NIME Jam'07/GroupThink Readme:

GroupThink is a way to send controller streams between MaxMSP patches on a network.  It uses OSC to pass messages, but the FrontEnd patch makes that  transparent to the user.

Before starting GroupThink, make sure you are connected to a wired or wireless network.  Even if no one else is connected, you can send messages to yourself as a test.  To start, simply open GroupThink_FrontEnd.mxf (Windows: use GroupThinkWin.pat) and enter your name when prompted, then select a location to store your setup.  

The FrontEnd is pretty clear:

On the left are 5 menus where you can select incoming data from other musicians and set scaling.  The menu updates everytime a new user signs on or sends a parameter dump.  To use a given parameter in your patches, place a 'receive' object named 'GroupThink[n]' in your patch and connect it however you like.

On the right are 5 parameters you will be sending.  You should set the name and range values to reflect the data you will be sending.  Other performers will see your name and parameter names in their menus.  Take care to set the scaling amounts to meaningful values so that your data is useful to receivers.  Name your parameters and use 'send' objects with the same names within your patch.


The People's Parameters:

Notecluster - just like it says, and anyone can send to it.
Tempo - each click up or down is a vote to the Ministry of the People's Will.
Reinheitsgebot, chaos, and shutass are abstract functions.

Monitoring is available on the middle-right.
Bottom right are some sample objects. Copy the receive objects named as shown, Groupthink[1-5] to the parts of your patch you want influenced by GroupThink.


GroupThink_FrontEnd.mxf is the only patch needed, but if you want to see under the hood, look in Parts.

Many thanks to Ed Hartley, GroupThink mastermind.


Known issues:
- If a parameter dump comes in while you are selecting from the menu, your selection may be incorrect, in which case, just try again).

- If the Max window is reporting udpsend or udpreceive errors, check that you have the most current versions in your externals folder.