ladies are missing!! ( 1

[Jamul]

Well, in Amazin' SPISPOPD, you can be Bouapha or his sister Bouaphetta. Other than that, yes, it seems that the females tend to be giant evil monsters. Wonder if that's psychological? You will be able to play as a female in Loonyland, though I won't say how or who, but it ain't right from the beginning! And she's pretty cool. And don't forget Sol Hunt... she's the female star of Sol Hunt. So it's fairly balanced... or at least not as imbalanced as society! We've got 1 male, 1 both, 1 male with female but she's not there from the beginning, and 1 female. Wow, now I'm proud of myself!



I am very aware of the abnormal gender ratio of the Hamumu fan base. I love it! I see close to or over 50% female names in the orders (although some are surely moms of boys who wanted it). I'm glad, because I have always intended to reach out to a more non-gaming type audience, and historically, the word 'female' just about covers that! I also get a whole lot of older people (30-60), which aren't the typical game players either. I don't know why any of this is, as my games seem pretty typical to me, but it IS what I intended, so that must come through somehow. Now you better go and get all those Londoners to order the game NOW!!!!!! Thanks for the word-of-mouth, it's by far the most effective advertising I get.

Mike Hommel

Marshmallow Head, Hamumu Software

http://www.hamumu.com

jamul@hamumu.comEdited by: Jamul at: 2/26/01 12:54:45 pm

[Anonymous]

I just wanted to welcome you to the forum and tell you how much I appreciated the way you discussed this topic. I have seen so many people approach a topic of this nature (being a woman I think representation of women is very important!!!) in such an abrasive, offensive manner that I couldn't get behind them no matter how much I agreed! Thank you for commenting in a sane, easy to get behind way!

I agree that there should be way more games that represent women (in realistic ways, Lara Croft doesn't count!) and that are aimed at women. I am always so disappointed when I see that all the games marketed for girls include Barbi or make-overs!

I can see what you mean about fewer female characters in Hamumu games and I look forward to Sol Hunt and Loonyland for their balancing qualities. I commend Hamumu for not falling into the "female characters should have huge breasts and small brains" trap. And for doing such a fabulous job of making games that hold the attention of the "fairer sex". Dr. L. was the first computer game that held my interest for more than an hour.

Keep up the excellent work, Mike. And welcome to our little Hamumu forum family, winktwice!
"if the world is night,

shine my life like a light"

[Anonymous]

I couldn't agree more with Sunny's comments. Female characters with big tops, small bottoms, minimal clothing and nothing between the ears cater for, probably, the largest section of the game playing public (males from adolescence to 30). But it's a little insulting and, far worse, really hackneyed (I wanted to say 'cliched', but can't find the accent key). Now I've proved that I'm a modern sensitive man in touch with his feminine side, I'm off down the pub to pull a bird. Not really, I've got a web site to build! btw..good to see another UK fan on the forum, winktwice. Mark.
The Saucy Apprentice

[Anonymous]

I dunno Aleya...it didn't sound like that is what Mike was saying at all to me. I took it to mean that he was happy that so many women bought the game and made up the fan base even tho he knew that probably SOME of the female names he saw were moms buying for kids...or something like that. I dunno. I am just glad that there are other females on the forum. There is actually a very nice balance of male to female in the posts, I think! Anyway, it's nice having a conversation going. I can't wait for Loonyland to come out! GO HAMUMU!!

Sunny
"if the world is night,

shine my life like a light"

[Jamul]

Yeah, I meant that there are a lot of female customers (at or over 50%!), but I know (for various reasons) that some of them are actually moms of young boys. Don't get me wrong, I sure do think a very large percentage are female fans in their own right, and I'm happy about that! Then of course there's certain females who play it themselves AND got it for their young boys! Right, Lisa?

But oops, I had forgotten about Spooky Castle and Kid Mystic. Guess it's not so evenly balanced after all... I'll work on it! Oh, and then there's Eddie Galaxy... At least with him I'm including other species, so I'm not humancentric.

Mike Hommel

Marshmallow Head, Hamumu Software

http://www.hamumu.com

jamul@hamumu.com

[Anonymous]

You hit it right on the head there, Lisa...it is the negative stereotypes that are so offensive to me. (I also agree about women in general not being tempted by a big, buff guy with a gun, but that is an entirely different discussion!!!) And *I* think that games like Tomb Raider (Croft) (that imply that in order for a woman to be special they have to be all that Mark discribed so aptly) are SO damaging to society. Not only are women taught that they aren't good enough, but little boys grow up with a warped sense of reality. They are never gonna find that perfect body in real life...I have the same problem with Barbies, teen fashion mags and pretend make up kits for 3 year olds. No wonder there are so many problems in society.



***Just for the record I don't think any of these things are solely to blame for today's messed up world. Each of these small, potentially harmless things just adds one more roadblock for children growing up. So please don't anyone yell at me!! ***



Now I will get off my soapbox (can you tell I am a teacher?? ) and conclude my tirade with a resounding "Hooray Hamumu" for being so wonderful!!!

Happy weekend, everyone!

Sunny
"if the world is night,

shine my life like a light"Edited by: sunangel at: 3/4/01 9:28:20 am

[Anonymous]

Well, I am a "just-starting-out" teacher. In fact, I am currently subbing. But already I know that some of a teacher's most valuable resources are those parents who are ready and willing to help out! We need so many more like you!

Sunny
"if the world is night,

shine my life like a light"Edited by: sunangel at: 3/4/01 10:39:20 am

[Anonymous]

THose are all teh very reasons I started subbing. I have managed to get myself a wonderful long term position in one of the school I like best! Lucky me!!
"if the world is night,

shine my life like a light"

[Jamul]

I'll put it up if you want!

Mike Hommel

Marshmallow Head, Hamumu Software

http://www.hamumu.com

jamul@hamumu.com

[Anonymous]

Count me in as well. All of the above statements are so true. You can tell the parents that care from those that don't. One of the biggest differences I have seen in my 19 years of teaching (mostly math) is the lack of involvement of parents in everything from cheering at sporting events to volunteering on the weekends for campus cleanup. I have had students go through my school for seven years (it's a 6-12 Christian school) without ever meeting the parents (or multiple sets!) and this includes at graduation. Is it time to start another category just for us teachers to commiserate, or better yet, offer encouragement to one another?

[Anonymous]

Hey, wonderful topics. I am a new elementary teacher. I just recieved my certification to teach. I feel like I am on Cloud 9, and ready to do my best for the students. I am very happy to see that there are other teachers here. Jamul, it would be very nice if you could add a forum area, so that we can discuss things and support one another. I know I had my share of problems, and still do, as a new teacher. This would be very appreciated Jamul. Thank you for offering.



Have a nice day all!

[Anonymous]

I just stumbled onto this site when I was out on the Loony and Dr.L. sites, and I have been reading about all of you teachers!!! I was a teacher for ten years (1st grade), until I had my twins 8 years ago. It is interesting that so many of the women on the board liking Mike's games are teachers!

[Anonymous]

Yeah i see what you people mean, most games are centered around "skimpy" outfits on girls with guns, i think it is pretty annoying that the trend goes that way. BTW my girlfriend has been over playing looneyland, and she likes the witch, so it is meant for all. She said she is going to buy sol hunt when it comes out, i can't wait either.She realy likes to attack the villagers, i find it funny that she thought me weird about it, but now plays it more than me , i just got my computer back while she makes some lunch . Got to go, she made me a sandwich . Get better soon Jamul. Like my new picture, i got it off the site .
sincerely,
Justin989

[Anonymous]

did you notice the teacher forum made special for us?

i for one am glad to see a game that kids think is fun that doesn't involve half-naked women or big guns...do you think that is some of the appeal for teachers?

[Anonymous]

boy! she made you a sandwich AND she plays Loonyland? Quite a gal you have there. Be sure you treat her right. Nothing makes me angrier than people who take advantage of other people's emotions! I know you would never do such a thing! You're a good kid!

I wish I could comment on your pic but it isn't showing up for me!

I am trying to get my pic back again...I lost it when I changed names...is it here yet?
Edited by: sol705 at: 4/21/01 3:45:22 pm

[Anonymous]

She torments me most of the time , like all of a sudden she'll punch me in the arm or throw a pillow at me, then i tickle her till she begs me not to .
sincerely,
Justin989

[Anonymous]

you can't. Go get the full version.