ISXEQ2 Not for noobs.

[cdslaughter]

Ok here’s my take on this. (Every beginner should read!!!)

After looking at this for 4 days now I have come to the conclusion that this utility is not intended for the casual user or noob.
Per the AUTHOR you should find and reading ALL posts and all related sites and tinker with the utility till “you figure it out”.

“Amadeus: Users are expected to read through everything on these boards, the ENTIRE wiki, and "experiment" until they figure it out.”

(see http://www.isxgames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98 )

In reading this post you will note that I have been doing just that in researching how to make this utility work, however I am still unable to do so.

Per Amadeus response:
“Start a thread on the GENERAL discussion board and ask SPECIFIC questions.
People will take the time to answer specific questions more so than just vague 'I need help' type things.”

I requested a link to the current version of ISXEQ2 in the GENERAL discussion board.
http://www.isxgames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=552

Amadeus responds referring me back to http://www.isxgames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8If (where this all started) telling me to look at the following document contained in http://www.isxgames.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=209&d=1165385964 Note that my ORIGINAL post that I indicated that I HAVE in fact read this post (and thus downloaded this file)

Note: Amadeus has now locked BOTH threads thus preventing me from using the very tool HE recommended (“Start a thread on the GENERAL discussion board”)


Now that file contains a word doc requesting a donation to receive a up to date most current version 2006-12-05 but leaves a final disclaimer of the following
“Eventually, I will post a free copy on the ismods.com boards (as I have before); however, it will be on the order of a couple of weeks down the line. Once we’ve reached that point, then all releases will be free until I decide to go this route again (ie, every second or third “live update””

Looking at Ismods.com this version has yet to be released (6 weeks to two months later), in fact the only version I found in the downloads section was 2 YEARS old.

Now perhaps I should have made my request in post http://www.isxgames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=552 differently, Perhaps I should have said “Where can I find the most current FREE version of isxeq2?) That is assuming the author actually does “Eventually, I will post a free copy on the ismods.com” for all of the past versions of isxeq2.


So in summery: if you are a casual gamer like myself that could use a little help in game you might want to steer clear of this utility as it is neither easy to set up nor is the author very helpful in assisting you.

To Amadeus: I have no problem PAYING for good software. However I do like to see it work first. I download demos, go see it on display or go to a friends house that has it, but no matter what I want to see what I am purchasing works before I give up my money to someone I don’t know.

 

[ownagejoo]

First off, this software is well worth the "little" donation that Amadeus requests, I have been in it from the beginning almost and use it daily.

Second its not that hard to set up, unless you like things handed to you, then yes it is a bit difficult.

IRC is the place to come and ask questions on how to get this working, Most of us that chat in there have not ignored any questions on how to get this working if asked, and not show up and ask "Hey dood how do I get leet haxors1111!!!". Come in ask the question and wait for an answer, most of us, except for Valerian and Hendrix are decent.

So, eventhough you don't know me, let me suggest donate a little its worth it, or wait until Amadeus decides to release this version to general public. But if that keeps up he will go to a subscription base and you will never see it free.

EDIT: Oh by the way this is the first time he has not released it free, not sure why, but Amadeus might have his reasons.

Ownagejoo

 

[Pygar]

I think you have 2 questions.


1. When, if ever will the donation free extension be released on the forums again?

and

2. Do you expect me to pay for something I can neither demo, preview, or discern if I have the technical knowledge to make work before payment?

Both good and valid questions that I don't have answers for.

Perhaps Amadeus will respond and lock this thread too

Good Luck!

 

[Amadeus]

To Amadeus: I have no problem PAYING for good software. However I do like to see it work first. I download demos, go see it on display or go to a friends house that has it, but no matter what I want to see what I am purchasing works before I give up my money to someone I don’t know.

Use or don't use it, I don't care. Moreover, I don't care what you think and/or whether you like the software or my style of development. If you send me a private message complaining, I'll just delete it. If you post here on the boards complaining, I'll either ignore, laugh at it, or delete it at my whim.

THIS is the beauty of developing as a hobby. I set the rules and you live by them. Fortunately for all of you I like sharing and giving to others... otherwise I would shut down these boards and stop developing isxeq2 and isxvg today and my life and lifestyle would only change for the better.

Fortunately, there is good news -- all you have to do is spend about 10 years averaging an hour or two a night and you can develop your own ISXEQ2. Or, you can play in my treehouse by my rules and by my pleasure.


Finally, I agree with the topic, ISXEQ2 is "not for noobs".

 

[cdslaughter]

I have no problem making a donation, but it should be just that a donation at this time from what I can see (And please feel free to show me where I am wrong) but he has yet to release a “FREE” version of this utility for over 2 years. If this is a software purchase (License) then I have no problem their either, I just want to see it work first..

But as for setting it up I am sure I can, I have made similar utilities work with ease ( I write my own macros fo other applications and that is not to hard), the difference is the support structure was a little more user friendly Direct answers for direct questions.
Example:
Q: Where is the command list for “X”
A: It is at forums.xyz.com/forums/ect . . .

As fro IRC: Honestly I never used IRC, thus I don’t have it set up. I probably could as I am sure it is no harder to set up than yahoo or msn. But I assumed

 

[Amadeus]

1. When, if ever will the donation free extension be released on the forums again?

and

2. Do you expect me to pay for something I can neither demo, preview, or discern if I have the technical knowledge to make work before payment?

1. When I feel like it. Honestly, I was going to do it at the next forced patch after 12.21 ...it's just that they are taking a lot longer than I originally expected. So, complain to SOE.

2. Yes? No? Should I care? If so, why?

 

[cdslaughter]

Finally, I agree with the topic, ISXEQ2 is "not for noobs".

Thank you for your honisty.

 

[Amadeus]

but he has yet to release a “FREE” version of this utility for over 2 years. If this is a software purchase (License) then I have no problem their either, I just want to see it work first..

lol. It's almost always free. You just came at a donation sequence (that's explained in the document file you downloaded.) Usually the sequence is shorter; however, the extreme length between a forced patch (ie, since Dec 21) has made this sequence longer.


Also, as a sidebar, if you understand how to use InnerSpace, then EVERYTHING about isxeq2 is understood by just reading the wiki. The "ext" command is an INNERSPACE command. Loading an extension automatically when the game comes up is an INNERSPACE issue. Understanding what TLOs, Datatypes, and Commands are and how they're used in the InnerSpace console is an innerspace issue. ISXEQ2 simply adds functionality to InnerSpace ..and ALL of that functionality is documented on the wiki.

 

[cdslaughter]

Ok. Fair enough, I have red through some (Not all) of the commands in innerspace module so I am not as familiar with that specific aspect.

However that is not the issue here, it originates from me searching for a free (not necessarily most recent) version of isxeq2 for download. (that is assuming there is one available other than the one I have listed that is over 2 years old) This is a request made based in the instructions located at http://www.ismods.com/wiki/index.php/ISXEQ2:Tutorial (Step: 2). (Note: This is where this entire issue started.)

One a side note: I originally found the tutorial listed above on THIS site at http://www.isxgames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98 titled “Tutorial: Using Innerspace + ISXEQ2 (for newbies)

however the author of isxeq2 states

Finally, I agree with the topic, ISXEQ2 is "not for noobs".

Kind of contradictory don’t you think?

 

[Amadeus]

I didn't write the tutorial.

 

[abbadon]

To Noob or not to Noob?

The tutorial for newbs was written by a user just like you could potentially be. If Ama allowed it to stay on the boards I would imagine it was nearly if not completely accurate.

The extension you refer to that was released 2 years ago was probably free but if you read the rest of the isxeq2 portion of those forums you should see a message that refers you to these forums. Lavish Software and Ismods have zero affiliation with the extention as you will often see both Ama and Lax point out.

As you may have guessed by now by reading this thread you CAN'T use any old version of the extension because it simply won't work. It is associated with the specific executable from the last patch so there is only one working version and it is currently a closed release for those that have donated.

So the deal is either you support Ama by donating for the software and you can use it right away or you wait. Honestly if you have reservations then it is probably best that you wait so you don't feel the need to come back and expect some sort of support for the donation that you have given. It is a donation so there is no implied warranty.

You may or may not like the system however it has been very successful in maintaining a relatively clean gene pool which is what makes it successful. This models limits those that may be "challenged" either in maturity or other aspects that would be a danger to the community as a whole.

/regards

Abbadon

 

[cdslaughter]

This models limits those that may be "challenged" either in maturity or other aspects that would be a danger to the community as a whole.
Abbadon

You are accurate there. And to be truthful in my experience any product that gives the user this much trouble is usually not worth that users time. As you stated above this "Community" defiantly appears to be a Simi closed one. It is a shame that this is the case, as an open community would allow for additional support (Weather it be financial or otherwise).

 

[cdslaughter]

I didn't write the tutorial.

Correct me if I am wrong, but this IS your site correct?

 

[abbadon]

Not so.

I never stated it was a closed or semi closed community. Any are open to join however you join on the communities terms, not yours. That is the fatal flaw to your argument and your approach. We (Ama, the community, I) owe you nothing. In fact, this explanation goes far beyond anything that you have earned.

And just because something is posted on this site that is owned and operated by Ama doesn't make him the author. By that logic I suppose you will tell me that you are Ama's spokesperson and by virtue of your ability to post here, Ama is the author/endorser of your comments.

Enough of this though, I have to get back to using my perfectly working current version of isxeq2 with all of the community released scripts that go along with it. In fact you can, if you like, download the scripts and examine them. That would give you a relative understanding of its capabilities. You can take my word that it's worth it or not. I prefer not, since you will more than likely be one more person that might do something stupid with it and fuck up my ability to enjoy the product.

 

[Valerian]

Wow, what fun this has been over the last 3 days. Amadeus, if you're done having fun with this mental defective halfwit ignoramus, can we please ban him by all means possible?

Oh, and Ownage, I'm almost always helpful in IRC... just not to you. :evil:

 

[abbadon]

heh

I have actually only enjoyed it for one day. I slacked over the weekend so didn't notice until today. Can I play with him for 1 more day Ama? please?

Unless of course I am the halfwit ignoramus then by all means do it soon

 

[Multicharacter]

Honestly, I was going to do it at the next forced patch after 12.21 ...it's just that they are taking a lot longer than I originally expected. So, complain to SOE.

That is scheduled to happen soon. (LU31)

 

[SuperNoob]

Not for Noobs? Can I still use it? I mean it did take some reading and all, but I have not had any serious issues using the program and several of the utilities.

-SN

 

[tucciimeq2]

being a new user (about 2 weeks now) i felt the same frustration as you did. however the way i went about assuring my fears was to get onto irc and talk to people and jsut ask if it was worth it. they said yes so i sent in some money. 30 minutes later i had the the .exe and loaded it up.

i'm not going to sit here and say it was super easy, however it only took me maybe 6 hours to get it running and botting happily away. and that was while playing so i'd say focuesed time spent was maybe... between 1-2 hours. navigating the forums was more frustrating for me then anything else.

download innerspace, install.
download isxeq2, install.
download latest supported eq2.exe (although today is LU31 so i dunno whats up), rename your current to .old and replace with downloaded one.
download the class files ( use the svn thing amedaus supports now)
right click IS, run eq2 no patch, login, ~ , ext isxeq2, run eq2bot. farm.

 

[jimshoe]

download latest supported eq2.exe (although today is LU31 so i dunno whats up),

Yeah, I still have issues where to get this since twonk seems to be a dead end.

 

[abbadon]

ugh

jimshoe. Since the patch JUST happened there is no supported .exe. One will be released probably close to this weekend. I am not sure if this is going ot be the closed release or the open one Ama referred to earlier. In the meantime Patch so you have the latest one. At some point Ama will release one based on either this .exe or if there is another MANDATORY patch before it is released the new one.

So if you have IS and you do the no patch option and EQ2 tells you your version is wrong then patch. Otherwise DON'T.

Be patient and watch the boards. In the meantime since you can't use isxeq2 I would recommend you take the time to view ALL of the posts on these boards and read the wiki. You will find that nearly anything you could possibly want to know has been covered.

You can also join the IRC for the most up to date information.

 

[Hendrix]

On forced patch days, just load up EQ2 using the default option in IS instead of no patch. This will run the patcher and you will be patched to the most current version of EQ2. Once patched to current on forced patch day, use the No Patch option. The first patch you get once it is forced will be the new currently supported eq2.exe. Once you are patched and have the new supported eq2.exe wait patiently until Ama can update isxeq2 to work with EQ2 again... That simple

 

[Pygar]

Only thing to add is, you too can update the wiki. If you see something you know out of date, replace it with a more accurate link. Much of the support section of the wiki was made by people who went thru the same learning process to try to make it easier for the next guy.

The fact is, things change, and no one goes back to maintain the wiki. I update a few pages to handle the most frequently asked questions in IRC. Mainly so I can just say RTFM and paste the link rather than working thru the same problem for the 35th time.

 

[jimshoe]

Ok, that clears it up, i actually had some confusion about it.

What about a scenario where you would format your machine, and assuming a patch (non forced) was released and since you were formating you had to patch it? In a scenario like that just bug some people on irc for it?

On an unrelated note, if I have been having problems with my UI vanishing from time to time on a couple chars is there a way to fix this? Someone told me to delete all my ini files, and maybe a UI folder. Is this accurate?

Been having problems for a few weeks, and since its patch time I can finally take care of it.

Thanks

 

[Valerian]

Twonk having issues? what kind of issues?

and about the disappearing UI settings, once you get your UI set up the way you like it again, copy your <server>_<character>_eq2_uisettings.ini, and rename the copy to something like All_Default_eq2_uisettings.ini

This way, you can always /load_uisettings in the game when your UI gets fooey and reload this "default" ui setting. The "default" ui will show up in the list with character name "Default" and server name "All"... I've had this issue over the last couple months as well, so finally decided to do something about it so it would minimize the downtime of fixing it =)

 

[Tsumari2]

Yeah, I still have issues where to get this since twonk seems to be a dead end.

http://isxeq2.twonk.net/binaries/


My best advice is just to calm down. Ama and co will do their own thing and that is fine. If you don't want to pay for the extension before trying it, don't. To be honest, I didn't want to pay for it even after using it because I'm a cheapie, but after about two weeks of EQ with no EQbot I succumbed and submitted the cash =)

As far as I know ISXEQ2 is the only extension for EQ2 that allows a true bot that can understand the area around it and go through some fairly complex AI patterns. So there's been a lot of good work on this extension.

However, don't expect to be treated like a "customer" or such. The small crew that actually writes the extension does not give a damn what you or anyone else think. As long as you understand that, you'll get along with everyone just fine.

Tsumari

 

[Adambc72]

I am so not user friendly with macros, scripts.. etc..... I am ISX illiterate

I donate to Ama and Blazer because they know what they are doing.

I find this to be one of the easiest programs to run.
Because:
1. The class scripts are given to you
2. you pay a low cost for lavish a year....
3. Ama is always on top of the updates and I feel as donating is not out of line considering it is HIS time that makes ISX run.

On a average I probably pay around 150.00 to 200.00 a year for this .... but look at some of your other programs like macrocrafter that mess with you UIs and then they charge around 360.00 a year to use it.

If you have problems post on the boards or go to irc.... There are links all over this board for different problems, give it a little time and people will respond eventually.

 

[voodookenshin]

@ cd - Each release from Ama is specific to a particular exe version file from SOE. Ergo you only patch when forced.

The latest forced patch was on the 31st. Usually takes a couple days for Ama to go through the new file and verify the data and correct any issues. This particular patch as far as I know is intended to be a free release. It will continue to be free until...well frankly, as Ama said when he feels like it. Usually a couple months.

Any time there is an expansion like Kos or Isle of Mar you can place money on a donation sequence on the very near horizon.

Just relax, it will be here soon enough and then you cna preview it all you want for a while....

BTW - you do realize that IS requires a subscription right?

 

[Wishbringer]

@all:
One thing to mention:
You don't pay this software (isxeq2).
You use the free version and then donate for it.
But when Amadeus feels that there are too few donations, he won't release the next version to the public. Only to people who donated.

And then after time (when enough donations were made to encourage him to release a new free version) this free version (like now, 2007-02-02) will be released again and the loop begins again too.

In my eyes a very fair solution!

On the other hand Amadeus don't demand a fixed "payment/donation". People who powergame EQ2 and have a well payed job should donate more than kiddies who casual game and use isxeq2 only for radar (for example).

Again, very fair!

So i can't understand people, who don't donate AND demand some features, recend updates and so on.

Amadeus is developing this addon at his own will. Maybe because he likes to develop, maybe because he likes to help people and share his program.
But allways helping others without some kind of donation is frustrating.
So all people here should fear the day when he stops development because one person threated Amadeus that way, that he throws all in the corner and let the courtains fall.

And another thing to mention too:
Only because people payed a subscription for Innerspace, they don't have payed for isxeq2 too.
Two completly different developers. And a reason why forum for isxeq2 moved away from ismods.com

And at last:
isxeq2 is as it is. It's not made for noobz, not for profs. If you can use it, then use it. If you don't understand it, read as long till you understand it. Or use only the features you understand till now. Or leave it alone. Quite simple.
Wiki is filled by Amadeus AND users to help users. And can be extended by users whenever they want to contribute their knowledge. And even when it is only correcting typos.

 

[Tsumari2]

@all:
And at last:
isxeq2 is as it is. It's not made for noobz, not for profs. If you can use it, then use it. If you don't understand it, read as long till you understand it. Or use only the features you understand till now. Or leave it alone. Quite simple.
Wiki is filled by Amadeus AND users to help users. And can be extended by users whenever they want to contribute their knowledge. And even when it is only correcting typos.

True. It can be fairly hard to initially learn the scripting (when you consider it's for gaming purposes) but once you do you can do almost anything with it.