Why there won't be colored backgrounds (and other features)

[Markus W]

This topic has come up frequently, and I agree with all the benefits and the variety that colored backgrounds would bring to those that wish to draw on colored backgrounds.

Yet, we're not going to support it. Why not, you ask?

It's for the same reason why we won't support different sizes of canvas, different tile size, textured tiles, etc.

It is the certain look and feel that makes TheBroth. It's a little bit like brand recognition. If we suddenly had black or red and green and gray background mosaics, for example, in the gallery, that would really make it look messy and the very specific look of TheBroth would be lost.

Imagine all the other implications... those nifty subtle dropshadows around the canvas wouldn't look any good any more, you couldn't read the player names of others as they're dragging tiles etc. This isn't about opening a can of worms, this is about buying a whole worm farm!

It is exactly the restrictions that TheBroth has which is responsible for its success - the leveling of the playing field. Everyone has only 1000 tiles, and no, you can't have more tiles and no you can't move them all at once or have other advanced tools that turn TheBroth into a mini-Photoshop.

Believe it or not, most of these functions had initially been implemented! You could even have any photo loaded and turn it into its mosaic representation. But where is the fun or the art in that?

I am not even a fan of those photo reproductions in the public gallery that just look like pixelated, low resolution images. While I am sure it was a lot of work to reproduce those, I can't see the merit in it. If I were to enable our image-to-mosaic function, I could have the same in one second with the click of a mouse button. Not very impressive effort, eh?

So - let's summarize this. Some "features" we'll never have, such as more tiles, different canvas size, tile size, colored or image backgrounds, image-to-mosaic loading.

What we WILL do is improve everything else to make collaborative mosaic creation at TheBroth an even more fantastic and fun experience for everyone!

[Freaky Friday]

Couldn't agree more.

I like TheBroth the way it is. It's good to know the "advanced tools" will never be made, the way it is now makes making a masterpiece so much more satisfying once it's done!

[thirty-seven]

Less is more.

[Internet Weasel]

I also agree, although I am guilty or reproducing an image in one of my snapshots, but I just wanted to try it once, to see how hard it was.

[AmidomaRu]

That's true

[tile harder]

agree I like the way it is.

[Ryx]

Yeah, I think colored backgrounds would kind of ruin, or 'spoil' TheBroth.

[misspie]

I understand, but a girl can dream you know? We've all been doing fantastic jobs so far I'm sure we can keep it up!

[KarateGirl]

yes 37, less is more. (hehehe)

[Iridio]

I have just published a message in which I say that i would like more tiles,but now I have read the developers message and now I understand why you wont add more tiles. And I agree, but also personally I would like to recommend to the developers you should keep amazing us if we just have the same features for a long time then we will get a little bored of the same concept.

[Freaky Friday]

I have to disagree, Iridio. Just like too many cooks spoil TheBroth, too many features will spoil TheBroth. I guess the article on why less is more has influenced me.

Give users too many "features" and "options" and they don't know what to do

I'm amazed enough with the beautiful artworks being created on a daily basis and the wonderful people I meet in the mosaics, that's definitely going to keep me from getting bored with this site!

[Shehzeen]

I agree with Freaky. This site is almost impossible to boring and if we consider all the hard work these people r going through its just........ amazing.

[BigTel]

Let's face it if there was anything wrong with the setup you wouldn't be seeing the amazing artworks that we do.
It's simple to use for the 'less naturally artistic' players, and flexible enough to interest the gifted.
I say the balance is perfect.
Knowing the Developers, however, I'm sure they have ides to keep us interested in the future.
Raise a glass to the broth brothers, then raise one to yourselves...the artists.

[KarateGirl]

it IS very difficult to get bored on here, and when i do, i just start another art work...its like IMPOSSIBLE 2 b bored...well, with the exception of being on here after a full day...then bordum creeps up.

[CrackALack_420]

yeah..well i still think more tiles is a good idea. if we could set them before creating a room to 1000,1500, or 2000 and have different galleries for each.