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Community => Social & Contests => Topic started by: vilvoh on October 28, 2010, 09:19:06 PM

Title: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: vilvoh on October 28, 2010, 09:19:06 PM
Don't panic! we're not running out of new ideas for the SMSC! the point is that sometimes we don't have enough time to think about new topics, thus I thought it would be better to have some ideas in the fridge, in case we need them. On the other hand, we give the community the chance to choose the topics they like most.

some guidelines:

A list of past SMSC topics so you can bring some different ones:

We're looking forward to read your ideas and suggestions!!  8)
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Francisco on October 29, 2010, 01:06:10 AM
Some ideas:

Big bridges between mountains (or Transport solutions for rough terrain :) )

The central rail station in the main city

The transport network reaches the Far-away Town

Train stations connected to harbours, and something related to forests :) How a forest can be a good Simutrans screenshot? ;D
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: ӔO on October 29, 2010, 08:25:37 PM
Funiculars and stations you can place on slopes.
Funiculars are missing entirely. One is like a tram, the other is like a ski lift.

Blimps or dirigibles.

aquatic attractions, like: coral reefs, blue holes, capsized ships, grounded ships.

large equipment factories, like: airplane assembly plant, shipyard, construction and excavation machinery assembly plants.
They would consume goods like an auto factory, but not actually give you anything you can transport. At least, not unless there was another good added.

Oversized goods and specialized vehicles to carry them. things like small ships, airplane wings and fuselage, electricity transformers, gas tanks, cranes, or heavy construction equipment.
specialized vehicles can be like: schnabel car for rail and road or airbus beluga.

motorbikes and scooters. low capacity and low maintenance, but not unusual to see them used for deliveries or as a taxi when sidecar is added.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: IgorEliezer on October 29, 2010, 09:02:03 PM
Islands and archipelagos
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Lmallet on October 29, 2010, 10:05:05 PM
Efficient interchanges (simple/efficient ways of joining busy lines)

Scenic bridges

Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: An_dz on October 29, 2010, 11:01:39 PM
* Forests, Lakes and a road. - Max of 2 buildings appearing.
* Small Villages and their attractions
* Beaches
* High Traffic
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: jap train fan on November 26, 2010, 10:51:20 AM
differnent underground levels
building tunnels without a tunnel entrance (saves money)
high speed trains that are cheap and can go as fast as planes (tracks for the trains also)
better station buildings
amtitious but rubbish ideas but i will like them to be implanted
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Qayyum on November 26, 2010, 11:12:05 AM
I've only one idea...

the most disastrous traffic jam
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: vilvoh on November 26, 2010, 11:28:34 AM
I think some people have misunderstood the goal of this thread. This topic is about things you can actually do with Simutrans, not about things you would like to see in Simutrans... contine suggesting new ideas!
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Spike on November 26, 2010, 12:40:14 PM
Make a transport network that actually works and displays the letters "HELLO WORLD" on the mini map ;)

Not quite serious. But maybe we could once make a competition about silly things as well.

Like transport nets that shape animals, or well, any sort of object.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: VS on November 26, 2010, 01:51:16 PM
Minimap competition... interesting idea :)
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: jap train fan on November 26, 2010, 11:59:42 PM
sorry but then we could have like lots of cities covering the whole map to make like suburbs in a city
eg: sydney (city) and hurstville(suburb in sydney)
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Zeno on November 27, 2010, 10:57:50 AM
What about colorful vehicles?
Sorry, I had a boring morning! :P

(http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/tt46/ZenoMaN/Simutrans/th_Colorful_Tankers.jpg) (http://s596.photobucket.com/albums/tt46/ZenoMaN/Simutrans/?action=view&current=Colorful_Tankers.jpg)
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Václav on December 06, 2010, 05:07:04 PM
Place in different times
- day and night
- history and present time (growing of cities)
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: IgorEliezer on December 07, 2010, 02:54:21 PM
Quote from: VaclavMacurek on December 06, 2010, 05:07:04 PM
Place in different times
- day and night
- history and present time (growing of cities)

It seems it'd require tiles screenshots, one tile per period. But, still interesting.

Quote from: Lmallet on October 29, 2010, 10:05:05 PM
Scenic bridges

Yay!

What if, at last, a coder adopts the idea of making bridges with multiple tiles for their pilars (see pics below)? I had suggested it when I had joined the community some eras ago: http://archive.forum.simutrans.com/topic/01323.0/index.html
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: vilvoh on April 01, 2011, 05:28:26 PM
We need more ideas for future editions, so I encourage you to propose anything you have in mind.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: ojii on April 01, 2011, 09:29:42 PM
- Megametropolis (because I love to play them)
- Subwaysystem
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Fabio on April 02, 2011, 05:38:53 PM
- Competition (vehicles of two or more different companies in the same screenshot, it could favour pics from network games, or AI)

- Evolution (two pics of the same place at a distance of at least 20 game years)

Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: diegoviagens on April 02, 2011, 06:18:33 PM
Quote from: IgorEliezer on October 29, 2010, 09:02:03 PM
Islands and archipelagos

Islands yes
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: alexbaettig on April 02, 2011, 06:29:18 PM
Maybe Tramsystems or Monorailsystems. Has the topic tunnels been mentioned by someone yet? There one could think of different things like inner city tunnels or undersea tunnels...
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: greenling on April 02, 2011, 08:01:45 PM
I have a idea !
Couple and uncople form train,roadvehicle and trams without Depot.
That enable it to make Trains with different Start and endplace.

greenling
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: transporter on April 02, 2011, 09:30:40 PM
Fast and Furious (only high speed >150kph vehicles)
Slow and steady wins the race (vehicles <70kph)
Bigger is better (large capacity lines/trains)
Meet the deadline (longest lines)
Delusions of Grandeur (screenshot of map that has been modified by user. i.e. cities all in line, modified terrain)
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Václav on May 14, 2011, 04:24:08 PM
Quote from: transporter on April 02, 2011, 09:30:40 PM
Fast and Furious (only high speed >150kph vehicles)
Slow and steady wins the race (vehicles <70kph)
Very interesting but hard to say vehicles' true speed when there are so much add-ons in game.

Quote
Bigger is better (large capacity lines/trains)
Meet the deadline (longest lines)
I am not sure if these are almost the same - like it seems to me  ::( or am I wrong in understanding of Meet the deadline (longest lines)?

Quote
Delusions of Grandeur (screenshot of map that has been modified by user. i.e. cities all in line, modified terrain)
Comparison of two cities between each other - it may be realised quite easily but I am not sure if current max size of picture (800*600) would be sufficient. Also one city in different ages may be compared - but this is already called some posts ago (by me).
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: transporter on May 14, 2011, 07:47:48 PM
Meet the Deadline is line length, not convoy/train. From factory to factory
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Václav on May 14, 2011, 08:42:38 PM
Aha ... so I am not sure if this would be interesting - because then it does not show much (only line on minimap). I think that SMSC would be much interesting if there will be depicted vehicles and/or buildings - at all times.

So length of trains will be better - but special form of this is used in current (May of 2011) round.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: transporter on May 15, 2011, 02:19:37 AM
I'm just glad my idea (is some form) was used :)
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: colonyan on May 17, 2011, 11:35:08 PM
Excuse me but what does SMSC stand for?
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: DirrrtyDirk on May 18, 2011, 12:09:34 AM
Quote from: colonyan on May 17, 2011, 11:35:08 PM
Excuse me but what does SMSC stand for?

Simutrans Monthly Screenshot Contest
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Václav on May 23, 2011, 09:10:55 AM
Idea for future SMSC rounds - optical illusions. Some things are (or: may be) else than they seem be.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: vilvoh on May 23, 2011, 10:23:24 AM
Interesting, Vaclav but could you show an example? in-game example, if possible... :)
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Václav on May 23, 2011, 11:55:01 AM
Yes. I counted with need of example. So here it is:
(http://forum.simutrans.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=6147.0;attach=15558;image)

Green (grass) tramway track (by Gwalch, SNFOS) seems be shaped else than is. It begins in the front of tramway/trolleybus station and ends behind crossing placed on elevated road. There it seems be straight (in diagonal tiles) but it is not straight.

... but I think that somewhere may be found better illusions.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: transporter on July 19, 2011, 02:34:05 AM
Quote from: luluxiu on July 19, 2011, 12:28:35 AM
Not too serious. But perhaps we can once about silly things, and competition. Such as transportation network, the shape of animals, or any object.

Yeah! And you could either zoom far out or use the map for pictures
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: IgorEliezer on July 19, 2011, 02:38:45 AM
transporter, the user you quoted is spambot (and caught). ;)
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: transporter on July 19, 2011, 08:48:04 PM
I had a feeling something wasn't right...but I still think it's a good idea lol
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Václav on July 19, 2011, 09:42:36 PM
I hope that SMSC will be brought to the life after summer - because I am a little confused that June round was cancelled  ??? - and it seems that July round was cancelled too  ::'(.

But I would like to give following suggestion: that addons present at least on screenshot would have to be published - or at least there should be written where those objects can be downloaded - if someone is not part of main package.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: vilvoh on July 19, 2011, 10:40:40 PM
We usually don't plan editions in summer, due to the low participation, and this year we also had the Graphics contest so we decided not to mix them in the same month. We'll be back in September, don't worry ;)
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: moblet on August 01, 2011, 08:43:04 AM
Crazy factory placements. E.g. in a current online multiplayer game, one player has built a grand airport only to have a glass factory appear enclosed by his taxiways, while I've had a cotton plantation spring up in the middle of a railyard.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Václav on August 01, 2011, 02:08:44 PM
Quote from: moblet on August 01, 2011, 08:43:04 AM
Crazy factory placements. E.g. in a current online multiplayer game, one player has built a grand airport only to have a glass factory appear enclosed by his taxiways, while I've had a cotton plantation spring up in the middle of a railyard.
... I suggest to change it a little - to crazy stations. But else it is surely good idea.

Quote from: vilvoh on July 19, 2011, 10:40:40 PM
We usually don't plan editions in summer, due to the low participation, and this year we also had the Graphics contest so we decided not to mix them in the same month. We'll be back in September, don't worry ;)
Of course.

-->
And one more idea: merged cities

-->
and another idea: crazy trains
- trains with too different cars, waggons
- trains assembled from locomotive and such cars that it does not make sense (locomotive + DMU)
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: buskind on August 29, 2011, 12:46:00 PM
Serious:
- parks in cities
- huge crossing of tracks
- airports and their layout
- melted cities

Funny:
- traffic jams on streets, tracks and in the air
- very complex stations
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: vilvoh on August 29, 2011, 04:08:06 PM
What do you exactly mean with melted cities, buskind?
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Václav on August 29, 2011, 04:17:56 PM
I think that he think the same to me - two or more cities merged into one (and in this way I beg you for accepting my apology that I did not write what that my idea means).
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: buskind on August 29, 2011, 06:44:30 PM
QuoteI think that he think the same to me - two or more cities merged into one

Exactly. I mean megacities, which grew together or "merged into one".
Maybe there are problems with the zoom factor. In the case of very large cities, you haven't the possibility to show it all.
Otherwise, you could only show areas with stations used by two or more cities between them...
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Václav on August 29, 2011, 08:08:55 PM
Quote from: buskind on August 29, 2011, 12:46:00 PM
- parks in cities
It would be interesting - but I am worried about that variety of parks is very limited and most people don't control towns so much.

Quote
- huge crossing of tracks
This had been used in some ways - but as part of else topics

Quote
- airports and their layout
Airports had already been used - in June of 2010 (and I think that it is too early after previous using)

Quote
- traffic jams on streets, tracks and in the air
Jams on streets had already been used - in February of 2011.
But jams on tracks had not been used - but I am not sure with jams in the air.

Quote
- very complex stations
Yes, I support it - stations had already been used some times - but not in this way.

---
Here (http://graphics.simutrans.com/index.php?cat=10) you can see history of SMSC.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: sdog on September 25, 2011, 07:27:00 PM
Station beautification: Using parks, monuments, station extensions, different way types etc to have a good looking station with a good looking surrounding, representative main entrance or something like that. Use of public player allowed, and encouraged.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Václav on September 25, 2011, 08:06:18 PM
Yes, it may be very interesting.

I suggest for that round that addon extension would be included into pakset from what screenshot will be - of course that if author of screenshot will be also author of addon - or if author of addon is known (may be found) and willing to publish sources for that addon.

It means it would be a little challenge for SRGC. I hope that you, sdog, will not be against it.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: sdog on September 25, 2011, 09:41:08 PM
i don't see any interference.
In my view SRGC and SMSC are there as an incentive for creativity in regards to simutrans.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: jamespetts on September 25, 2011, 09:55:41 PM
One possible idea for a future contest: cuttings and embankments.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: vilvoh on December 23, 2011, 02:06:56 PM
A couple of new topics, inspired in videos I've found:
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Isaac Eiland-Hall on December 23, 2011, 03:02:49 PM
Both of those are spectacular. I'm amazed at how much bare countryside is in the first one!

And the Panama Canal is amazing, that timelapse is great. :)
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: dimdim07 on January 26, 2012, 07:11:16 AM
Hi! I'm a newbie. I just want to say that I'm very entertained with your discussion. Keep it up!  ;D
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Václav on February 15, 2012, 11:16:48 AM
... and I would like to suggest comic stations. I don't mean stations built in any comic styled pakset or even extensions that have any comic element in own construction. I mean stations with some comic elements in whole construction - like disharmony in extension buildings. For example one historical building inside many modern ones. I think this may be (simetimes) very comic - unless it is very disgusting in some cases.


once historical building corrected to one historical building
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: sojo on February 15, 2012, 12:47:20 PM
Some ideas. Duplicate responses not excluded. ;)

- Tramway Networks
- Big Harbour
- most beautiful seaside
- most beautiful map
- country roads (to nowhere)
- country roads without make slopes
- heavy industries
- most famous attractions
- 19. century
- monorail crossing road or rail
- big cities
- very small villiages with farmland
- japanese towns
- english towns
- american towns
- ...
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: IgorEliezer on February 15, 2012, 03:00:22 PM
Mountains
Valleys
And both.

(I misspelled? No translator here to check my writing :> )
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: An_dz on February 15, 2012, 11:46:18 PM
More suggestions:
Farms landscapes
Big Cities parks (like Central Park or any other park rounded by high skyscrapers)

Quote from: IgorEliezer on February 15, 2012, 03:00:22 PM
(I misspelled? No translator here to check my writing :> )
Nope.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: dom700 on February 20, 2012, 04:16:09 PM
My ideas for contests:

- Your famous simutrans exploit
- Tidy town
- Weird connections
- Bad designs
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: vilvoh on February 21, 2012, 07:57:33 PM
What do you exactly mean with Simutrans exploit? could you give us some examples?
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: dom700 on February 29, 2012, 03:19:41 AM
You know, simutrans bugs that cause no real harm, instead helping the player. My favourite examples would be the tunnel above the ground level (which has been fixed imho) or the monorail from pak64, which can have fast bridges longer than supposed to be possible. I guess you got the idea ;)
Just thought Id add this, because the tunnel bug for instance looks quite funny on screenshots.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: isidoro on April 24, 2012, 11:14:59 PM
The topic would be something about difficult terrain and engineering work to overcome it.

Here is an example image from the game I'm playing with Pak128.Britain and heavy use of Public Service.  And the story: "River Therte is a tributary of River Canterflow (a.k.a. River Waterbourne).  Near its source, the terrain is pretty sheer, with big mountains and deep valleys.  Since the Meyer Moving Company made big bucks having complete monopoly of passenger and cargo transportation in that province, the Public Service sort of compel it to build the very difficult line between Telford and Newqay, both villages below 1500 inhabitants.  The line would be a loss from the beginning, but it is common knowledge in Thyrgland that the Prime Minister's mother-in-law is from Telford and he wants a quick communication, specially to Telford.  Both villages are at the same height and the Meyer took it as a challenge to build a level direct railway, with no turns or slopes.  The viaduct over River Therte is what appears in the photograph."

(http://i.imgur.com/eQbfG.png)
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Roads on April 25, 2012, 06:42:10 AM
Good idea and good story.  Gotta keep those mothers-in-law happy. :)
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: vilvoh on April 25, 2012, 05:37:40 PM
I like the topic, but I would rename it as civil engineering.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: AP on April 25, 2012, 06:36:14 PM
how about some more dynamic ideas:

- overtaking
- planes, trains, and automobiles
- its quicker by rail
- gridlock

- evolution (e.g. a triptych of images each a few decades apart, showing *something* evolving, growing or dwindling.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: isidoro on April 25, 2012, 06:48:01 PM
@Roads: thanks.

@Vilvoh: ok, civil engineering is nice

@whoever: thanks for moving the topic here.  I started a new one following the last month's example: http://forum.simutrans.com/index.php?topic=9669.0 (http://forum.simutrans.com/index.php?topic=9669.0)

Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: jamespetts on April 25, 2012, 11:40:03 PM
I like Isidoro's civil engineering idea.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: IgorEliezer on May 21, 2012, 08:34:49 AM
Urban Planning/Development: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_planning
Networks (since "YAY! New Map Window")
Urban Parks and Public Areas
Forests and Protected sites
Malls, Pedestrian-only Lanes
Harbors
Urban waterfronts (e.g. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Madero)
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Sybill on June 16, 2012, 10:45:23 PM
We had a lot of skyscrapers in the last editions, it would be nice to have something about old cities (before 1900) with only horse carriages and steam vehicles.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: ӔO on June 17, 2012, 04:25:51 AM
How about 'Bad urban planning'? Terribly complex to get from A to B and lots of traffic to boot.
'Delivery to the middle of nowhere', featuring a truck in a desolate area.
'Snow and mud', something you might see during the spring thaw.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Fabio on June 17, 2012, 09:55:21 AM
Construction sites: upgrading one track railways to double track, simple roads to motorways and so on, showing part of the infrastructure already upgraded and part only planned...
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Spacethingy on June 17, 2012, 02:17:33 PM
May have been mentioned, but how about Canals Engineering?
There's a very impressive one on the pak64 server at the moment!
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: jamespetts on June 17, 2012, 04:09:24 PM
Quote from: Spacethingy on June 17, 2012, 02:17:33 PM
May have been mentioned, but how about Canals Engineering?
There's a very impressive one on the pak64 server at the moment!

I second this idea, actually: canals are a somewhat neglected aspect of Simutrans.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: vilvoh on June 17, 2012, 06:10:09 PM
As james said, the problem with canals is that not all paksets have that feature created, but we can try a edition with that topic.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: sdog on June 24, 2012, 10:17:34 PM
i should like to request a contest to find a good banner/profile picture for the google plus page.

Content does not matter, the form does however. The format is 960 px by 180 px. A part is covered by the logo, on the right hand side, so the rightmost quarter shouldn't contain anything too interesting. 60 px will be cut off too, mind not to put anything important at the borders. (google is a bit complicated with the sizes, and they perhaps change them in the future, please keep your original screenshot as a backup so we have something to start to change dimensions on. [that's also for the xcf file in case you use gimp for post-production, you can keep the full size image in one layer, only crop the other layers])

Resolution in game is also important, i'd suggest some medium zoom level, to have not too many pixels, but still objects large enough to be nicely visible.

Post-production, is not only allowed but also recommended, but should not be overdone. I need to do some gimp-work on it myself, thus placing it under a cc license allowing derivative work is also necessary.

have a look here:
https://plus.google.com/b/115377746519459832106/115377746519459832106/about (https://plus.google.com/b/115377746519459832106/115377746519459832106/about)
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: vilvoh on June 25, 2012, 05:46:11 PM
Seems a good idea to me. You think it should be free topic?
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: sdog on June 25, 2012, 06:49:18 PM
yes free topic, only thing that matters: it's looking good on the page and represents simutrans.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Fabio on June 25, 2012, 08:40:09 PM
Would you prefer a single pakset or a collage of paksets to better represent Simutrans variety?
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: sdog on June 25, 2012, 09:26:41 PM
preferably a single pakset screenshot, the file ought to be consistent in itself. Ideally there would be a couple of good screenshots of different pak-sets i could chose from.

ps.: perhaps encourage multiple submissions? perhaps with all but one out of competition?


(on another note, there are now 47 people following the page)
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Václav on July 28, 2012, 04:35:45 PM
Tramway webs.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: ӔO on July 28, 2012, 05:17:00 PM
grand cross, or railway intersection at grade
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Václav on August 03, 2012, 09:07:05 AM
Quote from: ӔO on July 28, 2012, 05:17:00 PM
grand cross, or railway intersection at grade
what about not only railway?

I would suggest expand this of tramways and other ways of this type - it means no roads, water channels and taxiways - because I don't believe that any interesting intersection can be built on roads, water channels and taxiways.



Crazy ways - or - It surely could not be built better.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Lubak91 on August 17, 2012, 02:28:04 PM
Why isn't SMSC August? For example narrow gauge? ;D
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Václav on August 17, 2012, 03:39:55 PM
Summer (and August mostly) rounds of SMSC are always skipped - for supposition of low presence of people.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: vilvoh on August 19, 2012, 12:27:11 PM
Quote from: Lubak91 on August 17, 2012, 02:28:04 PM
Why isn't SMSC August?

As VaclavMacurek said, the SMSC takes a summer break every August, but it's back in September, don't worry... ;)
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: An_dz on May 09, 2013, 01:42:48 AM
Hey everybody, we need more ideas. Not run out of them but every month we are losing one. ;)

I included a list of the past SMSC's topics on first post so you can bring new fresh ideas. You can beg to repeat one we already used too.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: ӔO on May 09, 2013, 04:44:33 AM
fairly straight forward:
Tourist trap
Only pre-1930 games
Only post-2000 games

open to interpretation:
A Path and A Tree
The Machine and ...
Musical or Artistic City
The Bridge to Nowhere
Magician at Work
"Oops"
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Tazze on May 09, 2013, 06:41:46 AM
Umm..
I have never seen a winner with pak Britain.
This pak should have a charm of it's own...

How about limited pak set? :Pak Britain only ,Pak Japan only or  Pak cs only etc..
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Sarlock on May 09, 2013, 02:36:50 PM
Some are likely repeats or previously suggested.  Just brainstorming some open concepts/ideas:

Heavy Industry
Mountain Pass
Traffic Congestion
Urban Freight
Suburbia
Islands

Will think of more.

You could certainly go back to ideas used 1-2 years ago and try them again.  Lots of new players and ideas.

Given that there are generally only a few entries per month, it may be best not to limit to specific paksets.

Also, add to the rules that previous winners cannot win again for 6 months or something... I'd like to enter every single month  ;D
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: alexbaettig on May 09, 2013, 03:28:02 PM
There already been a winning screenshot with pakBritain! It was Barnstaple by Kierogreen.

A possible topic could be:
interchange - station with at least four different modes of transport
motorways
a variant of AEO: pre-railway games
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Milko on May 09, 2013, 03:42:06 PM
Hello

Quote from: alexbaettig on May 09, 2013, 03:28:02 PM
interchange - station with at least four different modes of transport

Ummm.... interesting

Giuseppe

Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: HDomos on May 09, 2013, 08:00:44 PM
Quote from: ӔO on May 09, 2013, 04:44:33 AM
"Oops"

That sounds really good  ;D it would be a funny SMSC

Quote from: alexbaettig on May 09, 2013, 03:28:02 PM
interchange - station with at least four different modes of transport
motorways

The interchange is good too, but i think the least four different modes may be a bit too high...

Others:
Rough terrain (suggested before)
Just enough space... - compact and high capacity stations or junctions
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: IgorEliezer on May 09, 2013, 08:20:55 PM
Quote from: ӔO on May 09, 2013, 04:44:33 AM"Oops"
"YAY"
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: kabhijit on June 19, 2013, 12:25:19 PM
Quote from: Fabio on April 02, 2011, 05:38:53 PM
- Evolution (two pics of the same place at a distance of at least 20 game years)

Nice!
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: ӔO on August 28, 2013, 10:15:51 PM
Extending on the 'oops' idea
Fenced in
Bureaucracy
Plan 'B'


Some more ideas

Stiff Competition
Island Cruise or Resort Island
The Fleet
Grandfather and Son (If someone can come up with a better title for 'New and old vehicles working together')
Abandoned
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Fabio on October 11, 2013, 09:34:51 AM
What about a new SMSC contest in October? ;)




Honestly, we should come up with a SMSC Team, not to leave everything on An_dz's poor shoulders...  ???
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Fabio on October 25, 2013, 04:57:08 PM
What about raising image size limit to 1024*768 or even 1600*1200?
Authors should also waive to their images being cropped for website screenshot purposes.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: kierongreen on October 25, 2013, 05:06:47 PM
Well really authors should agree to a CC licence which permits any modification - there's no knowing where we might want to use screenshots and in what context.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: An_dz on October 25, 2013, 05:38:04 PM
I always state where we use the screens under Prizes.
http://forum.simutrans.com/index.php?topic=12724.0

If you enter the contest you're automatically agreeing to let us use in the two sites.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: Sarlock on October 25, 2013, 07:51:03 PM
Probably wise to add something like:

"By submitting an entry to this contest, you agree to allow your image to be available to the public under a creative commons license.  You consent to the use of your image for other uses, including publishing on the website and social media, combining with other material and any modifications."

And I endorse the raising of the screenshot size limitations: 800x600 is very limiting.  I'd just set a maximum of 1600x1200 or something large and let contributors choose their own size within those limits.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: sdog on October 25, 2013, 08:14:25 PM
Quote from: Sarlock on October 25, 2013, 07:51:03 PM
Probably wise to add something like:

"By submitting an entry to this contest, you agree to allow your image to be available to the public under a creative commons license.  You consent to the use of your image for other uses, including publishing on the website and social media, combining wi

And I endorse the raising of the screenshot size limitations: 800x600 is very limiting.  I'd just set a maximum of 1600x1200 or something large and let contributors choose their own size within those limits.

Yes, please!

800x600 is just way too tiny for many purposes.

A clear cc license is also very good. Set it to cc-by by default and allow participants any other cc licence if they object to it.

Posting cc-nc is already problematic on social media.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: kierongreen on October 25, 2013, 08:27:27 PM
The problem with raising the limit is that it becomes quite difficult to use the image on websites. Yes it's always temping to think that a bigger limit would allow you to get more in the screenshot but you can already do that by zooming out (or resizing the image). Having a limit makes people think about whether the screenshot is focusing on detail or the bigger picture. Of course bigger screenshots have their own uses.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: sdog on October 25, 2013, 09:38:27 PM
It's easily resized to the smaller size. People see the size we have in the vote, and already take care that screenshots look good at that size.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: IgorEliezer on October 26, 2013, 12:51:54 AM
Quote from: sdog on October 25, 2013, 08:14:25 PMPosting cc-nc is already problematic on social media.
I consider the Non-Commercial term a bit confusing or just unclear, hence the so-called gray area. I think the NC term is so extensive that it ends up refraining the use of an intellectual work whenever money is involved, even indirectly. That's why, I think, social media prefer royalty-free material because it allows them to place ads in the webpages to generate revenue more safely.

I personally make a distinction between making profit off the work itself (e.g. I produce a free software and someone else takes it and charge it) and -- if I can explain well -- using the work as a mean or part of a process that produces the product to be sold or generate revenue (e.g. I produce a free software and someone uses it in a for-profit company or presents it in a for-profit medium). For example, you took a picture of a landscape and post it in a social medium, the picture itself is not being sold but the page where the picture was posted has ads which generate revenue for the company that maintains the medium. It seems fine, but when it comes down to game screenshots and game footages, oh dear, some copyright holders will probably get mad and lawsuits may ensue or they just take your page down. It might sound stupid but it happens a lot.

(Am I missing something? I'm not a license expert.)

Besides, if one day we decide to allow ads in our sites or social medias (we did it once, anyone remembers? o.o) to generate financial resources to maintain our sites, CC-BY is preferable. The name of the authors will never be removed, we will never sell the works themselves, but at least nobody will feel guilty.
Title: Re: Brainstorming - ideas for future SMSC editions
Post by: sdog on October 26, 2013, 01:22:34 AM
That exactly is the ambiguity i meant. I personally wouldn't care too much, if there weren't lawyers out there (in germany) to use such little ambiguities for making money. They are sending the equivalent to "cease and desist" letters together with invoices for their fees. Since i still have also a german address, i might be vulnerable to it and am careful with any grey area regarding copyright and the semi-official page.

Another advantage of CC licenses is: In some jurisdictions it is already a copyright infringement to re-post, re-tweet, share a posting and include a thumbnail of the other page in it. The reciprocacy of the CC licenses guarantees that re-posters of our messages are safe as well.


QuoteAm I missing something? I'm not a license expert.
With absolute certainty...
... and you can't help doing so. That's what some clever people get rich of.