Downloads Section Overhaul + New File Approval System

[Iconography 1,384]

Downloads Section Overhaul

 

We've launched an overhaul to the downloads section today.  Including new fields, a revamped layout for actual download pages and the ability to link mods together - we hope that the new downloads section is a big improvement for everyone.

 

There'll be more information regarding these changes in the next few days.

 

 

 

New File Approval System Trial

 

We're also announcing a significant change to our file approval system.  With the number of files we have to process each day, it is becoming highly impractical to approve every single file.  Due to the busy schedule of many moderators, files sometimes have to wait over a day or two before being processed.  This can't continue, and we've definitely heard your complaints on the matter.  As a result, we are starting a 1 month trial of a new system.

 

Effective immediately, members will no longer have to have their files approved by moderators unless there are outstanding circumstances or the account is extremely new (less than 1.7% of members fall into those categories).  In addition, thanks to the hard work from Cyan, we now have an automatic virus scan system.  When a file gets uploaded, it is automatically scanned for viruses.  If anything comes up, the file will be unapproved automatically.  This will significantly reduce the chances of anyone slipping malware through.  We will still be checking through files to look for any violations, and we encourage everyone to report files if they think something is incorrect.  We know some files will still be improper, but the vast majority (over 70% of them) have been fine to approve as-is.  We don't believe a minority of improper files should warrant every file having to wait days on end for approval.

 

Anyone who fails to follow the upload instructions will have to deal with their files being taken down as soon as the problem is noticed.  It is in your best interest, as well as ours, to follow all rules thoroughly before you submit a file.  You don't want to have your file taken down randomly because you didn't follow the directions - no one will be able to download your file until you resolve any issues.  Anyone who routinely has issues following proper upload rules will have their auto-approval privileges revoked until they learn how to upload correctly.  In addition, we reserve the right to revoke anyone's auto-approval privileges if they repeatedly upload fake mods or other joke mods that are only designed to interfere with this site.

 

On a related note, we will be phasing out the old system that allowed some members to bypass the approval system.  Since almost every member can now bypass approval, there is no need for that system to exist.  As an extension of the retirement of that system, members who have been allowed to change their profile backgrounds in addition to bypassing file approval will have that background feature revoked.  That was a very old legacy system that hasn't been right for this site for a long time.

 

If at the end of the one month trial (6th of March) or sooner, we determine that the new system is not working, we will revert back to the old approval system and attempt to enact some other internal changes instead.  The profile background feature will not be restored, and the auto virus-scan feature will remain in place.  If the new system seems to work, it will remain in effect until further notice and the old auto-approve system mentioned earlier for select members will be removed entirely.  We will notify everyone on any updates to the approval system as additional posts in this thread.

 

Malediction

Asst. Community Manager.

[TmBB101 420]

Its great to hear the site expanding to the communitys need.

[EvilJackCarver 331]

What all does this entail for the people that will be downloading the files?

[TheRealNoodle 627]

What all does this entail for the people that will be downloading the files?

moar files to download 

 

 

 

nothing changes for you guys :p

[Deactivated Member 0]

This should be great.

[TheRealNoodle 627]

 

ehrm... you didn't type anything

[Iconography 1,384]

What all does this entail for the people that will be downloading the files?

Essentially the same benefits as those who upload files.  You won't have to wait as long for new content to appear - it will appear as soon as its submitted by an author.  Beyond that there haven't been any changes from a downloader perspective.

[Hystery 2,183]

Sounds good to me, truth be told it's always a bit long to wait until I see one of my works finally approved. I understand the ton of work it is, but you know, you're always impatient to show your creation, no blame here.

 

As a sign of approval, I approve this new approving system approving files faster.

[Hastings 1,196]

When I learned that CT moderators literally download and check all the uploaded content I was astonished. Considering how many files are out there it could take whole day just downloading, checking, and approving mods. So the way I see it moderators don't have to waste their time now -> they have more time to patrol the forum -> everything gets better ^_^

[cp702 1,930]

As a side note: If you see something that breaks the rules, please, please report it. Thanks.

[Deactivated Member 0]

What service does LCPDFR use to scan these files?

[Empire 74]

It's great alright, but what if an user uploads fake skins or uploads someones else work with out there regards. If that does not work, you can always get two more mod.. just to approve the downloadable files

[McAwesome6934 941]

What service does LCPDFR use to scan these files?

 

I heard that it's the same technology the NSA uses to not spy on us.

Edited February 6, 2015 by McAwesome6934

[K-9 police 9 284]

I really like this esp for those of us been here long time ( me little more then 3 year's )  and have been contributing


just gotta say though prepare for on slaught  of files

[Iconography 1,384]

It's great alright, but what if an user uploads fake skins or uploads someones else work with out there regards. If that does not work, you can always get two more mod.. just to approve the downloadable files

That's a problem we already have.  When approving, we don't check whether someone has permission by another user to release something.  It would take weeks for some files to check with every single person about what parts can/can't be shared.

 

When that happens, we need someone who knows about the permissions to report it like always.

[MSA 115]

I heard that it's the same technology the NSA uses to not spy on us.

This is correct.

[Deactivated Member 0]

This is correct.

 

What the fuck

 

Is this an actual account?

[HomerS 396]

Sounds good to me!

[Sam 10,741]

After a lot of work, I'm also happy to announce a revamped downloads portal.  Including new fields, a revamped layout for actual download pages and the ability to link mods together - we hope that the new downloads section is a big improvement for everyone.

 

We'll have more to say about the changes in the coming days.  For now, go and take a look yourselves.  We've put a bigger emphasis on giving people that upload files the ability to better control the look and feel of their file's page, allowing them to easily add in an eye catching banner and to highlight the special features of their mods.  Furthermore, you can now link to other mods from your file's page by using the "Optimized For" field.  For texture artists, I'm sure this will be very useful for linking to the models the textures are designed for.  For vehicle modelers - its a fantastic way to group together a pack of related models.

 

Before: '> and after (below)

 

[Deactivated Member 0]

Seems like a good idea and I also like the new layout, Sam. I am a bit worried about possible spam uploads going up and not being filtered out for maybe hours (if moderators are busy with things in life), maybe implement a method that un-approves files for review after a certain amount of reports go through? The virus scanner is definitely a huge plus when it comes to this new system.

Edited February 7, 2015 by dcp1293