Hot Shoe

RoR versions in the range of 0.37.XXX is what you need if you're looking to participate in online leagues, and is the current version used/supported at large. If you like, there is ways to have more than one version of RoR on the same computer without conflict. I currently have 0.37.126, 0.39, and 0.4.5.1 installed. Having/using .38.67 is completely up to you. I believe there is a V4 truck pack that was released that is compatible with versions 0.38.

It's not even necessarily my lack of WANT to do it, but my lack of time to. It is true as you say. While I don't mean for it to be an excuse (I understand that it can be taken as such), it's always been a peeve of mine to see some seemingly wishing to take, with out any signs of what they can offer in return. I congratulate you on throwing in. It's more than some are willing, or capable of doing. I applaud you.

Not that it's any of your business, but I don't have that kind of time on my hands anymore. Look at the tracks I released. My last track (Myrtle Beach 1990) was released in April of 2014. At the time, I had (and have been) suffering from burn out (which tends to happen when you create a number of tracks, or attempt to replicate a venue such as Myrtle Beach). I work a full time 8+hr job in the construction industry. Currently, any time I have after work does not get used up by creating content in this game anymore, because I'm busy trying to live life. I occasionally pop in to see how the community is doing. As much as I would love to come back and create some new stuff, the creative juices haven't been flowing, nor have I desired to sit down and try to create anything new as it takes up much of my time to do so. I can't speak for Kozak or McCauley. I, nor anyone else that I know of have "bashed" you, nor suggest that you "shut up." Since you asked why I didn't take initiative, I'm going to ask you the same thing: Why don't you take some initiative to throw in with us in the sandpit? You said you lurked around here for years. You also seem to have a vague understanding of manipulating truck files. Yet, I've never seen you contribute anything in the form of content. If you want to see the ball get rolling on a possible conversion to 0.4.5., or any progress made around here at all, then how about you get active? Offer your services to the mods, the creators. Do something instead of talking about it.

As I stated in my post you quoted me in: AT THE TIME no one knew the rigors of the process BEFORE Helen came along. This was before Helen announced converting a track and providing a tutorial on the process. Now we know it takes about 10 minutes and some additional files to make a track work. Dude, for some, a VERY cheap $300 upgrade might be a stretch on the bank account. As I said: it's a bit of a cross between not letting some people's inability to upgrade halt progress, while also having to face the fact that some might be left behind. I don't have enough time in my schedule to read every single post or topic made on this site. So no, I haven't seen it. However, I have no reason to doubt you. Back then, everyone's pc was lackluster compared to what we have now. It has been stated, maybe not in this topic, perhaps the other 0.4.5 topic, that trucks lean over too much going in to turns, and that the gearing is off in various trucks. I myself recently downloaded 0.39.5 and noticed an immediate difference to the suspension and grip levels of trucks, than that of 0.37.126. I plan to do a little exploration on 0.4.5. for my own curiosity. LACK OF PASSION. You consider it a lack of passion that has caused us to get stuck in place? Have you any idea of the amount of work that goes in to the physics, modelling, testing, and r&d of making at least ONE truck? Ignore the amount of work and effort that went in to the V3 or V4 packs, or how much effort the track makers put in to making replica venues, or the more recent releases of tr?cks/physics/tutorials, etc. It's the lack of passion that's frozen the community in place. These guys are not contracted, forced, or payed to make content for this game. At it's core, this is a hobby. It's a game. It's meant to be played for fun. People do what they can, within their given schedules, and life situations to produce the content that they make. Yes they do take on quite a level of responsibility and expectation when they decide to commit to projects/content such as what is on this site. But again, it's not their job, and no one forces them to do it. I'm not sure how feasible it is, or what time frame can be considered for a proper switch to another version, to at least get things on their feet, and have a good platform to launch off of. Some creators responsible for the content within these packs or tracks either no longer play the game, or don't have enough time in their schedule to contribute. There is only a handful of creators that are active on this site that could contribute to a proper upgrade. Still, that is an incredibly long, difficult process that you're expecting these guys to take on. There might be a few more people who could attempt to pitch in and ease the burden, but it'd still be a long ways off before a full scale upgrade could be sought through to somewhat of an immediate completion. Much less future endeavors down the line. I'm not saying we should be stuck on 0.37 forever. But let's be realistic: a proper upgrade or switch to another version would not be an overnight process . Not if the creators wish for it to be done properly.

So you did bring up the topic of spam. Am I missing something? Since it seems you enjoy analyzing everything, here's something else: I never claimed THIS THREAD was spam. When I made my spam comment, it was referring to Eric having came in from out of nowhere, and initially start posting about "his suggested" switch to 0.4.5. Some posts were made in quick, rapid fire succession, showing an apparent lack of knowledge of how the edit button works. Then this post shows up a mere two hours or so after a posting in another thread concerning the same subject. Now while this IS a different part of the forum, and he did at least use the proper request form for his listing, it still concerned the overall topic of wanting to see a track converted to 0.4.5. At that time, it had been clearly stated and explained by RKM, Outlawed, and myself the rigors and trials of a conversion/upgrade to 0.4.5., and how that version was unexplored. Now if you'd like to dissect what I consider spam: the bashing in of one's head to the same wall repeatedly on the same subject. Up until that point, Helen had just stepped in sharing their knowledge of converting tracks to 0.4.5. Again, at the time, it had been clearly stated that as a whole, 0.4.5. is not supported by the content creators of the site, that said version was unexplored, and that the reason no tracks existed within that version was due to that fact, along with the fact that very little people had a reason to convert tracks to that version. Yet, even after all these explanations and reasons given, Eric continued to incessantly insist on posting about the matter. Some posts again being in quick succession of another. At the time, not only can it be considered to be some form of spam, but also, the definition of insanity. You've just hit upon another excellent point as to why a switch to a newer version hasn't happened yet. Not every one is as privileged to be able to have machines capable of operating the newer versions of RoR as others. I am a bit on the fence with this: one does not simply expect to play a PC game if the PC is sub par. On the other hand, for the casual, virtual monster truck fan who just wants to enjoy the simulation, participate in leagues, etc., maybe their "sub par" machine is all they have? If the community decided on an upgrade, then that would leave some users out of all of the fun. It might be easy to say "upgrade your machine." "Get a newer computer." However, to lower income users/families who might not be able to afford a newer machine, or at the very least be able to afford a better machine for themselves/their child/children, some users WILL be left out. While I do understand that progression can't be halted because of a few users being unable to upgrade, there is also the thought of trying to make things accessible to everyone. Now I'm not trying to start another discussion with the above statement that would risk veering off in to oblivion (as some topics seem to do, as this topic has done to an extent). I'm simply trying to list all of the possibilities/reasons to broaden the outlook. I know from experience what it's like to participate in online, pc gaming with a lackluster machine. When I first started participating in MTM2 leagues, I was on the family machine, which happened to be the very first computer my family ever bought: a Windows 98 SE, Pentium II, utilizing a 56k dial-up modem! BTW: what is this "decrease in optimization" that you speak of? You're the first person (that I know of) to mention this. I find it curious that the version some would like to UPGRADE to has a claimed "DECREASE in optimization." Elaborate. Is the optimization worse than versions 0.37/0.38/0.39, or better in some respects to that of another? (For the record: I'm not being facetious. It's a legitimate question.) 0.4.5. still seems to be unexplored. Tracks seem easy enough to convert. Trucks on the other hand still sound like they would need adjustments to work properly if gearing is off, trucks lean too much in to a turn, etc. If the trucks are off in any characteristic, then the choice is either to do yet another patch job to the same tired old manipulated truck file(s), or start from scratch. Just because the trucks might happen to function within 0.4.5. doesn't mean they function to their intended end result. It just means that there are some toys to play with in the sandbox. Until 0.4.5. is strongly considered as a viable upgrade for our intended use, there is no reason for the ENTIRE community to make the switch. Not with tracks still needing to be converted, truck files needing adjustment, the possibility of some user being left out...do we even know if multiplayer functions in this version so it can be utilized for leagues/fun runs?Don't get me wrong: I'm ALL FOR an upgrade if it is feasible. If that is the direction for the community, then I will offer any assistance I can to make the switch happen. I was not for enabling a couple of users (one who broke forum rules before igniting the 0.4.5 discussion, one who's done nothing but post about WANTING tracks in 0.4.5 since their arrival) to get what they sought.If any good can come of this, it's that Helen has kindly stepped forward to share knowledge of the version in question. Yet, before a full scale upgrade is considered or even put in to action, it'll take a lot more than one, two, or a few content creators to make it happen, and make it happen to the desired outcome. (Apologies for the post being long-winded. I obviously had numerous thoughts on the subject(s) that parlayed in to one post.

You're correct. This request isn't any different from someone requesting a tr?ck to be made. The problem I have is from the very beginning: the seemingly blatant attempt to get a bit of content converted to a version of RoR that is largely unsupported by the content creators of this site, masked behind someone else words to hide their true intentions. This however is something that I allowed to stick in my craw, as I always tire of seeing people wander in with no contributions to speak of yet demand what they'd like to see in order for their requests to be appeased. Outlawed AND RKM have both listed legitimate reasons as to why the conversions/upgrade is not viable at this time. They've both been creating content in the form of props, models, files, and physics for these trucks for a long time. I believe what they have to say a lot more than someone wandering in claiming “the trucks work in 4.5.” Yet, Helen Weales, you seem that you know what you're talking about. Not only evidenced by the fact of what you've listed in this, and other topics, but by the content I've seen you share in the Show Your Projects topic. It always blows me away. If there is any one on this site more than capable of converting a track to 4.5., it's you. So, I wish you well with the endeavor. In the mean time, I've had my fill with this whole discussion, and will do what I've should have done a while ago: shut my mouth and leave the topic alone. Good day.

Name: David Stewart AIM: HotShoeMTRacing Truck Name: Hot Shoe Truck Link (if updated from original signup): Same as listed in signup. ***NOTE*** I will do my best to make this event. However, I have been summoned for jury duty and Jan. 11th is when I might have to appear (if I'm one of the selected people for jury assembly when I call in to find out). I'm currently unsure of when I will be back that evening. If I can, I will update THIS POST to let you that not to expect me. In any regard, I hope this is a fun, successful event! ***NOTE 2*** Jury Duty didn't call so I'm good to go for tonight!

Perhaps you're right. The difficult part is that it's quite hard to want to commit to helping someone learn how to do something, when they've shown very little willingness to learn in the first place. Nearly every post from these two have concerned them demanding tracks be made/converted for a different version of RoR since their arrival. Little interest has been made on either's part to learn the process, or even get acclimated to the site/community before making such demands or "requests". There's been at least two users discuss with them the process of making/converting tracks, even noting how difficult it is to do so. One has even provided a link to a read-me discussing the process. So, they have been told on where to obtain information, and have gotten some manner of assistance on the subject. Unless I'm mistaken, at this time, the majority of creators on this site have yet to divert attention to making tr?cks in 0.4.5., yet these two continue to spam these forums with requests for tracks to be made/converted in a version of RoR that I've already stated is "obviously not supported by any of the content creators of this site." Since these two are the only ones being so vocal on trying to get conversions of tracks in to the version they are using, they should be more than capable of figuring it out. No one here is going to meet their demands. No one here going to do it for them, and quite a few here may actually know the process of doing the conversion to begin with.When I started in MTM2, I read the read-me's, and taught myself how to make tracks. Only then did I start to get approached by users who offered some guidance and instruction to further my track making ability. In RoR I sought help, and while a few did their best to give me assistance, I once again had to figure it out on my own. I showed a willingness to learn, and to become a constructive member of the community. Stomping in, demanding tracks be made for the version of the game you're using, and spamming the forums on the topic is unfortunately not the best way to make friends or have people assist you. Especially when it's a topic they've already showed some level of ignorance in.

Yet another set of posts made by a couple of takers who want something in a version of RoR obviously not supported by any of the content creators of this site. Why don't you two try to figure out how to make/convert tracks to 4.5? Obviously no one else is going to do it for you. Figure it out yourselves instead of spam posting on this site and being a general nuisance.

I honestly don't see how an "upgrade" will be beneficial right now. 0.37.126 has been the used/chosen/version of choice for SM for numerous reasons. It's mostly stable, you can play it online. Most of what the creators here do with their tr?cks, this version can handle, among other things the smarter people of this site can point out. The thought of us "not starting to upgrade soon" is a bit daft if a better, more preferred version that is stable, while capable of online use, and handles all the materials, props, and anything else that can be thrown at it has yet to have been released. Once such a version exists, then it will require a monumental task of having most if not all properties converted/upgraded/rebuilt. With 437 Tracks, 784 Trucks, and other odds and ends, I don't see a queue forming of volunteers who are willing to pitch in and help with such a task. This community is too full of people who are all too willing to take, but aren't about to offer. The task of such a conversion or rebuild to a newer version is extremely unfair to the few core people who actually throw in and create. And if those few core people who do create task themselves with such a seemingly impossible goal, then it's going to be a replay of the whole anticipated wait of V4, wrought with impatient users, creators getting their personal files/information put at risk due to impatient users hacking them in order to get far from finished creations, and an incredibly long wait time because of it. I can understand the desire to upgrade. The desire is always there. But if the desired features/optimization have yet to be found within current versions, with a monumental task laying ahead of creators when such a version does release, then like it or not, 0.37 isn't going anywhere any time soon. Take it for what it is, appreciate what we have and how far we've come, appreciate what the creators have done to get us to this point, or leave it. At the very least have a bit of understanding before making near sighted demands, or multi-post threads on the subject.

A great many of us played/created/developed in MTM2 for years. That game was released in 1998. I played it, created/developed content for it up until 2006. Was it limited? Yes. Did we make it work? Yes. Did we enjoy ourselves? Yes. Was there an alternative at that time to gravitate to a better optimized/more capable game/engine? No. Not until later. The same can be said with RoR. To restate what I said above: There may well be a desire to upgrade to a different version of RoR. The need however hasn't justified the means. The versions in use right now may be limited, but still work. At least mostly toward the desired outcome. With each new change or upgrade, there is another learning curve. A new factor. A new problem to solve. If 0.39.5 had issues with people being able to play in multiplayer servers (don't know if the cause or factor therein was ever discovered), and if there hasn't been any tracks developed for 0.4.5, with at least one user's experience being that an asset crashes 0.4.5, yet works fine in 0.39.5 (which again had a reported issue with people being able to playing in multiplayer servers), then the perfect medium hasn't been struck yet. Not at least until another version is released that meets all of our criteria, and doesn't hamper or limit the continued development of what many are trying to achieve.

You claim is misguided because of agreeing with another person's claim that the reason for not wanting to move to a different version is because of some "being too scared to do it." Fear does not even factor in to this. Not to mention the fact that this year old post you're referencing was talking about a different version of the game than the one you would like to see development of a track in. While we have been down this road before at this site, and I've posted something along these lines before, do you even begin to comprehend the commitment, time, energy, and effort it takes to create content for this game? The creators of this site do it out of their own desire and want to contribute and further the development of the specific medium in which we utilize this game. From what I have been seeing/reading, 0.4.5 uses a terrain file system that is different than that of the current RoR versions in use by us here at SM. The new file system has obviously caused problems for some. Even one user currently developing a track told me a new model he is working on crashes 0.4.5 and has yet to find the cause. If this new system is indeed causing grief for some in the development of tracks, then that is a pretty good indication of why no one has chosen to move to the new version yet. While there are a lot smarter people on this sight than myself who have a fantastic understanding to the inner workings of this game that could probably tell you some other issues that may lie within 0.4.5 (such as the posts above mine made by Outlawed and RKM), that is at least one major issue that I'm aware of. So what you are wanting to see is a sudden move to a different version of a game that is (as far as I know) unexplored of it's inner workings. Unfortunately, the good people of this site that create and develop content for this game, in between their busy schedules, circumstances, and personal endeavors might not be able to commit to trying to explore and test the possibilities of development within 0.4.5. Not to mention the lack of people willing to commit to helping re-create all the models, assets, physics, etc. in a different/newer version of the game. Currently, the need to move to a newer version of RoR has not arisen yet, nor are people willing to commit to it, at least certainly not without having to invest/upgrade their computer specs, which would shut out a good majority of people who play this game.

You're entitled to think what you like, despite your misguided claim. Lead the way, then. I nominate you. Sorry, but that sounds like a problem unique only to you.

Driver Name: David Stewart AIM Screen Name: HotShoeMTRacing Divisions Competing (Modern, Classic, Both): BOTH Modern Racing Truck: Hot Shoe Modern Racing Truck Direct Download Link: http://sim-monsters.com/index.php?/files/file/678-hot-shoe/ Modern Freestyle Song: Van Halen - Panama Classic Racing Truck: Stomper 1 (PPRL) Classic Racing Truck Direct Download Link: http://www.mediafire.com/download/h17chxegcm6kzs9/PPRLleafers.zip Frame Rate Hardships (Yes or No): Rare occurrences on occasion due to various anomalies. It seems to depend on the track in some cases, or how many programs are running in the background. Usually exiting, or restarting the game fixes the problem. If nothing else, a restart of my computer is in order. Connection Hardships (Yes or No): None to speak of. Other Information:I played MTM2 from 1998-2006. Competed in many leagues such as MJO (Monster Jam Online), NTNT, USIRA, Pro-Dro, PPRL, USMJS, etc. I'm the racing and Overall Champion of USMJS Season 1. I'm co-founder/co-creator of Demolition Track Creations, and created all of the tracks being used for PPRL Winter Heat. All the tracks used first made an appearance in MTM2. Last Modified:

I'm digging those velocity stacks. Reminds me of my old leafer. Always looked unique on a monster truck.

Shameless plug for the YouTube gaming channel, started by my friend and I.

Y'know, I used to see this same kind of request/complaint being made over at KC's MTM2 Place. While I did admittedly make the same requests/complaints to a few users with the best of intentions being to encourage them to branch out and broaden their horizons, I came to realize before long that if nothing else, you build what you like and make what you love. If he wants to make a bunch of Diggers, let him. If he is enjoying making those Diggers, then that's all that matters. No one else has to like it. Let him do what he enjoys doing. That's not meant as a derogatory attack aimed at you or anyone else. I'm just saying.

Dang John. Your work always impresses. I love what I'm seeing with USA-1, and I love the detail of Awesome Kong's dash! Great stuff.

Awesome looking as usual, John.

Good to see you again, METH.

That looks like an amazing track. And Kozak, any of my tracks that you'd like to feature in these events are of course yours to utilize.