Making titles in threads links

[AWS]

hi all,
 can anyone who knows about forums tell me if i can, as a non-moderator, make direct links to the files, from the titles of each level?

eg,
i want this map title...

Infected Empire

to be the clickable link for the user to be led straight to the download, not a redirect to another page, where they have to click the individual file again to download it.

once i can figure this out, i can put up my cleaned version of everyone's custom levels.


AWS

[Pilchard123]

Easy.

Right-click on the attachment link.
Click on "copy location" or similar.
Pase link.

[annikk.exe]

This is how you make "titles" instead of just the address:

Code: [Select]

[url=]Infected Empire[/url]
Paste the link after the =

[AWS]

ah hah!
thank you.

[Bonobo]

The problem with this, as I already mentioned in that other thread, could be thus: If you put download links to all those fine levels directly into your new thread, many readers will just download those levels and not bother to give the authors their due feedback … don’t you think so?

[annikk.exe]

The download counter is still incremented, regardless of whether you click on it via a titled hyperlink or via the actual post.

I think...


Might be worth testing, if someone is bored and has a few spare minutes.

[AWS]

The problem with this, as I already mentioned in that other thread, could be thus: If you put download links to all those fine levels directly into your new thread, many readers will just download those levels and not bother to give the authors their due feedback … don’t you think so?

hm...
i had assumed that those wishing to provide feedback will do so regardless.
i had made the cleaner thread with the purpose of easiest and cleanest access to each level. comments on said level was secondary.
is this not what testing a level is for?

just Q's and my general observations on the subject but i considered the primary goal to be getting easy access to custom levels.

aws

[annikk.exe]

I would personally prefer just a list of links to the threads containing the levels.

I normally make some artwork and put a bit of effort into presenting my "new level" posts nicely, it would be a shame if nobody ever got to see that anymore because all they can see is a "catalogue" post listing direct links to the level files.  :>

[Bonobo]

Yes, that was my idea behind posting small articles mentioning the levels and then sending the readers to the author’s post, since many authors have something so say and show about their levels. And I fear if the levels were simply downloadable from a “catalogue” then most ppl would be too lazy to go to the original thread and post some feedback. BUT this feedback IMHO is the gratification and motivation for them.

[AWS]

ah...well, then you may not like my thread update!!
hmm...

 


ok...in lieu of peoples feeling about this 'cataloguing' effect...how about this...instead of the title being the direct link, it stays as it is, a redirect link to the author's page.
but in addition there is a clearly labelled direct link at the bottom of each levels' description...
eg...


Map Name: Infinity (30-May-2010)
Map Type:   Very Large, Open
Difficulty:    Medium/Hard
Features:   * Gravity
                  * Infected AIv1
                  * Numerous level-specific mechanics, which I shall leave you to discover for yourself..
                  * To win, capture all asteroids. Defeat occurs if you lose all your habitable asteroids. Remember to send some scouts to the comet as it passes..
                  * (Featured in Community Map Pack 1)
Download: Infinity

hows that then, peoples?
 

[annikk.exe]

I like the layout you're using AWS.  :>
However, my personal preference remains that there is no download link.
No matter how small, its presence means nobody will bother clicking on the actual discussion threads.

What they will do instead is load up the "catalogue post", download every single level using the download links, and then close the browser window and play them.
I realise that's more convenient for the people who want to download it but it means that the map authors have less control over how their work is presented.

[Pilchard123]

Particularly if they use bulk downloaders like DownThemAll, or others. You don't even have to read who made the level/what it's like/anything else if you do that.

[AWS]

oh dear... well, not being someone who uses those kind of programs or even thinks of onbtaining people's creations in such a cold-hearted manner, it doesnt occur to me that others would merely download a 'list' of levels. and not even post a thank you.

do you really think people who would otherwise post feedback, not do so, just because of an easier to obtain link?
i say that because, if it was me, and i looked for a new level, my motivation in the first place would be to give thanks. so i would naturally want to at the very least, post a thank you on the seperate page.
maybe im being naive?

i guess my plan is being thwarted by all too sensible suggestions...

in which case..
...bugger!  

[Pilchard123]

I don't know if it would be a problem. I'm just throwing it out there for discussion/consideration.

Anyway, I just use DTA for speeding up DLs. It's all too easy to set up a filter that gets more stuff that you don't want than the stuff you do.

[AWS]

well, whatever the discussion, it seems my idea of easily accessible level downloads is out the window.
shame...

nevertheless...i still think the more streamlined feel/ look is better and still provides an easier, or at least, cleaner, route to finding people's levels.
i really didnt want to have it done that way, but, thats whats cooperation is all about, eh?!
consensus and whatnot..

aws

edit - i think i need a bigger drawing board cos i keep going back to it...

[annikk.exe]

do you really think people who would otherwise post feedback, not do so, just because of an easier to obtain link?
i say that because, if it was me, and i looked for a new level, my motivation in the first place would be to give thanks. so i would naturally want to at the very least, post a thank you on the seperate page.
maybe im being naive?

You're not being naive.  Believe me, I can definitely see your point of view.  And to be honest if the entire forum wanted a post with a catalogue of download links, I wouldn't really care that much and would be happy to go along with it.  But, since you asked our opinions, this is mine.  :>

I just think that if people don't see the level threads themselves, it belies a lot of the work that goes into making them.  It's a very easy trap for non-technical people to fall into - that of thinking that a 42kb file (like the one I shall be posting up shortly) is tiny, and must therefore be trivial to make.  Of course nothing could be further from the truth, and I think the threads help to show that.

[AWS]

lol,.

right....i will work on this further till its glorious AND acceptable