STEX 7.0 development

[jakehh 52]

A feature i would like for the STEX is a Desktop based application for the stex, so i could regurarly check and update my plugins.

It would be an amazing feature, and could be Community based, so any user can introduce a feature they feel is missing.

[godrock24 12]

Dito for me as well

[hittwice99 618]

I'm not sure if this is temporary or not, but the new STEX rating system doesn't really give a good indication of the quality of the upload. For example, many files that previously had high ratings of 4.75+ are now rounded down to 4 stars. Some files that had a rating of close to 4 stars (e.g. 4.10), appear to have the same rating as a file that previously had a high rating. I understand that the STEX is currently being worked and improved on, but is there to be a planned change in the current rating system?

[warrior 169]

Dirk, will the dependancys also be allowed to link to off site dependancies?

Thanks again for v7 and listening

[Enenkuda2 7]

well as mentioned before a personal list of what you have downloaded would be very nice! (so you know if you have a dependency package or not)

also mentioned is the dependency thing...some way of including it in the download or something would be awesome...

possibly category's for say R$, R$$, R$$$, CS$, CS$$, CS$$$, CO$, etc under the main "residential" "commercial" etc. category's...

also kind of off topic but the site is aloty slower than every other site i go to from my computers...im sure this is just because everything is changing/updating and such and will go away eventually but i thought id bring it up

[GCSquirrel 0]

Expanding the search parameters to include zone type + density, ex. - CO$$ Med or R$ High, or Growth Stage would be a fantastic addition. ^.^

  Edited March 1, 2011 by GCSquirrel  

[paeng 2,510]

I'm not sure if this is temporary or not, but the new STEX rating system doesn't really give a good indication of the quality of the upload. For example, many files that previously had high ratings of 4.75+ are now rounded down to 4 stars. Some files that had a rating of close to 4 stars (e.g. 4.10), appear to have the same rating as a file that previously had a high rating.

Yeah, that irritates me, too... even if the whole rating scheme is (was?) somewhat unreliable, at least the distinction between 4.2 to 4.9 has been kinda helpful... I do hope that gets sharpened again.

[GMT 389]

Picking up this list...

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. So, I've heard in favour of:

Better Categories

Does someone want to take a stab at what the categories should be or how the current ones could be better defined? Keep in mind we have some 15,000 legacy files we need to respect.

• Category like Building, Map, Dependency, Mod
• Type like residence, commerce, industry, public service, utility, transpport, education, recreation, eycandy (including flora + fauna and the likes)
• Capacity / Radius / Wealth (imho a consequent addition to a type listing)
• Lot Size
• Effects
• maybe size as in highrise, lowrise etc

Better Dependency Indication
The uploader can put IDs of any dependencies, and the listing will output them in standardized links.

• apart from hotlinked dependencies and in relation to mentioned "already downloaded on date xyz" indicator, an indication that tells that the certain dependency file has been downloaded already. Or, to include non-stex-files, an indicator that tells that this link has been clicked already (I know browsers do this, but that's a matter of privacy-settings and afaik recent browsers have this feature disabled in first place)

Descriptive Tagging

A way for authors to tag their file with descriptive text so that it's easier to find files that follow a common "theme", e.g. "1920s, Japanese, sci fi, fantasy, etc..."

• not an addition, but a critical point, this feature should be monitored or at least limited to a certain number of tags to compensate for abusive use e.g. 34.467 tags so the respective file will always pop up (as seen on youtube or even the internet itself to boost clicks)

Random Files
We do have random listings, they are disabled right now due to performance issues, but they will return.

Similar
Possibly something that makes suggestions or recommendations -- this will require more thought, but a good idea to put on the table.

• continue the great work

EDIT: a lil off topic, but I got a server error screen telling me the server was unable to process my request (posting this post) and that I should contact the admins, but as you can see it was quite able to do as I asked...

  Edited March 1, 2011 by GMT  

[gutterclub 2,729]

Currently if you search for an uploaders name, it brings up anything matching that text be it in title of the upload, the uploaders name or the description. I.e if I search for Jasoncw it brings up uploads from people who have thanked him for his help in the description etc etc..therefore a search by uploader would be easier.

The version option sounds great..that way Bixel can upload both his own rig and the new BAT4MAX renders..enabling us to choose ; )

[haverston 5]

I suggest adding more categories, that would also make it remarkably easier to find what you're looking for.

The other new features sounds good!

EDIT: I'd also like to see the Details in a seperate window.

I agree!

[Mithrik 562]

A category for Automatas maybe?

[Slashback 136]

What GMT suggested about the categories was actually a very good idea, but I have just one thing to add:

There should be an optional option: Building style. European, North American, Asian etc.

[Sepen77 157]

Hey dirk. I noticed something messed up about the current STEX.

All the external links to STEX content don't work anymore. The links all link to the "details" window. There is no more details window, so...... An example would be in the "cant find it ask here" thread. The links do not work anymore. Many dependancy links dont work either. Since fixing the links would be immposible, is it possible to change the URL for the STEX files or just make it open in a new window again. Just a thought. Though this is all just temporary right?

[zahrul3 471]

I agree with JasonCW and Aaron Graham, being a BATter myself I find it easier if I used those tools. I hate the thing where the stars are rounded down, meaning almost every BAT out there(those popular ones usally from Ill Tonkso, NDEX, SG) gets 4 stars instead of the rating they deserve. The stars should be in the ST 5.0 style format, which goes all the way to 10.

Questions:

What about the older BATs? Do they get updated?

[DCMetro34 576]

Hey dirk. I noticed something messed up about the current STEX.

All the external links to STEX content don't work anymore. The links all link to the "details" window. There is no more details window, so...... An example would be in the "cant find it ask here" thread. The links do not work anymore. Many dependancy links dont work either. Since fixing the links would be immposible, is it possible to change the URL for the STEX files or just make it open in a new window again. Just a thought. Though this is all just temporary right?

Yes, exactly, and not to mention all the links over at SC4 Devotion....I was helping someone in chat earlier who was having trouble with errors for STEX links in the NAM thread.

[paeng 2,510]

After really digging into the Stex, I must say that it's half as bad as some of the comments sound.

To me a big problem is this new Stex 'Homepage' (/forum/files) - imho superfluous and confusing.

It's not obvious that the next logical click would be on 'Simcity4' in the left column - instead one tends to start a frantic click orgy via 'What's New' to get to where we really want to be - which is 'forum/files/category/1-simcity-4/'.

Yeah, right - should have clicked on 'Simcity4' right away... but as I said, that's not obvious (to speak with Mr. Krug: "Don't make me think!"... at least not about navigational elements ;-). At first I missed it, by now that additional needed click just annoys me.

When I choose 'Simtropolis Exchange' from the top menu, I should land right at 'forum/files/category/1-simcity-4/'. The link to CXL should be integrated permanently in the left hand menu 'Categories' (which would then make a switch to that section easier, because I don't have to detour via the Stex 'Homepage').

The real Stex startpage (forum/files/category/1-simcity-4/) would just need some re-arranging. A bigger thumbnail would be easy to accomodate if the info on the right part (stars, #reviews, #DLs etc.) were layed out to eat up (much) less space - as a matter of fact this would all fit in one line on top of the headline/title (could use a smaller font as well)...

As for the 'Detail' page - well, I feel it's too early to comment on that... basically that page just needs a good dose of styling, which is depending though on what you plan to change/add in the upload mask...

Now there have been plenty suggestions on how to extend the upload mask with sort of a form with plenty of options... I have mixed feelings on that - I still believe that every producer who takes pride in his creation will also supply a meaningful description (aside from a proper readme)... I don't think that a huge form will improve anything because only a tiny percentage of uploaders will use it - for various reasons (too lazy, don't know, language barriers etc.pp)...

For a meaningful search I feel that it's appropriate to offer a field that can be filled with meaningful keywords. Anything else might be nice, but should probably be optional (or sort of an 'Expert Modus').

Okay, that's all from the top of my head - hopefully not received as bitchin' - I'm just trying to add some constructive thoughts ;o)

[ILL Tonkso 1,236]

My primary concern at the moment is the proximity of the screenshots. Under the old system - as we all know - when you selected an upload it appeared in a little window. The STEX broswer remained open as it was, allowing you to brows whilst keeping that little window open. In that little window, you had your screenshots at the top, with the description below. Nice and simple, nice and easy. I think it should remain as that rather than opening a new page, then having the screenshots as seperate pop ups. It comes down to 'KISS' (Keep it simple, stupid!).

[Jamonbread 222]

As was said earlier, if its possible like on the LEX to notify how many times the user has downloaded each file that would be REALLY helpful! Sometimes I can't remember which dependancies I've downloaded and spent hours reloading and searching for missing files.

[pobox205 0]

One annoying change:

all the file names are now something like this:bf0b9cfd57b083d1f03b1886ded459f6-1000%20Broadway-PDX.zip

Is this permanent or just a passing phase?

[Craig-Abcvs 1,595]

As was said earlier, if its possible like on the LEX to notify how many times the user has downloaded each file that would be REALLY helpful! Sometimes I can't remember which dependancies I've downloaded and spent hours reloading and searching for missing files.

This feature is already in place.

Click your username in the top right corner of the screen:

>My Settings

>Simtropolis Exchange

>View my downloads

This will bring up a list of everything you have downloaded since the beginning of ST7.

*You can also see a complete list of your STEX files by clicking on the View My Files button.

[ryanrunt 0]

I'd love STEX right about now. I would download lots of buildings. If only I had a BAT tool... can anyone help me with that type of stuff first?!?!?!?!?!???

[Craig-Abcvs 1,595]

I'd love STEX right about now. I would download lots of buildings. If only I had a BAT tool... can anyone help me with that type of stuff first?!?!?!?!?!???

You don't need the BAT tool to download and use stuff from the STEX.

[Sabbjo 0]

yess v. good!

[veryConfused 1]

I think I might have found an error with the updated stex, as you can't access the Cities XL files. I don't have CXL, but for those who do, I'm sure they would like access to their downloads.

[Jazzmaster 716]

I know this has been said already but the idea about having an indicator for if you downloaded a file and if its been updated since is appropriate.

And question, will there ever be a point where links to the STEX via read-me files and such will function again? Any hotlinks I've used to the STEX post upgrade simply get a 404..

[Sniper296 83]

And question, will there ever be a point where links to the STEX via read-me files and such will function again? Any hotlinks I've used to the STEX post upgrade simply get a 404..

In the readme files it is up to the uploader to update the links.

[ILL Tonkso 1,236]

Yeah erm, I think I just broke it. Sorry :s It won't even accept my 14th upload in this flood series either. I have properly overloaded it...

  Edited March 3, 2011 by ILL Tonkso  

[riley4prez 1]

Maybe do like other fansites and show how many times we've downloaded a specific file. This'll come in handy so users don't accidentally download the same thing twice.

[twinsfan14 36]

Thank you very much for changing it. It resembles the old STEX more now, for the better.

[Dirktator 2,320]

I'm not sure if this is temporary or not, but the new STEX rating system doesn't really give a good indication of the quality of the upload. For example, many files that previously had high ratings of 4.75+ are now rounded down to 4 stars. Some files that had a rating of close to 4 stars (e.g. 4.10), appear to have the same rating as a file that previously had a high rating. I understand that the STEX is currently being worked and improved on, but is there to be a planned change in the current rating system?

This will eventaully look similar to how ST6 did, with the stars as well as a numeric rating: ie 4.59

Dirk, will the dependancys also be allowed to link to off site dependancies?

Thanks again for v7 and listening

Yes, most likely.

Hey dirk. I noticed something messed up about the current STEX.

All the external links to STEX content don't work anymore. The links all link to the "details" window. There is no more details window, so...... An example would be in the "cant find it ask here" thread. The links do not work anymore. Many dependancy links dont work either. Since fixing the links would be immposible, is it possible to change the URL for the STEX files or just make it open in a new window again. Just a thought. Though this is all just temporary right?

All the old ST5 and ST6 STEX links will auto-forward to the new ST7 links automatically. I know the script that handled this was busted for a couple days, but I tested it last night and they are working. Let me know if you find a link that does not work.

My primary concern at the moment is the proximity of the screenshots. Under the old system - as we all know - when you selected an upload it appeared in a little window. The STEX broswer remained open as it was, allowing you to brows whilst keeping that little window open. In that little window, you had your screenshots at the top, with the description below. Nice and simple, nice and easy. I think it should remain as that rather than opening a new page, then having the screenshots as seperate pop ups. It comes down to 'KISS' (Keep it simple, stupid!).

Opening the detail files in a new window could be difficult with the way this board and platform and how the STEX is integrated. But, this will be looked into for sure.

As was said earlier, if its possible like on the LEX to notify how many times the user has downloaded each file that would be REALLY helpful! Sometimes I can't remember which dependancies I've downloaded and spent hours reloading and searching for missing files.

You can always find what you've downloaded, as Abcvs pointed out:

Click your username in the top right corner of the screen:

>My Settings

>Simtropolis Exchange

>View my downloads

One annoying change:

all the file names are now something like this:bf0b9cfd57b083d1f03b1886ded459f6-1000%20Broadway-PDX.zip

Is this permanent or just a passing phase?

Unfortunately, due to the new anti-leech measures that we have in place, the hash before the name at the moment is unavoidable. That's because the files are hosted on a dedicated file server that is not on the same server as this website. I have been looking into this issue, and will continue to see what can be done, but for the immediate time being, I'm sorry to say it is a bit of a nuissance we have to put up with.

I know this has been said already but the idea about having an indicator for if you downloaded a file and if its been updated since is appropriate.

And question, will there ever be a point where links to the STEX via read-me files and such will function again? Any hotlinks I've used to the STEX post upgrade simply get a 404..

See above to find out what you've downloaded. Also, if you want an indicator, there is a "LIKE" button on each STEX listing (This is not a Facebook Like).

When you click the green Like button, it will ask if you want to be notified if this file is updated. The next time you view that file, you'll see a message "You like this" so you'll know if you've downloaded before.

Hope that answers some of your questions! Thanks for all the feedback, the STEX will continue to evolve!