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BVEStation => BVEStation Network News => Topic started by: ipac on January 14, 2012, 02:52:05 am

Title: Content Contributor
Post by: ipac on January 14, 2012, 02:52:05 am
(http://www.bvestation.com/stockphotos/contribstock.png)

Introducing Content Contributor, a brand new way of connecting developers with members of the community.

Problem: You want fellow forum members to help you out with a project.

Solution: Make a topic, and ask them for files.  Developers have to sift through pages and pages of submissions to pick the best one.  Members have to look hard to find these requests.

Better Solution: Use Content Contributor, insert a request for a file you need.  Members check the content contributor for what they can contribute to, then simply upload the file they need.  Developers can then view all their requests and download the files given to them by the members!  Sound files, Textures, even zip packages are supported.

Give it a try today.  Available for ALL members.

http://www.bvestation.com/contributor/ (http://www.bvestation.com/contributor/)

As you can see its quite plain, since the system isn't complete yet, but it is relatively functional.  More features (editing, closing, viewing, etc) and bug fixes will of course be added in the future, but any comments, suggestions, or problems encountered feel free to post them here.

Here's to advancing BVEStation for 2012.
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: Dj Hammers on January 14, 2012, 05:37:17 pm
This is pretty cool! It is kind of like the ticket system used for bug-fixing.

However, how do I log in on the contributor page so I can create a request?
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: YankeesPwnMets on January 14, 2012, 06:30:29 pm
This is pretty cool! It is kind of like the ticket system used for bug-fixing.

However, how do I log in on the contributor page so I can create a request?
Do you mean this?
http://www.bvestation.com/contributor/addRequest.php (http://www.bvestation.com/contributor/addRequest.php)
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: theflyingoreo on January 14, 2012, 06:33:35 pm
Very good idea

Will definitly be using this.
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: Dj Hammers on January 14, 2012, 06:42:44 pm
Something isn't right. It keeps saying I need to log in to use content contributor.

Here is the sequence of events that leads to this:
1: Log in to BVEStation Forums.

2: Open up the content contributor page IN A NEW TAB from the link posted in this thread.

3: Read the Terms Of Service, clicked the link labeled "Click Here" at the bottom.

4: Directed to a page with an empty table by the "Click Here" link (I think it is the list of all the files)

5: Clicked on the "Add a file request" link.

6: Filled out the info. Put in a project name and description, and set the type to "sound".

7: Clicking "submit" results in me being brought to this page: http://www.bvestation.com/contributor/addReq.php (http://www.bvestation.com/contributor/addReq.php)
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: ipac on January 15, 2012, 12:34:33 am
That issue has been fixed, lemme know if there are anymore issues.
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: theflyingoreo on January 15, 2012, 12:45:19 am
Did a test, work fine.

Just wondering how to close a request?
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: ipac on January 15, 2012, 12:47:04 am
You can't (yet).  As I said

Quote
More features (editing, closing, viewing, etc) and bug fixes will of course be added in the future.

The next feature on the to do list, will be the ability to edit your request, close your request, and delete your requests.
Next will likely be a way to sort the list of requests by author, date, etc.
Finally, the program will get a facelift, and be placed on the BVEStation Link bar above.

As of now you'll need to let me know, if you want to permanently delete a request.  Since it was obvious that you just made a test I'll clear it out for you :P
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: ARome on January 15, 2012, 12:51:36 am
You can't (yet).  As I said

Quote
More features (editing, closing, viewing, etc) and bug fixes will of course be added in the future.

The next feature on the to do list, will be the ability to edit your request, close your request, and delete your requests.
Hmm this will help us developers out  ;D Great work Kev!
I'll test this out in the afternoon
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: ipac on January 15, 2012, 12:53:13 am
And remember to read the Terms of Service, because there are somethings you may not agree on (suggestions on changing that won't be taken of course).

One more thing, since its still an alpha, in the event that I have to clear out the entire system of requests...  Well, thats what you get for being an early adopter.  ::)  I'll try my best NOT to do that though.
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: ARome on January 15, 2012, 01:45:52 am
And remember to read the Terms of Service, because there are somethings you may not agree on (suggestions on changing that won't be taken of course).

One more thing, since its still an alpha, in the event that I have to clear out the entire system of requests...  Well, thats what you get for being an early adopter.  ::)  I'll try my best NOT to do that though.
As long as we're able to download the files before it gets deleted we'll be fine if you're unable to prevent the loss of the system requests lol
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: ARome on January 15, 2012, 11:36:04 am
For Some Reason it put out 2 requests when I posted a request  :o
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: ipac on January 15, 2012, 02:40:32 pm
You may have pushed the submit button twice.  Similar phenomenon occurs, when your buying stuff online, and they tell you to only click the button once.
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: ARome on January 15, 2012, 03:04:36 pm
You may have pushed the submit button twice.  Similar phenomenon occurs, when your buying stuff online, and they tell you to only click the button once.
lol If I did then whoops  ::)
I like the way it works, looking forward for many contributors for us developers, instead of asking us when will it be released  :)
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: ipac on January 15, 2012, 06:29:17 pm
The ability to edit your request, close your request, and mark your request for deletion has now been added.  A color coding has also been added, green for open requests and red for closed requests.  A link has also been added to the homepage.
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: Dj Hammers on January 15, 2012, 09:39:04 pm
All developers (and moderators and admins for that matter) should put a link to the contributor page in our signatures to increase awareness of the contributor feature.

Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: SubwayTrainOperator5 on January 15, 2012, 09:48:55 pm
Here's a suggestion: It would be great if the description of the developer's request was directly on the main page of the contributor, so that we would see exactly what it is immediately instead of having to click the Contribute to Project button to see it
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: ipac on January 15, 2012, 10:48:02 pm
While that is a good idea, it doesn't work.  The issue is that you guys are being way too broad, based on what I'm seeing.

Your titles should reflect a very brief description of what you guys are looking for

The description should be a more detailed description of what you are looking for.

For that matter I have changed Name of Project to Title, that way it becomes more like craigslist, where you enter a short description in the title, along with a full description inside.  I would suggest you guys make use of the edit feature that I have just added :)
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: TJay1724 on January 15, 2012, 11:04:03 pm
So let me get this straight... As per the terms, your basically saying you want all content to be based on creative commons? Essentially saying that all future uploads to the site cannot be copyright protected? See here's the thing. I have no problem seeking permission from other developers to use some of their work. We work hard and often by ourselves to create content. And while I do think that creative commons is fine for some, it's not for me. I do not like anyone taking my hard work, tweaking it a bit and calling it their own. Thus the reason why ALL my work is and will be copyrighted. If what I asked earlier in this post is correct, I can't see how I can ever post content here again in the future. Save for what's already available.
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: Dj Hammers on January 15, 2012, 11:07:25 pm
So let me get this straight... As per the terms, your basically saying you want all content to be based on creative commons? Essentially saying that all future uploads to the site cannot be copyright protected? See here's the thing. I have no problem seeking permission from other developers to use some of their work. We work hard and often by ourselves to create content. And while I do think that creative commons is fine for some, it's not for me. I do not like anyone taking my hard work, tweaking it a bit and calling it their own. Thus the reason why ALL my work is and will be copyrighted. If what I asked earlier in this post is correct, I can't see how I can ever post content here again in the future. Save for what's already available.
The terms of service only apply to the content uploaded to the contributor page. Anything you yourself made (which inherently doesn't come from the contributor page) will still be copyright-protected.

You will still be able to keep current and future uploads to the site fully copyright-protected.
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: TJay1724 on January 15, 2012, 11:28:39 pm
That I understood. I just can't agree with it. We ask for some assistance from the community, but in exchange, give away the rights to do what we please with our content?? Not sure that sits well with me.
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: ipac on January 15, 2012, 11:42:47 pm
I don't know where you got that idea of everything having to be creative commons.  So I'll clear this up.

BVEStation wishes to encourage creative commons work, and we will do our best to push for these types of work, HOWEVER, no where does it state that we will discontinue support for copyrighted works.  If you still want your work to be copyrighted then we have no problem with that, and we will  still gladly accept your work here.

I would go on to explain to you some things about creative commons, since you appear to have some misconceptions about it, but thats not the point of this post.

As far as the Terms of Service for using the Content Contributor, I'll clear some things up for you, and Hammers, since you too have some minor misconceptions about the ToS itself.

Quote
Projects placed for file requests on BVEStation MUST BE put up on the BVEStation Downloads upon completion of the project. This means when your project is complete, you agree to have BVEStation exclusively host your train/route, in its entirety.
This statement is clear, and simple.  If you gathered files using our service (content contributor), we want to host the file exclusively for you as well.

Quote
If you simply want to use Content Contributor but do not want your file hosted on BVEStation, there will be a licensing fee which will allow this in the future (You may not use it now if you want to simply use the system but plan to host your file elsewhere).
If you use our service, but do not want BVEStation to exclusively host the file for you, you will have to pay a licensing fee in order to use this service.  No word on the pricing model yet.

Quote
When your project is complete, you may submit a submission for the downloads section, and use a temporary host.
This is already something that members do.

Quote
Any file uploaded to BVEStation.com automatically grants BVEStation the right to use the file in anyway shape or form, for any purpose, which includes commercial.
This means that any user who wishes to assist you in submitting files, those files themselves that are submitted by the user, will grant BVEStation these rights to use those files as well.  Not the work as a whole.

Quote
Any file that is copyright, and is placed onto this system, the offending member will have disciplinary actions taken agaist them.  DO NOT UPLOAD COPYRIGHTED FILES.
A member who has found copyrighted work somewhere and uploads this as their file submission for you, will have disciplinary action taken against them.

These terms are meant to protect BVEStation, and its members.  We don't want other developers to be ripping off the members of BVEStation.  No where does it state anything about the final work being copyright or creative commons or the like.
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: TJay1724 on January 16, 2012, 12:16:09 am
That was where the confusion came in. Thanks for clarifying that. But you really should specify exactly what you just told me about the files. As it stands, when you read that specific part, it seems like your talking about the work as a whole, and not the contributions made through the content contributor. You scared me for a moment there. Lol. I have some awsome content coming up. A massive amount of content I must say. And my work has always been exclusive to bvestation. ;)
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: ipac on January 16, 2012, 01:09:55 am
Sorry if it wasn't clear then, by "this system" we're talking about the content contributor and the files placed on it only.  We just don't want members to be illegally posting files that aren't theirs onto the system.  Obviously this has happened before, and depending on how you look at it, we're actually protecting the copyrights of the original author.  :)

I'm sure the community here loves the work you do, and we'd like you to continue to do that.
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: TJay1724 on January 16, 2012, 01:38:56 am
Agreed. 100%
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: [CT1660] on January 16, 2012, 07:11:51 am
This will come in handy.
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: Haven on January 17, 2012, 08:07:02 am
Okay hey guys!!! Im going to start the SEPTA B-IV, M4 and possibly the N5 but that may not happen because i cant go up to Norristown -_-. too far from where i live. I can possibly get the Silverliner 2, 3 4 and 5 cars too. These can also run on HayleyWilliamsFan Amtrak route, and the LIRR route.

BRACE YOURSELVES :D
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: Dj Hammers on January 19, 2012, 08:24:38 pm
I would suggest that members could obtain some sort of reward for contributing content.

Of course the developer who created the project ticket would determine if the member who contributed deserves the reward based on whether or not they obtain what is needed to prevent junk from being uploaded for rewards.

This would motivate more members to contribute, instead of sitting around waiting for somebody else to contribute.
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: ipac on January 19, 2012, 11:18:33 pm
Would you like to suggest some incentives?
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: Dj Hammers on January 20, 2012, 12:42:04 pm
Brainstormed:

Contributors get a special designation on their profile
Contributors recieve BETA's of the content they contribute to
Contributors get money for a shop system
Any warning points a contributor may have maybe be reduced or eliminated


Of course whether or not a contributor should be rewarded should be based the quality of the content they contribute and if they got what was needed as outlined by the description.
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: coneyislandDFNQ on January 21, 2012, 09:35:52 pm
Set a system where we know that the work belongs to the owner and isnt submitting content belonging to others who didnt give permission
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: ipac on January 23, 2012, 10:59:25 pm
There already is, but on a manual check basis.  Its not really possible to do it automatically.
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: theflyingoreo on January 24, 2012, 08:08:44 am
All for point 1,3 and 4
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: coneyislandDFNQ on January 28, 2012, 04:06:01 pm
There already is, but on a manual check basis.  Its not really possible to do it automatically.

You can make a system where developers list what they are working in with a digital signature whether it's a self created image or an MD5 checksum signature
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: ipac on January 28, 2012, 11:44:29 pm
How would this prevent others from posting other people's work?

They could have taken the file anywhere on the internet, this would mean we would have to md5 checksum every file on the internet, obviously not possible...
Title: Re: Content Contributor
Post by: coneyislandDFNQ on April 19, 2012, 01:19:01 pm
How would this prevent others from posting other people's work?

They could have taken the file anywhere on the internet, this would mean we would have to md5 checksum every file on the internet, obviously not possible...

That is true, I'm just saying expect bull shit lol