Emphasize ESA Protected Games

[Iconoclast]

To reduce fewer newly posted threads about where people can get ROMs they can't find on CoolROM.com (being because of their protection), I just thought it would be a minor suggestion if you included such games on the list of ROMs, only linking them to a page explaining that the ROM can't be legally downloaded at this site. For example, it took me a while to find out that you can't download Super Mario 64 here. So...why not add that, for one, to the list of ROMs only don't link it, but color it gray or something, explaining that it's protected by the ESA so people can see it right away?

[Sonic]

Correct me if I am wrong, but wasn't there once a link on CoolROM the reason why they are not up, I think on one of the previous layouts

[Iconoclast]

...You know, I think it still is there. But it's at the bottom of the main page, which most newbies don't look at. Thus explaining the number of threads created to ask for ROMs such as Super Mario 64 and Mario Party started by newbies.

Though this is irrelevant, I just have to say...I got lucky with some of these ROMs. It's VERY hard to search for ROMs protected by the ESA, so I'm lucky that I downloaded both of the N64 Zelda ROMs just before they were protected. I just barely found Mario Party as well. What do you think, admin?

[jambog]

I have seen other sites do what you are talking about. They would have the game listed in the regular downloadable roms list, but instead of having it linked to a download link, it would be linked to a page explaining that it is ESA protected and cann't be downloaded on this site due to legal Issues. Site I have seen do this in this manner.

Super Mario 64 (ESA Protected/Copyrighted)

and when the link is clicked, instead of taking you to the page with the download link, it takes them to a page where the rules are explained.

I think implementing a feature such as this would be a fantasic idea for atleast two reasons.

1. It would prevent inactive accounts due to people signing up for the forum for the only reason to request a protected game, then never signing on again once they find out its protected and their thread gets closed.

2. No more newbies posting such rom requests before they actually read the ROM request rules (I'm guilty of that). It is hard to tell how many closed threads you have taking up server space due to people requesting ESA protected games...

Correct me if I am wrong, but wasn't there once a link on CoolROM the reason why they are not up, I think on one of the previous layouts

I think you are talking about a link in the FAQ. Obvously new people don't read the FAQ section, thats why there are so many Mario, Zelda, DK requests. That is why the game title should be listed with the regular roms, but when it is clicked on it takes them to a page explaining that the title is ESA protected and can't be downloaded due to legal issues or whatever.

There is also a news blurp from September 2005 explaining why these games can longer be found on the site. It is however way way way down at the bottom of the page, even if it was at top who would probably bother to read it?

When the link of an ESA protected game is clicked it should take the person to a page with great big letters saying something of this nature:

"THIS TITLE IS PROTECTED BY ESA AND COPYRIGHT LAWS AND CANNOT BE OBTAINED FROM THIS SITE. ALL GAMES WITH (ESA/COPYRIGHT PROTECTED) LISTED BESIDE THEM CANNOT BE DOWNLOADED. All other game titles listed can be clicked an downloaded, please click your back button to choose another rom that isn't ESA protected." then go onto say that "any rom not found and that isn't ESA protected can be requested in our forum"

There should also be a link that can be easily found about GBA, PSX ect explaining why they can't be downloaded. Like actually have a GBA link listed on the roms page, but when clicked takes them to a page saying something like "GBA is still a commerically available system, and GBA roms cannot be downloaded due to legal issues at this time, please contining to check back on this matter"


(sorry so lengthy, I just really think this is a great suggestion that should be implemented.):)

[Iconoclast]

Back from a day at the dells. Lengthy messages are nicely detailed. Admin's probably busy; I'll wait.

[admin]

Sorry about the delayed response. I have read your suggestions, Iconoclast, and I believe providing a link to the ESA protected ROMs that explains it is, in fact, ESA protected is not a bad idea. I will definately take a look into this as being a solution to the confusion regarding ESA protected titles.

[Iconoclast]

I've read and understood. I shall, therefore, seal myself behind the Door of Time for seven more years, though it might only take you hardly more than a month...a week...whatever. Take your time.