XDL Merger

[Megiddo]

I got this PM at FP today...

ComWalk and I were discussing the subject of getting an additional developer for XDL when we recode when Garry's Mod 10/retail is released.

The increasing problem we're realizing is that there are few people with the kind of experience we're looking for.

ComWalk suggested we work together. One of the points he raised was how combining the libraries would prevent conflicting libraries, therefore being better for the community as certain scripts wouldn't have to be designed to work with XDL or ULX individually. Programmers faced with this decision would probably choose not to use a library at all, for the sake or making release easier, defeating the point of having programming libraries.

In the XDL team we believe each developer should have an equal position, nobody is in a position to override any other developer's decision without at least discussing it with another developer.

If we combine, perhaps a new name for the project(s) is in order?

I'd have to say, if this were presented to me 6 months ago, I might have considered it.

As it is, I'm not quite sure his intentions are as pure as he makes it sound. XDL was (at least in my opinion) a failure; Most likely due to the entrenchment ULX has in the GMod community. Asking for a merge benefits them far more than it benefits us (we'd be outnumbered, lose our forums, have a lot less claim to our work, etc).

I do, however, full-heartedly agree that there should be a unified admin system. While I've heard GMod offers a simple two-level admin system, it requires editing of lua tables (something most people are incapable of doing). I doubt we could come to an agreement on such a system, since they are proud to push a system that offers unlimited levels of admin (IE:Access for each command is assigned), but it makes it nearly impossible to edit the configs without a program to help you.

Anyways, I haven't responded yet, I was interested in seeing if you had anything to add on this subject.

[JamminR]

It took me a while to remember what XDL was.
The more I read his quote, and then your thoughts, I realised
"Oh yeah, it's that library that basically copies what ULib tries to do, but with more emphasis on admin."

I'm pretty much in agreement with you Megiddo. From what I've seen (and I have to admit, I haven't really looked), no one is using any admin system based on XDL.

I too agree Gmod should have a better admin system, and for now, believe Ulx (with ULib's UCL) is the best out there.

[Megiddo]

Alright, here's what I've drafted for a reply. Trying to keep it as open-ended as possible while leaving no question to our intentions.

I'm sorry, but your offer as it stands would be a no-go.

We would be unwilling to change our name (ULib/ULX), since they've become well-recognized in the GMod community, nor would we be willing to give up our website/forums.

However, I do agree that a universal admin system should be put in place. But, seeing as how an admin system is the major pull behind any developer library, it might end up hurting both of us to have a common admin system that's separate of the libraries.

[JamminR]

I'm sorry, but your offer as it stands would be a no-go.

We would be unwilling to change our name (ULib/ULX), since they've become well-recognized in the GMod community, nor would we be willing to give up our website/forums.

However, I do agree that a universal admin system should be put in place. But, seeing as how an admin system is the major pull behind any developer library, it might end up hurting both of us to have a common admin system that's separate of the libraries.

If you haven't sent already, try this.
(Same idea, just polished)

My team and I appreciate your offer. However, our understanding of its terms prevent us from collaboration at this time.
Our library name is well known among the Gmod community. If not ULib itself being known, then its primary project that uses it, ULX. Several spin off projects, not created by Ulysses team members, also rely on ULib control lists. So much so that we've had to design in compatibility layers between our older access methods and the newer ULib access lists.

Our team has also invested much in the Ulysses name space (forums/website, etc), and are currently unwilling to give up the website and forums supporting it.

We agree at this time that a universal administration system would be good for the Garry's mod community. Unfortunately, being that an administrative system is the pull behind any current developer library available, it could end up hurting both of our groups having a system separate of the current libraries.

[Megiddo]

That's why your our PR guy JamminR!

I sent your version.

Thanks!

[JamminR]

No problem. Let me know if you want more polish in any other reply. Hopefully they won't get offended too much with a "No".