The all new: Ask a moderator about the forum & rules

[Foxhound]

Here:
http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?t=74039

To be used to request new addons as well as when searching for (a) specific addon(s)/wondering if a certain addon was ever made.

[Sniperwolf572]

If you're looking for someone to make such an addon for you, I'd go with addon request. But if you want help on fixing it yourself, I'd go with the Editing subforum since I believe more people that can help you will visit there rather than the addon request thread, which might not be an obvious place..

[JdB]

http://forums.bistudio.com/showpost.php?p=2085766&postcount=32
http://forums.bistudio.com/showpost.php?p=2085998&postcount=36

I'd like to say something about the way the moderation of politics, military and economy related threads is being handled in the Off-topic section, the thread linked to above is merely the latest example. I've been following quite a number of these threads, and most seem to be evolving in the same pattern:

- Thread starts of as any other thread;
- Someone brings up the wars for oil, genocide in [insert random country] by NATO, purposely bombing things like hospitals or some other subject barely (if at all) related to the thread;
- People responding to such posts with argumentative posts, are responded to with posts full of conspiracy rants and other claims that are not backed up by even the slightest shred of evidence that completely disregard the points brought up by other members. Not posts with an opinion that is the polar opposite of what most people think (which is fine as long as it is done in a respectful manner), but an attempt to insult other members and illicit an angry response, a yelling match because the content of someone else's posts doesn't suit their agenda or political views;
- Thread is closed.

I've been looking at who is doing this, and it's almost constantly the same people that are ruining these threads, less than a handful of individuals. Their behavior has nothing to do with normal discussion or respect for the (opinion of) other members. Either agree with me or I rant. Wouldn't it be much better to deal with these people by post restricting/banning them and removing the off-topic post(s) than to ruin the thread for everyone, and continuing to enable these people to ruin the next thread that comes along? It's either you deal with it once, or you end up dealing with it over and over again, even if it's as simple as closing a thread. Cleaning up after members costs time, getting members to walk in line saves time (or gets rid of them). In the end the small investment in time starts saving time in the long run. It's not about silencing people that voice contrary opinions, it's a simple matter of enforcing respect for other members.

[Messiah]

Perhaps the Kim Jong Il thread should be renamed to reflect it's evolution into a 'The Future of North Korea' type affair.

[W0lle]

Good idea, done. :)

[DMarkwick]

I don't know if anyone else is experiencing this issue, all I know is that I experience it on this forum and not on others.

The "Go to new post" feature is very slow. When I use that feature in a thread I've been following, I get to stare at the top post for about 20-30 seconds before the first new post is automatically displayed. This means that I usually start scrolling down to manually find the first unread post, which I often do before the auto feature kicks in. It has the effect that I sometimes am several posts down when it does kick in, and it flicks me back up to the first new post :)

When this happens all day, it becomes tedious :) but, on fast-moving threads where perhaps a few pages of posts are generated, it's a feature I need to make sure I am following the thread properly.

[Tankbuster]

It's working fine for me. Same speed as it was before.

[DMarkwick]

It's working fine for me. Same speed as it was before.

This prompted me to try different browsers, it seems fine under Firefix, but Google Chrome has the issue. So I guess it might a a browser-specific problem.

[Tankbuster]

This prompted me to try different browsers, it seems fine under Firefix, but Google Chrome has the issue. So I guess it might a a browser-specific problem.
Hmm, dunno mate. I'm using Chrome here.

[Sniperwolf572]

This prompted me to try different browsers, it seems fine under Firefix, but Google Chrome has the issue. So I guess it might a a browser-specific problem.

It should be a case of some resource on the page being slow to load/not being cached properly and delaying the firing of the event which scrolls your page down to the post.
Since you're using Chrome, you can check yourself by opening the dev tools with F12, going to the Network tab and using the go to new post link, it should show you all resources being loaded. Check the timeline and you should see your culprit. Vertical blue line should be the point where the scroll happens.

[DMarkwick]

It should be a case of some resource on the page being slow to load/not being cached properly and delaying the firing of the event which scrolls your page down to the post.
Since you're using Chrome, you can check yourself by opening the dev tools with F12, going to the Network tab and using the go to new post link, it should show you all resources being loaded. Check the timeline and you should see your culprit. Vertical blue line should be the point where the scroll happens.

Looking at the timeline reveals..... FACEBOOK. Delaying the display by anything from 17 to 32 seconds, on the few tests I did.


Request URL:https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js
Request Headersview parsed
GET https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js HTTP/1.1

User-Agent: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 6.1; WOW64) AppleWebKit/535.7 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/16.0.912.77 Safari/535.7

Accept: */*

Referer: http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?72059-The-all-new-Ask-a-moderator-about-the-forum-amp-rules&p=2103006

So... is my machine reporting to Facebook or has the web page got a Facebook link that Chrome is not handling?

[Max Power]

Looking at my noscript dialogue, this website is running scripts from facebook.com and facebook.net.

[Sniperwolf572]

Looking at the timeline reveals..... FACEBOOK. Delaying the display by anything from 17 to 32 seconds, on the few tests I did.
So... is my machine reporting to Facebook or has the web page got a Facebook link that Chrome is not handling?

It's a usual Facebook script that handles their JavaScript API. It's embedded in the forums, to power things like the very unnecessary like button below the thread title.

[Dwarden]

it powers way more ... post to facebook, facebook connect, login and who knows what

yet i agree, the whole thing could be faster, lets hope future updates improve that part of vB

[.kju [PvPscene]]

Just block facebook domains via hosts file.

[DMarkwick]

As an update: my delayed display problems were solved by rebooting my router.:confused_o:

[Hellfire257]

Could you please unlock this thread?

http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?131012-Funny-embarrasing-best-moments-in-school

I understand that it is a bit too offtopic but I thought there was scope for a good discussion and quite a few funny moments to be told!

[NeMeSiS]

Could you please unlock this thread?

http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?131012-Funny-embarrasing-best-moments-in-school

I understand that it is a bit too offtopic but I thought there was scope for a good discussion and quite a few funny moments to be told!

Or in a broader sense: Can we have a 'too offtopic for offtopic' forum wich would be a hard to find subforum like the current game subforum is? I know this isnt a playground but i dont see why i would have to go to another website for this, and the funny video's thread and stuff like that would fit there perfectly.
I think that a place on these forums for some 'community bonding' would be a positive development.

[Hellfire257]

I agree! I'm sure we all have some stories to tell in that thread! I know I certainly do... ;)

[DM]

Or in a broader sense: Can we have a 'too offtopic for offtopic' forum wich would be a hard to find subforum like the current game subforum is?

Personally I think the gaming subforum should be the main offtopic forum, and the current "any and all" stuff should be the sub-forum. That or they should be side by side on the main forum page. But thats just me...

[NeMeSiS]

Personally I think the gaming subforum should be the main offtopic forum, and the current "any and all" stuff should be the sub-forum. That or they should be side by side on the main forum page. But thats just me...

Well yeah, but i thought we already fought and lost that battle. :p
(I would just like to be able to see the game subforum from the main page)

[Abs]

Personally I think the gaming subforum should be the main offtopic forum, and the current "any and all" stuff should be the sub-forum. That or they should be side by side on the main forum page. But thats just me...

Not just you. I barely visit the gaming forum because of how inconvenient it is in comparison. [/FIRSTWORLDPROBLEMS]

Abs

[ProfTournesol]

Not just you. I barely visit the gaming forum because of how inconvenient it is in comparison. [/FIRSTWORLDPROBLEMS]

Abs

True, same for me.

[fraczek]

Hi, I have a question about account activation process and the forums.

1) Is there some sort of posting rank on the forums? In all the (few) threads I have replied, my post always needed to be approved by the moderator. Is that normal and set in the thread, or is that just because I am new here and have low post count? (ie even in offtopic thread like this (http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?131106-Near-death-experiences-intense-situations).

2) When I try to edit my profile, most settings on the Settings page are inaccessible, giving me this error:

you do not have permission to access this page. This could be due to one of several reasons:

Your user account may not have sufficient privileges to access this page. Are you trying to edit someone else's post, access administrative features or some other privileged system?
If you are trying to post, the administrator may have disabled your account, or it may be awaiting activation.

Well, I have activated. Right according to the link in the first email. I even tried activating again, it says I have already activated. What's the problem?

Thank you for looking into this.

[Dwarden]

all of the fresh members are moderated, then there is special anti-spam auto-moderation based on predefined rules
access to profile and some other stuff like signatures is when pass the 'newbie' status into 'registered' regular user :)


You may think it's too strict, but it helped to get rid of 99.9% spam reaching public users of this forum


so there is no problem, just keep posting normally until it works ;)

[fraczek]

I can understand that very well (about the spam). Thank you for the explanation. It might help if there was a mention of it in the forum rules, but then again, mentioning it might give spammers an advantage :)

[Abs]

@<hidden>: Might I suggest that you change the name of the WIP: Stuff you are working on thread? Because it seems that what you really want it to be is "Post here for critique on your work" thread.

Even in the first post where you quoted Adumb, it says:

Just a fun/random topic for WIP/pimpin screenshots of whatever you are working, whether it be a small a reskin, or as big as an all new model, this way we don't always have to open a new thread.
Might I draw your attention to the section where it says "pimpin", which means showing off, which is what you yourself say in the next sentence. And even in the next paragraph it says "Where appropriate, the users of this thread provide critiques", meaning that it is sometimes appropriate for critiques, and sometimes not, thus adding to the view that this is not a critique thread but a show off your WIP thread.

Stagler is still developing his addon and hasn't finished the wound textures yet, which by definition makes it WIP as it is not complete yet. Because of that, the misleading title still applies.

Please don't see this is a rant against a particular mod, because it isn't. You are usually quite very reasonable, and I'm just asking if it wouldn't be better if you rename the thread title to something a bit clearer.

And since you were unsure in the thread of where you were hostile, then let me take a moment to explain (again, not an attack...just clarifying because you said that you didn't see it). You said "This is the last time I'm going to say this nicely..." which means that next time there will be no pleasantries, but hostility. It's why the user who said what he said said it.

And finally, I have another question: When a mod says something, how does one distinguish between what is moderation and a statement of personal opinion? In this particular example, you have stated that your opinion of the thread is that it is for getting critiques for WIP projects. You had also stated that as a user in the past before you were a mod. People have disagreed with you in the past when you were a user, and nothing happened because you were not a mod and they were just stating their equally valid opinions that are different than yours, and that's all it was. Now that you have the position of being a moderator, you have used your moderator abilities against someone who disagreed with your opinion. So, to repeat, how does one distinguish between what is moderation and a statement of personal opinion?

Please advise.

Abs

[Max Power]

You are exactly right, Abs. During the course of the first thread by Adumb, the character of it changed as some artists were trying to build up to be a kind of workshop thread. When I created the new thread, I wanted to keep that character but I also wanted to give Adumb the props he deserved for making the original one. We will make a new thread with more clearly defined boundaries.

I don't agree that a lack of niceness implies hostility. I just meant that this would be the last time I visit the subject before issuing infractions. I was implying that there would be administrative action from that point forward. Issuing warnings or infractions is not a hostile thing for me. It's just a procedural thing. Next time I will just say it's the last warning I will issue before bla bla bla, whatever the situation warrants.

[Rye]

Well a lack of niceness does not imply being neutral when giving out infarctions. Aren't moderators supposed to remain neutral? Would it help if they did?

[Max Power]

Would you characterize infractions as a nice thing?

[Rye]

Does it matter? I see other forum moderators do it in a neutral, calm manner. And it would help if all mods did it in the same fashion. Thanks.

[Max Power]

Yes, it does matter. In fact, it's crucial to understanding my statement above.

---------- Post added at 02:58 ---------- Previous post was at 02:32 ----------


And finally, I have another question: When a mod says something, how does one distinguish between what is moderation and a statement of personal opinion? In this particular example, you have stated that your opinion of the thread is that it is for getting critiques for WIP projects. You had also stated that as a user in the past before you were a mod. People have disagreed with you in the past when you were a user, and nothing happened because you were not a mod and they were just stating their equally valid opinions that are different than yours, and that's all it was. Now that you have the position of being a moderator, you have used your moderator abilities against someone who disagreed with your opinion. So, to repeat, how does one distinguish between what is moderation and a statement of personal opinion?

Please advise.

Abs

Well, on the topic of what that thread was actually for, check this post (http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?74243-WIP-Stuff-you-are-working-on-2!&p=1839421&viewfull=1#post1839421) for a moderator opinion that isn't me and wasn't made since I became a moderator. Regarding the difference between my opinion and my moderating, normally I structure my moderating posts. I can see how what I said before I was a moderator vs. what I'm saying now can be problematic. I think the only place you would really run in to that problem is in the wip thread, which is now closed indefinitely. We're creating a new one which will hopefully help clear up a lot of that vagueness. If you're ever unsure of what's an opinion and what's a moderation you can always ask.

[Abs]

May I posit that the WIP thread should in fact remain as a thread for WIP posts. When the first one was created by Adumb, it was created because of the flood of started but unfinished projects in the A&M Disc. forum that just cluttered it up. If you limit this thread to just critiques (which I honestly don't see why this limit should be there...what harm is there in having the thread be for WIP and for critiques?) then there is a chance that the same situation may occur.

Of course, the number of addon makers have significantly dropped since the ARMA days, so perhaps this isn't as much of a possibility as it used to be...but still, what's the harm in using that thread for both critiques and WIP?

And Max, when I read W0lle's post, it says "This thread is for showing WIP and (syn: in addition to) for constructive feedback", indicating that there was indeed a dual purpose. Unless W0lle clears that up, one of us (you or me, not sure) has read his post wrong.

@<hidden>: Max has already cleared up what he will do next time "This is the last warning bla bla", showing that he gets it. No point in discussing it further, IMHO.

Thanks, Max, for your replies.

Abs

[Serclaes]

If I may interject: as I understand it's not about WIP or critique but rather about WIP or "hype". From what I gathered, Max Power is planning a thread for WIP & critiques ONLY (means no "hype"). You might post a WIP and might receive critiques. Then it's up to you if you follow or ignore them. But the pictures need in essence to be made with that WIP mindset.
For those "hype" posts there is still the Combat Photography thread (like Parvus did for Combat! back then). Or a dedicated thread.

[SkyNet2018]

Should I use the "[youtube]" or "[video]" tags when posting a video in a thread? I tried the youtube bb tags recently and now my thread has crashed. I can't edit it to fix it back.

[Dwarden]

look into the icons list for video link, you can clearly see it's [video] one

[SkyNet2018]

Yeah, thanks for the reply. There is also a "[youtube]" BB code which actually works. I believe my thread was pending approval or something because it magically showed up again. Either way, thanks. I am now using the [video] code because it looks better imo.

[Tankbuster]

Yes, but it's usage is different. The old youtube tag required just the short series of characters at the end of the url. The video tag requires the whole url and it can't be https

---------- Post added at 10:40 ---------- Previous post was at 10:09 ----------

The forum time zone thingy seems to be a bit odd. :) Not important, but you can't accuse me of not being observant.

This might be because the server isn't in GMT, but nevertheless, it's confusing me.

I can set the forum time offset in General Settings/ Date & Time options. The current time offset is also shown at the bottom of every forum page.

But they don't match. In order to get the thread and reply times to show correct for me (in London (we're not on daylight saving time ATM)) I have to set the above setting to GMT -1 (Azores) and when I do, the footer of the forum page shows GMT + 0. (and the *correct time).

* Actually, it's not quite correct, it's 6 minutes slow. :)

[Sickboy]

The time seems not synced with atomic clock either, the time seems to run 4 minutes ahead at least.

[Tankbuster]

Ack! I said *slow* You're right, the forum clock is actually fast.

[SWAT_BigBear]

The forums seem to fluctuate between 2-4 minutes faster for me.
But if ya had not mentioned it...I would've never noticed it. :p

Edit..my post went thru the BI Black Hole....4 min in the future.

[froggyluv]

I've noticed that 4 minute thingy for a while now but felt like I'd be too much of a freak to mention it. Thanks Sickboy :)

[colossus]

I was wondering if ArmA 3 development blog and reveals (http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?122794-ARMA-3-development-blog-amp-reveals) is more fitted as "ArmA 3 news discussion" (rename). It seems to me that this thread has been used as such for some time now. If this doesn't suit the thread, perhaps we could create a new discussion thread devoted do news discussion. Seeing there is no such thread at the present day.

[Tankbuster]

Thread move request.

http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?131679

Should probably be in Arm2 & OA -Mission Editing. The author is clearly a muppet who didn't do his research before wading into the troubleshooting forum. :)

[Foxhound]

I was actually initiating a 4 month post restriction for the author for being a muppet when I suddenly got a vision of my favorite muppet Kermit enlightening me with only lovely feelings.
So, I decided to just move the topic and leave it at that :)

[Tankbuster]

Thanks Foxy :)

[DMarkwick]

There used to be a list of current online users. Is this disable deliberately or just a new forum default setting?

[ProfTournesol]

There used to be a list of current online users. Is this disable deliberately or just a new forum default setting?

Disabled on purpose (http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?72048-New-Forums-Feedback-thread-Bugs-Suggestions-here-please&p=2111244&viewfull=1#post2111244). Still here in the vb3 for vb4 style though.

[Max Power]

There used to be a list of current online users. Is this disable deliberately or just a new forum default setting?

It has something to do with the number of queries being made when the page is loading. Dwarden wants to keep those down so the forum loads quickly.

[Abs]

It has something to do with the number of queries being made when the page is loading. Dwarden wants to keep those down so the forum loads quickly.

Then why not get rid of the Spam-O-Matic Statistics, Total members that have registered today, and the Total members who have posted today for ordinary users? I think the typical user would rather see if their friends are on than how many spam bots were blocked. Keep them all for admins, of course.

Abs

[DMarkwick]

Disabled on purpose (http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?72048-New-Forums-Feedback-thread-Bugs-Suggestions-here-please&p=2111244&viewfull=1#post2111244). Still here in the vb3 for vb4 style though.

Aha, thanks for the tip :) changed my forum style to that one.

[Dwarden]

total stats are less demanding and way more informative,
SOM stats are sadly only on or off not per group optionable


also the list of 'active' users is quite long if there is 500+ of them :)
plus if You click on the NUMBER users online (http://forums.bistudio.com/online.php). it brings You to list anyway

so no functionality is lost, it's just not growing out of control on the main page

also be sure the admins, devs and mods see way more and longer statistics than normal users :)

[PELHAM]

To the right under settings and logout I'm told I have 83 unread posts. If I click on it I get a list of threads 95% of which I have never visited. Any explanations for this?

Why I mention it is the list grows ever larger and I was concerned resources are being used unnecessarily?

[Dwarden]

it's list of unread posts same as when clicking on 'new posts' with different from-time rules applied
resource usage is neglible as all this is one fetch go (not even query count raised)

[[APS]Gnat]

So at what point is it the statistics are consider to show that a wrong turn was made?
http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?74243-WIP-Stuff-you-are-working-on-2!
> 200 posts a month

http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?131447-Addon-Developer-Workshop
Heading for < 20 posts in a month.

The last thing this community needs is a strangle-hold on people being creative and getting inspiration from others.
At least put WIP in the thread title ffs.

[Mr Burns]

Agreed.

I never endorsed the "oh look i´ve made a retex/prefab" posts in the former thread,
but then again, at this point the whole boulevard´ish attitude has vanished from the new one.

Even though many will never understand the polycounting going on in it, the former was far more entertaining (& helpful for all polycounters around).

[Max Power]

Gnat;2120863']So at what point is it the statistics are consider to show that a wrong turn was made?
http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?74243-WIP-Stuff-you-are-working-on-2!
> 200 posts a month

http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?131447-Addon-Developer-Workshop
Heading for < 20 posts in a month.

The last thing this community needs is a strangle-hold on people being creative and getting inspiration from others.
At least put WIP in the thread title ffs.

I don't know if post rate is necessarily indicative of thread quality ;)

The whole point of that change was to decrease the post rate. It was aimed to reduce the number of spammy posts and posts without any wip material being shown, and with no actual means of identifying what is wip and what is not. I specifically left WIP out of the titles of all of those threads to distance them from their predecessors. That thread was too high a burden on the moderators, which was told to me repeatedly by moderators when I was still just a user. This is an opinion that I now share as a moderator. Furthermore, that thread was replaced by three threads, not only that one. And, in addition to that, I think any statistical comparison in terms of post rate is totally impossible at this point, given that that WIP thread had years to get going while these ones have only had a few weeks. The first WIP thread's first post was also accompanied by artwork for people to comment on, which I chose not to include.

In sum, the lower post rate is indicative of the thread doing what it is supposed to be doing. People have got meaningful feedback, there has been no spammy garbage, and the moderator burden is very light. It is there if people wish to use it.

[[APS]Gnat]

... The whole point of that change was to decrease the post rate. .....
Wow, if BI Forums was a product and you were a salesman, you just got sacked.

[DM]

The whole point of that change was to decrease the post rate.

Seems to be a common theme lately, the new signup requirements are reportedly putting a lot of new folks off too...

[Sickboy]

Makes it sound like the People are here to serve the Moderators, instead of the other way around. (Like governments!! ;))

Personally I don't think it's bad trying to reduce noise when possible. I also know it can be annoying to create/have a thread with a specific intent/purpose, and it then time and time again being abused for the wrong things.
Still - perhaps there should be two threads then - the heavily moderated workshop with a specific purpose in mind, and a separate thread for more common discussions / show of works etc.

[Max Power]

Gnat;2121780']Wow, if BI Forums was a product and you were a salesman, you just got sacked.

Fortunately, that is not the case. And we are not talking about the whole forums, just one thread. Let's keep this in perspective.


Seems to be a common theme lately, the new signup requirements are reportedly putting a lot of new folks off too...

These two issues are not related. The sign up requirements are to keep spambots out. For what it's worth, it is working very well. I think if users are having problems with it, they ought to give appropriate feedback. I'm am not saying that no feedback has been given. I have seen one or two complaints a while ago, but nothing lately.


Makes it sound like the People are here to serve the Moderators, instead of the other way around. (Like governments!! ;))

Well, the community has requirements, and moderators also have requirements, and sometimes these things don't line up 100%. In the case of the present thread, if it was all about me I would not have spent 3 days forming a proposal.


Personally I don't think it's bad trying to reduce noise when possible. I also know it can be annoying to create/have a thread with a specific intent/purpose, and it then time and time again being abused for the wrong things.
Still - perhaps there should be two threads then - the heavily moderated workshop with a specific purpose in mind, and a separate thread for more common discussions / show of works etc.

We have the workshop thread and the upcoming mod thread pair. Of the pair there is a thread for putting whatever you want in there and a thread for commenting on what is in there. The only requirements for the upcoming mods thread are that you post only your own work (or give all involved credit), and only addons and mods without their own thread.

[Messiah]

I think the point of contention is that everyone seemed to be happy with how the original thread had progressed, besides yourself (seemed, I'm sure there were others, but the majority were happy). Maybe the original intention of the the thread had changed course somewhat in the many years it had been running, but thats the nature of most threads. To it and its users credit it didn't exactly veer horrifically off topic, things were posted up, things were discussed, praised, commented on, etc. I, like many, saw it not just as a place to share and comment, but also a way of removing the thousands of new threads that used to pop up where someone wanted to show their bulldozer model, claim it to be the next big mod, and disappear into the sunset. The thread kept things in one place.

I'm not entirely sure how one thread being split into two/three threads reduces any burden, other than that they're horribly offputting. One seems better at place in the editing section along with all the other modeling related questions, and the other doesn't allow you to comment/discuss? If the intention is to force people to start a new thread every time they want to discuss something they made without it coming under the rules set forth by the developer workshop thread, doesn't this counter the notion of reducing burden and post count? The post reduction is down to people being put off even bothering with those threads, especially given the current climate of dictation. Allow people to comment in the up and coming thread, let them get praise, feedback, suggestions without needing to create an entirely new, potentially pointless topic.

One serious development thread, one casual discussion thread.

[edit]

appoligies, it seems that intention is there, so ignore a swathe of that post, but I'm struggling to locate the up and comming thread twin?

[edit 2]

ah, found it lurking towards the bottom. I would have expected it to be stickied and easier to locate so people could natter about the stuff posted? Would it be beyond the realms of possibility to have to stickied and located below the no discussion thread? At present it risks dropping off the front page and becoming lost.

[Max Power]

I think the point of contention is that everyone seemed to be happy with how the original thread had progressed, besides yourself (seemed, I'm sure there were others, but the majority were happy). Maybe the original intention of the the thread had changed course somewhat in the many years it had been running, but thats the nature of most threads. To it and its users credit it didn't exactly veer horrifically off topic, things were posted up, things were discussed, praised, commented on, etc. I, like many, saw it not just as a place to share and comment, but also a way of removing the thousands of new threads that used to pop up where someone wanted to show their bulldozer model, claim it to be the next big mod, and disappear into the sunset. The thread kept things in one place.

There were a few problems, most of which stemmed from the purpose of the thread being extremely vague. Vagueness is a problem for moderators and users. Both kinds of forum users need to interpret these situations, and figure out how a thread should be used. There was a bunch of wildly different opinions on that thread, leading to unnecessary conflict.


I'm not entirely sure how one thread being split into two/three threads reduces any burden, other than that they're horribly offputting. One seems better at place in the editing section along with all the other modeling related questions, and the other doesn't allow you to comment/discuss? If the intention is to force people to start a new thread every time they want to discuss something they made without it coming under the rules set forth by the developer workshop thread, doesn't this counter the notion of reducing burden and post count? The post reduction is down to people being put off even bothering with those threads, especially given the current climate of dictation. Allow people to comment in the up and coming thread, let them get praise, feedback, suggestions without needing to create an entirely new, potentially pointless topic.

One serious development thread, one casual discussion thread.

The burden is reduced because there is no more dual purpose thread with conflicting applications. No one has to clamp down, complain, or moderate comments for not being 'meaningul' if there is no such requirement. I don't have to read 400 posts per day to make sure everyone is still doing their best to keep the comments meaningful, and the items put up for feedback can actually facilitate meaningful feedback, and the thread isn't duplicating the combat photography thread, and the items posted don't have their own thread already, etc etc. On the users side, they have to worry less about that stuff as well. Now the discussion thread is more like a regular thread, and only the usual posting conventions apply. You have to be on topic, and obey the forum rules proper, and that's all you need to worry about.


appoligies, it seems that intention is there, so ignore a swathe of that post, but I'm struggling to locate the up and comming thread twin?

[edit 2]

ah, found it lurking towards the bottom. I would have expected it to be stickied and easier to locate so people could natter about the stuff posted? Would it be beyond the realms of possibility to have to stickied and located below the no discussion thread? At present it risks dropping off the front page and becoming lost.

The comments threads for other thread-pairs lately have not had their discussion portion stickied. I guess the possibility is there, but that forum is already full of stickies. If it gets a lot of use, the argument for making yet another sticky in that forum would become much stronger. Perhaps when people start to use these threads, we can consider stickying the discussion thread. For now I can link to the discussion thread in the first post of the display thread.

[Dwarden]

Seems to be a common theme lately, the new signup requirements are reportedly putting a lot of new folks off too...

reports and where? i have yet to receive single email myself or PM about it ...

i got 3 forwards and 5 skype messages related to it ... in meantime 100s users registered fine, fully ...

i guess You missed the minor detail "where is the spam" since i deployed various techniques to level the playfield

forums are for discussion, if you want be on them then spending 3-5 more minutes on filling registration form is not gunna kill You

if You in hurry, there is always support email

[Joe98]

How do you make 2 posts in a row in one thead? This is post 1.
.

.

---------- Post added at 08:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:05 PM ----------

Here then is post 2 in the same thread.

.
.

---------- Post added at 08:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:06 PM ----------

And here is post 3 in the same thread.

How can I make 3 posts in a row and have them appear as 3 posts?

.

[Max Power]

There is a certain time limit on when the software considers it added material and a new post. I'm not sure what that time limit is.

[DMarkwick]

I often access the forums from my iPhone and I note that forum navigation is rather clunky, most times it seems to be simply easier to use my browser's bookmark and start navigating "from the top".

Moreover, from the mobile version of the forum there seems to be no method of editing your posts.

[Placebo]

Moreover, from the mobile version of the forum there seems to be no method of editing your posts.

This is necessary so we can all laugh at your auto correct errors ;)

http://cdn.damnyouautocorrect.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/meal-plan-justin.jpg

[DMarkwick]

This is necessary so we can all laugh at your auto correct errors ;)

Ah, I see :) however I disabled my auto-text, so any errors are either errors, deliberate, or the result of Freudian lips.

[Firby]

I'm new to this forum and i got the verification email, but i cant change my profile setting like avatars. please help!:confused:

[Placebo]

Anti-spam feature for new posters, once you're over a certain limit of "proper" posts such things will be possible, don't worry about your avatar just worry about finding valid discussions to contribute to and before you know it all will be available :)

[Max Power]

You lack the required permissions. You will gain those permissions as your post count grows :)

[Tankbuster]

Thread rename request..

http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?134363-The-sucsessor-to-Domination-for-ARMA2-and-then-ARMA3

Has a noobish spelling error in it! The second word should be 'successor'

Ta. :)

[W0lle]

Done

[Tankbuster]

Thank you. :)

[Tankbuster]

Another thread rename request for the same thread...

http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?134363-The-successor-to-Domination-for-ARMA2-and-then-ARMA3

Can it's new name be

Project Phoenix The successor to Domination for ARMA2/3

[Albert Schweitzer]

havent been around for a while, but arent there any community awards for 2011/2012? I would enjoy one for movies since a lot of good one came out since.

[W0lle]

LOL, I thought the same just a couple hours ago. No idea actually if there will be a community awards run this year. We'll see.

Good to see you still being around.

[Double Doppler]

Hi, is bumping a thread allowed?

[W0lle]

Depends. If you really have something important to add to a thread, digging it out is no problem. However, if the thread is years old, it's better to leave it where it is.

Bumping threads which useful posts as "bump", "Any news" or "is this dead" will be removed without further notice and the thread ends up closed.

[Max Power]

Contributions to threads should be meaningful. Making a new post somewhere down the line with an update or news is fine. Bumping a post with something like 'bumpity bump' is spam.

edit: Ninja'd

[Double Doppler]

What if the thread has no replies, is not 3+ months old but is no longer in public view (has to be found on page 2)? Would creating a new thread be advisable, or bumping?

[Max Power]

Neither. If there are no replies, and there is nothing new to add, then the topic is where it belongs. Perhaps you can link me to the topic and I can see if I can help you with something.

[DMarkwick]

User monetisation thread. OK, BIS might see the issue itself as quite important, but really, is it such a big problem that the thread must be spammed absolutely everywhere?

For example, I don't see the forum rules thread spammed nearly as much, and I would imagine that far more infractions happen regarding that :)

Surely one spam per main sub-forum level would suffice? Or, perhaps more succinctly, place that information right in the forum rules & regs thread, 1st post. There is a requirement to read that one.

[Lukanikos]

I would only like to know why I am able to write in some threads and not in others which have not been closed (people still post on them).

I mean I do not get the possibility to reply or any window where to write (like the one I am using to write this post)

Does someone know the answer?

thanks

[Max Power]

Most of your posts are premoderated, and some of your abilities are limited, until you post a few more times. It's so we can keep the spam on the forum to a minimum. Post a few more times and you will have the capabilities of a full user in no time.

[Tankbuster]

The whole point of that change was to decrease the post rate. It was aimed to reduce the number of spammy posts and posts without any wip material being shown,

You want to reduce the post rate? Give us the 'like this post' button back again. It'll reduce the number of stupid "I just came" and "wow, nice pix" posts.

[Max Power]

Such a thing was talked about.

I would like the "thank you" button back as well, but I disagree that it would have a measurable effect on posting.

[Tankbuster]

I remember discussing it with Dwarden and I think it's a shame it was removed.

[Lukanikos]

Most of your posts are premoderated, and some of your abilities are limited, until you post a few more times. It's so we can keep the spam on the forum to a minimum. Post a few more times and you will have the capabilities of a full user in no time.

Cool!
thanks a lot for your explanation.

Regards

Lukanikos.

[Matthewkunx]

Hey can a Moderator pm me about something I want to post? I want to run it through a mod before posting it as per rules. :cool:

[W0lle]

Just PM a moderator of your choice with the question and he will look into it. No worries, we don't bite (usually). :)

[Matthewkunx]

Just PM a moderator of your choice with the question and he will look into it. No worries, we don't bite (usually). :)

I choose you Pikach...I mean Wolle,:cool: .

[Darkhorse 1-6]

It's been made very clear that Bohemia has nothing to do with Iron Front, that all questions should be directed towards the developers, etc. etc. etc.

My question is, why is there even an Iron Front section on the forums?

[Tankbuster]

My question is, why is there even an Iron Front section on the forums?

It's a fair question. If you're going to have a forum for it, you can expect questions to be asked there. Perhaps the IF developers should be encouraged to use this forum?

[W0lle]

Wasn't my decision, and I have no idea either why that forum was created since the only thing in common is the engine.

The developers are all here, even have fancy avatars. Even the head of X1 Software was here, made a statement and was never seen again. Why they don't use this forum to communicate with their customers - I have no idea either. :)

[batto]

Point expiry is related to automated bans due to receiving x amount of active points in a certain time, the fact that you actually received a warning/infraction in the past is taken into consideration when deciding each future action, ie do I keep warning this person or is it time to try an infraction to get their attention, when someone has received a number of infractions for little things even if they're expired then we consider post restrictions because they're clearly not getting the message, and yes it is ridiculously silly to get a ban for breaking little rules 5 times in a row or whatever, but the sillier part is that you didn't learn to pay more attention after the 3rd or 4th time.

Hello.

On how many infractions will automated ban trigger?

Can I be banned manually for lower number of infractions ( => can moderator put weight on individual infractions)?

Thank you.

(I don't plan controlled abuse, I'm just interested)

[W0lle]

On how many infractions will automated ban trigger?
On 5 active infractions


Can I be banned manually for lower number of infractions ( => can moderator put weight on individual infractions)?
Of course, whenever it is necessary. :)

[Mr_Centipede]

Does this forum can be viewed using blackberry browser? specifically on blackberry 7 phone. Thank you

[W0lle]

Well you surely can, but there is no forum/website optimized for mobile devices if you mean that.

Edit: I was told that there is in fact a mobile skin you can use. Maybe I should check the forums some more instead spamming a lot. :)

[Messiah]

Question about a possible topic for A3, although I may be getting ahead of myself in terms of timing due to the game being pushed back to 2013, however the premise of the thread may require some discussion over time.

The topic would be aimed at 'modding/editing wishes' within A3. Now, the point to note is in my mind this is distinctly different to the 10,000 'I want unit X and X' threads, it is centred around changes/additions to the game from A2 - 3 that would allow specifically modders (mission makes included one suspect) a greater freedom/more control to create a greater variety of content. For example, a post from myself would perhaps contain:


Ability to query who has ejected from a vehicle - Currently writing a script that allows for a top cover (using a personal weapon from a hatch in the vehicle) which uses getin and out eventhandlers and querying who got in/out and what position and to hide/display a weapon at that position if needed. Currently ejecting breaks the script, as unit never gets out and unable to query which position in the vehicle was vacated.

Ability to query which turret (on multiple turreted vehicles) a gunner enters (similar premise to above question)


My real list is a little longer, built up over the last ten years. My question being if it deserves a distintly seperate thread where modding utility is discussed? It could of course come under 'ideas and wishes', but the amount of drivel in that thread rather detracts from potentially useful ideas and additions (not to say mine are any less drivel based)

[[EVO] Dan]

Where do you think this topic should go?

Basically I am releasing a mission template for people to add their own little missions to, and it comes with the pbo (so you can have a look at the one mission I put into it and the params). I plan on updating it aswell.

Where would it be best to go?

-OA mission and scripting
-OA released missions?

[Placebo]

Sounds like ARMA 2 & OA - USER MISSIONS to me, it would probably get more traffic there at a guess so that's another reason to choose that forum :)

[[EVO] Dan]

Sounds like ARMA 2 & OA - USER MISSIONS to me, it would probably get more traffic there at a guess so that's another reason to choose that forum :)

Ok thanks, will post it up there

[Tankbuster]

Guys,

I know there's a 'what PC/settings' thread in the QA forum, but like some others here, it's a monster thread and maybe scares users off, especially those who arrive here frustrated that they can't get the game to work.

I have found there's a lot of laptop users with crap integrated graphics cards and ancient AMD processors that are either or both way short of the mimimum system requirements. Can I make a 'no discussion thread' (ie, have you chaps sticky/lock it straight away) that says the following.


Laptop users! Can you run this game?

Laptop users need to be aware that this is a very demanding game and is probably not suitable for your machines.
For a start, please look at these pages which show the minimum system requirements.

http://www.game-debate.com/games/index.php?g_id=1965&game=ArmA%20II:%20Free
^^Note this is for the free version.^^

http://www.game-debate.com/games/index.php?g_id=753&game=Arma%20II:%20Operation%20Arrowhead
^^For Arma2, Arrowhead and Combined Ops^^

It's good advice consider the recommended specs as a basic starting point.

Why? This game sucks up GPU power. Your integrated graphics card cannot cope, I guarantee it.

It's even harder on your CPU. Your mobile branded CPU might have a half decent speed rating, but your GHz are cut down, low power ones. Not nearly man enough for this game.

It drags a lot of data from the hard disk too. All those lovely graphics come from the hard disk. If that's a mobile 5,400 RPM spinner, it aint going to look good.

In a laptop, all of the above means HEAT and that's bad.

Sure, you can run the game on low settings and it might work, but it'll look like crap. It'll probably lag like crazy and your AI won't work properly. You'll get crashes, errors and all kinds of heartache. You'll get pwned too, by the zombies and the other players.

Sure, some laptops do make a decent job of this game, but these tend to cost more than £1200 / $1,000 / €1,500.

So, in conclusion and in short. If you want to play this game, get a desktop. A good one.

[Placebo]

Hmm maybe other mods would like to chip in but I'm not sure I can really see the point for such a specific standalone thread, we can easily adjust the title to something that you think might help? And/or edit the first post to contain better information? Or we could always close that one now and start a 3rd thread?

[Tankbuster]

Short of a new thread, trying to merge mine into the first post of the "will my pc run this" is the next best option IMO.

Perhaps I rambled on too much in my post? I am known to do that occasionally. :)

[Max Power]

I think it might be interesting to conduct a poll about the experiences of laptop users and make recommendations based on those.

[W0lle]

Laptop = PC, I fail to see why we need a dedicated thread for laptop users. :)

[Tankbuster]

But for Arma2, laptop != PC. I'm not suggesting a new thread, just a locked 'no discussion' thread.

I'd welcome asking laptop users about their experiences with this game but it does occur to me, they do tend to be a little 'shy' about their machines. They give their specs, but often leave out crucial details, like the 'm' on the designation of their GPU, or one recent chap who called it his 'workstation'. Then, of course, there's the usual "it players Stalker on very high at 90 FPS". Yeah, pal. Sure it does.

So, I hereby accuse many laptop users of, deep down, knowing their machines aren't up to the job, and being obtuse about their specs or downright lying about how their machine performs with other titles.

For all these reasons, I suggest that we lay it out early for laptop users. They clearly can't navigate the 'will my pc run this' thread on their XVGA screens. :)

[Bouben]

Hello guys (moderators), I would like my account to be deleted if that is possible.

[Max Power]

Nope, that is not possible. You can simply go inactive, or if you want something drastic, we can ban you on request. If you need a different account, we can simply change the name or other details of this one.

[Bouben]

If you need a different account, we can simply change the name or other details of this one.

Excellent, that would be enough. Should I PM you details to change?

edit:

I have just PM you.

[Snafu]

Nope, that is not possible. You can simply go inactive, or if you want something drastic, we can ban you on request. If you need a different account, we can simply change the name or other details of this one.

Since someone mentioned this, when I was going through one of my threads about a dispersion script a week or so ago I noticed I was having a conversation with myself. The other persons posts had disappeared completely. Would that be an error with the forum? Or something else?

This is the thread. (http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?115142-High-Dispersion-by-Script)

[ProfTournesol]

Since someone mentioned this, when I was going through one of my threads about a dispersion script a week or so ago I noticed I was having a conversation with myself. The other persons posts had disappeared completely. Would that be an error with the forum? Or something else?

This is the thread. (http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?115142-High-Dispersion-by-Script)

Wasn't the guy Walter_E_kurtz (http://forums.bistudio.com/member.php?46214-Walter_E_Kurtz) ? Cause i can't find his posts anymore, and in some topic i was thanking him but his posts simply disappeared...

[Placebo]

Yep Rellikki deleted all his replies because he'd gone back to every post he made and edited them to say "F.U. Bis"...

[Max Power]

Excellent, that would be enough. Should I PM you details to change?

edit:

I have just PM you.

Requests for name changes should go in the username change / merge thread (http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?72049-The-Username-Change-Merge-Thread) so we can keep track of the changes, and because some moderators *cough* don't have the power to change your account details.

[mrcash2009]

Very minor thing, in the offtopic Meme thread I notice 107k image returns as a URL only, although I could swear I saw the new forum feature that detected large image (100k +) and scaled it into an embed to overcome this. Is it a tag you need to surround URL other than insert image? Or import image to forum and it doesn't use URL?

[DM]

I could swear I saw the new forum feature that detected large image (100k +) and scaled it into an embed to overcome this.
As far as I ever saw, it was just a render-resizer. It just scaled the picture down, it didnt create a lower-res thumbnail.

Which is why I have the useless PoS script-blocked.

[mrcash2009]

Ah right, I thought it was the answer to moderating large pics IE forum detects pic link 100+k , embed scales it to forum, can then still be viewed while embedded and no infractions?

Ah well, seems not.

[DM]

No, they only ever implemented a tag replacer IMG -> URL for greater than 100kb.

[Max Power]

Ah right, I thought it was the answer to moderating large pics IE forum detects pic link 100+k , embed scales it to forum, can then still be viewed while embedded and no infractions?

Ah well, seems not.

That is the goal. From what little I know about it, it is easier said than done. The tag replacer is not always working, and the re-sizer doesn't do anything to the actual image size in kb. You could resize a giant image down to a thumbnail and it could still be a 3 meg image. I believe that feature is just to keep the dimensions of individual posts reasonable. All in all, we don't as of yet have any reliable solution to automagically handle oversized images. I can only speak for myself, but I think infractions for this rule would be reserved only for extreme or repeated cases. That said, it is still up to the user to manage their file sizes until a suitable solution can be found.

[mrcash2009]

Ref the RTM sticky notification, what about the following paradox:


If you feel that the moderator has done something that can not be solved via normal conversation, please notify the head moderator, Placebo (http://forums.bistudio.com/member.php?u=9860).

What if it was Placebo? (Kind of joking, and also have no issues, but I just thought about it as I read it) :)

BTW Thanks Maxpower for reply, didnt see that until now.

[Placebo]

You contact me and I will assess the situation from a completely neutral, impartial and unbiased perspective based on 11 years working on these very forums ;)

[Messiah]

asses

that's something you don't see every day ;) (Assess - I assume thats what you mean, rather than the plural of American Bottoms)

Can I get a reply on my question? I understand it was rather long winded first time around, so in short, does it seem prudent/useful to create a 'modding wishlist' for A3 (purely as a wishlist for features useful for the modding community, such as new commands etc) where all requests for addon X, or Engine change Y were out of bounds? It could equally be placed in the current wishlist thread, which is, however and of no surprise, generally overflowing with mindless drivel (and a useful way to collate all aforementioned drivel, rather than 1000's of threads).

[Placebo]

Good spot ;)

[Thromp]

Hmm ,
I got excited over nothing when I saw proper use of the RTM system , then I read it , I come to conclusion there is some other name for the report post button that I don't know , maybe call it what it is to avoid confusion and keep the clarity for which the whole sticky is designed ?
In case of misunderstand RTM is animation file I am trying to understand as well as report post button :) .
Now I'm thinking do I post here or pm moderator or maybe rtm system to register my dismay that although RTM got a nice sticky with clear instruction , it wasn't the RTM I was hoping for :) .

[W0lle]

Good point Thromp. Changed now.

[Max Power]

Hmm ,
I got excited over nothing when I saw proper use of the RTM system , then I read it , I come to conclusion there is some other name for the report post button that I don't know , maybe call it what it is to avoid confusion and keep the clarity for which the whole sticky is designed ?
In case of misunderstand RTM is animation file I am trying to understand as well as report post button :) .
Now I'm thinking do I post here or pm moderator or maybe rtm system to register my dismay that although RTM got a nice sticky with clear instruction , it wasn't the RTM I was hoping for :) .

Good spot, thromp, and sorry to get you all excited! I would also like extended tools to create rtm animations.

Here I was referring to the Report To Moderator button. W0lle already changed it up. Thanks for pointing out the vagueness.

[Sniperwolf572]

Can I get a reply on my question? I understand it was rather long winded first time around, so in short, does it seem prudent/useful to create a 'modding wishlist' for A3 (purely as a wishlist for features useful for the modding community, such as new commands etc) where all requests for addon X, or Engine change Y were out of bounds? It could equally be placed in the current wishlist thread, which is, however and of no surprise, generally overflowing with mindless drivel (and a useful way to collate all aforementioned drivel, rather than 1000's of threads).

Speaking for myself here, I'd love to see something like this.

Since the last details of alpha release claims that it will be moddable to an extent, it's probably going to be useful for giving feedback regarding modding features. Truth be told, if it's true, it will probably warrant an early opening of the editing section as far as I'm concerned.

[Placebo]

I deliberately didn't answer as I leave the addons forums to others better suited ;)

[Messiah]

Speaking for myself here, I'd love to see something like this.

Since the last details of alpha release claims that it will be moddable to an extent, it's probably going to be useful for giving feedback regarding modding features. Truth be told, if it's true, it will probably warrant an early opening of the editing section as far as I'm concerned.

Seems like a fair way to do it, have a feedback sticky in the editing section once the Alpha is released and we get an idea of the possibilities. In truth, untill then any discussion/requests are perhaps rather fruitless given that there's every chance it has already been implemented. I guess we, like most modders, all have some little part of the engine, a 'missing' command or check, that we'd hope could be addressed at each new ArmA, hence jumping the gun a little.


I deliberately didn't answer as I leave the addons forums to others better suited ;)

Lazy ;)

[.kju [PvPscene]]

Put them in the (A3) CIT

[Tankbuster]

Thread subscription emails stopped! :)

[W0lle]

Hmm, just checked and the cage with the two hamsters used for this is empty. No idea who removed them and for what purpose...

We'll see if we can get new ones real quick. :)

[Tankbuster]

Thanks W. It is so hard finding good hamster these days. :cool::cool:

[Tankbuster]

New hamsters working nominally.
8

[DM]

With this announcement (http://dayzdev.tumblr.com/post/28904791570/the-end-of-the-beginning), surely this rule:


§8) Post in the right forum & right thread

Please ensure you make new threads in the correct forum, if you're unsure of which forum to post in feel free to ask a moderator. If a thread exists for the topic you wish to post about you must use it, for example all ACE questions belong in the ACE thread. All addon/mod questions belong in the thread for that addon/mod. In the case of DayZ discussions they should be posted on the DayZ forums, this includes problems with the Modification. The troubleshooting forum is not for problems with Addons and Mods!
(bold part) is now out of date?

:cool:

[Placebo]

Not really, we need to figure out the best way for everyone involved to integrate the various forums, the DayZ website/forums will stay where they are and primary discussions should be on there because that's the best place suited, maybe similar to how VBS is handled here, a news thread with discussion but any in depth and/or technical discussion should be done on the DayZ forums.

Edit: Day-Z-Announced-as-standalone-title (http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?138404-Day-Z-Announced-as-standalone-title)

[DMarkwick]

I think there is a general desire to talk DayZ topics though, I know a lot of people simply wish to trash it but there are some real discussions also. It seems a shame that there is no way to sensibly discuss the most popular mod, soon to become an official release, on the game's own forums :)

To be honest, the DayZ forums are a bit of a zoo. I'd much prefer to discuss it here.

[Max Power]

I'm not sure it would be much different here. I don't know what the DayZ forum moderation is like, but surely the fact it's a zoo isn't entirely an issue with the moderators / forum rules / etc.

[.kju [PvPscene]]

Please reopen this thread to let me add new information and videos:
http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?119728-VB-Edit

Ty

[DMarkwick]

I'm not sure it would be much different here. I don't know what the DayZ forum moderation is like, but surely the fact it's a zoo isn't entirely an issue with the moderators / forum rules / etc.

I would fully expect most of the zoo-like fraternity to go straight to the DayZ forums than here... I just don't see why we shouldn't discuss DayZ as an ArmA mod on the ArmA forums, between the ArmA community members.

[Sniperwolf572]

Please reopen this thread to let me add new information and videos:
http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?119728-VB-Edit

Ty

Opened, show us what you've got. :)

[.kju [PvPscene]]

thanks

[Hellfire257]

Why are threads locked simply because their title is "wrong"?

Example: http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?139101-Two-questions

I can understand doing it to repeat offenders or something, but locking the thread is counter-productive, especially in the editing forum which should be an area to share knowledge, not limit it by being officious.

Maybe it should be changed to just a friendly warning?

[[FRL]Myke]

If people "know" that a Moderator can/will change the topic title anyway, they tend to get lazy when thinking of a topic title for a thread they are about to create: why should i bother, a Mod will do the thinking part for me.

Closing the thread is a friendly warning. Giving Infractions would be a unfriendly warning.

[Tankbuster]

Myke;2212230']If people "know" that a Moderator can/will change the topic title anyway, they tend to get lazy when thinking of a topic title for a thread they are about to create: why should i bother, a Mod will do the thinking part for me.


Perhaps they are just new and don't know the form yet? We were all new at the internet once.

Sure, some people are lazy and I think we can all spot the people with tens or hundreds of posts who don't give a toss and expect everyone else to do the work for them, including a decent thread title, but new people are by definition new. Sometimes when you've been hanging around on forums for years, or dare I say decades, we might find it hard to imagine how confusing this brave new world is to the uninitiated.

I worry that this place is inviting but unwelcoming to these people.

[Hellfire257]

You're not helping people by locking the threads though. Are you supposed to be helping people or deterring them from posting again? Going around locking threads when people have a legitimate question simply because their title is not 100% accurate is detrimental to the purpose of the editing forums.

[W0lle]

The forum moderation is not here to provide customer support. That's the first thing you should know.

Second, we close threads when it's faster than moving them. What we choose (lock or move) is completely up to the moderator in question.

Third, the forum rules are shown to everyone upon registration and the link to them is present all the time. And in these rules there clearly is said:



§21) Use descriptive thread titles

If you start a new thread, please make sure your thread title explains what you want without forcing people to read through your post first.
Thread titles such as "How in the world do I...", "Need help!" or "Will we ever see..." are anything but descriptive. We do not allow these kind of titles and threads with such titles are subject to be closed.

If (new) people can't or won't read, that's not our fault!

[Foxhound]

And on the subject, the poster fully undersood the issue and will repost with a proper title.

Other than that W0lle and Myke have perfectly described why I locked that and any other such thread although with a new guy/girl with less posts I am more willing to guide and also do so but thats not something you see, you only see whats getting locked.

:bounce3:

[Hellfire257]

Correct, but it is your fault when the poster doesn't come back and doesn't get their question answered. Back when I started learning, Myke helped me understand SQS and SQF scripting. I would have gotten nowhere without his help. If I had used a non-descriptive title, the thread would have been locked, I would have learned nothing, people who also have the same question would have learned nothing, and I probably wouldn't have bothered to post again. I'm not saying you're wrong here, but the rules as they are (for the editing forums at least) are just limiting the sharing of knowledge and putting people off. I'm just asking for some leniency here so we can help people rather than leaving their questions unanswered.

Thanks for your help anyway, guys. :)

[W0lle]

Of course you will only see the public actions we've taken like closed threads. But maybe I should also tell you that just today I moved 3 or 4 threads into the correct place without making any noise.

It all depends like said on time, or if we get the impression that the thread starter was just too lazy to look for the correct place. And of course newbies usually have some 'bonus', insults excluded of course.

[Foxhound]

Correct, but it is your fault when the poster doesn't come back and doesn't get their question answered.

My fault? Sorry but thats complete bullocks.
Making a proper title for a thread is completely normal, as is searching before posting and posting in the correct section. If that is to much asked for a user he/she better changes forums to a place where they do not care about that stuff and continue posting there. Here the rules are clear and they apply to everyone.

Maybe a tip. Feel free to PM every user I lock the thread from and help him with his issues. If it would help you I can even sent you a list daily of locked threads so you can show all those posters how helpfull others can be.

Now I am done with this cause it goes nowhere...........feel free to blame me for everything you want to blame me for. I hope that makes you feel better.

[DMarkwick]

We still love you Foxy :)

[[FRL]Myke]

If I had used a non-descriptive title, the thread would have been locked, I would have learned nothing,
Wrong, you would have learned to be more careful when chosing a topic title. ;)


I'm not saying you're wrong here, but the rules as they are (for the editing forums at least) are just limiting the sharing of knowledge and putting people off.
We would end up in a completely sueless mess if we would allow non-descriptive topic titles. How many times did you found yourself browsing the topics by title to see if you can help or find a solution for a own problem? The title already indicates if a thread is about something that might be of interest for you.
Now imagine you would have to open every thread just to find out it isn't anything you're interested in or you could help with. How much time you would lose this way?

Now we could go and just change the topic title but then people would just think "ah f*** it, i just type "question" as title, a Mod will change it for me anyway". I guess you can imagine the result: Moderators would be completely busy with changing topic titles. And i think we all have better things to do than that. :D

[ProfTournesol]

On a side note, there are plenty of game forums with "A question ?" or "A few questions..." topic titles which makes forum browsing a nightmare and the search engine hardly usable. So enforcing the rules helps keeping the forum useful, newcomers just have to get used to it.

[[APS]Gnat]

there are plenty of game forums with "A question ?" or "A few questions..." topic titles which makes forum browsing a nightmare and the search engine hardly usable. So enforcing the rules helps keeping the forum useful, newcomers just have to get used to it.
Agree 110%
Simple rules here. If they are interested in support, they'll read and repost, properly.

[JdB]

I personally never even bother to read threads that have non-descriptive topic titles. If you want people to help you you need to help them as much as possible (not posting basic things like system specs or mod versions, another classic).

[PuFu]

+1. BIF are, by far, the best moderated (gaming) forums i ever come across. I am grateful the very simple rules are enforced, and there is little to no exception from it. Editing threads or not, newbies who have to agree with the rules as part of their registration process or not, it doesn't really matter.

I like a clean and easy to read forum. Case of point, i report about 3-4 threads on average per day myself. hate me for it ;)

[[FRL]Myke]

hate me for it ;)

We do. ;) :D

Oh...oohhh...you meant the forum users...ohhh...whoops. :D

[mike187]

a question... what the big deal about this rule? can anyone enlighten me?

§10) Do not dig up old threads

Threads older than 4 months should not be dug up unless something significant is being added. If in doubt as to what is "significant", contact a moderator and they will give you their opinion. As always old threads will remain open or be closed at the moderator's discretion. Digging up an old thread simply to ask "any news" is also not acceptable, PM the thread starter or mod leader to ask.

[Foxhound]

Can you enlighten me as to what exactly is your issue with this rule? I think the rule description is very clear and leaves no room for discussion.

[mike187]

No issue.. just wondering whats the background about this rule... is it forum engine related or is it just Bohemia Interactive preference? don't want to discuss anything.. just a little bit more explained if possible.

[Foxhound]

There is no use to dig up an old and inactive thread with a message which does not contribute to the thread in question. It is not related to the forum software, the resources and/or what not.
It is just completely useless and to prevent people from doing useless things and waisting their time with such the I think the rules forbid it. More time for important things :)

[Max Power]

I think it's important to note that it is the onus of the user to read and understand the forum rules before posting. This is why we have new users agree to the rules before they are able to post. The rules are not simply boiler plate. They are imho highly fair, highly enforceable, and highly enforced rules. We do not have any rules that are disruptive to the user experience, are impossible to enforce, or are marginally enforced. Moreover, we moderators do take a degree of discretion to allow new users to stream into the forum milieu. Locking or closing threads is simply enforcement of the forum rules. If you do not receive a warning and/or infraction alongside your closed thread, consider that the moderator is doing his best to send you a message about properly following the forum rules without having to resort to aggressive administrative action.

[TonyGrunt]

Found a security problem and would like to inform BIS staff.
I PM Dwarden and Placebo (I hope the right persons) 2 days ago but it has been on my mind all weekend (forgot to enable the track PM too).
What is the fastest way to inform about something urgent?

PS. Dwarden or Placebo please check your PM :)

[Placebo]

I forwarded your PM to Ondrej/Suma

Fastest way to get hold of us is probably Email: Placebo.prs@<hidden>

[TonyGrunt]

Many thanks.

[Günter Severloh]

Hi guys, question,
Noticed that the line dividing the signatures from the post itself is removed, any reason why?

I think that it dont work, dont know about anyone else but I find myself trying to figure out sometimes what is the post and what is not in relation to their sig if they have one,
most you can clearly see, but other member posts seem more text oriented and seem to blend in with whatever they are posting, making it confusing sometimes.

I thought the separation made a good distinction as to what was the sig and what was the post, as well as keep a given poster's post organized like.

[W0lle]

Still visible here using the default "Bohemia Interactive" skin.

[Max Power]

Yeah, I still see it as well. What skin are you using?

[Günter Severloh]

I have mine set on forum default, but theres no line separating the sig and the post.

[Sniperwolf572]

How about a screenshot?

[Günter Severloh]

Heres what it looks like for me:
http://portraitsofskyrim.webs.com/profile/pg001.jpg

[Mr Burns]

Get your eyes checked?! :D


Line is there on your pic, same as here and elsewhere.

[NeMeSiS]

Readjust your monitor settings. :p

[Max Power]

As you may have guessed, the line is present in the screenshot. Admittedly, it's a very fine, faint line.

[PELHAM]

I have noticed that certain accounts seem to be used by 2-3 different people - what's the policy on that sort of thing?

[Günter Severloh]

Readjust your monitor settings.
This I did and it fixed it, I had earlier in the month got the latest Nvidia driver and it must have changed some settings,
so the line is back but it is faint as said.

Thanks guys.

[Max Power]

No problem! I'm glad it's showing up for you again.

[Placebo]

I have noticed that certain accounts seem to be used by 2-3 different people - what's the policy on that sort of thing?

Depends what they're using it for, if it's a mod team or squad using a sole account to post updates and such I don't see any particular harm in that :)

[[EVO] Dan]

Where should I post a question about whether or not it would be possible to make weaponised attachments (such as gunpods, added a bit like the winchs etc etc) for TOH and whether I would need permission from BIS to add them, since the attachments would be for the medium helicopter. (not modding the heli itself, just creating new attachments, IF it is possible)

[PELHAM]

Depends what they're using it for, if it's a mod team or squad using a sole account to post updates and such I don't see any particular harm in that :)
No it's not that, will keep an eye on it and let you know if there are further developments.

[nanananaBatman]

I was just about to ask you in a brand new thread, but then I saw rule §3.

There is only one thing that decides whether atleast I am going to buy ArmA 3 the second it hits the stores, or not. And that thing is whether there will be any malicious rootkits installed together with my copy of ArmA 3, or not. So my question to you, being the moderator, concerns the rule-part. I might be interpeting the rule all wrong now, but as I understand it one is not allowed to discuss copy protection:
"§3) Discussions about copy protection [...] will not be tolerated".
Perhaps you meant this in a more technical term, so that nobody attempts to reverse-engineer any material, including any copy protection. But as I percieve it, one is not allowed to discuss copy protection at all. To no extent. What-so-ever. (?).

#1:
If that is the case, my question comes to this: Why is it, that asking about the precense of secuROM (or similar DRM) in ArmA3 is to be considered a rule violation? Why can't the forum users ask about this, and under adult forms discuss/express our opinions in this concern? The to-be, or the not-to-be. Not at all the tech behind it. We could use just one gathered thread for this, so I sincerely ask you to listen to your customers in this matter, and that you let us speak. I will never install malicious code on my PC, but I would naturally favour giving you my €50 in exchange of the game and no hidden surprises about it.

#2:
So, while I am here asking this, I might aswell phrase the question atleast in forms of an official yes or no: Will you intend to use any rooted malware or limited activations* to protect ArmA 3?
* - count "limited activations" even in those cases the limit can be boosted to default gain, if the user ever remembers to run a certail tool while uninstalling the game.

I for one will Never stand for rootkits, oh how much I ever want to play ArmA 3 or any other game. (If you decide to throw my question in the bin: I would still be very interested in being answered privately. English is not my native tongue, and so I have put a lot of effort in phrasing this. I beg you for an answer and Please do not delete my account for asking.)

[Max Power]

The presence of disc copy protection of that kind is the responsibility of the publisher, not the developer. AFAIK, no announcements have been made regarding who will publish hard copies, so starting such a thread might be a little premature. The only thing that could come of such a thread is a dog pile of people denouncing securerom or starforce. Peoples' opinions on that kind of copy protection is already widely known. To that end, in the past, BI has opted to patch out such copy protection after a time.

So, it's my feeling that it's too early for such a discussion, and it's likely not under BI's control- at least not at first.

[Placebo]

What Max said is absolutely spot on, and when there is a set release date and publisher etc I can't see any harm asking for confirmation on what is the protection method, just having it named doesn't contravene any rules as long as the discussion doesn't pass beyond that :)

[[APS]Gnat]

In everyone PM panel, (with default skin) directly in the dark grey bar, right side it will likely say something like "Messages 100" and theres a tick box/selector beside it.
If you tick that box, you'd expect that this would select 100 messages ...... it does not. It only selects the current visible page. Somewhat deceptive, could lead to user mistakes.

[Raptor]

Would it be possible to make a deeper forumstructure for Carrier Command, e.g like Arma ones?
You lose completely the track of the threads.

[Placebo]

Your wish is my command ;)

[Tankbuster]

I've got some other wishes for ya. :D

PS, Placebo, did you get the email I sent you last week?

[Placebo]

I did actually, forgot to reply, will try to find it now and reply! :)

[Tankbuster]

Yep, got the reply. Ta. :)

[Wilf55]

§16) Keep avatars and signatures within forum regulations

Total maximum signature size is 600x150 px (text and/or images combined). Total maximum image size is 100KB.

Avatar filesize must not exceed 100KB.


Signature and avatar must be quiet, no sounds may be played back in them by any means.

No flame-baiting or similar material and/or text that others may find offensive is allowed to be displayed.

The signature may be used to advertise your clan, fan-site or addons, but not as a billboard for flaming or opinion statements.


Is this rule still in effect ? As it seems there are a number of signatures that are much greater than 150px vertical

[ProfTournesol]

Is this rule still in effect ? As it seems there are a number of signatures that are much greater than 150px vertical

Maybe because of the "Support Ivan and Martin" banner which can be added to the normal signature.

[Tankbuster]

Yeah, there's a moratorium on that rule provided the sig has an Ivan & Martin image, if I remember correctly.

[W0lle]

Is this rule still in effect ? As it seems there are a number of signatures that are much greater than 150px vertical

It is of course still in effect, but doesn't apply to them with a 'support Ivan and Martin' banner. :)

[Ravelair]

1. Why is the registration process so messed up? Why in hell do I have to answer so many question to prove that I am not a bot? Did ANYONE really think about what are they doing when creating it? Or is someone just thinking that this forums are sooo popular and crowded that every spam bot would just love to come here and spam?

2. After so many times that I have proven that I am HUMAN why in the hell do I have to fill a captcha (a bad one by the way) to make a post? Who came up with that idea? Don't you realise that by having so many useless protections you keep people from coming here and posting valuable content?

3. Does anyone from BI know what is happening to those forums?

4. Why aren't you using reCAPTCHA which is much better and user friendly? Are you stuck in the early 2000s?

[ProfTournesol]

1. Why is the registration process so messed up? Why in hell do I have to answer so many question to prove that I am not a bot? Did ANYONE really think about what are they doing when creating it? Or is someone just thinking that this forums are sooo popular and crowded that every spam bot would just love to come here and spam?

2. After so many times that I have proven that I am HUMAN why in the hell do I have to fill a captcha (a bad one by the way) to make a post? Who came up with that idea? Don't you realise that by having so many useless protections you keep people from coming here and posting valuable content?

3. Does anyone from BI know what is happening to those forums?

4. Why aren't you using reCAPTCHA which is much better and user friendly? Are you stuck in the early 2000s?

Everybody here is very satisfied of the anti spam system. It's sadly lacking on other forums...

[NeMeSiS]

2. After so many times that I have proven that I am HUMAN why in the hell do I have to fill a captcha (a bad one by the way) to make a post? Who came up with that idea? Don't you realise that by having so many useless protections you keep people from coming here and posting valuable content?

I think that disappears after a few posts.

[Ravelair]

Everybody here is very satisfied of the anti spam system. It's sadly lacking on other forums...

I don't see any other forums with this amount of bot-checks and those forums do not have any problems whatsoever with such spam. And Im talking about many MORE popular forums than this one is.

[NeMeSiS]

I don't see any other forums with this amount of bot-checks and those forums do not have any problems whatsoever with such spam. And Im talking about many MORE popular forums than this one is.

That is because all the spambots were here, all the time. :p

[Max Power]

Ravelair,

To answer your questions, as other forum members have stated, these are anti spam measures to ensure a spamless forum experience. We didn't just decide one day to make registering on the forums more time consuming for users. It was a gradual and measured response to an escalating problem.

I am terribly sorry you are taking offence to the registration process. In a small number of posts, you will get full access to the forums without any restrictions. It may surprise you to know that complaints about the forum reg process are relatively rare. Much more frequent were user reports of irritating or even offensive spam. If you have any suggestions for other anti-spam measures, we would gladly hear them. What we will not be doing, unfortunately, is removing our current systems without a replacement.

And lastly, I do not believe a forum's popularity is a measure of its reg process or anti spam system. I think forum popularity is usually dependent on the topic of the forum. BI's games are popular, but they are niche games, and you would not expect the same amount of traffic here as on the Dice forums, for example.

[[APS]Gnat]

I don't see any other forums with this amount of bot-checks and those forums do not have any problems whatsoever with such spam. And Im talking about many MORE popular forums than this one is.
You are wearing rose colour glasses my friend. Many other forums I visit (and Moderate) have MANY problems with Spam !

Anyway, not a problem for us members, we joined about 5 version of the forum ago, and pre-date the emergence of spam LOL ! :p

[vilas]

yes, exactly, i also moderate one forum and user-like spam-bots are often, they register and write messages like "i just bought excellent printer from ...(name of company) in ... (link to shop)"
a lot of it, i moderate one photographical forum and there are days that i ban 3 spam bots (while there are 8 moderators there)

[Thygrrr]

We at the CCGM forums would GREATLY appreciate a modding sub forum for Carrier Command (and all relevant threads moved there).

Would that be possible? We'd love you for it!

[.kju [PvPscene]]

Could forum mods please merge existing suggestions threads in the new sticky instead of just closing them.
Please do this also for the ones already closed by now - it is really pointless to copy and paste it.

[Max Power]

There is no need to copy and paste it. You can just click the quote several button and go to a different thread and make a post. But, I daresay that copying and pasting text is less involved than merging threads. Merging threads is not simple, this is probably why it's not done more often. Also, closing threads with a message is a form of in thread moderation, which is an alternative to issuing warnings or infractions. It's a valuable tool to get the message that users must read and follow the posting rules.

[PuFu]

^^you can't quote if the thread is locked

[.kju [PvPscene]]

Merging threads is not simple

Are you serious about this? It is not like me among many others are mods in many forums and do have a lot of experience with such..

Drop your attitude and do behave like a moderator - which is to improve the forum and not just lock threads.

PS: If you would really have looked into the case, you would be aware that the closed threads existed BEFORE the new sticky.

[Placebo]

Merging threads would remove Martin's post as the original post, so if you like your suggestion enough just take the 30 seconds to post it in the new thread, please :)

[Max Power]

^^you can't quote if the thread is locked

D'oh. I can.


Are you serious about this? It is not like me among many others are mods in many forums and do have a lot of experience with such..

Drop your attitude and do behave like a moderator - which is to improve the forum and not just lock threads.

PS: If you would really have looked into the case, you would be aware that the closed threads existed BEFORE the new sticky.

I am quite serious. I guess you and I have different ideas of what a volunteer should do. I merge threads on a case by case basis, usually for users who have a very low post count.

I'm quite sorry that when I'm not doing what you ask you feel like I'm not 'acting like a moderator'. I am quite truthful and sincere in this thread. Obviously you have some ideas about what a moderator should do. I have all kinds of ideas of what forum members should do, but they aren't always realistic :p

[.kju [PvPscene]]

Why has the thread about modding capabilities been locked?

Just because people have such a narrow view and don't see how limited it is, doesn't mean their view is anywhere near true.
Just the fact the BI expands to Java, the amount of new scripting commands suggested in the CIT, engine/config/scripting/animation limitations asked to be removed or reduced, community made tools to expand the possibilities or use 3rd party software or that BI hinted at plans to ease and extend modding shows the lock is clearly the wrong step.

So I request for the thread to be opened again or a new to allowed to be created (and rather to see action against those that limit or endorse the discussion).

[[FRL]Myke]

I'm sorry, it seems i have missed the list with all detailed modding capabilities ArmA 3 will have. So far, all that exist are rumours and vague informations. At this point, asking why XY can't be modded is simply pointless in a ArmA 3 section. As soon we have something concrete at hand, discussion might make sense but for now it would be pure speculation.

[Abs]

Can we get an ARMA 2 & OA: MODELLING (O2) subforum for tutorials? As of right now, the only way to find tutorials in the forums is to search for it (versus browsing through a list of tuts), and I think it would be nice to have a subforum where modmakers who create tutorial threads can keep them. If it's not possible for A2, can you guys keep this request in mind for A3?

Thanks,

Abs

[Double Doppler]

Hi, on regarding addon content:

If a user releases a mod for the Arma 2 community, do they own full rights to that addon? Some people are arguing that once you make an addon with BIS tools, or use the SQF scripting language, that it immediately becomes property of Bohemia Interactive Studios - yet I have witnessed users get banned here for stealing authors work and plagiarism. Is the model protected outside use from Arma 2? And what about internal use (de pbo'ing the file and wiping out the credits etc.).

I am a little cloudy on this subject, and I'm curious on what an addon creator does when they want to protect/claim their work (If the models provided were created from scratch, not imports from other games or sites).

[Max Power]

I wonder why some people are arguing that...

At any rate, the addons and mods you create with the BI tools are solely your property. If you use the example models to base an addon on, you're subject to that license. The example models license states, among other things, that you must release the derivative works under the same license. I believe you still retain ownership but some restrictions on that apply.

edit: I guess that I should add that that is so long as it isn't superseded by some other license, ie. you're using someone else's work that has some restrictions on derivative works, it doesn't all of a sudden become your unrestricted property if you use the tools.

Also, stuff you make with the tools may not be used in another game or sold.

[Double Doppler]

I wonder why some people are arguing that...
At any rate, the addons and mods you create with the BI tools are solely your property.

Who/what enforces these rules? I know we have good moderation on the forums, and they mainly deal with these types of disputes, but outside the forums it seems to be a different story. In the case of a dispute, how would one prove that they were the original creator of that work? Is there a registering website of some sort? Or a certain method? Or is it the first person who released that addon (be it announced here on the forums, on armaholic or other download sites with similar terms) is assumed to be the creator if the claim to be? Is it simply posting date data that is the judge of this?


If you use the example models to base an addon on, you're subject to that license. The example models license states, among other things, that you must release the derivative works under the same license. I believe you still retain ownership but some restrictions on that apply.

So there is a separate terms and conditions issued with the Arma Sample Models, etc. What about code created in the SQF format, is there a terms and conditions related to works created in that language?


Also, stuff you make with the tools may not be used in another game or sold.
So its make with the tools not import then? If someone ported their model into Arma 2 using Oxygen 2, only the configs/selections/ported work they edit using the tools would be bound to these terms? (The original mesh that the creator made in a non-BI tools program would still be allowed to be ported into any other game/sold on sites etc.)


edit: I guess that I should add that that is so long as it isn't superseded by some other license, ie. you're using someone else's work that has some restrictions on derivative works, it doesn't all of a sudden become your unrestricted property if you use the tools.
So this would be why, say, most of the derivatives of the notorious "life missions" are getting "stolen" by other communities, because the people in the first place "stole" the mission files from somewhere else? (And no one really owns their copy of the mission/scripts. because it is a vicious circle of passing the content down the lines.)
What are the rules on regarding derivatives of this specific content? I noticed it is a heated subject regarding IP issues, that forced other communities like City Life 2 etc. to create their own, thus owning their own work with no catches or bounds. Where as, if the mission, say a build of "Zargabad Life", is not really yours (seeing as it was known to be a "rip" of CLU), then does anyone has the right to take the work you did on your build and put it on their mission/run it on their server?. (As you didn't own the mission in the first) place.

[PuFu]

Who/what enforces these rules? I know we have good moderation on the forums, and they mainly deal with these types of disputes, but outside the forums it seems to be a different story. In the case of a dispute, how would one prove that they were the original creator of that work? Is there a registering website of some sort? Or a certain method? Or is it the first person who released that addon (be it announced here on the forums, on armaholic or other download sites with similar terms) is assumed to be the creator if the claim to be? Is it simply posting date data that is the judge of this?

There is easy to prove one to be the original creator when it comes to 3d models/meshes. At least in my case, i always have the files saved in different stages of development (in my case, i actually have 3ds max set to save iterations of the work each time i save). Moreso, i have learn that it is a good practice amongst the professionals to digitally sign their 3d models (thanks rock). I am not gonna say here how i do it, but i always do it.

regarding rule enforcement, if there is a suspicion of IP(intellectual property) fraud, the admins here, or other proper websites, will block access until those are resolved.

I cannot comment on SQF files since i am hardly a scripter. I would say one could do pretty much the same as above


So there is a separate terms and conditions issued with the Arma Sample Models, etc. What about code created in the SQF format, is there a terms and conditions related to works created in that language?
Yes: for Arma samples: if you use any part of the released samples, you are to inherit their license: derivative, non-commercial. That translates into the fact that one using those samples is obliged to release his content in non-binarized format (mlod).


So its make with the tools not import then? If someone ported their model into Arma 2 using Oxygen 2, only the configs/selections/ported work they edit using the tools would be bound to these terms? (The original mesh that the creator made in a non-BI tools program would still be allowed to be ported into any other game/sold on sites etc.)
The license says the following: you are not allowed to use BIS tools for anything other than non-commercial ArmA/TKOH games. The mesh is still the IP of the Creator. Moreso, if i use my commercial tools (in my case Adsk Suite) to create this mesh for arma, i am well within my rights to sell the said mesh on turbosquid, or private contractors just the same.


So this would be why, say, most of the derivatives of the notorious "life missions" are getting "stolen" by other communities, because the people in the first place "stole" the mission files from somewhere else? (And no one really owns their copy of the mission/scripts. because it is a vicious circle of passing the content down the lines.)
I cannot comment a lot on life missions. Their addons are mostly based on meshes that found on ripping hosting websites, hence most of those addons don't even reach BIF, but are hosted on their own mirrors.
Regarding SQF files, some are started from ground up, some have been improved versions released back in A1 days. It is harder to find the original creator i guess.


What are the rules on regarding derivatives of this specific content? I noticed it is a heated subject regarding IP issues, that forced other communities like City Life 2 etc. to create their own, thus owning their own work with no catches or bounds. Where as, if the mission, say a build of "Zargabad Life", is not really yours (seeing as it was known to be a "rip" of CLU), then does anyone has the right to take the work you did on your build and put it on their mission/run it on their server?. (As you didn't own the mission in the first) place.
I'll let the moderators comment on this one.

[[APS]Gnat]

3d models are IP and particularly because they can be used outside of BIS games, and even sold for a profile, they need to be controlled and enforced.

As for scripts, my comments are that 99% of script code is just a refined copy of someone else's.
- code to eject paratroopers from a plane .... dozens based on the same if-then-else and for loop that have been done and distributed
- code to check if enemy is aware of you .... done and distributed
- code to do a heli LZ ... hundred done and distributed.
- etc
- etc

But the Community expects credit should be give when great chunks are used.

Which brings us to special mission (script) packs with a major theme.
CTI
Battlezone
Domination
Warefare
etc
etc

This ones difficult.
But as the pack can only be used in ArmA, seems selfish to restrict the whole community to just your version, unless you intend to build AND SUPPORT it like DayZ.
If you are supporting the current (your) derivative then others should back off.

But personally I feel that those who make a BlahBlahSuperMish and then demand no one creates a derivative ever somewhat ridiculous.
..... particularly when they've departed the community 3 months later or no longer updating and still demand no one makes a derivative ! Really!
Anyway, derivative should have FRONT and CENTER credit to the original creater.

...... but how far do you take this?
Should Doolittle and Mike Melvin be credited for their original gene makers?
Probably not. The codes now vastly different.

[konyo]

Why is it when posting a reply on these forums from the mobile device site the signature dosent get attached to your reply? Because I then have to log onto the computer when I next can to edit the post and tick the add signature box?

[Max Power]

Who/what enforces these rules? I know we have good moderation on the forums, and they mainly deal with these types of disputes, but outside the forums it seems to be a different story. In the case of a dispute, how would one prove that they were the original creator of that work? Is there a registering website of some sort? Or a certain method? Or is it the first person who released that addon (be it announced here on the forums, on armaholic or other download sites with similar terms) is assumed to be the creator if the claim to be? Is it simply posting date data that is the judge of this?

On the forums, we moderators try to support addon creators by enforcing the rules for content permissions. Other communities, such as moddb have limitations on content as well. Just like on this forum, if an addon creator or someone else has come across a situation they think they should contest, they should make sure that the relevant people are informed.


So there is a separate terms and conditions issued with the Arma Sample Models, etc. What about code created in the SQF format, is there a terms and conditions related to works created in that language?

Yes, the ArmA Sample Models come with a license. In every case, you should review the license that something is supplied with.


So its make with the tools not import then? If someone ported their model into Arma 2 using Oxygen 2, only the configs/selections/ported work they edit using the tools would be bound to these terms? (The original mesh that the creator made in a non-BI tools program would still be allowed to be ported into any other game/sold on sites etc.)

You may not sell anything you make with the tools. If you create a p3d or other file with O2, you may not sell those files. If you create a file with another tool, then you must obey the license of that tool. For instance, if you have 3ds max on a student license, you must obey the terms of the student license.


So this would be why, say, most of the derivatives of the notorious "life missions" are getting "stolen" by other communities, because the people in the first place "stole" the mission files from somewhere else? (And no one really owns their copy of the mission/scripts. because it is a vicious circle of passing the content down the lines.)
What are the rules on regarding derivatives of this specific content? I noticed it is a heated subject regarding IP issues, that forced other communities like City Life 2 etc. to create their own, thus owning their own work with no catches or bounds. Where as, if the mission, say a build of "Zargabad Life", is not really yours (seeing as it was known to be a "rip" of CLU), then does anyone has the right to take the work you did on your build and put it on their mission/run it on their server?. (As you didn't own the mission in the first) place.

The rules for all content is you must obey the license supplied with content. If there is no license supplied, it is assumed to be a full copyright. If there is an unauthorized port or adaptation of a work, that derivative is the intellectual property of the original creator.

---------- Post added at 13:18 ---------- Previous post was at 13:07 ----------


Gnat;2246092']But personally I feel that those who make a BlahBlahSuperMish and then demand no one creates a derivative ever somewhat ridiculous.
..... particularly when they've departed the community 3 months later or no longer updating and still demand no one makes a derivative ! Really!
Anyway, derivative should have FRONT and CENTER credit to the original creater.

...... but how far do you take this?
Should Doolittle and Mike Melvin be credited for their original gene makers?
Probably not. The codes now vastly different.

On this forum there is a procedure where you must make a reasonable attempt to contact the original creator for permissions. If you can't, then you can ask the moderating team to have a go.

You credit people if their license demands it, no matter how many iterations have been between the current build and the original.

I appreciate that there are many opinions on the subject, but let's not muddy the waters. The fact of the matter is that if a user on this forum is found to be in violation of any license with any content he is releasing, there will be moderator intervention.

[Tankbuster]

Guys,

I want to resurrect this thread. It's approaching it's second birthday of inactivity.

http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?110166

It's quite an unspecific thread title, but I hope it might, if we can bring it up again, lead to wider discussion. If I were to start a new thread, it'd have exactly the same title.

In particular, I want to ask were exactly one should use the command. Is is in the SQM? The biki talks about it being executed from a config init event, whatever the heck that means.

I have done a search. kju mentions the command in another thread. but all he does is link to the biki page. I think he knows much more and I'd like to tease it out of him. :)

So, would it be OK for me to bring that thread back to top by asking it's original question again in the hope of more recent insight AND to ask some supplementary questions?

[Max Power]

If you have additional questions to ask, I would say that is a significant contribution.

[JeffersPang]

Maybe I'm just being pedantic, but I reckon Moderators should be able to delete threads that are locked. The number of locked/useless threads clogging up the General discussions is quite unsightly and it does make finding recent productive threads more troublesome.

[ProfTournesol]

Maybe I'm just being pedantic, but I reckon Moderators should be able to delete threads that are locked. The number of locked/useless threads clogging up the General discussions is quite unsightly and it does make finding recent productive threads more troublesome.

But that's also educational, showing which kinds of topic are likely to be closed.

[Max Power]

Yes, there is definitely a few things at work there. Aside from the difficulty of using a forum that is not moderated for duplicate topics, on the one hand, having your topic closed seemingly does not feel very good, and once it is closed it clutters up the forum. We do hope that users will see the closed topics and in-thread warnings and that will give them a better idea on how to use the forum. The theory is that if users see past moderation actions that less will be needed in the future. As a general practice, we don't delete threads very often. But, we have done little initiatives to clean up closed threads in the past. I'll take a look at the locked threads there over the next little while. I foresee deleting the locked topics on page one just exposing the locked topics on page 2, but we'll have to see.

[Abs]

Can we get an ARMA 2 & OA: MODELLING (O2) subforum for tutorials? As of right now, the only way to find tutorials in the forums is to search for it (versus browsing through a list of tuts), and I think it would be nice to have a subforum where modmakers who create tutorial threads can keep them. If it's not possible for A2, can you guys keep this request in mind for A3?

Thanks,

Abs

Will there be no answer to my question?

Abs

[PuFu]

Will there be no answer to my question?

Abs
send your question to placebo by pm. he's the only one that can change forum structure anyhow ;)

[Abs]

Thanks, PuFu...I'll just have to do that.

Abs

[Max Power]

Will there be no answer to my question?

Abs

We have been discussing it- your suggestion and other possibilities. You will have an answer when we have one to give you.

[Abs]

We have been discussing it- your suggestion and other possibilities. You will have an answer when we have one to give you.

Thanks Max. That's answer enough.

Abs

[kylania]

Here's a question, why is this (http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?133522-User-Monetization-of-BI-s-games-Audio-amp-Video-content(e-g-Youtube-Partnership-Program)) still a global sticky thread? As far as I can tell for months it's been nothing but what really should be in PMs. I really don't need to know every time someone wants to make a penny off their super cool DayZ video or watch people floundering with how to print a document. :)

[konyo]

Also the forums mobile website seems to have changed style now? Now i cant see other pages on a topic? Just the 1st page?!

[Placebo]

Here's a question, why is this (http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?133522-User-Monetization-of-BI-s-games-Audio-amp-Video-content(e-g-Youtube-Partnership-Program)) still a global sticky thread? As far as I can tell for months it's been nothing but what really should be in PMs. I really don't need to know every time someone wants to make a penny off their super cool DayZ video or watch people floundering with how to print a document. :)

Yeah I wasn't too enamoured when it was first made a global sticky, don't think the activity level warrants it being a global sticky, after all we still get maybe 20-30 support emails from blind/ignorant people asking how to monetize because they can't be bothered to read a simply forum thread. I've un-globalled it for now and we'll see how it goes.

[konyo]

How do people re-size pictures for the forums, with that little yellow box above the picture saying click here for fullsize version & with the details of how big it is etc. For example what VXR did with his pictures on this thead.

http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?133754-Boeing-SOAR-MH-47E&p=2223026&viewfull=1#post2223026

Can anyone tell me how this is done, would save so much time of re-sizing everything :D

[Max Power]

Unfortunately, while that thing does resize the presentation of the image, it does not resize the actual size of the file. Even the smaller dimension image shows up for me as over 100 KB (if the source is over 100 KB). If your image is over 100 KB, you still need to resize it.

To answer your question, I believe the forum software does that when you use image tags and the image dimensions are over a certain threshold.

[konyo]

Unfortunately, while that thing does resize the presentation of the image, it does not resize the actual size of the file. Even the smaller dimension image shows up for me as over 100 KB (if the source is over 100 KB). If your image is over 100 KB, you still need to resize it.

To answer your question, I believe the forum software does that when you use image tags and the image dimensions are over a certain threshold.

Thanks, I resize my images to 380 x 319 and it never shows up, will have to save one of his images and see what the imagine dimensions are and see if it works for me.

[derdoe]

Is there any chance that you can make a forums rule that player UIDs have to be hidden/masked. Somehow people seem to need rules instead of common sense to understand not to post such sensitive information :(


Thanks, I resize my images to 380 x 319 and it never shows up, will have to save one of his images and see what the imagine dimensions are and see if it works for me.

Alternatively you can decrease the dpi-values of your image which will heavily affect your image's size. If you do not intend to print your screenshots, a dpi value of 96 should be more than enough as most monitors cannot display more than 96 dpi anyway. I hope i could help :)

[Max Power]

A rule regarding private or identifying information notwithstanding, if you see anyone publishing UIDs or other identifying info on the forum, please report it. The faster we know about it the sooner we can remove it.

[W0lle]

Is there any chance that you can make a forums rule that player UIDs have to be hidden/masked. Somehow people seem to need rules instead of common sense to understand not to post such sensitive information :(

Done now:

§24) Do not post personal or identifying information

You are not allowed to post any personal or identifying information such as postal addresses, IPs or UIDs in the forum. Any breach of this rule may result in the poster no longer being able to make new posts or being banned from the forums. If you feel that because of security/piracy reasons you need to expose the identity of someone or make certain information known please PM this to a moderator with your reasons for doing so.

[colossus]

Excluding game server addresses and/or postal addresses for organizations, I suppose? Granted that it's not a breach of the other rules or by cruel intentions, of course.

[Max Power]

Is the email address of an organized game server personally identifying information that someone may not want shared?

[Messiah]

http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?105390-Blurred-textures-in-buldozer

Any objections to ressurecting this thread? I've having a torrid time trying to make Buldozer behave and the current state of the blurry textures means there's little to no chance of continuing my project.

[W0lle]

No problem with that Messiah as it's not spam like 'any news on that' etc. but adds something related to the thread.

[Lenyoga]

Good evening. As I'm rather new on here, I'm not familiar with the traditions of these forums, so I'd like to ask how long before the estimated release of an OFP/CWA Mod (including all-new units, sounds, textures, animations and a full campaign) I should think about posting a thread demonstrating the features and specialties of the package (with links to short demo videos, screen shots and maybe regular updates on the forum discussion.) Or would it be generally wiser to do that over another channel, like a, I still shudder at the word, 'Blog'?

[Max Power]

If you'd like to announce a mod, go ahead and create a post in the Addons & Mods: Discussion forum for the game you are creating the mod for. There are no time limits. When you have a download ready, you can post it in the Addons & Mods: Complete forum.

[Lenyoga]

I see, thank you very much!

[TheChaos]

Hey guys, I have a question here. Is there any topic, where forum members can post screenshots from their community games, discuss loadouts etc?

[Max Power]

If you have a community or squad page and this is news about your group, you can create a thread in the squad and fanpages forum and post screenshots there. There is also a 'combat photography' thread in the general forums for each game where you can put your screens. I believe there are threads discussing various aspects of loadouts out there, which you may find by searching. If you can't find anything, then you are free to make a new thread.