MTS2 Changes - March 2007 - Everybody should read this

[Delphy]

Hi All,

Welcome to the latest round of updates to one of the biggest Sims 2 fansites in the world. We've almost reached 1 million registered users over time (not counting purges and so on), which is quite an accomplishment considering the site didn't exist this time 3 years ago.

We have a whole bevy of changes which I am going to summarise in this text and then outline in more detail in the following posts. These are as follows:


Brand new upload screen for uploading creations to MTS2
Automatic package type detection when uploading
A package database of every package uploaded to MTS2 up to this time has been created - this does not include those packages inside Sims2Pack files (ie Lots and Houses)
Cosmetic changes to the Manage Attachments screen
AJAX technology is now used on the Thanks button on Downloads
Download pages now display a "Recommended" boxout on the left
Fixed the error with Compatible/All Downloads reverting back on download pages
Added Seasons Outerwear section to the Clothing area


There are also some small bug and code fixes, and minor stuff that I wont bore you with.

Now, onto to the meaty stuff. :)

[Delphy]

New Upload Wizard:

Here is the new MTS2 Upload Wizard. It has been designed from the ground up to try and make it a lot simpler (or, to be more precise, better) to upload items onto the site.

It is a radical departure from the existing single screen upload system that we have had on MTS2 for a while, but I think you'll appreciate the changes.

An flowchart of how this wizard works is as follows:

http://www.modyourpanties.com/hosting/070228061722-Upload%20Flowchart.png

Features:

- Easy selection of download area and category
- Inline panel for uploading files
- Custom Content lists automatically based on information within the package file (see below)
- Indication of Meshes used as well as Paysite status now displayed within the upload process
- Compatibility for Lot uploads are now picked up automatically based on what EPs and SPs the creator has indicated in thier profile
- Image preview on text entry screen, and links allowing for easy IMG and URL links to the attached files.
- Polygon count entry box
- Inbuilt error checking for missing files, images, polygon counts and others
- Preview screen

Wizard Notes:

Step 5 may seem confusing to some - this is what I call the Custom Content screen. It comes up for all uploads, no matter of type or area. It is a screen that interfaces with the MTS2 Package Database to provide the following:

- When a Lot or Sim uploader uploads a Sims2Pack file with a file that already exists within the Package Database, the details are automatically filled in. This then automatically constructs the "Custom Content Included" section within the main text. Please read the section on the Package Database for more information.
- When any other uploader (for example some who does meshes or recolours) uploads, they must fill in the relevant details for the packages they have created (or just tick the box to say they made the package).

When you create a new thread, the Credits lists get automatically built, and it's much easier to insert pictures, and other details when you actually upload, but I think the biggest improvement that you will like is the Preview screen since if you make a mistake you don't have to wait for it to be rejected to fix.

Wizard FAQ:

For screenshots of the various stages in the upload wizard, click: http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=222665

I realise that it's a big change and I know that people are going to have questions, so feel free to ask away.

Automatic Package Detection:

I've updated the DBPF reading code that is used when you upload files to MTS2 to also detect the type of file. In other words, when you view the custom content list next to a file you will see one of the following:

- Mesh
- Recolour
- Clothing Recolour
- Accessory Recolour
- Game Mod/Hack
- Wall/Floor
- Terrain Paint
- Makeup
- Eyes
- Eyebrows
- Hair Recolour
- Career/Major
- Sim/Pet
- Unknown

It's not perfect and some files don't work, but I believe I have gotten the majority of the detection routines working. If you see a file that is listed as "Unknown" then let me know and I'll examine it in SimPE and figure out why it's different.

The detection is used in the Custom Content lists that appear in the new Upload Wizard

Package Database:

This is, essentially, a database of package files uploaded to MTS2, but is used in conjuction with the Upload Wizard above to categorise and store any package file, including those inside Lots and Sims

Basically, here is how it works:

- Initially, the package database gets populated with all the packages from MTS2
- When you upload anything onto MTS2, you are asked to identify the files. Say you upload an Object recolour: the wizard will detect this and ask you to fill in the details about the Creator and the Creators site or where the file can be downloaded from. You must do this on all package files and uploads.
- When you upload a Lot or a Sim, the system will look inside the Sims2Pack file and then automatically try to fill in as much of the Custom Content list as possible. You only have to fill in the missing boxes, which then get written to the Package Database so that the next time somebody uploads a Lot or Sim with that package they won't have to do it.

What this means is that, over time, the database will get populated with files and packages from all over the Sims 2 community. It makes it a lot easier for people to identify what custom content they have used in thier Lots, due to the peer nature of the system, and above all you cannot continue to upload items onto MTS2 without filling in the Custom Content lists!

Right now the package database can be located at: http://packagedb.modthesims2.com/

It currently does contain duplicates, but I will be weeding these out in the next day or so. If you see any packages in the database that are obviously attributed to the wrong person (say you uploaded somebody elses files), then please post in the thread in Site Issues.

[Delphy]

Manage Attachments screen:

This screen now has a larger "Upload Files" button and additionally, the "Uploading files please wait..." message has been moved above the list of attachments.

Download Thanks Button:

The Thanks button located on the download pages now uses AJAX technology for a quicker, easier, thanking experience without reloading the page. When clicking Thanks you may see a little rotating icon and then you get the text "Thank you for thanking this download". As soon as you see that, then you know your thanks have gotten registered properly. :)

Recommended Downloads:

If you go to shop sites such as Amazon.com you'll often see little lists like "Customers who bought this also bought...". Well, we've now implemented a similar system on MTS2!

On the left of the download screens just under the Thanks box you will now see a "Recommended" box. This will show you a random selection of downloads that other people have thanked in addition to this one, restricted by area.

This functionality will help downloaders to find other high quality items on the site without having to drill down through the main pages.

We realise that everybody browses slightly different but even so, it's a great system and we hope you all enjoy it. Many thanks to Echo for helping with the SQL and to the other staff for putting up with our discussions of tables, joins, indexes and syntax. :)

Compatible/All Downloads:

Some of you reported problems when clicking on "All Downloads" at the bottom of the download screen, that when you went to page 2 it lost the All Downloads and reverted back to Compatible. This has now been fixed.

New Seasons section:

I've updated the site to include Seasons icons (Thanks Tig) on the download page and on the actual download information screen, and we've also added a new "Outerwear" section to the Clothing Areas.

Final Words:

We hope you enjoy all the changes to the site - please remember this is a news post and not a discussion of what you can or can't do with Seasons. ;)

Thanks to the following people:
- Echo, for the SQL stuff
- Tig, for the icon
- All the rest of the MTS2 staff
- The MTS2 Beta Test team
- My parents, for giving me a full head of hair that I can rip out at various points. :)

Enjoy, and Happy 5th March!

Regards
Delphy

[agents71287]

Well done delphy and the team.Excellent work as always.Thank you for keeping the site up and running and adding these new things. :gjob:

[cgcg1]

Thank u

[skiingiggy]

This is all great news! I can't wait to upload my hershey's career when it's done!

[ronyu02]

Nice. Well it looks confusing now but I'm sure it's not. Now if only I could get back at creating stuff again soon. :D

[Sarimar]

Thank you all for constantly developing this site. I think I would've stopped playing a long time ago if it wasn't for MTS2.

[Ostrander68]

Thank U

[jenfold]

I'm in the process of uploading something now so far it's going swimmingly and I so :luff: the fact we get a preview screen now. Well worth the wait thanks!

Edit: Delphy I just spotted something weird, the upload I just submitted went straight through immediately though it's not on the main downloads page (Edit it is now!) and should obviously go through moderation first also I haven't had an upload in the queue type pm yet - but that probably cos it went straight through.

Obv do whatever you need to take it down etc. as the whole point of this site quality control is that everyone gets their stuff moderated.

[tumleee]

this is so exciting! :bunny: thank you delphy and the entire mts2 staff for endlessly and tirelessly developing the best sims site ever! you rock! :king: :gjob:

[kisscool]

Thanks Delphy

[plasticbox]

Some of you reported problems when clicking on "All Downloads" at the bottom of the download screen, that when you went to page 2 it lost the All Downloads and reverted back to Compatible. This has now been fixed.

I had a similar problem with subsections of Featured items recently, can't recall how it went exactly ... would that have been fixed at the same time or does it make sense to look into it + come back with a proper error description? (I was one of the "some" who had the problem in the first place)


ps ... I love the term "thanking experience" :rofl:

[Terrio]

Nice work guys :)

[Delphy]

Thanks jenfold, I've bumped it back to the queue and fixed up that piece of code. :)

[frillen]

It sounds fantastic Delphy - Can't wait to try out your high tech Download/Upload-shop *what may I help you with today sir?* :D

Recommended Downloads!
Pretty soon we'll be downloading stuff we never even knew we needed :giggler:

[Toasted-Toilet]

Hooray!

[Delphy]

plasticbox,

Not sure - I tested out the main download screen not the featured section - can you see if you still get the problems?

[patul]

A really great improvement ! Thanks delphy :up:

[crocobaura]

Hooray! We can upload again! Thank you Delphy and the whole MTS2 staff for all the awsome work you put in this site. :) You rock!

[Crowie]

nice one dude, good to see your undying dedication to the site!

[Chiarina]

Amazing work: thank you!

[Forza_anne]

Woa, great, TY :up:

[plasticbox]

Just tested, and yes I'm still getting this (50% of the original problem):

1. I go to Featured Items -> Clothing -> Page 3
2. I switch Compatibility from default ("Compatible") to "All", or the other way around
3. Upon reload, i'm back at Featured Items (not the subsection), Page 1

The same thing happens when I'm in a subsection or on page X (> 1) of the main Featured section and change any of the other filters (say, Meshes Only or Sort by Last Update or whatever) -- upon reload, I always end up on page 1 of Featured.

The filters themselves do stick now -- I can hop between pages and sections without resetting them, with one exception: when I'm in Featured (or, I suppose, any other subsection) and click on "Download" in the page *header* -- the white-on-blue part underneath the logo --, the filters are reset to default. When I click on "Downloads" in the directory tree, however (the black-on white part right above Search), the filter settings stay put.

Have fun =)


ETA: We're down to 25% of the original problem in the regular Downloads part:

1. I go to Downloads -> Body Shop -> page 3
2. change filters, click "Filter Downloads"
3. Page reloads and I'm at Downloads -> Body Shop -> page 1 -- so it does remember the subsection, just not the page.


ETA2: There seems to be another problem regarding the compatibility filters:

When I'm in Downloads (top level) and have the filters set to "Compatibility: Advanced: all boxes ticked" (in other words: equivalent to All) and "Maxis Recolours Only", I see 154 downloads. When I un-tick *any* of the "Compatibility: Advanced" boxes, no matter which one (even just one of the stuff packs), I get 0 downloads. Same thing happens with "Meshes only" (68 downloads when all boxes are ticked) and "Mesh Recolours only" (108 downloads). It even happens with "All Items" ... in other words, "Advanced" seems to be quite broken.

[AbstractSIMmer187]

Thank goodness the upload system is back, thanks again Delphy ;)

[Dave Luv]

Hi Delphy, the feature for getting custom content info from .package files doesn't work properly when parsing compressed CTSS resources (which I use to save 40 kB of file size when doing translations to other languages). It seems it treats the compressed description as uncompressed, which results in junk texts when using the custom content preview next to the download.

[wargarurumon]

woooooow! one million users :gjob:
and ofcourse many thanks for the updates

[Delphy]

Dave, please give me an example of a package file that you are using that compression on?

[happybuni7]

Thank you!

[Dave Luv]

Delphy, you can see this in my today's upload:
http://forums.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=222683
I've manually fixed the editable Custom Content info during the upload process, but the junk text is still visible when viewing the package details.
Dave

[corvidophile2]

Thanks so much for all the great new features Delphy, it makes uploading a breeze, i enjoy the recommendations lists and i love how nice and tidy everything is in the uploads page now ( it's great that used meshes now appear on the thread instead below the download also, that helps a lot).

The fact that you constantly improve the site ,we all love anyway, means a lot.

Corvi

[lobstergirl]

Thanks for all the spiffy changes. I love it. I have lots to upload and this will be great to use.

[yogi56]

Just wanna holla my thanks for such a brilliant site. You guys rock!!!

[yogi56]

Just wanna holla my thanks for such a brilliant site. You guys rock!!!

[lamammaforever]

Great! Thank you Delphy, this is a massive improvement / enrichment of the site.
Hope your head full of red hairs will not have too many headaches, we know that often we are the little pulsing pain at the end of the day... but we love you. Kiss and ciao.

[Aleesha]

Amazing work Delphy! Very different from what we're used to but very cool.
Unfortunately I always get this erroe:
Parse error: parse error, unexpected T_LNUMBER in /home/forums/public_html/upload.php on line 644

[muggle87]

I am getting an error 644 for clicking on the here to upload. Why is that?

[Loverat]

The package database is a truly inspirational thing - well done you big galoot =)

[echo66]

Wow! (applauds) lol Thanks Delphy, a.k.a Delphy super genius. And thanks to all your genius helpers, too.

[squall117]

Great work Delphy! You just gace me a reson to make something nice and test that new upload system :D
The change to the Thanks system are also great, TY :)

[Reece]

Cheers for the update, Delphydude. Still haven't bought Seasons yet. I need to soon. Very soon...

[Zhaana]

Wow wow... What a big change ! At first I was like : " what is this ? I don't understand anymore !" And now that I read everything it's perfect !
I particularly love the Package Database, that's really really useful !
So a BIG thank you for the improvment in uploading. ;)
I love MTS2 and its staff ! lol

[MisfitRocker]

I really like the recommended download feature! Thanks!

[EarthyFire]

Thank you so much for all the hard work. I really like the changes, especially the thank you button! It's the little things that count lol

[amycapdet]

I won't be able to try it for a while but according to the screenshots -excellent tutorial, btw- it seems very intuitive. As always you rock, Delphy! Thanks so much.

[Ms. Useless Knowledge]

Thanks for all of your hard work Delphy! We really do appreciate you, even if we don't say it enough! :rofl:

[pfish]

Thank for making uploads available again. I hope uploading stuff would not be hard. :)

[syn28]

Great work as usual, Delphy. Haven't tested any of it yet but I trust your word.

How you manage to deal with so much code and NOT be a raving lunatic is beyond me. Cheers! :up:

[Marhis]

Great work; the improvement is huge, and I like the recommended items very much.

I'm just testing an upload now and it seems great!

A bug report, maybe: in preview step (11) I wanted to correct something in custom content (5), but when I click on the link in the left sidebar it returns a timeout or an error:

The requested URL /upload2.php was not found on this server.

Hope this helps :).

[Komodo Jo]

Grea Updates...Thanks...

[niol]

Where's the thanks button for this thread? :D
Thanks for all your hard work, and I'll learn the new way to upload...

[Corylea]

Wow! Thanks for all your hard work on our behalf.

We should have some sort of official Delphy Appreciation Day. If we had such a thing, what would you want?

[LoveJezabel]

I really like the recommended idea! Thanks!!

[porkypine]

Hi Delphy!

It looks very good. It should help all of us make sure we don't forget anything when uploading.

Thanks! :D

[jordi]

In my existing downloads, I get some absurd descriptions…

http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=145865 — nojodhpur.package has a description for text from the build mode of the game

http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=153072 — HideweirdSP2.zip has "Daisuke is SO CUTE! ~Rin-chan + Kina-Kun"

http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=188555 — claims to come from http://cloudlessnights.livejournal.com/ ??

http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=193128 — claims to be a "＊Arice＊ MESH by Rose"

http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=209407 — has the description "ëBatchMP01"

http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=212448 — claims to be "BrittanyMurphyNosemask2-corvidophile2"

http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=214902 — PetsHPPMenuFix.zip claims to be "Well Rounded by Circulator"

http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=216247 — HideAviatorGogglesOFB.zip: "Large Twig Vase"
HideSnorkelsFFS.zip: idem
HideRaveGogglesNL.zip: idem

Of course since most of my downloads don't easily fit one of the categories, they almost all have either "Unknown" as type, or the wrong one (such as "recolour" or "eyebrows").

[Starspeed]

Quality work, as always. Muchas gracias, Delphy!

I do have a problem, though. I am attempting to upload my next lot, and the Keywords/Thumbnail page does not show any of the pictures I uploaded to allow me to select a default thumbnail pic.

[Sterlingdt]

Very Cool! Well done and thanks for all your hard work! :)

[rainkius]

Wow, i am constantly amazed at the amount of work the staff puts into this site...Thank you for making such a great site, and keeping it so up-to-date!

[pixie]

Delphy you rule.:)

I love what you do (and have done all this time) to improve MTS2, and I love being part of this site. I'm proud as hell of being a creator here. And I don't mind sounding cheesy this time.:p

[Onewingedangel]

I love this site! Thank you so much for all the wonderful sim goodies! I don't think my sims would be as happy as they are if it wasn't for MTS2! (or even lasted as long w/o all the great custom content!) (^,^)b

[FreetobeJulie]

Looks great, thanks! I love the new "Recommendations" box!



Julie =)

[anglesims2]

Excellent job, even though I do not upload anything anymore anywhere except rarley at the offical The Sims 2 EA site and I use nothing but maxis stuff or my own stuff...Other than that it is awsome that there is almost 1 million pepole signed up in the world...Hey I know one more addtion is for The Sims Life Stories if Maxis would let you....The Yahoo Sims Life Stories has not even updated their site at all...Now forums etc....Why? I hope it was okay to write this part here....If not I will re do the part of The Sims Life Stories etc in where ever is aproperate...Thanks....

[poke_simmie_]

These upgrades are amazing, thank you so much for ModTheSims2.com such an enjoyable site! :)

[poundingheart]

All sounds wonderful Delphy, I love the fact that we can preview our uploads before submitting them. Great work. MTS2

[silverdreams]

Cool! Thanks! I am definitely not regretting my decision to support this site with monthly donations out of my bank account. :D

[a2duke]

Thanks the uploading system is brilliant :)

[General Oohoh]

I love the changes! Especially that new upload wizard. Thank you Delphy! :D

[Sims&Slayer666]

Thanks Delphy! I'm about to load my first lot! the changes are great

[auroraspirit]

Thanks so much Delphy :) I am especially enjoying the recommendations for downloads.

:gjob:

Auroraspirit :angel:

[Hyperkitty21]

Thanks Delphy!

[Bubby bob]

Wow Thanks but it got kinda odd cause i made a career and i did'nt know wich one to do so i did new mesh and it asked for polygon counts so i just pe A CAREER is that ok?

[watts459]

I hate to be a kill joy, especially since I love this site, but the show all files thing is still reverting to filters when I go to the second page. I have all EP boxes checked in my profile and it is still not showing everything. I noticed that when I click show all on the first page the filtered downloads that show up require stuff packs as well as eps, but there are no stuff boxes to check. Could this be the problem? Am I missing something? Help

[applearanas]

well done...

oops.. i have a question.. i have been downloading custom majors for my university, but it doesn't appear on the game.. what should i do?

[annesmasterabn]

thank you Delphy

[Brighten11]

Wow, thank you, Delphy! These are awesome changes! I can't believe you are actually keeping track of, and cataloging all the custom content?!? Wow! That sounds like a job for Superman, Batman! :lol: (Just kidding, but I AM impressed!) :D

[ts_looney]

I make a lot of lots that I was hesitant to upload because of fear(Laziness) of looking up where all the items came from so the item database had me thrilled.

Then I uploaded the picture recolors that I had worked on over the weekend. I had made 100 recolors of various paintings. That was a time consuming process. Would there be any way to be able to click that all of it is created by the poster if it detects that all the items are recolors? (You could put another little page in that asks in big ugly bold letter if they are sure they created all of it)

I used the same description in all of the recolors. If it gets posted, will it show 100 of the same descriptions at the end of the post where it lists custom content?

Was a very easy wizard to use actually, just wasn't expecting to have to click 200 little boxes (I included a .rar for 10 different paintings that have 10 recolors each and one .rar with all 100)

And do keep up the good work. :)

[preemptive_doodle]

I'm liking these changes. ^^ Thanks.

[AngelinLeather]

This is pretty impressive. You guys rock

[Christine11778]

I like the new changes, but I am really impressed with the Recommendations <~~~I never would have thought of that. :)

[Ashen]

Oooh brilliant, thanks Delphy, is all I can say!

[nerina]

Recommendations are the coolest, great job!

[sandyfootprints]

Thank you very Delphy and team for all the work you do to keep this site running and all the enhancements. Much appreciated :up:

[$RaMRoM$]

thanks delphy, i like the new upload wizard

[ding140674]

Thanks delphy for the new updates. Hope that this time I'm able to upload.

I'm still having networks issues in my region which I still can't upload at all. Everytime after submit, I always have this error display.

Done! But with error!

But everytime when I've checked the site again, nothing there. (Have read creator guidelines so know about if creation not good enough or not following guidelines will be rejected)

I've try to attach image files only but always having this Done! But with error! (Even though connections not cut off). No attachment was found too.

I hope that the new updates can help me to upload this round ;).

You are great thanks :D

[karita]

TY! Sounds great!

[Delphy]

Update: I have currently disabled the generation of new "Recommended" lists on the primary webservers, as I found the SQL code I was using puts extreme strain on the database server when used in conjunction with high load situations (in other words, MTS2 :) )

[jacciinatl]

I'm going to be brief. THis is the Best Place for simmers on the net and you keep it as cutting edge as imaginable. There's not a pay site that can even come close to this site in diversity, help or anything else. Thanks so much Delphy and gang

[Szandor88]

Great, THanks!!!

[corvidophile2]

Ok i have a question, it never occured to me but now that i had to update an upload.So i updated a thread adding one more rar , is there a way to list new custom content now or not? Thanks ;-)

[shayshaymaynot]

Thank you for continuing to build and improve your site and not becoming complacent! This is by far the best Sims2 site out there. I think I would have become bored with the game without the exciting new custom content these great creaters share! I'm still a lurker in the shadow, only downloading not creating...thus far...but I think we'll all benefit from these updates. Enough blathering...time to Sim. :bunny:

[arechavala]

Thanks Delphy and team. Your excellent work benefit all of us and improve the experience of been a member of this Sim world.

[Sim_Me]

Thanks bunches delphy!

[karen82869]

Nice!! Thanks, Delphy!

[BetsyJayne]

Delphy, you are my hero.

Your dedication to this site is just amazing.

I don't think I have ever told you this even though I have been a member for quite a while. Now seemed like a good a time as any to say 'YOU ROCK!' :sheep:

[cleo375]

Thank you for all the amazing work!

[pickpock]

Thank you!!! Amazing work as usual and I especially *love* the new upload system, simply brilliant!

[Uartige-Pigebarn]

Thank you for working so hard for all of us, Delphy! It's great!

The only problem is, I can't upload. I read everything I came across while trying and did everything I was told to do, but it just doesn't work! I've been trying since yesterday and now I'm getting a little frustrated.

It's just a sim I'm trying to upload, but I put a lot of work into her! I'd love to share her. Do you have any idea what might be the problem?

[dilitru]

YAHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! NOW I know my b-day gift: LARGER DISK SPACE FOR DOWNLOADS!!!!! (evil *Smile*)

[Delphy]

"I can't upload!" is not a valid error message. You need to be more clear and post with exact error messages and so on in the Site Issues forum

[Navetsea]

Thanks for all the changes you made Delphy, the recomendation and user friendly thanks button are great :)

However I got this problem:

Parse error: parse error, unexpected '}' in /home/forums/public_html/upload.php on line 1441

that's what showing whenever I click upload item in the user tool. I wonder if you still disabled the upload Delphy.

[x_ruthless_x]

Awesome.. :D

[Anya1971]

thanks for all your hard work - it makes the game far more enjoyable when you add on all the wonderful creations from mts2 abd to be able to keep it a free site after all this time is an amazing achievement, well done and I hope the sites around for many more years to come

[Delphy]

Navatsea, I was working on it and forgot to add a brace. All fixed now :) Thanks

[aimlesscoyote]

YAY for Ajax on the "thanks!" now the whole page doesn't have to reload! That'll save lots of bandwidth and time :D :D

*does a happy dance*

[FrogGirl]

Cool new stuff. :up: I like the recommended idea. :) It will come in handy. Thanx!! :D

[Navetsea]

Thanks for the quick fix Delphy,
I have uploaded my stuff successfully, while feel like a complete rookie again using the new upload form, yeah ^__^; but it's very intersting and well organized, and it will help people not to forget to give proper credit for whatever custom content made by other creator they have used on their upload.

[sh0uriki]

I'm still having the downloads switch to Compatible rather than All when I go to page 2 of the main Downloads page. Eep?

[Delphy]

sh0uriki, can you tell me exactly what you are doing to get that behavious since I've tested it and it works fine for me.

[Daan1302]

Well done, and thanks Delphy!

[maybesomethingdunno]

I was going to say that it seems to revert back to "Compatible downloads" depending upon whether or not I click the numerical link of the next page rather than the "Next" link after a few pages. However, I'm having difficulty with recreating the problem exactly when I want (on cue or on demand).

For me at least:
1. Click "Download" link at the top
2. Click the "All Downloads" radio button and click the "Filter Downloads" button.
3. Scroll down to bottom of the page and click on the numerical link (not the word "Next") representing the next page of downloads until the filter reverts to "Compatiable Downloads".

Sometimes, it would revert after I clicked on "2". Other times it would be after I clicked on "3"; and sometimes it would be not revert until after had gone through pages 2 & 3 and had clicked on the "4".

This isn't really a bother to me, personally. All of you do such a great job with this site! :)

[plasticbox]

Happens to me as well (what maybesomethingdunno said).

[Marhis]

Same for me (the compatible download thing).

What I do: in Filter Downloads check "All Downloads" then click on Filter Downloads. The page reloads with the correct selection (all downloads).
The URI displayed is:

http://www.modthesims2.com/download.php?f=38&showType=1&gameOrig=1&gameUni=1&gameNL=1&gameOFB=1&filter=0&username=&csort=0&go=Filter+Downloads

Then I click on "2" in the navigation bar, it give me page 2 but with compatible downloads only, and the URI displayed is:

http://www.modthesims2.com/download.php?f=38&page=2&showType=2

If I manually enter the page 1 URI with "&page=2" inserted, the correct page 2 is displayed.
So, it should be an error in the link generated in the page navigation bar.

[iamliz13]

Thanks so much for the changes to the thanks button.
I couldn't thank any threads before because it crashed my browser, but I just tested and I'm not having the problem anymore. I'm off to thank all the dls I felt bad for not thanking before!

[sh0uriki]

Select All Downloads, then Filter Downloads. Other options are set to Filter:All Items, Sort by:Post Time. Gives this url:
http://www.modthesims2.com/download.php?f=38&showType=1&gameOrig=1&gameUni=1&gameNL=1&gamePets=1&filter=0&username=&csort=0&go=Filter+Downloads

Click Next, for Next Page of All Downloads, reverts to Compatible. Gives this url:
http://www.modthesims2.com/download.php?f=38&page=2&showType=2

Using Firefox 2.0.0.2, cache has been cleared, can't think of anything else offhand that's relevant. Maybe I'm forgetting to clear something else?

[SephirothLaguna]

Thank you all for constantly developing this site. I think I would've stopped playing a long time ago if it wasn't for MTS2.
You and me both. MTS2, thankyou so much for being awesome. :up:

[kansascityrose]

Oh man this must have been a lot of work! Thank you so much for managing everything over and over to satisfy "our needs".

I think its much easier now - but I cant find my new sets in the MainDownloads. They are also not shown in Buymode and Rooms. Only when I go in my own account I can find them. I wonder how others find them. (they do *lol*) Think I overlooked something. What could it have been please.
http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=222828
http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=222825
Thanks for helping me out
Renate
aka kansascityrose

[yagami-sama]

I have a little problem with the downloads section.....I have all EPs apart from Seasons, but I still see Seasons downloads, even though I have ticked compatable and clicked filter, does it every time. I get all downloads all the time. Any ideas why?

[Marhis]

Some errors in database for my uploads; 3 of them are correct, the others have incorrect description in database, and I cannot find them searching. Their description is as follows:

http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=218451
marhis-alarmclocks_mp.package
http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=218448
marhis-chinesefood_onlycounters.package

both described as
Clothing Recolour CopperDress: Michelle
-----------------
http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=217008

described as
Clothing Recolour by Dana :)
----------------
http://www.modthesims2.com/member/showthread.php?t=215847
marhis-probgetfriendfromwork75.package
marhis-probgetfriendfromschool75.package

both described as
Recolour (no description)
----------------
http://www.modthesims2.com/member/showthread.php?t=214535
marhis_pizzabox_notondesk.package

described as
Mesh Talk Sitting Hack
www.decorgal.com

Use this hack for controlling your sims animations while sitting.
----------------
http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=213064
described as recolours (no description)
----------------
http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=210615

described as
Hair Recolour simgirl24's Shorty edit (TenshiiAkari12)
----------------
http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=197997
described as mesh (no description)


EDIT TO ADD: Re-upload files may help? I don't want to make a mess :P

[redlolly]

Thank you Delphy. i really like the "recommended" idea, saves a lot of searching when looking for similar items. and the faster thanks system will be useful too. you are amazing!

[craines5600]

Great Job Making This The #1 Site For All Of Us !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sussenmaus]

i love the recommend box, it really helps!!!

[Navetsea]

Delphy, is it possible to make a queue ticket system resembles of Elfwood's moderating system?
Just like waiting in the bank or doctor's office, so people who have uploaded their stuff could get a certain ticket number that can be traced at their user control panel wheter their ticket nearly get moderated or somewhere in the queue with some estimated waiting time, it would be neat for the encreasing members and uploads lately.

[Delphy]

Okay I think I figured out the weirdness of the Next/All Downloads functionaly and why it wasn't happening for me - it's due to the way the caching behaviour kicks in and the files are saved. I'll be updating this later on today to hopefully fix the issue. :)

Also, plasticbox, I think I've fixed the issue with the threadcategories not being saved when selecting the Filter options on the right - now when you choose and category and then filter, it works fine (including in the Featured section).

[Delphy]

Navatsea, that wouldn't really work here becuase, depending on the actual upload itself, it could be rejected straight away, put on changes required or approved. Some mods go through approved stuff first, others (like me) do rejections first and then approvals and in all cases the changes required ones need input back from the uploader, so take longer.

It's not, therefore, a case whereby everything goes in sequence - something that gets upload after something else that needs changes required will get approved quicker. Thus, we shouldn't hold up all valid uploads by sequence number while waiting for some updates from others older.

[susim]

Thanks Delphy! You make each simming day better!!!

[PollinationTechnician79]

You guys are too awesome. I love the Sims community because of people like you.

[edejan]

Thanks for you great hard work. I really get a kick out of the message on the new Thanks function. And it is much quicker. Again, Kudos and many thanks.

[sh0uriki]

Hooray, it stays as All now! Delphy is our King.

[Inge Jones]

Delphy, WRT to your flowchart, are you making any distinction between recolours of *free* meshes from a site with some pay content and recolours of meshes you actually have to pay for? If not, are you using the definition you suggested for paysites, I think on S2C, that a paysite is any site with any files that must be paid for (eg a couple of donation gifts)?

[Delphy]

Inge, the text on the upload page states that if the mesh is hosted in a pay or donation area, and not in a free area, then it needs to be ticked.

[Inge Jones]

Thanks :)

[Bindico]

Man.....I have to tell you guys, all your hard work and diligents with keeping up on this site is just AWESOME!! You guys rock! And have the best site in my opinion!!

[Cee]

I love the new reccomendation area, very cool!

[mickey_inlimite]

Thats awsome! Great job, and I LOVE this site! n_n

[SymplyTrish]

Once again your dedication to the Sims community astounds me.
Thank you. :lovestruc

[obsessisim]

I really like the new upload wizard, leaves much less room for error. Thanks. two thumbs up, five stars and lots of smileys.

[plasticbox]

Also, plasticbox, I think I've fixed the issue with the threadcategories not being saved when selecting the Filter options on the right - now when you choose and category and then filter, it works fine (including in the Featured section).

Yes, this seems to work now. Advanced is still broken though (as in post#26).

[Delphy]

Advanced isn't broken :) It works different - if you select, for example, JUST the Original game then it will show you ONLY items that have that one game selected.

If you select, for example, University, Nightlife and Open for Business, it shows you ONLY downloads that have just those ones.

It's basically like this:

Compatible works with an OR. Original OR Uni OR NL Or OfB OR Pets OR Seasons.

Advanced works with an And. Original AND Uni AND NL AND OfB, etc. So whatever you select as the tickboxes will match ONLY things that have those ticks and nothing else.

In the above example, something that has only Uni, Nightlife and Open for Business as compatibility will come up. Something that has Uni, Nightlife, Open for Business and something else (be it Pets, Original, whatever), will not match, becuase it assumes everything else is set to nothing (ie if you untick it you don't want items that have that EP showing up).

It's been the same way for a long time now, and works as intended, so to sum up, it's not broken. :)

[ding140674]

Really need to read the creators guidelines carefully again especially for uploading guidelines.

Will there be any newest updates for uploading guidelines?

I love the new changes but having problem understanding how it works. :)

[Christine11778]

::WOW:: I just used the new system to upload a house and I am very impressed with how thorough and easy it is to use! :)

[UlaumeSarestes]

Hey...I am sorry I am so stupid but I totally don´t get this system. I looked at your scheme and stopped at point 3) announcements, because I don´t see any announcements anywhere...

[plasticbox]

Advanced isn't broken :) It works different - if you select, for example, JUST the Original game then it will show you ONLY items that have that one game selected.

If you select, for example, University, Nightlife and Open for Business, it shows you ONLY downloads that have just those ones.

OK -- didn't get the advanced logic behind this =)

But then there's still a different issue: if I tick Uni + NL + OfB then it indeed works like you say. But if I tick Original + Uni + NL + OfB for example, or Original + NL, then nothing shows up. Which isn't quite logical is it? In order to have Uni, you *must* have the original game in the first place so it would make sense to search for that.

[sprigidy]

This site rox! you guys are hands down the best sim site on the web there are no words that I can say to to thank you for helping to keep me entertained.

[Irish Lassie]

Wow very nice and good work. ;)

[$RaMRoM$]

Thanks delphy for the new updates. Hope that this time I'm able to upload.

I'm still having networks issues in my region which I still can't upload at all. Everytime after submit, I always have this error display.

Done! But with error!

But everytime when I've checked the site again, nothing there. (Have read creator guidelines so know about if creation not good enough or not following guidelines will be rejected)

I've try to attach image files only but always having this Done! But with error! (Even though connections not cut off). No attachment was found too.

I hope that the new updates can help me to upload this round ;).

You are great thanks :D

Im not sure about the first thing but about the pics Maybe...

Maybe Because you have uploaded an "UNREADEBEL" Image it should be:
jpg
png
and some other kinds...

[Delphy]

plasticbox,

You are right, of course - if you select an EP from the Advanced menu then it should default Original to zero, since all uploads after the original have that set to zero if they have an EP selected.

I'll fix this :)

[S-K]

Awsome!

of all the sims 2 sites ive been to i have yet to see one as good as this one!
keep up the good work!

[Megahue 2]

I somehow got disconnected while using the new upload wizard. I started a second time and got disconnected again. (my fault) I have uploaded my files twice. What do I do now?

[tomorrow]

Absolutely awesome work. Especially impressive is the package database system and the AJAX thanks button (that might seem small to the users, but it's extremely nice to have, and probably not simple to code).

With a site like MTS2, it's really hard to understand why anyone bothers with a site like TSR with their annoying some-stuff-is-free-but-the-mesh-you-need-for-the-free-recolor-isn't policies. I applaud the MTS2 webmasters, donators, and the authors who generously give their time and money in the spirit of generosity and open community. (If only everyone had an attitude like Warlokk [many do but he's the first that comes to mind]).

[silenthill_addict]

To be honest, the search menu became annoying. For example, if you type Fatal Frame, objects with the word "fatal" & "frame" appear.

[longdaysend]

just a quick question regarding automatic decetion of EPs required for lots...you say that when uploading a lot the system will determine which EPs are required based on what you have checked in your profile... i have two seperate PCs that have two different versions of the game (one with the EPs, one with only the base game) and i upload lots from both setups....is this going to cause issue for me when i upload a base game only lot? is there an option to remove "EP required" from the upload if it doesn't require them? thanks in advance :) and thanks for all the wonderful changes being implemented!

[IsolinaBlack]

I don't know if someone's already don't you this (there are so many posts here that I don't have patience to read them all, sorry) but the new technology for the thanks button is freakish. For instance: Someone had around 25 thanks. Then I pressed thanks button. Now they have 13 thanks. I leave the page and then come back seconds later, and they have 17 thanks... This is creepy.

[plasticbox]

The thanking prob *seems* to be cosmetical to me (still confusing though) -- just tried with this thread: http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=224203

* 94 thanks upon load
* after i thanked, thanks count went down to 9
* refreshing the page displays 96 thanks (somebody else thanked as well, i guess?)

[IsolinaBlack]

Okay, testing this on a thread with no comments and one thank before I thanked, with not the most popular sort of content on it (so unlikely to get thanked again within a few seconds).
My connection is a being bit slow, but this download seemed to be fairly unpopular (it's actually a very lovely house, but it has alot of custom content, so yeah =/), so it should be a good test still...

Okay. It said one thank. I thanked it, and after it finished processing, it said there was only one thank still. I refreshed again, and it said two thanks. Hmm.

[yedarb]

Omg this is totally cool OMG

[Avenged]

Thank you Delphy. Great FlowChart, haven't seen one of those since Visual Basics in College.

[Ciane]

Jazcmx - Just put something in the first box, then check the "I made this" block to avoid filling out the next two boxes. You can copy what you wrote in the first box to all the other first boxes (if you have more than one item).
I know you used to be able to choose "Maxis recolor" before the custom content option; now you say recolor on the next page. By the time the thread is approved, it won't say "custom content created by..."

[kayse10]

thank you

[Ciane]

Thanks for the drink jazcmx. It took me awhile figure it out as well.

[Lyholy]

This system works so nicely! Thanks!

[niol]

is it alright to have an option to skip the Custom Content page when in Main Text all those custom contents are mentioned?

It's really frustrating copy every info and creator names for every small piece while most or all of them are by the same person... back and forth forever in a large collection of files.

Now, I understand why some creators would like to package dissectable files into one whole big package!

Probably, making it a as a group or category for a particular maker(s).
Say:
1. a check box to list the maker(s) for a group of cc
2. some check links for a group of cc
3. "select all" and "select none" options or even "select the 1st half" and "select none for the 1st half"/"select the 2nd half"... for the "I'm the creator" and probably various options...
4a. range-based check option (just like how we select things with the shift key): since some creators do work hard to name their files systematically, there can be consecutive files listed alphabetically. By activating a check box for such option, one can select an ini check box and then the final check box of that series of cc. That will automatically check all the boxes in-between. Surely, late minor revision is allowed...

4b. or, a group/category check box with "select all" and "select none".


I know it's gonna be some more works...

But, I tend to believe that may ease the process quite a bit.


For the "Main Text": there can be a engine-based auto-search or auto-query system to check for the section title "Custom Contents" and its recommended formats to ease the cc infos input.

Lol, just a prompt feedback after checking 50-something similar items by the same maker... for an upload...

Sorry, if this sounds a rant.. I apologise for that... But if you find a bit of it useful, go ahead... If not, ignore it... :P I'm done with my impulsive "brainstorm".

After all, thank you so much for all the hard and beautiful works and share them with all includng me... :anime:

[Musicman]

I have no clue how many polygons my mesh has, and I can't upload my item because of that, WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO NOW!?

[tiggerypum]

Musicman, you made the mesh. Try looking in simpe in the plugin view at your gmdc. And if it's more than 800 per tile, you better go back and learn a lot more about meshing.

[butterflykiss4u]

Woah that is amazing!! Good job!! Keep up the good work!

[marshmallowygoodness]

im pretty sure i already posted this question, but maybe it got deleted, did you also get rid of the chatting button? it's not there anymore. please respond this time. I really need help, but i cannot chat.

[pfish]

im pretty sure i already posted this question, but maybe it got deleted, did you also get rid of the chatting button? it's not there anymore. please respond this time. I really need help, but i cannot chat.

Check this link for post #62 and #63. :)

http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?p=1606212#post1606212

[wondernounou]

Thank you for giving us all your good work.

[NikkiixD]

Great! thanks :)