[IGDA_indies] more opinions on the value of the IGDA (esp. for indies)

[Gary Dahl]

>From: "Brandon J. Van Every" <vanevery at indiegamedesign.com>
>Subject: [IGDA_indies] the value of the IGDA
>
>Brian Hook wrote:
> >
> > Most people don't understand the value add of IGDA
>
>I currently view the IGDA as "the legal defense fund."

I'm really interested in hearing what others of you think about this. Since 
receiving one from the first batch of GDC scholarships (for which I am very 
thankful and appreciative), I haven't let my membership lapse. After the 
GDC that year (2001 I think?) I was all excited about starting a student 
chapter at my school. I know a couple of these chapters have recently 
started, but still don't know if there is any real infrastructure for just 
anyone to start one. Anyway, I ended up having to do it alone by setting up 
the Interactive Art Circle at the U of MN. I finished grad school about a 
year ago, and have since talked with several Minnesotans about starting an 
IGDA chapter. Apparently there are not "enough" local developers for the 
IGDA to back such gatherings. So now I'm doing it alone again with local 
Game Academy Monthly Meetings.

I guess I find myself agreeing with Brandon's view of the IGDA as "the 
legal defense fund" more and more every day. I don't find their web 
resources particularly unique or helpful. They haven't contributed to any 
kind of community gathering or building in our area (and as far as I 
understand that just means posting the time/location/topics on their web 
page anyway -- correct me if I'm wrong). Unless, that is, you credit them 
for inspiring me to do what I have, by sending me to the GDC (which there 
is probably some fairness in doing). At the end of the day, I'd like to see 
the IGDA become this great resource for all of us, and I'm very interested 
in hearing how people see that happening... especially among this group of 
"do it yourselfers". One thing I think there is value in having, is a 
central source for everyone to find out about physical location and irc 
based events. It has been nice to see the recent activity in this sig 
toward those ends. Hopefully that, along with this very discussion will 
help get/keep things on track.

Gary Dahl, Game Instructor
http://theGameAcademy.com