[Unknown,Unknown]

Good ideas, Ken and alljoe0. I’ve had a couple emails from JT and him and I are going to talk further to coordinate. alljoe0, if you were willing to spend some time and gather more links for us, and check for old links that should be removed, that would be great.

I’ve graduated from University a couple years ago now with a BA in English Literature. I’m currently an assistant manager at a Chapters store, the largest chain of bookstores here in Canada similar to Barnes & Noble.

My free time outside of full-time work is in good part spent working on a very large Sierra archival project… we’re putting together some actually really cool stuff, it’s just that none of it has materialized in an online form on this site. I look forward to working with JT to make SierraGamers more what it should be.

[Unknown,Unknown]

You may have seen some design documents available for download at Al Lowe’s site http://www.allowe.com, for some of the Larry games and the Freddy Pharkas game (possibly Torin’s Passage as well? I forget). Having had the chance to look at Roberta’s design documents, I can tell you one thing – they are much, MUCH longer. They are literally in the thousands of pages. The last time I inquired with Ken about this, he couldn’t find digital copies of Roberta’s design documents. Perhaps he could check again.

[Unknown,Unknown]

JT:

You have been upgraded….

Email me anytime .. kenw @ seanet.com

-Ken W

[Unknown,Unknown]

very cool ken. i have known about your talkspot system for a while since i have been coming to this site for a few years now, but i hadn’t tried it till now. it’s very nice. i love the editor, especially the different modules that you can use at the bottom. it’s all very easy to use. i usually make my sites from scratch since i despise most editors, but yours is great.

i’m still interested in helping out. i’m going to mess around with talkspot some more tonight and get more familiar with it. would i be able to email you if i have any questions?

JT

[Unknown,Unknown]

JT:

The other thing that “could” be done, is to make the site look prettier. Currently, it is pretty dull. Making it look better isn’t easy (especially if you aren’t an artist) .. but, it is certainly possible.

-Ken W

[Unknown,Unknown]

Greetings JT…

Perhaps Brandon can jump in and add some ideas, but here are the kinds of things I’d do if I had the time:

• Try to think of interesting things to post from time to time on the message boards, to facilitate discussion and keep people involved and talking.
• Try to think of interesting lists to put on the site

• Links to interesting sierra-related sites
• Links to sites of ex-Sierra people
• Links to the most “interesting” threads on the message board
• Links to sites for games that people who liked Sierra’s games might like
• Links to sites where sierra’s older games can be downloaded
• Links to the handiest message board threads telling how to run old games on modern computers

[Unknown,Unknown]

i would definetly be willing to step up and do it. i have quite a bit of web developement experience. the only problem is that i am unfamiliar with the system that you use for the site, but i am quick to pick up on things. what do you and brandon actually do for the site day to day? i don’t really see the site being that hard to manage. where do you want the site to actually end up? are there specific goals that you would like to see done besides the integration of the sierra archives?

JT

[Unknown,Unknown]

Normally I’d agree with you .. but, the problem in this particular case is that I think we could use at least one more highly passionate administrator.

I think both Brandon and I have good intentions, but I don’t think either of us would tell you that we’ve done a great job of administrating the site. It’s something that is incredibly fun and rewarding if you take the time to do it right — but, it takes time, and if you don’t have spare time — it isn’t going to work.

My long-term distraction is Talkspot and Boating. Each are a full-time job. Plus there’s retirement, which is also a full-time job (lots of neighbors who are always saying “Let’s golf!”.  I’m not sure what Brandon is up to, but my recollection is that he is a full-time student, and studying hard.

So… my post was a subtle way of encouraging someone to step forward and offer to help.

-Ken W

[Unknown,Unknown]

Ken:

I don’t think it is needed to give “admin rights” to the site to other persons, to add some basic material, as was mentioned in the postings below. I sure there are members that are willing to invest some time and supply the administrator(s) with material. The administrator(s) have to create a format of course, and the “helping hands” can deliver the content. It isn’t such a big job, I mean adding some basic material (such as a pretty complete link of fan sites, a growing archive of cover scans, or a demo archive etc.). Making a list of of Sierra fan sites (names, urls and perhaps a short description) can be done in half a day, and the administrators can edit the cool links page in a quarter of an hour or less. More time of course is needed to create a format for box scans. A contributor system like MobyGames has (with uploading and approval) is perhaps too complicated, but a simple preliminary format is possible, e.g. just adding box after box in categories (thumbnails and big pop-ups) one after another and making it alphabetical or more elaborated when a category is completed. When the format is done, the administrator(s) can ask the members to scan the boxes they have for the different categories (adventure game, action game) etc. I am sure many of us will try to help.

[Unknown,Unknown]

I’d love to but I just bought a house 🙂

[Unknown,Unknown]

Steve,

Quote:
…

Savage, Steve, 2007-03-21 09:11:40

Thanks, I’ve never seen some of these collections before.
Would you mind if I posted these photos on my site?
http://www.sierra-collector.com/games/collections.cfm…

Be my guest.

You’re also welcome to buy them, as well. I need the money!

Regards,
– Alistair

[Unknown,Unknown]

That does make a lot of sense, money wise.  But if what the original poster of that thought said was true, they probably wouldn’t even notice.  I’m still a little hesitant on just continuing my book with the writing still intact.  I want to make sure I’ve got all the possibilities in mind.

I guess if anyone has any advice for me and my writing this stuff personally, I’d appreciate the help.  I do appreciate everyone’s replies, even if they don’t please me.

[Unknown,Unknown]

Oh, don’t worry about it.  *sighes*  I’m taking care of everything.

[Unknown,Unknown]

Alljoe:

Currently, Brandon is the only person with “admin rights” on this website (other than myself).

Both Brandon and I have been busy people, and neither of us has had the freetime to put a ton of energy into tweaking things on this site.

If you, or anyone else, has the time and energy, and wants admin rights – let me know and we can talk about it. The site needs more attention than Brandon or I can give it. All help is appreciated. The only issue is to not have too many people trying to steer things too many different directions. I’m confident that is a manageable issue.

I confess that this is a low priority for me. My Sierra years were a high-point of my life, and also of a lot of other people’s lives. But that said, I left the company TEN years ago, and it has been somewhat dead (or, at least the Sierra I knew), for nearly as long. Nothing I can do will bring those days back, and I’ve never been a nostalgia kind of guy. They were good times, and I miss them, and I’m proud of them — but, that was then and this is now.

-Ken W

[Unknown,Unknown]

Brandon, glad to read that you would also like to see an archive website and a centralized site that connects them all. That should be this site of course. There are obvious reasons not to make it a separate site; in fact I just quoted one of your arguments. I understand from Ken’s mail that Ken’s software can handle it, so there is no technical problem. And even it wouldn’t suffice I would still use the same domain (sierragamers.com), with a separate directory and other software.
As you say there are a lot of great Sierra sites out there. I still wonder why only a very small number of sites was added. (note Ugarte and the Inventory are long gone).
Again, it is easy to figure out various sound reasons to add those sites (centralize, so easy to access and use; motivate fans; cooperation between fans and this site etc.). There’s hardly anything against it. It’s an very easy job, and if you want to distinguish some key sites, just add the other to a last category (other links).
I did read your explanation about the TSA team. Are you sure that TSA team is still walking around on this planet? If the person your refer too is the same person that writes old game reviews for an adventure game site, I guess he is at least, but I fear his priorities have changed. If nothing has happened after several years, I guess the time has come to consider alternatives. Not waiting till the project is finished, but split it up in say ten parts, with a time line, and a dead line for the first part, say by August. Or otherwise use the potential in the forums here. As said I am sure some are willing to help to create a basic archive.

PS: The Phantasmagoria site is included in the posting with the links below. Here it is again:
http://anthonylarme.tripod.com/phantas/index.html
But again, I hope you will include all Sierra related sites. Gladly willing to spent an afternoon to send you a list with names and urls, and if wanted a short description.

[Unknown,Unknown]

“Excuse my seeming callousness, but really- Vivendi won’t care unless you actually write to them and alert them of your work…”

Another case in which they would care … if the book makes millions $$$…

[Unknown,Unknown]

Thanks, I’ve never seen some of these collections before.
Would you mind if I posted these photos on my site?
http://www.sierra-collector.com/games/collections.cfm

[Unknown,Unknown]

Steve,

Thanks for the reply. A few items (under 10) have gone now, but none of those collection/compilation boxes.

They can be seen here:

Sierra Award Winners (different shots shows different contents):
http://smc.sq7.org/assorted/100_2827.JPG
http://smc.sq7.org/assorted/100_2828.JPG
http://smc.sq7.org/assorted/100_2829.JPG
http://smc.sq7.org/assorted/100_2830.JPG

Golden 7:
http://smc.sq7.org/assorted/100_2831.JPG

Sierra’s Value Pack:
http://smc.sq7.org/assorted/100_2832.JPG
http://smc.sq7.org/assorted/100_2833.JPG
NOTE: Missing Hoyle disks.

Sierra’s Value Pack 3 in 1:
http://smc.sq7.org/assorted/100_2834.JPG

Sierra’s Quest for Adventure: (Australian only release I think)
http://smc.sq7.org/assorted/100_2835.JPG

Dynamix Sample Pack:
http://smc.sq7.org/assorted/100_2836.JPG
http://smc.sq7.org/assorted/100_2837.JPG

Sierra’s Action Five:
http://smc.sq7.org/assorted/100_2838.JPG
NOTE: Missing Zeliard manual.

I hope that satisfies your visual needs 🙂

As for eBay, I’ve sold games there before, but for me it’s a last resort. I want genuine collectors buying from me, I want the games to go to a good home.

Quite often I have a near-perfect condition box that I simply don’t want to be treated poorly, or resold. Collectors simply don’t do that 🙂

But of course, given that Sierra fans seem to hardly ever reply to these kind of threads on any Sierra forum I’ve ever visited, eBay is a likely end result for the unsold ones.

Regards,
– Alistair

[Unknown,Unknown]

I sent you an email, Ken, so that we can chat.

I’ve updated the links page with the Mosely site that alljoe0 posted and the Ken interview that Nico posted. I’ll tackle keessp’s list shortly.

alljoe0, I’m sorry, I don’t see a Phantasmagoria site link? Could you point that one out to me again, I’m sorry I missed it and I’ll definitely add it in.

[Unknown,Unknown]

With all due respect, Lindsey, Sierra (Vivendi) not only has no knowledge of King’s Quest VII or passion for it, they probably won’t read your book, and even if they did, would never put together Etheria in your book and KQ7.

Basically, unless you mention King’s Quest or Rosella or whatever, you’re home free.

Excuse my seeming callousness, but really- Vivendi won’t care unless you actually write to them and alert them of your work, in which case you’ll probably get a ‘Our copyright’ email. What else are they going to say.

– Alistair

[Unknown,Unknown]

Thanks for taking your time out Ken! All very interesting info…
I did some research, and it seems Randy Dersham is still involved with the gaming industry to some degree. His last title with Sierra was in 1999, and he has been working with Acclaim Entertainment, and his last credited title was in 2005.
Also, some interesting old interviews with you and Roberta you might be interested in seeing, seeing as it was a whole decade ago:
<A href=”http://www.justadventure.com/Interviews/Ken_Williams/Ken_Williams_Interview.shtm”>http://www.justadventure.com/Interviews/Ken_Williams/Ken_Williams_Interview.shtm</A&gt;

[Unknown,Unknown]

My memory is a little foggy … so, if anyone remembers this better than me, feel free to jump in..

Here’s what was agreed:

1) I was to go onto CUCs board as Vice-Chairman. My understanding was that this would put me “above” Bob Davidson, even though he would run the software business day to day. My goal was to give him the independence he needed to succeed, but I thought this corporate role would allow me the visibility, and voice, to intercede if things weren’t going well.
2) I was to become the third member of the “Office of the President” with CUCs two existing co-Presidents
3) A software board was going to be formed, which would have Bob Davidson, Myself, Mike Brochu (Sierra’s President) and I believe Kirk Shelton of CUC (who is not in jail)
4) No major decisions were to be made (such as dropping product lines, or consolidating functions) without prior review by the software board
5) I was to stay responsible for Sierra’s R&D

Once the deal was done, all of this was forgotten almost immediately.

Did I mention that the top two CUC executives, who were responsible for this deal, have been given jail sentences?

I still cannot honestly say that I believe they were crooks, although their actions (and convictions) speak for themselves. Other than their not being honest with me about how Sierra would be operated post-acquisition I never saw any hint that they weren’t honest, hardworking, highly successful people.

-Ken W

[Unknown,Unknown]

Quote:
…

nico, r., 2007-03-20 15:00:13

1) When did you officially step down as CEO of Sierra? I’ve seen sources from PR Newsire refer to you as the CEO as late as May 1997 (from when Sierra signed on Half Life) and yet some sources that say you left in July 1996 after the sale was complete.

*** My memory is that the sale didn’t close until July 1996, even though we announced it in Feb 1996. When the acquisition closed, I immediately gave up control of Sierra, and took over a pionnering R&D project for CUC to do on-line shopping (called NetMarket). I tried to stay as much out of the communications loop as I could post-acquisition. I didn’t want to risk undermining the new management team.

2) Who were Scott Lynch, Randy Dersham, Michael Brochu and Bill Moore and what were their roles in Sierra after you left? 

*** Scott Lynch was a product manager on Half-Life. He left to become a hauncho at Valve just after the sale (or, was it before?)
*** Randy Dersham was the head of our Dynamix subsidiary in Oregon. An incredibly creative guy! I miss him, and hope he went on to great things, but I have no idea what happened to him. He was still running Dynamix when we sold the company.
*** Michael Brochu was my President at Sierra. He ran things day to day at Sierra while I focused primarily on building great product. We worked very well together, and complimented each others skill-set well. I still golf with him from time to time.
*** Bill Moore was an ex-Starbucks marketer who took over marketing at Sierra. Bill put in place a brand management program that was a huge factor in our success. He was still running marketing when the company was sold.

3) What role did Bob Davidson have in Sierra?

*** Bob ran the consolidated company post-acquisition. He quickly ran afoul of the CUC group, and left the company. Given that the CUC group that Bob didn’t get along with has now been convicted of fraud and at least one of the indivuals is in prison, I think the company was doomed whether I or Bob ran it.

4) Why didn’t Sierra ever seriously enter into console gaming?

*** We should have, and would have had I stayed involved. There was a “minimum” power level that I thought had to be in place for the kinds of games I wanted Sierra to produce to be relevant to game machines. I was especially interested in massively multiplayer games, and would have wanted to pioneer that entire segment on game machines.

5) Last but not least, have you ever considered writing a book which would detail the history of Sierra? I know there’s the book ”Hackers” but that book only spans to approximately 1982 or ’83, before King’s Quest was released. A history of the company from ’79-’98 from the guy who founded and led it would be very interesting….

*** I’ve certainly considered it, and will probably write something, using a ghost writer to do most the work, someday. But, I just can’t seem to find the time to focus on it!

[Unknown,Unknown]

In the early days, when the software behind this site was REALLY gutless and buggy, I could understand the need for a seperate site — but, not today. The talkspot.com software running this site is far from perfect, but I can’t imagine a feature you would want that this site couldn’t handle.

Why not just upload the files here?

-Ken W

[Unknown,Unknown]

There was once a site called The Sierra Archives, founded by Jouke Koning. It was then taken over by Martijn van Es and his team. When Ken started SierraGamers, it was decided to integrate TSA into SierraGamers. Martijn continued work on the site, and I started re-formatting TSA to improve it while keeping the current design and features.

There was then discussion of completely re-doing the site from scratch as a database site, which would allow for basically a zillion and one very cool features. This never got past a conceptual stage, due to how much work it was.

While “big projects” are in progress, I agree that it would be great to have an archive website. It doesn’t need to be fancy or a huge database – though of course, that would be nice. It just needs to get the job done. There are already lots of great Sierra fan sites out there. What is needed is a centralized site that connects them all.

I would propose to resurrect TSA site as a separate site from SierraGamers. SierraGamers would be the message board portion, and TSA would be the content portion. SierraGamers would link to TSA, and TSA would link back to SierraGamers. I will not be looking for web developers, as I will handle the design and updates for simplicity and consistency. But I will welcome submissions of content and I will make updates regularly. The reason I suggest to make TSA a separate site is that I can host it on my own server, which has plenty of bandwidth and storage space, which again allows me to do a very easy job of it.

I would like your opinion on a domain name for the site.

sierraarchives.com?
tsa.com?
thesierraarchives.com?
sierra-archives.com?

I will be in contact with all original members of the TSA team.

I do not want to let you guys down with more promises of content and work that doesn’t happen. That is why I’m suggesting this format, because I know I can get it done, while anyone will be free to contribute. Please let me know your thoughts, and I will proceed.

[Author]

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