Sorry your browser is not supported!

You are using an outdated browser that does not support modern web technologies, in order to use this site please update to a new browser.

Browsers supported include Chrome, FireFox, Safari, Opera, Internet Explorer 10+ or Microsoft Edge.

Geek Culture / Which is better?

Author
Message
Fallout3fan
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 9th May 2009
Location:
Posted: 25th Dec 2012 05:35 Edited at: 14th Feb 2018 22:25
[deleted]
AutoBot
15
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 25th Sep 2009
Location: Everywhere
Posted: 25th Dec 2012 06:33
Video games are basically interactive movies, so one could argue video games are better... I have dug quite into game development, and believe me, it is a very interesting field! But people have their preferences. Sorry I don't have time to give a more detailed answer

Fluffy Rabbit
User Banned
Posted: 25th Dec 2012 09:21 Edited at: 25th Dec 2012 11:58
You're mod edited kidding me. How about you consider the "get a job" field? While you're at it you should also try to working on the "pay the rent" field and the "avoid getting arrested" field too.

Merry Christmas.

Mod Additional:
There's seriously no need for the attitude or the language. You're currently noob slapped until the new year because it's Christmas and I'm feeling generous. The infraction is noted on your profile and next time you ca have a holiday.
Seppuku Arts
Moderator
20
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Aug 2004
Location: Cambridgeshire, England
Posted: 25th Dec 2012 10:00 Edited at: 25th Dec 2012 12:00
Quote: "You're mod edited kidding me. How about you consider the "get a job" field? While you're at it you should also try to working on the "pay the rent" field and the "avoid getting arrested" field too."


You're a charming fellow. The guy's still in school, looks like he's trying to think about his future career. You know, where he can eventually get a job doing what he enjoys, working to pay the rent and getting an honest wage so he's not getting arrested for apparently not selling drugs or selling himself. Sure he may not end up in his career job immediately, but aiming for a career you enjoy means you may not end up in a dead end job doing something you hate for the rest of your life. My career goal is 'journalist', I've got my degree, I just need my NCE and a driver's license and I can get a job, so I'm working a job I hate in the mean time to pay for it.

It's something I decided at school and have stuck to it. Nothing wrong with Zach doing the same with his career goals, as it'll no doubt influence the course choices he makes.

Quote: "
So far I've been doing some research online and wondering which career field should I have?

Should I be in the video game or movie field?"


I think it's something you ought to decide yourself. Which you prefer and which you think you'll be best at. However, I would assume that getting into the games industry is easier than the film industry - at least you can find plenty of game studios scattered about, but then I know little about careers in the film industry (so don't take my word for it). But to be honest you could probably use skills from film making in video games as well if you end up with the right position on the team, though when you enter the games industry it might not be where you start. My friend entered as a bug tester, but it's a foot in the door for a major video game company, so that's a damn good place to start fresh out of university.

I'd say when taking a career path you gotta be realistic, serious about it and of course pick something you know you're going to enjoy. Understand also that the job market is incredibly competitive. Some industries are harder than others and you may end up with the age-old catch 22 when applying for jobs: job requires experience, require a job to get experience. Though on the plus side, some university courses give you a year for work experience as part of your study. My friend had it on his game development course and I'll get it when I go for my NCE.

Fluffy Rabbit
User Banned
Posted: 25th Dec 2012 10:22
@Seppuku-

Your optimism isn't fooling anyone.
The Zoq2
15
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 4th Nov 2009
Location: Linköping, Sweden
Posted: 25th Dec 2012 10:29
Well, based on what I have heard, finding a job in the game developer/programmer line of work is realy easy, hopefully I will find out when I look for a job in a few years. (if you are fairly good at it). And so is finding a job in a store while you are getting good at it. I have also heard that a job making movies is harder to get, but my guess is that if you are good at it, you can get that to. But you should chose what you enjoy the most.
Seppuku Arts
Moderator
20
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Aug 2004
Location: Cambridgeshire, England
Posted: 25th Dec 2012 10:34 Edited at: 25th Dec 2012 10:34
Quote: "@Seppuku-

Your optimism isn't fooling anyone. "


Neither is your pessimism. Yes, it can be hard to get the job you want and you're not necessarily guaranteed it, but it doesn't mean it's an impossible goal and doesn't mean you shouldn't aspire to it, so long as you're realistic. Some people end up doing dead end jobs they hate and people may not end up doing what they want, yes, not everybody ends up where they want to be.

So what's your general message? Give up on your own career goals because in the end you'll never achieve anything, so get a job at McDonalds or somewhere else that'll take you on, it's easier and hope you get promoted to manager one day, even if you hate what you're doing. Cut out the middle man and just go for the dead end job because that's all you're destined to do.

Dark Java Dude 64
Community Leader
14
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 21st Sep 2010
Location: Neither here nor there nor anywhere
Posted: 25th Dec 2012 10:55 Edited at: 25th Dec 2012 10:57
Fluffy rabbit, if you don't have anything kind to say, don't say anything at all.

Zach, work in the video game field where the corporate businesses don't behave like little greedy children unlike the movie businesses which do, namely Hollywood, which almost got rid of (and still wants to) all of our Internet rights which are rather important.

"That's what"
-She
Fluffy Rabbit
User Banned
Posted: 25th Dec 2012 11:04
@Seppuku-

Yes, all of that is true, but you're forgetting one important part. We can aspire to real realistic goals (working at some blue collar place) while we say we want other things. I want to be a spaceman. I want to be king of the universe. I want to have super powers.
Seppuku Arts
Moderator
20
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Aug 2004
Location: Cambridgeshire, England
Posted: 25th Dec 2012 11:23
Hence the point about being 'realistic'. Working in the games industry isn't so unrealistic, some folk I knew at uni have managed to do it successfully, there's people here who have done it successfully. Super powers on the other hand, I'd suggest swimming in nuclear waste if comic books were to be believed, however, chances are you'd die of radiation poisoning. So, I agree, you can't always get what you want. I remember as a kid I wanted to grow up to be a lion, but it was never meant to be. Also, my maths sucks, so I doubt I could ever be a physicist, but I am a good writer and am good with people and am interested in the news, so journalism isn't so unrealistic.

For Zach on the other hand, I think he needs to think about what he's good at and what he enjoys and basically what he wants to do. He's narrowed it down to 2 that he feel he wants to go for. As he's at school, he's got room to develop the skills he needs for either before choosing a course for university.

rolfy
18
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 23rd Jun 2006
Location:
Posted: 25th Dec 2012 11:37 Edited at: 25th Dec 2012 12:01
Quote: "You're mod edited kidding me."

See you later in the year, thats about as bad as it gets with breaking the AUP around here and you have been around long enough to know it.

Quote: "I want to be a spaceman. I want to be king of the universe. I want to have super powers. "
The guy wants to work in the games or film industries, the only thing unrealistic is your response to his question, did someone steal your dummy or what?

Still, its not as easy as you might think finding a job in the game or film industries and unless the advice comes from someone who does (beyond making the coffee and running errands) I would take any responses with a pinch of salt.

If you intend to follow a career by stepping up to it through University they are as said in a better position to get you placement in the field, work on a personal portfolio alongside this it says more about your motivation, knowledge and skills than any certificate. I have seen artists with masters degrees and no portfolio outside of their basic studies, they didn't get the job and I can say I personally wouldn't hire them, it tells me they are bone idle and lazy and only inclined to do the minimum.
Seppuku Arts
Moderator
20
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Aug 2004
Location: Cambridgeshire, England
Posted: 25th Dec 2012 11:56 Edited at: 25th Dec 2012 12:03
Even then, those with a portfolio aren't necessarily going to get the job either (I've known some folk in that situation, mostly those with art-based degrees). As I've said, the job market is competitive and the important thing is to stand out and show that you are the man for the job. Easier said than done, but the job market can be pretty unforgiving. Be good at what you do, put the effort in, prove yourself and you increase your chances. I think it goes with any career. Though I am not really clued up on the film industry or game market, but there are certainly people here who might have better answers from the game market side. For example, if Jeku posts, I'd certainly listen to what he has to say.

Thraxas
Retired Moderator
19
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 8th Feb 2006
Location: The Avenging Axe, Turai
Posted: 25th Dec 2012 12:02
Any problems with your slap Fluffy feel free to email me.
rolfy
18
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 23rd Jun 2006
Location:
Posted: 25th Dec 2012 12:03 Edited at: 25th Dec 2012 12:19
In the Arts a portfolio is the only evidence of your personal skills, if you have a good one which shows talent you will ALWAYS get the work (unless some other guy is simply better than you or even has a more suited personality, but bottom line is skill).
If on the other hand your portfolio is not very good it will most definitely prevent you getting work as will not having one at all.
If your style of work is not suitable then it may mean your not suitable for the job but thats mostly nothing to do with your skills only your style.

I have never failed to get any work I applied for as my style can vary and is adaptable to most job situations. I have worked for many different companies and organizations and usually swap out my portfolio contents to suit whatever I am going for.
Negotiation is usually in my favour, I always insist on bacon butties and coffee on tap.
MrValentine
AGK Backer
14
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 5th Dec 2010
Playing: FFVII
Posted: 25th Dec 2012 15:02
Just to say...

Having a goal is not unrealistic, and having a dream is only slightly more difficult or time consuming... [or time dependent]... [down to earth ones... like having your own country is not unrealistic, wanting to become something like an animal or something fantasy... is just that... a fantasy]

I got fed up of the few jobs I found... specially when one guy decided he was never intending to pay me even though I set his company en route to a substantial sum... to add insult to injury the JCP decided I intentionally walked out and put myself in a jobless position and therefore cut me off for three months...

The other job that also forced me head on into my goal... was a pair of wollies who were planning to pay me and this other guy a peanuts wage for pretty much the main course... if you get me... and as such the other guy did not take it as lIghtly as I did... he sabotaged some things around the property... these imbeciles rang me [becuse they could not get ahold of the other guy] and were demanding that I say who did it... I am not a snitch... and so they threathened to send *boys* round to break my bones lol ... now a thing to know about me is... I know the local *boys* that they spoke of lol...

Anyway these two pointless dead job scenarios forced me to start my own company and today I front a Limited Company and a handful of other companies... so yeah keep your dead end job idea... certain person... and never aspire to be where you want to be...

Best advice I was ever given by a business advisor... turn your multi year plan on it's head...

Merry Christmas Everybody...

I am disgusted at someones response to an endearing question...

I would say Think about your goal in life... if you can not think of one yet... do not worry... my aim in life was not revealed to me until I was about 25 years of age... I am now en route to building my own studio and I now have a handful of partner businesses... not boasting... just stating even a person who never was as fortunate to get into higher education because they lived a tough life... can still achieve all this... I had a good high school education... gave me a solid basis to develop myself from... and I had what I consider to be some of the best tutors ever!

So yeah... get on Wikipedia and look up all jobs associated with each field and read up on each role tbat catches your interest... and see if you can picture yourself doing said job in five to ten years time...

(apologies in advance I wrote this on my phone)

Phaelax
DBPro Master
22
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 16th Apr 2003
Location: Metropia
Posted: 25th Dec 2012 18:08
Video game or movie field, hmmmm. What specifically about the movie field? Director? Makeup artist? Cameraman? I have a friend in cali who knows a lot more about the business than I do and has made some short films, but he'd probably agree that its probably harder to make a livable career out of the movie business than even becoming a video game designer.

I'm not saying to forget about either one, if you manage to do what you like then great. But realistically, it doesn't work out for most of us. Aim for your dream job, but have a backup plan for a more realistic job as well.

"You're not going crazy. You're going sane in a crazy world!" ~Tick
Fallout3fan
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 9th May 2009
Location:
Posted: 25th Dec 2012 20:43 Edited at: 25th Dec 2012 20:50
@Seppuku Arts and the others

I see, What I'm best at is math and writing. Mostly why I ask this question is that I put myself in a pit filled with good ideas I've been writing and planing. I got my game Chomper and The Esoteric World and I got my movies. You do make a good point I could use my movie making skills into a video game like Hideo Kojima did with Metal Gear Solid. But the fun of making a movie is like watching a piece of art at a movie theater or your TV screen. So that is what I've been thinking of. It's also the same thing with the film industry when it comes to starting out. You first become a low run extra and then work your way up to being at least a B rated actor. And yeah I am getting experience in the field. In my advice you start out making short movies or programming small games by yourself before you actually get in the big field when you're older. I think it would help in the portfolio(I need to know that a bit more. I have no clue what that is)

Although I have two back ups. If I don't make those two fields I become a math teacher and if that doesn't work...The Army.

Quote: "You're mod edited kidding me. How about you consider the "get a job" field? While you're at it you should also try to working on the "pay the rent" field and the "avoid getting arrested" field too."


Please stay quiet Fluffy.

_!!!!_
,0~U -Well I do say, its been quite a fancy forum for
__-____TheZachadoodle.________________________________
swissolo
15
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 9th Jan 2010
Location:
Posted: 26th Dec 2012 02:09
I can show my work if you would like, but from what I've seen of you on the forums, I would say you're best fit for film making Zach. While the two areas do overlap, it depends on the part of the movie industry you want to participate in. For example, animation directly overlaps, while acting (with the exception of huge studios and ,in a way, voice acting) does not. I feel your real passion is following the pure story telling side of film creation.

swis
Joined: Tue Dec 16th 2008
Interstellar
Fallout3fan
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 9th May 2009
Location:
Posted: 26th Dec 2012 02:19 Edited at: 26th Dec 2012 02:19
Thanks Swiss and yes I would like to see some of your work.

And thank you Dark Basic Dude as well for your opinion.

_!!!!_
,0~U -Well I do say, its been quite a fancy forum for
__-____TheZachadoodle.________________________________
Yodaman Jer
User Banned
Posted: 26th Dec 2012 04:52
Yeesh! Fluffy Rabbit, what negative juice have you been drinking lately? You aren't coming across as a nice person in this thread.

@Zach, I was actually in a similar situation a couple of years ago upon graduation from high school; I didn't know if I wanted to go to college for programming/game development, or movies. Ultimately, I made the choice to pursue programming in an IT field, as frankly it's a little more of a guaranteed position than landing a movie job. But do, and pursue, whatever feels right for you. Don't let people like Fluffy Rabbit discourage and disillusion you; follow your dreams, because if you don't, someday you'll be asking "what if..." and that just won't be fun.

The Wilderbeast
19
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 14th Nov 2005
Location: UK
Posted: 28th Dec 2012 13:06
Don't feed the troll folks! Seriously, if you outright ignore his responses he will get bored – all it takes is one aggravated response and you've made his day.

nonZero
13
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 10th Jul 2011
Location: Dark Empire HQ, Otherworld, Silent Hill
Posted: 29th Dec 2012 16:39
Fluffy Rabbit wasn't trolling. He is depressed because he doesn't know where he's going with coding (perhaps others too). I have sympath for you FR, I really do, but everyone's right about meanness thing. I get you were tryna be a realist and give pragmattic advise but perhaps revise how you put things.

@Zach: Listen. I'm gonna be the voice of negativity too here but in the right way. You need to get yourself a "backup". That means a qualification in a field of the following criteria:
- You're reasonable at it
- There are plenty of employment opportunities
- Stable job
- Decent pay
Why? Because take it from someone who screwed up their education and threw away everything because of his own arrogant notions of his life just working out.
I'm not for one minute saying to forget your dreams. But it sometimes costs money to chase them. And it's also good to have a soft landing if you fall.
You seem very passionate about story-telling and creative stuff. It's quite obvious based on your posts. So go for it! Follow your dreams! Challenge the sun if you must. But just do it sensibly.
I'm guessing you're still staying with your family. Now is a good time to balance to things at once. Do your course/degree/diploma in your passion and then try and do part-time work on the side. Save up and then do an internationally recognized correspondence course in something (I've a friend who is busy doing one in IT). That piece of paper looks good on a resume even in an unrelated field because it shows self-discipline and good character.
Just my personal advice. Basically what I'd say to myself if I could go back in time. Okay, I'd prolly whip myself from the past's ass too but that's besides the point.

Kezzla
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 21st Aug 2008
Location: Where beer does flow and men chunder
Posted: 29th Dec 2012 17:25
I have always worked at achieving my dreams, mine were always to be a musician, and proficient sound engineer, original artist, computer programmer, martial artist.

It is funny that Working on these things in "my own time" I have put more hours into these dreams than I have buried scrubbing toilets and cleaning peoples filth as a full time cleaner. many nights working... one more minute, one more replay one more recompile before waking up to my phone alarm face down, drooling on my computer keyboard, time to get ready for work.

Am I famous, no. am I a household name? no. rich? no. can I put a dream into action and achieve a result? hell yeah
I can play any piece of music I want to play, I can record it with professional proficiency. I am a good enough artist to express myself to my own satifaction. I improve every day at programming and I just got my black belt in karate. All while scrubbing toilets for a living. -till 3 months ago, more later
some dreams take longer than others, the programing one, will take a little longer yet to bear fruit but i work every night on some aspect of my programming.

My point is, By all means aim for all or broke while you are young. Life will generally forgive your leap of faith at a young age, I assume you have parents and friends who will let you sleep in their garage or basement while you piece your life back together if you should happen to fall. as you get older you assume more responsibilites and have far less lee way, fewer options to fall back on. That is where I imagine some of the pessimism from this thread is coming from.

but the chance never dies. I am 29. I worked for ten years as a hotel room cleaner(about the lowest end job you can get) I got home and lived the dream, just by doing it, doing it for myself, improving, striving. The funny thing is that I forgot about the whole submit it to agencies for eventual fame and profit thing. maybe one day I could stomach that idea.

that is just me. Thing is, I teach people music, I write it when I want, I program every day, I draw and 3d model when I need media, I train in martial arts daily, through my connections related to my interests I have a better job than cleaning, I will never scrub another toilet(besides my own) I earn enough to buy the equipment I need to better achieve my goals. My job isn't in any of these areas(I am a Lab tech, testing Quality of asphalt and roads earning enough to not even blink when i get a bill for anything)


again, rambling...

I aimed for my goals head first in the beginning, but even later I could still balance my reality and desire.
so its all good, there is plenty of time. just work on your goals.

Live scared die scared.

Live brave die knowing you did your best.

seems pretty obvious when condensed to two centences doesnt it?

TheComet
17
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Oct 2007
Location: I`m under ur bridge eating ur goatz.
Posted: 29th Dec 2012 18:03
Don't listen to Fluffy. His attitude is a prime example of a person who is blocking himself from moving forwards and justifying it by claiming he's incapable (which is another road block in itself).

If you truly want to become something - especially at the young age you're at now - almost all of the doors are still open. I never thought I'd end up working in R&D of electronic circuitry for a global company. That goal seemed unrealistic to me two years ago, and yet here I am.

Quote: "Should I be in the video game or movie field?"


Well, it depends on what you feel most comfortable with. You do voice acting in your free time, correct?

Are you more of an artist? Modeling, animating, drawing etc?

Let me just point out that, at least in my experience, programmers generally have a tough time if they're not right at the top. If you're some low-class developer who is being fed by a fat manager, that's not the place I'd like to be.

TheComet

Official PonyCraft blog : http://blankflankstudios.blogspot.ch/
Kezzla
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 21st Aug 2008
Location: Where beer does flow and men chunder
Posted: 29th Dec 2012 18:25
Quote: "Quote: "Should I be in the video game or movie field?"

Well, it depends on what you feel most comfortable with."


thanks comet, that was my original point before I went off on a ramble...
my actual advice on the point of the question...

do both at once. they are both the same. everything is the same. you are only separating your one interest into many, like a light through a prism.
go where your joy takes you and you will never be dull.

Seppuku Arts
Moderator
20
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Aug 2004
Location: Cambridgeshire, England
Posted: 29th Dec 2012 18:36
I would listen to nonzero.

Dreams are awesome, but be prepared for a career that's easier to get into and something you enjoy well enough to dread working and to avoid that dead end job you'll hate. And even if you are working in a different career to your dream one, there's no harm in keep trying.

Phaelax
DBPro Master
22
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 16th Apr 2003
Location: Metropia
Posted: 29th Dec 2012 20:00
Quote: "You need to get yourself a "backup"."

That's what I said.

"You're not going crazy. You're going sane in a crazy world!" ~Tick
Jimpo
20
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 9th Apr 2005
Location:
Posted: 29th Dec 2012 21:12
Quote: "Should I be in the video game or movie field?"

I say get into the video game field, but I'm a little biased. I spent a large part of my childhood dreaming of being a video game developer.

I had a similar choice between physics and computer science, but if you have a passionate interest in both choices, it doesn't matter which you pick since you really can't lose. Try working for a degree that will help you out in one field and take some classes related to the other on the side.

I'm with Kezzla on the follow your dreams/be realistic deal. I'm not really one to have backup plans. I only applied to one university, and I applied to a backup because everyone told me to do it. The university I wanted rejected me while the backup accepted, but I never really wanted to go the backup university anyway, so I just said forget it. I ended up going to community college for two years and transferring into the university I wanted from the start.

rolfy
18
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 23rd Jun 2006
Location:
Posted: 30th Dec 2012 01:40
Quote: "I only applied to one university, and I applied to a backup because everyone told me to do it. The university I wanted rejected me while the backup accepted, but I never really wanted to go the backup university anyway, so I just said forget it. I ended up going to community college for two years and transferring into the university I wanted from the start."

This is the oldest story in the book, there are no shortcuts and if a college or University gets the idea that your looking for one they will reject you. When it looks like you have a well thought out path with a goal they will believe that you have what it takes, the first year of any University course is always the most intensive and difficult to get through.
Fallout3fan
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 9th May 2009
Location:
Posted: 30th Dec 2012 06:44 Edited at: 30th Dec 2012 09:22
Hey thanks guys for your comments I'll be sure to tune in on what you've said and Kezzela it's good news you're happy even though you aren't famous in your job. With my job/jobs I wouldn't even care I get 35 thousand a year.

As for the back up it is being a Substitute Teacher. Good pay, I like kids, and you just a high school diploma and be 18.

Edit: Scratch that I'll work at the geek squad section in Best Buy

_!!!!_
,0~U -Well I do say, its been quite a fancy forum for
__-____TheZachadoodle.________________________________
rolfy
18
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 23rd Jun 2006
Location:
Posted: 30th Dec 2012 10:31
Quote: "Scratch that I'll work at the geek squad section in Best Buy"

In a recent employment report it was found that the above job was the most sought after in the entire world. You have lofty ideas and might have to lower your sights a bit further, maybe consider a career as a test pilot
Phaelax
DBPro Master
22
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 16th Apr 2003
Location: Metropia
Posted: 30th Dec 2012 20:10
If you ask me, many of those geek squad guys are under-qualified for what they pretend to know.

"You're not going crazy. You're going sane in a crazy world!" ~Tick
rolfy
18
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 23rd Jun 2006
Location:
Posted: 30th Dec 2012 21:09 Edited at: 30th Dec 2012 21:51
Yes, the entry qualifications required are very strict, with a BS Diploma in the Black Arts being the minimum.
Still, it is a lifelong career with prospects of moving up to management after forty years of waiting for the current High Priest to curl up his toes. If you really want to work in this kind of field be prepared to spend years mastering the skills of dodgery and speaking in tongues, it requires the stealth and dedication of the true Geek.
Seppuku Arts
Moderator
20
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Aug 2004
Location: Cambridgeshire, England
Posted: 30th Dec 2012 23:05
Quote: "If you ask me, many of those geek squad guys are under-qualified for what they pretend to know."


This is fairly normal for retailers. Sometimes you get the odd person who really knows what they're talking about. I have to deal with retailers a lot with my job, it's okay they don't necessarily know what they're talking about, because we can answer their questions and explain things, but the ones I don't like dealing with are the ones who think they know what they're talking about and think that, you, the person who's job it is to know exactly what you talking about, or heck, even your tech team, don't know what you're talking about.


There are some of these so call 'experts' I've heard in shops tell people Dells and Acers are the best computers out there. They're not bad computers, though they have reputations for going wrong, they're not exactly the best brands to buy. Then they'll recommend Norton as internet security. I would feel a lot safer if they said, "here, NOD32 is a great antivirus".

So, by being one of them and knowing what you're talking about, well, you'll be top of your game. Saying that, you will have to deal with customers.

Kevin Picone
22
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 27th Aug 2002
Location: Australia
Posted: 31st Dec 2012 05:38
yeah.. well.. it shouldn't come as any great surprise staff are going to guide people towards the stock they sell. They wouldn't have a job if they didn't.

Seppuku Arts
Moderator
20
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Aug 2004
Location: Cambridgeshire, England
Posted: 31st Dec 2012 08:39 Edited at: 31st Dec 2012 08:41
Quote: "yeah.. well.. it shouldn't come as any great surprise staff are going to guide people towards the stock they sell. They wouldn't have a job if they didn't."


Aye, but it's not just Acers, Dells and Norton they sell, they've got other better products. What I used to do in Cash Converters was not say Dells were the best you could buy, but sell them for their plus points, for example they're a good value for the specification you're buying. The person I worked with, also thought they were the best they could buy. I know retailers are more interested in sales, which is why I never trust their advice.

As for Norton...I don't know why places prefer selling it or why it comes pre-installed on many computers. There's much better software out there. Go into small independent computer shops or repair shops and you'll see things like NOD32, Kaspersky and other AV. I saw no sign of Norton when I picked up my laptop from repairs. Heck I bought ESET straight up. I can't see what the advantage is of given Norton the big thumbs up is.

MrValentine
AGK Backer
14
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 5th Dec 2010
Playing: FFVII
Posted: 31st Dec 2012 10:12
Sepp... you got me thinking there...

I am sure some remember the introduction of the silly Browser Choice crap... this was introduced through EU courts here in Europe... If I recall correctly the smaller browsers complained that MS had a monopoly on the browser market so we are now forced into the inconvenience of an irritable browser choice crap interface which forcefully removes your IE shortcut... I feel sorry for fIrst time Computer users... trust me... I have been teaching complete beginners lately... and boy I never really appreciated the ART of Computing until I did that...

Anyway Norton and if you noticed MyCoffees (lol) who has another approach via your ISPs... have a monopoly on their standings...

Norton approaches hardware OEM vendors such as Dell or Acer etc to preinstall installers in their facgories... they then pay them some pennies and so we can see that a laptop already generates income even before it even gets put together... look at the DVD writing software that comes with your laptop... yup more cash for the OEMs...

I guess that should shed some kind of light on the monopoly such companies accuse MS for and get away with themselves...

I therefore always format laptops whenever I get them and load in a retail licence as soon as I get any... I just have no need for HomePremium OSs and all that crap they load... and I simply cannot see why people put the blame on MS for that extra bloatware... kind of makes sense now...

Anyway... I have always built my rigs for over a decade... never bought an off the shelf since my first PC so I hardly understand what people complain about until I get hold of a new laptop lol...

Phaelax
DBPro Master
22
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 16th Apr 2003
Location: Metropia
Posted: 31st Dec 2012 18:53
The last tech I spoke with at Best Buy got confused with what a NAS was. Trying to tell me a usb drive was the same thing. A NAS isn't the most common device in a house so I politely explained the difference. But then he was like why would you need that? And what do you mean ethernet, I don't get it. That's when I walked away.

I'm not even going to explain my phone conversation with a MS tech agent where I had to explain to him what a router was. I'm dead serious, he had no clue what a router is.

"You're not going crazy. You're going sane in a crazy world!" ~Tick
Seppuku Arts
Moderator
20
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Aug 2004
Location: Cambridgeshire, England
Posted: 31st Dec 2012 19:30 Edited at: 31st Dec 2012 19:31
Quote: "I therefore always format laptops whenever I get them and load in a retail licence as soon as I get any... I just have no need for HomePremium OSs and all that crap they load... and I simply cannot see why people put the blame on MS for that extra bloatware... kind of makes sense now...
"


I pretty much cleared all the default software on my Acer. When I got my ThinkPad, it was refreshing because instead of pre-installing Norton, it asked me if I wanted to install it and when I booted up first time and I said 'no' and that was the end of it, there was no junkware, just the basic stuff you need to get started and Lenovo's software for maintenance.

But thanks for the explanation, makes sense, I don't like it, but it makes sense. But I'm not exactly forced into Norton myself, I use ESET Smart Security and love it.

MrValentine
AGK Backer
14
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 5th Dec 2010
Playing: FFVII
Posted: 31st Dec 2012 19:32 Edited at: 31st Dec 2012 19:36
Quote: "I'm not even going to explain my phone conversation with a MS tech agent where I had to explain to him what a router was. I'm dead serious, he had no clue what a router is."


Dude, I had to explain what a router was to my previous ISP... was about that time I paid 5 months in advance and ended the contract.......

Happy with BT Business now... [British Telecom Business]

EDIT

SEPP - But they always have Home Premium OSs, I cannot be bothered with that haha

Seppuku Arts
Moderator
20
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Aug 2004
Location: Cambridgeshire, England
Posted: 31st Dec 2012 19:40
I managed to shock some people in Cash Converters because I was able to talk technical details on computers, to be honest, I don't think these people get a lot of training and generally don't expect people to know a lot of what they're talking about, hence people who do know what they're talking about probably don't expect to rely on them for technical help, which kind of makes me thankful that for my customer support job we got technical training. I don't know how to fix a washing machine, but I know enough to actually do my job...

...but an ISP not knowing what a router is? That's pretty special. It'd be like me not knowing what a washing machine drum is...or heck, where the detergent goes.

MrValentine
AGK Backer
14
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 5th Dec 2010
Playing: FFVII
Posted: 31st Dec 2012 19:55
Quote: "where the detergent goes."


Ahahahahahahahaha oh boy oh boy did you bring back fond memories of a house mate lol...

She knocked on my door one night in a panic and asked me to help her with something... she managed to overload the washing machine, packed it with a million pounds of explosives [Half the powder box] and started it and I think it took a week to clean up lol

I asked her why she put the powder in the drum and she said, where else do you put it lol

Fallout3fan
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 9th May 2009
Location:
Posted: 1st Jan 2013 00:42 Edited at: 1st Jan 2013 00:43
I'm stuck... What should my back up be then? A construction worker? Just thinking. Not to be childish sounding or anything.

_!!!!_
,0~U -Well I do say, its been quite a fancy forum for
__-____TheZachadoodle.________________________________
MrValentine
AGK Backer
14
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 5th Dec 2010
Playing: FFVII
Posted: 1st Jan 2013 00:43
Quote: "I'm stuck... What should I be then? A construction worker?"


Depending on the project, that is a fun job! I would love to have that job on Mega Builds

The Zoq2
15
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 4th Nov 2009
Location: Linköping, Sweden
Posted: 1st Jan 2013 01:33
Shouldn't a backupjob be something like working at a store or something similar that can get you some money to live from while you focus on getting your dream job. As far as I know, being a construction worker requires a fair amout of education. I fI was in your situation (which I sort of am) I would focus on becomming a game developer/ film maker. But I may be totaly wrong and end up living on the street
DeadTomGC
14
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 11th Aug 2010
Location: LU
Posted: 1st Jan 2013 03:54
I guess I'll chime in...

jobs in the game industry tend to be more stable. After all, game projects typically take longer than movie projects. Also, teams tend to stick together more.

Also, you have more potential for making money in the game industry. The game industry is already larger than the film industry and there are far more small firms in it. This leads to a market that is closer to perfect competition than the movie industry which is dominated by large corporations.

I hope you make a wise choice.


Libervurto
18
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 30th Jun 2006
Location: On Toast
Posted: 1st Jan 2013 04:05
All I can say is that you can do either, just be prepared to be completely broke until you find success. Yes these are both dream jobs for many people but don't listen to those who say you can't do it, it's a risk but if it's what you really want to do then it's a risk worth taking. There are plenty of people who take safe jobs and end up in careers they never wanted so what have you got to lose?

Shh... you're pretty.
DevilLiger
21
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 21st Nov 2003
Location: Fresno,CA,USA
Posted: 1st Jan 2013 07:36
Do both. Have a major in Games and a minor in movies. Problem solved.

Seppuku Arts
Moderator
20
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Aug 2004
Location: Cambridgeshire, England
Posted: 1st Jan 2013 09:40
Quote: "Shouldn't a backupjob be something like working at a store or something similar that can get you some money to live from while you focus on getting your dream job. As far as I know, being a construction worker requires a fair amout of education."


Can be, I mean that's what I'm doing now (not shop work, but something else that's simple) - I also need to save up for a course, a driver's license and a car to get the job I want . I would suggest also having a backup career option, one you've got skills for. I decided to have quite an open field for the kind of jobs I wanted to get into, the ideal job: writer for Jagex (they're a short bus journey away and they hire writers), but I'd happily be a journalist, I love both. Journalist is the less competitive job, there's plenty of small newspapers who hire and I see adverts regularly enough. Writer jobs at Jagex: they're rare (furthest I've got is an interview). But realistically, as a writer, there are a lot of potential jobs out there, from as dull as copywriting to as exciting as scriptwriting.

Somebody looking to program games, well, programmers are needed in a variety of other fields, if you enjoy programming, well you can transfer your skills into another job if you're not successful in the games industry. When I was unemployed I keep seeing adverts for things like C#, Java and ASP.NET programmers. Of course, that's local to me, I don't know how it is elsewhere.

Login to post a reply

Server time is: 2025-05-17 10:01:17
Your offset time is: 2025-05-17 10:01:17