Org Issues and Improvements

As noted in the Org Admin thread, Sigurd, therother, and I are currently responsible for handling the technical side of the Org. We're still getting our bearings and this forum is very complex, so it may take us a while to get to grips with everything. We could use the help of every single member to ensure that the forum works properly and is as efficient as it could be. As such, I would like to formally request that everyone please notify us of anything you see, anywhere on the Org, that is broken, works oddly, or otherwise seems to be wrong or glitchy in any way. In addition, please also tell us if there is anything about the physical structure, layout, or features of the Org that you think could be improved. You can respond by posting in this thread, or by PMing us.

Thank you very much in advance for your help; without you guys the Org wouldn't exist. :bow:

Oh crap read this before the announcement :(

This is minor in context, but it has annoyed me for some time now. The "mark forum read" function doesn't seem to work consistently throughout the board. I don't know if this is skin-related or not (I use the earthy-colored "Guild" skin).

At least one forum works as the function should (I can't remember which one specifically at the moment): there is immediate visual feedback on the thread list, where all unread threads are marked read, without requiring a refresh. A great many forums do not work this way.

Hopefully this isn't skin-related, as multiple skins would multiply testing and fixing. I suggest trying this function on each forum and sub-forum, starting with the Guild skin since I know that the problem occurs with it, and noting which work as expected and which do not, then noting the settings of one that works correctly, and setting all the other fora up the same way.

I'll edit this post with information about which forums seem to work as expected and which do not, with more details, later.

EDIT1: example, the Front Room. I select Mark Forum Read and click, and nothing happens. The drop-down remains. If I then back out of the FR and return, the threads still seem unread. If I then refresh the browser, they all are marked read.

Iirc, the Watchtower works properly, but I need to confirm this and there are no unread threads for me in here at the moment.

EDIT2: The forums that work correctly are the new TWS2 forums. When I select "mark forum read," the drop-down list clears, and all the unread threads instantly lose their bold text, without me having to click my browser's refresh button. Many of the older forums do not work this way.

1. When trying to find a person's posts in a specific thread, by clicking on the number of posts in that thread from the sub-forum the thread is in, I can get the number of posts and by whom, but when I click on their number across from their name, it does not consistently return a search of just their posts in just that thread. Often times it returns all their posts. That search function has been broken for.... almost a year now. For me, anyway.

2. I cannot delete private message receipts except manually, one by one, clicking on each box. There should be a box that allows me to select all of them and delete all of them.

The org is in good hands. :bow:

Good luck guys, I'll be sure to keep an eye out and report whatever I see.

Most of the issues I see are with the STW template/theme. There is invisible text on the member profile page. Also code tags look like this:

Code:

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Do I need glasses?

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Asai Nagamasa

Most of the issues I see are with the STW template/theme. There is invisible text on the member profile page.

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Yeah, the default text, border and button colors seem to blend with the STW theme. I've changed the text color on my profile page and it shows up just fine.

Ah yes, some of the default settings are for "transparent" text. Either a glitch or an error.

I've fixed it on mine but the defaults need sorting out.

:bow:

//edit: I found more transparent text in the "tabs" at the top:

Home | Forum | Blogs | What's New? | Board | Files | Multiplayer

When you mouse over the last 3 menus the text label disappears.

There are actual problems with uploading pics, probably you know already, but I better repeat it.

I need a working upload, so I can add pics to the MP-guides and blog. Andres tried it too and he couldnt get it to work.


There is also a safari problem, once you go to your settings. You cant see anything, some words are simply "hidden".... it looks wrong and broken.
With Fire Fox it works.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kocmoc

There are actual problems with uploading pics, probably you know already, but I better repeat it.

I need a working upload, so I can add pics to the MP-guides and blog. Andres tried it too and he couldnt get it to work.

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Can you give more details on this? What upload system are you using and what errors are occurring?

Quote:

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There is also a safari problem, once you go to your settings. You cant see anything, some words are simply "hidden".... it looks wrong and broken.
With Fire Fox it works.

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Can you post screenshots of this?

A few suggestions:

- auto check the "Remember Me?" and "Request a read receipt for this message" boxes: they used to be checked by default.
- remove Campus Martius and Sakura for TWS2 from View Forum Leaders.
- When I mouse over Board, Files and Multiplayer on the top bar the text goes black, making it unreadable in the STW skin. - We should have more of these on the top bar, bring out hidden links to fun stuff like the wiki and arcade. Is there anything more going under Multiplayer?
- The two entries under files are probably important enough to be brought out into the open, ie uploads and downloads.
- Substantially increase the size of PM boxes? We have plenty of resources, no need to scrimp.
- Ditto for attachments?
- I get this when I'm using IE7 on all skins:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

https://www.europabarbarorum.com/i/t.../ieproblem.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Togakure

This is minor in context, but it has annoyed me for some time now. The "mark forum read" function doesn't seem to work consistently throughout the board. I don't know if this is skin-related or not (I use the earthy-colored "Guild" skin).

At least one forum works as the function should (I can't remember which one specifically at the moment): there is immediate visual feedback on the thread list, where all unread threads are marked read, without requiring a refresh. A great many forums do not work this way.

Hopefully this isn't skin-related, as multiple skins would multiply testing and fixing. I suggest trying this function on each forum and sub-forum, starting with the Guild skin since I know that the problem occurs with it, and noting which work as expected and which do not, then noting the settings of one that works correctly, and setting all the other fora up the same way.

I'll edit this post with information about which forums seem to work as expected and which do not, with more details, later.

EDIT1: example, the Front Room. I select Mark Forum Read and click, and nothing happens. The drop-down remains. If I then back out of the FR and return, the threads still seem unread. If I then refresh the browser, they all are marked read.

Iirc, the Watchtower works properly, but I need to confirm this and there are no unread threads for me in here at the moment.

EDIT2: The forums that work correctly are the new TWS2 forums. When I select "mark forum read," the drop-down list clears, and all the unread threads instantly lose their bold text, without me having to click my browser's refresh button. Many of the older forums do not work this way.

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I have investigated this, and found the cause. It is not skin-related. It happens in any forum that has a subforum. If you click Mark Read from the Forum Tools, the threads DO get marked read, but the page does not reload so you do not see the unread icons disappear. If you manually hit reload, they will shift over to read icons (as they will if you browse away and come back). A bit of research indicates this may be caused by a conflict with another plugin. I will try and figure out what is causing it, but in the meantime just manually hit refresh after clicking the button and it will work.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Askthepizzaguy

2. I cannot delete private message receipts except manually, one by one, clicking on each box. There should be a box that allows me to select all of them and delete all of them.

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I have added the ability to mass-select all PM receipts on the same page, so it works the same now as mass-deleting PMs. There is a little check box in the top right of the read receipts list. Check it and all receipts on that page will be selected. At least, that's how it's supposed to work. Please report any bugs with it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TinCow

I have added the ability to mass-select all PM receipts on the same page, so it works the same now as mass-deleting PMs. There is a little check box in the top right of the read receipts list. Check it and all receipts on that page will be selected. At least, that's how it's supposed to work. Please report any bugs with it.

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Tested, worked. Didn't notice any issues. :bow:

This is a minor point, but there are some official headings, titles, and descriptions in the TWS2 section that are still listed as S2TW or Shogun 2: Total War. As CA has officially designated the game to be Total War: Shogun 2 and not the other way around, I think it's bad form to have it listed as anything aside from the official designation.

Did we get them all?

Board was down for 10 mins while we backed up the database. Sorry for any inconvenience.

It seems like the board auto-resizes images hosted on other domains for display purposes. If i go into "advanced reply" mode, i can see them in their actual size, but when looking at the thread in normal viewing they've at least appear to be resized. This doesn't seem the case in the Frontroom, but is certainly the case in the Tea House.

Any chance this can be removed, or is there a setting i'm missing? :confused:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Monk

It seems like the board auto-resizes images hosted on other domains for display purposes. If i go into "advanced reply" mode, i can see them in their actual size, but when looking at the thread in normal viewing they've at least appear to be resized. This doesn't seem the case in the Frontroom, but is certainly the case in the Tea House.

Any chance this can be removed, or is there a setting i'm missing? :confused:

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Please post a link to an example of this, so that I can experiment.

I will note that it's a bad idea to simply leave image size unrestricted. The forums used to have a setting like that and extra-large images would throw thread sizing completely out of whack and make it harder to read. If it's possible to tie the scaling image size to the size of each individual person's frames, I will try and do so.

I think the uploader needs to be updated to take into account the faster internet speeds of nowadays, specifically with regard to save files. Medieval II save files are very small by modern standards, usually only a few megabytes. Yet we are required to compress them to upload them in order to save about a megabyte of space. Granted it's a small inconvenience, but the gains are no negligible that I think it would be wise to raise the size limit for the uploader so we don't have to bother with compressing such small files.

Incidentally, congratulations to you and Sigurd. Just as there is sorrow at losing a good man, so too is there joy in knowing that there are those who can fill the void left behind.

Perhaps someone could update the Org FAQ?

Also, is therother another Technical Administrator? If so.. Congratulations!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TinCow

Please post a link to an example of this, so that I can experiment.

I will note that it's a bad idea to simply leave image size unrestricted. The forums used to have a setting like that and extra-large images would throw thread sizing completely out of whack and make it harder to read. If it's possible to tie the scaling image size to the size of each individual person's frames, I will try and do so.

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Auto-resized
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showt...post2053288074

Actual size
http://cloud.steampowered.com/ugc/57...2D8E4D68FE525/

Quote:

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Perhaps someone could update the Org FAQ?

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It's on my (ever increasing) list of things to do. I've updated about 20% of it up till now.

Quote:

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Also, is therother another Technical Administrator? If so.. Congratulations!

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Thanks. TBH, I think they just didn't want me to pester them about member group permissions and whatnot for the FAQ...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cecil XIX

I think the uploader needs to be updated to take into account the faster internet speeds of nowadays, specifically with regard to save files. Medieval II save files are very small by modern standards, usually only a few megabytes. Yet we are required to compress them to upload them in order to save about a megabyte of space. Granted it's a small inconvenience, but the gains are no negligible that I think it would be wise to raise the size limit for the uploader so we don't have to bother with compressing such small files.

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I agree with this. The uploader has been locked down to file compression, and given the vast resources of the server we're on, I don't think that's really necessary anymore. I will remove all limitations on the filetypes that can be uploaded. I'm also working on making the entire system a bit more accessible.

Would it be possible to display announcements on the main guild page: https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/index.php

As it is now they only appear once you've opened a sub-forum. Sometimes (with quick news like incoming backups) it feels like they're easy to miss.

There's no built in way to do that, we'd need a code modification. Best we can do for now is to use the CMS article highlighting.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by therother

There's no built in way to do that, we'd need a code modification. Best we can do for now is to use the CMS article highlighting.

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Ah, a shame then. :bow:

Thanks for clarification.

A found a different function (notices) that works similarly, and have added an announcement about the screenshot contest.

There is an odd issue with markup that the forum generates for forum listings (forumdisplay.php?$forum_id-name/page$page) when it contains moved threads. For some reason the forum software injects ETX (0x3) characters in the markup for the thread summary and tooltip. This suggests a more serious bug with the forum software because ETX is a non-printable ASCII control character dating back to the olden-days of teletypes and it is not supposed to surface in normal data.

To illustrate what I mean, the forum markup for a moved thread looks like (where ETX is the single character 0x3 rather than the string "ETX"):

Code:

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<div class="threadinfo" title="ETX">
  <!-- stuff -->
  <div class="threadmeta">
    <p class="threaddesc">ETX</p>
    <!-- stuff -->
  </div>
</div>

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For example if you go to https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/forum...prune=-1&pp=30
And break out your hexeditor, use it to search for the char sequence of "Tactic" you will find:
https://img848.imageshack.us/img848/3140/prop1.png

I saw what you did there, it works very well.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Asai Nagamasa

Most of the issues I see are with the STW template/theme. There is invisible text on the member profile page. Also code tags look like this:

Code:

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Do I need glasses?

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Both of these should be fixed now.

Good Job, that is fixed.

However, the 'tab' part is unreadable (the ones for info, awards, etc)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Beskar

However, the 'tab' part is unreadable (the ones for info, awards, etc)

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Done.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tellos Athenaios

https://img848.imageshack.us/img848/3140/prop1.png

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All I see now is blonde, brunette, redhead. ~;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tellos Athenaios

There is an odd issue with markup that the forum generates for forum listings (forumdisplay.php?$forum_id-name/page$page) when it contains moved threads. For some reason the forum software injects ETX (0x3) characters in the markup for the thread summary and tooltip. This suggests a more serious bug with the forum software because ETX is a non-printable ASCII control character dating back to the olden-days of teletypes and it is not supposed to surface in normal data.

To illustrate what I mean, the forum markup for a moved thread looks like (where ETX is the single character 0x3 rather than the string "ETX"):

Code:

---

<div class="threadinfo" title="ETX">
  <!-- stuff -->
  <div class="threadmeta">
    <p class="threaddesc">ETX</p>
    <!-- stuff -->
  </div>
</div>

---

For example if you go to https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/forum...prune=-1&pp=30
And break out your hexeditor, use it to search for the char sequence of "Tactic" you will find:
https://img848.imageshack.us/img848/3140/prop1.png

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I am not sufficiently intelligent to understand what this means.

Short version: it's exceedingly unlikely that this ETX (End-of-Text) character is *supposed* to be there. It's more likely the result of a bug and/or data corruption. The character dates back to when computers didn't have displays and you needed to print out the response of commands on paper much like a receipt: its purpose is to signal that the end of a response message is reached.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tellos Athenaios

Short version: it's exceedingly unlikely that this ETX (End-of-Text) character is *supposed* to be there. It's more likely the result of a bug and/or data corruption. The character dates back to when computers didn't have displays and you needed to print out the response of commands on paper much like a receipt: its purpose is to signal that the end of a response message is reached.

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What is this indicative of that I need to be concerned about?

As for data corruption, some of the posts on this forum have been ported over from different forums, some running software other than vbulletin, about two or three times. Could this be related to really old database information from ported posts/forums?

It could be that data in the database is bad, it could be that the forum is generating garbage. I'm betting on the latter one as it seems to occur for every deleted thread but then again the thread samples I saw are fairly old. The code to worry about is probably near the vicinity of the SQL queries run on the forum database to fetch a list of threads or a single thread. There should also be a check to see if the thread has been deleted nearby because this only seems to occur on deleted threads.

To check if it is the database you could try a SQL query on the first post of a given thread (for instance the deleted threads in the example forum listing given), or alternatively if the thread summaries are stored in the database try those instead. Something like:

Code:

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SELECT * FROM `test` WHERE path LIKE UNHEX('03')

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So if the forum is generating garbage you may want to complain to vbulletin, however if the database is bad, you'll know how late it is.

What about to involve new player more?

I see whats going on at com or twc and I miss these kind of people here.
Maybe the entrance is too much? I dont know, I just see the difference, at least for S2 I see a handful old player filling the forum.

I spoke with Tosa about a video-CMS side, it can be easy added and is an amazing way to get attention. the current video "tread" is far from good, its a bad way to get many vids involved, you will loose overview too easy.

As i said, there are plenty of CMS templates out, which work like a charm for many other sides. It also should get big button on top of the page, not just a section somewhere.

THis forum has tons of forens, tons of sections... while its logical and good way to sort it, it generated a very bad overview for new people.

I think in a certain direction, if i were new, i would want a few things first. Actual im interested into s2 SP and MP, this should get pushed a lot more, ensure people have one easy click to get to the action. I also dont think that this ever will work, as long people have to do some steps to get to certain treads/forums.

Where are the tourneys? Where is the discussion for the tools I asked for? What is going on behind the scene?
The org is an old place with many memories, I love it. But it lost contact to the new player, the new "community".

Im not even sure, what exactly you want, but for me, I miss the contact to all those guys who try a TW game online the first time!

Thanks for the suggestions. The staff are actively discussing improvements to the CMS, our appearance and attractiveness to newcomers, tournaments etc.

One thing: what tools did you ask for?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by therother

Thanks for the suggestions. The staff are actively discussing improvements to the CMS, our appearance and attractiveness to newcomers, tournaments etc.

One thing: what tools did you ask for?

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Well, I actual was deep into this matter with Tosa already, so I try to explain it in a short way here:

I have some experience with organizing tourneys, you can still see here: www.kocmoc.de

We had to make endless lists and write a lot down, back at that time I already had one idea, how to make a Tourney more fluid.
What I want is, a system like you see on Worldchampionships, it looks like this: http://de.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/...hes/index.html

Actual it would be a nightmare, the chatrooms are devided its very laggy and a tourney with more than 100 people involved would take weeks to finish.
If we would use such a "gametable" the whole system would lay in the hands of the player itself.

The table should have a startsetup, where we write the names in, this cant be changed from anyone.
Now, the player play vs each other and there will be a winner, now the loser will leave and dont care anymore, while the winner write his name in the next window.

If there is a problem, the "loser" contact a gamemaster and we will watch the replay! (In old days we got all replayes and had to check everything, which was some hard work)

This way, the winner would play the other winner and than the system keeps going.
At some point someone has to wait, since the other guys need a bit longer... anyway, the system will move on its own, with a very high speed.


Im sure, you understand my base idea here. We could split it up and set the quarters and finals to one weekend. I want to get 2 spectators in the finals, who stream i life on Xfire.

thats some short overview.

Koc

The site does not appear to correctly clear my cookies. When i press "logout", I at first appear to be logged out, but returning to the Org I am once again logged in without having actually logged in.

Using Chrome by the way.

Tosa installed this, although I'm not sure exactly what he intended to do with it. Reading its features though, I think it might be what you are after for arranging a competition.

Well, the problem today is the ingame communication, once a tourney did start. The setup is easy, since everone know who to play, the second step is already a problem, since you will need a lot of time to communicate. My suggestion would exactly solve this step and make it more fluid.

If you get around 100-200 player (lets say 1v1), than you would need without such a tool at least 3 weekends.
Rather 4.

The challenge is, to get something done in 1 day, with finals the other day.

The problems are huge, the current chat/foyer makes it impossible to get some good communication especially with all the crashes and drops....
The only way to overcome it would be to use a different chatsystem, but this generate instantly new problems, since half the people wont have that and need to install it.

If you make the communication with such a chat, you have to install that here at the org as well.

Imo we need such a tool i suggested and an own chatsystem. With the chatsystem we could "install" the different groups and get people in that.


My point is clear, we need some tools to ensure that many games are played in a short time. Reduce the waiting times and let solve most things by the players itself.


Koc

Hello

Could you not simply use a web IRC channel and something like this? (example tournament provided):

http://challonge.com/pot1
Challonge is free, can randomly seed, can seed, can upload replays, can do multiple forms of tournaments (elim and double elim etc).

Shogun must be launched through steam, overly has web access, easy to get web IRC, works in steam browser, no downloads needed, simple web address.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kocmoc

Well, the problem today is the ingame communication, once a tourney did start. The setup is easy, since everone know who to play, the second step is already a problem, since you will need a lot of time to communicate. My suggestion would exactly solve this step and make it more fluid.

If you get around 100-200 player (lets say 1v1), than you would need without such a tool at least 3 weekends.
Rather 4.

The challenge is, to get something done in 1 day, with finals the other day.

The problems are huge, the current chat/foyer makes it impossible to get some good communication especially with all the crashes and drops....
The only way to overcome it would be to use a different chatsystem, but this generate instantly new problems, since half the people wont have that and need to install it.

If you make the communication with such a chat, you have to install that here at the org as well.

Imo we need such a tool i suggested and an own chatsystem. With the chatsystem we could "install" the different groups and get people in that.


My point is clear, we need some tools to ensure that many games are played in a short time. Reduce the waiting times and let solve most things by the players itself.


Koc

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Do you mean something like Teamspeak or Ventrilo?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TinCow

Do you mean something like Teamspeak or Ventrilo?

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I dont think that TS or Vent will be a big help, while most people can write english, many have a hard time speaking it.
I speak about chatsystem, there are cms (or how its called) out, where you can enter your name, get into the chat and than choose one of the created rooms.

So I speak about writing communication, which also could be documented, what will be quite hard with spoken words.

If you go with a KO-system, you have to make starting groups with 8 player involved (just example) It would look like this:

ROOM 1

Player A vs. Player B
Player C vs. Player D
Player E vs. Player F
Player G vs. Player H

In old days, we made one room in the foyer for this called "ROOM 1", the first step communication was easy...in the end you had these 8 players in this particular room.

The winner of the matches played each other, so in total there was 3 turns with 1 winner. (actual this was moderated by 1 person in each of these rooms).
With the tool I asked for, this could be given to these people and they would autosolve it, no moderator needed, quick communication.

Well, Im pretty sure, everyone did understand it by now, so i stop here.

Koc

Why can't you just use the existing IRC channel for that? We've got an embedded program that you can access from the top bar of the forum itself, and it's effortless to create new channels for whatever purpose you want from within that.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TinCow

Why can't you just use the existing IRC channel for that? We've got an embedded program that you can access from the top bar of the forum itself, and it's effortless to create new channels for whatever purpose you want from within that.

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Yes, that can be used. Its fine.

The problem I have, which is pure subjective, is that many things at the Org are pretty hard to find. There are tons of extras everywhere, endless forums, treads, but a very low good structure. For me, its too much, I admit, that I didnt saw that there is an IRC chat at all. I also doubt, that many use it.


I have a clear Idea about how something has to look, but again, subjective.


Working on a system, which has base "problems" will always end in some halfway solutions and on the other hand, Im sure, most people like it as it is right now.
From a PR-POV the whole "Org-system" looks dusty and old. The main page is probably not used by many, most people will surely get to the forum directly.
Thats something you can check quick, by looking at the stats.

This is a tactical direction, basic ideas about how something has to work. I run tons of sides, based on CMS system and a handful sites handmade. I halfway (I got programmer for that) have an idea how CMS work and what you can do with it. Thatswhy i suggested the Youtube-vid CMS side.

Fact is, from my business oriented POV, this side needs a heavy remake. If I had to "sell" it, I would make it completely new and implement the forum at some point.
Just a lot less fractured, with less treads/forums. But of course, thats actual in your hands. Im just sharing my ideas and offer my help.

Same goes with Google and some ceo, the placement is bad, while you got the Clans and dont use the power, TWC got probably less Clans, but seems to use it!
Its all about the definition, what you want to get this place too.
In german I say to these kind of places "Sammelsurium", its a collection of many things which are not used at all or just halfway.

I miss the fiction, the big idea behind it, apart from being a side about a certain matter.
It needs a think-tank, a group or a person who has the big ideas.

Why there isnt a tourney yet?
Where are the tools?
What are the plans?

I see tons of admins here, some I know, some not (which isnt a problem at all). I see tons of treads and posts, but look at the amount and where people post the most!
Fact is, that the current TW game has very low numbers of posts and treads, almost no real input at all. Go there and read it.
I see complaining, but very low content, people rather speak about how bad the game is, than sharing ideas about tactics.

I have the deepest respect for Duck, but I dont see him bringing MP-content or real input here. Now that might be my wrong idea about what an admin has to do.


My point is, you have a lot more posts in other section (which has nothing to do with current TW game), than in the S2-sections.
Its clear and shows the problem, look at com or TWC, there is the life, there are people who play the game, the action, the traffic, the questions....

This place was Nr.1 at the times, as it was all about the game! Now its far away from the old days, since its not about the game anymore (not in the same amount).
Most player are not here, you dont do interviews with player, you dont prepared the vid-section, you dont got X-fire ready.

You dont have moderators who go online and stream stuff or make videos. I want to see the action, but you cant deliver!
With tons of moderators here, there should be 7 guys, where each of them record a "top-ranked" game per day and make it shown here.
BUMP!

The top players, play 1v1 or 2v2 or 3v3 and you bring that each day. Holy Moly! Thats something people want to see, how the top guys battle each other.

Same goes for the tourneys, where on earth is the Org Tourney?
Why we dont hear about it? Is there something in work already?
Whats so hard to organize that? Its not too hard and it wont take you 4 weeks (since release) to get the first tourney going.

Tosa´s dead brought up many problems, Im aware of it. Still, its about time, that you guys get content done here. Working on structures is one thing and important, no doubt.
To get the move and actual start important new things, is another story.

I love this place, dont get me wrong, I like all those helpful guys here.
Its just that you got the power to get things done and I cant see it. My heart is bleeding, if I see this slow endless needing business here.


Koc

PS: Dont get mad at me, I really love you all ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kocmoc

The problem I have, which is pure subjective, is that many things at the Org are pretty hard to find. There are tons of extras everywhere, endless forums, treads, but a very low good structure. For me, its too much, I admit, that I didnt saw that there is an IRC chat at all. I also doubt, that many use it.

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We're aware of this issue and we've already made some small structural changes and are very open to many more. If you've got specific ideas about what we should do to improve the structure, please do post them.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kocmoc

From a PR-POV the whole "Org-system" looks dusty and old.

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We are currently working on a completely new default skin for the website, which (IMHO) looks a lot better than anything we currently have. This takes time though, so it's not going to be online tomorrow.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kocmoc

The main page is probably not used by many, most people will surely get to the forum directly.
Thats something you can check quick, by looking at the stats.

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I agree, but that CMS use is largely a content issue and we're working on ways to increase content generation, with several specific projects already in the works. One of them includes what will be the best guide to TWS2 on the internet. Content generation cannot be done exclusively by the staff though, we need to have the members to contribute a lot as well. As such, we are going to do our best to encourage member-driven content generation and give members access to any and all tools and resources that would help them in those regards. The system hasn't been formalized yet, so there's no public information on how to go about it, but I would expect information about the new system in the very near future.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kocmoc

PS: Dont get mad at me, I really love you all ;)

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Trust me, your post is viewed positively, not negatively. We need passion and a desire to get things done. I promise that real, substantive changes are coming and that they will be noticeable. Please do keep pushing us and pointing out the flaws with the Org, as it helps us keep moving forward.

I try to give something back to this place, by working on the MP-guides, Im not doing this alone, so thanks to everyone who did help me out!
Im doing this, because I always did love this place and the game, old player will remember my "Train-camps" back in STW. I did that almost each weekend and showed pretty new guys some basics, today thats a lot easier with youtube and replays.

If you need help, Im glad to help out, I have experience with Tourneys and a clear Idea about how it should be done.
I can say, that I got quick help with a small or big problem here! I couldnt upload stuff and you solved it for me, thanks!


Many things I listed are based on what you guys are planing. I just can bring some ideas up, apart from that you need a definition about what you need.
Im dont just speak, I do something, if i complain somewhere, I bring solutions as well or work on something. Im sure you guys work hard and Im also sure, that things cant get changed in a short time. Good things need some time.


I just pointed some things out, X-fire and the vid section "Game of the day" - featured from ...... Can be a way to attract people.
There is the CWB and the CWC, both could be powered by the Org. Use that, bring the big games, let people vote about the games they want to see as video.

I can surely make one or two of these video, but there is menpower needed. Some small organization.
Maybe your base structure is a bit clustered. There should be (thats how I tend to work in real) some groupleader and some small groups, who get stuff done.

The video of the day is some strong feature. You just need to change the CMS for this.
Give the main-page some meaning, less information, but more important information.

Clear and easy rider, cut all the stuff which isnt used.


Im sure you got some hardcore guys, who know how to work with CMS. Thats not that hard to do.... Im not the guy who need to tell you this anyway...


How about different languages? Im as german player, I know people who only speak german, but dont speak a single english word.
Im not sure how much this could get used, but since im active on some german boards as well, I can you ensure, that the content there is extreme bad.

Guides as example can be translated, videos is the same.

Again, its hard to speak about this all, without to know what you are already planning, so i might just repeat stuff you are working already.

May I suggest a system similar to the TWC's Content Staff, whose job is solely to manage events and the likes?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Populus Romanus

May I suggest a system similar to the TWC's Content Staff, whose job is solely to manage events and the likes?

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:grin2:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Monk

:grin2:

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:inquisitive:

I just saw the announcement for the new mobile style and that is something I wanted to request sooner or later anyway, it will take some getting used to because of the different layout but seems to work very well and load very fast on my iPhone.

However, since it's for the small screen and the tight bandwidth, I would like to request/suggest/mention two possible additions, starting with the less important one.

- ability to collapse forum sections, a minor issue since they're rather small anyway but it still took a bit of scrolling through sections I don't go to anymore to get down to the Tavern.

- jump to new post - button on the forum view, this is a vital one, especially when you're on the go and loading times can be a bit long or a thread has more than 20 pages and you have no idea where it was the last time you looked at it, on the normal forum skins you have to zoom in quite a bit to reliably click it as well so for the mobile version it should be of sufficient size, it's one of my most-used buttons on the whole forum and would be really nice, if not vital, to have in the mobile version.

:bow:

Try lightweight2, it has jump to post. This is also now publicly available (previous one was restricted to staff). Not sure about how to do the forum collapsing. Will think on it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Populus Romanus

:inquisitive:

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Be patient, that question will be answered in the very near future. :bow:

Since Monk is dark blue then I guess he is someone whose job would be organize "events and the likes". Am I right or am I wrong?

You would be right.

Thanks, the new one works quite a bit better with the ability to jump directly to new posts.
:bow:

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Originally Posted by therother

You would be right.

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And where is my reward? :clown:

Monk is just the first, there will be a few more popping up in the near future (likely today). The Org is making a major push to increase unique content generation, and the Content Managers will be leading that effort. They are being given all resources at the Org's disposal to aid them. I believe the Content Managers will be seeking assistance from the members as well, though it's more appropriate to let them introduce themselves and discuss the process they intend to use.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TinCow

Monk is just the first, there will be a few more popping up in the near future (likely today). The Org is making a major push to increase unique content generation, and the Content Managers will be leading that effort. They are being given all resources at the Org's disposal to aid them. I believe the Content Managers will be seeking assistance from the members as well, though it's more appropriate to let them introduce themselves and discuss the process they intend to use.

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Brilliant. :bow:

May I suggest the restarting of the Gahzette as a measure of content generation?

Congratulations Monk.

:bow:

//edit: suggestion - I may be out of date, not to mention out of touch with this, but wasn't the Gahzette distributed in some kind of downloadable .pdf format? I would suggest that in future it be part of the front page. That way it's much more accessible - with an archive for previous versions.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Asai Nagamasa

//edit: suggestion - I may be out of date, not to mention out of touch with this, but wasn't the Gahzette distributed in some kind of downloadable .pdf format? I would suggest that in future it be part of the front page. That way it's much more accessible - with an archive for previous versions.

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PDF copies of all back issues of the Gazette are available in the downloads section. Visibile and ease-of-use of the downloads section remain an issue, and we're actively working on improving it. However, it is a long-term project and will take some time.

Yes, I understand that's how it worked in the past - I was suggesting maybe scrap the .pdf format altogether and instead have it as part of the main page, if possible?

:2cents:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TinCow

Monk is just the first, there will be a few more popping up in the near future (likely today). The Org is making a major push to increase unique content generation, and the Content Managers will be leading that effort. They are being given all resources at the Org's disposal to aid them. I believe the Content Managers will be seeking assistance from the members as well, though it's more appropriate to let them introduce themselves and discuss the process they intend to use.

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A guy makes a hundred avatars and the next thing he knows, he's got a bag thrown over his head. Wakes up in a dark room and.. well.. I wont go into it.

But yes. [professor farnsworth] Good news everyone! The org staff have invented a new device that lets you get the word out, quickly and easily about the things you want the community to know about. It's called official support![/professor farnsworth]

I'll be doing content things around the org in the comming weeks. Part of that is me setting up the steam group linked below in my signature (if you haven't joined and are on steam, you should! Our numbers are growing fast.) Maybe even making more avatars and doing fancy things with images. But my primary function here is to facilitate aid to you, the members. If you have an event or a contest you'd like to see run, send me a PM. I can arrange official support in the way of: Announcements, front page posts, Steam group posts visitor message advertisements, and so on. In certain cases I may also help take on the heavy lifting of the project, if you were to need help getting it off the ground. :yes:

I can also arrange for you to have access to the content forums, letting you organize bigger projects behind the scenes before you post them. :wink:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Asai Nagamasa

Congratulations Monk.

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:bow:

What more can I say..

Congratulations Monk! :balloon2:

Monk is good choice! Hes here since a long time and actual he seems eager to get something done. Congrats!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kocmoc

Monk is good choice! Hes here since a long time and actual he seems eager to get something done. Congrats!

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I will work very hard to be worthy of that endorsement.

Thank you, everyone. :bow:

There is a bug in the system that seems to keep handing me infractions whenever I post. Could you guys look into this?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by a completely inoffensive name

There is a bug in the system that seems to keep handing me infractions whenever I post. Could you guys look into this?

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Hmm... looks like a flaw with the ACIN code itself. We don't have the tools or access required to fix this at the moment, so you'll just have to wait until the ACIN code is patched to correct this bug.

I'm not sure where to post this, but I must have eaten a really funky pizza, because I'm seeing all sorts of weird colors associated with some of our finest orgahs. I worry I could be having a psychotic episode.

Can someone explain what all the new colors mean?


Here's what I have so far.

Old System:

Blue- One of the little peoples.
Green- Demigod, capable of inflicting great wrath down upon the little peoples.
Red- The most feared and respected of the Old Gods. RUN AWAY!!!


New System:

Blue- One of the little peoples.
Green- Demigod, and ever so much wrathful awesomeness still
Dark Green- Buh?
Dark Red- Pluh?
Dark Blue- Snuh?
Red- I cower in fear.
Other colors- I need my medication.

Congratulation Monk!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Askthepizzaguy

I'm not sure where to post this, but I must have eaten a really funky pizza, because I'm seeing all sorts of weird colors associated with some of our finest orgahs. I worry I could be having a psychotic episode.

Can someone explain what all the new colors mean?

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Blue refers to our new position of Content Manager (currently only possessed by Monk) whose goal it is to... well... create special content. As for the dark green, our Tech Admins have gotten a bit drunk with power and are going through a painstaking process of deciding exactly which shade looks most lordly and impressive. This may take a while to figure out.

(again, there will be an official announcement on this quite soon, we're just ironing out the minor details.)

Yes, I just noticed it's a very bright blue. And now the blue that I have looks sad. Let me rearrange the colors.


New System:

Lame blue- One of the little peoples.
Green- Demigod, and ever so much wrathful awesomeness still
Dark Green- Buh?
Dark Red- Pluh?
Awesome Blue- Snuh? CONTENT OVERLORD!!!
Red- I cower in fear.
Other colors- Are there others? If so, how shall I worship these, o Lords?

Dark green and dark red are basically the Tech admins experimenting with colors, as GH said. As for me? Well, i'm quite fond of my blue. It especially stands out on the STW skin. :wink:

Usually you see me complaining and moaning a lot, so you will probably be happy to see a much more positive post from me today.

Well done guys!

1. I like the video thing on the right side, thats the way
2. the rider on top are getting better
3. working on tourney and give that in the hand of people like monks is the right direction

Keep the pace up. If I can help out with something, feel free to contact me.

Couple of content generation/general Org improvements. :bow:

- the relaunching of the Gahzette - advertising it in the Entrance Hall, Frontroom and Total War Center could really help out in order to recruit more members
- create a War Room, official forums style - that way when you check the people's profile they can see what games you play and what achievements/stats you have (this should be optional and NOT linked to your Steam account like on the official forum, it's up to everyone if they want to include it)
- a new Mead Hall contest - with a Japanese theme
- STW Multiplayer Competition (cmon, we're good at STW)
- post ranking system - something similar to the S2TW skill tree, the more you post, you get different avatars and other incentives which kinda make it more interesting to stay here
- more content generation - encourage people to post AARs, perhaps a separate subforum at the top of the S2TW main forum is required? That way we ensure content generation and views for the members who take their time to post

And of course the big idea given to Monk, for which I will keep my mouth shut for now. :grin2:

Glad you like the videos Koc. We've also just updated the tournaments add on to a nicer looking, more featured version.

Must say that I really like this Mobile skin! Much easier to browse the forum using my phone. :-)