hyperion_5, here is the start of my Oblivion Mod Manager How-To site. I don't have tutorials uploaded yet but several scripts are there and ready to use.
One script you'll be interested in is the template for Menu Video Loop Replacement
Rock on dude. Link me when you do becuase I have no clue how to script the OMODS and have always wanted to use them. I will definitely do the OMOD 7z thing if I can figure that stuff out.
Of the OMODs that I've downloaded, I prefer to remake them as well but usually only because the OMOD fields were never utilized such as the readme, description, screenshot, author, email, website/download source, etc. It is usually faster/easier to edit an OMOD and add what is missing rather than creating one from scratch that was never intended as an OMOD. Examples of archives that need "special care" when converting to OMODs are archives that have multiple sub-folders and files scattered about rather than the root folder containing the readme and .esp(s). Some even exclude readmes and either post some or all of the info directly on forums rather than include them in archives.
The biggest plus for OMOD is the ability to "script" most all of the particularities and requirements of the install into a robust front-end that guides/informs the end-user when installing the mod.
OK, that's it. I've made up my mind, I will create a web page that shows authors several "pre-canned" scripts to help them automate the install of their mods. I'll probably even create a tutorial on how to do a complete package using several popular mods.
Thats not a bad idea. I will certainly consider this. I had been uploading only a 7z version since I didnt want to dictate to anyone how they wanted to make their OMOD files (I for instance prefer to make my own even with an OMOD is available for download). But it is just as likely I suppose that some would prefer the ease of simply dropping in an OMOD over the customizability of a 7z. Ease is certainly a good thing.
hyperion_5, I agree that OBMM is a brilliant tool. I also understand that mod authors don't enjoy uploading and supporting an OMOD and ZIP version. Might I suggest to authors, that seriously recommend OBMM, to use this technique for uploading their content:
1) On local PC - Create an OMOD version of your mod with all the comments, descriptions, install scripts, screenshots, etc. 2) On local PC - Use OBMM to convert the OMOD to an archive (.7z). 3) On Tessource.net - Upload the converted archive.
What does this do? It allows users to continue manually extracting and installing the way they always have in the past but also give users that want OMODs to simply import the archive and create an OMOD without configuring any settings since they were already configured and stored in the archive that the author uploaded! For end-users, creating OMODs doesn't get any faster or easier than that.
11 comments
Looks simple, but it has a very nice touch
http://lhammonds.game-host.org/obmm/
One script you'll be interested in is the template for Menu Video Loop Replacement
http://lhammonds.game-host.org/obmm/
The biggest plus for OMOD is the ability to "script" most all of the particularities and requirements of the install into a robust front-end that guides/informs the end-user when installing the mod.
OK, that's it. I've made up my mind, I will create a web page that shows authors several "pre-canned" scripts to help them automate the install of their mods. I'll probably even create a tutorial on how to do a complete package using several popular mods.
1) On local PC - Create an OMOD version of your mod with all the comments, descriptions, install scripts, screenshots, etc.
2) On local PC - Use OBMM to convert the OMOD to an archive (.7z).
3) On Tessource.net - Upload the converted archive.
What does this do? It allows users to continue manually extracting and installing the way they always have in the past but also give users that want OMODs to simply import the archive and create an OMOD without configuring any settings since they were already configured and stored in the archive that the author uploaded! For end-users, creating OMODs doesn't get any faster or easier than that.