I know, all this hub-bub about "connect to my server", "download this program", and you guys dont even know what Im talking about... Figured Id give a personal, "unbiased", detailed explanation of what HotLine Client is, how it works, and what I am doing with it...

HotLine was a "group" (you can do some research on "BigRedH" or "HotSprings") that created 2 applications... HotLine "Client", and HotLine "Server"... The Client allows people to connect to people who have properly set up a server, using the Server program. The HotLine programs allow people to directly connect their computers using their internet connection in a safe and controlled environment... These people can then communicate in real time, share files, or even leave "mail" for others to read. People running the server program can grant special priveledges and access to Clients, allowing them to create, own and manage other clients, or even private, more secure folders and files on the servers system (which is actually a designated folder on the computers hard drive). For obvious reasons, Im sure you can see why its popularity declined, with illegal filesharing getting way out of hand...

After the storm cleared, and the dust settled, BigRedH, along with the rest of the p2p  community fell, and fell HARD.  Still, some of the good folks of the community remained, and there are many servers still wandering about... Its not over til the fat lady sings say they...

Now, years later, the HotLine community is making a comeback, no time like the present to join in on the awesome p2p revolution

The Pixel Palladium Server will be an extension of the Group. Its purpose its to help other members of the graphic arts community grow and share through learning and direct interaction with other members and artists within the field... We can communicate openly and "without restriction", share files and presets weve created, talk about our experiences and learn without fear of ridicule... Sure you can do the same at other, popular graphic arts communities such as Renderosity, 3D Commune, Polyloop, Daz3D and the like (in fact, I strongly encourage it ), this is just yet another extension of those communities and resources...

Ive found HotLine software to be very safe, stable, and reliable... Never had any "problems" w/ it whatsoever... No one has ever "hacked" into my system (Im actually the one thatll be open for attack mind you), Ive never heard of peoples files getting lost or stolen, no system crashes, or anything of that nature... In short, I have had nothing but great experiences with HotLine... There were MANY graphics servers around before, and I learned a great deal of what I do now from those servers EONS ago... Sadly, NONE of the servers thats I learned from are around today, but many of the open servers can be viewed or "tracked" from tracker-tracker... You can also see whats going on w/ the next generation of HotLine at Hotline Rocks.

You can download >>HotLine Client<< right now, and Connect to my server in moments... Simply install the program, and >>connect<< (use "connect" link from my index page, sorry, blog doesnt accept "full" html)... When you install HotClient, it opens as a set of toolbar/windows, which are actual "control panels" for many of the robust features of the program... Most of the programs actions are carried out through the main toolbar (lower lefthand corner), and windows are dockable and resizable, so you can set up your workspace to your liking (Ill show you guys how to make custom avatars when ya get "comfortable" :P). And by no means be held back by me Find other servers that may suit your liking... Customize the options, read the included documentaion, and enjoy...

Ill be hosting special, limited time only featured files (to be announced in The Pixel Palladium), not to mention the "donations" of other outstanding members of the graphics community..... Ill be "mostly somewhat" available for help, but you can always seek help either at The Pixel Palladium, >contact< me directly, or ask around while on the server...

I hope to see you there my freinds

Peace!

Paris, aka "MatCreator"