There seems to be a bizarre problem going on on the SimTropolis Exchange

[Sparky Gowne 14]

An uploader - unknown totally italian - uploaded the following lot:

https://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=18394&v=1

The problem with it: it contains no lot. It only contains a .jpg image, and a Windows shortcut (.lnk file) to a lot. It does not contain an actual lot:




On most machines, the ".lnk" file extension for a Windows shortcut file will not show up in the Windows file explorer (it can be enabled with a registry hack). It should however show a little arrow superimposed over its icon:




Finally, if you right click and do a "Properties" on this shortcut, you can see where it is pointing to on the  computer from which it originated:




Interestingly enough, there is an active uploader named "Andreas":

https://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?page=1&Keyword=andreas%20roth&view=all


I don't know if it's the same person as this "unknown totally italian" person, if there's some kind of theft involved (I hope not), or if it's just coincidence. Please understand I am not intending to point fingers or make any accusations; at this point I am only pointing out the facts and speculating as to the different possibilities.

The main point of my post here is that in the comments section for unknown totally italian's upload, several posts have been made (including at least three by me) pointing out the fact that the uploaded archive does not contain an actual lot file... only a Windows shortcut to a lot. So far, every one of these comments has been deleted.

unknown totally italian posted a comment saying, "hhaha DELETED!!!!"

Does the uploader of a file on the SimTropolis Exchange have the ability to delete comments?

If so, why would this uploader delete comments specifically and clearly pointing out a problem with his or her upload?

If not, then why would a moderator or administrator delete comments specifically and clearly pointing out a problem with a person's upload?

I did do a "Report this file" as well... but that didn't seem to garner any action from anyone.

[Silur 3,297]

Hi, Sparky Gowne

You're right - this file (Recreation_538d4ca3.SC4Lot) never will not work ....

Don't worry - delete this, there are many really fantastic objects on STEX ...

[Sparky Gowne 14]

I know... I just can't for the life of me understand why the comments are being deleted. :\

[Swamper77 90]

Uploaders have the ability to delete comments on their files, which is what this person is doing to the comments.

They are apparently enjoying this ability:

hhaha DELETED!!!!quote>

The file has been locked by Sam.

-Swamper77

[Andreas Roth 604]

On a side note, this is not my upload - my name is "Andreas", while this guy seems to be called "Andrea". And to add even more "things that nobody wants to know", "Andreas" is the male form, while "Andrea" would be female. However, in Italy, "Andrea" is used as a male name.

[Sam 163]

I don't think there is any plagiarism involved here (unless someone can show evidence to the contrary, as I haven't found any yet). However please just be aware that English is not everyone's native language and some people here use translation software to understand what is being said. I suspect most software has difficulty translating technical words as well as not conveying the intended meanings.

She (or he, thanks for pointing that out Andreas, I didn't know that) probably didn't have the lnk extension in her windows explorer, and also I think most extensions are hidden by default so the mistake would be understandable in that case.

I think the shortcut arrows can also be removed so its probable she just made a mistake and included the wrong file. As Swamper says, I've locked it until she can fix the problem.

[Sparky Gowne 14]

OK, no plagiarism, that's really touchy and I don't like going there. Thanks for the info Andreas, very informative.

But on another note...

unknown totally italian just reuploaded his (her?) archive, calling it "Recreation For Dum":

https://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=18402&v=1

His (or her) comment: "Now the file is in... it was always in.... enjoy..."

The reuploaded file is exactly the same as the one before... it contains the same Windows shortcut, not the actual lot file.

I tried commenting on it, and now I can't even do that... I get an error:

"Uh-oh, an error has occurred!
Notifying webmaster... We recommend you start over... #URL.error#"

I really don't think this contributor has a very nice attitude, not to mention the fact that he (or she) is not only ignoring feedback given explaining why their contribution is 100% unfunctional... but is actually deleting it!

[Sparky Gowne 14]

I was able to leave a comment now... not sure what happened before!

The "bizarre problem" I mention is in reference to the post deletion... I didn't think uploaders would be able to delete comments, that kind of suprised me!

[Silur 3,297]

Hi, Sparky Gowne

This proud and stubborn eagle deletion my comments too ....

[Sam 163]

Originally posted by: Sparky Gowne I was able to leave a comment now... not sure what happened before!

The "bizarre problem" I mention is in reference to the post deletion... I didn't think uploaders would be able to delete comments, that kind of suprised me! quote>

Yes uploaders can delete comments from their own files.

[SimRabbit 48]

Sometimes if you say something bad about the lot or insult the uploader, he will just delete your comment. But why did you even bothered to download an ugly black box?