How do you want to view maps?

[Null Parameter]

If you haven't been paying attention, there's been a gigantic discussion about how to reorganize the Halo 3 Maps Forums, right here (http://www.xforgery.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1093).

Now, there have been way too many ideas tossed around to stay sane attempting to keep track of them all, so I'm going to reiterate all of them for you, and I want you to pick which one you think will work the best, both for you and for the site.

Note: I want everybody's participation here. If I don't get enough votes, than it isn't a majority.

Browsing Maps

Option A - Only Map Search/Browse
This will only give people access to the Map Search/Browse page. If you haven't seen it, you can check it out here (http://www.xforgery.com/forum/mapsearch.php?styleid=27) (Don't worry, it isn't complete. It's just getting started.)

Option B - Map Search/Browse & Forums*
This will give people access to the amazing new Map Search/Browse Page, like Option A, and we'll highlight it as the main Map Viewing area. But, if people are stubborn and want the old interface, that will be available as well.

Option C - Forums*
This will leave the forums as the normal way to browse maps. The Map Search will still be available, but hold a lesser role.

*If you choose either of these options, also choose the Forum Structure you would most like from the options below.


Forum Structure

You will find examples of how the forums will be structured and what thread paths will look like. Here are some examples from the current setup.

Current Forum Structure (bolded forums are visible from the Main Forum Page)



Halo 3 Maps

Non-DLC

MLG
Remakes
Infection
Mini-Game
Aesthetic


Heroic DLC





MLG
Remakes
Infection
Mini-Game
Aesthetic


Legendary DLC

MLG
Remakes
Infection
Mini-Game
Aesthetic






Ambushed Thread Path

Halo 3 Maps > Legendary DLC > Infection > Ambushed (http://www.xforgery.com/forum/showthread.php?t=474)


Option A - One Forum
This is where there is only a single forum for all maps. Instead of being separated into different forums based on the Category of map, they are instead given a Prefix ([Infection], [Aesthetic], etc..) to signify which category they are in.

Forum Structure


Halo 3 Maps

Example Thread Path

Halo 3 Maps > [Infection] Ambushed


Option B - Two Forums - Prefix Subcategories
This will provide separate forums for distinguishing between Casual and Competitive Maps. But then, any sub-categories of these two sections will be done by using Prefixes ([Infection], [Aesthetic], etc...).

Forum Structure (Naming may change)


Halo 3 Maps

Competitive
Casual



Thread Path

Halo 3 Maps > Casual > [Infection] Ambushed

Option C - Two Forums - Forum Subcategories**
This will show two separate forums on the Main Forum Page, but when going into each section, there are additional Sub-forums for each Category.

Forum Structure (Naming may change)


Halo 3 Maps

Competitive

MLG


Casual

Infection
Aesthetic
Mini-Game
Racing





Thread Path

Halo 3 Maps > Casual > Infection > Ambushed

Option D - Multiple Forums - Compact**
This will provide user with a fair amount of options, right from the Main Forum Page. Almost all categories will be visible instantly.

Forum Structure (Naming may change)


Halo 3 Maps

Competitive

MLG


Infection
Aesthetic
Mini-Game

Racing


Remakes



Thread Path

Halo 3 Maps > Infection > Ambushed

Option E - Multiple Forums - Full**
This will give the user the most available options for map separation, instantly from the Main Forum Page. All Categories are instantly visible.

Forum Structure (Naming may change)


Halo 3 Maps

Competitive
MLG
Infection
Aesthetic
Mini-Game
Racing
Remakes



Thread Path

Halo 3 Maps > Infection > Ambushed

Option F - Change Nothing
Want to be stubborn? Like what we have now? Then choose this, and we can go on our mary way.

Forum Structure

Halo 3 Maps

Non-DLC

MLG
Remakes
Infection
Mini-Game
Aesthetic


Heroic DLC





MLG
Remakes
Infection
Mini-Game
Aesthetic


Legendary DLC

MLG
Remakes
Infection
Mini-Game
Aesthetic






Thread Path

Halo 3 Maps > Legendary DLC > Infection > Ambushed



** These Forum Structures could instead use a Prefix to denote what Map Pack the map is from. For instance, the thread path would look like this for Option C: Halo 3 Maps > Casual > Infection > [Legendary DLC] Ambushed

[Denominator]

First of all, a SUGGESTION. Since there are so many options and different support of so many of them, we do like Sweden does in their political elections. We have the open poll with everyone's vote, then the options with the 2 most votes get moved onto a second round. That way, everybody's voice is heard in the final decision and takes a majority vote. With this many options, we could end up with a winning vote as low as 25% of the popular vote, which isn't very good.

Secondly, I voted for the Map Search only. My reasoning:

The forums sort the maps into easily browsable sections. With the map search, this is accomplished by sorting it yourself as you see fit. If you want to sort it by gametypes, you can. By canvas, you can. By author, you can. None of the constraints by having a set forum are there. The need for forums goes away with the map search option.

[CostlyAxis]

I liked Option B for the browsing option as I like seeing a physical forum, but a search feature would make it all the better. (I thought we could do a search already...) Edit: Are you going to change how the search feature works? I just did a search for High Ground maps and got all Foundry....

For my second vote, Option C for the forum layout as it contains all of the categories that are really needed. It also keeps it simple within two main categories. Also, it doesn't force a competitive map to be MLG (or so I hope).

[Null Parameter]

Are you going to change how the search feature works? I just did a search for High Ground maps and got all Foundry....
First off, there is a completely new Search Form being built, there's a link if you look at Option A.

Second, I just did a search for High Ground with the old map search, and I didn't get any maps, only 1 screenshot. So, I'm not sure what you did.

Also, it doesn't force a competitive map to be MLG (or so I hope).That is correct. ;)

[CostlyAxis]

First off, there is a completely new Search Form being built, there's a link if you look at Option A.

Second, I just did a search for High Ground with the old map search, and I didn't get any maps, only 1 screenshot. So, I'm not sure what you did.
*Bangs head on desk*
How did I miss that???:scared:

For the search thing, I added the tag "Supports King of the Hill" to the search included with Highground. I suppose the search went with either, or.

[Morphine]

Umm, psychobucket why did you vote for A and then select a forum structure?

[PsychoBucket]

Umm, psychobucket why did you vote for A and then select a forum structure?

Because if my choice didn't get picked, I wanted to have a say in the forum structure.

[Null Parameter]

Because if my choice didn't get picked, I wanted to have a say in the forum structure.
Actually, this brings up a point that I was already considering.
For Option A, we should have the Forum Structure that we would want defined underneath the covers, just in case it doesn't go over well; then all we need to do is make them visible and then it is Option B in seconds.

So, everyone please vote for both options, no matter which Browsing Option you choose.

[Denominator]

So, everyone please vote for both options, no matter which Browsing Option you choose.

I just assumed that if Option B got chosen, those of us who picked A would get a chance to choose a forum structure.

If we've already voted, we can't vote again.

[Null Parameter]

I just assumed that if Option B got chosen, those of us who picked A would get a chance to choose a forum structure.

If we've already voted, we can't vote again.
Yep, don't worry, you'll get a say in everything. ;)

[Null Parameter]

If you want to post which Forum Structure Option that you want, I can edit them into the results.

[Denominator]

Forum Structure - Option A

[thatdamnhippie]

I took Browsing B and Forum Structure C.
I can't wait to see how this new map searching interface pulls out. Looks like it is comming alon well too ;)

[Morphine]

I think it would be more logical to vote after this search has been developed, It will give us a better idea of the extend of it's functionality.

[Murdock Sampson]

My Choices:

1. Browsing Option A

I tried the beta briefly and I think its really revolutionary. It may seem unfamiliar at first, but it's pretty self explanatory. And the few searches I ran (quite a few) and it seems that it functions quite well. My few problems were mostly in the design. I'll show you what I mean rather than try to explain it: (Sorry about the really bad lines. I'm on a laptop. Touchpad makes it hard to draw)
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k422/murdocksampson/MapSearchChanges.jpg

1. The search parameters (see what I did there?) take up less than half of the box. The box also seems to long. So if you just carry it over, it might work better. I'd put creator and map name bars next to each other, and then the 3 (i'll explain the other 2 later) drop down bars on the same line

Also perhaps map name should go first. It seems like in most things "Title" comes before "Author".

2. I think that if it's possible, the drop down bar should go on the area with the all the other titles (such as views, last post, thread/thread starter), and have an icon next to them to arrange sorting. A good example is Wiki's when it comes to tables. Here's an example of what that looks like (taken from list of Xbox Live Arcade Games):
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k422/murdocksampson/WikiSearch.jpg

As you can see, you simply click the icon to change up the sorting. Also while still talking about that area up above, I think that thread and thread starter should be different categories.

3. Three is down in the box with Base Assault. I think someone else already said this, but theres too much space there. Taking up less space would allow for those other column/categories mentioned above.

4. I don't think I put a four on there. I fail at counting.

5. Views should be capitalized. That's fairly trivial, but still needs to be pointed out.

6. 116 maps on one page seems like quite a bit. I loaded all the maps and you can get them all on one page. I'd suggest limiting that to like 20-25 if it's at all possible.



2. Forum Option B*

I think the tags will go well. Normally I would've chosen A, but I think there should be at least 2 different forums.



3. Forum Option E

I think this would be really good too. If you're not going to use tags, I wouldn't use subforums.

[Denominator]

Ummmm.... Sampson, you can't vote for both Option A and Option B. They are opposites.

[Murdock Sampson]

oh yeah i forgot this:

*I initially meant to vote for Forum option B, not browsing option B


And also I don't care if they're opposites, I just listed them in the order of which I liked best. Some may be very different, but its like if one doesn't work, then i'd like the other.

[Null Parameter]

First off, I would like to say that I am glad that you have taken your time and figured out exactly what you think would help make this better.

Second, I'm glad that a lot of what you mentioned is already there, or already in the plan. ;)

I tried the beta briefly and I think its really revolutionary. It may seem unfamiliar at first, but it's pretty self explanatory. And the few searches I ran (quite a few) and it seems that it functions quite well. Thanks! :D

1. The search parameters (see what I did there?) take up less than half of the box. The box also seems to long. So if you just carry it over, it might work better. I'd put creator and map name bars next to each other, and then the 3 (i'll explain the other 2 later) drop down bars on the same line

Also perhaps map name should go first. It seems like in most things "Title" comes before "Author". Don't worry, I had planned on doing a complete rearrangement of everything. While I'm developing, I was just kind of throwing things in as I made them.

I was going to ask people for thoughts on how to arrange it, and here are the suggestions, coming to me. :)

I'll definitely take them all into account, and the end result will probably be something relatively along those lines.

I also still have to add the Gametype Selection as well.

2. I think that if it's possible, the drop down bar should go on the area with the all the other titles (such as views, last post, thread/thread starter), and have an icon next to them to arrange sorting. A good example is Wiki's when it comes to tables. Here's an example of what that looks like (taken from list of Xbox Live Arcade Games):
[Image]

As you can see, you simply click the icon to change up the sorting. Also while still talking about that area up above, I think that thread and thread starter should be different categories.So, quick question....

Did you try to do something similar with the search results?
Guess what! The functionality is all there.

Click one of the columns (Thread, Thread Starter, Last Post, Replies or Views) and the results will be sorted by that column. Each column has a default sort order (Ascending vs Descending), but after you sort a particular column, an arrow appears showing you which way it is sorted, and clicking the arrow reverses the order. (Which is exactly how it works for vBulletin if you go into any forum)

3. Three is down in the box with Base Assault. I think someone else already said this, but theres too much space there. Taking up less space would allow for those other column/categories mentioned above.
I plan to incorporate more information into this box as well.
It will probably list Canvas, Gametypes, Size and any other information we have available.

I was just going to have them appear in the same box as the Map Name & Creator, but I could make them be their own columns if you guys think that is a good idea. Although, I can tell you now that I most likely won't make them sortable, because I'd have to write whole new functionality for that.

4. I don't think I put a four on there. I fail at counting.
EPIC FAIL!

5. Views should be capitalized. That's fairly trivial, but still needs to be pointed out.I kept meaning to change that........

6. 116 maps on one page seems like quite a bit. I loaded all the maps and you can get them all on one page. I'd suggest limiting that to like 20-25 if it's at all possible.

That's the last major feature on the list. I plan to have 20 results per page, but that is easily changeable if you guys think it should be something else.

[DeathsFriend22]

Just have a dropdown box so we can have "X" results per page.

[Null Parameter]

Just have a dropdown box so we can have "X" results per page.
I'll keep that a stretch goal, because it is more work if I don't have it predefined. ;)

[RightSideTheory]

I would vote for option C, the forum way.

Its seems easier for people to use, but I may be biased because thats what I'm used to.

[Null Parameter]

I would vote for option C, the forum way.

Its seems easier for people to use, but I may be biased because thats what I'm used to.
Well vote then ;P

That was my initial thought as well, but if you take a look at what the Map Browser already has and what it could have, it ends up basically being a forum, just more advanced.

[ACloggingtons]

in my opinions, option a will get more maps more views, but it could be divided the same way option b for the forums is.

[MNM1245]

I like how the Forum structure is right now but if you could implant Cooliris in the map sections or have like a cover art Itunes sortof thing for browisng all maps that would be cool. You could scroll through them and each one has a pic.

[Null Parameter]

I like how the Forum structure is right now but if you could implant Cooliris in the map sections or have like a cover art Itunes sortof thing for browisng all maps that would be cool. You could scroll through them and each one has a pic.
Assuming you are using Firefox (on Windows), then we already have cooliris support. If and when you have the cooliris plugin installed, just go into one of the map forums and hit the cooliris button in Firefox. :thumbup:

[GodlyPerfection]

I do not like the current structure... I still think the gametype organization would work great we just need a new name for "Multi-Purpose"

[MNM1245]

rofl i dunzor use Firefox cause I hate it!

[Null Parameter]

This vote has been completed.

Browsing will be contained in both the Map Browser and Forums.

Forum Restructure will be decided in a separate poll, to get more votes and allow those to choose that missed their vote the first time.


Thanks for your votes!