Frustrating TT-Forums.net - Graphics overview

Discuss, get help with, or post new graphics for TTDPatch and OpenTTD, using the NewGRF system, here. Graphics for plain TTD also acceptable here.

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SAC
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Frustrating TT-Forums.net - Graphics overview

Post by SAC »

Well, this is a complaint thread - and as being a person who prefer to play custom-made game which includes custom graphics, mods and whatever can be found online for an enhanced game-play experience, I find this Transport Tycoon reference to be the worst I've experienced during my years online!

Don't get me wrong though! It's not that I'm unhappy in any way about being able to download new items for use in my game - it's more a question about the organization of things here!

Due to my real-life activities I've been forced to put my TTDLX game-play aside for awhile. Too bad really, but that's the way it is sometimes 8) . However, this has also made it even more clear and obvious to me how BAD file finding works here! :evil:

Currently I have a little more time on my hand, time that I enjoy spending on my TTDLX game. Well, getting this time also made it clear that there are new files to find, new stations, new trains, new buildings and so on. The problem is;

¤1 Where to find them all!

¤2 Figuring out which one is the latest released!

¤3 Figuring out which ones have been combined with each other!

This is REALLY BAD! Currently I'm trying to sort things out in my TTDLX-folders, and I have several downloaded files that in some ways look very similar to each others - but aren't! In some cases the files themselves have a different name, in other cases there are some slightly changes to the graphics! In ALL cases I'm stuck with the time-consuming work of trying to locate each file, compare them, trying to understand which one was the latest one to be released, and so on! And in way too many cases I often find threads about a certain graphics to end - without knowing for sure if the graphics have been further improved, corrected or not! Frustrating to say the least!!! :evil:

Well, some of you may say that; "why didn't you sort things better when downloading them in the first place"! Sure, I could have done that - and I did! But the problem is that once you return to this site after an absence, that's when you realize how un-organized things are!

Why?

Well, first of all; none of the graphics are easily collected! They're to be found everywhere and anywhere, thus making it very difficult to judge whether it's a late release, a combination of two other files, or simply anything else!

I know it has been discussed earlier BUT could it be THAT DIFFICULT to have a thread organized in terms of object types with lists of the latest available release of an item, followed by an image/screen? If nothing else, so at least for the sake of new members - and for those of us who might return after a time of absence!

Or better yet - if this is impossible to accomplish - allow me to set up a simple site that's well organized with all the latest releases of new graphics along with images/screens - all in order to make it simple to get an overview of available graphics to use with the TTDLX Patch - for DOS as well as Windows!

Whatever you think is best the most important thing is to realize that we can't have this situation we currently face - it NEEDS to be SOLVED! :D
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Post by Lakie »

Well.

Most sets are in the making. Thus have no releases to public.
And they normally make a sperate thread for releases when they release. ;)
Besides I don't think people would like alpha sets since they are very buggy. :P

How ever, it is impossible to make sub forums in sub forums in phpbb 2.0.x
ie, tt-forums.net>ttdpatch>graphics>releases>emu680 v3
maybe when phpbb 2.2 comes out (a while yet)

If you cannot sort your downloads out then, that is your fault, and I don't see how the forums affects the way you store data on your computer.
Just replace the set file with one of here if unsure.
If you load TTDpatch up, you can see the version in the ingame grf manager.
You could try to clean ttdpatch every month, and put only the latest files on. ;)

There are some sites up that have ttdpatch graphics, these are sortted and normally have the latest version, they also list the version as well.

~ Lakie

[edit] I think I was alittle too aggressive of me. :cry:
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Post by SAC »

Lakie wrote:Well.

Most sets are in the making. Thus have no releases to public.
And they normally make a sperate thread for releases when they release. ;)
Besides I don't think people would like alpha sets since they are very buggy. :P

How ever, it is impossible to make sub forums in sub forums in phpbb 2.0.x
ie, tt-forums.net>ttdpatch>graphics>releases>emu680 v3
maybe when phpbb 2.2 comes out (a while yet)

If you cannot sort your downloads out then, that is your fault, and I don't see how the forums affects the way you store data on your computer.
Just replace the set file with one of here if unsure.
If you load TTDpatch up, you can see the version in the ingame grf manager.
You could try to clean ttdpatch every month, and put only the latest files on.

There are some sites up that have ttdpatch graphics, these are sortted and normally have the latest version, they also list the version as well.

~ Lakie
First of all, I'm not referring to sets that are in the making! Obviously these ones cannot be made available to a public audience, but merly be showed within each specific thread available! I'm referring to items that are completed - or at least released, regardless of being the final product, updated or not!

Second of all, I'm not referring to subforums! What I mean is a simple thread, posted and handled by moderators or an admin only! Within this particular thread they could easily make a number of posts - one for each type of objects, (i.e. stations, bridges, buildings, trains, buses, and so on), and then attach the latest releases available along with an image/screen of the item/s in question! This would make it easy for all users to quickly find a specific station, a specific bridge, or whatever is being searched for - instead of having to go through a large number of posts inside threads spread all over inside the graphics section!

And third of all, of course it's my fault if I don't sort my downloads better, but that's not the issue here! Regardless of HOW i sort my downloads, it should be easy for me as a user - newbie or not - to find downloads, determine what they are and what they add to my game! In fact - and like I mentioned - this become even more clearer once being away from this place for a couple of months!

I just can't believe that anyone with a right mind can come to the conclusion that downloads in here are sorted as best as they can be!
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Post by Lightglobe »

You know, since I sort of agree that it ain't very well organised, I might when I get the time create a thread with linkage to each important download that I can find. So it would work like

US SET
Complete Train set using USA trains.
Website: url
Release Thread: url(cant be bothered finding it)
Main File: url
Stations file: url
Buildings file(if they ever do it): url
and so on....

However you will need to wait maybe a week being I'm in the middle of exams.

Got suggestions and criticism? I'm sure you will post it no matter what I say so go ahead and have fun. And yes, I will read it.
Yarr, thar princess is in 'nother castle!

[16:28] <marcf> lol cant u comine ttd and ottd
[16:29] <marcf> (please don't take me seriously)
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Post by SAC »

Lightglobe wrote:You know, since I sort of agree that it ain't very well organised, I might when I get the time create a thread with linkage to each important download that I can find. So it would work like

US SET
Complete Train set using USA trains.
Website: url
Release Thread: url(cant be bothered finding it)
Main File: url
Stations file: url
Buildings file(if they ever do it): url
and so on....

However you will need to wait maybe a week being I'm in the middle of exams.

Got suggestions and criticism? I'm sure you will post it no matter what I say so go ahead and have fun. And yes, I will read it.
:D That's exactly what I mean! An easy to use and easy to find thread, allowing for us to enjoy what will be coming as downloads later on, (referring to all those great showcase threads in here), knowing that any new release is collected inside that particular "Downloads Thread"!

However, what would be even more effecient is that instead of collecting the URL's, do collect the FILES and attach them in ONE place instead - organized sort of the way you described above! :D The URL's could still be available as yet another service to those who'd like to study the initial progress or any other relevant information about the specific download file!

My two cents anyway!
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Post by Lightglobe »

I was thinking maybe attaching the files but it would be just easier for me to do urls, since posts are limited to three attachments and the I would have to do multiple posts and unless I got mod status(which I don't expect) the thread has to stay unlocked and people would start posting between my posts which then cause another area you have to go searching through. I do it by links I can keep it all in one post.

How I would link is straight to the post which has the file or link straight to the site you download from so it wouldnt be hard. Plus if I can be bothered(which I'm sure I can) I can also keep track of version numbers and also in progress sets and their status(maybe not so much this one, since this would involve pestering in some form or another and I hate having people pestered).

Ok, so I'm gonna give some time for posts to turn up, but unless mods/admin decide to say "Nah, don't do this" I might start getting together info this weekend.
Yarr, thar princess is in 'nother castle!

[16:28] <marcf> lol cant u comine ttd and ottd
[16:29] <marcf> (please don't take me seriously)
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Post by SAC »

I would say that as long as it's easy for anyone to understand what files are downloadable, which versions, (pref. the latest one unless there are combinations of files), it should be okey!

The only problem - as I see it - is that many of those threads with released items are sometimes a bit confusing since they often have several versions available with a mixture of different posts about problems here, problems there, changed graphics here, changed graphics there, something added here, something removed there! I'm aware for those who visits this place regularly this aint confusing at all, but being away for awhile it's like enterering a mental institution of some sort! :D

The best thing - again as I see it - would be a completely new section added to the TTDLX part of this forum; a section that entirely - and only - handles released items! This section would contain locked topics referring to specific sets, (DBXL, US, and so on), and single items, (bridges, stations, and so on), maintained by admins or mods! Since the "Graphics forum" of TTDLX is best at topics referring to anything but released graphics, I think this "Graphics Released" would be a great addition - not to mention a huge improvement of this site in general!

Personally I therefor prefer to find the actual files inside this new section, mind you also along with an URL that takes a user to the thread in question related to the released item! At a minimum there should also be an image/screen available to visualize the item!

In fact, I think that there should be a special "Graphics Download" section added to each of the specific game genres presented in here, thus allowing for the "Graphics" threads to remain as showcases, information exchanges and so on, pretty much as they currently do work - BUT without the released items being present at the same time!
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Post by Lightglobe »

Your asking a lot in that one post.

On this comment:
SAC wrote:The only problem - as I see it - is that many of those threads with released items are sometimes a bit confusing since they often have several versions available with a mixture of different posts about problems here, problems there, changed graphics here, changed graphics there, something added here, something removed there
I would make the links for the file locations go to the EXACT post where you download the newest file. Since I already keep a watch on nearly all the graphics sets anyway, it wouldn't be hard for me to keep this up to date. Just understand that it will be very easy to follow the link and find the file.

On your comments on having a whole section dedicated to released files; I don't really see a need for this. Reason being that it would mean mods would have to keep a watch on all released files, and there ain't actually that many released major graphic files. Anyway, I really should go to bed since I'm making this post at almost 12:30am(so middle of the night) and I'm really, really tired.
Yarr, thar princess is in 'nother castle!

[16:28] <marcf> lol cant u comine ttd and ottd
[16:29] <marcf> (please don't take me seriously)
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Post by SAC »

You do that, go to sleep! :D

Besides, I'm not saying that my way of viewing this is the one that should go! I'm merly pointing out my view of this, based on MY experience of game sites offering downloads of any kind!

Still, anything should be better compared to the current situation :roll:
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Post by krtaylor »

Dinges' site was intended to fulfill this need, but it doesn't seem to be always updated.

The major sets all have their own websites, and that is where the most recent versions will always be found.

The really important stuff is found on the Patch website itself, or at least links to it.
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Post by Purno »

DaaNtje is making a website for me which was intended to upload uncoded graphics. Maybe it can be used for graphics also. The idea is to have categories (trains, buildings, etc) and countries, so searching for your favourite graphics would be easier.

I don't know exactly how the progress is, but you can see the latest stable version at http://users.tt-forums.net/purno/
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Post by SAC »

krtaylor wrote:Dinges' site was intended to fulfill this need, but it doesn't seem to be always updated.

The major sets all have their own websites, and that is where the most recent versions will always be found.

The really important stuff is found on the Patch website itself, or at least links to it.
Yes, major sets DO have their own websites with latest versions of downloads available! However, this is the only major forum that deals with the game TTDLX, and as such there are also lots of single items developed, improved, updated, and released here!

Basically it's those single items, (.grf's), that needs to be listed in an convinient way for the end user to get a good grip of everything! The case right now is...well, anyone can take a look inside this section and find that files are here, they are there, they're everywhere!

It's not a negative thing having downloads available inside a forum - as long as it's organized! Odd that none of the mods - or even the admin - have had their saying about this! Why not appoint one member as a mod with the specific responsibility to keep track of all those items, making our TTDLX life a bit more simple! :P I'm sure we cannot require that he or she keeps track of items uploaded and available at other sites, but at least to those uploaded and released within threads here!

I'm sure things would have been a lot easier if anyone developing and releasing new items for the game, could have settled with such a release in their first post in that particular thread referring to their custom work, further more, updating that particular download instead of posting several ones inside their threads!
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Post by krtaylor »

Are you volunteering? :wink:
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Post by SAC »

:D Well, to tell you the truth my situation right now is that I'm working about 300 km from my hometown every twice week! This means I'm home and near my computer every second week - a situation that'll remain at least during November and half of December! Thereafter I'm hoping to have a new job situated right where I live! :D

If this isn't a problem I wouldn't mind dealing with this at all! I'm used to run my own website offering almost 6000 downloadable items, (for SimCity), and know how important it is to keep all files easy available for the end users - mainly in order to avoid e-mails or questions about this and that in forums! :roll: It can really be a pain in the ass if having to face that kind of situation!

Anyway, I don't think it's THAT important who take it upon himself or herself to do this. The important thing for anyone doing so, is to ensure that those downloads are kept updated, well informed, well displayed, and so on! It's not acceptable to have someone doing this, and after two or three weeks or so abandoning the site for other things! It MUST be someone with interest enough to keep this going!

The fact that Locomotion has entered many former TTDLX players gaming life, is not the same as TTDLX are on its way to be abandoned! There will still be new updates and new downloads to consider - and - which I'm quite sure about - many current LoMo player will certainly return to TTDLX after awhile depending on different game-play enhancements, and continue to contribute to TTDLX!

In short, there are MANY reasons why we should NOT consider TTDLX to be a game that's on its way out into the cold. On the contrary, the patch itself with all its advantages speaks for itself! 8)
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Post by krtaylor »

Speak with Owen. I'm sure he'll fix you right up.
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Post by SAC »

Yeah...well, let's not forget that Lightglobe has offered to open up a thread with this kind of list I'm referring too!

My point is, whoever it may be, ensure he or she becomes a mod with this particular responsibility in mind! :D
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Post by krtaylor »

The forums support sub-mods, that is, you can be a mod of only one area of the forums.
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Post by SAC »

I know! As long as we some progress in here I'm satisfied! :D
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Post by orudge »

Well, I think it would be a really good idea to have an easy-to-use sticky with links to GRF files in it. We had one for EXEs, but at 103 posts, it's a bit of a jungle. I think this should just be one post, kept up-to-date ideally by one person dedicated to that thread. Perhaps you, SAC, perhaps not. We'll see. ;)
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Post by Lightglobe »

Owen, I put up my hand to do exactly that earlier in the thread. Give me maybe two or three days and I can have the thread together.
Yarr, thar princess is in 'nother castle!

[16:28] <marcf> lol cant u comine ttd and ottd
[16:29] <marcf> (please don't take me seriously)
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