Partial Grammar Mod Completed, But...

from GalCiv2 Forums
I've edited 10 of the .xml files containing in-game text. My edits do the following:

1) Correct numerous grammar and punctuation mistakes (a comma here, a dangling participle there)

2) Improve clarity (many of the descriptions are easier to read but do not really differ in terms of content from the original)

3) Remove typos (such as the infamous "ideal for a heavy figher" in the small hull description)

4) Enhance consistency (the description of the large hull now correctly states that it takes 6 logistics points to coordinate, mass drivers are no longer two words in one place but hyphenated in another, UP issues now refer to changes/week instead of /month, the Industrialists are given a plural name like almost every other political party has - and more)

5) Provide more assistance (the "basic factory" description contains a useful account of its in-game effects, but the original "basic lab" description only said "improves research" - the "basic lab" description now contains an account of how the installation will affect research points - and this is only one example out of several).

The following files have been corrected (from their 1.11 versions - the most recent)

Anomalies
Events
GC2Ships
GC2Types
InvTactics
Planet Improvements
Political Parties
Starbase Modules
Tech Tree
UP Issues

(Flavor Text and GC2Conversations are next, but these will take a little time because they are quite extensive.)

I've submitted a zip-file containing these 10 files to the Mod Library, but I haven't heard back on whether it was accepted.

BUT...

With every new iteration of GC2 some or all of these .xml files will be part of the new download - meaning that any grammar changes will simply be overwritten when a new upgrade comes out. Does anyone know how (or if) the text descriptions can be retained with future upgrades?
modding
9,595 views 13 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Oh - I've studied and taught English grammar and literature for almost 10 years, so I didn't just pull these corrections and changes out of my... well, you know.
Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I guess its an ok mod for grammar 'freaks' like you or others that are annoyed by the grammar, but I don't mind too much, unless its so rampant that its difficult to read.

IMO it'd probably be easier to submit the grammar errors to Stardock and I'm sure they will gladly fix them for the next patch.
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Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
IMO it'd probably be easier to submit the grammar errors to Stardock and I'm sure they will gladly fix them for the next patch.


I agree...but it should be even easier for them to include the fix now somebody's already done all the work for them.

I'm pretty confused why they've been changing game mechanics without spending the minute or so it would take to get the UI descriptions up to date at the same time. If they wait 'til a later patch it could be a nightmare tracking them all down!
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Random,

As a software developer I can tell you why documentation edits lag the software realities (or are plain wrong).

It boils down to a number of reasons.
1. Most developers hate to write documentation, and hence just block out that part of the product from their thinking.
2. When things are in a state of flux, edits to docs tend to be dlayed so we only have to do them once, once they are not in flux, the edits are forgotten...
3. The documentation falls through the cracks.
4. Developers hate to write documentation.
5. Doc updates might need to be translated, so it is best to wait to get the code complete before getting the docs done and translated (costs cash to get them translated, and you don't want to shell out more often than you have to)
6. Insert new reason here...

You get the idea.

The Schu
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I definitely appreciate the effort you went to fix these up, DWellsian, that's very constructive.
Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
the grammar mistakes don't bother me all that much, I would rather they fix other more important things, but I know where you are coming from
Reply #7 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I am bothered more by people who are bothered by grammar mistakes, than by the grammar mistakes themselves. I would also have a tendeny to cut a race that has achieved interstellar travel some slack. Remember, a preposition is something you should never end a sentence with.
Reply #9 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Yep, I sure do hate people that try to improve the game, and damn them for realising that a single incorrect comma can change the entire meaning of a sentance.

Bastard!
Reply #10 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
DWellsian . I am happy that you've made the corrections. I think that you should go directly to stardock and see about getting it included in the main code base.

-Brian
Reply #11 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Yes - get them included. Nothing says 'amatuer' quite like 'figher'.
Reply #12 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Hey, I just saw this mod in the library, but i keep getting an 'error' page (it did the same for a few other mods)
Would it be possible for you to upload somewhere else?
I, too, appreciate well written english, even if it's not my first language.
Reply #13 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I reposted the mod to the library, but it's pending approval again. Could take a couple of days. While I don't have anywhere to upload it, I would be happy to email the files to anyone who wants them. Zipped up all together it's only about 90kb.

PS, "GC2_Conversations" edit coming soon. If you're tired of races asking you to "untie" against an aggressor, this one is for you. As with all the edits, I'm trying to stay as close as possible to the original text, so many of the changes will be subtle - but there are some real howlers in this file.