Verifier HQ: File Verifying Info & Discussion

[Cyclone Boom 17,031]

  Verifier HQ

File Verifying Info & Discussion

Hiya, y'all!  (As Cori would say.)

You might be wondering, what exactly should a Verifier do?

Well, that's what this post aims to clarify, and this thread serves as a place to ask anything A-to-Z about verifying.

The basic principle is to check over what's already been uploaded. We realise with so many files to restore, there is always potential for a few mistakes to happen. We anticipate there will be a number of corrections we'll need to make, and that's all part of the process.

No one will be held accountable for errors. We just need to focus on fixing anything which isn't quite right.

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By this point, we recommend reading the Restoration Tracker topic, which features an overview:

 

On the Restoration Tracker, for a file to be marked as Verified, it must be checked by 2 volunteers. These don't have to be staff members, but just 2 independent people. The qualifying criteria is you must download all file entries first. This then makes the Mark Verified option available in "File Actions" on each tracker row. Additionally, you can use the checkboxes to mark multiple files as verified in one go (assuming you've downloaded to test them all).

Here is a series of steps which we recommend you do to check each file:

1) Check all the images at the top. Click them each and use the arrow keys to navigate to them all. Ensure they each load fully.

2) Read the description and look for any missing images. If there are any attachment files, make sure they download. A description which has broken attachments won't prohibit us from verifying files, but if able to fix them we should attempt to do so.

3) Make sure any attachments aren't meant to be the actual files under the Download button. Otherwise we'll need to upload them properly. This applies to anything in the description, or even in the Changelog section.

4) Remove the message banner (if not already). This can be done via the Restoration Tracker under the "File Actions" menu. Alternatively you can remove message banners using the batch controls. Message banners may only be removed once a file has been restored to the entry.

5) Click the main Download button. If there is only a single file, it should download. Otherwise if multiple are available, you'll be shown a dialog panel where each individual file can be downloaded. Check that each file downloads fine.

6) Check to make sure the download(s) match what's expected from the file entry. For example, if there is a commercial set of midrise buildings, you shouldn't have downloaded a rural themed set of shanty houses. It's pretty common sense, but worth making sure.

7) If you've downloaded a zip, rar, or 7z archive, open it up (you might need 7-Zip for this task). The key is to ensure the file opens as expected, and if you can, make sure the file extension matches the archive format. A handy option 7-Zip has is the "Test archive" function when right clicking. This will then tell you whether the archive is indeed a zip file, or if it's been incorrectly named with another file extension (I've made that mistake before).

8) Should there be a Readme file, open it up and check to make sure the description matches (at least partially). Not all files will have such documentation, but for those that do it can be a handy way of cross-checking.

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At this point there's hopefully complete confidence the file is as it should be, and you can then click the Mark Verified option.

If at any stage you notice issues with the file, stop and click Add Note for the file on the Restoration Tracker. This allows you to specify anything you've noticed which isn't right. It then can be the task of Processors to go through and make sure everything is in order before a file can be verified. Alternatively you can post in this thread to ask for a second opinion. Someone can then take a look and see what might need correcting.

As with the other 2 threads, please post below if you've any queries or comments.

Thanks everyone for the help!

[simmering 2,720]

I noticed that I am not prevented from verifying files that I restored myself. Is that an oversight or is it ok if I verify those as well?

[Propfam 2,295]

23 minutes ago, simmering said:

is it ok if I verify those as well?

It's ok to verify your files yourself. It's the same thing as eating rocks every day or eating pizza with Elmer's glue, for extra tackiness. I mean, it's ridiculous and probably too good for you. But why not? Think different.

Seriously, well I'd summon both @CorinaMarie and @Cyclone Boom. We do really clarification for this regard.

[CaptCity 4,893]

4 hours ago, simmering said:

I noticed that I am not prevented from verifying files that I restored myself. Is that an oversight or is it ok if I verify those as well?

I don't see why not. Just go through the checklist for verification. Even if you verify yourself, it is a two-person process. It will still take another person for the second check. 

But that's just me talking. I may very well be over-ruled... 

[Cyclone Boom 17,031]

13 hours ago, simmering said:

I noticed that I am not prevented from verifying files that I restored myself. Is that an oversight or is it ok if I verify those as well?

Yes, that's intentional.

Anyone who is part of the Restoration Team (or staff) can verify their own files. Those who restore their own content should have a vested interest, and first-hand knowledge of what should be present. But as Capt said, it does require 2 people to verify before a file is marked as Fully Verified (and at which point it receives the   in the list).

In the event we need to later revisit a verified file, this can be done after discussing it.

[Honolulu 2,778]

Hello,

I started looking into how the verification process works by starting with SC4 Legacy - KS_JPN Arabian Canal. Everything is correct (image, download, extraction, and content) except for one thing. The link to BSC Cleanitol points to the SC4 Legacy - KS_JPN Arabian Canal page. As a result, I didn't mark the verification as complete. Did I do the right thing?

Please ignore this message. I thought I could complete the verification process. I was wrong.

[CaptCity 4,893]

56 minutes ago, Honolulu said:

I thought I could complete the verification process.

No worries... It looks like the file for the canals had been uploaded but the file for the SC4 Cleanitol link hadn't been done yet. I went ahead and uploaded the one that was missing to version 1.0.2 and cleared that entry. I also fixed the BSC Cleaintol link.

However, I am going to call @nos.17 because I do have a newer version of the SC4 Cleanitol that is dated 4/12/2025 but may not have been published yet. Not sure if it was posted yet, so may need more guidance on that one. 

[nos.17 5,215]

3 minutes ago, CaptCity said:

However, I am going to call @nos.17 because I do have a newer version of the SC4 Cleanitol that is dated 4/12/2025 but may not have been published yet. Not sure if it was posted yet, so may need more guidance on that one. 

If you have SC4CleanitolWPF-1.0.3-R1, that was a bug fix that was only a forum attachment and never made it to be published. Restoring the 1.0.2 version is correct.

[CaptCity 4,893]

17 minutes ago, nos.17 said:

If you have SC4CleanitolWPF-1.0.3-R1

That's the one, and it will stay safely tucked away...  Thanks.

 

[Kel9509 1,476]

I just reuploaded all of my files but I do not see an option to self-verify my files.  The only actions I see under file actions are "Upload a new version" and "Edit Details".  I'd like to verify my own files before I start doing this to anyone else's.

[CaptCity 4,893]

2 minutes ago, Kel9509 said:

I just reuploaded all of my files but I do not see an option to self-verify my files.  The only actions I see under file actions are "Upload a new version" and "Edit Details".  I'd like to verify my own files before I start doing this to anyone else's.

It's on the Restoration Tracker. Using the checkboxes on the right, it will show a pop up with various options including Verify.

[Cyclone Boom 17,031]

Just adding to what @CaptCity said, you might find it helpful to search for your files using the author box.

For example:
https://community.simtropolis.com/restoration/stex/?filter=all&author=Kel9509

Then as you have done, it'll allow verifying any files you've downloaded.

[Kel9509 1,476]

Got it, thanks!  That works good!

[Kel9509 1,476]

OH MAN this is tedious work!  Time to quit for tonight...  I wish verifiers got some credit in addition to the uploader. 

[CorinaMarie 29,852]

9 minutes ago, Kel9509 said:

I wish verifiers got some credit in addition to the uploader. 

It's always been ST policy for Moderator's salary to double every year so I'll go ahead and authorize the same for you now.  

[Cyclone Boom 17,031]

@Kel9509

All at your own pace with this, and you (and others) are doing a fantastic job. Slowly but surely we'll get there!

The Activity Log has a running list of who verified what, but I just added this to the table:

So then it's clear who did the verifying when hovering over.

[Andreas Roth 616]

13 hours ago, CorinaMarie said:

It's always been ST policy for Moderator's salary to double every year so I'll go ahead and authorize the same for you now.

Imagine I would have got just 1 cent when I joined back in 2003, then I'd earn a whopping $83,886.08 this year... 

[Kel9509 1,476]

I went back to check on some files that I uploaded in the Restoration Tracker, but it doesn't show that I uploaded them.  For instance, Rott's Dairy Distributors isn't showing in the Tracker that I restored it.  Is it because that's not verified?  The download page shows that I uploaded a new version.  

I hope the filter is working correctly because I was going to go back and double-check some items I uploaded.  The only way for me to see that activity for now seems to be in the Activity Log.

[CaptCity 4,893]

1 hour ago, Kel9509 said:

I went back to check on some files that I uploaded in the Restoration Tracker, but it doesn't show that I uploaded them...

Maybe I'm misunderstanding, but if I select you as the 'Processor' and then select 'Any Missing' in the 'Filter by' category, it shows you as the Processor. I don't think they show in either Restored (verified or not) category untill all the 'Missing' components have been addressed. At least that seems to be what I've observed...

[CorinaMarie 29,852]

8 minutes ago, CaptCity said:

Maybe I'm misunderstanding, ...

You have it right, but out of context since CB is actively adding that right now after reading Kel's post. It wasn't there until just a wee little while ago.  

(Don't let CB's secret out of the bag as he's planning a post later on once the rest of the coding is tweaked and tested.)

[CaptCity 4,893]

6 minutes ago, CorinaMarie said:

You have it right, but out of context since CB is actively adding that right now...

Well then, the joke must be on me... I thought that was something I had noticed before today while checking my own things. I guess I was actually doing something else... 

That's the best kind of secret - when your confused and already think it's not a secret. 

[nos.17 5,215]

20 hours ago, CorinaMarie said:

It's always been ST policy for Moderator's salary to double every year so I'll go ahead and authorize the same for you now.

[Cyclone Boom 17,031]

/me arrives and sees his secret editing is still in the bag...

Originally I thought to not show who'd partially restored files (as in those with file entries, but still missing images). I felt it might cause embarrassment to those who'd be listed, thinking they've only done half the work. But considering what @Kel9509 said about wanting to find items they'd restored, I think that's more important.

So yes @CaptCity you're right, and just the naming you saw was after I'd done the editing, while still working on the functional tweaks.

To surmise, what I've done now is:

• Renamed the "Restored By" column and filter to be "Processor" instead.
• Made the filter list show all the files you've processed, even if not fully restored.

It now lists them all per user like so.

By the way...
Please note as a formal point of order, there has been the addition of a graph to the upper portion of the tracker.

[Kel9509 1,476]

25 minutes ago, Cyclone Boom said:

To surmise, what I've done now is:

• Renamed the "Restored By" column and filter to be "Processor" instead.
• Made the filter list show all the files you've processed, even if not fully restored.

Very cool.  This should make it easier to go back and add images, if we need to recreate them for files we've uploaded.  This is very good.  

By the way, on images is it ok that we start recreating them?  I fear those that are lost at this point will never be recovered, unless the original authors return with them.

[CorinaMarie 29,852]

5 minutes ago, Kel9509 said:

By the way, on images is it ok that we start recreating them?  I fear those that are lost at this point will never be recovered, unless the original authors return with them.

Yep. GFI

And if original authors return later and want to restore their own, that's fine too. For now it's all about damage remediation so it's all being done in good faith to be as true to the original intent as possible.

[Cyclone Boom 17,031]

I've just added a new filter option: One More Verification

This lists all files which only need 1 other person to verify, before becoming Fully Verified.

[CaptCity 4,893]

11 minutes ago, Cyclone Boom said:

I've just added a new filter option: One More Verification

Oh that will help out a lot!     I've been trying to find an easy way of doing that...

On the subject of Verifying... I've come across an issue that I don't know if it's just me. There have been many items that seem to be complete that won't give me that option to Verify when I select them. And yes, they do indicate a 0 out of 2 for verified. The only pattern I seem to see is that it almost always happens if they've been restored by the 'File Author', if it is a map, or if it is a SC3000 file. It does pop up on other things, but it seems more random for that.

[Cyclone Boom 17,031]

12 minutes ago, CaptCity said:

Oh that will help out a lot!     I've been trying to find an easy way of doing that...

Great! It just occurred to me, and figured it'd help for motivation with seeing the totals increasing when verifying the 1 of 2 files.

 

12 minutes ago, CaptCity said:

There have been many items that seem to be complete that won't give me that option to Verify when I select them. And yes, they do indicate a 0 out of 2 for verified.

That seems odd. I presume you've downloaded those files before trying to Verify them? That's built into the system as a prerequisite before the option is available. If a file entry has more than one download, it'll also check that each file has been downloaded.

[CaptCity 4,893]

2 minutes ago, Cyclone Boom said:

I presume you've downloaded those files before trying to Verify them?

Yes, I thought of that and have made sure to check that. I haven't spent a lot of time worrying about it yet. I'll keep trying that on different things. Maybe I didn't wait long enough.

[marcio1977 210]

7 hours ago, CaptCity said:

Yes, I thought of that and have made sure to check that. I haven't spent a lot of time worrying about it yet. I'll keep trying that on different things. Maybe I didn't wait long enough.

Reloading the Restorarion Tracker page worked for me.