Compatability needed for SmaugFUSS yada yada

I really wish there was a 'smagfussconfig.dat' I could load up right into the Area Editor preferences.
You see, the only reason that I've been using Smaug rather than LPMUD is BECAUSE of Nick Gammon's area editor (it is a blast to use).
If SmaugFuss cannot open any area files (and it can't) it is worthless to me and I'm reverting back to Smaug 1.a.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but from what I've gathered, the reset is what is causing the format to change from the original Smaug hence area files are unable to load in Area Editor.
Also when I tried loading the skills it gave me errors regarding two 'author' flags on skills(?!?) These flags were in two skills only.
I don't want to ditch SmaugFUSS because of its obvious advantages and I really really hope there's some way I can work out using Area Editor + FUSS with the minimal coding skills I have (I hope the only solution isn't for me to have to reprogram the sourcecode for Area Editor to be compatible because I will never be able to do that in this life time).

Please tell me if there is any hope,
Yaakov

Well, you've pretty much already hit it. The source code to the Area Editor application will need to be modified to be able to parse FUSS area formats.

You are however incorrect in one thing. SmaugFUSS will read in standard format areas from 1.4a and from SmaugWiz as well. So you can use Area Editor and work on it as a standard Smaug zone. Then upload it to the server.

The only problem will come if you later need to fold the area online. Area Editor won't be able to load it then.

Alright, let me see if I understand you correctly.
If I create a standard area file under area editor, then upload it to my smaugfuss server it will work fine unless I try to make changes afterward (because it will now be converted into smaugfuss format)?
I could be completely wrong at interpreting what you said - but if this is the case then I'll be very very happy.

Thanks for your help,
Yaakov

P.S.
I could be entirely wrong (and I'm starting to get the feeling that I am)

What Samson is saying is that SmaugFUSS will read the older format files, so if you make an area with Area Editor (or edit an old area file) then it will be read correctly.

Furthermore, if you continue to edit offline (using the Area Editor and not online building) then you can continue indefinitely.

The drawbacks are:

1. You won't be able to do online editing.
   
2. You won't be able to use the newer reset system.

The source code to the Area Editor has been released, if someone wants to update it to support the new resets they are welcome to. I initially tried to, and succeeded in reading them in OK, however updating the GUI interface to support room-based resets was such a big task I didn't do it, and reverted back to the earlier version.

Very well - as long as I can still use the Area Editor to create stuff I'm in good shape. I'm not really concerned with the online builder since I've never even used it.
I'm going to investigate the advantages of the new reset system, however, since I'd very much not like to lose that if its been improved.

If the loophole is that I have to create the area prior to incorporating it into the server - but will still be able to use the new reset system, thats great too.
Either way I'm happy that smaug standard areas still work fine in smaugfuss =)

Sorry for the confusion and much thanks to Nick Gammon and Samson,
Yaakov


Yaakov