Updates/News for Java 1.21.9, Beta Info, and More

Hey everyone! I hope you all are doing well and getting ready for the fall/autumn season! Wanted to do a little news/update post with you all with new info on how things will work for the new 1.21.9 version of MC (Java) along with some other things.

MC 1.21.9: What that means for Betas and Demos

With 1.21.9 coming to MC, quite a large change was made to the MCMeta file. This file is responsible for telling the game what versions the pack(s) will work with. This format is now changed in a way that makes backwards compatibility a bit confusing/complicated. (It would be easier if it was not potentially bugged as well, but I digress).

As of now, all of the demos/alphas have been updated for 1.21.9. They are out for both Modrinth and Curse. These latest versions will only work for 1.21.9, if you're using 1.21.8 and prior, get the previous version.

The betas, however, will use the old format for the sake of compatibility (for now). What this means is, it will work with 1.21.9. However, you will get an error saying it is "broken", you can load it anyway and it will work as intended. I am not updating it immediately for 1.21.9, otherwise there would be 2 versions of every single beta for 1.21.9 or one for the older. It would be very confusing haha. This way, you may get an "error", but it will work and also work for older versions. So in reality, nothing changes there. Just wanted to warn you of the error pop up you can safely ignore.

An Unfortunate Set of Circumstances

So I was made aware very recently, within the last week, that there was some error in regards to some payouts from my work due to incorrect analytics. Because of this, I was essentially was overpaid the last 6 months without me "knowing" it was incorrect. The issue was not seen/brought up until recently and I am glad it was found and is being corrected, however, it has put me in a tough position. I owe back that income that was overpaid to me. The amount, being in the low 5 figures, has to be paid back out of my own pocket.

It's one of those situations where no one is "at fault" and is truly unfair for both parties. Both for myself and the company who overpaid as they were then at a loss due to the error. It's very important to me to make any issues/wrongs right by any means I can, so it is something I am taking on and they have been really nice about the whole process. I won't get into additional details as to who or what the company/group is. It's not necessary/needed. In the end, they are not at fault, and neither am I. It's just very unfortunate situation all around.

Of course none of this is your faults, I just figured I would let you know as I like to try to stay connected with you guys as much as possible with what's going on with myself and my content. This loss that I am taking on has taken quite a toll on me financially, and mentally quite frankly. So if I am a bit quiet here and there, especially this month, that's likely why and I feel you deserve to know that. I will still be trying my best to stay as active as possible as I normally am though. (This will not affect beta updates, I will still be working hard to get those out for you on time weekly. I mainly mean answering questions in here or on Discord and what not).

If you planned on becoming a patron, upgrading your tier, gifting, or buying anything in the shop, it's super appreciated. Of course it is not needed or necessary for any of you to do anything you otherwise wouldn't, but anything and everything helps! I think I will be maybe running some sales on shop items and tiers (tiers will be a bit of a test as I have not done it before except for annual plans) as well to bring in some more of the free peeps who have been on the fence with checking out the betas of my content. I want to also thank any and all patrons, paid and unpaid, for supporting me in the ways that you can. Truly means the world to me and I am so thankful for all of you.

On a Brighter Note, Beta Info

Let's lighten the mood a bit after that.. depressing situation above haha, let's talk about the betas of my packs! The next beta of Dramatic Skys will be out tomorrow for you guys. Beta 2.5.8 will be available for Gold Tier and up! It's super sick update thanks to UsernameGeri's help and I hope you'll all enjoy it. For sure worth updating if you're running a previous version of the pack.

In addition to this, I may be experimenting with some update/progress posts for the packs while I work on them, that way you get an idea of what I am working on through the week(s). I used to do this to some degree in the past, but slowly drifted away from it as I did not want to like.. flood you guys with Patreon posts. If previews/progress posts would be something you're interested (or not interested in) feel free to comment your feelings on it! I just think it may be a great way to fill some of the gap that is there when an update is posted once a week or so.

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Well, that's all I have for now! I may make more news/update posts like this to keep you all in the loop of things moving forward depending on how it's received. I have not done this style of post much but I feel it would be best option given there were a few things to discuss! If you have any questions or concerns feel free to let me know down below in the comments. I appreciate any and all feedback. Hope you guys have an amazing rest of your week and Fall season as a whole. Until next time (tomorrow with the next beta haha).

-Baum