A matter of great importance to the SmallWorlds art community presents itself, coincidentally, at the time of this blog’s introduction. The SmallWorlds crew is planning changes to the programming behind graffiti boards. This change, to be affected in the next release, is a result of reports that the artwork on certain graffiti boards can force “a disconnect as soon as it is viewed”, as well as other less easily defined problems that can be felt as lag and bad responsiveness in the browser.
SmallWorlds crew member Steven Brydon replied to one such report, saying the problem is due to the fact that “the current canvas widget allow’s excessive single line/strokes to be created by the artist”. Brydon said that these “excesive line/strokes” are causing too much load for the server to handle, leading to the disconnect.
Brydon goes on to say that the upcoming change “will not affect how canvas’ with such painting’s appear except when they are edited – then their appearance will change”.
This seems like good news at first glance. It shows a great responsiveness on the part of SmallWorlds Crew and management. The problem report was handled promptly and effectively, and long-range planning is being implemented to prevent these technical failures in the future.
However, there’s more to this story than meets the eye. The planned action will place a limit on the number of lines per stroke that an artist can use. While it will prevent the disconnection problem, it may also seriously inhibit the creative ability some artists. The self-imposed restriction on “excessive” lines/stroke has already completely changed the art of at least one of the best graffiti board artists I’ve seen. It will likely cause at least some degree of inhibition on several others – including some of the best-known artists in SmallWorlds.
Limitation of lines/stroke is, I am certain, an efficient technical/financial solution, but I believe that SmallWorlds management has missed a very critical element in their assessment of the wisdom of taking this step.
Consider SmallWorlds as a whole: It’s a rich, beautifully rendered visual environment where the possibilities are immeasurable because the entire game is based on creativity and interaction. However, with the exception of human communication, the freest, most open form of expression I’ve seen in any area of the game is the Graffiti board. This, and nothing else, has led to the incredibly rapid rise of the SmallWorlds Art Scene.
I signed up with SmallWorlds in December of 2008. I had a great time for a week, but to be perfectly honest, I began to feel bored before the end of the second week. Had I not discovered the possibilities of graffiti board art, I seriously doubt I’d be playing today. It made the difference for me, and for many of my artist friends. Whether playing in the real world or our SmallWorlds, people need this outlet for unhindered creative expression.
To the SmallWorlds management, I’d like to suggest this: Ask your technicians for two statistical reports. The first should be based on the numbers of alerts that have been sent containing the words “Gallery”, “Graffiti”, “Art”, and “Studio” over the course of the past four months. The second report should be based on the number of SmallWorlds spaces containing the same words, and looking at the same trend.
I believe that these two reports will give you a better sense of where your long term priorities should lie.
SmallWorlds Art Scene 