Should we have an official content repository?

[Windcatcher]

I was thinking of making some content for OpenZone (maybe some shields, I haven't decided yet) and it occurred to me that the OpenZone distribution is getting large and right now the only for me to distribute any new content is to have a re-release of OpenZone itself. This doesn't make any sense to me, and for example I have some un-released versions of the brick_bank, brick_tavern, and brick_store that begin with "stone" instead and have a really awesome-looking stone texture. Does anyone have any thoughts on how we could as a community put something together where anyone could submit free content? There would be a lot of things to take into account, such as required textures for .MSH files, handling texture filename conflicts, etc. It looks to me like there are quite a few people using OpenZone such that we should have some mechanism for people to collaborate and re-use each others' work.

[Windcatcher]

I made this today...it would be nice to have a repository in which to place it...

[xxarthurxx]

wow that looks great WC!

[Windcatcher]

It's easy now that I have one built...

By the way, these flags animate. They get installed in OpenZone's creature library and are exported as any other creature (but can be placed as doors). This method only works with SimpleClient but allows objects that use *skeletal* animation to be placed just like any other object in the doors table. My Lelembeth zone uses this method to place a couple of flags near an orc camp somewhere (though you need to use my sample DB to make them appear, see the doors table)...

I haven't tried using them with the live client, but I think it's theoretically possible if you create an NPC type for them, export the flag using the appropriate racial mnemonic (e.g. 'ORC') and set the NPC type so that it doesn't aggro and can't be attacked. Then place the flag like any other mob. Interesting exercise for the reader, but might be possible.

[Windcatcher]

I could make these all day, but need a place to put them

[Telltolin]

I hate to post something so unrelated, but, windcatcher, I sent you a PM a couple of days ago and you've yet to respond :(
Nice models, also

[LordRathgil]

you need like an svn repo?

Reason I ask is that I can set one up for this if need be

[Windcatcher]

I'm guessing that this would make the most sense, but I'd like to hear what other people who are creating content think. I see the major issues as:

1. Reliable access
2. Bandwidth (content files are large, of course)
3. Handling texture file name conflicts
4. Textures common to many objects
5. Organization (OpenZone .MSH files, entire zones, creature models, etc.)

My guess is that an SVN repository would be a great starting point but I think we need to have a discussion on how best to take advantage of one if that is the route we took. So let's hope that this post isn't the last in the thread and any stakeholders could chime in with their thoughts.

Wind

[LordRathgil]

its reliable its hosted through dreamhost theres plenty of space and bandwidth allocation for the server is about 1.1 terabytes if im reading it correctly so thats not really an issue either

[LordRathgil]

11 terabytes sorry lol

[Sprig]

I could offer up several hundred seamless textures. as well as about a dozen furniture models. all generated by me so no copyright issues.

[Aergad]

my guess is code.google.com lol

[GeorgeS]

If you want textures, there are some at http://www.cgtextures.com/
that are good, and are starting points for creating custom ones.

GeorgeS