Important Changes Made to Uploads - STARTING TODAY

[daysies]

Hey there!

Just wanted to give you a brief heads up to you uploaders out there. We've made some changes to better optimize MTS2's servers and bandwidth:

1. When you upload, it is now required that you can only submit ONE .rar or .zip or .sims2pack for the file that you are sharing. You may not share .zip equivalents or .rar equivalents. Meaning, you can not upload hair.zip and hair.rar because someone doesn't like .rar files or someone requests it in the thread. That is what Q-Xpress (http://qxpress.modthesims2.com) is for. This will save on server space and bandwidth.

2. Also, images are now restricted to 8 maximum per post. If at all possible, please combine your images into a collage of some sort. This also saves on server space and bandwidth.

3. If you need to update your file and you are using the same exact file name, it will now replace the existing file *and* retain your download count, view count, and post ID.

4. Just as a reminder, the Electronic Additional Programming section will be closed in a few days. All attachments will be deleted. We apologize for this inconvenience. Please see this site news (http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=118864) for more information.

5. LASTLY, what is up with the "me first" posts in Downloads? Seriously folks, there is no contest as to who posts first. You win no prize. Well, maybe the boobie prize and a dunce cap. Try thanking the creator instead.

Thanks for your continuing cooperation!

[Numenor]

Me first! :)

...I mean, no.3 is extremely useful; the "replacing" works with with both binaries and images, correct? In particular, I'm referring to the case when I post an image, and I refer to that image in another post (using the [_IMG_] tag). Replacing the image (keeping the same filename) will preserve the external link, too?

[daysies]

*bops Numenor (only because I can) :D *flutters eyelashes*

Yes, as long as the file name is exact, if you have to replace it, the download & view count will stay the same.

[SSChan]

I have a question. If you have say two different versions of something you made and want to give the downloaders a choice, can you put them in seperate .zips as long as you don't make .rars of those exact same files?

[Venetia]

Aaargh...Now everybody's going to post only rars, aren't they? I can't use rars OR q-xpress cause I have a mac, download stuff on the mac and move it to my PC to play with...I can see the logic, of course, but this really does cut down on my options...

[Delphy]

SSChan,

Well, if you make 2 seperate versions, then they'd be called different filenames, so that isn't a big problem.

Venetia,

We are still allowing .zip files - it's just that people have tended to upload *both* and this isn't really needed.

[Numenor]

Venetia, why don't you use the StuffIt Expander (http://www.stuffit.com/mac/expander/index.html)? It's an extremely well-know freeware program (I know it, and I don't even have a Mac :)) that expands anything: rar, zip, bin and many other formats.

[Warlokk]

Thank you SO much for #3... this would have helped quite a bit early on with my project. All the rest sound great too, once I quit mis-reading it and thinking we were only allowed to post 1 zip/rar file per upload post, that would have been difficult... :D

Thanks for everything!

[tiggerypum]

Venetia, you should also be able to download the rar files and save them to your mac as rar files and transfer them to your pc as rar files. They're smaller anyway.
If you can't download because the mac wants to display them instead of save them, pm me and I'll see if I can figure out what settings you might need to change (I have an OS 9 mac and OS X mac here - let me know what your setup is)

edit, I have the answer. So far I haven't gotten the OS 9 working (so if someone is doing a transfer with os 9, write me a private message and I'll try and work at it more)

BUT for OS X - control-click on the download link and then "download linked file" from the pop up menu and you'll save the rar or zip files w/o any problems, and they decode fine.

[Venetia]

Numenor: I do have StuffIt, and it does work, but instead of getting the files nicely downloaded, it shows up as text like this..

Rar!Ï?s
ét@?E? ¼zi£%o·?)43 5fa282a5_EdeepbluedressE.packageð

tiggerypum: is that what you mean by display? It does that for all the files here that are rar.

And if I can finally get to to the pc, how can I expand them anyway? StuffIt comes up with a formatting error for most rars that I *can* download, they aren't the right type, I guess. So I just have the still non-expanded files when I transfer...and downloading the rar program doesn't work.

Thanks for the help guys anyways :)

[WesHowe]

Well, I made a new posting with an upload in it to the "BodyShop Meshing" forum.
It wouldn't accept it until I picked a category. And the only category that was on the list was 'recoloring'.
This is one of my [TESTERS WANTED] type messages, it's a new plugin (tsx) for truSpace (where all the .cob files come from) to extract the mesh data from a GMDC.
So, Lucy, start 'splaining...
<* Wes *>

[Hunter240x]

3. If you need to update your file and you are using the same exact file name, it will now replace the existing file *and* retain your download count, view count, and post ID.

And what would be a .zip/.rar eqivalent? Can you give an example? If someone were to put multiple files into a folder and upload it (to condense everything into one download), would that be acceptable?

daysies says: (because she overwrote poor Hunter's post)

Basically, we're trying to cut down on people who upload .zips or .rars of let's say daysies.zip and then upload the equivalent of daysies.rar. It's totally unnecessary when the contents inside the .zip/.rar are identical. Just pick one file type you are used to and only upload that type. We're not forcing you to pick .rar because it's smaller.

If you have one MESH, you can label that mesh1.zip. If you have 3 recolors for that mesh, you can either name it recolors1.zip (which contain all) or recolor-a.zip, recolor-b.zip, and recolor-c.zip (if you want them separated andyou don't want downloaders to get "all").

We're just trying to cut down on the # of files because it's really just a waste of space and bandwidth.

[Simsmomma]

im ok with all but number 4 ...im very sad about them being removed since the creators worked hard to make them but i know that you must have a good reason for doing this ...

[Delphy]

wes_h,

Thats a different problem, not related to upload and I've added a "Tools" category to cope with it.

Hunter,

You can have say:
Object1.rar
Object2.rar
Object3.rar
Screenshot 1.jpg
Screenshot 2.jpg
Screenshot 3.jpg
etc

If you need more than 8 screenshots then I suggest you use a collage - one per object.

[mike19]

uh oh
i just been checking my downloads and as none seem to have a box checked, i went to edit them but if i choose original nightlife & uni, it wont work. it only works if i select nighlife and uni. not sure about original checked on it's own though.

does that make sense i hope?

edit
just relised i stuck this in the wrong thread sorry.
it should've gone in the suggestions thread

[daysies]

Hunter! MY BAD! I edited your post instead of quoting it. So sorry! However, I think I clarified myself in your post. Whoops!

[WesHowe]

wes_h,
Thats a different problem, not related to upload and I've added a "Tools" category to cope with it.


Well, it looked related. The category thing is new. I edited my message and changed it. You're quick.
Thanks,
<* Wes *>

[Hunter240x]

ok daysies... just wanted to make sure I understood it correctly before I uploaded anything. I do use .rar which I guess is a good thing since you say they are smaller.

[galilea]

I am very new to uploading files here at MTS2 and am a bit confused. I want to upload a set of walls, but I do not know how to 'batch' the sims2.package files into one file. Can you please explain how this is done, or direct me to a thread where it is explained? Thank you so much!

[hazard04]

Hey there!

Just wanted to give you a brief heads up to you uploaders out there. We've made some changes to better optimize MTS2's servers and bandwidth:

1. When you upload, it is now required that you can only submit ONE .rar or .zip or .sims2pack for the file that you are sharing. You may not share .zip equivalents or .rar equivalents. That is what Q-Xpress (http://qxpress.modthesims2.com) is for. This will save on server space and bandwidth.

2. Also, images are now restricted to 8 maximum per post. If at all possible, please combine your images into a collage of some sort. This also saves on server space and bandwidth.

3. If you need to update your file and you are using the same exact file name, it will now replace the existing file *and* retain your download count, view count, and post ID.

4. Just as a reminder, the Electronic Additional Programming section will be closed in a few days. All attachments will be deleted. We apologize for this inconvenience. Please see this site news (http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=118864) for more information.

5. LASTLY, what is up with the "me first" posts in Downloads? Seriously folks, there is no contest as to who posts first. You win no prize. Well, maybe the boobie prize and a dunce cap. Try thanking the creator instead.

Thanks for your continuing cooperation!

I'm so glad you covered the no first posts. It gets really annoying and it seems like no one stops, no matter how much you tell them! :nod:

[Delphy]

asdf,

Yes, you will have to call them different names now. This wont affect existing threads *unless* you choose to update the images.

Calling different images different names is quite normal and is recommended on any system. :)

[tiggerypum]

galilea, to put a set of your walls all into one file, you need to make a folder or folders on your hard drive. Then COPY the files from your sims folders into the new folders you made. Then you make a zip or rar file of the folder, and post the folder.

So say I made 10 walls for kids and 5 floors.

I'll take a few screenshots to show them all off. (I actually use the printscreen button and alt-tab out of my game and put them into paint, crop off uneeded stuff and save as jpg)

Then I make a folder named, say tigs-kids-wallsnfloors
I select the files from my game folder and I copy them and paste them into the new folder
Then I right click on the folder and tell my pc to zip it (you could rar it also, just depends on what software you have installed)

Then I upload my screenshots and the zip I made.
You can organize your work in whatever amount of folders makes sense, although many people find it handy to be able to download entire sets instead of one piece at a time.

[IgnorantBliss]

galilea, to put a set of your walls all into one file, you need to make a folder or folders on your hard drive. Then COPY the files from your sims folders into the new folders you made. Then you make a zip or rar file of the folder, and post the folder.

So say I made 10 walls for kids and 5 floors.

I'll take a few screenshots to show them all off. (I actually use the printscreen button and alt-tab out of my game and put them into paint, crop off uneeded stuff and save as jpg)

Then I make a folder named, say tigs-kids-wallsnfloors
I select the files from my game folder and I copy them and paste them into the new folder
Then I right click on the folder and tell my pc to zip it (you could rar it also, just depends on what software you have installed)

Then I upload my screenshots and the zip I made.
You can organize your work in whatever amount of folders makes sense, although many people find it handy to be able to download entire sets instead of one piece at a time.

I personally find it annoying when files inside rar files are in folder, but it might just be me. I'd rather have something like that set of walls without any folders. Also if people extract a file like that without looking, it's going to create subfolders instead of going into the main folder, isn't it?

[Purplepaws]

im ok with all but number 4 ...im very sad about them being removed since the creators worked hard to make them but i know that you must have a good reason for doing this ...

Yeah, I was really mad about this when I first heard it, but the number of random music video uploads is really getting out of hand. At the request of Simsmomma, I've decided to upload my own videos to a site I'm creating. It should be up and running within a few days.

Quick question: what about the people who put their movies into the wrong category (like entertainment instead of additional programming)... will those get deleted, too? If they aren't, that's not really fair to those of us who chose the right category, now is it? (I'm guessing it's not allowed to change the subcategory for the purpose of saving my videos...)

[Delphy]

purplepaws,

Basically all Music Videos and non Sims2 made videos (which is pretty much most of the ones we have) will be removed. This includes this mis-labelled as Entertainment.

[Purplepaws]

Ok, thanks for clarifying!

[mike19]

Hi
i just been wondering about the real benefits of the images that accompany the threads.
as in:
2. Also, images are now restricted to 8 maximum per post. If at all possible, please combine your images into a collage of some sort. This also saves on server space and bandwidth.

i have noticed that with some people arent really interested in them for example going through my downloads
74 downloads 1 view
1586 downloads 62 views
+439 downloads 50 views
281 downloads 25 views
etc (i think you get the idea)
would it not be better to give a larger screen shot and not have a larger version to view in a new window?

[IgnorantBliss]

Hi
i just been wondering about the real benefits of the images that accompany the threads.
as in:
2. Also, images are now restricted to 8 maximum per post. If at all possible, please combine your images into a collage of some sort. This also saves on server space and bandwidth.

i have noticed that with some people arent really interested in them for example going through my downloads
74 downloads 1 view
1586 downloads 62 views
+439 downloads 50 views
281 downloads 25 views
etc (i think you get the idea)
would it not be better to give a larger screen shot and not have a larger version to view in a new window?

I'm not sure if those view numbers are necessarily correct. I know that I have viewed some attachments myself a couple of times but they still show 0 views on the info.

[Neerovra]

I can't speak for the (awesome) MTS2 staff, I'm not even a moderator, but I think i understand the deal with the videos being pulled. The entertainment industry has gotten awfully focused on copyright issues. The sites that post lyrics of songs are being threatened (even thought they post the lyrics with the appropriate credits to writers, etc.) because they don't have the express written consent of the author. Ten-year-olds are being sued by multibillion dollar corporations for using (old)Nappster and Kazaa, etc.
If a music industry lawyer was to decide that a No Doubt video translated to play in the Sims2 was a copyright infringement, they could potentially sue any site hosting it ( without permission from the company ), including MTS2. I love the videos, but I would hate to see anything happen to MTS2 or the fine people who operate it.

[eddief66]

I'm not sure if those view numbers are necessarily correct. I know that I have viewed some attachments myself a couple of times but they still show 0 views on the info.

I think Delphy said that the view counter updates once an hour or something like that.

[IgnorantBliss]

I think Delphy said that the view counter updates once an hour or something like that.

This (http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=111402) is a link to a set of downloads I have up here. I know for sure that I've viewed those screenshots at least once, but probably a couple of times. And that was a couple of weeks ago when I uploaded them, not any time recently. Still it says "0 views" when you hover over the thumbnails.

[Fat D]

mike, also many people can see the object well in the thumbnail.

[Ailias]

Good news to me! :)
I like the changes at all ;)


But the 1st point did not remain too clear to me.
In other words, what does it means?
"You may not share .zip equivalents or .rar equivalents"?

[eddief66]

Good news to me! :)
I like the changes at all ;)


But the 1st point did not remain too clear to me.
In other words, what does it means?
"You may not share .zip equivalents or .rar equivalents"?

It means you can't upload both zip and rar versions of the same file.

[Rocas Faol 777]

Greetings

Good news to me! :)
I like the changes at all ;)


But the 1st point did not remain too clear to me.
In other words, what does it means?
"You may not share .zip equivalents or .rar equivalents"?


Basically put it means that when you are uploading a file or set of files, you may only use either the .zip or .rar formats. One or the other, not both.

In other words, when you upload, this is no longer acceptable:

Long_Hair_Mesh.zip
Long_Hair_Mesh.rar
Short_Hair_Mesh.zip
Short_Hair_Mesh.rar

It should now only be:

Long_Hair_Mesh.zip
Short_Hair_Mesh.zip

OR

Long_Hair_Mesh.rar
Short_Hair_Mesh.rar

One uniform file format for all of the uploads to a given post. You can no longer upload both formats just for the sake of people saying they cannot DL .rar files or saying they want .rar because they are smaller. Pick a side of the road and stick to it; no walking down the center line. You cannot cater to everyone’s needs. That is what the Q-Xpress System (http://qxpress.modthesims2.com/) is for.

Hope that helped to clear it up for ya!



Happy Hunting
RF


EDIT: Oops, had my head stuck in this little box typing my response, didn't see eddief66 respond. Hope it's not an issue.

.

[Delphy]

With regards to the view counter not working for screnshots this is intentional and has been removed. It's been like this for about 5 months now. :)

[jms]

Basically all Music Videos and non Sims2 made videos (which is pretty much most of the ones we have) will be removed. This includes this mis-labelled as Entertainment.

i was getting worried then i thought it would be all the eletronics, like new tv meshes for example lol i was going to do a spree download hehe :giggler: .
I will be sure to keep im mind these rules and i will be sure to use them.

[jaxad0127]

3. If you need to update your file and you are using the same exact file name, it will now replace the existing file *and* retain your download count, view count, and post ID.I just tried and it didn't work, I ended up with two of the same file.

[Raza]

I personally find it annoying when files inside rar files are in folder, but it might just be me. I'd rather have something like that set of walls without any folders. Also if people extract a file like that without looking, it's going to create subfolders instead of going into the main folder, isn't it?
You don't need to put them in a folder, just use ctrl+click to select the files you want to archive and the right click and use 'add to x.rar' to add them all to a single archive without subfolders. As far as I know you don't even need to copy them from your savedsims folder.

[daysies]

I just tried and it didn't work, I ended up with two of the same file.
Jaxad, what thread? Also, did you change an image file or a .zip or .rar?

[jaxad0127]

I changed a zip in this thread: http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=119345.

[tiggerypum]

I personally find it annoying when files inside rar files are in folder, but it might just be me. I'd rather have something like that set of walls without any folders. Also if people extract a file like that without looking, it's going to create subfolders instead of going into the main folder, isn't it?

I'm sorry, but I almost put my work in a folder before I zip, because it comes with a readme file (that includes my credit, info about meshes used if not my own and other important stuff) and possibly and assortment of files that all go together, and I think they should all sort of stay together. I just downloaded one of my uploads and it's only in one folder. I have sometimes gotten downloads where things are in nested folders (which I don't understand and find somewhat annoying myself) but mine are just inside one folder when you unzip them.

Btw, I strongly suggest people never extract things w/o looking or without checking readme files :P

[mod_bv]

I made a 30-image or so article a couple monthes ago (all images were uploaded to this site). Will it be deleted?

[Delphy]

No, this change does apply retrospectively.

[IgnorantBliss]

I'm sorry, but I almost put my work in a folder before I zip, because it comes with a readme file (that includes my credit, info about meshes used if not my own and other important stuff) and possibly and assortment of files that all go together, and I think they should all sort of stay together. I just downloaded one of my uploads and it's only in one folder. I have sometimes gotten downloads where things are in nested folders (which I don't understand and find somewhat annoying myself) but mine are just inside one folder when you unzip them.

Btw, I strongly suggest people never extract things w/o looking or without checking readme files :P

I don't suggest people extract without looking, either, but having the items in a folder within the zip/rar file means extra clicks when installing your downloads. If you put all the items together, anyway, why do they need to be in a folder? I mean, unless you have several sets in the same zip file? Or are we not talking about the same thing? What I'm talking about is when you open up a rar file and the first thing you see is a folder, not files.

When I prepare for an update myself, I put my package files into a temporary update folder on my computer for easier finding, but I don't pack them as a folder, I just add all the files at once by selecting them all and then adding them.

[Loverat]

I don't see why its so hard for people to understand why they can't upload the same file twice. If you can't understand why a huge site with so much content has to make moves to save on server space then you need a fast lesson in *if its good and fast you can be sure its NOT free* on the internet.

I have never understood the mass reluctance to use rar files which are far superior to zip files - zips are old hat and past their use by date =P Just because Winzip is included with XP doesn't mean its the be all and end all of file compression tools =D

With floors, walls, terrains, object meshes and recolours it doesn't matter a bit if they create a subfolder in Downloads. In fact for people who don't actively use any sorting method for their custom content its almost a blessing - at least they might be able to find particular items if they need to.

I also make folders for items I upload - why? Because I like to force lazy ass people to 1) read the read me file 2) actually LOOK at what they are downloading instead of blindly expecting the pc to do everything for them and not having a clue what they are putting onto their pc. They'll thank me when they find someone on some site has been secreting kiddy porn pics in their files and they have blithely been stickin' em in their downloads folder :D Don't snigger, I've seen crap like this happen.

With winrar I just clickdrag over the files I want and rightclick add to archive if I don't want a folder.

[niol]

Why not adding 7-zip support? It compresses better than rar in many ways and it's getting faster and better

This format is supported under mac, win, and linux...
http://www.7-zip.org/download.html

I only use "zip" to repackage things but not to compress things...

[IgnorantBliss]

I also make folders for items I upload - why? Because I like to force lazy ass people to 1) read the read me file 2) actually LOOK at what they are downloading instead of blindly expecting the pc to do everything for them and not having a clue what they are putting onto their pc. They'll thank me when they find someone on some site has been secreting kiddy porn pics in their files and they have blithely been stickin' em in their downloads folder :D Don't snigger, I've seen crap like this happen.



Hmm, I don't see how putting things is folders within a rar makes people more likely to read the readme file or be more careful with their downloads. If you want to make sure the readme file won't get overwritten by other readme files in a big folder, you can always give it a unique name. But for those of us who do pay attention to what they are downloading, folders and subfolders within a rar are nothing but extra work. Especially when you download a bunch of items at once and have a lot to extract, it doesn't make it any easier for you if everything is in folders and subfolders within the several rars you have to weed through.

[RealHogsFan]

purplepaws,

Basically all Music Videos and non Sims2 made videos (which is pretty much most of the ones we have) will be removed. This includes this mis-labelled as Entertainment.

Yes, thank you so much for clarifying cause I went into Downloads/Electronics/Entertainment section looking for recolors of objects that fall into that catagory within my game and was destressed to find but only two or three objects among 4 pages of videos, I honestly thought those would be under the now deleted section of the site. All those custom videos were nice and all (kudos to those that took the time to make them), but I'd rather spend my time downloading recolors and new meshes and hacks.

Delphy and all his lil helpers, I'm so glad that you all are devoted to us and love us enough to stress out over all of this stuff and make it perfect for us. This place is so wonderful and anything to make it even better is fine by me and I support you all 1,000,000,000,000,000,000%.

p.s. Ignorant bliss, yes it is very annoying but at times it's very annoying when i want all my files to be extracted to seperate folders and they all go to one folder. No matter if I download a RAR or ZIP, I always use the right click menu and then extract here for extracting my archives and I also always extract my files to a folder that is not my downloads folder and sort them and what not and then move them all to my downloads folder using the "move" button.

However if a created creats say 10 different floors and puts each floor into it's own folder, then RAR/ZIP's all of those folders into one, when extracting and installing it is very annoying and lots of busy work to first move each of those files out of their folders and into one main folder to then be installed into my game.

But if a creator creats say 5 different room recolors into it's own folder (5 folders total) and then archives those folders into one archive called ie "5 Room Recolors". when I extract that archive i'm happy to see that each room is seperated into its own folder. (However, I sort my downloads by function not room).

[daysies]

Hmm, I don't see how putting things is folders within a rar makes people more likely to read the readme file or be more careful with their downloads. If you want to make sure the readme file won't get overwritten by other readme files in a big folder, you can always give it a unique name. But for those of us who do pay attention to what they are downloading, folders and subfolders within a rar are nothing but extra work. Especially when you download a bunch of items at once and have a lot to extract, it doesn't make it any easier for you if everything is in folders and subfolders within the several rars you have to weed through.
I, for one, never read readme files because typically the thread where the download is has the same information. I also don't upload anywhere, so I'm in the safe zone. I extract everything in a seperate "temp" folder and organize it accordingly.

[IgnorantBliss]

What I usually do when I download items myself is open up the rar or zip and manually drag and drop the files into the correct subfolders in my Downloads folder. That way I know exactly what's going where. I never just extract without looking what's in it and how it's organized.

I guess we all have different preferences, but when I upload stuff, I try to think of it from the downloader's point of view, what makes it easiest and clearest for them. My download sets are never that large, so there wouldn't really be need to make separate folders, and I always try to name my files in a way that should make it fairly easy to recognize what's what. If somebody then wants to organize their files differently, they can tell by the name. I can't know if, with a furniture set, for example, people want to keep the similar colored items together, or if they want to organize them by room or function instead.

[jaxad0127]

I usually don't open the archive itself or use a temp folder (which i used to do). Instead, i open the folder where I'm going to put them and use the extract here option and look at the files after they've been extracted to see if any changes need to be made.

I also support adding 7-zip to the list of archive formats. And because it being distributed under a GNU license, the functionality can be added to Q-Xpress.

[asdf]

I, for one, never read readme files because typically the thread where the download is has the same information.
If people take the time to create readmes and add them to the archive you should at least take time to scan over them.
I strongly suggest people never extract things w/o looking or without checking readme files
Like tiggerypum said never extract without checking.
It is true sometimes the same information is in both readme and description but this is only for downloaders who forget the location but require the information. On the other hand some creators include information such as installation instructions for certain objects this information is not usually located in the download thread because they dont want to fill up the description. Sometimes the information is to warn a user of the bugs in the object or if it interferes with any other content whether it be custom or content that came with the game. In my many experiences downloading content off the web I have came across a few instances where not reading the readme could have caused a complete system failure for my pc. A good example of this is my Graveyard CAS lot (http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=91593) I know that in this catagory readmes are quite common but It seems to be a reasonable example of what I mean. I am not trying to be insulting I am just trying to express the importance of the readme.

I am sorry. When I write messages I tend to give more information than what is really needed as you can tell reading all my posts. Its a habit that is hard to break.

[daysies]

Just because I don't read the read me files doesn't mean I don't think they're important. Of course, they are important. A lot of people download and don't know what to do with what they just downloaded. You've created items and uploaded them here so you know what I'm talking about when download threads are still littered with "Where does this go?" "How do I install this?" posts when we have FAQs and detailed descriptions in the first post of every thread. All I was stating was that I don't read read me files because I do know what to do with the files I've downloaded. I also take the time to read the entire thread for any conflicts and bug reports and sometimes those bits of information do not find their way back into the read me file.

I don't want this thread to turn into "who's right" vs "who's wrong." Everyone's downloading style and playing style is different. There is no "right" and there is no "wrong." Regardless, it's always best to use common sense. Don't download unless you know what to do with that download.

[Delphy]

You *could* all just use Q-Xpress you know. :)

Regardless, this thread is about changes made to the upload system, and is not a debate on what should and shouldn't be included in files.

Constructive comments on the changes specified only please from now on.

Regards,
Delphy

[Krukester]

ok, i dont know where else to post and im sick of looking so im posting here. I have th sims 2, and when i create a Downloads folder in My Documents...blah blah blah, sims 2 , and put my 150 mb of d/l's in, it never ever ever loads the lot. it used to when i had sims 2 in july, but i uninstalled it and burned the plugins to the disc. what is the problem ????

[daysies]

Krukester - Please post all game help questions here:

http://www.modthesims2.com/forumdisplay.php?f=31

[Tremayne]

Aaargh...Now everybody's going to post only rars, aren't they? I can't use rars OR q-xpress cause I have a mac, download stuff on the mac and move it to my PC to play with...I can see the logic, of course, but this really does cut down on my options...

I have a Mac, have downloaded files from this site (which I love BTW) and use Stuffit Expander all the time. Most of the files work except for expansion packs we don't have yet (Nightlife), but other than that work fine. No Clean Install though so not sure what to do about that, but otherwise they work fine.

[RealHogsFan]

You *could* all just use Q-Xpress you know. :)
Regards,
Delphy

Q-Xpress is a lifesaver Delphy, I have been able to actually look around on the site because of it and if i decide later that I don't actually want to download something i can just remove it from the queue. Thank you Delphy & others for the development of Q-Xpress.

One question on the downloads changing...will this change affect all of the files currently uploaded? I'm sure that someone else asked this question and ya'll answered it already, but I didn't see it :sorry:

[Delphy]

No, as I have already said, this does apply retrospectively.

[mod_bv]

I use ZIP on my own site and in other ways, not because I support ZIPs, just because they are more mainstream. RARs compress better, but I have 2GB or storage and only 200MB is used now so...what's the difference now? I will convert to RAR when I reach 1.70GB used.

[~kathy~]

This is a nice idea....Should cut down on people downloading all the files they see listed because they are confused which will help cut bandwidth as well.

[Loverat]

Basically it doesn't matter WHAT ya do someone will whine we all know that. Personally I never auto-install/extract anything if I have the choice to do things manually. I've got over 5gb of objects and recolours and as Daysies knows its all categorised within an inch of its life ;)

[eternityofsims]

laughing at Numenors post! I'm so happy that someone out there knows something! All that talk makes my head spin. It's like a foreign language to me. but hey thanks for all your hard work and all the exquisite dloadable downlables!

[RealHogsFan]

No, as I have already said, this does apply retrospectively.

okie dokie, well, maybe some of the creators that have posted both rar & zip and older files that are no longer compliant or what not, well, anyhow, maybe they will do a little bit of clean up of their own on their posts that are already up, ya know, to help ya'll out.

[Howabominable]

Thanks, that .zip and ,rar thing was really starting to bug me lol...

[galilea]

Hi!

Two questions here . . . How can one upload a 'themed' set?

I have several items (themed) from different catagories ...decorative/build mode/buy mode .... which I would like to upload ...

Do I have to create a new thread for each category? You know like put my walls in one thread, then put the furniture in another thread ..... etc.

Thank you!

[MTS2Staff]

The Themed set forum is technically ONLY supposed to hold sets created by more than one member at a time.
Such as The Dream Team and The Mod Squad and the Magik Modders-

There are extraneous items in there that slipped thru but are going to be moved to the by room >"multiple room" forum.

[GinaW1127]

Well I think all the changes are good. I have a whole system set up on my computer to keep things organized. I made a folder called Sims 2 Downloads, within that file I have a folder for each site I download from. With the site folder I have a folder for each item, like objects, clothing, etc. I also have a new items folder. So when I download from a site I put it in new items folder, I extract the files, put them in my downloads folder then move the compressed file to the right sub folder. I backup my folders on cds and keep them in a safe place. That way if anything ever happens I have the original download and I know where I got it. Might sound like a lot of work and confusing but it works. I have also been able to help a couple friends with knowing where they got something cause of that system. Anyway keep up the good work all.

[kc15]

i think what you did is wonderful,when i download a house i alwasy talk to my self is it req. any EP. now you just clear a little bit of my headache.thank you.

[Numenor]

Speaking of up/downloads, currently the system adds a prefix to the uploaded files names: "MTS2_FileNumber_UploaderName_". Would it be possible to replace the FileNumber with the number of the thread it is uploaded to? This way, who downloads that file can have a reference to the thread number, in case he wants to check for updates and such. Actually, this system can be used to implement an automatic "search-for-updates" feature in the Q-Xpress, since the Q-Xpress stores all the downloaded archives.

[fanseelamb]

Ack! Please excuse the dumb question, but... how exactly does the nifty new Replace-Your-File-and-keep-the-download-count feature work? I tried to use it just now but instead of the old file being replaced, the new file is pending approval. Is it because it's a moderated thread? Will it do the same thing when I try to update the pics? If it works, this will be such a cool new feature - I've wanted to update this particular file for ages but resisted because I luv my download count. :D

Here's the thread:
http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?p=563875

[gerbeloodle]

Hello..I need help?

[IgnorantBliss]

Hello..I need help?

What do you need help with? There are help forums (http://www.modthesims2.com/help.php) available with many problems answered :).

[Neerovra]

[QUOTE=daysies]
5. LASTLY, what is up with the "me first" posts in Downloads? Seriously folks, there is no contest as to who posts first. You win no prize. Well, maybe the boobie prize and a dunce cap. Try thanking the creator instead.
QUOTE]

I don't mind the "Yay, I'm first! I really like the third one. Any chance of you doing the third one in a lighter color? Thanks for a great upload!" type posts. The "I'm first" is slipped into a post that is actually about something.

I hate the "Yay! I'm first!" only posts, though. It's a waste of bandwidth and annoying. And the developer may have been waiting for a response to see what people think of their upload. They put in a bunch of work, they share it with us, and understandably they would like a little praise. Or criticism. Or any reaction at all. And they get "Yay! Me first!"

I think if the Mods delete all "Me first" posts as soon as they are noticed it might cut down on them, maybe.

I love all the great dev's for sharing the cool stuff, and I thank them all!

[Delphy]

fanseelamb,

Thats how it's supposed to work. New files go into the approval queue just as they did before. That functionality hasn't changed.

[Tholian]

Hmm, I don't see how putting things is folders within a rar makes people more likely to read the readme file or be more careful with their downloads. If you want to make sure the readme file won't get overwritten by other readme files in a big folder, you can always give it a unique name. But for those of us who do pay attention to what they are downloading, folders and subfolders within a rar are nothing but extra work. Especially when you download a bunch of items at once and have a lot to extract, it doesn't make it any easier for you if everything is in folders and subfolders within the several rars you have to weed through.

I find having the folders inside rar files very handy myself and they do not cause me any extra work. All my rar expansions take place into a "sandbox" directory anyway so that I can folder the ones that aren't. It makes no difference to the Sims 2 how many folders are in the download directory and it allows me to properly attribute anything that I might use (with permission) in an upload. The ones that are not foldered do cause me extra work as I must folder them myself.

This also makes it much easier to weed out files that cause problems for my game. With over 6000 packages/hacks in my current game having this level of organization is a lifesaver.

As far as rar being smaller than zip one must keep in mind that the zip algorithm was created specifically to give maximum compression of ASCII text files. When applied to files of other types the efficiency of the compression is reduced. If it is applied to jpg, pdf, exe files then the algorithm can actually make the zip file bigger than the original file.

[asdf]

Seeing as everything is free on this site people owe it to the administrators to at least follow the guidlines. I think the only time I broke the guidelines was when I went off topic in one of the threads but other than that I always try my best to follow the guidelines.

Still you should understand that almost every guideline the staff has set up is to improve this great site and to further prolong its existance.

My opinion of The "Im first" posts is that they serve no purpose and as a creator I shall inform you that all posts are of equal value which means the first is no better than the last However the only exception to equality in posts is when the post is used to harass the creator, to insult the item the creation is based from ( an example (http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=76597&page=2&pp=25) ), Or to talk to or annoy another user.

I dont know how people could possibly be unhappy with anything on this site. Just look at the content provided and all the game help, cheats, and tutorials and its organized to a point thats above satisfactionary. The quality provided is even higher than that of the exchange because our moderators take the time to view all of the uploads and remove all of the sims that suspiciously resemble the random bodyshop sims and only the greatest of the lots are accepted.

Most paysites dont even provide such greatness and if your going to complain to anyone about anything complain to them because If your a paying customer you then SHOULD have the right to complain.

I myself have encountered a few annoyances myself such as some of my requests going unanswered, and some of my uploads being to large but Instead of complaining I work to fix the issues by modifying my uploads and I try and find a friendly user who can help with the requests.

I understand that alot of work was put in by all the staff to bring us such quality and Im sure I speak for alot of people when I say I am thankful.

[OpenHouseJack]

thumbnails not showing after first page?

[daysies]

OpenHouseJack, I already answered you on the thread you opened in Site Issues.

[fanseelamb]

fanseelamb,

Thats how it's supposed to work. New files go into the approval queue just as they did before. That functionality hasn't changed.


Ohhh. Duh. I thought files with the exact same filename were supposed to overwrite the old files. Guess not though, eh? So... when/if the mods approve the file with the same filename then the download count is retained? Is that how it works? Sorry for all the annoying questions, I'm just a bit confused... as usual. :D

Here's the thread URL again, in case you need to peek at it.
http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=70864
("Fox Mulder.Sims2Pack" is pending approval.)

[XTS]

like the new look and feel. ty guys ;)

I think it's a great idea to have only one, myself.

xts

ps. mts2 still looking good and still my one stop favorite site for sims 2 related stuff! :D

[RealHogsFan]

...since the Q-Xpress stores all the downloaded archives.

is this why now each time I use Q-Xpress, it automatically readds the folders that at another time i installed and either moved or deleted (repeatedly on some)...I mean, I keep getting like 50 folders from zips i previously installed. It's actually getting really quite annoying.

EDIT: OOPS! I forgot where I was posting. I had been reading so long, I forgot where I was. Am posting my issue in the Q-Xpress thread.

[Delphy]

fanseelamb,

Looks like you hit a bug. The file hasn't replaced the other one for some reason. I'll look into it thanks :)

[Delphy]

Okay, the bug where uploads don't overwrite is now fixed. Sorry about that...

[fortyfeet]

What in the world?

"Thumbnails in the below list only appear for the last 2 days of downloads. This is to save bandwidth, it's not a problem with your PC or connection."

is this going to be fixed or something? why are you guys doing this seriously? it's really a horrible way to "save bandwidth" because now people won't even be able to look in the past at items that they weren't around for or logged in for. I ALWAYS judge the post based on the photo provided, and now really without the thumbnails it makes this site pointless to me.

[MTS2Staff]

its one extra click to go into a post that saves the site hundreds of dollars a month. The content is still free and i dont think the site is pointless because theres one extra click to be done to look at something.

[fortyfeet]

its one extra click to go into a post that saves the site hundreds of dollars a month. The content is still free and i dont think the site is pointless because theres one extra click to be done to look at something.

yeah except now i'll have to open up each and every page which will probably waste more bandwidth than it saves.

[fanseelamb]

Okay, the bug where uploads don't overwrite is now fixed. Sorry about that...

Awesome, it works like a charm now... thanks Delphy!

[WesHowe]

Yes, as long as the file name is exact, if you have to replace it, the download & view count will stay the same.

This is not true on attachments made in threads. The download count is reset.
<* Wes *>

[tkdjunkie]

Wes_h -- just a few posts up (posts 81, 84, and 85), that glitch was reported, and Delphy fixed it.

So it definitely was not working initially, but it is working now

[rhiamom]

Aaargh...Now everybody's going to post only rars, aren't they? I can't use rars OR q-xpress cause I have a mac, download stuff on the mac and move it to my PC to play with...I can see the logic, of course, but this really does cut down on my options...

I have a Mac and I can do rar files. Sometimes I have to right -click (or command-click if you use the single button mouse) on the link and choose "download linked file." Stuffit has no problem with them.

[MissWendy]

I was trying to upload a painting recolor I made tonight and the "manage uploads" button is gone. How do I upload now??

[Delphy]

MissWendy,

User Tools -> Upload Items.

[Lisen801]

Aaargh...Now everybody's going to post only rars, aren't they? I can't use rars OR q-xpress cause I have a mac, download stuff on the mac and move it to my PC to play with...I can see the logic, of course, but this really does cut down on my options...

Venetia...
I have the same situation as you. I have my Internet on (my fathers) Mac with OS9 and I transfer all the stuff, up- and downloads via an USB-memory-plug. When I download I save the packaged files on the USB-memory, take the plug to the PC and unpack it there with winzip or winrar...
It works without problems for me...
(at least so far....!!!)

Lisen

[Ashen]

Okies, I am slow, I know but about the uploads of recolors -

A car in this case - I packed them all separatley, all only in .rar with a piccie in them, with a screenshot but now what? User tools, upload - upload the whole thing (I know how), and I should link to the mesh of the original creator right?

Sorry but I want to be sure.

[daysies]

The process hasn't changed. It's just what is required in that process that has changed... i.e. only 1 file type (zip or rar) and not both zip and rar. Recolors are no different. Just upload the .rar of the recolor and the in-game screenshot of the object. Also link to the mesh that you recolored.

[mike19]

§

i was wondering that with my first lot upload recently i kept to the rules and posted my max 8 images. The question is how is it determined which of those 8 becomes the thumbnail that seen in the download forum lists?
this may of been better asked in another thread somewhere but i dont know. i dont honest.

[eddief66]

§

i was wondering that with my first lot upload recently i kept to the rules and posted my max 8 images. The question is how is it determined which of those 8 becomes the thumbnail that seen in the download forum lists?
this may of been better asked in another thread somewhere but i dont know. i dont honest.

When you edit your post you can select which image is default.

[mike19]

oh yes, it helps also if i scroll down the page when editing. also so many boxes to check and tick. (i can only cope with 2 choices at a time or i gets confused)
lol

[tkdjunkie]

mike19, the last picture that you upload is automatically selected as your default thumbnail. But you can change it to any picture that you want once the thread has been published. In cases where downloads are moderated, you can change the default picture after the thread is approved or conditionally approved.

But beware that any time you edit your post, the default thumbnail will be switched to the last picture in your list. So if you had already selected your default thumbnail as any picture other than the last one, then you go back later to edit your post for some other reason, you will have to reset your default thumbnail again.

Why? I have no idea :P

[Delphy]

The default picture shouldn't be reset at all - unless it picked the wrong file once when uploading. If you get a thread where it is resetting the default picture everytime you edit the post, let me know, since it shouldn't be doing that.

[mike19]

yep the default was the last in the list. And delphy i just tested the theory and earlier i set it to lot-view150.jpg where as originaly it was main-first850.jpg. but now it's trying to set back to main-first850.jpg.
heres the thread:
http://forums.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?p=1019176#post1019176

[IgnorantBliss]

With my latest upload, these windows (http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=121513) , the default picture changed after I edited the post. It was supposed to be the one that's the first one of the Screenshots, but it changed to the last one after editing.

[tkdjunkie]

Every single one of my upload threads will reset the default thumbnail when I edit the post.

Then again, it might be because I use Firefox ... :shrug:

[niol]

All my upload threads behave that way once I edit them.
When I trimmed down the number of the screenshots in many of my upload threads, everything seemed fine. But, I went to check my profile a day after I finished the trimming, all the threads I'd trimmed had their default thumbnails set to the last pic of the threads.
So, I'd to reset them.
But then, another similar problems happened on the Miscellaneous Options section that I've to reset them everytime I edit a post. But, I'm unsure if that is supposed to trim down signature and link-parsing while keeping smileys?

Therefore, now whenever I update a post, I've to re-check the default thumbnails, Miscellaneous Options section.

PS:
1. the change in default for thumbnails and the Miscellaneous Options section have already been done once the post-editting pages are loaded. So, all one has to do is to redo those 2 sections.

2. the order of the uploaded images may depend on the the order of which is uploaded to the server earlier (different image can have different sizes while the uploading process may take anyone it locates eariler) rather than the order shown on the file manager unless one upload one by one with the page updated. Yes, it's time-consuming but the order must be correct that way.

[tkdjunkie]

2. the order of the uploaded images may depend on the the order of which is uploaded to the server earlier (different image can have different sizes while the uploading process may take anyone it locates eariler) rather than the order shown on the file manager unless one upload one by one with the page updated. Yes, it's time-consuming but the order must be correct that way.

That's correct for me as well. If I put 5 pictures in 5 slots, they will upload in random order (or as you said, the order in which the server accepts them). So when/if order is important for my screenshots, I will only upload one screenshot at a time.

[Delphy]

Okay what I mean by "resetting" is if you have already set a default picture manually and then go to change it to something else. That's different from when the default picture gets assigned randomly and you go to change it yourself. :)

[syberspunk]

Edit: Quick question... in some of the older (more importantly, in some of my older :P) posts, I have several .zip archives. I did this because it was much more easier to manage, and it made sense to separate certain recolours by groups. That way, people can sort of pick and choose what they wanted to download, rather than be forced to download the entire collection, which does get unwieldly if they are rather large.

So... does this mean, in the future (if I ever do any more recolours) I will be forced to make separate threads for each archive, even if they are somewhat related? I think it's a bit silly to have seperate threads for each archive, especially if they are only a handful of recolours or a single recolour. But sometimes it makes sense to break things up into several smaller groups rather than one huge archive based on the subject. I guess the only solution really is to have separate threads?


5. LASTLY, what is up with the "me first" posts in Downloads? Seriously folks, there is no contest as to who posts first. You win no prize. Well, maybe the boobie prize and a dunce cap. Try thanking the creator instead.


Yeah... seriously. That's one of my biggest pet peeves. :P

On the other hand... hooray for b(.Y.)bies! I lurrrrve boobies! So... would I really get a boobie as a prize!? ;)

Btw "Ate" :D ... I know I haven't been around on chat, but when I do show up, I haven't seen ya there. In the very least tho', whenever I watch Nick Cannon's Wildin' Out, and see your friend, I think of you. Hehe. :luff:

Ste

[a2daarie]

i have a mac and i need help with th whole Q-Xpress thing i'm SO confused!! :help:

[karen82869]

http://www.q-xpressinstaller.com/forum/

[Numenor]

I think that the Q-Xpress just can't be used on Mac systems