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I just can't... Cricket and I made this ridiculous one with a giant roll of TP on top.

The only downside with Google Drive is it doesn't have a way to hotlink files, only explore someone's online folder directory. No way to provide file descriptions or thumbnails. A creative way around this would be to pair every zip file with an image and readme file with the same name so that all three are listed together. Like this: I think I've just talked myself into using Google Drive. This wouldn't be awful for my usecase haha.

We are certainly open to suggestions! I have downloaded what I think we would need for a Google Drive. I just haven't a clue how to get started to implement it. I haven't taken the time to do so yet.

This is a great idea, and the secondary site can be made to look like your forum so that nobody would tell a difference that they're "leaving" Tek to download an animal file. One of the things I've been looking into is coding up a simple static HTML/CSS site that would serve as nothing more than a file link aggregator for the Northern Skies files. No PHP/SQL requests, no user registrations, just pure HTML and a stylesheet. Github Pages is the most popular place to host something like this for free. The great thing about this strategy is if Github pages ever goes down or says I need to leave, I can just copy/paste the same HTML/CSS files elsewhere like nothing ever happened because there isn't an SQL database to migrate. All I need to worry about is figuring out a solution for how or where to host the actual files to link, but I have some $7 or less ideas. I like your suggestion of a Google Drive. I can let you know if it works out. Sadly I'm a poor boy while in school, but I'd be more than happy do donate my time coding something similar for Tek if I can help. Sadly this would only address the download files. I know how big SQL databases can get, but that's a whole other beast and I'll openly admit I'm terrified of databases.

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the encouragement. I love to build zoos, but it takes me so very long to complete even one exhibit. I want it to be just perfect, so items go in and items come out.... and on and on and on. The 3 month format at least gives me a fighting chance of getting it completed.

I've been thinking about adding a secondary site for file storage. Google drives might be an option; some of our animal designers keep their content there. We are actually supposed to have unlimited space, but I know that's not really the case. Sometimes sending a bulk mail causes host whining, wailing and gnashing of teeth. I regularly get messages from our host that we really need to upgrade to a designated server.... at over 6 times what we are paying now. We are now at around 80% of our capacity for the server to run regular backups, which is critical for us. Tek is huge now and takes forever to manually backup, and it costs a lot to have those files restored. We could add another small server plan, but we can only run one copy of our board software or we would have to buy another pricey license. We are OK for now, but after our anniversary we will have to figure something out. A lot of content has been deleted over the years to save space, and it's getting harder to decide what must stay and what can grudgingly go.

I agree.

No miracle you have an award winning zoo SannahJan This is absolutely stunning!

I guess both but separate files as in one could choose whether or not to use the downloads, provided it is agreeable to access the downloads if that makes sense. I appreciate the consideration of you, Fern, and Jan.

I would so prefer only the maps and Criteria Fern Like you I like to pick my own selection of files

Of course, you are so right! I can't wait to enter OUR competition! ❤

Jan I have quite a few of them from here and various sites. I could load them at DD if that would save some room. Fountain are you meaning just the maps? Or the downloads as well? I have often thought of using the maps and criteria but choosing my own selection of files.

We. The contest We have going. Which includes You. You are now part of We. You became part of We when you joined Tek.

I don't know how much this will help, but here goes ... Generally speaking, most non-animal .ztd files will have the following folders when you first 'open them up' using WinRar or WinZip: objects scenery freeform (if a working building) Paths & fences will have different folders but the concept is the same. Animal .ztd files will have this folder: animals The concept of combining a group of animals is basically the same as combining any other group. If you follow the steps from one of our tutorials posted here at Tek, the combining should go ok regardless of whether you're combining non-animals, animals or any other combinations. Which tutorial have you been using?

I added a performance and lecture stage next to Boss Bunny's Golden Horseshoe Saloon. I broke down decided to use the Fancy Family Restroom in a few places because it increases guest happiness. The toilet red tongue/smile is weird enough but I had forgotten about the blue gaga eyes. Put enough foliage around and I won't have to see it.

That fish would keep a lot of cats and a herd of diet-ers happy.