what does the forum need?

[Lord Libidan]

I blame the needle poking through your hat!

It's a pretty big needle...

[Lord Libidan]

I wrote up a basic do's and dont's for pattern posting and requesting, can anyone think of anything else or anything I should remove?

WHEN POSTING A PATTERN:
- Always post the pdf file, and when possible the pattern file.
- Always post an example of the pattern (Not the original source image) in a forum appropriate size.
- Post dimensions in 14 count as a standard.
- Do not post patterns made by someone else, unless express permission is given.

WHEN REQUESTING:
- Post the image where ever possible, and not the link.
- Try to include all relevant information (Count, size, amount of colours, etc).
- Try to post where the source image came from (website, etsy, google images, etc).
- Do not ask for a pattern/stitch made by someone else, ask the original pattern maker directly first. If found to be a pattern on sale it'll be removed.

[blackmageheart]

That's great! Just what we need, I think

[moon_noodles]

I wrote up a basic do's and dont's for pattern posting and requesting, can anyone think of anything else or anything I should remove?

WHEN POSTING A PATTERN:
- Always post the pdf file, and when possible the pattern file.
- Always post an example of the pattern (Not the original source image) in a forum appropriate size.
- Post dimensions in 14 count as a standard.
- Do not post patterns made by someone else, unless express permission is given.

WHEN REQUESTING:
- Post the image where ever possible, and not the link.
- Try to include all relevant information (Count, size, amount of colours, etc).
- Try to post where the source image came from (website, etsy, google images, etc).
- Do not ask for a pattern/stitch made by someone else, ask the original pattern maker directly first. If found to be a pattern on sale it'll be removed.

That is brilliant. Could we put this somewhere that also contains the information for the format types. As well as how to make it into a pdf. If we say always post the pdf, I feel we should explain to people how to make a pdf. Otherwise I'd be worried they wouldn't share it because its in the wrong format. Its a silly reason not to share the pattern but still...

[La Ptite Bete]

Perfect !!!

[blackmageheart]

That is brilliant. Could we put this somewhere that also contains the information for the format types. As well as how to make it into a pdf. If we say always post the pdf, I feel we should explain to people how to make a pdf. Otherwise I'd be worried they wouldn't share it because its in the wrong format. Its a silly reason not to share the pattern but still...

We do have a section in the announcement area of Patterns and both Pattern Request boards about file types. And PDF making has been covered numerous times, but it would be helpful to have a small guide to that announced or stickied in the appropriate boards.
Of course, if people still don't know (or don't read the guidelines) then there are plenty of people who can make the PDFs for them, it's not really a problem, it's more about preference.

Maybe we should make a Sprite Stitch Handbook or something too, containing all the info a member needs. Rules, guidelines, who to contact, etc.

[Lord Libidan]

That is brilliant. Could we put this somewhere that also contains the information for the format types. As well as how to make it into a pdf. If we say always post the pdf, I feel we should explain to people how to make a pdf. Otherwise I'd be worried they wouldn't share it because its in the wrong format. Its a silly reason not to share the pattern but still...

We do have a section in the announcement area of Patterns and both Pattern Request boards about file types. And PDF making has been covered numerous times, but it would be helpful to have a small guide to that announced or stickied in the appropriate boards.
Of course, if people still don't know (or don't read the guidelines) then there are plenty of people who can make the PDFs for them, it's not really a problem, it's more about preference.

Maybe we should make a Sprite Stitch Handbook or something too, containing all the info a member needs. Rules, guidelines, who to contact, etc.

I'll start making something up with file types, explaining how to make pdfs, all the info for posting patterns. Should be easy enough. Can BMH make it into a sticky for me? Or can only johloh do that?
If we made a sprite stitch "handbook" where would it go? Somehow we'd need to make every new user see it almost immediately. Bit stupid to make it so they have to search out who to contact and stuff... But I do like the idea...

[blackmageheart]

I'll start making something up with file types, explaining how to make pdfs, all the info for posting patterns. Should be easy enough. Can BMH make it into a sticky for me? Or can only johloh do that?

Any mod can sticky a topic, as far as I know

If we made a sprite stitch "handbook" where would it go? Somehow we'd need to make every new user see it almost immediately.

That's kinda where I got stuck. I was wondering if there were any ways to attach it to sign up/confirmation emails from phpBB boards, or something like that. Or, just make it available for download I guess. Not saying have handbook OR forum stickies, but a combination of both might be useful...maybe?

Bit stupid to make it so they have to search out who to contact and stuff

Oh, I wasn't suggesting that. Just a kinda thing like "The Team" bit on the boards. Because that bit isn't always obvious, particularly to people less used to phpBB
Also some useful links, etc. Forum rules, your posting guidelines, the file types, perhaps some mini-guides or tips&tricks too, whatever's useful

[Lord Libidan]

So the updated version with format types, how to make a pdf, etc:

WHEN POSTING A PATTERN:
- Always post the pdf file, and when possible the pattern file.
- Always post an example of the pattern (Not the original source image) in a forum appropriate size.
- Post dimensions in 14 count as a standard.
- Do not post patterns made by someone else, unless express permission is given.

WHEN REQUESTING:
- Post the image where ever possible, and not the link.
- Try to include all relevant information (Count, size, amount of colours, etc).
- Try to post where the source image came from (website, etsy, google images, etc).
- Do not ask for a pattern/stitch made by someone else, ask the original pattern maker directly first. If found to be a pattern on sale it'll be removed.

FORMAT TYPES:
.pdf - Most common file type, cannot be edited. Can be opened on almost all computers without the need to download software.
.sth - Can only be opened with KG Chart (Free to download, for PC only). Can be edited.
.pat - Can only be opened with PCStich (Free to try, for PC only). Can be edited.
.jpg/.gif/.png - All computers can open, cannot be edited.
For more detail on file types and how to open see thread: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=1008

HOW TO MAKE PATTERNS:
KG Chart: viewtopic.php?f=8&t=475

TO CONVERT TO PDF:
PC Stitch - Embedded in program.
KG Chart - Possible with download of CutePDF or PrimoPDF. For more information: viewtopic.php?f=8&t=3071
If in doubt, most people on the forums will be happy to convert it for you.

FORUM BADGES:
Pdf Maker - Posting 15 .pdf patterns (Not requests).
Pattern Maker - Make 10 requested patterns.
For more information on forum badges: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=4143

On a side note, what would the "sprite stitch handbook" contain?
All I could think of was this info, forum badges, rules, guidelines and who to contact. Is there anything else?

EDIT: Forgot to make the links links...

[blackmageheart]

Oh, that's perfect!
Do you want me to go sticky that as a topic in the Patterns / Request boards?

On a side note, what would the "sprite stitch handbook" contain?
All I could think of was this info, forum badges, rules, guidelines and who to contact. Is there anything else?

Also some useful links, etc. Forum rules, your posting guidelines, the file types, perhaps some mini-guides or tips&tricks too, whatever's useful

Doesn't have to be pages and pages, just general useful stuff