Originally Posted by
AccadaccA
Thanks guys.
I realise it can get hectic when upgrading or transferring a site to a new host and unless you are told about broken links etc, they can go unnoticed forever.
Besides that, I think that perhaps there is too much crammed into the one page. Don't get me wrong, I applaud the fact that there are provisions for so many options (top job, guys), but the focus is taken away from the basic map upload and it's basic details.
The old "K.I.S.S." rule (Keep It Simple, Stupid) applies. May I suggest that you divide the page with a break starting with the very basics up top and nothing down the right hand side. Dedicate the page top to only the basics of: map title, author (and additional credits), the selection of the pk3/zip/rar file and screenshots. Include the option of AA, SH or BT and the SP,TDM, FFA options in the next line(s) underneath what I've just mentioned. This is where you want to divide the pages with a break before getting into the more technical nuts & bolts of things.
I think it's just that right hand column that makes it look messy and adds confusion. I understand that it utilizes space and keeps the page shorter but it is a bit overwhelming, especially for noobs (to the map database) and old farts like myself, uploading for the first time. Don't worry if my suggestions add to the upload page length, we can all use the mouse wheel or scrollbars as extra work-out exercise for our trigger finger.... besides the daily butt scratching and nose picking. lol
It would also be an idea to have the human verification at the very start, BEFORE filling out the data and uploading anything. Put it on it's own page between the link to the upload page and the upload page itself. With the verification as it is now, being at the end of such a long process, is kind of like having your parachute open after you've already hit the ground. :/
A mouse-over description of the textbox fields would also help simplify the process. Jon's explanation of the "Title" would be ideal as the mouse-over for that part.
Perhaps the page not working properly was a God send as I initially wrote my username in the "Title" field. lol
I'd keep the screenshots section for ALL images with the resizing info and image extensions mentioned there only. Mentioning it in the additional attachments section only adds to confusion.
The "Save" button should be the final step. After the pk3 file and screenshots have been selected and all required fields have been entered. It most likely is, but with that verification right above it (and not functioning at the moment), only made me wonder if that was part of the trick to making the upload work.
These are only suggestions, I don't mean any malice.
You guys sure did put a lot of work into it. Kudos to whoever worked on it, Mighty job!
Sorry for being a stick in the mud.
heatsinkbod: Thank you for the explanation. I understand it now and it makes perfect sense. Cheers.
Major_A: After PMing you (and the ten years since first creating the map) I got a little excited/impatient about finally uploading it. Besides, I saw somewhere that my PM failed. I think it was in the shout box.
Shadow: Thanks again for doing that for me.
As for my timing, rest assured, if there's a way of being an annoying old fart, I'll find it. lol