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by: GothicMixx

*Disclaimer – This editorial is solely the viewpoint of the writer, and does not represent the collective views of PMM or PFM magazines.*
 
Another month rolls by and the longest beta test I have ever participated in continues. Some of the more interesting things that have occurred recently are Client revamps which change the layout somewhat, graphic improvements, homepage tweaks and the newest thing bound to polarize people into 2 groups – Badges. Most have been for the betterment and to be honest that’s no mean feat considering the huge range and resource differences that a singular chat client release must cover. Think about it for a moment. This program must operate relatively the same over a variety of OS systems whilst being fully compatible to them all. It must be able to run on machines ranging from grannies hand me down pc through to laptops going upward to bleeding edge PC’s. That’s no small feat.
 
Keeping that in mind people should be a little more open to change in how the client runs and moves. As always the tech support do listen and participation in the form new release area is the only way you can be sure that someone in the code monkey department is listening.
 
However...Far from being a glowing polished piece, I believe this client still has a long way to go in as far as cross platform user interfaces go. To that end is it really important to be developing such trivialities as badges, when folks are still experiencing slow and less than stellar performances that can handle most normal 3d games for breakfast. Case in point, a machine that can handle say …Command and Conquer 3 or World of Warcraft should, if theory holds true, handle a basic chat client with ease. Facts remain that this basic chat client is still a very resource hungry application.

Badges it would seem are just another form of price gouging revenue cash cows for a company that already makes real world money from us hand over fist. Let’s not even bring up the fact that now people will be more interested in visiting you merely for a small square pixel badge rather than meeting you. Are we now at the stage where quantity of shiny stuff seems to be the more important quality of the client program? Hard to say but its one that bears watching. Especially when, that creative talent could be better spent on improving the catalog and forums. We shall see what next month brings.
 
*Author Profile: GM is an angry man at times, not for the sake of it but more for the fact that at times he can’t grasp why people insist on making things more difficult than they need be. This from a man who gets ticked off by small fiddly things such as Tiny screws, threading needles, bra clasps….

Looking for a place to go and celebrate St Patrick's Day? The Shamrock Fest, held in the Nation's Capital, is the largest and most exciting St Patrick's Day festival on the East Cost. It will be featuring more than 50 live bands and DJs. You have two ticket options if you decide to go.

 
 MAIN EVENT TICKET: Includes Access to Ten Massive "Main Event" Party Areas - Featuring:

    * 40+ acres of party space!
    * Dozens of MAJOR, live entertainers
          o Incredible band lineup
                + Best Irish rock lineup in the country and best party band lineup in country
          o Huge, DJ Zone
                + Absolutely amazing DJ lineup: Junior Sanchez, Joel & Benji Madden, Enferno, Kay Jay, etc.
    * Eight enormous Main Event performance stages
    * Acres of rides, games & amusements
    * Nation's one and only "DC Gaels Irish Village" Featuring: Shamrock Pub Games.
          o Join DC Gael's, DC Armor, DC Roller Girls and all the area’s finest Irish restaurants and pubs, as they bring you nonstop entertainment including the Shamrock Pub Games, authentic Irish entertainers, and much more
    * Multiple strolling entertainers
    * Irish entertainment: DC Firefighters Bagpipes & Drums, Irish Dancers, tons O' authentic Irish bands & more!
    * ELEVEN massive MAIN EVENT party zones including huge covered areas, as well as outdoor activities
    * Multitude of food, beer, activity and awareness booths
    * Huge NCAA hoops viewing tent
    * Free souvenir mugs for first 20,000 guests served
    * Give-aways, prizes, party favors and more!
                      * All Ages welcome in the Main Event areas.


VIP TICKET: Includes Access to All Main Event Party Areas, as well as Access to Multiple VIP Areas – Featuring:

    * All your beer is included in the VIP ticket price featuring: Bud Light, Budweiser American Ale & Bass
    * Premium viewing areas of all major performance stages
    * Private VIP band stage with special performances by major acts
    * Hot 99.5 Club VIP tent featuring famous international, as well as local DJs
    * Exclusive NCAA hoops viewing area
    * NEW: VIP "Sideshow" Tent - Gotta see it to believe it. Too wild for words!
    * New: VIP food vendor area
    * A complimentary, limited-edition ShamrockFest '08 mug
    * Separate VIP entrance
    * Additional bathrooms
    * VIP seating areas

                                * You must be 21 to buy VIP Tickets and to enter the VIP areas.
                              ** VIP Ticket sales are limited.


So go get your green on and enjoy a day of rock, irish, reggae, retro, and folk music. Don't forget about the food, drinks and dozens of party areas spread out over more than 40 acres. For prices and/or to buy tickets, visit: Shamrock Fest Ticket Info