IM/Website Project Communication

[filburt1]

This is the thread for developers of the MSN-style replacement site/client to communicate with each other. See http://www.vbforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=91487 for more information on the project.

The yet-to-be-named MSN-style Replacement site and client is exactly that: it is designed to be a website similar to the MSN portal (sans Hotmail and other services) and a client, such as MSN Messenger. The client will be written entirely in Visual Basic, except, of course, for referenced DLLs, OCXs, etc. The website will likely be written in Dreamweaver, FrontPage, or another WYSIWYG editor. The majority of the graphics for both the client and the site will be composed in Adobe Photoshop or Jasc Paint Shop Pro.

Interoperatability between AIM and MSN Messenger could be implemented later; however, due to the controversy surrounding MSN being able to use AIM protocols at one point, this is unlikely.

The project is always looking for more developers, web designers, graphic artists, or anyone else with a useful skill to the project. If you would like to participate, please post with what skills you could contribute to the project.

[j2k]

Oh and what filby forgot to mention - I'm project leader :)

Check out the competition in the thread outlined above by filburt1.

[filburt1]

I'm...uh...subleader. :D :D

Here are my proposed requirements:

The site must be Section 508 Level One requirement for accessibility
The code in the client should address my pet peeves: http://www.vbforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=90395&highlight=pet+peeves
If we want to even have a vague hope of competing with MSN, AIM, and stuff like that, we have to be realistic. Trying to do news each day would be a b****. And we might be forced to drop features later on.
Compatibility with the AIM and MSN protocols for the client would be a nice plus.
To avoid legal issues as well has having people actually use the client, it should probably be *gasp* free. :(

[j2k]

Originally posted by filburt1
Here are my proposed requirements:

The site must be Section 508 Level One requirement for accessibility
The code in the client should address my pet peeves: http://www.vbforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=90395&highlight=pet+peeves
If we want to even have a vague hope of competing with MSN, AIM, and stuff like that, we have to be realistic. Trying to do news each day would be a b****. And we might be forced to drop features later on.
Compatibility with the AIM and MSN protocols for the client would be a nice plus.
To avoid legal issues as well has having people actually use the client, it should probably be *gasp* free. :(


What is Section 508 Level One requirement??!

Haha your pet peeves! I defy all of them! But for the sake of the project I'll abide by them ;)

News service... How about a bot to provide the news, such as Moreover?

Yeah, co-protocol-isation would be useful, but are there any implications of using parts of their service via a different one?

Free-ness.... Well, as outlined in my original post, I'd like it to be free... But if it does prove popular, we could use PayPal's membership style service, so it automatically takes payment once a month etc, then split the money...

Just a thought :)

[filburt1]

1. Section 508 defines how a site should be written to allow for accessibility for the handicapped, such as ALT text for images, not relying on color, etc. Level one is good enough. I suppose we could be W3C HTML 4.0 certified too, but to hell with that. :)
2. A bot would be good for the news service.
3. Use of AIM and MSN protocols for compatibility would probably bring up lawsuits. That's bad. :) For now, we could design our own simple protocol. Then, when the need arises and we get legal permission, we could translate AIM/MSN requests into our own protocol internally.
4. Money is always good. :) We could work it out later if it becomes relatively popular.

Remember not to get your hopes up! We're dealing with massive evil empires as competitors. :)

[j2k]

haha this project was only supposed to be a bit of fun for during the holidays anyway :) But now it seems to be getting a bit more serious so we will work on it till the bitter end :)


I think we'd better play safe and not mess with other protocols though..

And I see you're the self appointed subleader eh? ;)

[filburt1]

Originally posted by j2k
I think we'd better play safe and not mess with other protocols though..

And I see you're the self appointed subleader eh? ;)

1. Agreed.
2. Agreed. :D

[j2k]

haha! :D

BTW: Addressing one of your "pet peeves"... Unless there's another way I'm unfamiliar with we'll have to break rule:

2. Using OLE. It just slows down your app and makes it chunky.

We need OLE to generate emoticons (smileys) in IM.

Also, make sure if you modify the .vbp file, you remove the lines which are incompatible with VB5 (it's all I have)... I think there are two lines to remove: The "Retained" line and "MaxNumberOfThreads".

[filburt1]

Since I'd be making or at least tweaking the GUIs, all I'd have to do is deal with the .frm files.

About the OLE: I assume we'd be using the RichTextBox? Does it support pasting images? I think it does, because WordPad can do it...

[j2k]

Originally posted by filburt1
Since I'd be making or at least tweaking the GUIs, all I'd have to do is deal with the .frm files.


Great. That would be fine :)


About the OLE: I assume we'd be using the RichTextBox?[/B]

Yes we would.

[stickman373]

You both are really trying to beat the Times of war post aren't you :D :p

BTW, Hi filburt i would be helping with the group also ;)

Sounds like this might get off the ground hopefully:p

[j2k]

LOL. There are at least two others who are serious about it :) stickman373 and Vilim.

[filburt1]

We can take a full attendance count on Monday. This place isn't as busy on the weekends, but there is literally a hundred people during weekdays. :)

[filburt1]

BTW, here's a sample of my Photoshop work (a project at school). Also, check out the splash on my home page (http://www.liquid2k.com/filburt1).

http://www.vbforums.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=498769

[filburt1]

I'm spreading the word: http://www.vbforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=99082

[JungleMan]

What does it do that I can't do on MSN/AIM?

I'm good with GUI and Graphic design, so I think I can lend a hand.

[j2k]

I only wish I could do something as professional looking as that, filburt1! May I ask, how long did it take you to create them?

I've been contracted by my old school to design a networking app which is an IM, file transfer, community whiteboard, meeting scheduler etc to put on all the school PCs so the kids can share things, and teachers can arrange meetings etc. I could just imagine a splash similar to that one! It would look very professional. I wonder if I can achieve similar effects myself, using PSP.

[filburt1]

Originally posted by j2k
how long did it take you to create them?

My home page splash took about half an hour; the RHHSHN one took about a day. Once you get the hang of PS, it is really easy to use. The interface is just daunting to new users. :cool:

[j2k]

Downloading PS now ........

PSP is hopeless for stuff like this (don't flame me please!!) IMHO.

[j2k]

Hehe.. What's the point of rating threads BTW?

[filburt1]

Nothing, really. Just another feature that John can use to preach his vBulletin. :)

[bataeu]

I would love to be a part of this project. I know VB and Director 8. Director would be good if you did want to make this program compatable with mac os. I can use photoshop but I am not the best artist but i get by. My vb is by far my best qualification.

[j2k]

Excellent! Nice one! Welcome to the team :)

filburt1 - like my signature? Bring back memories? ;) ;) ;) :D

[j2k]

Right.. I think it would be best if all the current participents in the project meet up for a chat sometime... I have ICQ, MSN Messenger and Yahoo Messenger.

I'm free all week :)

Oh and try to make it a time when I'll be awake -=- I'm in England, time zone is BST (GMT+1) - I posted this message at 12:50pm - work it out from there ;)

:)

At last we can get the ball rolling!

[filburt1]

A meeting would be cool. But I have school from now to forever. :) We could all use AIM Express.

Sorry, dude, I have sigs turned off.

[filburt1]

Grr...we need a name. I can't create a folder on my hard drive for the VBP project until we have one. :D

[j2k]

lol. That's why I wanted to call a meeting.... You sure you can't get hold of Y!/MSN/ICQ?

BTW: I'm sure you can see my sig.


__________________
j2k
O h - F i s h s t i c k s

[filburt1]

Originally posted by j2k
lol. That's why I wanted to call a meeting.... You sure you can't get hold of Y!/MSN/ICQ?

I guess I could get MSN, but I don't like installing stuff from the evil empires on my pooter. :)

Originally posted by j2k
BTW: I'm sure you can see my sig.


------------------
j2k
O h - F i s h s t i c k s !

Grr. :D

[j2k]

Originally posted by filburt1


I guess I could get MSN, but I don't like installing stuff from the evil empires on my pooter. :)

Haha :) If you let the evil demons (yes I know.. all you UK Big Brother 2001 fans will say I'm like Brian) on your computer, PM me for my Hotmail email addy



Grr. :D

Ha!

[filburt1]

I just got MSN. You can probably guess my username. :cool: But I'm not going to keep it running all the time.

Maybe a meeting on next Saturday?

[j2k]

Sure.

[j2k]

/me is just installing MSN again from Windows Update

[j2k]

If your signin name is what I think it is then I've just added you to my contact list :)

[filburt1]

:cool:

Is yours the same, too?

[j2k]

Nope :cool:

If you log onto MSN it will tell you I've added you and you have the option to add me (you prolly know that anyhoo)

[j2k]

So, what features should it have?

[filburt1]

1. Very intuitive interface with no clutter
2. Easy to use buddy list indicating a user's state (online, away, BRB, etc.)
3. Customizable sounds
4. Emoticons (it would be cool to rip the vBulletin ones but John would sue us :))
5. Uh, more stuff that I think of

[filburt1]

6. Multiple sessions (talking to several people at once)

[j2k]

Great! But remember - it's more than just a glorified messenger service ;)

[filburt1]

Well, I was just thinking of the client end. BTW, what type of net connection do you have, dude?

[j2k]

ADSL :cool:

[j2k]

And you?

[filburt1]

Here's my initial idea for the session window. It could use a little more coding, not to mention buttons on the toolbar, etc. :)

[filburt1]

Originally posted by j2k
And you?

Cable on a router. :)

[j2k]

cool!

That form looks pretty kewl for the IM base :)

[filburt1]

That was the intention. :) We don't want to confuse those silly AIM or MSN users with our obviously superior alternative. :D

[j2k]

Hahahahahahahahaha!! !! !! :D :D :D


If I remember correctly from the days of "MSN Classic", they had a "MSN Today" section on the client which had links to common pages .... Here's an idea of what a "MSN Today" style page could be like on our service..

Note: If the image doesn't load, save it locally and change the extension to .BMP. I'm not sure if it was converted successfully.

[j2k]

According to my MSN Messenger, you're offline.

[filburt1]

Originally posted by j2k
Hahahahahahahahaha!! !! !! :D :D :D


If I remember correctly from the days of "MSN Classic", they had a "MSN Today" section on the client which had links to common pages .... Here's an idea of what a "MSN Today" style page could be like on our service..

Note: If the image doesn't load, save it locally and change the extension to .BMP. I'm not sure if it was converted successfully.

I don't see why we need Photoshop, that looks awesome already. :D :D

[filburt1]

I've been working on the splash...it's not done yet.

http://www.vbforums.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=499552

[filburt1]

BTW, like how I superimposed a screenshot of PassProg? :p

[j2k]

Haha I really like that splash!!

Free advertising.. hmph ;)

[j2k]

I'm on MSN Messenger.. whenever you're ready :)

[filburt1]

What's your thingy? I tried j2k@hotmail.com and you're offline. :(

[bataeu]

Just because i t was asked. I have ADSL also. Except on the weekends because then I am at work. There I only have Dial Up. 56k :( . But Anyways I am going to download MSN and see if you are still on. You all seem to up at a different Time from me.

[bataeu]

I tried to add you also but It says you are off line here too. You can add me I am bataeu@yahoo.com

[j2k]

You guys probably can't add me cos its not j2k@hotmail.com :rolleyes:

Try jwilliamson_@hotmail.com ;) :D

[filburt1]

Clearly you have been added. :D

[j2k]

I'd guess so.. Unless I've been talking to an imposter called 'filburt1' on MSN ;)

[bataeu]

Damn, I am back but neither of you seem to be around. Well I will be on for a little while. Message me if you get on I came up with another idea for a name. how about "Web Gate" Or "Web Port" something like that? Oh and filbert1 i need to add you to my list again because I acedentaly deleted you :D .

[filburt1]

Originally posted by bataeu
i need to add you to my list again because I acedentaly deleted you :D .

*smack* filburt1@theglobe.com :p

[filburt1]

I was just thinking about the server architechture. It is going to be a royal pain-in-the-*** to do the back-end design. I assume that we'd take the Napster approach (central server listing who's online and their status)?

[bataeu]

sounds good to me, i am just a lowly programer :D

[filburt1]

Got to eat dinner.

[j2k]

Right, you've not joined us filburt1, and I can't wait up any longer.. I'm off to bed ;)

Enjoy school tomorrow :D haha

[filburt1]

Originally posted by j2k
Enjoy school tomorrow :D haha

:mad: :p

[bataeu]

done with dinner yet filbert1 we are still waiting

[filburt1]

Gotta do crap for school tomorrow. :(

[j2k]

BUZZ!!

Right, it's midnight here now.. Time for bed :(

Have a good day at SCHOOL tomorrow!! :D :cool: :D :cool: :D :cool: :D :cool: :)
I'll think about you while I'm at home lazing about all day ;) :p

Ciao for now!

[bataeu]

Filbert i will be on and off for the next 2 to 3 hours. If you get on let me know and maybe we can chat about the project. I know it is 10 pm where you are as I am posting this so I wont be to suprised if you dont reply back.

[j2k]

Originally posted by filburt1
Gotta do crap for school tomorrow. :(

So, how was your first day? What year are you in now? Oh sorry, you Americans call it "grade".. So I'll rephrase.. What grade are you in now? :D

[filburt1]

Grr...crappy school. But my last year: 12th.

[j2k]

Haha in the UK we only have to go to year (grade) 11 ;)

[filburt1]

That, like, makes me smarter than you, and stuff. :p

[j2k]

How do you figure? American schools need that extra year to try to catch up with the European education system :)

Anyway (You americans say anyways) I'm off for the night.. It's midnight in just a few mins...

BTW if you're wondering why I am criticising the American language and speaking in BRITISH ENGLISH is simply because I would like the MSN replacement to be written using British English language.. ie.

Colour
Neighbour
Recognise
Apologise

etc etc :)

This is j2k signing off ........

[eiSecure]

Hey, cool project!

Can I join too? I'm decently skilled in webdesign, Flash, etc.
I'm decent at VB too.


BTW: I have this .dll that allows compatability b/t IM systems.
http://www.jabber.org

[filburt1]

I have MSN, but I don't leave it fully online all the time.

[stickman373]

I think we should all try to get together and work out some details and duties. What is the best way to chat? I have MSN, AOL. and ICQ. :D

[filburt1]

I was thinking a meeting on Saturday some time. That way, none of us have school or work.

[eiSecure]

Well, I think we need the following:

A) Instant Messaging. Doesn't matter which type, ICQ, AIM, or MSN, as long as we all agree to use the same one.

B) A way for us to conduct meetings. IMs aren't too good at this. I suggest using MS NetMeeting. Free download at http://www.cnet.com

C) Exchange email addresses

D) Agree if this is a for-profit or a non-profit project.

E) Set up a website/server for it

F) Exchange our time zone information and what part of the planet we're on so we don't plan meetings at 12am. :D

G) Yeah, Saturday afternoon will work.

[eiSecure]

Also, I wasn't paying attention. ;) Is there going to be ads in it?

[stickman373]

Well, I think we need the following:

A) Instant Messaging. Doesn't matter which type, ICQ, AIM, or MSN, as long as we all agree to use the same one.

B) A way for us to conduct meetings. IMs aren't too good at this. I suggest using MS NetMeeting. Free download at http://www.cnet.com

C) Exchange email addresses

D) Agree if this is a for-profit or a non-profit project.

E) Set up a website/server for it

F) Exchange our time zone information and what part of the planet we're on so we don't plan meetings at 12am.

G) Yeah, Saturday afternoon will work.


A) I don't care what style

B) I like ICQ personally or netmeeting is fine too.

C) stickman373@hotmail.com

D) A little profit never hurt anyone, but we could do it non-profit and get money from ads or what not.

E) Sounds Good To Me! Would this be to show work to public?

F) USA Eastern Standard Time Zone

G) Sure Sunday Afternoon should work for me

[j2k]

Hehe! This thread was all quiet right until 1AM today (when I was in bed!!) But..

Originally posted by eiSecure
Well, I think we need the following:

A) Instant Messaging. Doesn't matter which type, ICQ, AIM, or MSN, as long as we all agree to use the same one.

B) A way for us to conduct meetings. IMs aren't too good at this. I suggest using MS NetMeeting. Free download at http://www.cnet.com

C) Exchange email addresses

D) Agree if this is a for-profit or a non-profit project.

E) Set up a website/server for it

F) Exchange our time zone information and what part of the planet we're on so we don't plan meetings at 12am. :D

G) Yeah, Saturday afternoon will work.

A) Of course :)

B) I have NetMeeting

C) j.d.williamson@btopenworld.com

D) We'll start out as non-profit and see how it goes from there

E) Excellent

F) British Summer Time (GMT+1) - Note, this is NOT CET. CET is GMT+2 while summer

G) Saturday afternoon will be more like Sunday morning for me....!

[etoo]

I'd like to join the project, if possible! I program in Visual Basic 5 only.

[j2k]

Please can everyone post who's interested, and also add what time it is, local time when you post (vBulletin will auto convert the times to BST for me) so I can see what time it is where you live (so we can arrange an ideal time for the meeting)

[stickman373]

11:18 am here right now! and i think i'm interested

:p ;)

[etoo]

It's 12:10 here, and I'd like to help!

[filburt1]

...going back several posts...

Ads suck. No way are we making adware that some people could think has spyware in it.

[stickman373]

Yah Ads are annoying! :D :D :D

[j2k]

Sorry filburt1, but features such as ads are still under negotiation. My plans will be revealed on the Sunday Morning chat. (Saturday afternoon for you guys)

[filburt1]

Methinks NetMeeting at...when (day and time)?

[etoo]

What time is the meeting?


Well, I think we need the following:

A) Instant Messaging. Doesn't matter which type, ICQ, AIM, or MSN, as long as we all agree to use the same one.

B) A way for us to conduct meetings. IMs aren't too good at this. I suggest using MS NetMeeting. Free download at http://www.cnet.com

C) Exchange email addresses

D) Agree if this is a for-profit or a non-profit project.

E) Set up a website/server for it

F) Exchange our time zone information and what part of the planet we're on so we don't plan meetings at 12am.

G) Yeah, Saturday afternoon will work.

Answers:

A) I only have MSN Messenger

B) I have MSN Messenger and Netmeeting.

C) eric@digitope.com (mailto:eric@digitope.com)

D) I'd say start it non-profit and then maybe sell it as a package to companies so they can have a mini-online service for their intranets

E) I have my internet site with some extra space, but I think J2k already has plans

F) I'm near Miami, Eastern Time, Saturday afternoon will be good.

[filburt1]

Originally posted by etoo
What time is the meeting?

Good question. Is everybody up at 2:00 PM EST USA?

[j2k]

Well, it's 21:05 (five past nine at night).. I think this time would be ideal for me on Saturday night? Try to fit it into your time zone :)

[filburt1]

So what about 3:00 PM on Saturday (20:00 for you)?

[j2k]

Sure :)

[j2k]

Also, who is good with Macromedia Flash, or animation in general?

[etoo]

Great. What time zone is Filburt? I need to know when to log on. I'm in eastern time.

[filburt1]

Same time zone as me, so 3:00 PM on Saturday.

[j2k]

subleader, are you gonna be the NetMeeting Host? I can't .. My ADSL router blocks the server ports for FTP and NetMeeting. I can connect to clients fine though

[filburt1]

I haven't used NetMeeting before, and I do have a hardware firewall. If you tell me what port NetMeeting uses, I could allow traffic through it.

[filburt1]

Better idea: go online on MSN and I'll try to start a meeting and invite you.

[etoo]

I need to know your MSN Messenger address

[j2k]

Mine's jwilliamson_@hotmail.com

We need someone who is NOT on a router

[filburt1]

Slacker! Get back to the MSN chat session! :D :D

[filburt1]

Anybody, if you are able to host a NetMeeting session (you cannot be behind a router with NAT addressing!), please let us know...

[etoo]

I'm not on a router

[filburt1]

All: Since NetMeeting has been raising hell with me and j2k, it looks like MSN Messenger for the meeting, unless the all-holy leader has a comment? ;)

[j2k]

Fiburt1: LOL!! :D

All: I think 'etoo' doesn't have a router, so fingers crossed we can do a NM. We should all log onto MSN Messenger first, and then load NM. If 'etoo' can't get it to work, I may have someone else lined up to host our conference.

More when I know more

[etoo]

Yes, I can host the NetMeeting, but I'll need to know when to.

[j2k]

Just make sure you're on MSN Messenger at 3:00PM EST (20:00 BST) which is 19:00 GMT/UTC.

[etoo]

On Saturday, right? No Problem!

[j2k]

Nice one :)

[bataeu]

i'll be there, sorry I have been away, it has been a busy week. 12:00 PM PST on Saturday on MSN. :)

[filburt1]

So far, j2k, bataeu, and I have agreed to the meeting time. What about etoo, eiSecure, etc.?

[etoo]

I'll be there at 3:00 EST on MSN on Saturday.

[eiSecure]

As I said, j2k, I'm trying my best to make it.

[filburt1]

Final roll count:

eiSecure (likely)
j2k
me
etoo
bateau

That's it? :(

[Andreas@ALSoft]

Having been on Crete and after a lot of things which had to be done after that I finally have time.
I hope you will think of me when you start coding.
:)

[filburt1]

What's your MSN handle? You can join us in the meeting at 3:00 PM EST USA on Saturday if you want.

[Andreas@ALSoft]

Well I just installed the MSN Messenger on my Computer.
BTW: If you want to tell me something while I'm not online you could maybe use the guestbook located on my website http://www.alsoft.f2s.com
(If you like my guestbook I can send you the Perl script of it)

[filburt1]

Originally posted by filburt1
What's your MSN handle?

[Andreas@ALSoft]

ALSoft@gmx.net

[filburt1]

Added.

[Andreas@ALSoft]

Allright.
I'll try to join your meeting on Saturday.
BTW: If nobody has something against it I will disconnected my internet connection now (coz it's 2 AM here)

[stickman373]

Final roll count:

eiSecure (likely)
j2k
me
etoo
bateau

That's it? :(



Did you forget me? :( :eek: :(

[j2k]

Looks that way.

My roll-count stands at:


eiSecure
j2k
filburt1
etoo
bateau
Andreas@ALSoft
stickman373

[etoo]

Here's what we need to cover at tomorrow's meeting:

(1) Exchange email & MSN addresses

(2) Figure out what exactly we are doing

(3) Divide tasks

(4) Work on a name for the service

[filburt1]

We might want to work on the website part later. Otherwise, the workload would be too high for each person.

[Andreas@ALSoft]

Strongly agree

[j2k]

Yep - agreed.

etoo - hmmmm... How can we have the meeting in the first place if we don't know each others MSN email address? :rolleyes: :p ;) :D :) :cool:

[filburt1]

Originally posted by j2k
How can we have the meeting in the first place if we don't know each others MSN email address? :rolleyes: :p ;) :D :) :cool:

filburt1@theglobe.com (this is not my e-mail address!)

Everyone else?

[etoo]

My MSN address is ericsinnovative@hotmail.com

[filburt1]

Originally posted by stickman373
G) Sure Sunday Afternoon should work for me

Saturday

[stickman373]

Oops sorry that's what i meant.

stickman373@hotmail.com

:D :D :D

[j2k]

Sorry guys but I can't use MSN :(

It's got corrupt and I can't log onto it :(

Got any other proggies?

[stickman373]

How about AOL IM or ICQ?

[etoo]

Why don't you try to reinstall it?

I need to know what one we are using because I only have MSN Messenger and Netmeeting (In Win ME, they call it Windows Messenger)

[j2k]

I upgraded to MSN Messenger.net (part of VS.net) and it's totally stuffed up MSN Messenger! I can't revert back to 3.6 either :(.

[eiSecure]

j2k, try this: http://www.jabber.org

Open-source integration for all popular IMs. It operates over 3rd party transports, so I don't think you'll have problems w/ MSN.

[j2k]

Downloading now.. Thanks eiSecure ;)

[Andreas@ALSoft]

When do we start?
:confused:

j2k, is your IM working now?

[j2k]

We start at 8pm UK Time.

[Andreas@ALSoft]

Can it be that this means we start in about one hour?

[etoo]

At about 2:45 EST, I will log on MSN. If anyone can't get on, reply and we can try Netmeeting with me being the host.

[eiSecure]

How about everyone here use AIM instead of MSN? It's a LOT easier to oraganize the people so I'm not talking the the wrong person. ;)

[eiSecure]

My AIM IM is: A13xY4n5

[j2k]

Originally posted by Andreas@ALSoft
Can it be that this means we start in about one hour?

Yes.

[j2k]

Originally posted by eiSecure
How about everyone here use AIM instead of MSN? It's a LOT easier to oraganize the people so I'm not talking the the wrong person. ;)

I'm pretty sure everyone else is set up for MSN now though.. I for one, haven't got AIM installed.

[eiSecure]

Yeah, I know, but MSN has pretty bad meeting capabilities, and it's kinda hard to use if you have over 10 people on your buddy list.

AIM is a lot more efficient. Free download at http://www.download.com

[j2k]

What about Yahoo Messenger? It has good Meeting functions, and it also lets me watch England Vs Germany at the same time (all other IMs try to take over the TV Card and block out the picture!)

[eiSecure]

okay, let's use that, then

[eiSecure]

My Yahoo sn is: yangy_cyetek

[j2k]

Mine is jonathanthe

[j2k]

Important Info

The meeting will not be held in MSN. It will be held in Yahoo! Messenger .. My handle is jonathanthe .. See you at 8PM UK Time on Yahoo! Messenger!

[stickman373]

mine is: stickman373

[etoo]

How about everyone gets MSN Messenger working and we just use that. I will be away from my computer on Sunday.

[j2k]

No, it's all settled. Y! Messenger. We're having a good chat session right now. Oy filburt1, where the hell are you?!

[eiSecure]

Okay, we had the meeting. Here is a current list of what's happening (correct me if i'm wrong).

Instant Messaging Team:
eiSecure
Andreas@ALSoft

Server Side Scripts:
Andreas@ALSoft

Shell UI:
stickman373
j2k
etoo
bataeu

Graphics/Flash:
eiSecure
Filburt

Did I miss anything?
BTW: Why do we have so many people doing the UI for the IM? Didn't we finish that already?

[eiSecure]

Here's what I've got on the IM so far, Andreas.

It's encrypted, so you'll find the password in your email. User Secure-It! 2002 to decrypt. http://www.eisecure.com/download.htm

[stickman373]

I think the UI is for the main part of the service that connects it all.

Either way i found out my graphics suck too bad to make the UI design myself. :(

So i dunno what to go after next.:confused:

[stickman373]

Nice design for the IM program. And Secure-It works great also;)

I dunno what to really do, so if anyone needs anything i can probably do it :p

[eiSecure]

Do a search in the code for "PROBLEM"

Can you fix that?

[stickman373]

So what is suppose to happen? When connected it shows the globe pic in status?:confused:

[eiSecure]

Currently, i just want the computer in the status.

When we have the connection/network thing all worked out, we'll use the real code.

[eiSecure]

Okay, here's the new and updated proejct. (Still with errors.)

All errors are sourrounded by this:
'PROBLEM-------------
MsgBox "Hello"
'--------------------

[eiSecure]

Sorry....

Here's the attachment.:D :p ;) :) :cool:

[eiSecure]

Sorry....

Here's the attachment.:D :p ;) :) :cool:

same password

[j2k]

Originally posted by eiSecure
Okay, we had the meeting. Here is a current list of what's happening (correct me if i'm wrong).

Instant Messaging Team:
eiSecure
Andreas@ALSoft

Server Side Scripts:
Andreas@ALSoft

Shell UI:
stickman373
j2k
etoo
bataeu
filburt1

Graphics/Flash:
eiSecure
Filburt

Did I miss anything?
BTW: Why do we have so many people doing the UI for the IM? Didn't we finish that already?

Also, I need the flash team to work on the proposed graphic. Thanks :)

Finally, I will work on the signup-wizard (I won't add any code though, as I'd need the script info)

[Andreas@ALSoft]

I won't be able to join any other meeting today until 20:20 GMT
Sorry
I gonna try to contact you using MSN or yahoo

[eiSecure]

Okay, here's my newest work.

The problem with the icon is fixed. Same password.

[eiSecure]

I will start working on the Flash animation as soon as I get the graphics from Filburt.

In the meantime, I'm making the main part of the IM. I'll need some help once I get into the P2P part and the loading/saving buddylist, etc.

BTW: We need an "official" name for:
1) Our service
2) The IM
3) The Portal

[stickman373]

Let Me Know What You need help with i will try to help if ya want.


Also i like the name for the service as being:

The Revolution Network :)


I dunno bout the other stuff!:rolleyes:

[Andreas@ALSoft]

My idea for the IM
(the toolbar icons aren't drawn yet)

[eiSecure]

Andreas, that's a lot like what I have right now. You can check it out in my latest zip file. For instructions on decrypting it, see the posts before it.

[etoo]

I'm working on my version of the IM. I will post it soon.

I'd like if eiSecure pm'd me the password to his project.

We do need a name for the project. My suggested name is Nucleus, as you probably already know, but tell me when you reach a decision.

[filburt1]

Me back, I lost the Net connection. Oh holy leader, what transpired in my absence? (Translation: What's up? :p)

I've been working on the session GUI. I got click-and-paste emoticons in the GUI (click a menu item and it posts the vBulletin equivalent).

[Andreas@ALSoft]

These are the icons I used in the treeview of my IM

[Andreas@ALSoft]

Here's my Form code for the IM (not working yet, just demo)

[Andreas@ALSoft]

Everything I do for the online part will be uploaded to http://www.alsoft.f2s.com/newservice/
I gonna register another F2S account as soon as we have a final name for our project.

[filburt1]

I think we should hold off on the website and just work on the client for now.

[filburt1]

Dudes (and ladies reading this but not participating :D):

I made a sample client window. I haven't implemented window resizing and only one menu function works. :) But here it is attached. You must first download and install the DevPower Flat Button control for Visual Basic 5.0 at http://www.devpower.com first!

This file opens properly with WinZip. I really don't think we should bother with password protection, as nobody would care enough to steal the code.

[filburt1]

Originally posted by Andreas@ALSoft
Everything I do for the online part will be uploaded to http://www.alsoft.f2s.com/newservice/
I gonna register another F2S account as soon as we have a final name for our project.

*crying* F2S is painfully slow. :( It would be cool if somebody set up Apache and an FTP server on a broadband connection. That way, we could have a static IP address instead of DHCP hell.

[eiSecure]

Next time, how about including the frx and the project file too?

[eiSecure]

Filburt, did you read the transcript of our meeting?
A ping feature would be easy to implement, would show IP also.

Group P2P can be done w/ 1 computer being server.

[filburt1]

Originally posted by eiSecure
Next time, how about including the frx and the project file too?

I did. And you shouldn't need the project file.

[Andreas@ALSoft]

Do we really need a special OCX for the flat toolbar? I think there was a simple API trick on VBWorld to make the toolbar of VB5 look flat

[filburt1]

Originally posted by Andreas@ALSoft
Do we really need a special OCX for the flat toolbar? I think there was a simple API trick on VBWorld to make the toolbar of VB5 look flat

The flat button control is not for the toolbar, but for the little emoticons icon (see the screenshot with the popup menu?). The toolbar, yes, using SendMessage, can be made flat.

[eiSecure]

I was thinking of using a subclassed popup menu for the emoticons, because that 1 ocx is over 300KB. That's waay too much for just a simple control. Take a look at my FormSizer control (Courtesy of VBForums;)). It's not even 100KB

Filburt: Have you seen what I've got so far?

[eiSecure]

Originally posted by Andreas@ALSoft
These are the icons I used in the treeview of my IM Did you make those yourself?

They're pretty cool, but they're kinda thin. Any way to make them fatter? :D

[filburt1]

Originally posted by eiSecure
Have you seen what I've got so far?

I don't want to load trialware. You could PM me with "details" on "how to use" Secure-It. ;) ;)

[eiSecure]

See, the only reason it was encrypted was because it's sorta "confidential". I've done quite a lot of stuff with it, except the Network and P2P part. Since this forum is open to everyone on the internet, it's very possible that some cheapskate will just steal it. :D ;)

Anyways, i'll just PM you the zip.

[eiSecure]

um...never mind. I can't do it.

[filburt1]

Originally posted by filburt1
I don't want to load trialware. You could PM me with "details" on "how to use" Secure-It. ;) ;)

:)

[eiSecure]

Filburt: Go on MSN and I'll send you the zip.

[filburt1]

It won't sign in (see Chit Chat). :(

[eiSecure]

Does Yahoo work?

[filburt1]

Maybe, but I don't have it. :D :D

[j2k]

Originally posted by filburt1
Maybe, but I don't have it. :D :D

http://messenger.yahoo.com

[filburt1]

More reason to hate Yahoo:

http://www.vbforums.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=512180

[filburt1]

Originally posted by eiSecure
Does Yahoo work?

filburt999

Whatever we do, we better not make our IM as crappy and arrogant as Yahoo's. :mad:

[filburt1]

Screw Yahoo, MSN is back up.

[j2k]

Sorry filburt1, but all meetings will be held via Yahoo! Messenger from now on.. MicrosoftNetwork.net screwed MSN Messenger up completely :(

[filburt1]

MSN is working fine for me...I don't want to give in to the bas****s at Yahoo. I really hate them. :mad: :)

But if Yahoo it must be, then I grudgingly accept. But I will not keep it open all the time: only during meetings.

[j2k]

:)

[etoo]

Hi!

I'm afraid that I will ont be able to continue with this project. I have other VB projects that will take more time than I thought. No hard feelings, I hope.

Here are my last humble ideas:

(1) 3d/ Animated emoticons

This may be a nice feature

(2) "Message"

Users are able to leave a short message if a other user is offline. Then, the second user can "Reply" to the message and if the first user is online, a IM sesson starts, otherwise, a email window pops up.

(3) "Instant Info"

Be able to type like "STOCK MSOFT" and have the IM window get the stock price and put it in the window like, "At 3:12, Microsoft is at $25."

Others:

DEF Dictionary
CITYTIME Returns time of any city
CAPTIAL Type a country and it returns the captial (This is probably not needed)

Well, thanks everyone, and I hope you have much sucess with your project.

[filburt1]

*drool* Nice form. :)

[j2k]

Originally posted by etoo
Hi!

I'm afraid that I will ont be able to continue with this project. I have other VB projects that will take more time than I thought. No hard feelings, I hope.

Sorry to see you go, but it's your decision, I respect that.. No hard feelings :) Good luck with your projects ;)

Thanks for your contribution.

[parksie]

This started as a good idea, but then you decided to use VB and it went downhill from there...:(

I'll stick with Trillian and my MSN/Yahoo/AIM/IRC/ICQ :) (Incidentally, I regularly use ALL of them :D)

[DaoK]

Can I help you or I'm too bad ?

[filburt1]

Yeah, you suck, you can't participate DaoK. :D :D Just joking, join the party. :)

BTW, the graphics on your site (especially the Flash animation) are AWESOME. If anything, join me on the graphics work. :)

[eiSecure]

Filburt: Get off invisible mode and let me send you the file! :D

[DaoK]

Thx a lots turtle, :) Well i my webpage is kinda basic but I already made some very nice webpage. If you need me to do interface ( website, or anything else) just contact me. Oh, and please you can give me work to do... i dont know what to do if no one give me order lol ^_- feel free to give me duty.

[DaoK]

What are we using ? MSN ,AIM, YAhoo ?

[eiSecure]

Filburt, why don't you just download Secure-It! 2002???

A lot easier to do, since you can't recieve files via MSN, and you won't use yahoo.

[eiSecure]

Yahoo.

What's ur sn?

[DaoK]

darkdizox@yahoo.ca
darkdizox = username

Please give me a list of all person who work in the project ( yahoo name :) ) thx

[eiSecure]

Okay, here the list of everyone's Yahoo sn's:

andreas_lang84
bataeu
digitope
filburt999
Jonathan Williamson
stickman373
yangy_cyetek

[eiSecure]

Okay, here's a copy of the compiled EXE of what i've got so far, so you cheapskates out there *cough* filburt1 *cough* can see what I have so far.

[DaoK]

Where is the Exe ? :D

[stickman373]

Where's the exe also? and what should i be working on exactly ? :rolleyes: :confused: :p :D :)

[eiSecure]

okay, here it is. :D

[eiSecure]

There's also an OCX, so be sure to register it before running the exe or you'll get an error (unless you already have a copy of it).:p ;) :) :D

[DaoK]

I just want to tell you than I will be online to work with you all day between 8pm30 to 10pm30 estern time. Give me work to do and It will be done.

[filburt1]

Fine, here's your assignment: write the client and the backend server to support it. :D :D

[eiSecure]

DaoK, you're good with Flash, right?

Okay, good. j2k wants an animation done in Flash. Contact him for more info.

[filburt1]

Originally posted by eiSecure
okay, here it is. :D

It's nice. :)

1. The My Computer icon in the status bar gets screwed up when you vertically size the window
2. Remembering the password should be on the login screen
3. It doesn't do anything :D

[eiSecure]

Seriousely, someone set up a web server. It needs to support all major types of server side scripting (CGI is needed too).

It can be (preferably) a free and fast server.

[DaoK]

write the client and the backend server to support it.

Give me 5 min I will write the code ... lol :)

OK eisecure, I have him in my list and will talk with him for the flash but for the moment I dont see him online...I see only Eisecure online... please all add : darkdizox.

Thx you.

[eiSecure]

Well, after I put in the SetParent API on the picture to the status bar, the picture doesn't show up. :(

[eiSecure]

Okay, never mind. Fixed it. :D

[filburt1]

The panels of scrollbars accept pictures...

[eiSecure]

Here's the updated copy.

[eiSecure]

Originally posted by DaoK


Give me 5 min I will write the code ... lol :)

OK eisecure, I have him in my list and will talk with him for the flash but for the moment I dont see him online...I see only Eisecure online... please all add : darkdizox.

Thx you. You're already added.

[eiSecure]

Originally posted by filburt1
The panels of scrollbars accept pictures... Yeah, but the shape gets distorted. Easier w/ SetParent and a picturebox.

[DaoK]

The messenger should have skin who user will be able to choose / make. Like a mp3 skin but for a messenger I think that a feature who Yahoo, Aim, MSN dont have :)

[filburt1]

Skinning is, to an extent, easy. Tiny Clock (http://www.liquid2k.com/filburt1/tinyclock) uses a GIF/JPEG/BMP file as the form's Picture property. Ooh. :) Winamp uses a ZIP file and has EVERY control as a PictureBox (or C++ equivalent). So, do you want to do TC style or the much cooler but much harder Winamp style?

[DaoK]

TC style or the much cooler but much harder Winamp style?
TC = normal style?
bahhhhhh im sure we have enough ressource to do it professional with skin =]

[filburt1]

It would be an educational challenge, considering that I would be doing much of the UI design. :)

[DaoK]

I just tested your tiny clock I like it :)

[DaoK]

that I would be doing much of the UI design

I will help you dude

[DaoK]

Turtle you remember the post i made today about transparence and stay on top. I can do it but I want a speacial form ( like your but dont worry I dont took yours). How you did that ?

[eiSecure]

For skinning, we can you ActiveSkin.


...Anyone wanna shell out for it? *cough*;)

[filburt1]

Originally posted by DaoK
Turtle you remember the post i made today about transparence and stay on top. I can do it but I want a speacial form ( like your but dont worry I dont took yours). How you did that ?

I used a custom control to do it. It is the FormMove control inside the THEMA PolyForm control suite (free) at http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Haven/2118 . As for the on-top part, I just used the API, so probably the same code as you.

[eiSecure]

...Just uploading my newest work. Replaced the graphics and turned them into GIFs instead of BMPs (Smaller size). Also added "Remember Password" check box. (Not working, b/c code needs to be implemented AFTER we get server up and running.)

[DaoK]

Nice work Eisecure ;)

Turtle I found the thing you told me, I will work more on it but for moment all figure i did don't show like the one I did lol but I will work on it.

:D

[filburt1]

I'm off to bed and have school tomorrow, so you probably won't hear from me until about 2:30 PM EST USA.

[DaoK]

Good Night Turltle !
I will go sleep in few but I will be back only after 8pm, I hope to help you more tommorow :)

[stickman373]

What timezone are you in Daok? Or easier waht time is it when you post a reply to this?
:D :D :D

[eiSecure]

Well, it's 9:31pm here in US Central Time (Texas).

I'm gonna go sleep at 10:30, but I'm finished programming for the day. I get another day off tomorrow. *mocks Filburt*:D

Anyways, here's what I've got so far.