Actually, Peng, this change was made based on years of user feedback.  So, yeah, the community WAS involved.  Just because there wasn't a poll doesn't mean this isn't what  a LOT of people wanted.  I just don't think it was completely thought out, is all.

Mistakes are made.  Discussions are going on.  That's really all I can do.

>> "They know you guys are legitimately upset by this, and they ARE looking into it.  Just like it took a while to implement this and get it going, it will take a little bit to fix."

No, while they figure out what to do, Rendo defers to the collective wisdom of the membership and goes back to the old system. Pull up the archive page, make it active, add the three or four new items, and move on.

Period. End of story,

Oh, ok, Sean.  I didn't know you were really Tim.  My bad.  I take back all those "drinking helps me work" jokes.

This is the weekend.  The office is closed, the programmers aren't working.  Nothing is going to happen, at the VERY earliest, until Monday morning.  That's the facts.

Quote - I'm not going to go into detail, because it's not my place, but they're running a little shortstaffed at the moment.

Now that you mention it, a look at the team page and forum index does highlight some notable role changes I hadn't noticed.

Yes, we did have an admin step down, for her own reasons.  Should she want to share them, that's her business.  We have another out on medical leave.

now recruiting for a new Evil (tm) Admin.... please submit your resume and body count to.........

Heh.  Nope.  IMHO, she's pretty irreplaceable.  Then again, I've never done anything to get on her bad side.

Quote -
No, while they figure out what to do, Rendo defers to the collective wisdom of the membership and goes back to the old system. Pull up the archive page, make it active, add the three or four new items, and move on.

Period. End of story,

You know, when I find myself nodding and agreeing with Sean wholeheartedly, something has to be pretty frickin' obvious about all this... (Hi Sean! :) )

But anyway, the weekend? C'mon, it takes, what three hours at most to rollback a site section, and 5-10 minutes' rolling downtime per server? They could have done this yesterday afternoon.

(and I'm very sure that if I knew my biz was suffering a PR nightmare, I'd be working 24/7 to get the thing fixed...)

Ah well, I don't blame you, Jen. You're stuck in the middle, and Rendo's SOP is to throw bodies at the breach. s'cool. I'll be over browsing at 3DC and DAZ' free stuff now... :p

>> "Oh, ok, Sean.  I didn't know you were really Tim.  My bad.  I take back all those "drinking helps me work" jokes."

Hey, that's no fair!

:)

But seriously, Jen, I dont think this is something they should just say, "Oh, we'll deal with it on Monday. It's not that big a deal." The membership here is the business, not some inventory you just lock up for the weekend. Sure, it's just a couple of days, but look what's happened in those couple of days. Maybe Rendo figures the hysteria will just die down and go away all by itself... in which case it wont look any better for anyone.

Sorry, lotsa bad moves all around on this. September definitely came early.

Turning off the bots. It's Saturday, and I have laundry to do. :)

Well, I can't do anything.  The best bet, that I've repeated at least twice, but will go ahead and do it again, will be to contact admin@renderosity.com  The admin don't read the forums regularly here, just like they don't at DAZ.  So, while we can all up our postcount in this thread, all it does is that.

I know, Sean, but, like I said, it's all fine and well to talk about what needs to be done here.   Unless you voice your opinion TO THEM, they can't hear it. 
Sure, maybe they should be working nonstop to fix it.  Let's be fair...when's the last time any business in the poserverse has actually done that?  DAZ releases buggy software, figures, etc, on FRIDAY every time.  The forum bitching hits a crescendo around noon on Sunday, after Richard has repeated "they don't read the forum" a bajillion times.  Monday, first thing, Steve (or someone like him) comes out and apologizes, and says they're working on it.  And everything's ok.
Jenifer (the VP) came out YESTERDAY and said that there were changes made, and everything's being taken into consideration.  Jani (Community Admin) is taking suggestions all weekend in threads in the Freestuff Forum.  What else can we do, folks?  We can't force Tommy, Matt, or Adam to fix it RIGHT NOW.  For all I know, they're working on a fix.  Not everything in programming is a 2 minute fix.  I'd personally prefer it not be, and get it done right. 

 Thanks for grabbing my back Jeni...In future when posing a hypothetical position I will preface the statement with , Hypothetically...sigh...I never did say "We are gonna charge you guys" as near as I can make out...It was a bit of a questing/venting statement, as we on staff, as previously stated, found out about these changes barely a cuppa joe before the membership did..sorry for the confusion.. ...
off to check the new Freestuff Pending now.. ...

Actually, that wasn't directed at you in particular - JeniferC said the same.

Quote - Hosting the files is expensive. Since Renderosity does not have membership fees, our community relies on the continued support of our sponsors and the wonderfully talented artist who broker their creations through us.

just my two cents.. I don't like the new way freebies are being handled. I'll probably just go elsewhere - in the grand scheme of things do I think that'll change anything for renderosity - not one iota.

myst

The fact that a good, easy-to-use Freestuff area is in and of itself an advertisement for a site seems to have been lost. New users of, oh, say Poser, aren't committed enough yet  to spending more money after just purchasing the program, and depend heavily on the generosity of more experienced users. Renderosity's decision to host files could be optional for members who have no other way to share things. And a link to "you might be interested in" Marketplace products would give the visitor more control, sound more like a suggestion, and attract people who are amenable to purchasing something. Honestly, some things you just want to add to fill an image (free), and some things you'd be willing to buy if you can find it. 

I can't help wondering how many first-time visitors to the Freestuff area are going to think it's just too irritating to use, and  wander off elsewhere. 

Try as I may I'm still not getting this "too irritating to use" thing.

Traditionally I don't see much point in defending Renderosity for any of their decisions, because as a long time member here, I've seen a whole lot of what I would consider to be really annoying and strange decisions. And all you other long-timers know exactly the type of things I'm talking about.

But then again, over the years they've also added a whole lot of really cool features and improved the site considerably, to  give credit where credit is due.
I've ragged on Renderosity too many times to count, sometimes legitimately, sometimes just for the hell of it, to be honest. ;-)

But I'm really not getting this. I just downloaded 5 random things from the Free Stuff What's New page and it took virtually no time. Click on the thing, scroll down, click again, click on the final pop-up, done. Well I canceled the downloads because I didn't want any of the stuff, but that makes no difference.

If it's the ads, like I mentioned before, Adblock Plus removes them all, or can be tailored easily enough to not remove everything from the site and can also be turned on or off for those times one may want to see the ads.
But if it's a question of convenience, or how long it takes to get one's grubby little paws on some new free thing, I just can't see it being worth complaining about.

Makes me feel kinda bad, not wanting to be on the anti-Renderosity side for a change. Feels kinda weird, really. I'm trying to be pissed off, but it's just not happening.  ;-)

Quote -

Makes me feel kinda bad, not wanting to be on the anti-Renderosity side for a change. Feels kinda weird, really. ;-)

You feelin' ok, Mike?  Didn't eat any bad fish or anything last night?

Quote -

You feelin' ok, Mike?  Didn't eat any bad fish or anything last night?

Had a few beers and some Jack and Cokes at the bar, but yeah I guess I'm OK.

I know, I know... I'm terribly out of character here, aren't I?
I'll try harder next time around. ;-)

It's all good, I'll let you slide this one time.  Next time, though...comfy chair.

yea ..that's it then ... you've been assimilated...sure you weren't drinking the Rendo kool-aid, Mike?

One click DL is what I want. The ads..I ignore them.

OK...now here's an idea that should go over like a rock..
Rendo could have a fee per month to not have ads and a one click DL. To sweeten the deal, those that pay the fee get premium free downloads, you know the full package freebies...they also get a discount off related products or products from the vendor you dl the free stuff from.

The regular folks get the regular stuff, see all the ads, get to have the clickfest, and all that goes with that, you know, like it is now.

Not the comfy chair...

I wasn't expecting the Spanish Inquisition...

Quote -

OK...now here's an idea that should go over like a rock..
Rendo could have a fee per month to not have ads and a one click DL. To sweeten the deal, those that pay the fee get premium free downloads, you know the full package freebies...they also get a discount off related products or products from the vendor you dl the free stuff from.

The regular folks get the regular stuff, see all the ads, get to have the clickfest, and all that goes with that, you know, like it is now.

I suggested that a few months ago in the CC Forum. Not exactly that, but something very similar, and got fairly detailed with it. Had a good discussion about it with a few people, but overall it didn't seem to go over too well.

Wow.  That is like forcing everyone to wear an airtight helmet, and then talking about charging for fresh air.  The bandwidth cost is a completely artificial and intentional cost that Renderosity chose to bear, in spite of many many people who do not want this and don't value it.

Quote - Wow.  That is like forcing everyone to wear an airtight helmet, and then talking about charging for fresh air.  The bandwidth cost is a completely artificial and intentional cost that Renderosity chose to bear, in spite of many many people who do not want this and don't value it.

How's that again?

I've since changed my mind about it anyway. Or more specifically, changed my mind about discussing it.
My idea was like CG Society, where they have the free part and the subscription part. Very few seemed to grasp that idea and most people knee-jerked their way into thinking I was saying RO should charge everyone, so I lost interest in the idea. ;-)

That's a little overboard, ya think?

We're not going to charge anyone a subscription fee, period.  There are ways to get rid of ads, they've been described OVER AND OVER.

Sorry you don't like the freestuff, pjz.  There are those who DO, but just don't like certain things.  I've stated before, THE ADMIN ARE WORKING ON IT.  I'm sorry it's not to your liking.  Email them.

Quote -
That's a little overboard, ya think?

What's a little overboard? What I said, or are you referring to pjz's post?

yeah, sorry, you posted before I finished.  You should really quit doing that :lol:

Quote - We're not going to charge anyone a subscription fee, period.

I didn't say you were.  LESS ALL CAPS RESPONSES WOULD BE REALLY KIND AND APPRECIATED TOO.  THANK YOU.

invisibility is a virtue
I carry it well, eve though I try to be seen.

Less responses containing irrational "fears" about things not stated by an admin would be awesome, too.  I don't see them in my future, though.

looks in into Jen's future I see... I see..... a slap round the head...OW!

you know, Canned Heat is a damn good blues band.

My freebies are staying right where they're at and since I haven't made a new freebie in over a year I am not bothered by this whole non-issue of forced hosting.

IMHO sharecg.com is an excellent place for both hosting and finding freebies.

apart from the fact sharecg is run on a 33.3 modem..... it's amazingly slow...

Quote -

I suggested that a few months ago in the CC Forum. 

I didn't know we had a Comfy Chair Forum, heh heh heh.. ...

Quote - Actually, Peng, this change was made based on years of user feedback.  So, yeah, the community WAS involved.  Just because there wasn't a poll doesn't mean this isn't what  a LOT of people wanted.  I just don't think it was completely thought out, is all.

Mistakes are made.  Discussions are going on.  That's really all I can do.

Hmmm years of user feedback..... that's what CP said was the reason for closing their forums.

I would like to see a site throw up a poll when they have an idea that is "based on years of user feedback" and we would see just how many of the actual userbase would actually want said changes, BEFORE they make the changes. (probably not nearly as many as the site would think)

Or, so you assume.  The forum userbase is actually a small % of the people that use the site.  That's how it is at most sites.  Not everyone is social.

Case in point.....a good large portion of the posts in the "petition" thread in the freestuff forum is of people who've been members for years...and it's their first post.

There's a Free Stuff forum?
Why, so there is. How much other stuff you have hidden around here, Jen? Been holding out on me, I see.

We've got lots of forums here ;)   I've just been hiding them behind the basket (FWIW, there's a link to it in our header)

edited for the premature enter

and no Sketchup forum... but we're working on that.. yessssssssss

it suddenly feels cold and slimy in here.  And I sense some stupid ring.

:lol:

Quote - Or, so you assume.  The forum userbase is actually a small % of the people that use the site.  That's how it is at most sites.  Not everyone is social.

Case in point.....a good large portion of the posts in the "petition" thread in the freestuff forum is of people who've been members for years...and it's their first post.

should that not be a good indication that youve really annoyed people ?

When the lurkers have to come out and tell you your greed/advertising  is getting out of hand .

just a thought

Ok, so now it's greedy to give free hosting?  I'll remember that next time I offer to host someone's items on my own personal server for them.

Mistakes were made.  We owned up, and admitted them and stated repeatedly that we're workin' on it.  But, I'm sorry, some of the things have been blown WAY out of proportion.

Oh, and, FWIW, lurkers always come out of the woodwork when policy changes are enacted.  Usually people who've declared about 20 times that they're leaving, taking their stuff with them, and never coming back.  And, not just here.  Pretty much every site I've visited that has any substantial amount of people that visit the forums.

yep..pick up your toys and leave.
I've done it myself here a couple of times.

Quote - > Quote - FWIW, Sean, starting with Runtime in the .zip file is actually the standard, whether it be for freebies or for store products.  As a matter of fact, the RMP won't accept a .zip file for a Poser product that doesn't install properly to the runtime.

And I agree. What I'm saying is, start with a folder with the product name, then inside it put your "runtime" folder and its contents, accompanied by the readme, the EULA, and whatever else..

BTW: I'd hate to have to open the mailbox at admin. I have a feeling it's gonna be quite mfull and very hot in there. :)

I think the issue with using Runtime: Libraries: etc...  as a required path is that is the standard by which Poser's Install from Zip Archive uses (both MAC and Win) and it also allows both MAC and WIN users to dump the prepared product into any existing Runtime (MAC users using Stuffit with the Merge Option active, Win users can use most an Compression Utility to extract with Full Paths.

If a Product has a Parent Folder (My Product: Runtime:.... ) or had an Identifying Folder in the top level of the Runtime Folder (Runtime: My Product:... ) it would not work correctly.

Now, with that said, I also understand the Numbering requirement (What if two people uploaded a product with the same name) and I have a suggestion... Allow the Product to keep the Name, just prefix it with the Number. That way everyone will know it was a Rendo Free Item offer and the File name will stay intact somewhat.

Quote - > Quote -

They weren't thought up, then you came up with some magnificently long advertising post, telling us all how awesome your 1,235,639th character for V4..

I only count 852,000 versions.
What did I miss? You guys been disappearing posts again here like the good old days?
Apparently you think it's safe to launch another conspiracy. Next year don't be so sloppy about it, and do it in July or so. People are wise to September. ;-)

That was actually funny.. seriously... I laughed out loud and my wife wanted to know what I was watching or listening to...

Quote - yep..pick up your toys and leave.
I've done it myself here a couple of times.

You know I'm not pickin' on you, Dave ;)  Believe it or not, I actually miss you when you're gone.

hey that's great !!!! thanks
guess I should leave again for awhile so I'm missed :)