Hello there.

1. I am writing to You, because I have a vision of an awesome tool for people who would like to advertise their own work and ease the process of publishing. I recently digged out ModCraft™ (only for me) to see how it changed during all these years when the first version came out... I guess it happened in 2010/11? Can't really remember anymore. It's been a long time ago + I've done a few mistakes by that time that I regret, and I learned a lot too.


2. This time I'm completely based on the community input and requests. So this is where I ask You to tell me if such tool is going to be any useful these days. Installing mods is quite easy now, mostly just "Download Mod + Dependencies -> Drag & Drop into Mods Folder -> Voila". I want it to be a multi-tool so besides mods you can also create a local host server, edit local worlds properties etc. I want it to be more like a huge database of various content + automation of downloading and installing it.


3. Take a look at the latest ModCraft™: Click | It's been down for a year already, but I really want to bring it back. However, this time I'd like to focus on community requests. This project will start from scratch to ensure best experience and testing abilities.


4. My current plan is to create something like Steam, but for Minecraft content (not only mods) + a few useful tools such as Server Manager (create, run and control your own server). What I mean is people would be able to send their own content to be available in ModCraft™ for all users. Monetization for content creators is what I plan to achieve. That includes support for link shortening websites.


5. There are currently three possible ways of development road (for Content Creators):

- One way is to create a registration system for content creators. I would then send them a special application for adding content for review, if it gets accepted it would be instantly available for all ModCraft™ users.

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- Second way is to integrate the above system with ModCraft™ to ease the whole process and allow the content creator to preview their entries before it gets published. So, simplifying, if you add your content, you would be able to see it and check if the app handles it correctly. If something goes wrong you would be able to revert your changes or edit the entry to fix the issue.

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- Last way is to create a website where content creators could add entries. I will implement a special protocol for ModCraft™, so users can click one button on the website and ModCraft™ would do the rest for them.


6. There are a few limitations that I (and You) need to live with:

1. This application would have to be Windows-only and would require at least .NET Framework 4.5 to work properly.
   
2. This application would need Admin rights to work (Registry modification, I/O operations etc.).
   
3. Content creators would have to follow a few strict rules for packing and distribution:
   1. If the mod is .jar only there must be a direct link followed by (if needed) a monetization website. My code can catch all downloads even after redirection so it wouldn't be a big problem. This means no accepting EULA's of a creator or things like that. Just straight download link like at Course.
      
   2. If the mod has more files (like assets/configs etc.) it must be packed as a .zip file with proper directory tree + same as above.
      
   3. If a creator has its own website where he publishes his work and let's say he has something like '...download.php?id=1", then it would also work.
      
   4. Other content such as Resource Packs or Maps work the same way.
      
   
   

This will be detailed later while in development.


7. Content Types available for publishing by content creators:

1. Mods (obviously),
   
2. Resource Packs (Content Packs or however is it going to be called),
   
3. Shader Packs (may be integrated with Mods as a separate category),
   
4. Seeds,
   
5. Skins,
   
6. Servers,
   
7. Maps (Saves),
   
8. Tools (if you want to promote your own application).
   

One restriction is to upload* your original content only, because uploading other people's content without their permissions will be forbidden and bannable. Multiple Minecraft versions are also supported. You could also convince them to join ;)

* - By uploading I mean adding an entry to the database. I won't store any files except ModCraft's binary files unless You give such permission to me.


8. This is going to be a huge project (nothing I can't do...) and I need You as a content creator, and as a regular user. Usage, registration and content uploading will be entirely free. Each upload will be reviewed by me (for now, because it's 1-man team). If you upload a few successful entries with a positive verification you will receive a "Trusted" flag. With this perk there won't be a need for acceptation by Moderators.

Here's a little recap of what is needed to be done (at the beginning):

1. Purchase a hosting + domain,
   
2. Prepare a website and basics for the application,
   
3. Advertise to get users and content creators,
   
4. Find nice people to keep the content safe for others (a.k.a. Moderators),
   
5. Get requests and opinions on the project itself,
   
6. Continuous development...
   

This will take quite a lot of time, but this is what I really love to and dream to do.


So now a question to You, would You take part in this? If yes, write a comment and tell me what You think about this idea. Let's be honest, without Your input this project has no sense of existence. Project needs discussing and planning, and this blog is still subject to change. Give me Your thoughts!

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Have a nice day,
MazQuick.