ideas Site Suggestion Box

[redfox85 659]

NOT PLANNED - 

---

Could a notification button be added to the bottom of a page so I dont have to scroll up and then down repeatedly? (And this was must be a headache for those who get a ton of alerts).

[CorinaMarie 29,902]

3 hours ago, redfox85 said:

Could a notification button be added to the bottom of a page so I dont have to scroll up and then down repeatedly? (And this was must be a headache for those who get a ton of alerts). 

The answer is technically yes it could be added. This would be done by a template edit. As one who does get tons of alerts I use the Home and End keys to jump immediately to the top or bottom so I'd say their really isn't a need for adding a second notification button. There's also the little floating button in the lower right which takes one directly to the top.

[Cyclone Boom 17,032]

5 hours ago, redfox85 said:

Could a notification button be added to the bottom of a page so I dont have to scroll up and then down repeatedly? (And this was must be a headache for those who get a ton of alerts). 

I'm unsure on the extent the site's themes & templates would need modifying, but it may well be better suited as a reformat rather than a second button.

I think the term to describe this would be a "sticky" navigation bar, so then it'd remain in the same place when scrolling on any given page. My personal preference would be at the top to maintain consistency, since people are already familiar with the location up there. This is a feature the site had prior to ST 8.0 (pre 2015 on IPS 3.4.x).

[Haljackey 17,403]

First 3-way tie on the daily leader board?

However I noticed that when there are ties the 'gold' is random and they are the only one who gets the 'you last won the day' update on their profile. Seems a little unfair to leave it up to chance.

[CorinaMarie 29,902]

26 minutes ago, Haljackey said:

Seems a little unfair to leave it up to chance.

Indeed. However, this is controlled by IPS (authors of the board software) so it's out of our hands.

[CorinaMarie 29,902]

On 10/22/2016 at 6:28 AM, CorinaMarie said:

PLANNED - 

---

Sub Heading: Additional Reputation Labels

This is a re-post from another thread since this is a more appropriate place for it (now that it exists). I've tweaked the suggested rep counts:

• 1,500: Glorious
• 2,000: Marvelous
• 2,500: Illustrious
• 3,000: Fantastic
• 3,500: Superlative
• 4,000: Prestigious
• 4,500: Exemplary
• 5,000: Grandiose
• 6,000: Extraordinary
• 7,000: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

I believe this would benefit the community by adding variety for those peeps who have been Epic for such a long time.

So the above was a second draft where I'd reduced the numbers. Here's a revised one since I see we now have members above the top of what I'd suggested way back when.

Revised:

• 1,500: Glorious
• 2,000: Marvelous
• 2,500: Illustrious
• 3,000: Fantastic
• 4,000: Superlative
• 5,000: Prestigious
• 7,500: Exemplary
• 10,000: Grandiose
• 15,000: Extraordinary
• 20,000: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

I know this didn't gain any traction other than being planned for a couple years. Now that I have access to the tools, does anyone want to comment on the revised list before I just go and add these?

-Cori (citing her admin powers)

[Haljackey 17,403]

Yes I'd like to add input that these could somewhat resemble some SimCity  / City Building stats rather than just adjectives.

 

Example in SimCity SNES you achieve different city status based on your population:

0-1,999 Village

2,000-9,999 Town

10,000-49,999 City

50,000-99,999 Capital

100,000-499,999 Metropolis

500,000+ Megalopolis

 

Not suggesting these numbers be used for rep points or post count but the names of them could be used instead. Other SimCity references could be used like MaxisMan, Arcology, Llama references, Advisors from the games (like Dr. Wright, 2,000, 3000, 4 and 2013 reboot) Will Wright, other Sim games, building names in game such as the rewards, etc.

 

Just my ideas.

[CorinaMarie 29,902]

31 minutes ago, Haljackey said:

Not suggesting these numbers be used for rep points or post count but the names of them could be used instead.

It's nice to see discussion here.

These would be for the Reputation level since the post count has its own set of labels. Here's what is currently in place as a measure of how peep's value someone's contributions to the site:

It seems to me the suggested list for higher levels of reputation should be the same style.

[Haljackey 17,403]

Or you could change all of them

Maybe a new scale would be in order too? For example- a change every 100 points at the lower level rather than 50?

 

Whatever is done, it's going to be great!

 

[CorinaMarie 29,902]

3 minutes ago, Haljackey said:

Maybe a new scale would be in order too? For example- a change every 100 points at the lower level rather than 50?

I'm not opposed to a complete change. The list has no limit for the number of entries as far as I know.

As there is no hurry to do this maybe you could suggest a whole new set?

[Haljackey 17,403]

Oh wow pressure lol. I have no idea - probably best to seek input from others as well but maybe...

0-99

100-249

250-499

500-749

750-999

1.000-1,999

2,000-2,999

3,000-3,999

4,000-4999

5,000-5,999

6,000-6,999

7,000-7,999

8,000-8,999

9,000-9,999

10,000+

-----

And possible names?

0-99 Village Councilor

100-249 Village Mayor

250-499 Town Councilor

500-749 Town Mayor

750-999 City Councilor

1.000-1,999 City Mayor

2,000-2,999 Regional Councilor

3,000-3,999 Regional Mayor

4,000-4999 Governor

5,000-5,999 Director

6,000-6,999 Minister

7,000-7,999 Vice President

8,000-8,999 President

9,000-9,999 Ruler

10,000+ Simtrop Elite

-----

Or how about something like...

0-99 Fresh Face

100-249 Recognized

250-499 Popular

500-749 Respected

750-999 Reputable

1.000-1,999 Trustworthy

2,000-2,999 Dependable

3,000-3,999 Resilient

4,000-4999 Tireless

5,000-5,999 Iconic

6,000-6,999 Cherished

7,000-7,999 Admired

8,000-8,999 Leader

9,000-9,999 Elite

10,000+ Legendary

-----

Or even maybe...

0-99 Hamlet

100-249 Settlement

250-499 Community

500-749 Village

750-999 Town

1.000-1,999 Ward

2,000-2,999 District

3,000-3,999 City

4,000-4999 Capital

5,000-5,999 Metropolis

6,000-6,999 Region

7,000-7,999 Megalopolis

8,000-8,999 Province

9,000-9,999 Country

10,000+ World

-----

Or possibly even

0-99 Newly Founded

100-249 Rural

250-499 Village

500-749 Exurb

750-999 Suburb

1.000-1,999 Community

2,000-2,999 Town

3,000-3,999 Ward

4,000-4999 District

5,000-5,999 City

6,000-6,999 Downtown

7,000-7,999 Capital

8,000-8,999 Metropolis

9,000-9,999 Regional

10,000+ Megalopolis

----

Just a few ideas - Maybe they help?

Whatever is done is going to be great and has my full support!

[Cyclone Boom 17,032]

38 minutes ago, Haljackey said:

Just a few ideas - Maybe they help?

Thanks for the input.

Personally I feel the best approach with these ranks is to consider them a measure of achievement.

Being encouraging adjectives, they intend to make the recipient proud to have each displayed on their profile. Given reputation accumulates over time from others in the community, new ranks are theoretically "better" than the previous one. Although still everyone who has a rank should be encouraged, and this is especially the case for new members. So for the sub-1000 ranks, it could be how they're worth spacing closer together.

For this reason I don't believe the city types would be fitting with this idea, and really it needs an extension of the system. On the whole by describing one's contributions to ST as a result from reputation, each rank is then progressive when moving up the ladder. Maybe we could include a few extras in there like those you've suggested in your "how about something" list. Especially at the lower end of the spectrum so new members can see more levels. So I'm not opposed to a revamp, and I think Cori's list above sets a most excellent foundation along this theme. Then we can always add similar new ranks to expand upon the scale at any time in the future.

[CorinaMarie 29,902]

 

Reputation Table

(Combined suggestions.)

Reputation Name	Minimum Rep Level
Clean Slate	0
Fresh Face	5
Recognized	10
Favourable	20
Positive	30
Popular	50
Legitimate	75
Dependable	100
Reliable	150
Notable	200
Reputable	250
Distinguished	300
Respected	350
Trustworthy	400
Admired	450
Renowned	500
Lofty	750
Esteemed	1,000
Prominent	1,250
Eminent	1,500
Glorious	2,000
Cherished	2,500
Marvelous	3,000
Illustrious	4,000
Iconic	5,000
Fantastic	7,500
Superlative	10,000
Prestigious	12,500
Elite	15,000
Exemplary	17,500
Magnanimous	20,000
Epic	25,000
Grandiose	30,000
Extraordinary	40,000
Legendary	50,000

 

[CorinaMarie 29,902]

IMPLEMENTED - 

---

Working in real time with @Cyclone Boom we have come up with a revised list with which we are both quite happy. So, here's a CoriBoom™ presentation:

^ Excel sheet and image by CB.

[Haljackey 17,403]

Ha, going up to 50,000 rep points? Guess you're leaving lots of room for growth

Looks fantastic!

[CorinaMarie 29,902]

2 hours ago, Haljackey said:

Guess you're leaving lots of room for growth

Indeed. There is @korver you know. And @Simmer2 is hot on his trail on a yearly basis.

 

2 hours ago, Haljackey said:

Looks fantastic!

Thanks!

I'll update the list today. It's not often I get to play with the admin tools. (Site wonkiness times notwithstanding and we'd rather not have those!)

[korver 27,686]

Although I like the added labels, I'd much rather have my old "Rep Record Holder" label as opposed to the new "Fantastic" label. Is there any way to re-implement the old label or at least give me the option to choose between which one I'd like?

[CorinaMarie 29,902]

8 minutes ago, korver said:

Although I like the added labels, I'd much rather have my old "Rep Record Holder" label as opposed to the new "Fantastic" tag. Is there any way to re-implement the old label or at least give me the option to choose between which one I'd like?

Since you hold the top spot we can work a little magic to make yours say that by inserting one at (currently) 11,425. Then when you cross a threshold and get the next one, just let me know and I'll fix it again. (You'd need to be one over to make it easier for me.)

[Propfam 2,310]

Simtropolis Fund

Inspired by Blender's Development Fund and SC4Devotion's subscription, I want to suggest Simtropolis Fund, a recurring donation to Simtropolis starting from $5/month. The money then granted to people work on various fields, from site administration to even modding. The goal is to help progressing fields, especially for the stagnant ones and of course, benefiting the community in the end. For transparency, 5%-10% of the money is spent on that and we will provide a page shows some donators and the grants. Here's the price plan (per month):

• $5: bronze badges.
• $10: silver badges.
• $25: gold badges, your name will be on the donators page.
• $50: platinum badges, your name will be on the donators page.
• $100: diamond badges, your name will be on the donators page.

For instance, the community has been raised about $100,000, the money will be spent as shown below:

• $20,000 will be spent on the site administration and development..
• $30,000 will be spent on SimCity 4 activities.
• $30,000 will be spent on Cities: Skylines activities.
• $15,000 will be spent on the other game activities.
• $5,000 will be spent on transparency.

If you've suggestion, you are welcome. I hope this will be accepted. Thanks.

[Haljackey 17,403]

IMPLEMENTED - 

---

How difficult would it be to merge threads?

Example Merge

Into

https://community.simtropolis.com/forums/topic/16200-show-us-your-interchanges/

[CorinaMarie 29,902]

44 minutes ago, Haljackey said:

How difficult would it be to merge threads?

Extremely difficult. I bet it'd take all of two or three mouse clicks!

[CorinaMarie 29,902]

44 minutes ago, Haljackey said:

How difficult would it be to merge threads?

41 minutes ago, CorinaMarie said:

Extremely difficult. I bet it'd take all of two or three mouse clicks!

Ok. A bit more than that. I first unlocked the older topic then I noticed it has zero followers and the sequel one has 128. Those would get lost when merging. I'm chatting with @Cyclone Boom as he might be able to do some of his behind the scenes techy magic and get those to transfer over.

 

In the meantime, @Haljackey, you'll prolly want to update your first post in the older thread so it has visible pictures.

[CorinaMarie 29,902]

Ok. All done. Threads are merged, and I renamed it to the prior name. Just need you to toss some visible pics in the first post now.

[Cyclone Boom 17,032]

The merging sure was extremely difficult.

So difficult in fact, that after we conducted a test to determine whether it would work (inside our TOP SECRET laboratory), it became apparent how the followers would be automatically transferred upon merging from the new thread, without any additional effort whatsoever. Surprisingly this way they didn't get lost, nor needed any magic on this occasion (as opposed to merging the opposite way around). In the process the current ID of 35443 was preserved, meaning the old 16200 is no longer used. So to ensure links update in Google searches, or if anyone has bookmarks to older pages from the original, I've just added a redirect rule so clicking here will now go there.

For the record, the original thread lasts up to Page 57 and ended from this post onwards.

I've also added tags onto the new topic which were missing originally due to the age. Feel free to edit as needed along with at least one interchange pic to replace those broken in your initial post. Maybe also add a quick sentence to describe the topic, even though it's very self-explanatory.

[CT14 2,486]

PLANNED - 

---

Suggestion: Fix robots.txt so that search engines can index pages properly.

Specifically, anything on the STEX shows on Google as "We would like to show you a description of this page, but the site won't let us."... with no page title or anything.

This will help get traffic up and prevent spam sites from intercepting traffic by making Google-friendly description pages of STEX content (this is already happening).

[Haljackey 17,403]

2 hours ago, CorinaMarie said:

Extremely difficult. I bet it'd take all of two or three mouse clicks!

I thought you were being sarcastic for a while there. Thanks for your efforts @CorinaMarie & @Cyclone Boom!

[Cyclone Boom 17,032]

51 minutes ago, CT14 said:

Suggestion: Fix robots.txt so that search engines can index pages properly.

That will be something we'll look into. There is lots of clutter from redundant rules leftover from previous iterations of the site. While only the good bots will respect the robots.txt file, it so happens that Google represents a very large majority of search traffic. Thus reducing cluttered results would indeed be beneficial. I have noticed there being indexed pages for items like "See who reacted to this" pages and certain filters including content sorting URL strings. (Those with lots of & symbols.)

While it may take a little while for applied changes to take effect, I'm sure their search indexing algorithms will respect anything added there and then update the results accordingly over time. Many of the current rules no longer apply so they're just being ignored.

 

39 minutes ago, Haljackey said:

I thought you were being sarcastic for a while there.

Yep. It was so difficult it was extremely easy, even though at first we thought it would be too easy and then maybe a bit more difficult.

 

39 minutes ago, Haljackey said:

Thanks for your efforts @CorinaMarie & @Cyclone Boom!

You're welcome. Glad we could help.

[CT14 2,486]

Looking at community.simtropolis.com/robots.txt now, I do see Google whitelisted near the top (empty Disallow:)

User-agent: Googlebot
Disallow: 
User-agent: googlebot-image
Disallow: 
User-agent: googlebot-mobile
Disallow: 
User-agent: Mediapartners-Google
Disallow:

But near the very bottom,  Bing is banned from the site (any page will match '/') - probably not what is desired. I think this is what was messing up my search results as it's actually DDG I was on (they get results through Bing). Not a Google related problem on my end, sorry.

User-agent: msnbot 
Disallow: / 
User-agent: MSNBot 
Disallow: / 
User-agent: bingbot 
Disallow: /

 

[CorinaMarie 29,902]

1 hour ago, Haljackey said:

I thought you were being sarcastic for a while there. Thanks for your efforts @CorinaMarie & @Cyclone Boom!

I was trying to be funny.

And it was worthwhile to merge them since the old page flip bug (or whatever) necessitated a new topic no longer applies all these years later.

[matias93 7,535]

Admin-hatted people, how hard would be to add one or two fields on the STEX files for georreferencing them? For the effects of metadata, it would only imply to save a couple of integers for each file, even if the input-output method could be somewhat harder (maybe borrowing some online maps API?)

I'm thinking on this because it would make much easier to help newcomers to get recreation packs for certain locations; for example, everything at a certain radius around a given point would be deemed as fit for a NYC recreation pack. If it's possible, I would gladly help geotagging some of the existing files.