Posted by: jester
« on: April 12, 2005, 11:46:48 AM »I second that idea. Online readmes are state-of-the-art.
While I agree that being able to read the readmes would be a useful feature for the site, I don't believe they'd resolve this particular problem because unlike most mods, the Iron Modder readmes aren't always terribly clear about what the mod does.
One thing that would be nice, is a way to view the readmes prior to downloading.
I think it requires more imagination and creativity to come up with something brand new rather than simply appending existing content.
Also, in general I'd like to encourage you (and everyone else within earshot) to reply to multiple messages in one sitting in one post. If you scroll down a bit in the composition window you'll see the Topic Summary and the very handy "Insert Quote" feature which automates populating your reply with the text of several messages you might wish to respond to.
Well, there was the bit that said I don't think Iron Mods should be installed as part of a regular game, and the bit where we changed the homepage so it didn't advise people to "download with confidence", but rather to download with caution. I don't believe anybody's debating that something which turns everyone in the game into slimes isn't terribly impressive coming from the homepage of a mod group priding itself on quality above all else. However, I also don't believe your proposed solution is going about it the right way (and the fact that you won't be installing any more Iron Mods until it's implemented suits me fine actually, since I'm trying to discourage people from it ).
Assuming we do institute a no changes rule, what would happen?
We stifle creativity. There are many situations under which a change to existing content would not he hugely detrimental.
We also introduce controversy. To spawn any new creature into the game, we have to modify some part of the original material, be it scripting, or an area. And what if my quest wants to involve an existing actor? Am I allowed to change his dialogue? Why is Modder B's entry acceptable but not mine?
I don't see what the problem with saying "be careful" is. It should be evident that the IM mods don't have the same level of QA that we normally provide; I believe the page now implies something to this effect.
QuoteWhile some mods are submitted for judging with bugs or mistakes, all mods in the download packs have been corrected to the best of our knowledge. That said, these mods should be considered novelties and there may still be some rough edges. As with any mod, read the documentation and evaluate player commentary before you commit. [b/]
Sounds like a fair warning to me.
One thing that would be nice, is a way to view the readmes prior to downloading. Some people may not want to waste their bandwidth downloading a mod they may or may not want to install.
While some mods are submitted for judging with bugs or mistakes, all mods in the download packs have been corrected to the best of our knowledge. That said, these mods should be considered novelties and there may still be some rough edges. As with any mod, read the documentation and evaluate player commentary before you commit. [b/]
I repeat, I'm only defending my position. We're all entitled to our opinions, but I'm not going to roll over and play dead when I feel my views are being attacked from all sides. Frankly, I'm surprised that there hasn't been a single person who has agreed with me on this issue.Well, there was the bit that said I don't think Iron Mods should be installed as part of a regular game, and the bit where we changed the homepage so it didn't advise people to "download with confidence", but rather to download with caution. I don't believe anybody's debating that something which turns everyone in the game into slimes isn't terribly impressive coming from the homepage of a mod group priding itself on quality above all else. However, I also don't believe your proposed solution is going about it the right way (and the fact that you won't be installing any more Iron Mods until it's implemented suits me fine actually, since I'm trying to discourage people from it ).
Frankly, I'm surprised that there hasn't been a single person who has agreed with me on this issue.
At the advice of my law firm (Ding0, Ding0, and Ding0 LLP) I have amended the Iron Modder page to be less reassuring on the question of Iron Mod stability. That said, the number of "problem" cases is remarkably small and I still think a lot of heartache would be avoided if people read about the mods they intended to install.