Hello

[Richardb]

Thanks pyrandon. Funny thing about cartography... not exactly something to chat about with my friends. When I mention it is a hobby, you'd think I told them I'm into goat porn or something the way they look at me (actually, they might understand that better). My wife calls it my 'nerdy' hobby.
I work on maps most every night, it is relaxing. I've done some maps for some small time authors, and even had some interaction with the founder of the judges guild about using some of my concepts for an expansion of the original wilderlands project at one point. Gave him permission to use anything he wanted from my materials free of charge, and have not heard where their project is, if anywhere, or if any of my stuff made it in to their planning. I've done a few paying jobs, and realized I hate them... I like the creative side, not the work side. Deadlines and meeting the visualization of another person is just not my thing. It is not just the maps, but the world itself that calls to me. Establishing demographics, history, etc, is all part of the fun. I wrote a novel published with a small australian publisher that actually came about purely as an offshoot of cartography and worldbuilding. The world and its history sort of delivered the storyline to me at some point, and I ended up taking it from history to story.

[RPMiller]

As a fellow CC user of many years (not nearly as long as you though) I'm looking forward to your contributions to the community. We need to get more folks over here from the email list so that they can really start showing off the power of a CAD program when it comes to mapping. We have users of other vector programs such as Illustrator as well, and the whole is definitely greater than its parts to be sure.

[Richardb]

I have always been interested in applying a finishing touch to my CC maps with a package like illustrator. However, one thing I've learned is that too much detail kills the usability of the map as much as too little. As much as I've wanted to at times, I've come to realize that a map is a 'concept' and its job is to provide a rapid and easily assimilated overview of what the audience needs to know: geographic, demographic, etc. If you attempt to 'show' everything (every forest, the difference between woods, and wooded grasslands, etc) then you start taking the mystery out of the mix, and overstimulating the viewer. It is a hard mix to master. So, ultimately, I stay away from the use of multiple tools (I admit, I love the looks of some maps that have adobe finishing touches, though). Also, I sort of believe that by really immersing myself into CC3, I can learn all the nuances, and pull every ounce of capabilities it has, and there is a lot it can do that folks may not realize, and I don't realize, until I challenge myself to create a certain effect.

[RobA]

Welcome aboard!

Looking at the flurry of your initial postings, I feel safe saying that you will make a great addition!

-Rob A>

(and 30 years experience makes you a veritable guru compared to us hacks come much more recently to the hobby!)

[Richardb]

I am sure my postings may slow... I am pretty excited to find a good mapping site. I started my own a year and a half ago (fantasymapper.com) but really did not promote it, and only got a few people signed up...
What I have noticed is that many people seem to lurk but not post. I'd love to see more chat happening!

[RPMiller]

As would we! The general forums are a great place to strike up some conversations about whatever. Hint, hint.

[jaerdaph]

Welcome, Richard! Always good to see more CC3 users here