So as assets become larger should publishers host mod files? Or servers for that matter? It would be nice to have a central location (outside of Fileplanet) to host mod files.  Giving the end user options for where and how to download your mod would be a good thing.  How would this sytem work.  Is it really an issue? Are mod authors interested in this approach?

Although this is slightly off topic, if you want to have a file section here for other modders to use, I should be able to get something going for that.  Unfortunately we don't have the bandwidth to host mods for the entire public.

sounds good to me  

I'll come out and say that I think publishers SHOULD pony up some space to host downloads of mods. Unfortunately, most publishers don't really have a place to do that -- they usually have a web site for their company and their games, but they don't usually have the bandwidth to host files. But I think it's a resource that would help mod makers and the publisher alike: customers can really easily find mods to play and the mods have a place to put their stuff.

Now, given that I WORK for a publisher and I'm trying to help out the community, I will see what influence I can exert in this area.

Yes, I think that would be a great idea. Just wondering how they are going to decide who gets it and who doesn't.

I would think that the requirements for hosting a D/l would be
1. a finished product ( no betas or chapters so that you can acctually get a fully funtioning mod)
2. a Real product ( not " oh look, I replaced one weapon and I'm calling it a Mod")
3. a Quality product that is at least close to something you would consider purchasing.

Just my .02¢

We could always put them to a vote by the endusers.