Egras

It's important that the future of custom UI development have as much presedence as the development of new content in EverQuest. We make the game more functional and appealing. Often the players get feedback and attention, but we remain in the dark until after a change has been released. We then backpedal as quickly as we can to get the UIs functional again.

There are three strong desires I have for the future of UI development:

1. A relationship with someone at Sony that handles UIs and their development.

Many of the coders posting on EQInterface have been at this a long time. I for one spend a TON of time in the XML code. Most likely more time than most Sony UI developers. Having someone at Sony with an active relationship with the active custom UI coders would make the UIs we develop the best possible solution and make the game better for the players.

2. Open Beta invites to active UI developers.

If the administrators of this site, knowing who is worthy, would coordinate with Sony to ensure the active custom UI developers have Beta at all times, we could be ahead of the game every time. We would have required patches and updates ready for release dates of new content.

3. The best possible software to make our job easy.

I for one use SIDLWIDL, Notepad, Adobe Photoshop and Painshop Pro to develop the EgrasUI. Im not asking for Sony to fork over the cost of good graphics programs. Thats asking too much. I am asking Sony to assist us in the best possible XML tools possible to work faster and more efficient. I doubt they use SIDLWIDL and Notepad.

In summary...

Sony, help us, help you. I do my custom UI work free of charge and ask for nothing in return, but feedback to continue making it better. Perhaps get involved with us and lets work together to make the one thing each user is guaranteed to see, the best possible product.

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