I agree entirely that there should be such an alliance. I feel that the source to an OS that would become the standard for the alliance should have the source freely available for everyone. That way it could kind of be like Linux or GNU - if anyone has something thay want to add or an update or bug fix, etc - well, just do it and post it here.

Also I feel that some sort of protocol for using the link port should be made to standardize the way games use the port. this is important for testing and what not.

Whatever "alliance" is made, it is important that source, specifications and standards are shared freely so development becomes quick, easy, and with fewer problems.

I know this is like my 8th or so post on this one topic but there is a major flaw in this idea that could totally screw everyone in the ti world up. You're talking about a big database of ROM locations and variables and what-not that are reserved for a particular program. Well say some anti-TI calculator guy who know z80 (or 68k) went in and copied down all the ROM locations and stuff. Then made a program that cleared all these out or altered them for malicious purposes and released it as a game. Then when unsuspecting Sam Joe tried to play that game during an Algebra test and POOf bye bye everything! Then Sam has to reset his mem losing a vast majority of high scores and then not having anything to do in 5th period! EE gads that would suck major A. Just an idea

It is impossible to alter ROM - (Read Only Memory). It is not necessary to worry about such threats. However, I personally have written a program in BASIC that can cause an 85 to crash and burn - So bad in fact that sometimes the On key locks up!

Probably the only thing that programers should get together on is making programs that can run under any shell.

A TI programming alliance would be the perfect way to utilize everyones skill. Teams could be more easily assembled and programmers wouldn't have to search for beta testers. I would imagine such a group would be similar to the MSDN. Once you sign up you get assistance from the rest of the network. People with specialized skills could be rapidly located, such as a person with exceptional ability with code might need someone to do graphics. Maybe a person who has no talent at all on the calculator could still contribute to the archives by programming counterparts to the calculator software on the computer.

I also liked Steve Home's idea of a TI-Calc fund. This would be very useful on hardware projects like the E2. It would allow the builders to make mistakes and still complete the projects without a direct drain on their pockets. We could vote on who get the money and how much the get.

There are two more things that seem to be essential for an Alliance. One, a web page for all of the programs created by the Alliance. And two, we would need to have some sort of command structure.

When all of this alliancing is going on there should be a hand book of sorts that gives not very experienced programmers the chance to get information on how the whole programming works.
All i am saying is that i know a little about programming but not enough to be making any shell programs.
That's all.

if you've never tried to learn ASM, it's very hard. i'm still trying to learn. these ASM programmers learn a whole programming language, spend their time making games for you, and give them away for free. who cares if some aren't as good as you want them to be? it's still better than TI-BASIC.

AMEN, brother!!!!!

This is such a wonderful idea! I specifically love the idea of having just ONE universal shell program. As a TI-82 user myself, I found that there are 3 shells out there, and only 2 of them are any good. I had to choose which one I liked the best. If we could get all of these programers togeather, then we would have one super shell that would be used.

This alliance would also work for porting different games to ALL of the TI calculators (8X and 92). Even though the quality would lack as you went down the line, the game would still be there and just as good!!!

This is a little off-opic, but I though I might as well bring it up. In the article, it is stated that zshell and usgard games are not compatible. A friend of mine let me borrow his 85 to put games on and such, and I noticed their were some ASM games for zshell that weren't for usgard. I said what the hell, and attempted putting miscellanious ASM games and progs in zshell. It worked. No errors. No problems. I tried this with about 15 games, and they all worked. I didn't try a usgard -> zshell switch, but I still think this is interesting. Has this theory of games not being compatible ever been tested, or just assumed? Any comments will be appreciated.

zshell progs are supposed to work in usgard and all other 85 shells.

if you'd like to see higher quality software for your calcualtor, refuse to use programs which do not include their source code. in a development community such as this, peer review will help eliminate bugs, spread new techniques, and make it possible for authors of new programs to interface them with old programs.

OK

A)That for some reason reminds me of Linux(maybe cuz it has an open source enviroment or something to that effect).

and

B)That is a dumb idea. Some of the cool games don't have their source included but they're still good. So anyone who followed that idea would in essence be semi-racist towards they're calc games (ok so thats far fetched but its still kinda true if you think about it).

I think this is actually a good idea...I would like to take part in it if enough people are interested. I also think it would be nice if the "alliance" (if there ever is one) or something else would create a programming guide or something that would give tips on touching up your programs, giving it cool effects, ect. There are so few of these out there.

there is actually a sort of alliance already, 5 people in it. its ccia, i dont know what happened to our leader guy though, hes been gone for a week or two... but if you want to join just email us at cciateam@hotmail.com we r mostly for the 89. we r starting on zelda for the 89... once we can get down or 68k asm...

this is insane... how many of you are programmers? not many, including myself, but i at least see what's going on here. you want bugfree games... well isn't that nice of you? to make demands of people who don't even have to make programs for you in the first place. No one says that programmers have to program. they aren't making hordes of money by making games for calculators... yet here you all are, gathering together to tell them that you don't like the quality of their work!! You want to make them commit to an alliance, and allow YOU to decide what THEY can and can't do with THEIR programs!! it's absurd and least of all audacious. I know i may sound cruel and i know i may seem very narrow minded, but you have to realize that they don't have to program games. there's no one holding a gun to their heads saying "i want nibbles"! They do this because they want to and because many of them enjoy it. and you want to control and regulate a person's hobby?! what kind of a request is that!? until this calc-gaming becomes a business in which money is exchanged, and quality is expected, don't go looking for no "programming alliance" and just be happy that you have any games in the first place!!

the voice of reason,
again
Dave- please e-mail me if you agree or disagree with my comments

Right, nobody's forcing anyone, so what's the problem? It's good for programmers to get input from their audience ... if they like an idea, they look into; if not, they ignore it.

Ok, those who made comments aren't all programmers. but though i'm one, i have needs too, you know. I'd like to be able to use my TI as a notepad, for example, play with good games ,... We do programming because we like it, as you said, but if we can be usefull to someone when having fun, what's bad ?
Let's see the Linux community, all the people involved work for free, because they like it. But Linux is as good as commercials systems (even better!)
It's a great feeling when a lot of people use your programs, and are satisfied, isn't it?
As a programmer, i'm interessed in having such a "team", which could answer my questions, give me work (i've got a lot, don't worry), tell me if someone had the same idea i have, so we could work together,...
Anyway, even if we do it for fun, we do it first (mainly) for the users (even if we are the only one).

I don't think you understand the concept of a Ti-Alliance. It is so that a group of programmers can critique each other's work and give ideas and help to each other. At least I'm pretty sure that's what it is.

There is a programming alliance and they are Ellis Industries and nPo they are the best programmers around and they rule and if you think otherwise tell us doorways99 is the best OS and will be out soon and it rules.
Ellis Industries
http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Bunker/9901/
nPo
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Chamber/8402/

Such an Alliance already is in existence in my school. It is known as the Calculator Confederacy. I is made up of rival calculator companies that put aside there differences and decided not to compete. The members cannot really share programs since one faction is 82/83 and another is 85/86/89/92, however the members share program ideas and different methods of programming. This allows us to better promote use of Graphing Calculators and Programming.

To join the Confederacy, please E-mail me your school, name, and calculator model.