Submit your Content to the CS3 Swap Shop

[Carl]

Not at all Jonna. I updated the template to show how I will be listing downloads. Let me know what you think.

[Jonna]

I like it.  The pics should probably not vary in size too much (it could end up looking too unprofessional?), and we should definitely be providing a longer description, depending on the type of item.  A pattern wouldn't need much, of course, but buildings certainly would.  What do you think of something like tags, so that people could find related items?  I know at the beginning, it wouldn't be a big deal because there wouldn't be many items to look through, but after a while it might be helpful.  And do you want people to be able to rate/recommend/thumbs up items they like?

[Carl]

I don't expect this growing to the point that I have to rely on something like tags. If pages get too long, I can break it down into more categories easily. As for rating and the like, I'll probably have a list of the top downloads on the main page and use that as a gauge of popularity. I'm in the position that I need to make this one low-maintenance on my end, while still making it functional. If it gets really popular and I have more time I will definitely seek ways to improve it. So, no bells and whistles just yet but I wouldn't rule them out for the future.

My idea to keep images from looking too unprofessional is to maintain a policy of 150 wide pictures as the preview. It would look worse staggered horizontally than having some images be a bit taller than others.

[Jonna]

My idea to keep images from looking too unprofessional is to maintain a policy of 150 wide pictures as the preview. It would look worse staggered horizontally than having some images be a bit taller than others.

I meant on the actual download page - not sure how you want that page to look, I was just thinking that if you allow a lot of different sizes, some people might go overboard. 

But I completely understand you wanting to keep it simple.   

[Pam]

Seriously, how awesome is Carl?

[Twinmum]

OK, I work mostly with residential lots, so that's where my suggestions will focus (at the moment)
I see you have already made categories for small and large residential lots plus non residential lots, I guess they will be defined by size.
I see lots needing the following information given:
Size - this would determine which category it goes into and possibly be shown on the main download page.
Photos - Lots will require more than one picture, maybe one of the front and one for each level (hopefully we can do this better than the way the exchange handles levels)
Description - As you said before, possibly one sentence for the main page, but obviously more detail on the download page. The information should include the following as well as any special inclusions-
  -Size of the lot
  -Price. This changes with depending on whether you put it on the same size block or a larger block, but you could give a price for when placed on the same sized block.
  -Number of bedrooms.
  -Number of bathrooms.
  -Furnished or not
  -If decorated or not (but probably not essential)
 
I guess you would probably have to state if the lot is occupied or not and if so, give details of occupants.

Have I missed anything?

Norma

[gerrr00]

Seriously, how awesome is Carl?

So totally awesome!  I am very excited about this.

@Carl- I have a few things on the exchange that I would really like to add here.  I understand you said you want it exclusive, but if we really wanted to we could still add.  Would it make it better if I deleted it off my studio, then it truly would just be on our exchange here.  I did make my community lots with the guidance and support from the members on this forum.  I also had them up on the exchange so the members here could download them.

I have already started building my first "exclusive" club for our exchange.  Can't wait to share it. 

[aAa]

OK, I work mostly with residential lots, so that's where my suggestions will focus (at the moment)
I see you have already made categories for small and large residential lots plus non residential lots, I guess they will be defined by size.
I see lots needing the following information given:
Size - this would determine which category it goes into and possibly be shown on the main download page.
Photos - Lots will require more than one picture, maybe one of the front and one for each level (hopefully we can do this better than the way the exchange handles levels)
Description - As you said before, possibly one sentence for the main page, but obviously more detail on the download page. The information should include the following as well as any special inclusions-
  -Size of the lot
  -Price. This changes with depending on whether you put it on the same size block or a larger block, but you could give a price for when placed on the same sized block.
  -Number of bedrooms.
  -Number of bathrooms.
  -Furnished or not
  -If decorated or not (but probably not essential)
 
I guess you would probably have to state if the lot is occupied or not and if so, give details of occupants.

Have I missed anything?

Norma

We should tell if we need Store content,EP,SP,etc. to download the house.

[Saltypaws]

I do have a question, or you could call it a concern, I suppose.  I guess there is no stopping anyone from registering on the forum and uploading questionable content to the exchange, because it is bound to happen.  I think, as moderators we will have to be on our toes to find whoever downloads these objects and delete them.  After the word gets out of the exchange on this site, more and more people will be drawn here.  So I guess there is actually no stopping anyone from downloading objects with CC until it actually happens, because not everyone follows the rules, as we know.  I know it will have to be monitored pretty closely.  I am glad we have such a wide range of moderators on here, because there is usually always someone on here.  I still think it is an awesome idea and I am sure between all of us, we will keep a handle on it.

[Asleep]

Will we have to register for the exchange?

[Carl]

Ok first a big thanks to Twinmum for our first submission. This really helps to get the ball rolling. She has given me pretty much all the relevant info. Head to the small homes section and you'll see her cottage.

She made this easy on me by submitting every scrap of info there. She even provided the 150 wide thumbnail of the home for the preview. I resized the images on the home's actual page to be 660 wide gifs, which you all may want to do in the future.

@Salty: Yes, we're going to have to be vigilant and it looks like I'm going to have to test a lot of things myself as they'll be coming directly to me. Thankfully when it comes from a trusted member here I will feel a lot safer just putting it up. Newbies may be subject to some scrutiny until I can trust their submissions.

@Simstar: No registration necessary, I just want people who submit to be a forum member.

[CharlotteDaBookworm]

What sort of info would you need?

Charlotte

[Carl]

Have a look at Twinmum's submission. It's going to change based on what the object/Sim is. We'll play it by ear for now and I may request more info from someone who submits. When it's all ironed out the front page of the exchange section will have some guidelines. One notable thing is whether it's a modified item from a particular expansion, so that players know if they can install it or not.

[Carl]

I received my second submission, and set up a guide-wide notice to call infrequent forum members to pop in. This should start moving now Remember, I'm going to need a little of everything to get this running properly. At some point I'll say something generic, like "No accessories have been submitted yet" and just have the page live so people can know we have a shortage of that content.

[Ausette]

I do have a question, or you could call it a concern, I suppose.  I guess there is no stopping anyone from registering on the forum and uploading questionable content to the exchange, because it is bound to happen.  I think, as moderators we will have to be on our toes to find whoever downloads these objects and delete them.  After the word gets out of the exchange on this site, more and more people will be drawn here.  So I guess there is actually no stopping anyone from downloading objects with CC until it actually happens, because not everyone follows the rules, as we know.  I know it will have to be monitored pretty closely.  I am glad we have such a wide range of moderators on here, because there is usually always someone on here.  I still think it is an awesome idea and I am sure between all of us, we will keep a handle on it.

Hmmm, perhaps we'd have to put some limitations on who can upload. Would it be possible to only allow accounts that have been active for an amount of time or that have reached a certain post count?

Oh and Carl, I think I'll still be uploading to the exchange but I'd be happy to set up some content here if you like. I customise practically everything, so just tell me what gaps need filling. Clothes? Accessories? Sims? Tattoos?