    # File alienreader.rb, line 20
      def initialize(methodsfile=File.join(File.dirname(__FILE__) , "readermethods.dat"))
        super()

        # look for a local copy of readermethods.dat first, otherwise, use the default
        methodsfile = "readermethods.dat" if (File.exists?("readermethods.dat"))

        if @@methodsNeedLoading
          build_methods(methodsfile)
        end
      end