of interest - maybe it even motivates some readers to salvage that dusty disk box from the attic and send it over to The Transfer Team. :-) |
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Morpheus
Registered: Feb 2004
Posts: 152 |
Quote: You should contact dipswitch. He got tons of material (letters, envelopes aso.) from us for his Got Papers project. He also got such material from Honey/1001 and others.
I've been thinking about that, but I want to try to use as much exclusive material as possible. That doesn't that I won't do exceptions though. I got swapletters from Honey to Mr.Z so it could be fun borrow some from Dipswitch to see a part of their conversation. That could be the next step for Dipswitch I think to put letters between people in order. Something to do for retirement, ey? :) |
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Morpheus
Registered: Feb 2004
Posts: 152 |
Quote: Would be interesting if you added something about the modern C64 cracking scene; attitudes, philosophies, what drives people to preserve the scene etc, compared to the views of the old days.
What is there to say about the cracking scene today you think? Are there any challenges that the crackers face with new games? Of course, if you're installing new loaders etc., you can have your hands full, but apart from that.
The nice vibe of todays scene will definitely be seen through all the images I've taken. There will be some anecdotes here and there from people in the current scene to build on that vibe too. |
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Morpheus
Registered: Feb 2004
Posts: 152 |
Quote: Yes, and also the scene history preservation projects (first and foremost csdb of course, but many others as well, like intros.c64.org or Jazzcat's mag archive) are certainly of interest - maybe it even motivates some readers to salvage that dusty disk box from the attic and send it over to The Transfer Team. :-)
The Transfer Team? Never heard of them before. ;) The preserving part should definitely be mentioned as it's a big part of the scene right now. And you're right, it might motivate people to dig out those disks and tapes! Thanks man! |
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Sledge
Registered: Sep 2003
Posts: 102 |
Quote: What is there to say about the cracking scene today you think? Are there any challenges that the crackers face with new games? Of course, if you're installing new loaders etc., you can have your hands full, but apart from that.
The nice vibe of todays scene will definitely be seen through all the images I've taken. There will be some anecdotes here and there from people in the current scene to build on that vibe too.
I would say that efforts like Commando Arcade and such "remakes" is a challenge beyond installing new loaders and might be of interest for the readers. Not sure if that fits into your vision of the book though.
Otherwise, spend most pages with stuff about WAQ and a nice pic of me in speedos infront of my C64. Strictly data! :) |
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Morpheus
Registered: Feb 2004
Posts: 152 |
In fact, Tom-Cat will be writing a little about the creation of the Ghosts'n Goblins remake, so good call my friend.
Sledge, is it ok if I put you on the cover? I need a handsome scener on there. ;) |
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hedning
Registered: Mar 2009
Posts: 4723 |
Quote: What is there to say about the cracking scene today you think? Are there any challenges that the crackers face with new games? Of course, if you're installing new loaders etc., you can have your hands full, but apart from that.
The nice vibe of todays scene will definitely be seen through all the images I've taken. There will be some anecdotes here and there from people in the current scene to build on that vibe too.
Even if there are copy protections here and there even today, the cracking scene is more about two things: 1. Uphold the tradition and still compete with first releases, which includes keeping real boards running, making diskmags, and dealing with immense digital atcheology to find lost and rare and unknown games. 2. Making really great remakes and top notch versions of games, which takes both time, energy, skill and more. You both have the remakes (Ultima IV remastered, GnG arcade etc) and completely shaped up and restored/bugfixed firstreleases like Labyrinth of Crete (took us months). |
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Morpheus
Registered: Feb 2004
Posts: 152 |
Guyz, my C64 book tribute is now live on Kickstarter: http://kck.st/2oB8jCX. Please check it out, spread the word and pledge to get the book funded. It would be a true privilege to do it! The more sceners that support it, the more scene stuff will end up in the final book.
Hedning, I'll get back to you as soon as things have cooled down a little bit. :) |
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anonym
Registered: Jan 2002
Posts: 267 |
Yay for Morpheus. Looking forward to it my friend... backed :) |
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MaD ][
Registered: Sep 2004
Posts: 23 |
Backed a couple of days ago :) |
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Morpheus
Registered: Feb 2004
Posts: 152 |
Many thanks for the support Anonym and MaD ][! :)
@Hedning: Who would you like to see interviewed for an article like that, apart from the people that did the remakes? They are all very impressive by the way! |
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Magic
Registered: Sep 2012
Posts: 44 |
cool project! :D |
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Morpheus
Registered: Feb 2004
Posts: 152 |
Thanks Magic! I hope people realize how hard it was to find some of the interviewees and then get them to agree to an interview. Mr.Z for instance took three years to to say ok (it was work-related so I understood why), then eight years to finish the interview. There must be an old Japanese saying that goes: "Reward is given to those who are persistent." |
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Beastifire
Account closed
Registered: Mar 2013
Posts: 40 |
Personally I'd like to read an interview with Mr.Z made by another great cracker. They could discuss copy protections and packers and stuff in great technical detail. |
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Beastifire
Account closed
Registered: Mar 2013
Posts: 40 |
Same goes for Crossbow and people. This more nerdy style of interview seems more fresh to me. |
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Morpheus
Registered: Feb 2004
Posts: 152 |
I've been thinking about the idea of writing about the current scene and I got some great ideas to write a great story based on interviews with a lot of you guys out there.
So apart from all the photos, pixel art and Tom-Cat's story about how Ghosts'n Goblins Arcade came together, there will be a write-up on the current scene. I just need the campaign to reach its stretch goals because I've run out of pages.
Consider pledging to make this happen! |
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Copyfault
Registered: Dec 2001
Posts: 475 |
Just backed this wonderful project!
Wondering if it is possible to double-back a project on Kickstarter... I went for the book+cover reward but actually wanted to have a 2nd book on top. As I am new to Kickstarter (this is my second project of interest) I didn't manage to "combine" two pledges (e.g. 600SEK + 400SEK).
Is this simply not possible or can someone tell me how it could be done? |
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Morpheus
Registered: Feb 2004
Posts: 152 |
Great to have you on-board Björn! :) I'm not a Kickstarter expert, but you should be able to add to your reward or cancel the one you have chosen now and re-pledge. Pledge for the two books option and add for the poster, then send me a mail about what poster you want.
New rewards that will be up a little later today are:
1. Rob Hubbard music script prints (Different scripts will be available)
2. Write your own demo review
3. Signed photos by Dave Collier, Fred Gray and Karen Davies-Downey
4. The 3 Poster Pack
5. 10 pieces of 100 x 150 mm prints with many designs to choose from
6. The Ultimate Pack with a 25% shipping discount |
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Acidchild
Registered: Jan 2002
Posts: 474 |
really nice project, andreas! good luck with it! never done anything with kickstarter before, but today i have backed :) |
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Morpheus
Registered: Feb 2004
Posts: 152 |
@Acido: That is awesome Acidchild, thank you! :D I really wish I had a team picture of The Transfer Team to put in the book.
@All: This was posted to the Kickstarter backers last Friday:
"These rewards are now available on the campaign site:
1. BOOK + 8 PIECES OF 100 x 150 MM PRINTS
2. BOOK + YOUR OWN DEMO REVIEW
3. BOOK + 3 SIGNED POSTERS BY ROWE/LUND
4. BOOK + SIGNED PHOTOS BY 4 LEGENDS
5. THE GRAND PACK
You'll find more detailed information about each reward in the main text. Please take a look!
I still haven't heard from Rob Hubbard if he's willing to sign the script posters yet, but don't be alarmed. The posters will be available either way after Rob has replied." |
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Merman
Registered: Dec 2002
Posts: 140 |
Kickstarter cancelled... |
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MagerValp
Registered: Dec 2001
Posts: 1074 |
:( |
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hedning
Registered: Mar 2009
Posts: 4723 |
Damn it. Seems a few (one?) guy spread some rumours, and was constantly bombing the comments with accusations and stuff for days and days. Might have scared people off. |
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chatGPZ
Registered: Dec 2001
Posts: 11357 |
meanwhile THE64 is going strong.... ;_; |
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Merman
Registered: Dec 2002
Posts: 140 |
Quote: Damn it. Seems a few (one?) guy spread some rumours, and was constantly bombing the comments with accusations and stuff for days and days. Might have scared people off.
Not just one person raising these concerns.
The lack of updates didn't help. |
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obliterator918
Registered: Aug 2013
Posts: 10 |
Quote: Damn it. Seems a few (one?) guy spread some rumours, and was constantly bombing the comments with accusations and stuff for days and days. Might have scared people off.
Seems there is more to it than that. A representative of Rob Hubbard posted this: http://www.lemon64.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=780616#780616 |
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bepp
Registered: Jun 2010
Posts: 265 |
Wow. Such drama! |
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hedning
Registered: Mar 2009
Posts: 4723 |
Now that is new info. Before that it was just rumours. Still silly crusade by a few backers there. I am sure Rob can talk for himself, and in a more civilised manner than in a public thread - and he did. The issue is of course handled between Rob and Andreas, just as it is supposed to be. |
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Merman
Registered: Dec 2002
Posts: 140 |
Quote: Now that is new info. Before that it was just rumours. Still silly crusade by a few backers there. I am sure Rob can talk for himself, and in a more civilised manner than in a public thread - and he did. The issue is of course handled between Rob and Andreas, just as it is supposed to be.
Further information posted on that Lemon thread - the notes were ON LOAN to Morpheus, not given to him.
The people who raised concerns (and that includes me) were right. There was no permission granted to reproduce the notes, in the book or as prints. |
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Hein
Registered: Apr 2004
Posts: 945 |
It's a pitty. Andreas being too enthusiastic about his hobby. Bite the bullet and go on. |
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chatGPZ
Registered: Dec 2001
Posts: 11357 |
the c64 scene way to handle this would be releasing a fine PDF now |
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Carrion
Registered: Feb 2009
Posts: 317 |
or make demo about it....
but seriously - I don't know what the drama is about, but pitty it won't be released |
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bugjam
Registered: Apr 2003
Posts: 2581 |
what Carrion said |
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Merman
Registered: Dec 2002
Posts: 140 |
Quote: or make demo about it....
but seriously - I don't know what the drama is about, but pitty it won't be released
Copyright and publishing rights.
Rob Hubbard signed a contract with High Technology Publishing.
They hold the rights to his music, including publishing and reproducing the music notes. |
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chatGPZ
Registered: Dec 2001
Posts: 11357 |
yeah release a pdf already, that copyright bullshit has to die |
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ptoing
Registered: Sep 2005
Posts: 271 |
Releasing a PDF could still get Andreas into serious legal troubles. I'm sure you'll front his legal fees, Groepaz, right? |
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Carrion
Registered: Feb 2009
Posts: 317 |
Quote: Copyright and publishing rights.
Rob Hubbard signed a contract with High Technology Publishing.
They hold the rights to his music, including publishing and reproducing the music notes.
wait, wait wait...
was Morpheus going to use the actual music notes in the book?
whatever... actually I don't even care - just wondering, but have to agree with Greopaz (which is mega difficult in itself) that IP and copyright BS is something that kills kool initiatives like this one for, way too many times... |
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chatGPZ
Registered: Dec 2001
Posts: 11357 |
Quote:Releasing a PDF could still get Andreas into serious legal troubles. I'm sure you'll front his legal fees, Groepaz, right?
send over those papers and we'll see |
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Merman
Registered: Dec 2002
Posts: 140 |
Quote: Quote:Releasing a PDF could still get Andreas into serious legal troubles. I'm sure you'll front his legal fees, Groepaz, right?
send over those papers and we'll see
Rob Hubbard loaned Morpheus the papers.
Morpheus was putting images of them into the book and planning to sell prints of those images.
Morpheus needed publishing permission from High Technology Publishing.
And yes, I'm aware an image appeared in the Generation 64 book about the Swedish scene. Doesn't grant him the rights to use them again or sell prints. |
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chatGPZ
Registered: Dec 2001
Posts: 11357 |
you dont have to repeat it again, i know the nonsense already.
and whoever tries to cash in there is a megalamer too. |
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Merman
Registered: Dec 2002
Posts: 140 |
Quote: you dont have to repeat it again, i know the nonsense already.
and whoever tries to cash in there is a megalamer too.
From what I understand High Technology Publishing offered the chance to use the images in the book for free, on the basis that Morpheus returned the papers to Rob.
There is an exhibition that wants to display the papers, and academics want to study them (now that Rob has an honorary doctorate for his music). |
