What happens when a newbie crashes into an unmovable wall? The newbie gives up. That''s what''s happened to me; I''ve been trying to make a simple program, 3d, 2d, OpenGL, whatever. I''ve tried copying source codes. I''ve tried everything. I give up. - Hobobo

I think I heard how to handle this in health class...They really want to be saved, my teacher recommends that you see a psychiatrist if possible, but you are NEEDED (he always said making someone feel needed was a way of preventing this ).

But, really. How long have you been trying? I''ve been trying for 5 years, and the biggest game I''ve made (or actually, most known) is a MUD that had 7 users . Don''t give up, try to find someone on icq, irc, or AIM to help you. If they won''t compile because you don''t have a widely supported compiler, can''t download the SDK, whatever - try to fix that problem.
--Jared




"When people tell you to tell the truth, you know that their lying."

There are two things that you can do besides giving up:

First make sure that your goal is not too large at first. Try something simple. If you are somewhat familiar with C++ and want to use DirectX, for example, the first program should just do the windows loop and DirectX initialization. This will crash the fist time you run it, but the debugging will burn some important lessons into your brain (making sure variables are initialized before using and so on). Then go on to actually printing stuff on the screen. Set small goals that you can reach - when you reach them you can get funky singing "I just put a red box on the screen! I AM THE MAN!".

Second, it is natural not to want to keep programming if it seems you are not getting anywhere. Leave the computer for a while - a week, a month. Take up some other hobby. When you get the urge to program again, the computer will still be there (unless your hobby is building catapults and you used your computer as ammo), and you will find that you have a new angle on the old problem.

Also, it is alright to give up if you decide this is not for you. Maybe the life of a sexless, big gutted, out of shape, stuck in a cube staring at a computer dude is not appealing to you (although I can''t see why).


---
Grandpa Simpson - "I never thought I could shoot down a German plane, but last year I proved myself wrong!"

Ahhhh where were you spejic when I wanted to quit? Thats a really cool post spejic, and I think you bring out some good points. Pick realistic goals, and pat yourself on the back for all your successes. I think one of the most valuable things said was that you can just walk away for awhile and then come back. The answers for you are out there Hobobo. Keep trying, and realize there is a whole community to help you out. =)

Mike Barela
mbarela@earthlink.net