# 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