Rules for Uploads

Here you will find the complete rules for uploading an object to the mall.

1.      Viewpoints

a.       Viewpoints may be used if they are inherent to the object’s function.  An example would be a helicopter ride. 

b.      All viewpoints must automatically unbind when you step away from it.  This prevents people getting stuck in the object.  The only exception to this is if you are bound to a viewpoint that takes you to a different room (ex. TARDIS by Saplus) in which case the exit must be clearly marked.

c.       If you use a viewpoint, you are limited to as many viewpoints as necessary.  However, only one viewpoint may have a description.  This is to prevent too many viewpoints being listed on the user’s Viewpoint list.

2.      Lights

a.       Certain types of lights are allowed.  Some are not.  PointLights and SpotLights are permitted, while DirectionalLights are scrictly prohibited (as they cause lag). 

b.      Lights can only be used if they are inherent to the object’s function.  An example would be a lamp. 

c.       Please, use lights sparingly.  No more than 3 lights per object.  Lights must be off by default.  The user must turn them on via toggle

3.      Fog

a.       Fog nodes are permitted, however, the code that Spazz3D exports for Fog is not entirely compatible with Blaxxun Contact.  Fog nodes need to be hand coded or exported from a different program than Spazz3D.

4.      PROTOs

a.       PROTOs are permitted, however EXTERNPROTOs are not.  The only exception to this rule is if you are calling a function from the Blaxxun Class Libraries for backwards-compatibility.  The link reference must be blank (“”).

5.      Inlines

a.       Inlines are prohibited.

6.      Sound Nodes

a.       While sound nodes were permitted in the past, this is no longer the case.  Sound nodes are prohibited.

7.      VRML

a.       All files must be in VRML ’97 format.  VRML 1.0 is no longer permitted.

b.      All files must be gzipped to conserve space on the servers.

c.       All files must have been exported as a VRML ’97 World.  H-Anim Containers are not permitted.  Avatar protos are not permitted.

d.      No file may contain a 3^rd party copyright.

e.       Animation

1.      All animations must have the ability to be stopped by the user.  Weather this is by ProximitySensor, VisibilitySensor, or TouchSensor.  This is because running animations is a major cause of lag in 3D homes.

b.      Scale and Placement

1.      All objects in CT should be to scale.  The scale of objects in CyberTown is 25% larger than their real life counterparts.   

2.      All objects should be centered on the X and Z axis, unless it is a larger object, in which case the object may extend no farther than 1m on the +Z plane.

3.      Objects should be no larger than 10mx10mx10m.

4.      All objects must rest on the ground.  The ground is located at -1.75y.  This includes objects that are normally located in the air.

5.      No full sized buildings are allowed in the mall.  Buildings are considered worlds and should be uploaded to the World Builder’s Guild for use in the suburbs.  Partial rooms are permissible; however they may only have 2 walls, and no ceiling.  The 10mx10mx10m rule still applies.

c.       Textures

1.      You may only upload one texture with your item.  You may not outside link to another site for additional textures.

a.       Textures for posters, wall-hangings, carpets, and room dividers must be signed to indicate that the texture is your own work.

b.      You may include up to 2 Universal Media textures in your object, however, they must be used from the CyberTown mirror.

8.      General Considerations

a.       Please be respectful of others.  When using Shared Events, try to create unique identifiers and check code, so that others can use shared events without cross-firing objects.

b.       Mall Viewers are a primary concern.  Much of what VRML is allowed and not allowed in CT has to do with the Mall Object Viewers located in each store.  Please make sure that your object does not hinder these viewers, or cause them to malfunction.  All objects must turn in the viewers so they can be viewed from all sides.

c.   All thumbnails must be 450x450 or smaller in image size.

RULES FOR ALL UPLOADS

1.      The thumbnail you provide for your object must accurately reflect your object.  In other words, they have to match.

2.      You may not use any non-alphanumeric character as the first character of your object.  For example “e=mc^2” is legal, while “+2” is not.

3.      Certain characters may not be used in object names as they are reserved for mall use.   These are brackets [ ], parentheses ( ), and { }.  These may not be contained in your object name.

4.      Offensive content is prohibited.  Depending on the degree of the offensive nature of the content, the mall may report the item to security.

1.      Use of copyrighted, illegally obtained, or unauthorized content (models and/or textures) is prohibited.  This includes both direct copies and derived works.  A good rule of thumb is, “If you didn’t make it, don’t upload it.”  All occurrences of copyright infringement will be reported to security.

RULES FOR STANDARD UPLOADS

1.      You are permitted to upload as many objects as you would like per day.  However, you are limited to one poster, wall-hanging, carpet, or room-divider per day there are no exceptions to this rule.

2.      You may not sell more than the limit stated on the thumbnail.  This is called overstocking.

3.      A rare is considered an object that is limited to 50 or less.

4.      When uploading a rare you may only reserve 5 instances for yourself.  For example, if your item was a 1/30, then you must upload at least 25 instances.

5.      You must upload a minimum of 10 instances of your object.

6.   No full size buildings. This includes large buildings with 4 walls and a ceiling and floor. These objects are better suited for the suburbs

RULES FOR HOLDS

1.      You are limited to 2 personal holds per 7 day period.  If you upload additional holds after you have exhausted your two hold uploads for the week, you item will be rejected.

2.      There is no limit on the number of colony/city holds you may upload per week, however, abuse of the colony/city hold system is not permitted.

3.      All holds must be uploaded using the holds button.

4.      All holds must have a stated limit on the thumbnail.  If you are making 10, then you must place a 1/10 on the object’s thumbnail. You may not re-upload hold items to the mall as a drop item.

 last updated March 14, 2003