STEX v.s. LEX (and Official SC4 Exchange) (Poll Added)

[Cougar2004 128]

There are tons of plugs and links and references for files on the STEX, the LEX, and SimCity 4's Official Website User Exchange.  These are Exchanges where custom content created by users (not Maxis) can be shared with the rest of the Sim City 4 world.  Its a wonderful Idea!  And im very thankful to the people who run and manage these services.  They don't charge, but do accept donations, so I hope that anyone who reads this will consider helping support these services. 

However, I have a few questions about these exchanges that I believe someone here may be able to answer.  I have no doubt newbies searching up this topic will benefit from the answers.  (If there is a Tutorial or thread with related answers, please post a link! Thanks.)

Main Questions:

1.  What are the main differences between the STEX and the LEX?  (or the SC4 Exchange)

2.  When would users want to choose one over the other?

Other specific questions:

3.  What are the  different or better search features with each of them? 

4.  How does content differ between them?

5.  Which is newer and contains more updated files?

6.  Which contains more total file choices to download?

7.  Which has higher quality content?

8.  Which is faster and performs better for users doing searching/downloads?

9.  Who manages each and what is their philosophy for doing so?

10.  How well are they each maintained?

11.  If one Exchange was already in existence, what was the reason why the others were desired to be created?

12.  What are the benefits of each?

13.  What are the drawbacks of each?

Lastly, I understand that there is an exchange at the SimCity 4 Official EA website. 

14.  How do the STEX and LEX compare with this one? 

15.  Are there any other notible or really good exchanges out there that users like me might enjoy knowing about?

Thanks to those who have been around a while and can weigh in on this. 

- Cougar

EDIT: Poll Added

[Tia-may 0]

The main difference between the two exchanges is that your registration for the LEX is not integrated to SC4D's forums, whereas Simtropolis has a single registration system. They are free to register, and does not require product registration unlike the official exchange.

[Jasoncw 12,030]

I hate to shoot you down, but just go to each and look at them.  To find out the difference between the searches, go to each, and look and see what their search features are.  To find out which has more files, look and see (both have these sorts of statistics listed).  It's like there's two watermelons on the table and you're asking which is bigger. 

[patriots_1228 51]

Originally posted by: Cougar2004 There are tons of plugs and links and references for files on the STEX, the LEX, and SimCity 4's Official Website User Exchange.  These are Exchanges where custom content created by users (not Maxis) can be shared with the rest of the Sim City 4 world.  Its a wonderful Idea!  And im very thankful to the people who run and manage these services.  They don't charge, but do accept donations, so I hope that anyone who reads this will consider helping support these services. 

However, I have a few questions about these exchanges that I believe someone here may be able to answer.  I have no doubt newbies searching up this topic will benefit from the answers.  (If there is a Tutorial or thread with related answers, please post a link! Thanks.)

Main Questions:

1.  What are the main differences between the STEX and the LEX?  (or the SC4 Exchange)

2.  When would users want to choose one over the other?

Other specific questions:

3.  What are the  different or better search features with each of them? 

4.  How does content differ between them?

5.  Which is newer and contains more updated files?

6.  Which contains more total file choices to download?

7.  Which has higher quality content?

8.  Which is faster and performs better for users doing searching/downloads?

9.  Who manages each and what is their philosophy for doing so?

10.  How well are they each maintained?

11.  If one Exchange was already in existence, what was the reason why the others were desired to be created?

12.  What are the benefits of each?

13.  What are the drawbacks of each?

Lastly, I understand that there is an exchange at the SimCity 4 Official EA website. 

14.  How do the STEX and LEX compare with this one? 

15.  Are there any other notible or really good exchanges out there that users like me might enjoy knowing about?

Thanks to those who have been around a while and can weigh in on this. 

- Cougarquote>

 

1. STEX anyone can upload, LEX is exclusive.

2. Don't. Both require eachother. You'll miss out if you only use one.

3. STEX has much better search feature.

4. STEX is maybe 60% good uploads, 40% stuff to avoid, but because it is so much older and there is so much more activity, it has more stuff to download then the LEX. Pretty much 90% of the stuff on the LEX you will want, there are a couple things on there that i don't like or don't fit my style, but overall, your gonna find most of it worthwhile.

5. LEX is newer and contains more updated dependencies/old bats being redone, which is props/textures required for most uploads. however, the STEX still gets more new uploads.

6. The STEX definetely has more, because it has been around since the dawn of mankind. The LEX is only a year or two old.

7. As I said before, the LEX is IMO 90% high quality stuff, and the STEX is IMO 60% high quality stuff, but, the STEX has thousands more uploads, meaning it has overall more high quality stuff. you might have to surf through some crap tofind it though.

8. Im not sure. The STEX is slow as hell but the LEX has had some trouble and apparently eats "stuff" like crazy. Id still say the LEX though.

9. Simtropolis.com manages the STEX. they beleive anyone can upload anything as long as its not innapropriate, doesn't contain viruses, and is relavent to the game. The BSC, a team that makes custom content, manages the LEX. because they make custom content, unlike the STEX moderators, they beleive that the uploader should be exhalted or somthing and that only "high quality" stuff belongs on the LEX. of course, ones idea of high quality contradicts with anothers. these philosophys caused a big fight here which led to the founding of the LEX. History 101.

10. Both have excellent dedicated staff.

11. See 9.

12. STEX: the stex has more and gets more quicker. It also has less strict erm, how do you say, restrictions as far as constructive criticism/ratings. LEX: the lex is probably faster and has a lot of must have uploads and exclusive high quality stuff.

13. STEX: the stex tends to get some spam and crap. it is also slow as hell. LEX: the lex has less stuff and gets new stuff at a slower pace. they can also sometimes be tightwads on what you do and say. 

14. STEX and LEX pwn the official exchange. DO NOT USE THE OFFICIAL EXCHANGE. its all plagerised virus full spam.

15. there are a few japanese sites with loads of good stuff. there is a great forum at sc4devotion where you can find links to japanese stuff. we also have threads in the HKBAT forum here, but i don't know if they are active.

well, that seemed like a lot less questions when i read your post. to sum it up, both are great, so don't choose one.

[dedgren 830]

Jason, heh!  I love watermelon, and will eat as much as I can get my hands on.

David

[Neddiggis 1]

Originally posted by: patriots_1228

Originally posted by: Cougar2004 9. Simtropolis.com manages the STEX. they beleive anyone can upload anything as long as its not innapropriate, doesn't contain viruses, and is relavent to the game. The BSC, a team that makes custom content, manages the LEX. because they make custom content, unlike the STEX moderators, they beleive that the uploader should be exhalted or somthing and that only "high quality" stuff belongs on the LEX. of course, ones idea of high quality contradicts with anothers. these philosophys caused a big fight here which led to the founding of the LEX. History 101.

13. STEX: the stex tends to get some spam and crap. it is also slow as hell. LEX: the lex has less stuff and gets new stuff at a slower pace. they can also sometimes be tightwads on what you do and say. 

quote>

 

Geez thats a bit rough mate.  Other than the 2 points above your post was well thought out, but you seem to have a chip on your sholder there.  The admins of the LEX decided that they wouldn't open the LEX up to any uploader as there were already free exchanges available.  They saw it as an opportunity to start an exchange where you knew what you were getting was of the highest quality.  To aid this they have offered up much time, backed by the BSC, to help new members get their work to the high standard of the LEX.

[Jasoncw 12,030]

Common guys, we don't want any trouble over this.

Dedgren:  I'm not really too into watermelon.  I should have picked a better tasting analogy. 

[Andreas Roth 632]

Well, patriots already posted a nice list, but I'll try to write down my own point of view, which might help you to get the proper impression.

1.  What are the main differences between the STEX and the LEX?  (or the SC4 Exchange)

The STEX is open for any registered user at Simtropolis, whereas you have to apply for upload rights at the LEX. This is usually done by opening a candidacy thread at SC4Devotion, and the SC4D administration checks if your files meet a certain quality level before you get upload rights. The SC4Exchange is open for anyone who registered at the official SimCity site, I think.

2.  When would users want to choose one over the other?

Both exchanges are free after registering an account, so there's no need to choose one over another.

3.  What are the  different or better search features with each of them?

While the STEX has a keyword-based search feature, the LEX uses a category- and creator-based search. If you happen to know the proper keywords, the STEX may give you more accurate results, but if you're looking for a specific type of download (i. e. park lots or dependency files), the LEX search is superior.

4.  How does content differ between them?

Since the LEX has said candidacy threads, you can be sure that all files have a minimum quality level. The STEX is open and might contain unbalanced files, but it depends on the uploaders.

5.  Which is newer and contains more updated files?

The LEX is certainly newer, but the age is not really relevant. It depends on the uploaders how up-to-date the files are, but generally speaking, I think that the LEX features more updated content than the LEX.

6.  Which contains more total file choices to download?

The STEX offers a lot more files than any other exchange, obviously. It has been around since five years, whereas the LEX is less than two years old.

7.  Which has higher quality content?

Quantity is not everything, so you might get higher quality items at the LEX. However, this depends on the uploader again, and you can find a lot of excellent stuff at the STEX as well.

8.  Which is faster and performs better for users doing searching/downloads?

Since the LEX is category based and doesn't have as many downloads as the STEX, accessing the files is usually quicker. Simtropolis had some outages in the past, but if the server is up and running, the STEX works pretty fast as well.

9.  Who manages each and what is their philosophy for doing so?

Both the STEX and the LEX have administrators/moderators, and I assume that both are trying to offer only the best. The STEX uses a more open approach that might attract new BATers and lot makers, which can upload their work without asking first. There might be one or another bad apple occasionally, but usually, it is removed or locked by the admins very soon. Since you have to apply for upload rights at the LEX, it is unlikely that you'll get a bad download there, but apart from that, the philosopy is pretty much the same.

10.  How well are they each maintained?

I don't see any difference here. As explained in 9., the risk of getting a bad file is a bit higher at the STEX, but usually, the moderators do their work very well.

11.  If one Exchange was already in existence, what was the reason why the others were desired to be created?

The LEX was created as an alternative to the STEX, not a competitor. Personally, I'm rather glad that there are two major SC4 sites now, since the number of users was simply too high for one site. Simtropolis went through a time with extreme server problems, and due to the high load, the site was almost unusable. SC4Devotion might be more interesting for the "devoted" SC4 players, who really know their way around in the game, and many downloads are a bit more complicated to use than the average STEX download. But for beginners and occasional players, Simtropolis might be more attractive. A large part of the community is a member of both sites, though. There's simply more variety this way, and everyone can pick the items that suit him most.

12.  What are the benefits of each?

(see 11. and 13.)

13.  What are the drawbacks of each?

I don't think that there are any drawbacks. If one site is down due to server issues, you can still visit the other one, which is a plus. If you don't find the tutorial that you were looking for, you might find it at the other site. The same goes for a particular download. So actually, each site benefits from the other.

14.  How do the STEX and LEX compare with the official EA exchange?

Most users will agree with me that the EA exchange is not to be preferred. The idea to create an open exchange was good, but it suffered from poor moderation right from the start, and fake uploads and plagiarism are common. On top of that, you have to use a strange ActiveX plugin in order to download the files, and they go right into your plugins folder, without any control over them. You might get outdated dependency files, which are automatically downloaded as well, and the lack of subfolders will create a mess very soon.

15.  Are there any other notible or really good exchanges out there that users like me might enjoy knowing about?

In no particular order: the download areas of CapitalSimCity (Spanish), ToutSimCity (French), SimCityPlaza (German), SimCityPolska (Polish) and several Japanese sites.

[dedgren 830]

Excellent answers, Andreas. You took the words right of my mouth...

...which I can now load up with more more watermelon.

David

[spectrumtech 15]

Wellll.... I definitely prefer the LEX over the STEX, but the STEX is much more attractive for first-time BATers. I like the LEX because of the guaranteed high quality and normally updated lots. I like the STEX because of the better search function and more variety. I just split the difference and reg'd for both.

[frdrcklim 139]

All are good at certain aspects.

When you want to get lots and bats, go to the STEX.

When you want to get CAM lots, Mega packs and dependecies, go to the LEX.

If you don't have lights at night, go to the official exchange. Well, not really the exchange (I could say the same for the Lot Editor and the BAT).

Add them all together and you have one great game that will last for years to come (even if CXL is already there).

[His Divine Hand 244]

Well, this is kind of a stupid question, now isn't it? I mean, all of the exchanges are free (well, assuming you purchased SC4), so it doesn't hurt you to use any and/or all of them. Well, maybe you can avoid the official SC4 Exchange, it isn't anything you will really miss in most instances.

[Shingure 56]

Main Questions:

1. What are the main differences between the STEX and the LEX? (or the SC4 Exchange) The STEX is larger and is older. I consider it the parent site to the LEX because it was the members of Simtropolis who came up with the LEX

2. When would users want to choose one over the other?If you want variety and stuff that is useful then you pick the STEX . Visually pleasing stuff you normally get from the LEX , However there tons of nice objects on the STEX to choose from

Other specific questions:

3. What are the different or better search features with each of them?

The LEX search to me is a pain. Because It takes a while to find a lot or prop. Also when it comes to finding the dependencies for some of the lots on the LEX it will take upwards of 30 minutes sometimes.

The STEX search is efficient but is still alittle buggy since the revamping. It works well considering that it is sifting through tens of thousands of files to find a particular thing with a certain keyword.

4. How does content differ between them?

STEX has more content which is considered usefull and worth using , However the quality can range from Low to Extreme...

The LEX on the other hand is consistantly High quality , however most of the LEX's content is normally found in the dozens of dependency packs floating around.

5. Which is newer and contains more updated files?

The STEX has a tendency to have file uploads more often than the LEX , However the LEX makes a strong effort to keep everything updated as they have more dependencies. While updating they also merge dependencies which allow an easier time in aquiring the certain amount that you need.

6. Which contains more total file choices to download?

The STEX hands down.

7. Which has higher quality content?

The LEX hands down.

8. Which is faster and performs better for users doing searching/downloads?

The STEX does very well seeing as it has been going on since 2003 . It also makes an easy task of handling more files. The LEX search features are more suited towards more expirienced users.

9. Who manages each and what is their philosophy for doing so?

The STEX is operated by Simtropolis and it's an open door , open window policy. However what comes in the doors and windows will be checked.

The LEX on the other hand is exclusive and everything must be checked before it comes onto the exchange. The reason is to insure that the high quality standard stays where it should be , which is high standard.

10. How well are they each maintained? The STEX is maintained well. It's went through alot and is aging. Plus ontop of that it is dealing with more people uploading and downloading than the LEX on a daily basis as well.

The LEX has to be very well maintained because it has high quality work. For the LEX to fall into disrepair would be " unexcusable "

11. If one Exchange was already in existence, what was the reason why the others were desired to be created?

Simtropolis was first. So the LEX was created with only High quality works in mind to branch away from some of the mediocre work that the STEX was dealing. That seems like a valid reason enough to move no? Plus keep in mind that some of the greats also moved to the LEX because of some politics that was going on here.

12. What are the benefits of each? The Benefits of the STEX are a variety of downloads along with a very large amount of them . The LEX benefits are high quality lots and props that are provided by site and it's creators.

13. What are the drawbacks of each? The STEX's drawback is simply it's advancing age. Soon it will have to begin some cleaning and that will involve the deletion of bad files . It also is prone to trolling.

The LEX's drawback is that mostly all of the content has dependencies that are interlinked . After a while you get frustrated , It also doesnt help some people because they can no longer voice that opinon over there because it would result from removal ( which I heard from a couple people would be unfair )

Lastly, I understand that there is an exchange at the SimCity 4 Official EA website.

14. How do the STEX and LEX compare with this one?

Let me put it this way....LEX and STEX pwn the SC4OEX

15. Are there any other notible or really good exchanges out there that users like me might enjoy knowing about?

Simpeg.com is the only one I can think of.

[Cougar2004 128]

Thanks to everyone who helped me learn the answers here.  I now feel like i can use each database appropriately (and avoid the one). 

I appreciate the history lesson.  I have been kind of out of the Simworld for the last year or two, but recently am back to play (and visit here).  Its always amazing how thoughtful people are on this site to help out, even when the question comes up often.

With any luck, perhaps new people with questions about the differences between the STEX and LEX will be able to search and this topic will come up to help them as well. 

- Cougar

[hamsterTK 93]

The strengths of the two:

On the STEX there is unique stuff made by people who only try BAT once or twice to make something they felt was missing from the game.

On the LEX more stuff is made by "devoted" hobbyists so you see better quality, and stuff that's more complex to make

I think of the STEX as being a bit like an older city neighborhood with gorgeous historical buildings full of both mom and pop stores and some junky low-brow chains.The LEX is more like a trendy new shopping district built up from old warehouses and vacant lots, there are tons of really nice stores and cool stuff. Both are great urban neighborhoods however and anyone living in this "city" would want to come to both from time to time.

[Cockatoo 2,262]

Originally posted by: hamsterTK

I think of the STEX as being a bit like an older city neighborhood with gorgeous historical buildings full of both mom and pop stores and some junky low-brow chains.The LEX is more like a trendy new shopping district built up from old warehouses and vacant lots, there are tons of really nice stores and cool stuff. Both are great urban neighborhoods however and anyone living in this "city" would want to come to both from time to time.quote>

That's really well put.

Both the STEX and the LEX are excellent places to get custom content. They are the two most active, best managed and highest quality exchanges on the net.

IMO you really need to visit both to get the most out of SC4. Just stay the heck away from the SimCity.ea.com exchange.

Just a tip, you're safe DL'ing anything from the LEX, but on the STEX, just read the comments before you download. The community is great at sorting out the good from the bad. Spam or plagiarized uploads will get 1 star and a heap of angry comments, terrible modding and ugly models will get between 2-5 stars, newbie BATer's who don't really know what they're doing will get a 6 or a 7 and a bit of encouragement. Any thing good will get an 8 or usually a 9, standout stuff a 10 - you really only want stuff from these last two categorys. Anything on the LEX would rate between 8 – 10 if put on the STEX.

[Cougar2004 128]

Excellent Tips!  Thank you.

Also, today... a POLL has been ADDED to this topic.  Please vote!

A few more questions that come to my mind are:

A.  Are the LEX downloads (which everyone agrees are serious high quality) able to be installed all at the same time without any conflicts or one overwriting another?

B.  Are the LEX (which are considered high quality downloads) easy enough to use, or do they often plague the user with required dependancies which we have to figure out and download also and add to the game properly or else end up with a subpar situation?

C.  Are the LEX downloads any harder or easy to install and use (or different) than the general STEX buildings?  I looked through them and they seem to have a lot of packs.  So, self installers included?  Is it simply dropping in to the plugins folder or subfolder at will to use their content?

D.  Are there any indexes available, perhaps showing all the major areas of LEX available content?  OR is the best and only way to find new content using the drop down menu found in the LEX advanced search? (Same question for the STEX?)

E.  How possible is it that anything found at the LEX could be a conflict with the most popular/stable offerings of the STEX such as the NAM and other Major listed MODs?

Thanks to everyone who has really made this topic valuable with wonderful answers! 

[masochist 111]

Hmmm...I think I can answer most of those questions by saying this: the LEX is hardly any different from the STEX.  In fact, the only difference is the way its set up (it has much more emphasis on uploader and grouping similar types of content than the STEX).  When you download it, though, it comes in a zip file just like stuff on the STEX, and inside you'll either find files to drag and drop into your plugins folder, or an .exe installer package that will do it for you (also not uncommon on the STEX).  Because a lot of the content on the LEX is made by the BSC, a lot (but not all) of it does require dependencies to get the most out of them.

Generally, the downloads you get on the LEX won't conflict with each other or with downloads on the STEX unless they are updates to older files or game mods.  If they do have any conflicts, they'll be listed in the respective read-me's...and I doubt that too many things on the LEX will be incompatible with the NAM, as the NAM Team is stationed over at SC4D.  Last thing: I don't think there's an index of content on either site's exchange, though I could be wrong.

Basically, it shouldn't matter where you find the custom content--it should all work in the same way whether you found it on the STEX, or the LEX, or the PLEX, or the Three Rex, etc.  Don't expect anything to change simply because you go to a different site .

[Framling 1]

I am a fairly new user, and I have recently been looking for some specific lot/building types for a project. I;ve sifted through STEX and LEX and here is MY experience:

1. I've found much more stuff @ STEX. I've downloaded so much that I owe it to Simtropolis to order the CD four or five times

2. Most of the good stuff found at LEX I have already had downloaded from STEX. And a LOT of what I found great at STEX was not @ LEX - for example two authors I admire greatly are STEX-exclusive apparently (Porkissimo and Ill Tonkso)

3. The STEX is overloaded, it took me excrutiating aeons to find and download everything I wanted, but I am totally thankful anyway, I got tons of marvellous content for free!

4. The LEX's category system is very practical - especially at first sight. That said, I got to my desired lots quicker by keyword search @ STEX. I really don't know why can't both use both kinds of searches - I'd gladly offer help in categorizing STEX uploads if categories could be implemented.

5. LEX's graphics are awful. Not only is the interface not as neat and pleasing to the eye as STEX's, but also the miniature illustrations you get in search results are of bad quality. I am sorry, but from a site founded to offer "higher quality" in graphics, one could expect more....

6. LEX's downloads, more often than not, will require a long list of dependencies. STEX's are often dependency-free, and most of the dependencies you'd need are in some two or three packs. I've never come accross a STEX lot requiring more than three dependencies, but then I haven't seen it ALL yet, have I?

I guess, that's it. Oh, and don't forget SimCity Polska - VERY high-quality content.

[jackel.22 3]

LEX search = crap sorry but its junk,

 key word search please? I dont like searching by author, stops new talent from comming through.

Otherwise they are fairly similar. Although im not a big fan of the building style of BSC lots which dominates the LEX so I dont tend to use it as much. Prefer Porkissimos and Ill Tonksos style. Although there is some really good quality stuff on there which is not uploaded here.

Oh and for the love of sanity the sc4d forums need a flippin trim down, never, I mean never have I seen more pointless boards in any other forum on the internet. Its a flippin joke, instead of opening new threads you open up whole new sections. Give it a rest already. SC4D could be slimmed down into like 5 baords tops.

[tungston 19]

If this topic gets into a flaming, bashing, or put down of other sites it will be locked.

Thanks for keeping it clean.

[masochist 111]

Originally posted by: jackel.22 Oh and for the love of sanity the sc4d forums need a flippin trim down, never, I mean never have I seen more pointless boards in any other forum on the internet. Its a flippin joke, instead of opening new threads you open up whole new sections. Give it a rest already. SC4D could be slimmed down into like 5 baords tops.quote>

You can trim the boards down yourself.  There are minimize buttons for each section of the site; just shrink the ones you don't use all the time down, and only focus on the ones you visit often.

As for the dependencies and such, it's not fair to generalize that LEX Downloads will require more dependencies than STEX downloads.  BSC downloads usually require a good amount, but they aren't the only things on the LEX.  And the BSC downloads on the STEX often times require the same amount.

Anyways...I don't think I've answered this question myself.  I download things from both sites all the time.  Since I've gathered all the commonly used mega packs, I really don't have to worry about dependencies anymore, and that's cool .  I usually find myself downloading from the STEX more (because there's more stuff released there), but I've gotten some masterful things from the LEX, as well.

I can agree on the consensus about the search function, but in all honesty, both the LEX and STEX could be improved.  It can become very tedious searching for an item if you don't know who created it; on the other hand, it's also annoying to do a search for a "mall" on the STEX and get 1200 results for various "small" things, simply because the word mall is somewhere in the title.  But...neither of those discourage me from using the exchanges.

[Cougar2004 128]

Thank you for the answers everyone.  I really appreciate them.  I'm learning a lot, and forming my own opinions as I download from both and experience.  But these answers give great direction for getting started in a way I'm comfortable with.

Both exchanges have pros and cons.  I appreciate everyone who can talk about this and remain civil.  Please keep things positive and friendly, I have to agree with tungston on that.  I would not want this thread locked, as I refer to it often, and believe I'll have a few more related questions to ask over the next month or two as I ramp up my exchange use.  

Also masochist, you never seem to fail to find my questions on threads and provide thoughtful feedback.  Thank you.  

The Poll surprised me a bit.  Today it shows that there ARE people who use only one or the other exchange, but that 72% of users already use BOTH!  Thats somewhat inspiring if not at least interesting.  Thanks to everyone who voted in the poll too.  

I think my next goal here is to learn HOW to more EFFECTIVELY use each exchanges' search features to find what I want/need.  Anyone with Tips on that... is welcome to share their thoughts.  Thanks! 

[Jalaran 0]

back after being gone for a while.... where is the LEX?  If some one could pm me the addy I'd be grateful. 

jally

PS was wondering why I didn't see anything about Octoberfest or anything.... bet it's going on over there.

[TimeMaster 4]

Hi, I am not answering questions but the SC4EX is like 20% good but only 5% actually is awesome, most things are just ok, but there is still some really good stuff out there. Some other exchanges are: PLEX, and SCCEX.

[SimRabbit 48]

I use both Exchange sites but ST usually comes first as it is bigger.

In terms of quality SC4D is the best if compared right now. Overall, both are have high quality BATs, Lots, Maps and mods.

SC4D and ST exchanges are great but they lack essential features.

SC4D is missing a search feature which is very annoying. Sometimes I'm looking for a BAT, but I do not know the author's name or the category; I have to keep browsing until I find it.

ST needs a download tracker and more moderation from the STEX moderators. Spam and plagarism is a big problem for the exchange. I do not understand why moderators delete spam, I mean it is just there wasting bandwidth. Im ok with new BATters and loters but spammers don't care what you say to them, they are just trolling.

[JakeMD 107]

Originally posted by: Jalaran back after being gone for a while.... where is the LEX?  If some one could pm me the addy I'd be grateful. 

jally

quote>

The LEX can be found at This Link.  You must register separately from the main site.

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I think the main reason the LEX does not have a Keyword search is, it is created by the staff of sc4d, and not professional.  They may add it one day (so I have heard), but for now there are not that many pages, and the categories narrow it down pretty well.

Though the STEX is open for everyone, I think sc4d has a point with there selective uploading.  They wish to run an exchange where uploads of quality, working standards are exclusive to keep veteran players coming back.

Originally posted by: Cougar2004

Main Questions:

1.  What are the main differences between the STEX and the LEX?  (or the SC4 Exchange)

2.  When would users want to choose one over the other?

Other specific questions:

3.  What are the  different or better search features with each of them? 

4.  How does content differ between them?

5.  Which is newer and contains more updated files?

6.  Which contains more total file choices to download?

7.  Which has higher quality content?

8.  Which is faster and performs better for users doing searching/downloads?

9.  Who manages each and what is their philosophy for doing so?

10.  How well are they each maintained?

11.  If one Exchange was already in existence, what was the reason why the others were desired to be created?

12.  What are the benefits of each?

13.  What are the drawbacks of each?

Lastly, I understand that there is an exchange at the SimCity 4 Official EA website. 

14.  How do the STEX and LEX compare with this one? 

15.  Are there any other notible or really good exchanges out there that users like me might enjoy knowing about?

quote>

1.  Some of the major differences are that the STEX is available to everyone to upload to, and the LEX is exclusive to quality uploads that the BSC team decides is good enough.

2.  To search for uploads made by users during the beginings of modding, most terrain mods, most general mods, or for the majority of good BATs, use the STEX.  The LEX is for BSC mostly, with all of there content moved there and strictly uploaded there.

3.  Sc4d LEX offers more in-depth catagories that the STEX, and the ability to search for uploader.  But one thing that the LEX lacks is the STEX main utility: a keyword search.  This includes searching for uploaders, and keywords if they do not know the title or uploader of a certain piece of content they wish to obtain.

4.  All of BSC content is located at the LEX, as well as a lot of very well put together mods and programs.  The STEX contains, well, everything else.  From Pegasus to the newest of teams.

5.  The LEX is newer, but the STEX gets regular uploads almost every day.

6.  I think you mean:  The STEX contains more custom content in all categories.

7. I will give that to the LEX, as they follow strict guidelines to potential uploaders.  The STEX is open to everyone, so bad uploads are bound to happen.

8. I think the STEX is faster in the long run because you find your files faster.  I get faster download speeds from the STEX as well.

9. The moderators that have been selected from simtropolis manage the STEX, and the administrators of sc4d manage the LEX.  The LEX is stricter in the comments as well as uploads.  The STEX is less strict simply because of the number of uploads there actually is, and the number of downloaders who leave comments.

10. The STEX and the LEX both seem to be maintained well, but the LEX seems to have a lot of Locked uploads.

11. The LEX was second, and for BSC to upload there content exclusively to that exchange.

12. The STEX is generally faster, and the LEX generally has better content.

13. The STEX can be a bit unfriendly, and more low quality content, and the LEX lacks a basic keyword search and is exclusive to quality, chosen by BSC uploads.

14. The STEX and the LEX both have way better content, as well as the ability to upload content other than lots.

15. The SFBT exchange at the simcitykurior website (andres roth website) is a really good exchange, with over 1 million downloads with there current system.  The PLEX at simpeg.com has all of Pegasus stuff plus others and offers plenty of great content.

Hope this clears things up, (I know I am late but this was fun)

Can't wait to read others.

[BarbyW 40]

I think the main reason the LEX does not have a Keyword search is, it is created by the staff of sc4d, and not professional.quote>

The LEX software was devleoped by a professional developer and was made for functionality and ease of use for the downloader. It is intended to be further developed when RL allows but the original programmer has left the company so it is taking longer.

Please do not think it is an amateur piece of software. It has had no problems in over a year of running and the only downtime was programmed.

[BlackFrancis 4]

Honestly, the LEX is awesome and I try to use it first whenever possible because I know what I get there will be good. I also know that it will not take a hundred years to download a 4MB file. I'm currently downloading a model on the STEX that's 4MB and it's been 15 minutes. Only a little over half is done.

So this is the main problem on the STEX. Otherwise it's full of good stuff and nice people, as well as some oddity type buildings I've seen nowhere else.

As far as the search functions go, I have a hard time finding something I want on either site. When I played before I remember SimTropolis used to be very easy to get around but something has happened. LEX can be hard to find stuff too.

But because of the speed issue, unless I have a very specific need for some kind of crazy building that may bankrupt my city but will reduce water pollution or whatever, again I try to avoid the STEX. 2.9KB/sec is a real killer. Sometimes I cannot avoid it, though, and am still grateful it's here because otherwise what I'm looking for doesn't exist.

The other thing about the STEX that bothers me is that sometimes I'll go to download something at LEX and it will have a dependency for something that's only here at the STEX. I click the link and it's dead. The file is here, though. I have to search and search and search again, but eventually I'll find it. It's happened so many times that I tend to think STEX must have moved the files, and so it's not really a LEX issue but I don't really know.

Lastly, don't forget to check out PEG's site. A lot of what's there is here, but you can download it so much faster there and support is right there, too. Pegasus does an awesome job.

And this isn't really STEX related, but many of the Tutorials I've found here at ST are outdated. A good example is the one on how to create a map from USGS data. I think the site has grown so big over the years and so many contributors have come and gone and that it's just natural for something like that to happen. However, it's not cool when you spend an hour trying to make a tutorial work and it simply will not.

But, yeah, in the end I'd say that you really need both sites and PEG's at your disposal. I've tried EA's exchange a couple of times but it's pretty useless. To me, anyway.

[Kryptowhite 9]

an exchange like the STEX. its at www.sc4devotion.com, you can find the lex button at the top but you have to register seperate accounts for the forums and the exchange.