Simfile Database - Link or Upload

ZanasoBayncuh · 09-01-2007, 04:42 PM

It just occurred to me the other day to request that a link feature be added to the simfile submission form. Upload OR Link (direct links only, *.zip as normally required), with the rest of how simfiles and their trafficing works being unaffected.

This would be very helpful to people like me, who update on a website, plus it would take a little strain off of the simfile database.

Just a thought.

_TAKA · 09-03-2007, 02:51 PM

You mean like, self-access to your own simfiles via FTP style?

ZanasoBayncuh · 09-03-2007, 09:25 PM

No, like placing a simfile into the database by linking to it rather than uploading it. See I have my own site for these, though I'd like to be able to share them here too, it's just insane that I need to upload, then upload, then go somewhere else and upload again, and upload some more on updates (which actually tend to happen with me). It's a bit insane.

This suggestion is NOT to remove ability to upload, but simply to add the option of adding via link as well.

_TAKA · 09-08-2007, 01:48 PM

That makes enough sense. =)
I don't see why this shouldn't be an added feature.

I like this request a lot! xD

ZanasoBayncuh · 09-08-2007, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taka942

I like this request a lot! xD

*poke's teh site manager types*, what do you guys say? Go or no?

_TAKA · 09-09-2007, 01:07 PM

Le'me contact eddie or keith right away. =P

Oh, and keep in mind there is the downside to this which they will be aware of:
Linking to wrong files or files with viruses, etc.

So I'm going to ask, but it's up to them.

ZanasoBayncuh · 09-10-2007, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taka942

Le'me contact eddie or keith right away. =P

Oh, and keep in mind there is the downside to this which they will be aware of:
Linking to wrong files or files with viruses, etc.

So I'm going to ask, but it's up to them.

There's a great thing about files whose content can be understand by the average user. THEY CAN'T POSSIBLY BE SNEAKILY INFECTED. Filesizes would need to be consistent and as soon as you can't hear the song right, or the *.sm is over 2mb, it's sort of obvious. Also, I've never seen a *.zip virus, and I've been around the block on this. Plus, if this was going to be a problem, someone would just upload a virus here, so there's really not any downfall in that capacity within this.

Wrong files? Yeah, probably, though I'm sure that not WAY too many people will use this feature anyway, it'd just be helpful to my type of user. Though there's still plenty of broken ZIP for download in the simfile database. Once again, not a big deal, there'll probably be no real change in this particular aspect. As far as wrong files go though, just remember that this should definitely keep the restriction of file types. In other words, ZIP only!

Though I'm not going to act like this is a perfect idea with no problems at all, I'm sure it will have cons just as it has pros. I'm certain that there will be problems along with the good things such as taking some of the stress away from the simfile database and less bandwidth consumption with uploads and what-not.

There's my two cents... spend 'em.

ZanasoBayncuh · 09-18-2007, 12:13 AM

Any chance that I can be given a hint as to whether or not this is going to happen? My update schedule kinda depends on knowing whether or not I should wait on it.

_TAKA · 09-19-2007, 08:39 PM

;_; Sorry, haven't been able to get in contact.
We just gotta' hope he sees this thread soon. Real soon.

ZanasoBayncuh · 09-20-2007, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taka942

;_; Sorry, haven't been able to get in contact.
We just gotta' hope he sees this thread soon. Real soon.

You sound ecstatic. You want this too?

_TAKA · 10-08-2007, 01:34 AM

yeah... I've thought about it before, but never cared to post it, didn't seem like it would get much concern =P

Welp, old thread. haha
But we just have to wait til they see it.

eddie · 10-08-2007, 04:36 PM

Keith and I have been pretty busy with stuff, sorry neither of us has gotten on this yet. I'll talk to him today and see what he says and then one of us will post back regarding it.

typobox · 10-08-2007, 10:38 PM

My worthless two cents:

I don't know if this is such a good idea. It does have its obvious benefits, but there's a bit of a problem. If for any reason the files that the links point to get deleted - sites go down, owners remove them, etc. - we suddenly get the simfile database cluttered with a whole bunch of links to simfiles that no longer exist. That's just frustrating to a user who's trying to find something. I like the thought, but I just think this is too serious of a drawback to go ignored.

ZanasoBayncuh · 10-09-2007, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by typobox

My worthless two cents:

I don't know if this is such a good idea. It does have its obvious benefits, but there's a bit of a problem. If for any reason the files that the links point to get deleted - sites go down, owners remove them, etc. - we suddenly get the simfile database cluttered with a whole bunch of links to simfiles that no longer exist. That's just frustrating to a user who's trying to find something. I like the thought, but I just think this is too serious of a drawback to go ignored.

I'm sure that this has something to do with your suggestion about adding the ability to view a zip before downloading it.

The truth is that something like this will probably not be used a whole hell of a lot in the first place. And it should be made the owner of the simfile's responsibility to remove a dead link or deal with consequences like warnings/infractions/token loss/etc. for dead links.

As for people like me, my site is pretty much where it is and it's gonna be there a LONG TIME. I'm not saying that this should be for everyone, it's just an incredibly good idea for a few, and it shouldn't be that incredibly hard to do.

eddie · 10-09-2007, 06:40 PM

Keith and I discussed it, and to be honest until we can figure out some kind of way to regulate it, it's not gonna happen. We're not necessarily worried about viruses or anything as much as people using linking on the database as a means to distribute files that go against our policies and whatnot.

We do offer linking out on all entries uploaded to the database, and while you have to logged in and registered to view them, people using the database are more than welcome to link back to us from their web page for entries. It doesn't solve your problem in the least unless you choose to just upload here and not on your website, but it's all we can really offer for the time being.

We do have a lot going on in the development sense for the site now, and if it comes up while we're revamping things and we figure out a way to regulate it that won't add extra work for anyone it is something that we would be willing to add in the future.