GRAND OPENING: CivFanatics File Database

[MarineCorps]

I've noticed something odd. Sometimes the image will get squished.

Here it didn't
http://forums.civfanatics.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=1323

Here it did
http://forums.civfanatics.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=910

 

[Ansar]

I've noticed something odd. Sometimes the image will get squished.

Here it didn't
http://forums.civfanatics.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=1323

Here it did
http://forums.civfanatics.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=910

The first one it is a huge picture so it uploads it so you can clearly see without the need to click.

The second one is smaller, so it is enlarged, once you click on it, it reverts to its normal size so you can clearly see the unit.

 

[MarineCorps]

The first one it is a huge picture so it uploads it so you can clearly see without the need to click.

The second one is smaller, so it is enlarged, once you click on it, it reverts to its normal size so you can clearly see the unit.

I'd much rather have a small image then one thats enlarged and squished

 

[Bluemofia]

We have achieved 1337ness.

 

[MarineCorps]

Passed it actually.

Only 7 more files from me and I'll have twice the number of uploads required to be in the group.

 

[WildWeazel]

I fixed that one. Thanks. If you noticed any more error, you can let the uploader know so he can edit it (and not repeat the same mistake).

I didn't know a file could have multiple authors. Thanks.

@1337ness:

 

[Rabbit, White]

Would it be possible to get a "My Files" link in the Quick Links menu?

 

[Thunderfall]

Would it be possible to get a "My Files" link in the Quick Links menu?

It's added,

I didn't know a file could have multiple authors. Thanks.

@1337ness:

It's nice. The names only get parsed (i.e. linked to profile) when using ; to separate the names though. Some people use , to separate and the names don't get parsed.

 

[Rabbit, White]

It's added,

Mucho gracias

 

[Yorgos]

I am going to disable zip file uploads for forum attachments btw.

I just noticed. I suppose you mean the attachments available through the user CP? That's understood, but zip is much needed for easy upload (eg patches), at least until we can upload multiple files.

 

[zulu9812]

I am really not liking the File Database. For a start, it's asking me to wait 20 seconds 20 seconds in between downloading files. That's probably to save bandwidth, but we're talking about files that are only in the 10s of KBs. That's just pointless. Worse, it's the very issue that made me pissed off with people for uploading to external hosts, since they usually ask me to wait between downloads (although the wait is usually longer).

Additionally, the various file forums (Unit Graphics, Utility Programs) are now essentially reduced to redundant advertising spaces, which I feel removes the interactive core from CivFanatics. If I just need to look at the File Database to find new stuff, why bother stopping by the file forums?

 

[Yorgos]

I just noticed. I suppose you mean the attachments available through the user CP? That's understood, but zip is much needed for easy upload (eg patches), at least until we can upload multiple files.

Nevermind, I found out myself that the change involves the attachments only. Makes sense.

 

[aaglo]

Zulu
The way I see it, is that the file database's main function is to host the uploaded files. These files can be linked to various threads, and thus the forum activity stays the same (but only the file location in the server is different what it used to be).

 

[zulu9812]

That's not true. If I want to stay abreast of the new files, I only have to negotiate the file database. In addition, because threads in the file forums now link to the file database and not the file directly, visiting the file forums first just means that I'll have more links to click through - so why bother with visitng the file forums at all if I'll be sent over to the File Database anyway?

I honestly cannot understand the rationale behind this change. The old system worked. You uploaded a file, you got the link, you put it in your thread. This new system just adds extra layers of *shudder* bureaucracy.

 

[Yorgos]

The good thing is that anyone can find what he/she want with great ease. It's definately more effective than the numerous (and often incomplete) libraries we used. We may feel very comfortable with the previous system, but imagine newcomers searching for a specific unit... How many times we've seen threads like "is there such a unit/building/mod" only to point out something that already exists? (Athens of the North?!?)

 

[Rabbit, White]

You're looking at this all wrong zulu. The idea behind the database is better organization and (more importantly) easier search of the files. Now, I actually agree with that it kinda sucks that we're asked to link to database entries instead of the files directly in the threads, but I'm guessing that's in so that it can keep track of the number of downloads. In any case, if that's the price for better search then I'm more than willing to accept it. As far as some of the resulting redundancy is concerned I don't mind, I think some redundancy when it comes to things like that is good.

However, I severly digress. What I wanted to point out to you is the improved search. Consider that no longer is there a need to use the forums search feature, which doesn't work very well anyway; there is also no need for creators to make "my library of units" or similar threads - you go to the database you can search by categories, or authors, or popularity, or whatever else you want. It makes finding files you need a breeze.

 

[Plotinus]

It definitely does make searching for files a lot easier. At least, it will when they've all been put on there.

One feature that I think would really help would be this. When you look for all files by a particular person, you get a great long list. It would be great if that list were categorised. So, for example, if someone has made units *and* scenarios, and you're interested in their units, it would be much more useful to have the files sorted for you. I don't know if this is possible, though.

 

[Rabbit, White]

It definitely does make searching for files a lot easier. At least, it will when they've all been put on there.

One feature that I think would really help would be this. When you look for all files by a particular person, you get a great long list. It would be great if that list were categorised. So, for example, if someone has made units *and* scenarios, and you're interested in their units, it would be much more useful to have the files sorted for you. I don't know if this is possible, though.

Yeah I agree, and I actually mentioned something like this to Thunderfall, he said that he'll look into it. Basically the list of files by an author (inluding the "my files" list) should be sortable by, at the very list, category, and perhaps rank as well, so you can quickly get the best files as it were (though that's no quite as useful I think, just sometimes might come in handy). Speaking of which, I sure wish people would rank files more...

 

[Plotinus]

It would be great if that were possible. The more features the better, really.

I agree that it would be nice if people left more ranks, but then it's surprising how many people download stuff without leaving comments anyway. I was quite surprised to see that in the six days or so since putting them on the file database my scenarios have been downloaded a total of some 80 times, but the only comments they've had has been someone who couldn't get it to work. I think that those who leave comments/rank/etc are actually the small minority, which is quite encouraging in a way as it means the work is seen by many more people than you'd think from a casual look at the thread. I assume this is largely because there are far more lurkers/visitors than you might think, and the bulk of the downloading is done by them rather than by regular posters or indeed forum members at all.

 

[Thunderfall]

I am really not liking the File Database. For a start, it's asking me to wait 20 seconds 20 seconds in between downloading files.

The 20 seconds is there to prevent DOS attacks. I could set it lower but it would be less useful in preventing that.

Now, I actually agree with that it kinda sucks that we're asked to link to database entries instead of the files directly in the threads, but I'm guessing that's in so that it can keep track of the number of downloads.

You guys actually can link to the download link directly, if you want to -- just copy the dowload link provided by the file database (the big link at the top of the entry with URL that ends in &act=down. This way files still go thru the database and # of downloads will still get counted.

Though people can't rate your file if they don't visit the file entry page...