The When Thunder Rolled Project's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are still in development, but here's a few to get you started. Also, we will be opening a discussion forum shortly as well. Please be sure to check back soon for more updates!
Q. This "When Thunder Rolled" project sounds interesting, and I am interested in contributing to help carry on the legacy. What type of support are you looking for?
A. First and foremost, we’re looking for someone that can make and keep a commitment to an assigned task. We ask that you please don’t waste our time or yours by offering to help when you have too many other competing demands. We’re looking for a variety of help: historians and researchers, someone with a passion to help us improve the overall accuracy and realism of the project. Beyond that, we could use a few more texture artists, target placement gurus and terrain foliage wizards (favoring those with existing Thirdwire knowledge of course) or feel free to suggest something else! Please contact us if you are interested in contributing or fill out the Feedback Form - thanks for your consideration!
Q. I am interested in contributing, but what do I get in return?
A. What do you want in return? I pride myself on establishing a team that has always felt they have been fairly treated, and I intend to keep it that way. Many team members do it to support the cause and offer their efforts on a free and volunteer basis, just asking that proper credit / acknowledgment is provided in return. Others want to build their professional portfolios by contributing to a commercial add-on and have asked us to serve as a reference for them. Finally, others have asked for money - so where needed I will be more than willing to financially reimburse you at a fair and mutually agreeable rate if that is preferred.
Q. I have a question that is not covered in this FAQ or have a recommendation, who should I contact?
A. You can contact the When Thunder Rolled Admin directly via email, click here to send a message…
Q. The provided info says this is a “commercial add-on”, does that mean it will cost money? Why are you charging for this?
A. The When Thunder Rolled project actually started off down a freeware path, but the ability to recruit and retain niche talents became a challenge. Many “volunteers” offered their help with the best intentions, but then dropped out for any number of reasons along the way, resulting in months of lost work, re-work and even some models disappearing. It was then that I began to actively seek outside contracting services, which of course came at a significant price. Over time, I assembled a small “blended” global team of “outside” specialists and “inside” specialists (those familiar with the Thirdwire engine and modding). However, I had made a commitment to Ed Rasimus and wasn’t about to let price get in the way, even though costs have far exceeded expectations….
Therefore in my honest opinion, the personal investments no longer made it practical to give the project away for free. My expectation is that due to the niche market, it is highly unlikely that the When Thunder Rolled project will be profitable - it is foremost a labor of love. I have been blessed along the way by many great people that have remained loyal and helped transform this vision into a reality. With that in mind I also hope to do my best to give back additional reimbursement to those that have significantly contributed to the project rather than prosper from personal gain. However, with the passing of Ed there are always other options to explore and those may include charitable donations to organizations that he was fond of.
Q. How much are you going to charge?
A. Pricing has not been set at the current time. We are also waiting on some needed approvals for some proposed exclusive project functionality that would impact pricing. However, to make it affordable for most, we are exploring a tiered pricing model. This would include the ability to purchase a Bronze (lowest cost), Silver or Gold (highest cost) package that progressively adds features. So, for those that don’t need a historically and extremely detailed Thunderchief cockpit, perhaps just the Bronze package might be right for you. For those that really want the “works” including all custom models and enhancements, perhaps the “Gold” package might be right for you. You get the idea…