by LittleAtari » Mon Nov 08, 2010 7:24 pm
I like FTP, but I think it alienates people that don't know how to use it and it isnt common on video uploading sites. Allow for people to use a more standard method of upload like Youtube's upload system. This has been said many times before, but I want to emphasize that I don't think that FTP is the only issue with uploading. It's like a 6 step process to upload here whereas on youtube, it's a 1 step process. In addition, people who are new to a site that requires a 100MB extension may not be able to get their videos up here.
Now because of the way our catalog and search system works, we cant have a 1 step system, but we can still simplify our upload process. First let's improve the language of the upload system. Right now, people must 'Enter a Video' instead of Upload a video first. For a user who doesn't understand the catalog concept behind the Org, this is confusing. They're looking for the upload button. So having a distinctive upload button would really help.
Upon pressing this button, they will be asked for basic information about their video: Title, Description, Avatar, Audio. Put this all on the same page. It will at least make the process look faster. Also give the option of adding a description later (which i think we have as a feature anyways)
For adding Avatar to the video, make it more simple to do so. I shouldn't have to search through a list of Avatar right away. Adopt a search for Avatar function similar to how we do for musical artists. Still, because of Japanese titles, in some cases we may need that list. So if and when someone cant find their Avatar by typing it in, there should be an option that says, 'See Avatar List' or 'I dont see the Avatar here, I need to see the list.' This should link to the list that we have now. Or right away, people should be given the option to type the Avatar into the box or 'give me the Avatar list.' We should make sure that there is also a note saying 'The Avatar you're choosing may be new or not on the list yet, please go here to request it to be added to the list.' I know right now, we have to go to site help or the moderator dropbox to add an Avatar to the list, but this should be a more automated process. They should be linked to a form that they can type the Avatar into that directly send the request to the admin that has to approve it being added. In turn, the user should receive a PM/email saying that their Avatar has been added. I also think that this shouldn't stop someone from uploading the video. It should say that the Avatar is still unconfirmed and if it turns out that the Avatar was not approved, the admin/mod can remove said video and explain that it is not an Avatar. I figure that once the admin/mod approves or disproves that the title added to the Avatar list is not an Avatar, it's still connected to that video and should be simple to address.
Now for the 100MB upload limit, state on that initial upload page that there is a 100MB upload restriction and offer help if said video is over 100MB. Let the user know that they can fill out a form for a larger upload request or learn to compress their video. Basically there should be two links here: one that links to a basic tutorial of Zarxgui and another that links to the upload request form. It should say something along the lines of: File over 100MB? If you have not compressed your video try using Zarxgui (link to Zarx tutorial)? Already compressed? Request large upload permission (link to large upload request form)
Now for FTP, some people will still find use for FTP. If you're uploading a file as big as Avatar Music Video Hell then, being allowed to use the features of FTP like resume upload, helps a lot. So make sure to include an option that allows for FTP.
The Premiere System is a little weird. We're in an age where majority of the people want their video available right when they upload it it. So by default, make videos available immediately and also provide an option that says 'make video available at a later date.' Upon specifying that option, they should be met with a drop-down menu to specify the date or allow them to just type it in and show the format that we do dates here on the Org (MM/DD/YYYY or however we feel like doing it)
The only issue with this is that some people still want to specify the date their video was created if what some time ago. Make this optional. If someone doesn't specify that it was made earlier, make the system assume that the video was created the day it was uploaded.
Hide features that most people wont want to use for every video they're uploading
I've touched on a few things about uploading the process being a long one, but still all those features are there for a reason. They give more flexibility. It's just overwhelming. Basically, I want simple 'Default' options visible and an option to see 'Advanced' features more.
Default options are Title, description, Avatar, music, and genre. Advanced is everything else. The only thing that I would probably like keeping visible is a 'Collab' and 'Convention Participation' check box or drop-down menu that toggles other options to add things
Last edited by
LittleAtari on Mon Nov 08, 2010 9:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.