Shannon's Journal Discussion Thread, Vol. 8

[Shannon]

Wow, I was just about to ask about X4A-2000 and now this!



My questions for Shannon as a (happy) purchaser of X4A-1000 and X4A X4A-1511:



-What improvements can we expect from X4A-1600 that would make it worth purchasing if we already own X4A-1511?

For all of the X4A-1xxx series, the Key Script is exactly the same, with the exception of the generational meta-scripting.  In other words, the instructions themselves do not change, but the generational meta-scripting changes to match the generation they're built in, and that changes how and how well they are executed.  The generation also changes the Skeleton Script significantly.

It's something like taking a diamond and putting it in a silver ring (X4A-1000), and then replacing the ring with a gold ring that is more valuable (X4A-1511) and finally putting that same diamond in a platinum ring (X4A-1600).  All of the X4A-1xxx series uses v1 of the script.  That's what the thousands place numeral denotes.  X4A-2000 is v2, and X4A-3000 would be v3, and so on.  The 1xxx series is never going to be Premium, because that way we always have a reasonably affordable option available.  After that (2xxx and later), they will be Premium because of the amount of work and time that has gone into them, and the cost of testing and development and the results they give.

If you like the results from 1511, there's no need to upgrade.  If you want to have your mind blown at the difference between 5.11G and 6G using the exact same Key Script... and if you want significantly more of what 1511 gave you... well, then you better get your hands on 1600 ASAP!

-Would you consider a discount for people like me who've already paid for the 2 previous versions?

No.  No discount.  I might be using the same Key Script, but this upgrade is WAY too much work getting it into 6G and making it work properly.  I may have been able to do the obvious work quickly, but the behind the scenes work to make that possible has been an absolute nightmare.  And then there's our policy that 6G will never be discounted, or go on sale.  

-Is this the final version of this specific X4A line? If I purchase this one there won't be another one down the road as 6G is the "final" technology?

Yes.  1600 is the end of the line for what I can do to make the 1xxx series work better, so it will be the last in the 1xxx series.

-What are the differences between X4A-1600 and X4A-2000 if X4A-2000 gets released?

The 1xxx series is the first iteration of the script.  It is a really good, solid, well thought out and well done script, which is why it is worth re-releasing like this.  It has more potential to it that we were able to get in 5.9G and even 5.11G.  That's a damned good script.

2000 attempts to take everything I learned from the 1xxx series and extend and improve on it, make the results more obvious, more rapid, and more aggressive.  There is more, but I don't have the scripts in front of me to compare and contrast, and with such long, intricate scripts, you'll understand if I don't have the goals memorized.    Basically, what would make 1xxx worth Premium prices?  That's what I was going for.

If you release X4A-2000 I'm pretty sure I'll be an instant buyer which would make my purchase of X4A-1600 pointless as I'd imagine it would become redundant if I had X4A-2000?

Thank you kindly!

I hate to tell you guys this, but... X4A-2000 will not be released.  Sorry.  I can't do that to you when it's already been rendered obsolete by a later version.  We are still in the process of building the latest version of X4A and testing it.  It will not be coming out soon.  It also will definitely be a Premium, and it will definitely not be cheap.  Not just because of what preliminary tests have shown it is capable of before refinement, but because I will need to do what I can to keep this sort of thing out of the hands of kidiots.  Right now, I am busy getting everything I can built in 6G ASAP so I have time for AM7 and X4A.  

The next version of X4A should be possible for me to consider building near the end of this month, but is most likely to be built and begin testing next month.  It will need between 1 and 3 months of testing from there.  I have some surprises for you concerning this new version of X4A.  It's been pretty eye opening.  But patience.  It has to be done right, and right now I have to focus on other things.