Extreme use of the Report button

[Terring 6,476]

This topic is not a complain, but something that I notice lately. In the STEX you can hit the Is this file broken? button, in case to warn the people for something really bad. Virus? Bugged building that crash the game? Just an irrelevant useless picture? I think that this button can be very useful in those situations.

But what if the report button get used too much? I notice many files that has been reported as broken, not for serious bugs but for many strange reasons. Here are some examples...

In the Michelford, we can read this: This file has been reported as broken because: The file is a rar file and I can't get it to work.. Of course I don't know if using .zip is the only acceptable way to upload something in STEX, but reporting this upload as broken because if this isn't a bit too much?

In the No Road-Street Stop Mod 1, we can read this: This file has been reported as broken because: i installed it but nothing is diffrent. What? Reporting an upload as broken just because you didn't check the readme is not a good idea.

In the Toyota Corolla 1978 Automata, we can read this: This file has been reported as broken because: Added car to game and it dosen't show up WTF waste of space! The guy who made this report could select a Sim from My Sim toolbar, add the Sim in a home, select a car and have a look in the low wealth cars for the Toyota Corrola. Just waiting to see the automata is pointless, especially if he/she already has a lot of extra cars.

I'm not a moderator, just curious to learn when it's better to report an addon as broken and what about overusing of the reports.

  Edited August 23, 2011 by terring  

[rsd6000 8]

i add suggestion - put notice before reporting files - eg WARNING this is reporting for any broken files but please check before reporting it or contact creator before procceding this

[Jack³ 291]

I completely agree. There should be a warning like Rsd6000 said. And they should have to PM the author before they report it as broken. I think it is mostly the new members that don't really know what they are doing when they press the "Report File" button.

[Terring 6,476]

And they should have to PM the author before they report it as broken.

Don't forget that there are creators who abandon the Simcity 4 community and let cool but bugged addons behind them. You can send them a message, but I'm not sure if you'll get an answer soon...

[north country dude 207]

I checked some of those and it seems that there is no real cure for it(see comment in my sig).

Reporting a file because it is different format??? Sheesh, bur rar files are just as easy to extract as zip files! Use 7-zip[freeware], it extracts and compresses all types of formats!

Now, as far as "creators who abandon the Simcity 4 community and [leave] cool but bugged addons behind them..." many leave or stop posting stuff for the simple reason that it just becomes too much work to satisfy all the demands placed on the users who cannot bother to figure out how to use the simple LotEditor tool, let alone read the descriptions or read-me files.

That's why I quit.

  Edited August 23, 2011 by north country dude  

[Sniper296 83]

Disable the report button, this is the message displayed when you report a file on a site I am a moderator of:

This functionality has been removed due to abuse. If you have found a real error with this download, please send a message to a developer.

Make the button redirect you to a page explaining what a real error is (corrupt file, server error, virus, not "i cant openz these") with links to tutorials and to PM a STEX moderator.

[IDS2 3,429]

I agree 100%. This should be fixed so that it gets run by someone first, like an STEX mod to be sure it's not another bogus report. Letting anyone just submit "Added car to game and it dosen't show up WTF waste of space" without review is begging for trouble. Let's not forget that there are trolls out there who would do this for fun or just to smear a "competing" upload.

  Edited August 23, 2011 by IDS2  

[rsd6000 8]

Disable the report button, this is the message displayed when you report a file on a site I am a moderator of:

This functionality has been removed due to abuse. If you have found a real error with this download, please send a message to a developer.

Make the button redirect you to a page explaining what a real error is (corrupt file, server error, virus, not "i cant openz these") with links to tutorials and to PM a STEX moderator.

i agree - disabling it means less work for staff

[Tarkus 6,933]

A few people have even reported the NAM for Windows broken, simply because they had a bad connection and/or the site was experiencing a lot of traffic, causing their downloads to prematurely stop. One of these bogus reports occurred right before the NAM for Windows vanished off the STEX last month.

The examples terring pointed out prove the point further--many of these folks do not have enough understanding of how file downloading, installation processes, or the basic game mechanics of SC4 work, and may not be qualified to properly determine whether or not a file is truly "broken". Then there's the issue of inappropriate language, as in the case of the Toyota automata.

Additionally, some anti-virus programs (*cough* McAfee *cough*) give false positives on files that include .exe installers, of which there are a substantial number on the STEX. If one were inexperienced with computers and AV software, and not aware of the possibility of false positives, they'd freak the heck out.

I'd propose a return to the PM-to-STEX mod approach that was previously used, or the use of the comments section. The current system gives too much credence to folks who simply do not understand the basics of the internet or proper decorum.

-Alex (Tarkus)

[jim 546 43]

I'd propose a return to the PM-to-STEX mod approach that was previously used, or the use of the comments section. The current system gives too much credence to folks who simply do not understand the basics of the internet or proper decorum.

+1.

[rsd6000 8]

A few people have even reported the NAM for Windows broken, simply because they had a bad connection and/or the site was experiencing a lot of traffic, causing their downloads to prematurely stop. One of these bogus reports occurred right before the NAM for Windows vanished off the STEX last month.

The examples terring pointed out prove the point further--many of these folks do not have enough understanding of how file downloading, installation processes, or the basic game mechanics of SC4 work, and may not be qualified to properly determine whether or not a file is truly "broken". Then there's the issue of inappropriate language, as in the case of the Toyota automata.

Additionally, some anti-virus programs (*cough* McAfee *cough*) give false positives on files that include .exe installers, of which there are a substantial number on the STEX. If one were inexperienced with computers and AV software, and not aware of the possibility of false positives, they'd freak the heck out.

I'd propose a return to the PM-to-STEX mod approach that was previously used, or the use of the comments section. The current system gives too much credence to folks who simply do not understand the basics of the internet or proper decorum.

-Alex (Tarkus)

i agree - PM to STEX or invdival threads where creators can control the content of comments or complaints - simllar to MTS - mod the sims site - as shown here - example download page for item - http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=446927&c=1 - this example has no report button shown - http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=446927&c=1 - a sample of download page can be found - http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=446927&c=1

so any issues are directed to comment page or other pages and also install infomation is displayed on first page before clicking download tab

if person has left STEX then a warning box would pop up - this a example seen here in MTS - http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=416613

  Edited August 23, 2011 by rsd6000  

[Hamish 1,370]

I think I should clear up what happens when files get reported.

When a file on the STEX gets reported, it sends a message to all STEX moderators that it has been reported and gives a link to the file.

These also get listed for us, so we can see exactly what file has been reported at one time.

We so aim to get these cleared as soon as we get them in our in box, but recently our efforts to clear these have been a bit slack. It's summer time for most people, and most of the moderators have been either on vacation, or have limited time to complete the reports.

It also takes a while to clear these reports too. If someone reports the file because they can't use a .rar file, then it is courteous to give them an explanation on how to use .rar files.

Normally, we will get serious reports on most files, however recently, as you can see, the reports have been lacking in quality.

You also have to remember that when people report the files broken because they haven't read the readme properly, they do actually think that the file is broken. If I install a file, and it crashes the game, then I'll instantly think it's broken. So when someone reports a file broken because it hasn't been installed properly, then they do actually think it is broken, and their concern would fit the need to have to report.

The system may have flaws, such as the reports can be seen by all members, but in my oppinion it works a lot better than the last system. What was the last system we had in place? It was almost nothing. For most of the files we had to rely on the moderators going through the files, making sure they were working well. That wasn't practical because it takes time to download and run each file that appears on the STEX each day, and with older files it would be almost impossible to keep track of.

The older system relied on members PMing the STEX moderators, and that didn't work well. Most members won't go that far out of their way to tell someone else that the file is broken, but with the report button it makes it so much easier to send moderators messages.

If I had to guess, I'd say that the STEX has the most traffic per day, and most of these people will never frequent the forums. This tells me that they might not know who it is appropriate to contact if they need to talk to someone about a file. It also tells me that it is te most diverse part of the site, from people of different cultures, to people of different Internet knowledge. This would explain why there may be people reporting files for reason that could be easily fixed, such as not being able to open .rar files.

In my opinion, the current system works well. It's much easier for us to manage and follow reported files, and a lot easier to identify broken files.

On behalf of the STEX moderators, I appoligise that we haven't been able to get to these reports quick enough. And we are trying hard to complete these reports, but are just a not short handed at the moment. In a few weeks we will be up to speed, and hopefully we will be able to get to these reports before they are noticed by our regular members.

[Terring 6,476]

Glad to see your post Hamish

In that case, let me make a small suggestion. While taping the report, a message could appear about the right use of the report. Something like this: "Please have in mind that this application is for reporting serious problems, like corrupted files or plagiarism, not to post your comments about this upload"

[jacksunny 741]

I remember a while ago somebody reported a file because it was: very useful or something like that.

[Sniper296 83]

...

On behalf of the STEX moderators, I appoligise that we haven't been able to get to these reports quick enough. And we are trying hard to complete these reports, but are just a not short handed at the moment. In a few weeks we will be up to speed, and hopefully we will be able to get to these reports before they are noticed by our regular members.

It is not the STEX moderators fault, maybe change the report page to include examples of what is and is not allowed to be reported, a few links to Omnibus articles and maybe a notice about receiving warning points if you abuse the report system.

[rsd6000 8]

i agree - i think dirk needs put out a stricter rules - if someone abuses or misleads reports for example reporting files for just support would be punished - that's why its should be replaced with a notice after clicking report then if poster sees that then he could used comments area or PM creator saving mods a alot work on useless reports or non broken files fouscing on serious files like copyright or really broken file (no support from creator)

[Hamish 1,370]

I don't think that members posting comments via reports are that big of a problem. From what I can remember, and from a quick browse of our records, all of the reports that I've dealt with have been related to file problems or user problems, rather than people commenting on the file via the report button.

People abusing the system isn't that big of a problem at the moment. If it does become a problem, then we may see the system being changed.

It may be a good idea to provide links to the omnibus, but which articles would we link to? There are a lot of individual topics that come up in the reports, so which articles would be the most effective?

At the moment, I think its just easier for us moderators to read the reports, determine what actions need to be taken, and then PM the reporter with what we think is the best way to fix their problems. But some way to direct the member to a specific article would be a good idea.

Most people that use the report button don't use the forums as much as we do. Which to me means that they might either not be as confident around posting their opinions, or may only want to download files. If its the former, not so confident, then having warnings when they go to report files may deter them from posting very sensible concerns. Try imagine the situation, if your new, not sure how this site operates, not sure what the best internet conduct is reporting broken files is, and your a bit nervous about PMing someone, or even clicking on that report button, and then you do click the button but are confronted with various warnings about abusing this system and only posting serious concerns, you might start to doubt yourself.

Your concerns are very welcomed though Anything to help us to refine this system is very appreciated.

[rsd6000 8]

I don't think that members posting comments via reports are that big of a problem. From what I can remember, and from a quick browse of our records, all of the reports that I've dealt with have been related to file problems or user problems, rather than people commenting on the file via the report button.

People abusing the system isn't that big of a problem at the moment. If it does become a problem, then we may see the system being changed.

It may be a good idea to provide links to the omnibus, but which articles would we link to? There are a lot of individual topics that come up in the reports, so which articles would be the most effective?

At the moment, I think its just easier for us moderators to read the reports, determine what actions need to be taken, and then PM the reporter with what we think is the best way to fix their problems. But some way to direct the member to a specific article would be a good idea.

Most people that use the report button don't use the forums as much as we do. Which to me means that they might either not be as confident around posting their opinions, or may only want to download files. If its the former, not so confident, then having warnings when they go to report files may deter them from posting very sensible concerns. Try imagine the situation, if your new, not sure how this site operates, not sure what the best internet conduct is reporting broken files is, and your a bit nervous about PMing someone, or even clicking on that report button, and then you do click the button but are confronted with various warnings about abusing this system and only posting serious concerns, you might start to doubt yourself.

Your concerns are very welcomed though Anything to help us to refine this system is very appreciated.

in some sites where a notice explaing how to do - such downloading city and user finds problem and he or she could go back and look at omibus which can be found before reporting file - page would look like this (examples)

very often i seen them in some other places

Before you report this file as broken - check https://www.simtropolis.com/omnibus first

common problems

1: wrong place - put them in simcity 4 city name folder

2: misspelled file name - check the name

if fails - contact creator - he or she will help with you

but if creator does not contact you in 24 hours then report this file below

(put report button here)

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

There used to be a rule that all files on the STEX, except some old maps, were to be .zip files. Has this changed?

If you think you have troubles with .rar files, what would you do if someone put out a standard Linux compressed file (.tar.gz)? My system can decode and encode just about any compressed format ever used by anyone. I have to be very careful to remember to create a .zip.

If we have stopped checking for file types on STEX uploads, it is time to start again.

[jacksunny 741]

Like mentioned above, 7-Zip can extract almost anything including .rar and .tar.gz.

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

Like mentioned above, 7-Zip can extract almost anything including .rar and .tar.gz.

But if everyone sticks to .zip, windows can extract it. Some people just let their egos get in the way.

[Sniper296 83]

If you allow rar other formats should be allowed, it will be best to stick with zip. As A Nonny Moose said, most if not all OS's can open zips without downloading software.

[Jack³ 291]

Now look at this.

Something should be done. :|

  Edited September 2, 2011 by jack3oh3  

[Hamish 1,370]

And something has been done.

If there are any problems with STEX reports, then contacting a STEX Moderator is the best course of action.

But all the STEX mods know they have been reported, we just need some spare time to remove it thats all.

[Jack³ 291]

Thanks this isn't my mod but that shouldn't have been reported just because they didn't need the mod.

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

Some kiddies do silly things when you let them on a responsible site.

[madhatter106 3,931]

This same file in question has now been reported with the ever-so-eloquent explanation of "this didnt work for me aint sure if im doing something wrong tho tbh".

In the past, under previous incarnations of reporting, did the report go straight to a moderator, who then determined whether the report was valid? And then they took further action if they deemed it necessary?

It seems if this is the case then the new incarnation, where a single unreviewed report can lock a file, creates more work for the moderators...some click-happy reporters can tie up valid files for hours/days, depending on how swiftly a moderator can intercede and undo any hasty damage. Or am I not seeing the whole picture?

[rsd6000 8]

This same file in question has now been reported with the ever-so-eloquent explanation of "this didnt work for me aint sure if im doing something wrong tho tbh".

In the past, under previous incarnations of reporting, did the report go straight to a moderator, who then determined whether the report was valid? And then they took further action if they deemed it necessary?

It seems if this is the case then the new incarnation, where a single unreviewed report can lock a file, creates more work for the moderators...some click-happy reporters can tie up valid files for hours/days, depending on how swiftly a moderator can intercede and undo any hasty damage. Or am I not seeing the whole picture?

its getting out of hand really - someone needs reform the reporting system so that anyone abuses the reports like reporting file as non broken things - i suggested that report system needs more work on and possibly hiring more staff to deal with it

[Hamish 1,370]

Whoops, sorry, thought I cleared that one

In the past, under previous incarnations of reporting, did the report go straight to a moderator, who then determined whether the report was valid? And then they took further action if they deemed it necessary?

Yes, that was essentially what happened. All the moderators got emails with the reports in them, and then we would decide what actions should be taken, if any. The new system is more streamlined, with everything related to STEX reports happening on simtropolis itself. There is also a lot of behind the scenes improvements which makes it a lot easier for us to do our job and be in sync with the rest of the STEX Mods throughout the day, but really the only thing that lets down the new system is that all members can see the reports. In some cases, such as possible virus warnings, this works well, and also works well when we leave it there to let the author of the file see what problems there are with it, but it is just these few instances that is bringing it down.

Reporting a file does not lock it. Only stex moderators or admins can lock files.

A couple people are misusing a system that, I think, is working quite well, and that shouldn't reflect how the system as a whole should be viewed. Its unfortunate that you can't see what we see, because we get a lot of old files being reported that either have links to dependencies that aren't working anymore, or there are problems with how the file is downloading. Its just these new files tend to get the "Questionable" reports, and are viewed by more people because they are new, and its these reports that are shaping up a public image of how well, or not so well, it is working.

[madhatter106 3,931]

Reporting a file does not lock it. Only stex moderators or admins can lock files.

You mean to tell me that in the file we're discussing, someone clicked to report it with the silly reply "this didnt work for me aint sure if im doing something wrong tho tbh," and then a moderator saw this and then locked it? The moderator actually thought it was a legitimate enough complaint to lock the reported file with that explanation?