Graphics subforums

[juzza1]

Two changes I've been thinking about (somewhat inspired by earlier discussions at #openttd):

1. Merge "32-bit Graphics Development" with "Graphics Development"
After reading some older posts, it seems the 32-bit section was created mainly because of the numerous discussions regarding 32-bit graphics, and because this feature was not supported in the OpenTTD trunk. Because of this, 32-bit graphics were mostly seen as a separate entity. Currently, however, the NewGRF spec fully supports 32-bit graphics. In addition, every 32-bit NewGRF also has to include 8-bit graphics*. Therefore, it seems the separate 32-bit section servers no purpose anymore.

2. Change "Graphics Releases" subforum
Currently many projects have dedicated topics in both the "Graphics Releases" and the "Graphics Development" subforum. Sometimes this leads to separate discussions in both topics, when in my opinion, the ideal situtation would be to have one discussion/development topic per one project. Additionally, most new projects are hosted at the #openttdcoop DevZone, which also has a dedicated bug tracker for each project.

My primary suggestion regarding "Graphics Releases" subforum is to lock reply rights of each new topic to the original author of the topic. This way, every new post in "Graphics Releases" would be an indication of either a new release or an update to an existing release. Additionally, the author of each topic could grant reply access to other members of the project.


*Though some 32-bit releases only supply "dummy" 8-bit graphics

[planetmaker]

Two changes I've been thinking about (somewhat inspired by earlier discussions at #openttd):

1. Merge "32-bit Graphics Development" with "Graphics Development"
After reading some older posts, it seems the 32-bit section was created mainly because of the numerous discussions regarding 32-bit graphics, and because this feature was not supported in the OpenTTD trunk. Because of this, 32-bit graphics were mostly seen as a separate entity. Currently, however, the NewGRF spec fully supports 32-bit graphics. In addition, every 32-bit NewGRF also has to include 8-bit graphics*. Therefore, it seems the separate 32-bit section servers no purpose anymore.

2. Change "Graphics Releases" subforum
Currently many projects have dedicated topics in both the "Graphics Releases" and the "Graphics Development" subforum. Sometimes this leads to separate discussions in both topics, when in my opinion, the ideal situtation would be to have one discussion/development topic per one project. Additionally, most new projects are hosted at the #openttdcoop DevZone, which also has a dedicated bug tracker for each project.

My primary suggestion regarding "Graphics Releases" subforum is to lock reply rights of each new topic to the original author of the topic. This way, every new post in "Graphics Releases" would be an indication of either a new release or an update to an existing release. Additionally, the author of each topic could grant reply access to other members of the project.

I agree actually on both accounts. The question is how to deal with it / implement it?
Should the 32-bit sub-forum simply be closed to new replies? Or should threads be moved the newgrf dev forum? Same question for the releases forum: just close or merge with the newgrf dev forum. And what to do about duplicate threads?

[Pyoro]

I'd just merge all of them. Duplicate threads will "naturally" disappear over time as people will stick to either of them, in cases this won't work lock them and preferably post a link to the other one (I know that means some work for the mods but when using the search function it might be useful for "new users" who for some reason find the inactive thread first and wonder why it's locked...).

[orudge]

Merging the 32-bit and "normal" graphics development forums is not a problem, if enough people think it's a good idea. At the time it was implemented, the 32-bit project was still somewhat experimental - obviously that's not the case any longer!

With regards to locking/merging the Releases forum, I'm not too sure at the moment. Originally we just had a single "Graphics" forum, and many projects had both a release topic and a development topic. When we reshuffled the forums a few years ago, it was decided that having separate forums would be beneficial. I'd be curious to hear from more folk what they think regarding this before doing anything.

[Transportman]

Merging the 32-bit and "normal" development forums I think is a good step, but I think Development and Release should stay separate. The Development topics tend to be more technical and work towards future features, while the Release topics are more announcements and general feedback.

[juzza1]

Just in case my original proposition about the changes to "Graphics Releases" was unclear, what I meant was not to merge or delete the section - but rather, in the future, let anyone create topics as usually, but only let authors reply to their own topics (and, if feasible, let authors grant reply rights to other project members). Authors would be encouraged to only create posts of releases or updates in this section. This way any new message in this section would instantly let forum users know a new project has been released, or a previous one was updated. Any further discussion would take place in the Graphics Development section.

[Andrew350]

Just my two cents:

Merging the 32 bit graphics forum with the normal one makes sense to me.

Closing off the graphics releases forum to replies doesn't though. As already pointed out, the development topics are mostly for development/technical stuff, and the release topics are where general feedback fits best. Of course, it should be up to the author(s) to dictate which discussions belong where, and for the most part I think the current system works fine. I understand what you're trying to achieve, but considering the relatively low amount of activity there, it's not too hard to find that information as it is.

[kamnet]

Move all the 32 bpp graphics convos over to Graphics Development or Graphics Releases, whichever is appropriate, EXCEPT for the conversations about the old 32 bpp graphics. Close those off, and if they need continued discussion (as opposed to gravedigging) they can start new threads in the apporpriate forums.

[WWTBAM]

I think leave it as is or make the 32 bit forum a sub forum of Graphics Development as most of the threads from what I have seen have been development threads and just let the artists use Graphics Releases for both types of GRF.

[YNM]

Just merge 32bpp forum to Development or Release forum (as appropriate), as it's the same thing now; but left some threads there, that's just related to the 32bpp technology itself, like early 32bpp implementation efforts or something. I mean, discussions to improve performance of 32bpp graphics could still spawn; even probably if OpenTTD ever makes 32bpp it's standard or so, and a single road on 32bpp would be four tiles instead of one...

I don't see why would the Development and Release forums need to be merged; currently, the discussions in the two forums are different, and also that'd make it silly for those NewGRFs whose development takes place outside this forum, but released here.

[FLHerne]

Keeping 32bpp as a subforum of Development seems like a good idea to me - finding the relatively tiny number of 32bpp threads if merged straight in with the others would be really tricky, and just the reminder that 32bpp graphics exist is probably more needed than is ideal.

[PikkaBird]

even probably if OpenTTD ever makes 32bpp it's standard or so, and a single road on 32bpp would be four tiles instead of one...

What the big green flippety flip are you talking about?

The sooner we get rid of that 32bpp forum, the sooner people will stop being confused about exactly what 32bpp means.

[Purno]

With regards to locking/merging the Releases forum, I'm not too sure at the moment. Originally we just had a single "Graphics" forum, and many projects had both a release topic and a development topic. When we reshuffled the forums a few years ago, it was decided that having separate forums would be beneficial. I'd be curious to hear from more folk what they think regarding this before doing anything.

I never really understood the need for a seperate release topic. Ok, previously it could be used to upload GRF attachments (although IMO that's still best done by updating the first post, rather than adding a new post), but since OpenTTD has an online content download, official GRF releases don't need to be attached to a forum posts anymore. Topic titles usually are edited to announce a new release anyways.

As a graphic developer, I rather have 1 topic to check, than having to check 2 topics in 2 separate forums.

[Purno]

Keeping 32bpp as a subforum of Development seems like a good idea to me|

No subforums please. Just merge them.

Close those off, and if they need continued discussion (as opposed to gravedigging) they can start new threads in the apporpriate forums.

Just move those topics to the "Archived Forums" category. If a topic really needs to be reopened, a simple click on the report button requesting an unlock & move should do the trick.

[orudge]

Any more thoughts on this? Would folk be happy if I merged 32-bit Graphics Development into Graphics Development? I'll be leaving Graphics Releases alone, though.

[Transportman]

Any more thoughts on this?

Just a small thought: rename those forums to NewGRF Releases/Development? It is not actually needed to have graphics (town names and base cost NewGRFs), so the Graphics name is a bit misleading, although the subtitle indicates that it is about the whole NewGRF spectrum.

Merging 32-bit and Development should not give any problem, although it might be better to sort out the topics that are based on the "new" system and move those to development, and keep the "old" as an archive. On the other hand, those "old" things should not really resurface again due to new posts, so also merging those with Development is not really an issue.

[WWTBAM]

Any more thoughts on this?

Just a small thought: rename those forums to NewGRF Releases/Development? It is not actually needed to have graphics (town names and base cost NewGRFs), so the Graphics name is a bit misleading, although the subtitle indicates that it is about the whole NewGRF spectrum.

Merging 32-bit and Development should not give any problem, although it might be better to sort out the topics that are based on the "new" system and move those to development, and keep the "old" as an archive. On the other hand, those "old" things should not really resurface again due to new posts, so also merging those with Development is not really an issue.

That would be my preference.

[planetmaker]

Any more thoughts on this? Would folk be happy if I merged 32-bit Graphics Development into Graphics Development? I'll be leaving Graphics Releases alone, though.

*bump* It seems to have been forgotten. Can we have this option please

[orudge]

Oops, I did indeed forget. The 32-bit graphics forum is now no more. All posts are now in the standard Graphics Development forum.

If there are any topics that would be better placed in Graphics Releases or Technical Discussions, please flag them for a moderator to move (or if you're a moderator, move them).

[planetmaker]

Thank you very much, orudge