Modding is a enjoyable pass time that brings together the works of many and moulds them into truly unique works. But it is also time consuming and requires much patience. Add to this a good lashing of imagination and the planning of such, and you will find the need of a comfortable, relaxed environment. Sometimes it is hard to focus on a task when the peaceful state of mind cannot be found. So what do you do? What are some of the routines? Maybe a coffee? Maybe a time of day? Maybe something more outlandish? Here we could find the answer to this and other mysteries of the ages.

While I was reading that I had a weird vision of Manny from Black Books reading from his Little Book of Calm

I don't have any insights. I work in bursts interposed with long stretches of doing nothing when I use any excuse to do something easier (like reading these forums), especially when about to tackle something new. I'm not sure I ever achieve a relaxed state of mind. It's more a case of "Oh God, I'd better do this, this and this if I'm ever going to make any headway". The only motivation is the desire to finish and play the mod. At the same time, I start to have visions of new mods I could make...

On careful anolysis across many forums....

There are two groups it seems.

There are those who like the high pressure of result based modding. Put a deadline on them and they will pump productivity until the time runs out, the pressure of the end result driving them forth. Death metal music and constant chain smoking helps ease the tension along with a common "tick" of glancing at the time every thirty seconds. Caffine is essential, and without it the project grinds to a shuddering halt. This modder will prefer a high energy diet to the likes of pizza and sugared/caffinated beverages. Late night grinds are not uncommon and is the best time to spot this modder in their native environment.


Alternatively there are those who seek relaxation and experimentation to the high pressure push to result. Green tea and soothing music feed this modders appetite along with regular breaks and a healthy diet of yoghurt and berries. When left to themselves, these modders fixate over the smallest detail and are in no hurry to achieve the end result. Deadlines are unknown and some projects may take years to complete, if completed at all. But this will not concern them. It's a part of the passtime. Cold weather and rainy days suit these modders best. They are likely to be found in the early morning sporting dressing gowns and fuzzy slippers.

Both groups are valuable to a project. And there are shurely hybrids of the two.

The study continues....