Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Custom Skins => Topic started by: Skuzzy on February 03, 2017, 04:32:11 PM

Title: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Skuzzy on February 03, 2017, 04:32:11 PM
In the image of this post, you are seeing a preview to the skins preview/downloads page we have been working on.  The reason I am not showing you a live version of the page is due to sensitive data in the database, leftover when we moved to the skinadmin utility years ago.

Instead of explaining it all, I thought I would just toss it out there and get feedback.
(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=384886.0;attach=26626)
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Devil 505 on February 03, 2017, 05:08:15 PM
I think it would be better to have the skins listed in a column to the left of the box with the skin info and pics. That way one does not need to scroll up and down as much or at all to get all the info and change selections,
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Greebo on February 03, 2017, 06:23:26 PM
Could there be copyright issues if HTC post the reference profiles and photographs for each skin?
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Devil 505 on February 03, 2017, 07:02:24 PM
Could there be copyright issues if HTC post the reference profiles and photographs for each skin?
Excellent point.
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Vraciu on February 03, 2017, 07:02:30 PM
Could there be copyright issues if HTC post the reference profiles and photographs for each skin?

Isn't there a fair use rule out there?

Give credit and claim fair use under "research".
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Devil 505 on February 03, 2017, 07:17:46 PM
I don't think "research" covers the actual picture being displayed by HTC on their website.
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Vraciu on February 03, 2017, 07:31:23 PM
I don't think "research" covers the actual picture being displayed by HTC on their website.

Wikipedia does it.   I don't see any lawsuits.
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: oboe on February 03, 2017, 07:33:38 PM
Could there be copyright issues if HTC post the reference profiles and photographs for each skin?

Isn't OK as long as you credit the artist?   Plus, HTC is not making money from these displaying these images.

Getting a bona fide legal opinion might be a prudent step however.
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Fencer51 on February 04, 2017, 12:27:34 AM
Have you guys been asleep for a few years.  There are tons of copies of images from books and websites posted in this forum/topic.  How is that any less 'illegal'?

http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,342114.0.html (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,342114.0.html) for example.
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Arlo on February 04, 2017, 12:51:28 AM
I rather like it. A lot, actually. (As is.)  :cheers:
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Devil 505 on February 04, 2017, 12:55:00 AM
Have you guys been asleep for a few years.  There are tons of copies of images from books and websites posted in this forum/topic.  How is that any less 'illegal'?

http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,342114.0.html (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,342114.0.html) for example.

HTC would be the direct violator of a possible copyright and not a user of the BBs. Might seem like splitting hairs, until you think about the potential gains of suing HTC vs a user on the BBS. 
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Vraciu on February 04, 2017, 05:48:33 AM
HTC would be the direct violator of a possible copyright and not a user of the BBs. Might seem like splitting hairs, until you think about the potential gains of suing HTC vs a user on the BBS.

They're not gonna get sued.   At worst they'll be asked to stop using the image in question.   If they continue it's use after a C&D request THEN they might get sued.   I don't see it as an issue.

Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Skuzzy on February 04, 2017, 06:27:51 AM
Copyright is a valid question.  Worst case, I drop the reference image display.

Listing all the planes/vehicles/boats in a column would mean scrolling the entire page to find the one you want.  I see no value in that as opposed to scrolling the one list.

One of the intents of this page is to show it in the game, under the help section for skins.  The appearance will be different.  It will also be replacing the current skins page on our WEB site.
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Arlo on February 04, 2017, 08:56:27 AM
Copyright is a valid question.  Worst case, I drop the reference image display.

Listing all the planes/vehicles/boats in a column would mean scrolling the entire page to find the one you want.  I see no value in that as opposed to scrolling the one list.

One of the intents of this page is to show it in the game, under the help section for skins.  The appearance will be different.  It will also be replacing the current skins page on our WEB site.

I could edit a screenshot to yield just the cropped profile.
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Devil 505 on February 04, 2017, 11:49:35 AM
Copyright is a valid question.  Worst case, I drop the reference image display.

Listing all the planes/vehicles/boats in a column would mean scrolling the entire page to find the one you want.  I see no value in that as opposed to scrolling the one list.

One of the intents of this page is to show it in the game, under the help section for skins.  The appearance will be different.  It will also be replacing the current skins page on our WEB site.

No, I meant retaining the drop-down menu for the plane. Just move the skin names to a column to the left from above it where you have it.
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Vraciu on February 04, 2017, 01:17:28 PM
No, I meant retaining the drop-down menu for the plane. Just move the skin names to a column to the left from above it where you have it.

Another thing that would be nice is knowing what number the skin is, i.e. p51d_21. 
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Skuzzy on February 04, 2017, 01:59:53 PM
Right now, there are 3 columns for the skin names.  You want them to be in one column?  When you get 31 skins listed, it gets kind of clumsy to have them in one column.

Hmmm.  I could make another drop down list of the skins.
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Vraciu on February 04, 2017, 02:04:47 PM
Right now, there are 3 columns for the skin names.  You want them to be in one column?  When you get 31 skins listed, it gets kind of clumsy to have them in one column.

Hmmm.  I could make another drop down list of the skins.

An option to "Display All" would be nice. 

Why not a table of all the thumbnails for each type that are clickable?

Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Devil 505 on February 04, 2017, 02:07:54 PM
Why not a table of all the thumbnails for each type that are clickable?

Winner!  :aok
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Vraciu on February 04, 2017, 02:08:20 PM
Pulldown menu at top for plane type. 

Then a 3 x 7 clickable table of the skins.


Thumbnail                    Repeat for p51d_2              Repeat for p51d_3
P51d_1
Unit Designation
Skinner Name



Thumbnail                    Repeat for p51d_5              Repeat for p51d_6
P51d_4
Unit Designation
Skinner Name





Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Vraciu on February 04, 2017, 02:16:21 PM
Winner!  :aok


Thanks. 

A master table of plane types in order displaying the default skin would be nice, too. 

So you have the pull down menu at top BUT also an alpha list you can click to take you to the sub menu.

Pulldown menu at top for plane type. 

Then a 3 x 7 table of the skins, expandable to all skins for each type.


Thumbnail               Repeat for F2A        Repeat for F4F-3
A6M
Default Skin
Unit Designation
Skinner Name

Thumbnail               Repeat for F4U-1        Repeat for F4U-1A
F4F-4
Default Skin
Unit Designation
Skinner Name




Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Arlo on February 04, 2017, 05:35:54 PM
(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/arloguh03/381stKokutai_by_Greebo_zpsurvsfxiw.png~original)
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Skuzzy on February 04, 2017, 06:02:16 PM
Unfortunately, about 95% of the skins do not have thumbnails.  I also want the page to be friendly to those who have data caps.

It would be a big page with a plane which has 31 skins for it.

I like the idea and thought about it, but did not do it as there are very few skins with thumbnails.
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Arlo on February 04, 2017, 06:28:33 PM
Making thumbnails would be even easier.

(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/arloguh03/331k_by_Greebo_zpsbtdl0z3a.png)

(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/arloguh03/331k_by_Greebo_th_zpsvalojazc.png)

(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/arloguh03/331k_by_Greebo_zpsy3xvifaz.png)


Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Vraciu on February 04, 2017, 07:06:25 PM
Unfortunately, about 95% of the skins do not have thumbnails.  I also want the page to be friendly to those who have data caps.

It would be a big page with a plane which has 31 skins for it.

I like the idea and thought about it, but did not do it as there are very few skins with thumbnails.

We can make them pretty easily I would guess.

Have a text-only version for data considerations. 

I see it as a marketing opportunity for you.   People are attracted by pictures.   That's more vital than restricting data if you ask me. 

Who even has a data cap that a few small pictures would impact?   Seems like a tiny segment to me. 

Offer both.   
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Arlo on February 04, 2017, 07:08:47 PM
(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/arloguh03/2nd_K_S_by_Greebo_zpsb73cvhed.png~original)

(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/arloguh03/2nd_K_S_TH_by_Greebo_zpsmisulohj.png)

(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/arloguh03/2nd_k_s_by_Greebo_zpsaswrykmx.png)
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Arlo on February 04, 2017, 07:50:47 PM
(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/arloguh03/203rd_K_TH_by_Greebo_zpsntwcvjzf.png)

(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/arloguh03/203rd_K_by_Greebo_zps9pcnklw5.png)
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Arlo on February 04, 2017, 08:14:52 PM
(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/arloguh03/201_K_TH_by_Greebo_zpswjs6io5w.png)

(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/arloguh03/201_K_by_Greebo_zps9bbkipvp.png)
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Vraciu on February 04, 2017, 08:16:49 PM
(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/arloguh03/2nd_K_S_by_Greebo_zpsb73cvhed.png~original)

(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/arloguh03/2nd_K_S_TH_by_Greebo_zpsmisulohj.png)

(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/arloguh03/2nd_k_s_by_Greebo_zpsaswrykmx.png)

 :aok
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Arlo on February 04, 2017, 08:34:50 PM
(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/arloguh03/T_A_G_by_Greebo_TH_zpsxfvzyimg.png)

(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/arloguh03/T_A_G_by_Greebo_zpsgr2f2bpi.png)
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Vraciu on February 04, 2017, 10:39:39 PM
Nicely done, Arlo.   Your stock with me has gone up in value.  :salute :cheers: :aok
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Arlo on February 04, 2017, 10:51:15 PM
I didn't know you were a stockholder.  ;) It's all good. Thumb-making and screenshot profiles are both easier than skinning and, after working on a terrain for two hours (unsuccessfully), infinitely easier than that. I still intend to come up with a terrain that'll be fun for the Iowa class.  :salute :cheers:
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Vraciu on February 04, 2017, 10:57:22 PM
I didn't know you were a stockholder.  ;) It's all good. Thumb-making and screenshot profiles are both easier than skinning and, after working on a terrain for two hours (unsuccessfully), infinitely easier than that. I still intend to come up with a terrain that'll be fun for the Iowa class.  :salute :cheers:

What's the data hit on that thumbnail?   Can't be much.
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Arlo on February 04, 2017, 11:28:03 PM
What's the data hit on that thumbnail?   Can't be much.

20-30 kb images. But I hafta rely on Roy's judgement. 300-400 kb per profile but those can be shrunk down more. I'm still a novice at this.

(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/arloguh03/zuikaku_FG_by_Busa01_zpszhjzbyyb.png)

(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/arloguh03/zuikaku_FG_by_Busa01_zpsy0sycqeo.png)
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Arlo on February 04, 2017, 11:47:51 PM
(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/arloguh03/zuikaku_AG_by_Greebo_TH_zpsiv5qsxlq.png)

(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/arloguh03/zuikaku_AG_by_Greebo_zpskwwkvdcy.png)
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Arlo on February 05, 2017, 12:08:54 AM
(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/arloguh03/tainan_F_G_TH_by_Busa01_zpswu3v0v0r.png)

(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/arloguh03/tainan_FG_by_Busa01_zpszuqckrty.png)
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Vraciu on February 05, 2017, 12:35:11 AM
20-30 kb images. But I hafta rely on Roy's judgement. 300-400 kb per profile but those can be shrunk down more. I'm still a novice at this.

(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/arloguh03/zuikaku_FG_by_Busa01_zpszhjzbyyb.png)

(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/arloguh03/zuikaku_FG_by_Busa01_zpsy0sycqeo.png)

So, 30KB x 31 per aircraft type.   That's really not bad, IMHO.

I understand Roy's concern here, but I think that's the responsibility of the end user.   You do what you can to have a page that isn't bloated with code, but if someone can't afford to use less than one MB per airplane type to view a thumbnail gallery then I suspect they're not gonna' play the game any way.

Just my $0.02 - YMMV.    :salute

 
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: oakranger on February 06, 2017, 09:44:11 PM
Have you guys been asleep for a few years.  There are tons of copies of images from books and websites posted in this forum/topic.  How is that any less 'illegal'?

http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,342114.0.html (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,342114.0.html) for example.


I saw this and there can be some league issues Hitech could face.  Only reason I am say this because I know a web site a German guy did who did a amazing job on Luftwaffe, American, Russian and Japanese setting from units all the down to individual plane in fighter squad.  A lot of the planes he posted were art work and did not have permission to used them on his site.  He was facing with a international copy right lawsuit if he did not shut the site down.   
Title: Re: Skins Display/Download Page
Post by: Vraciu on February 07, 2017, 04:42:55 AM

I saw this and there can be some league issues Hitech could face.  Only reason I am say this because I know a web site a German guy did who did a amazing job on Luftwaffe, American, Russian and Japanese setting from units all the down to individual plane in fighter squad.  A lot of the planes he posted were art work and did not have permission to used them on his site.  He was facing with a international copy right lawsuit if he did not shut the site down.

Arlo has solved that problem for us if HTC goes that route. 

Go for it, Skuzzy.  Don't miss the forest for the trees.