Anyone up to the task of converting all the posts?
Getting the data is simple, just quote the posts with past achievements. The tedious part is converting them all, and applying the proper image. The image links within the achievements should still be active, so just convert them accordingly.
Example: (edited for visibility) brackets are now parentheses in this example
(quote author=Iados link=topic=39669.msg1958641#msg1958641 date=1297181472)
(url=http://teamfortress2.fr/achievements.php)(img)http://tf-2.fr/ach.php?a=Ultimate%20sacrifice.&b=Sell%20your%20socks%20to%20a%20trader.&c=u&e=1004&f=2(/img)(/url)
(/quote)
You see nothing, however, if you change formatting visibility (Toggle View Button), you should be able to see the content (and what was written; BTW, if anyone is not familiar with how they're written, %20 = (space), not familiar with the rest however. Find/Replace is your friend with the conversion process.). I kinda forgot how most of these were coded, so you'll have to look at a few achievements to figure out what had progress bars, which were created, and which were not.
One simple method I can think of is using Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator (maybe an action script as well in either program to resize and position the images regardless of their size, GIMP might also be able to use said scripts as well) in the process of conversion. A template wouldn't hurt either (border and text can use color options; not sure exactly how to go about adding a progress bar). When exporting, Save For Web and as PNG or GIF please.
1- Paste from... (explorer dialog box to find a file to import)
2- Move imported image into layer with image mask.
3- From upper left corner of the imported image, move to X=10 Y=10 of the overall image (X=40 Y=40, like above)
3a- This is positioning the imported image so it sits on top of a vectored box in the image within the layer mask which contains it. It keeps it clean, whether cropped within the border, or resized to fit. It allows for transparencies to be imported, with the option to add a background within the layer mask).
3- Pause script and dialog (yes/no): Resize to fit (YES), or keep it cropped? (NO))
4- (IF YES) Resize Image 100x100 (400x400 in large scale, to scale down on export version)
It's really that simple. Even simpler, for those unfamiliar, you can record the actions even.
Another overall script to use is one that interacts with the layers, each at a time (pre-placed). Like the image one above for a start, then one that selects the title text (auto-resizes to fit), similar for the info about it, and maybe a pause to the script. Unpause the script to add a progress bar: 1- Reveal and edit layer "Progress Bar" (text) maximum, 2- (text) how much done, 3- (resize a pre-made progress bar from 100% position; comes with a background layer) you may need a calculator to apply the percent adjustment max divided by progress, of course. It'll all remain in layers so you can adjust from the pre-made color scheme if you want (as well as apply the Steam Achievement effect to 50% grey colors if completed (optional, has to be eyeballed)).
Anyway, with my scripting idea and template setup, I will not force it to flatten the image before export. What if you want to make that one adjustment, or overlooked something (spelling, wrong image)? Of course, however, you'll need to load up a new template (or revert if no saving (Save As, preferably) before reloading the script (besides image-related; you can go nuts with that script as much as you want).
One last method I can think up is someone recreating something similar to what we were using (or similar to the Motivational Poster Generator), generate, save image, then upload to external server and post it. It's a bit lengthy a method, but it should be more reliable.
Given some time, I can probably see if I can come up with something (template with a script file (PS and/or ILL), but I won't guarantee I'll get to it immediately. I'm a bit of a procrastinator. And I might make 2 flavors (design habits). One at regular size to keep work at a minimal (100%, shrink image only, not final product; CAUTION: Low quality FAST version), and a 400%-800% large scale version (Same scripts x4-x8 to the constants), this you will have to Save For Web from 100% to 25% (or 12.5%). Quality is guaranteed to be much cleaner and better (not required as much in Illustrator, however). Again, graphic designer habits/force of habit. I would advice to keep you image imports not to intensely large. It would be pointless upon reduction, and eat up processing power and make the process slower to do.
PHOTOSHOP ACHIEVEMENT GENERATOR TEMPLATE PROGRESS:
TEMPLATE(s):
TBD v0.0.0 (link)
SCRIPT(s):
TBD v0.0.0 (link)
I might get this done after tomorrow, and hopefully a prototype ready before the weekend. And yes, pre- or post-production of your achievement, customize it all you like. I'll try to get it as much like the Steam achievements (more recent style) and with a bit of Bay-12 flair. I think the classic Steam Achievement style was what pissed off Valve, and had the site shut down. That's my theory. Imitation is a complement, until the source gets annoyed by it. Well, as I create my template, feel free to collect the information whoever's up to the task (all the lost acihevements; let's not let them be lost forever). When I am confident that it works how I want it to, and is as user-friendly as possible, I'll share the files to make it work (template and script files). What will also be nice about my generator is that you can customize the colors and font schemes and toss in your own style as well for your achievements (transparency will also be an available option, 2 layers. Gloss (which turns into glass), and base (also a layer mask with a starting color or gradient; transparency/fill percentage for a semi-transparent glassy achievement). Personalize them all you like. These achievements won't be the only purpose. The generator be public domain when I release it. I will not disappoint; this is something I can put my mind to, and when that happens, they are bound to turn out awesome, and jump versions rapidly (like the 3 updates before 31.25).
I'll try to see to it to release a prototype (or 1.0 release) in the next 3 days. Don't be surprised if I can make it ahead of time (end of tomorrow possibly). For most user-friendliness, I will make these in Adobe CS3. I'm sure not everyone has access to CS5 or would be capable of it (computer limitations as well). BTW, most-all the features you would need anyway would be in CS3 anyway.
Done editing my post now. I should have most-all bases covered by now.
EDIT:
Burnt out today from work. Might get something made tomorrow instead.
EDIT EDIT:
Was pre-occupied today. No work done. TOMORROW I shall have it ready (also sticking to promise). I think anything else that can get in the way should be out of the way by then. I claim anti-jinx as well so I can actually get something done. I can get things done at ridiculous speeds. I just tend to have lots of roads with speed bumps setup to keep me at a walking pace (karma for being quick?).
EDIT EDIT EDIT:
Anti-jinx didn't work, and I got slammed with a buttload of other work. No time to work on it; even with other distractions.
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Topic: Adventure mode achievments! (Read 44852 times)