UPSB v3
The Vault / Pen Modding Guide
Should I write one?
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Date: Wed, Jan 13 2010 00:05:23
So, now that the pen modding tournament is done (just waiting for the results), I will probably take a break from modding.
But, since I learned quite a deal about modding in the process, I though it would be nice to pass the knowledge while it's still fresh.
Do you guys think it's a good idea? I wouldn't be covering famous mods as much as I would be covering how I go about modding, techniques, etc.
Also, if you think this would be cool, I would be open to suggestions on topics. -
Date: Wed, Jan 13 2010 00:52:05
Hmm, cool idea, but how general could you really make it while still actually saying something?
I guess you could go over individual problematic parts, ie RSVP clips, comssa inktubes, etc
Also a nice list of replacement parts would be cool, like x body can be subbed for y under most conditions
Um, everybody loves Kam lol, so maybe included could be like a short list of your personal favorite mods, with tutorials (that is if you can get permission from the creator, i guess) -
Date: Wed, Jan 13 2010 00:56:46
what im really interested in is the creative process, how do you invent a new mod, what's the process and reasoning behind it, how do you improve the product if you can make a section on that that's great
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Date: Wed, Jan 13 2010 01:50:00QUOTE (Zombo @ Jan 12 2010, 07:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>what im really interested in is the creative process, how do you invent a new mod, what's the process and reasoning behind it, how do you improve the product if you can make a section on that that's great
i was thinkign about this too, but then i realized that it's really up to the imagination of the modder
whether or not the modder has the imagination to go into creating an underwater mod, or a magnetic mod-- or even coming up with that idea in the first place -
Date: Wed, Jan 13 2010 09:46:06
@strat: I think I'm gonna stick more on the lines of what Zombo said, mainly because there are plenty of specific examples for parts that people ask on the Quick Modification Questions thread...and because I'm not the best person to list those. I tend to find my own parts in unconventional places, so i'm not that knowledgeable about part subs and what not.
@Zombo: yeah, that is kind of what I had in mind. A lot of the general thinking process that people cannot get by following traditional modding tutorials.
@JC: well, the creative process is often misunderstood. And a lot of people even think people are born with the ability to be creative. But like any other skill, you can train yourself to come up with good ideas. I have a general idea of the steps, and will try to formulate it better into a concrete form. -
Date: Wed, Jan 13 2010 17:33:19
Ah ok, I guess I misunderstood. I thought it would be almost like a handbook. Like "Oh, I'm about to make a specific mod, let me whip out my Kambook" lol.
But yeah, that sounds cool as well -
Date: Sat, Jan 30 2010 02:39:20
A brief outline of what I plan on including.
Why write this?
1. I learned a lot about making new mods during the PMWT. I would like to share this knowledge in hopes to see more interesting mods in the future.
2. I was getting annoyed by "I spend all day on this new mod. It's incredible". No good new mod can be perfected in one day. Because there's not enough time for testing, and you're likely basing your idea on the initial excitement.
Creating an original mod
0. Unblock your mind
1. Get Inspired (explore the world)
2. Generate your idea
3. Initial Research
4. Evaluate your idea
5. More Research & gather materials
6. Experiment
7. Draft your idea
8. Make It Happen
Testing
1. Using it as your main pen for at least a week
2. Note any flaw or inconveniences
3. Fix as many problems as is possible/reasonable
4. repeat
5. Let others try it
6. repeat -
Date: Sun, Jan 31 2010 17:32:34
That list right there sounds pretty good as an outline. The problem is for me is that I'm a n00b that doesn't know the names of all the mods, so if I think to make something, I assume its already been done. Also, will I even be able to read/comprehend the article if I don't know the names of different pen parts or existing mods?
from an outsider perspective, 95% of mods seem to me to be conceptually similar, with the interesting variables mainly falling into four categories:
1. Weight Distribution
2. Barrel/Grips Texture and composition
3. Looks (graphic inserts, gripcuts, vinyl stickers)
4. Special Function (like a retractable, LED mod, magnetics, glow-things etc)
It seems like the first 2 and to an extent #3 are extensively explored already (the equivalent of two-hand cuts style in card manipulation) , and I dont know if there's much room for a n00b to be able to come up with a new one. However the PWMT surprised me that guys were going outside the 95% I'd seen and making stuff like that flex-o-dragon pen, which who knows how it spins but it looked damn cool! if you make this FAQ , I'd like to see you get more in-depth on your crazier mods like the battery-body idea or some LED mods, b/c this is kind of the cutting edge of modding ? I always surf "Show off your pens" but they all start to look the same to me (except for neptunes gripcuts I love those) and I just cant keep track of whats named what anyways. I would like to see more in depth on tje technical advances
- I mean you dont have to give away secrets or exact details on where and what to buy, but rather I mean what conceptual process you go through to troubleshoot this! my apologies if that was already part of your planned FAQ!