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+--- Thread: Mansion Repository (/showthread.php?tid=278)
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Mansion Repository - ryos - 02-15-2007
Hey,
I'm a little concerned about the way the mansion repository works right now. For one thing, it's a lot of work for Freddy! I mean, even though I'm sure he doesn't mind, even the most devoted of volunteers burns out eventually. Circumstances change, and, even if it's a few years down the line, someone always needs to maintain that repository.
It's also inflexible for the users in that it doesn't store much information (only as much as Freddy maintains by hand). It seems impermanent as well; I mean, it's all stored by the forum software's upload facility, right? Well, what if you decide you want to change forum software?
Etc., etc. What I'm saying is, we need a dedicated mansion repository. For an example of what I'm thinking, have a look at Ambrosia Software's addon files repositories--they have one for each of their games. Under such a system, anyone can upload, but an administrator must approve an upload before it becomes available for download. Approving (or denying) a submission would be as easy as pushing a button.
What's more, we could store metadata such as description, version, author, date, download count, etc. We could even allow for user ratings. You get the idea.
This isn't just an idle suggestion; I'm willing to put my money (or time, at least) where my mouth is. I would volunteer to write the code (or help out at the least) needed to get this up and running. I'm working my way through school as a webmaster for a University department ( http://www.elc.byu.edu ), but I think I could steal a few hours of MM playing time to work on it.
What do others think?
Re: Mansion Repository - Psychotronic - 02-15-2007
I agree a hundred-fold. We had something a lot like that two forum sites ago, and I think it worked pretty well. The only thing you need is somebody checking submissions fairly regularly.
I'm also in favor (although I think most here would disagree with me) of the user ratings for custom mansions. I bought Ambrosia's Sketchfighter a while ago, and as a new user of the game, I really like being able to scan the custom levels for the best rated ones, so I don't have to deal with as many buggy or wonky levels. It reduces my frustration level with my new product. And when I'm done with those levels, I can always go back and play the others, but it's so nice to have some guidelines when there's a huge repository of add-ons for a game.
Re: Mansion Repository - Freddy - 02-15-2007
Thx for this input. We will surely have a look at it.
But to have no misunderstandings. One of my own demands to Vern was that there was a construction with several administrators. To avoid troubles when one
disappearsor
has a burn-outetc. That is why we are with three administrators who are ALL able to do the up- and downloading-stuff. So, for example, when I am on holiday next week, MM-life certainly goes on!
Re: Mansion Repository - Alanfalcon - 02-01-2008
ryos wrote: Hey,
I'm a little concerned about the way the mansion repository works right now. For one thing, it's a lot of work for Freddy! I mean, even though I'm sure he doesn't mind, even the most devoted of volunteers burns out eventually. Circumstances change, and, even if it's a few years down the line, someone always needs to maintain that repository.
It's also inflexible for the users in that it doesn't store much information (only as much as Freddy maintains by hand). It seems impermanent as well; I mean, it's all stored by the forum software's upload facility, right? Well, what if you decide you want to change forum software?
Etc., etc. What I'm saying is, we need a dedicated mansion repository. For an example of what I'm thinking, have a look at Ambrosia Software's addon files repositories--they have one for each of their games. Under such a system, anyone can upload, but an administrator must approve an upload before it becomes available for download. Approving (or denying) a submission would be as easy as pushing a button.
What's more, we could store metadata such as description, version, author, date, download count, etc. We could even allow for user ratings. You get the idea.
This isn't just an idle suggestion; I'm willing to put my money (or time, at least) where my mouth is. I would volunteer to write the code (or help out at the least) needed to get this up and running. I'm working my way through school as a webmaster for a University department ( http://www.elc.byu.edu ), but I think I could steal a few hours of MM playing time to work on it.
What do others think?
Someone might e-mail Eric at www.snakequest.com and ask about possibly using his custom system that he built for Snake Quest level files. I think it is a great system and knowing Eric is probably very flexible. I know that I've asked for special features such as mansion sets that are
Stickiedas
Editor's Choiceand he implemented that very quickly. But then, the page was made so long ago that he may not longer have interest/time in updating it for use with another game. But you'll never know if you don't ask!
http://snakequest.com/contact.php
Re: Mansion Repository - aquaMat - 02-01-2008
Although ryos has a valid argument with what he says, I feel the system as it is now is far superiour to that of our early forums.
Freddy and brell are doing a wonderful job here and the system is clear and very easy to handle. I especially like the three different list-forms.
Plus: The admins are very quick with uploading new mansions to the lists.
Also one must not underestimate the amount of control the admins have over the mansions (and new entries) in the current system. And we definitely wouldn't want an
uncontrolledcustom mansion list. (We have
Free Up- And Downloadingfor that purpose !)
As long as Freddy and brell are willing to continue their work I see no reason whatsoever to change that system.
Also I feel the information provided about each mansion is sufficient.
Re: Mansion Repository - rose - 02-01-2008
My view too, AQuamat!
Re: Mansion Repository - Toybox - 02-01-2008
ryos wrote: This isn't just an idle suggestion; I'm willing to put my money (or time, at least) where my mouth is.
Right, that's it, that's one too many.
What exactly does this expression mean? I've seen it here and there and never quite could grasp what it means. So, might anybody explain in easy words?
Re: Mansion Repository - Toybox - 02-01-2008
And, to speak about the current topic too, there is always the opportunity to upload freely non-approved Mansions. Maybe there could be some sort of List too, which could:
- on the one hand, make it easier to download fancy experiment,
- on the other hand, for random people to test it and, possibly, for Administrators to pick it and approve it at any time for officialisation?
(I'm not sure whether this is clear?)
Re: Mansion Repository - Alanfalcon - 02-02-2008
Toybox wrote: [quote author=ryos link=1171513547/0#0 date=1171513547]This isn't just an idle suggestion; I'm willing to put my money (or time, at least) where my mouth is.
What exactly does this expression mean? I've seen it here and there and never quite could grasp what it means. So, might anybody explain in easy words?
It means he is hungry, and all he has is some money in his wallet. *munch* *munch*
No, just kidding!
It means that he is not just telling someone else to fix it and standing back to watch, he is willing to help out and take on the work himself. He is willing to actually help out with what he is asking for other people to do. :-)
Re: Mansion Repository - ryos - 02-04-2008
Wow, this is something I didn't expect to see resurrected, a year later. I don't have anything else to add.
Offer's still on the table. I've actually been wanting to write a web app that does this gracefully and well for quite some time, to release as open source. There are a lot of small/indie companies with products whose users could benefit from such a thing.