A STEX Idea

[Pooty 228]

I had an idea for the STEX:

 

When uploading a file, members should be allowed to choose which keywords they want to represent their Lots/BATs. This would make it so much easier for others to find their works of art. As we all know, there are a lot of NDEX, BSC, CSK, and all of those. Some of which have weird names (i.e. RT Estado del Vlakhaas BLS BSC). Sure we can always type in Vlakhaas. But instead of having to cross our fingers to find the BAT we want on, say, page 9 or 10 on the STEX, it would just make it a whole lot easier to search by certain common keywords like 'estate' or 'mansion' or something to that effect.

[toxicpiano 125]

thats an interesting idea, however im unsure wether it can be done or not. ask dirk maybe?

[brtim2 11]

Sure, it's called tagging. Tag it with a certain few words the author chooses and bam! Granted that means it only works for those that take the time to tag their work. But it is a good idea.

[cogeo 960]

I totally agree, but this is currently not possible cause you cannot rename a STEX upload.

The STEX search tool must be revamped, and this requires changes in the database in addition to the STEX seach form, so that you are able to combine more search criteria, for example CS$ or CO$$$ and not just Ccommercial. There are many more options that could be used, for example wealth levels, stage, building style (NY, Houston etc) and many others and the user must be able to submit a combined search, for example CO$$$ AND Houston AND stage>=7.

The information you can enter now lacks basic categories, like MODS (in addition to BATs, LOTs etc), transportation buildings etc.

The changes to the database and the upload and search forms is what the site maintenance staff has to do. The rest (entering the category/class data for existing uploads) should be done by the creators themselves, thus sharing the workload (and I think this is something they would do, as everybody wants his creations to be easier to find).

 

[Pooty 228]

Date: 11/20/2005 4:59:14 PM Author: cogeo

I totally agree, but this is currently not possible cause you cannot rename a STEX upload.

The STEX search tool must be revamped, and this requires changes in the database in addition to the STEX seach form, so that you are able to combine more search criteria, for example CS$ or CO$$$ and not just 'Ccommercial'. There are many more options that could be used, for example wealth levels, stage, building style (NY, Houston etc) and many others and the user must be able to submit a combined search, for example CO$$$ AND Houston AND stage>=7.

The information you can enter now lacks basic categories, like MODS (in addition to BATs, LOTs etc), transportation buildings etc.

The changes to the database and the upload and search forms is what the site maintenance staff has to do. The rest (entering the category/class data for existing uploads) should be done by the creators themselves, thus sharing the workload (and I think this is something they would do, as everybody wants his creations to be easier to find).

quote>

 

That sounds pretty good. But, assuming that the person searching doesn't know the wealth and all that, the 'tagging' is probably the best alternative.

[cogeo 960]

Pooty, search criteria need not be all known in advance, or be that refined, if the user does know details all the better.

But I think it should possible to find, for example all residential NDEX buildings that are at least stage 7; currently you can't even search for NDEX residential.

 

EDIT: plus there must be explicit instructions on how to tag the title (or possibly the description text or alternatively an additional/new tag mega-field), so I think that the structured data would work way better.

[ILL Tonkso 1,239]

Being able to rename STEX uploads would be good, i have spelt at least 2 wrong.

[SamFlash 0]

Date: 11/20/2005 6:25:02 PM Author: ILL Tonkso Being able to rename STEX uploads would be good, i have spelt at least 2 wrong.

quote>

It amazes me that the creator of a lot or bat can't rename it.  I know you can update a bat so what is the problem with makeing a minor change and giving it the correct name?  Or doesn't it work that way?  Can you, as the creator, pull your lot off the STEX or is it there forever?

[ILL Tonkso 1,239]

No, i cant pull it off but i can request for it to be removed.