MAJOR Documentation Announcement 1

Part 1...

Hey everyone. Thanks for taking the time to read this blog. On top of the GG community reading this, I've sent a link of this blog to my friends and family as well.

This is indeed a HUGE announcement, but it requires an introduction. I never really introduced myself to the GarageGames community...soooo...



This is me...(taken in Englewood, FL)

For those of you who don't know, I've been working two jobs since GDC 2008 which was this past February. One was my full time job as a simulation programmer in Orlando, FL, working for a Department of Defense contractor. The other was a part time contractor for GarageGames, writing documentation for their game engines.

While at GDC, I finally got to meet some GarageGames employees that I've only spoken to online. Thanks to the help of Deborah Marshall I managed to get an introduction to Matt Fairfax. He recognized me from of the free tutorials I wrote for TGE and asked me if I was willing to create official docs on a part time basis. I jumped at the opportunity, having always wanted to become a GG Associate and help the community.

Surprisingly, I've really enjoyed writing Torque documentation and feel like it's helping everyone out. The only thing that's bugged me is that I just don't have the time to work on documents with my current job. So, recently I had to make a tough decision.

I haven't been happy working at my day job for some time. I still love programming; I just don't think developing serious simulations is what I want to do.

That's why I put in my two weeks notice. I'll no longer be working as a simulation programmer...

That's not all

After discussing it with the love of my life, Heather, we've decided it is time to see another part of the world. At the end of July, we are moving out of Orlando. If you haven't guessed by now, we already know where we are going and what we will do:


That's right; GarageGames has decided to hire me on full time as a Documentation Engineer. Due to the encouragement and support of Deborah, Matt, and Brett Seyler, I was convinced that I should not work remotely. That means GOODBYE FLORIDA:


(taken in the Florida Keys)

-and-

HELLO EUGENE, OREGON!!

(taken from Skinner's Butte)

We have hired movers, and at the end of the month we are piling ourselves, some luggage, and our dogs into the car for a cross-country road trip. I'm happy I'm not making this trip alone. I could not and would not do this without the love and support of Heather

Heather and I(taken in the Celtic Ray)

Though I will not miss Florida, particularly the hurricanes:

Aftermath of Hurricane Charlie(taken in Orlando by me, 1 day after)

I will miss my friends:

Me, Heather, and Tina(taken in Tampa, Red Sox vs Rays)


Me, Heather, Nikki, Kris, and Justin(taken on the island I rented, Dog Island)

And I will most definitely miss my family:


Heather and our sister Nikki(taken in our boat on the way to Dog Island)


My New Family(taken in the Florida Keys)

So that's the big announcement folks. Thanks for taking the time to read through all of it =). I'm very excited to move to a new state, and to start working full time producing documentation for the GarageGames community. My co-workers are some of the most awesome people I've ever had the chance to work with. This is the definition of an adventure.

There's no turning back:

A big chapter in my life is closing, but the one I'm starting is the greatest of all. To all my friends and family in Florida...

Goodbye...

- Michael "Mich" Perry