New SOD Importer Program

[Majestic]

I saw this over at A2Files forums and thought I should re-post it here. I just hope the community used this correctly.

Yes through talking with meda, we decided to make a sod importer that imports all sod models instead of just stock. We ended up not having to but first let's go over a couple things.

1. Permissions: You must NOT under any circumstances use others models and change them then proclaim them as your own. Us modders are not stupid and will find out and you will be very unpopular among all on this site and others. You could kiss your a2 modding career goodbye.

2. Assimsoft's importer was made to only let you use stock A1 and A2 models. The reasoning behind that was so no one could steal ones created by modders and use them as their own. But some higher up modellers already have a sod importer for milkshape and I believe if some one should have the ability to load sod's in milkshape then so should we. A member of these forums who shall remain nameless has told me that Fleet Ops has hijacked some models, changed them, and used them as their own. But because most didn't know of a way to import sod's besides the none stock models, it was not spoken much of.

3. The reason I am showing the a2 community this (besides the reasons above) is because I think we are all adult enough to not go to the point where we would steal models on this site. And we should be able to use it for personal reasons if we wish. Any person with google.com access could have found the links to this but so far no one that I know of has.

That being said, here is how it works. Firstly, it is NOT an importer for milkshape. It is a basic program that loads models and you can export them as other formats. The textures must be in the same directory as the model in order to be loaded. So you could import a sod, then export it as a milkshape usable format like MOD. Then you may have your way with the model in milkshape.
The link is
http://www.frost-works.com/stc/conversionversions/CVArchive/CV0.7.5/index.html

I really hope you take the things said above to heart. This is your only warning. Please dont make me regret this.

You could even ask for permission to edit a model and without having to get the non .sod model. Again, I reiterate the above. Don't do anything stupid and ruin it for every one.

 

[EAS_Intrepid]

Might have some good sides...

but I do not like it at all!

 

[Ryan]

I already have a programme that can convert any sod, it be called ms3d, with the complete plugin (the one that can import non-stock SODs). I also have Ultimate Unwrap 3d which can import any SOD and convert it to ms3d, only thing is you have to re-hardpoint it.

 

[Cylon]

where did u get the complete plugin

this looks like it could be useful im always deleting my ms3d file

 

[Majestic]

where did u get the complete plugin

this looks like it could be useful im always deleting my ms3d file

http://www.frost-works.com/stc/conve...7.5/index.html

This is the only link given. I haven't tried it out yet though.

 

[Ryan]

well I got the plugin from SSA, who got it from Elrond, who got it from Draconis Sharp. I believe it was made independantly, based on the stock only plugin. If you want it contact me on msn.

 

[Syf]

I have the program, and have tested it. It works, but not 100%. It still has a lot of work to do before it's complete. It can be handy to observe "how" other people made a specific model. Now let me just point out, If I see members are ripping off other people's work, there will be sever repercussions. If your wanting to "re-release" someone else material, you better have full permissions. The communities will take action against those that don't follow the rules, including this one.

 

[CrazyFrog1903]

This sounds like many things. Great program but can be used for wrong. I think everyone here will do what is right. Thanks for the information.

 

[Atlantis]

The SOD importer for MS3D had been severely restricted in its distribution (only sending it to other, trusted, members of the community, to the point of it being a secret until now) because people WILL rip off other people's work, no matter what threats are made to stop it. So I'm against this program too (that said, i probably will use it for private use, on stock models, just so i don't have to use MS3D).

 

[EAS_Intrepid]

Armada2Files' Joelton7 has just stated in an official news item that the SOD Milkshape importer will NOT be released on A2F!

wew, good.

 

[Majestic]

Armada2Files' Joelton7 has just stated in an official news item that the SOD Milkshape importer will NOT be released on A2F!

wew, good.

Yeah I read that, I was against a release due to some shadowly characters that would steal others hard work.

 

[Ryan]

well I almost completely destroyed my relationship with Joel over this issue, however the fact that the decision I desired came from it is perhaps some consulation. This importer will npt be released on AFC either as I imagine so it will be kept under control, lets just hope that those that have it (including myself) are very careful who they allow to have it.

 

[Majestic]

lets just hope that those that have it (including myself) are very careful who they allow to have it.

I agree, I have it myself, but won't be releaseing it to anyone unless I know them well and know that they would not abuse it.

 

[Syf]

I would hope that those that have access to such devices would not dare use it in any "wrong" fashion. I can assure anyone found doing such deeds that means a BAN from here, and a formal protest at all hosting sites.

 

[Ryan]

you'll get no argument from me

 

[EAS_Intrepid]

Looking at this debate, seeing that there are people that can do some C++ language computer programming and that seem to play Armada 2 and Armada 1 and seem to use Milkshape 3d, a thought rises in my crazy brain:
Why don't you do an exporter that can export animations from Milkshape? I know it uses joints, but there has to be a way!
These people would make many "Milkshapers" like me more happy than releasing an importer that can be used to steal the work of others. (okay, okay, a CD/DVD burner is nearly the same)

I think I begin a little crusade for a animation exporter. :Y

 

[Donniedarko]

Sup new guy here....well kind of.....used to go by another name, well I know of the great "SOD debate" I got banned in 2004 from armadafleetcommand by rewriting the plugin for MS3D to open any SOD file (It had problems with some SODs.....not keeping hardpoint in place...not 100% compatable but it worked on I think 95% of the SODs out there....I think that it was a problem with MS3D or the export plugin and not my import plugin, I never found out), I will tell you that those people there mean it when they say they don't like people doing that deed.

I got depressed over the thing and then lost interest in Armada mods but I found my A1+A2 cds and started to play the games again.

PS:
And no, I will not make the plugin again, tell you how to make it or release it to anyone. I learned my lesson!

 

[EAS_Intrepid]

You can actually write plugins?
Is an animation export plugin possible, though MS3d uses joint animation?

 

[Syf]

Sup new guy here....well kind of.....used to go by another name, well I know of the great "SOD debate" I got banned in 2004 from armadafleetcommand by rewriting the plugin for MS3D to open any SOD file (It had problems with some SODs.....not keeping hardpoint in place...not 100% compatable but it worked on I think 95% of the SODs out there....I think that it was a problem with MS3D or the export plugin and not my import plugin, I never found out), I will tell you that those people there mean it when they say they don't like people doing that deed.

I got depressed over the thing and then lost interest in Armada mods but I found my A1+A2 cds and started to play the games again.

PS:
And no, I will not make the plugin again, tell you how to make it or release it to anyone. I learned my lesson!

Welcome to MSFC.

I'm pleased to hear that you will not be releasing such information.

 

[TM150]

Now I'm beggining to get confused.... what the point of this famous importers!!

 

[EAS_Intrepid]

The point is, that you could import *ALL* sods. Including non-stock ones.
Many (or at least some) are afraid that this will increase model theft, though it does not really serve people learning to model... if you ask me.

 

[Ryan]

The point is, that you could import *ALL* sods. Including non-stock ones.
Many (or at least some) are afraid that this will increase model theft, though it does not really serve people learning to model... if you ask me.

I agree, you don't need to look at other SOD models to learn to model, you need to learn about modelling generally and then how to make these models in SOD format.

 

[TM150]

So this will make it more easy to the thief because it only needs the pogramm to take the model, right?

Grammar/Typos corrected - Intrepid

 

[Ryan]

SO this will make the thef more easybecuase it only be need the pogramm to take the model right?

er...if you mean what I think you mean then yes it will make it easier for someone to rip off someone elses a2 models as all they will need is one very cheap programme.

 

[Donniedarko]

Well there are many valid reasons for the non-stock import plugin that has nothing to do with learning how to model.

There are some A2 mods that don't have a A1 counter. A1 users are left out of the new mod loop here (A1 SODS are compatible in A2). You could ask the author for the non-SOD mesh and do the convert yourself or ask the author to make a A1 SOD.

If you are going to release (make it a public download) the A2--->A1 mod, you have to ask the author for the go ahead to convert the A2 SOD to A1 SOD but what about private use?

And what about the case of the missing non-SOD mesh, and the need to recover it from the SOD, do we send the SOD to a single group of people who can recover it for you or do we have the right to recover it?

 

[EAS_Intrepid]

But modellers already release A2 ships with A1-compatible sods. As Major Payne does. I do so to. Many ships for A2 are already done in A1 (since it has been out longer than A2, and good modellers are not in the community only for the last two days).

If one deletes the ms3d files and later thinks "Dang, I really could need it now", well than it is a lesson. If you don't want all ms3d files on your PC, burn it on a disc!

I can understand, that this tool is practical on some issues, but some aspects do have a higher priority in my opinions.

When I finish a model and it looks as close to the show as possible, after hours of polycount hunting, I am proud of it. And I do not want it to be reverse engineered or something like that. When it is in a sod, I can say to myself the model is as it is and it is my work.

I am not a conservative monster and I appreciate new efforts and tries in the community and I would help anyone who wants to have my model to look at it and see what he could do better with his model or so.
I think it is much better to ask a modeller and establish a contact. Yes, there are some that might say "No" but then it is a No and no nuclear strike.

Honestly, I am a little afraid of cheap and quick made kitbashes and refits flooding the download sections.

But I honour the effort you took to make a new tool for the community, Donniedarko.

 

[Rodglas]

No one wants the hard work they have done being passed off as someone else's work. That being said it is frustrating when an author only releases a model in A2 format without any cause. Many ships have been made for A1 but not all, and I know it has been frustrating for me in the past find that ships I'd like to play around with only available for A2.

Rod.

 

[TM150]

then the importers can't take a SOD made form someone only the stock and this importer can do that, can import all sods??

Ok I think that I'm learning!!

 

[Syf]

TM150: Yep, if someone has access to a program or the "Unlocked" version of the importer file (The importer is a "Plug-in" for Milkshape 3D rendering program), the that person can access the SOD files in Milkshape. Let's say that you spent 30 hours making a model. Then you released strictly for use in Star Trek: Armada 2 (A2). Then someone comes along and opens the model then re-releases it as a Star Trek: Armada (A1). They didn't ask you if they could do this, and now they say they made the model... How would you feel.

That's what this is all about.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Issue at hand:

CONs
The major point to all of this is simple: With access to these programs and/or plugins, Someone can re-release your work for another game, claiming it's thier model, that they made it, not you. If this was a perfect world, then there wouldn't be any such thing as theft, in any way shape or form.

PROs

You could access someone elses work and even re-release it in another game that they do not want to model for. If they don't have the original file, or don't have time to dig out the original MS3D file, or it wasn't made in MS3D to begin with.

The answer is simple, Mutual Respect: Just because you have access to some things, doesn't make you a bad person. Only on how you use it. If it belongs to someone else, don't claim it's yours. And, don't re-release someone elses work without full permissions and disclosure.

 

[TM150]

OK the point is the bad peoples :x (bad expirience) I better shut up!

Well yes Syf that exactly the point if someone not get those models whitouth your permission there would be any problem...