GRAND OPENING: CivFanatics File Database

Thunderfall said:
I tried to upload a unit by an author that no longer visits and it says in my profile that it's one of my files?

This is not a bug. The uploader can control/edit the file he uploaded, not the author. This is because the author field doesn't need to be a forum user name (ex. Firaxis Games, Microprose), while the uploader must be a member. If the author becomes active again, his files can be assigned back to him easily, so don't let this prevent you from adding files created by inactive modders.
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Hi, is it possible to assign my color conversions in the modern unit section (starting on p.12, kindly uploaded by Luddi) back to me? The upload statistics says I've uploaded 14 files, but it should be more.

Just a question. :)
 
I'm confused as to why anyone would want to use the File Database. I just tried to download something and was told that it was awaiting moderation. So I can't download it. I know why it's happened, but that doesn't change the fact that's a pain in the arse.

Worse, there's a delay between downloading files. I assume it's to conserve bandwidth, but it's just frustrating when all you're downloading is a few KBs at a time.

Let's examine the reasons given in the OP for the File Database:

Thunderfall said:
You may be wondering why we create the new file database since we already have the file forums inside the highly active Civ3/Civ4 Creation & Customization forums. The reason is simple: to make it easier for visitors to find and download the files they want, and also provide modders with an efficient, central system to release their files.
Click to expand...

An efficient central system for releasing files is already provided with the Creation & Customisation forums.

Thunderfall said:
The new file database allows more precise categorization of files. For examples, for graphics modpacks category, we have serveral sub-categories such as Leaderheads, Terrain Graphics, Flag Graphics, Buildings, Resources, Wonders, and Interface Graphics. For Unit Graphics category, we have Ancient Units, Medieval Units, Renaissance Units, Industrial Units, Modern Units, Sci-Fi Units, Fantasy Units and Other Units as the sub-categories. This should make it very easy to find and download the file you want. More categories and sub-categories will be created as necessary.
Click to expand...

This isn't actually a bad idea. The Graphic Modpacks section of CivIV does get rather crowded, and leaderheads are posted between that sub-forum and New Civilizations. On the other hand, diligent moderating could solve the latter problem and library threads could solve the first (like we did with CivIII).

Thunderfall said:
For Modders:
  • Modders can add files in an easy to use system.
  • The "My Files" page shows all the files you uploaded and their status (ex. approved or waiting for approval, etc).
  • When a new version of the file is out, you can edit the file page to update all the the file details easily.
  • For the file description, the familiar forum post editor is used, meaning you can use features like smilies, vB Codes, insert images, and format it anyway you want. You can include file requirements and link to the mod homepage or support thread in the description.
  • For the file itself, if the file is already uploaded somewhere, which is the case for all/most existing files (whether it's located on civfanatics.net, 3DDownloads, or else where), you can link to it and provide the file size in the form without re-uploading the file. (Note: As stated in the file upload guide, you should upload your mods to the CFC server or 3D Downloads server whenever possible).
  • You can upload image(s) for the file. The first image uploaded for the file will be used as the file thumbbail and is visible on the files listing page.
Click to expand...

All of that is taken care of in the forums.

Thunderfall said:
  • Download counter: see how many times your file has been downloaded!
  • Files you uploaded will be listed on your profile.
Click to expand...

Fair enough - I'll concede that one

Thunderfall said:
For Everyone:
  • As stated above, you can find the file you need quickly and efficiently, by browsing the categories and using the file search feature!
  • You can rate the files, see which files are most popular, and see the newest uploaded files.
  • Can download files directly by clicking the file's thumbnail at the category file listing page, or within the file details page.
  • Sort files in a category by # of downloads, file name, date added, rating, and last download.
  • Post comments (Note: It's recommended that you still post a thread in the file forum, just like in the past, since the forum is a better place for feedback and support. Just be sure to link to your file entry in the database in the post instead of linking to the file directly.)
  • In the future, we might include the newest files list (and maybe the most popular files) to the main page.
Click to expand...

Again, this is all taken care of in the forums. In the case of Comments, the Forums are much better (as is acknowledged).

Finally, I really, genuinely do not see the point in the whole affair (and I've said this before). Why would someone go to the trouble of creating a thread in the forums, and a separate entry in the file database - in effect, doubling their work? The whole venture just seems superfluous. And it slows you down when you're trying to download stuff. You click on the link and instead of getting the download, you get taken to another page where you have to click again in order to download. It's an unnecessary replication of effort that just slows everything down.
 
Only a tiny percentage of uploaded files required approval, and those are files uploaded by posters who have under 30 posts and registered for under 30 days. I usually approve those files within 24 hours.

As for the download delay, it's there to prevent denial of service attacks.

The Graphic Modpacks section of CivIV does get rather crowded, and leaderheads are posted between that sub-forum and New Civilizations. On the other hand, diligent moderating could solve the latter problem and library threads could solve the first (like we did with CivIII).
Click to expand...
This requires lots of work by a few individuals, while with the File Database the process is automatic -- there is no need to create separate libraries threads.

Compare the two pages below and another advantage of the File Database is obvious:

http://forums.civfanatics.com/forumdisplay.php?f=60

http://forums.civfanatics.com/downloads.php?do=cat&id=70&page=2&sort=date
 
Yes i've been having a problem with downloading files of Civfanatics.com for about a month. The problem is that every time i try to download something of this site it will say that i have to wait 7 seconds before i can download it. Well, i have been waiting for a month at it is still saying the same thing.
 
It's because utahjazz7 entered the URL incorrectly. I have fixed it now.
 
Hi, I'm a newbie on this forum.

I've downloaded a lots of units for civ4 (P38-BlackPearl-Jedi Knights-Bell UH1...),, installes them in C:/.../FiraxisGame/SidMeier'sCiv4/Assets/Art/Units , but I can't see them during the game (or in the World Builder panel).

Am I blind or have I a problem ? Can you please help me to find my mistakes ?



Thanks
Sammael from France
 
what I have been here more then 30 days and I have more than 30 comments but it still has to be approved.Oh they deleted 10 comments when I did them over a corse of minutes
 
you can click the title "author" in the subforums to see list of uploads sorted by author name. It does not just work.

Plus there's the other bug: the number of downloads is screwed somehow.
 
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