TDN Is still very incomplete... Why

#1 The long and short of it is simply that most of the people on here are programmers and it is simply genetically impossible for programmers to write good documentation.

While it can be frustrating at times (like finding out that the file structure for the mmo kit with afx is different then the original and there is no documentation for the changes), I would much rather have them doing what they do: fixing bugs and adding features then spending time writing documentation.

Oh and posting your questions on here has always worked for me.

K

#2 The forums are great, but are no substitute for good, complete documentation. Complete (or close to complete) docs increase the value of a toolkit like this almost exponentially. Torque may be one of the best documented engines out there...but it's still not what I would call "good enough".

IMHO, GG would do well to hire a tech writer to finish the docs, at least once. I agree that this is not a programmer's job (although thorough comments in their code IS). After that have one come in once a year or so and revise. I think the cost/benefit ratio is a no brainer for that one...

#3 Artists and programmers often hate writing documentation. It's busy work that takes away from their real work.

Now technical writers...that's where they shine. Unfortunately, they are in high demand.

#4 The TDN itself is based on a wiki - meaning that the community will help the developers (GG staff) and yourself.
GG done a great job already - made a huge amount of docu on TDN, though the most of documentation there made by community - artists, programmers, scripters, etc.

And yeah, there are a lot of "empty" articles that needs attention, but - lack of time is a known problem.
But it's in our hands to make it better...

#5 You have to chose between pumping out more features and bugfixes, or documenting old features.

#6 Thats all well and good, and I can even empathize with them for not documenting... But the fact remains - they said it would be done in November, and in other places - September... Yet its not.
This is what I was pointing out

#7 If you see the profile of the member WHO posted this (look here) - it's not GG staff, one who posted it - is usual community member, so I don't think that blaming GG for that is a good idea :)
Btw it's dated "14 October 2005".
A good idea, thought, is to use search - GUI/Profiles/ControlList. Thats not exactly the same thing as a topic mentioned before, but at least something. And it too made by community.

edit: url fix

#8 I'm going to see if I have influence in searches two years from now.

Constructor will be released in 2005.

Let's see...

#9 David...I think you just opened up Pandora's Box. . . =)