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Well I would like to propose a plan that would alleviate the pressure off just a couple of operators and make this part of the game more of a group process.First I would propose that each region has its own map crew (memebers may be involved in more than one crew but they must operate in the Region that they belong to.)This crew would be responsible for the approval of map projects as well as approving the track work on a final map.When a map maker finished a map he would post it to the region crew and once 1/2 of that crew approved the map then it would go to Jim for posting.I also think that this crew should be decided upon by the members operating in the specific regions.With this type of system each region could work to best improve its area and no one person should become overwhelemed.Let us know what you think.Thanks Anthony tigeracl
Anthony and everyone,Before we get too far ahead of ourselves - I would like to understand what maps are currently being worked on - officially approved or not.So would all map designers whether experienced or newbie or wannabe - please supply the following information asap (email to jameshill@dsl.pipex.com) - I shall collate and publish a list. If your map isn't listed it wont be posted.The information I need is as follows: Map Name / State / Type (Hump Yard, Jct etc) / Project # (if applicable) / Status (Thinking about it, Image ready, Track work complete etc.The numbers of maps I can post is limited by the 64K ini limit and I am sure some very hard decisions will have to be made regarding the order in which maps get posted.In the fullness of time when the restriction is overcome all will be posted but that maybe a little way off yet.I have said I need the inis to grow at approximately the same rate and would encourage all of you to think of maps outside your own regions. I am currently working on a group of 4-6 in Detroit, MI and may well do 1 or 2 in Ohio.I know the debate was started over the whole map approval system - but the most important item which is and has been lacking is an overall plan. The ini problem forces us down that route.If we dont manage this properly then your map may be the best thing since sliced bread but if I have no space to accomodate it - it wont get posted.Once again thanks for you help and support.Jim (Dragon)
I wanted to post my 2 cents. I am not a "mapper" so I am looking at this from an outsider point of view.1. Looking at the .ini files from the latest version (#8 I think) they are all from 57 - 60K so the limit of Jim's work-around is approaching. Doing some math the average free space at the start was 9.1K the average free space now is 4.6K. That means we are half way to the end of Jim's work-around already!!2. I am all for a map crew in a region but I think the more hands that need to touch a map before posting the slower the process will be.3. I am aganst any kind of nit-picking to keep a map from being posted and if this is happening I'm sure it will be looked at. But as far as putting a map out that is less than the best and then putting out improved revisions I don't like. I make improvements to almost every map I run...putting in labels for tracks and sidings...labels for exits that I understand, etc... everytime a revision comes along I have to do these from scratch. But that is just MHO.4. This is not to be a butt-head or sarcastic! How about for starters, before we try and make regional map crews, we let the guy's who believe the system is not working, in on the current process. For example Anthony why don't you gather the "maps to be posted" list with all the required information that Jim requested above. This will allow Anthony an understanding of the back-log situation and it will cut down on at least one job off of Jim's back.This is all I wanted to say and I hope it helps a little. I don't know how Jim is managing all the task's that he has taken on and I applaud him for for his tireless effort.Tim Herrington
Guys, There are a number of different threads on similar issues and some of my post here would perhaps have been better elsewhere (probably the Recycle Bin).1. Space in the inis - it's the file YDSYSB.ini which is the critical file. Jim encountered this 64K problem in March and he did a quick fix by splitting the original YDSYSTEM.ini files into 2 - YDSYSA & YDSYSB - the former contains items like the YardMasters List, Team names, Loco colours etc and is 17K in size. The latter contains the map data and at the moment is between 41-43K - so I still have some space remaining.And before someone asks - No I cannot simply use the 47K available in the YDSYSA file for map data.2. I agree with Tim that the more hands to touch a map the slower the overall process will be. When I first started posting maps I could not understand nor agree with the fact that a map receiving review approval then had to be approved by a certain individual only. I accept that on a large map a second opinion is good to have, but any 2 from 3 should be good enough.3. Anyone stepping into the Map Boys shoes must realise that you are making a big commitment upon your time. Please, you cannot assume a position of responsibility, fail to deliver and then hide behind - ’I have too many other things to do’. You have to be realistic about your availability - you might be the best there is, but if you don't deliver, well ......There are horror stories out there of people waiting many months for image approvals and/or reviews or whatever.4. However, the complaints are not all one sided - it is extremely annoying to review a map, return a constructive critism and then have the designer search through already posted maps to find examples which support his variable track spacing or whatever. There are NO PERFECT Maps and if a mistake has got through un-noticed - well that's life - (un)fortunately yours did not. Accept it, fix it, lets go forward.5. If someone would like to collate the info on maps in progress (and that includes - being thought about to being worked on), please I would more than welcome the assistance. I said I still have a lot of space in the ini's but it is not INFINITE - no matter how granular some might wish me to make it - and it's probably as granular as it is going to get.6. Designers/Potential Designers I urge you to be realistic in your map proposals - can you run all the maps you propose to design? Is there space to post them? Think quality not quantity. 7. If it is your wish to have regional Committees to review & release "Local" maps then fine. However, I'm a little unclear about the role of a National Committee.
Ok so lets draw a line in the sand - forget past grievances and move forward together - with everyone pulling in the same direction.One last point - Chris (Clovis) found someone of a Software/Gaming Forum who might just be Jim (using nickname KingJPW - remember him?) - last post was on Oct 28th. I have sent this person a "Personal Message" and have also made a post on this Forum directed explicitely at this person. I'll keep you up to date with developments.Jim (Dragon)
>5. If someone would like to collate the info on maps in >progress (and that includes - being thought about to being >worked on), please I would more than welcome the assistance. I will be quite happy to collate the above information. Please e-mail me or IM me when I'm around.