Online services for mod collaboraton?
 

I'm toying with the idea of setting up a collaborative modding project for SE4, where anyone can log on and edit the data files. I was thinking of using something like Writeboard or Writely, but they're geared more toward word processing.

Do you guys know of any online services that will let you collaboratively edit text files?

Re: Online services for mod collaboraton?
 

How about http://wiki.spaceempires.net ?

Re: Online services for mod collaboraton?
 

Hmm. Would there be some way to post the stock data files on there so people could edit them directly? And is there a way to dowload and upload them quickly as txt files?

Re: Online services for mod collaboraton?
 

Yes, you can zip them and upload them to SE.net.

Re: Online services for mod collaboraton?
 

hmm... there are extensions for downloading an acticle as a pdf or as a latex file, so text is certainly possible.

You can "upload" one by pasting the contents into an article, though that might make for some mighty large articles if it gets big...

I could also enable zip file uploads to the Wiki, which would be simpler, but wouldn't necessarily allow you to view or edit the files online.

Re: Online services for mod collaboraton?
 

I was thinking we could create an entry for each data file in the collaborative mod project and leave it open for a month or so, so people could post and components or tech ideas they have, even if they don't feel like creating an entire mod.

Then, after the month or so is over, we could close it up while an editing team (or person) goes in there and edits everything together so it works.

Then we open it up again so people can test it.

Re: Online services for mod collaboraton?
 

Then you'd probably end up trying to unite several wildly different concepts. Perhaps an alternative would be for anyone that wanted to start a specifically-themed collaborative mod project to set up a new project "homepage", where the mod's files could also be found. That way, making it work would be easier. And it doesn't have to be a one-month cycle; what I think would work better is for a person or group of people to act as the central modding team, and other people could drop in and submit ideas, or simply check on the progress. The central modding team could release the files (or part of them) to the public whenever they saw fit.

Re: Online services for mod collaboraton?
 

I don't see why wildly different concepts can't be worked into the same mod, even if they are polar opposites. You could set them up as different paradigms similar to that Exodus mod Pax was working on before he vanished.

A wiki as it is works great for collaboration on ideas and concepts. Its just the actual implemented entries in the data files that will be trickier, especially if you want the entire data files viewable. If you give me some time, I could work something up out of the codebase of http://adamant.spaceempires.net/database/ that would allow people to submit new items and modify existing ones, keeping track of all of the older versions of each item in case something needs to be rolled back. This could definitely be dumped to text files on demand. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Combine this with a wiki for discussions... hrm.

Re: Online services for mod collaboraton?
 

Dude, that Adamant Mod database is wicked. I assume it's all automated... It would be awesome if there was something like it for any set of data files that could be edited directly over http. It would essentially be an online mod editor.

Re: Online services for mod collaboraton?
 

It is currently set up to have the data compiled into MySQL inserts from the data files using a little C++ app, which I then put into the database via phpmyadmin. There is no online editing functionality, but such can be created. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: Online services for mod collaboraton?
 

So here is a basic plan I have... Discuss!

<u>Online Mod Collaboration Project Outline</u>

Overview

• Create an online system for collaboration in developing mods for SE4. Can be expanded to other games, such as SE5.
• Will support many mods. Possibly include a basic forum for each mod for discussions.
• Support rolling back to previous versions of items.
• Exportable data to an actual mod installable into SE4.

Database Schema

• Users Tables
• users table will store information on registered users.
• users_permissions table will store information on which mods users have permissions on.

• Mod Tables
• mods table will store a list of all mod projects maintained by the site.

• Each mod will have its own set of tables to make access and maintenence easier. Based on codebase of Adamant Mod Database.
• modname_details will store basic information on the mod project.
• modname_news will store mod project news.
• modname_filename will store data on the items specific to the filename data file. Will store all versions of an item for history of changes purposes. Each item will have parent pointer pointing to the item it is a new version of and a child pointer pointing to the item that replaces it when a new version of the item is uploaded. Latest version is determined by null child pointer.
• modname_forums will be several tables for discussion forums.

Permissions

• 0 - Guest: Can view and download mod.
• 1 - Modder: Can submit new/altered items to the mod.
• 2 - Moderator: Can moderate mod forums and roll items back to previous versions. Can submit news to mod news page.
• 3 - Mod Coordinator: Primarily for site administration purposes. Mostly the same as Moderator, with additional priveleges to promote/demote users. Will be able to replace self with one of the Moderators to hand over administrative control.
• 4 - Site Admin: Moderator powers in all forums. Can create new mod projects and assign users to them.

Miscellaneos Pages

• Page where people can register for the site.
• Page where moderators can add users to a mod project.
• Page where registered users can request the creation of a new mod project.

Re: Online services for mod collaboraton?
 

Sounds excellent. I give it 5/5 marks. When can we sign up?