vPyro News All the latest news posted on our forums. http://forums.vpyro.com/index.html Wed, 20 Aug 2008 22:52:30 +0100 900 5,000 Members! http://forums.vpyro.com/5-000-Members-t3706.html 5,000 members (maybe one day I'll get to say OVER 9,000! members) have joined us! Back in the golden days, RCTPyro peaked at just over 6,000 members, we may just hit that mark again some day. It's true that the vast majority are just registering for the downloads, but such is life. We thank them for registering anyway, maybe they will take the time to contribute in the future. Who knows?

On a different subject, yes, I realise the site has been quite inactive lately. We're hoping to roll out the new site before the 25th August, so we'll see how that goes. It's going to have a video gallery and other colourful components that should get people involved for sure. Once this is done, I want to get a nice relevant skin for us. There's a few ways to go about this, find a free one, find a paid one or get a custom one. A donation push may be in order for the latter, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. I visit daily and hit View New Posts and there's still a group of people posting and that's really nice to see. wink.gif

Keep it up everyone, bigger and brighter times lay ahead!]]> Sat, 16 Aug 2008 15:30:48 +0100 http://forums.vpyro.com/5-000-Members-t3706.html Coming Soon... http://forums.vpyro.com/Coming-Soon-t3526.html
Meanwhile, you'll be able to see a teaser at http://www.vpyro.com very soon.]]> Wed, 25 Jun 2008 02:40:28 +0100 http://forums.vpyro.com/Coming-Soon-t3526.html Come in for a chat! http://forums.vpyro.com/Come-in-for-a-chat-t3506.html vPyro IRC. Unfortunately, only a select couple of people have joined us for a chat. I think the reason for this is that configuring IRC can be quite difficult for newcomers. So on that assumption, we have developed an online browser-based way to connect and talk with us. This should eliminate all the complicated problems. You can simply connect and then leave it in a tab and switch back and forth. It would be nice to get a lot of the active people in there so we can all chat in real time. It should be fun!

You can login here: http://www.vpyro.com/irc

If you've never logged in before, you need to read all the information at the top!.

Hope to see you there!]]> Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:12:49 +0100 http://forums.vpyro.com/Come-in-for-a-chat-t3506.html New Developers http://forums.vpyro.com/New-Developers-t3297.html Jeff and tomthepyro! Tom is already a Moderator and as such has been promoted.He will remain a Moderator and will continue to serve both positions. Jeff is a long standing dedicated and active member and I feel he deserves this promotion, not to mention he has shown some exemplary work.

Welcome to the team guys! wub.gif]]> Sat, 10 May 2008 16:56:58 +0100 http://forums.vpyro.com/New-Developers-t3297.html vPyro IRC http://forums.vpyro.com/vPyro-IRC-t3272.html
We've decided to bring back IRC as a final attempt to get people on it. The last one wasn't so successful, but hopefully this is. You can come on and chat personally with all your fellow members and it could get really fun. Come in and have some fun with us. smile.gif

Server: irc.coldfront.net
Channel: #vpyro

CODE
/j #vpyro


There are several levels of access and are broken down below:

Founder: Myself and Dean.
Admin: Co-Administrators.
Op: Developers and Moderators
Half ops: Managers
Voice: Everyone else.

IRC Guide: http://www.irchelp.org/

I look forward to seeing you all on there!]]> Wed, 07 May 2008 20:43:51 +0100 http://forums.vpyro.com/vPyro-IRC-t3272.html <![CDATA[We're Hiring!]]> http://forums.vpyro.com/We-re-Hiring-t3264.html Site Development - Artist

We are looking for more Developers to add to the team. Specifically, we need people who are skilled with graphics creation and manipulation. We need to create more visual material for the site and we'ld like to take on another artistically inclined developer to fulfill the role. There are some relatively stringent requirements you need to meet in order to be eligible for consideration. This is because trust is a big issue and we can't give responsibility to people who we don't know all too well. So please ensure you meet these requirements before you apply:

  1. You must have been a member of vPyro/RCTPyro for at least 2 months.
  2. You must not have any serious warns/bans in the past.
  3. You must be active. This is very important and inactive staff members are removed.
  4. You must be able to work on demand and complete the job in a reasonable amount of time. That is, if we ask you to create a logo and you give it us 2 weeks later, that is too long. Unless it is extremely complex, most things shoudln't take more more than a day to complete.
  5. Must have at least basic experience with Invision Power Board and the Admin Control Panel. If needed, you can be trained on the use of it.
  6. Must have basic HTML skills.


They are the basic requirements, everything else is down to personality and work ethic. If you know you won't be able to do the tasks assigned, please do not apply.

This is your opportunity to become an big part of vPyro and influence its decisions and progression. With your graphics expertise, we can make vPyro even better. If you're interested, please send an application to applications@vpyro.com using the following format. Please note that you must include all information asked of you.

CODE
Username:
Time spent at RP/VP:
Location:
Sample of your work (URL if possible), at least 3 images and we may ask you to confirm that these are your samples by asking you to rename the file etc:
Why should we accept you (couple of lines):


Example:

CODE
Username: Brad
Time spent at RP/VP: Few years now.
Location: UK
Sample of your work (URL if possible), at least 3 images and we may ask you to confirm that these are your samples by asking you to rename the file etc: http://bradwyatt.co.uk/portfolio
Why should we accept you (couple of lines): I am a dedicated hard working individual and can provide my services with professionalism.


We look forward to hearing from you, good luck!

Applications will remain open until a suitable candidate(s) is found.]]> Tue, 06 May 2008 19:40:27 +0100 http://forums.vpyro.com/We-re-Hiring-t3264.html <![CDATA[We're Back (to an extent...)]]> http://forums.vpyro.com/We-re-Back-to-an-extent-t3244.html
So that downtime was NOT planned to last that long. A combination of real life events getting in the way and some slow downs in work rate caused the website to be offline a lot longer than it should've been. If we kept it offline for much longer, it could've been bad for popularity and activity so we decided to put it online and work as we go. The work we undertake shouldn't be intrusive, so people can use the site unaffected on the way. smile.gif

We know you were probably expecting a great unveiling, but if we were to do that it would take a long time. However, never fear, we have completed the majority of work. The only changes left to do now are the visual changes in terms of the skin and other goodies I have planned.

So consider this the unofficial unveiling of vPyro. Look forward to more changes we have planned.

Welcome back guys!]]> Sun, 04 May 2008 20:31:39 +0100 http://forums.vpyro.com/We-re-Back-to-an-extent-t3244.html Palm Awards - College of Virtual Artists and Designers http://forums.vpyro.com/Palm-Awards-College-of-Virtual-Artists-and-Desig-t2824.html
http://forums.rctpyro.com/Palm-Awards-Coll...esig-t2823.html

Don't post here, do it in the above thread. Thank you.]]> Sat, 12 Jan 2008 12:17:33 +0000 http://forums.vpyro.com/Palm-Awards-College-of-Virtual-Artists-and-Desig-t2824.html Major Changes I envisage... http://forums.vpyro.com/Major-Changes-I-envisage-t2790.html
After some thinking, and some suggestions from one or two members, I've been thinking of a brand new RCTPyro. In a nutshell, I'm talking about converting this into a Virtual Pyrotechnics Site encompassing all forms of virtual pyrotechnics instead of RCT3 alone. I realise there probably isn't many — if any — other forms of virtual pyrotechnic tools out there currently, but with the development of ShowSim 3D (which is looking promising!) and the potential for other programs, I was toying with the idea that we should expand. Not right away, because there's no point but in the near future, when the demand calls for it. However, we all must admit that RCT3 is a dying game, we're part of its remnants now and it's losing popularity which is totally inevitable and accepted. People have left due to loss of interest, so why not keep the RCT3 section but add new sections and turn it into a comprehensive source for Virtual Pyro? Hopefully giving this site a boost it sorely needs?

I understand people who dislike this idea: we're the only RCT3 Pyro site on the internet, which in itself is pretty spectacular. I understand people who want to keep it that way and not expand into other areas, but putting prestige aside I think we should move on and give this site an appeal boost.

I reiterate: this is NOT a decision that, if the majority demand it, will be carried out straight away. We're looking at a month at least. I also plan to do some other updates:

- New Skin
- Removal of Blogs
- Fix up the gallery and stuff
- Add more features that coincide with the site itself, like special ranks for firework creators or somesuch.


Let me hear you thoughts people smile.gif]]> Mon, 07 Jan 2008 21:59:45 +0000 http://forums.vpyro.com/Major-Changes-I-envisage-t2790.html <![CDATA[Sydney New Year's Eve Fireworks 2007]]> http://forums.vpyro.com/Sydney-New-Year-s-Eve-Fireworks-2007-t2753.html

Hey guys,

Sydney went off with a bang last night, and I've got the HD video to prove it!

Family Fireworks 44.8MB - Sydney have 2 firework displays on NYE. This one is the "family fireworks", shown at 9PM (the time the first nation enters 2008). This ones for the kids
Midnight Fireworks
Enjoy and Happy New year

Photo credit: flickr]]> Wed, 02 Jan 2008 02:44:04 +0000 http://forums.vpyro.com/Sydney-New-Year-s-Eve-Fireworks-2007-t2753.html Member of the Month! http://forums.vpyro.com/Member-of-the-Month-t2594.html

jester.gif Congratulations, Mongo! jester.gif


The Member of the Month Awards has kicked off! The RCTPyro Team decided almost unanimously on Novembers MOTM. Congratulations to Mongo! We based our decision on Mongo's fantastic work on the AFE Video Tutorials and his long-standing dedication and his contributions to the community. We hope this is the start of a fantastic community-based monthly event. We're keeping our eyes open now for the month of December! smile.gif

Here is your signature image, Mongo, should you wish to use it:

]]> Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:19:35 +0000 http://forums.vpyro.com/Member-of-the-Month-t2594.html A Request http://forums.vpyro.com/A-Request-t2481.html
The server costs us £70 a month which includes upgrades etc, so it would be nice to get a little help.

I can't currently get a proper job due to me being in full-time education, so I can't fund the site directly out of my pocket. I do where I can, but it doesn't always make the amount needed. I know, why should you give us money you've worked for that is entirely, unequivocally yours? Well, you shouldn't - but I'm here to ask you for any amount of monetary contribution to help us. We won't just thank you for the donation and shake your hand with a smile, there's rewards to be had too. Here's a list. I'm eternally grateful for the people who've donated to the site so far, and to anyone else who does so. I'll show my thanks in any way I can, I'm working on some more rewards. Some very desirable ones I should thing.

I've run this community, taking over from Dean a while ago, for a long time now. I'm monumentally proud to call this my home. It's where my heart is on the internet. There have been troubled periods, bitter arguments and problems that have not only plagued me and other people personally, but have severely affected the site. That's all behind us now though. As RCT3 communities begin to dissolute and collapse, we stand here despite the lack of interest that's been developing. We stay here and we offer a home for people who are wandering the internet looking for a cool, fun and exciting place to be. People come and go, that's life. I want to keep this site up for as long as possible, as long as I physically can. I'm doing all I can to improve this site and make it the best it's ever been. We're going to brighten up the place with new stuff, more community orientated fun projects are on the way and I'm going to force myself to make a show. I just know you're all desperate to see me make a show. laugh.gif

This is the biggest way you can help us, so if you have a few bucks lying around, please consider donating to us. Donate links are at the top and bottom of each page.

Thanks guys! smile.gif]]> Fri, 02 Nov 2007 17:55:32 +0000 http://forums.vpyro.com/A-Request-t2481.html WyMoX Hosting Offer! http://forums.vpyro.com/WyMoX-Hosting-Offer-t2424.html

WyMoX Hosting is currently running an offer, but only for a limited time!

All Packages and prices are currently half price for the first month!


For those who are a bit confused by this, WyMoX Hosting is a hosting service based in the UK which hosts RCTPyro and offers excellent value-for-money packages. All profits made contribute to RCTPyro, as it takes a small portion to keep us up and running. We have a couple of customers from RCTPyro already.

Click here to take a look at what we offer!

Thanks smile.gif]]> Mon, 15 Oct 2007 01:15:26 +0100 http://forums.vpyro.com/WyMoX-Hosting-Offer-t2424.html 3,000 Members! http://forums.vpyro.com/3-000-Members-t2388.html 3,000+ members!

It was just over a year ago that RCTPyro was restarted, and it was born for the second time. The community began to rebuild slowly, sometimes growing exponentially in bursts. Now, we've hit the total 3,000 in that time! That means three thousand people have all taken the time to register here, I'd like to thank each and everyone of them and our existing members - both old members and new for making RCTPyro a great place to be and hang around. Everything you see here was made by all of you, this amazing community with a gleaming personality and so many friendly people that always go out of their way to help others. I truly respect you all, you have my eternal gratitude and thanks. You're the guys who make this place, without you, NONE of this would be real.

You're all awesome, thank you. flowers.gif
]]> Fri, 05 Oct 2007 17:27:27 +0100 http://forums.vpyro.com/3-000-Members-t2388.html Updates and Changes! http://forums.vpyro.com/Updates-and-Changes-t2335.html
1.) Spelling & Grammar
This is no longer a rule. It's a guideline. From now on, you won't be punished for incorrectly spelling your words and making grammatical errors. The only time this rule will affect you is if you a) write in leet speak and b) write a post that pretty much no one will understand. If that's the case, you'll be asked politely to try and make it more legible.

2.) Rule Enforcing
From now on, when you breach our rules, you'll receive a friendly and non-aggressive verbal warning from the staff. You'll simply be told what you're doing isn't accepted here. If you heed their advice, there will be no problems.

3.) Memberators
This has to stop. It's only a select few, if not a couple, but some members feel they have to enforce our rules upon members. We know you're just trying to help us out, but it's damaging the site. So, please, from now on please do not enforce our rules for us, we are perfectly capable of doing that ourselves. If you have a problem with a post, you can Report it and we'll take care of it.

4.) Criticism
While criticism is a necessity, it can be extremely damaging for new members. They can be scared into submission and may feel they have to live up to something to take part. That's not the feeling I want them to have. I want them to come in, post a show, and have some fun with it. That's what it's all about, fun. Of course it's necessary to criticize, but don't do it harshly. Guide them and thank them for making a show. Make them feel wanted and welcome. Treat everyone how you'd like to be treated yourself.

That's about it. I also just want you to know that I'm not going soft or losing my grip. No, I'm just loosening the belt where it's beginning to hurt. Our rules are still in affect, and this post isn't a "dowhateverthehellyoulike" post.

New changes, bigger changes, are also coming soon! biggrin.gif]]> Wed, 19 Sep 2007 18:46:31 +0100 http://forums.vpyro.com/Updates-and-Changes-t2335.html Community Corner Returns! http://forums.vpyro.com/Community-Corner-Returns-t2314.html
I'll also be relaxing the rules more. I still stand firmly by my decision to enforce spelling and grammar rules, but I slightly fear we're driving new members away. I'm a nice person really, so look out for those changes in the near future. smile.gif

Please, if you don't like anything about the site or what to see some new additions or changes, let us know!

Enjoy!]]> Sat, 15 Sep 2007 22:37:02 +0100 http://forums.vpyro.com/Community-Corner-Returns-t2314.html New Video Embedding System http://forums.vpyro.com/New-Video-Embedding-System-t2299.html
Here's how to use them.

Fast Reply


Full Reply/Starting New Topic


To bring up the dialog for you to enter the video link, click the following button on the main button row. It's next to the image button, two to the right from the smiley dropdown:

Once you hit that button, you will be presented with this:



Enter the full video link in here and hit enter/press ok. If you wish, you can just type the information. Like so:
CODE
[video]VIDEO LINK GOES HERE[/video]


For references sake, here is the what the system supports:

YouTube (www.youtube.com)
GoogleVideo (video.google.com)
LiveLeak (www.liveleak.com)
Veoh (www.veoh.com)
GameTrailers (www.gametrailers.com)
iFilm (www.ifilm.com)
Revver (www.revver.com)
BrightCove (www.brightcove.com)
MySpaceVideo (vids.myspace.com)
CollegeHumor (www.collegehumor.com)
vSocial (www.vsocial.com)
Guba (www.guba.com)
Glumbert (www.glumbert.com)

That should be all you need to know. If you have any errors, clear your cache and try again.

Enjoy! smile.gif]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:39:22 +0100 http://forums.vpyro.com/New-Video-Embedding-System-t2299.html To RoyT and everybody like him http://forums.vpyro.com/To-RoyT-and-everybody-like-him-t2293.html
RoyT is the perfect example.

And I'm talking to you and everyone like you now. I can understand that you may not agree with every thing that is said or done in this site, but you are systematically disagreeing with everything you read.

And disagreeing with The Halloween Expo which is a fun based community competition for everybody to enjoy it's just mean.

That was your last. The abuse stops here.

Next time you take advantage or abuse the rating system, you'll receive a PM from Brad with the correspondent ban.

And that goes for any other who do the same.

We are not going to remove such a nice feature just because of a couple of idiots that think they can do whatever they feel like.

You all have been warn.]]> Sat, 08 Sep 2007 10:08:17 +0100 http://forums.vpyro.com/To-RoyT-and-everybody-like-him-t2293.html Rating System Abuse http://forums.vpyro.com/Rating-System-Abuse-t2285.html
I was afraid this would happen. I installed the rating system based on putting my trust in people to use it responsibly and rate posts truthfully instead of spamming ratings and, for example, labeling a perfectly acceptable post as "Spam" or "Unfriendly". Only a few have done this, but that doesn't change the fact that they shouldn't be doing it. The system doesn't come with permissions so I can't ban people from rating. I can, however, ban people from RCTPyro and that's exactly what I'll do.

Alternatively, if abuse of the system begins to rise. I'll just remove it. It's a privilege to be able to rate posts, not a right. Keep that in mind. So, here's what will happen:
  1. We will do periodic checks on members and check what they've rated.
  2. If their ratings are fraudulent, they will be warned. (They might be suspended depending on the severity of the abuse)
  3. If they continue to abuse it when they come back, they'll be banned permanently.
]]> Wed, 05 Sep 2007 19:40:10 +0100 http://forums.vpyro.com/Rating-System-Abuse-t2285.html New Judge For E.V. http://forums.vpyro.com/New-Judge-For-EV-t2232.html
As you all know, since n7 has temporarily left the site for personal reasons and although he's still in the team, he's too busy to help with the reviews, and we've been having a lot of entries lately, it seems that after a languid period, the E.V. is calling for attention again, and it can be a little hard for just one person to do it, since it's a very time consuming task, and right now, I'm the only one.

I certainly enjoy doing it, since it gives me the opportunity to help and give advice and encouragement to people who are really interested in this prestigious award, it's not only a very prestigious event, it is also an excellent way to improve your skills in the quest for pyro perfection.

But, although I'm pretty knowledgeable from the artistic point of view, my skills are not as good in the technical aspects of the shows.

That's why we have decided to name Shawn (Mongo) as a new judge for the E.V.

Not only he has proved his skills with the game, the AFE, and the showbuilding, but he is also a real life lighthing designer and he has worked in productions in theatre and shows, etc. (he may tell you more about all this)

So, his technical abilities and knowledge will be truly appreciated and also very informative when it comes to review the shows.

Therefore, I want you all (as myself) to welcome him to the Extravaganza team.

Welcome aboard MONGO!!!!]]> Mon, 20 Aug 2007 19:10:24 +0100 http://forums.vpyro.com/New-Judge-For-EV-t2232.html Back for Good! http://forums.vpyro.com/Back-for-Good-t2204.html

It seems the internet was working hard to defy me. After hours of trying and working to get it up, fiddling with settings, moving things around, getting support from external sources and having problems with the server itself - we've finally pulled through and RCTPyro is here to stay for the foreseeable future. There's no reason for us to go down now, everything we wanted to accomplish has indeed been accomplished so you can rest assured your favourite RCT3 fansite is here to stay. We believe everything is working correctly, but if you do find an error, just pop into our site feedback forum and let us know.

Thanks to Lewtheo for lending me his assistance.

I've also re-organized the forums to make using it a whole lot easier. They were all clumped together before, so it was about time they were organized better. I hope everyone finds them easier. Also, could everyone please vote in my poll about the companies in site feedback. It's about bringing the company forums back to RCTPyro instead of keeping them offsite. There's more to come, our "silver surprise" will be released soon (some of you will have already seen it) once we've added the final touches.

So again, I personally apologize for the downtime. Most of the aspects were out of my hands, I was left powerless most of the time due to how the internet works. However, in times where I was needed, I did my best to work as fast as I could to fix the problems we were having.

Welcome back! smile.gif

I recommend you clear your cache, and refresh the RCTPyro index.
]]> Tue, 14 Aug 2007 16:26:09 +0100 http://forums.vpyro.com/Back-for-Good-t2204.html The Palm Awards Are Up! http://forums.vpyro.com/The-Palm-Awards-Are-Up-t2193.html here.]]> Thu, 02 Aug 2007 16:28:29 +0100 http://forums.vpyro.com/The-Palm-Awards-Are-Up-t2193.html About the Downtime... http://forums.vpyro.com/About-the-Downtime-t2059.html all all the core files that make up every page you see. That was easy enough, but it meant I had to edit them all again so our modifications worked (the members online today block at the bottom, the shoutbox, the IPB SEO mod) and other hidden modifications that don't necessarily affect front-end users.

So, after a couple of hours of editing all the files, the forums proved stable and working again, so I turned them online and let everyone return.

So all is good now, and apologies to everyone who tried to get to the site during this time. wink.gif]]> Tue, 10 Jul 2007 18:46:34 +0100 http://forums.vpyro.com/About-the-Downtime-t2059.html Stance on Spelling... http://forums.vpyro.com/Stance-on-Spelling-t2035.html common sense before senselessly hitting the Submit button.

So, from here on out:

All posts will be checked for spelling and grammar issues, and members which fail to abide by the rule regarding spelling/grammar will be subject to our punishment procedures by members of staff.

We are aware of our foreign visitors, but we still ask that you use the spell check at least so obvious mistakes are corrected.

To Staff: This post doubles as a notice from me that you are to enforce this rule rigorously from now on.

Thank You]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 16:38:49 +0100 http://forums.vpyro.com/Stance-on-Spelling-t2035.html Right... http://forums.vpyro.com/Right-t2016.html
My Controls -> ibProBattle -> My Settings -> Tick the opt-out box

Once you've done this, no one will be able to attack you and you won't be able to see the battle system anymore. The points you earn and the money in the battle system are two different things. Although your points are connected to the Casino, so you can gamble them away there wink.gif.]]> Sun, 24 Jun 2007 22:09:39 +0100 http://forums.vpyro.com/Right-t2016.html