Members' Site

Scoutt, except the look of the page, the functionality looks neat. Now here is what we need to do. The names of the persons can be picked up from a database and shown with the radio buttons. This way, if we need to add/remove a person to the mailing list, we don't have to modify the HTML or PHP pages. Simply add/remove the record in the database and the fresh data will be picked up in the page.

All in all, we seem to be making good progress, except the database design and the site content.

I shall start working on the design today. And since this is a tough part, we may have to go over it again and again, just to make sure we don't land up in trouble afterwards.

Another idea is instead of displaying the names of people whom to email, the user might just send the mail to an address like [email protected] or something, and based on the subject of the email, it would be sent to an appropriate person. For this to work, we shall have to fix the subjects to be displayed, again maybe in a table, and ask the user to select the subject from a drop-down list. It could be something like this:

Code:

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About the Site
About any Code in the Site
...
...

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.

For learning PHP and source codes, I found this site: http://www.phpbuilder.com

It seems to be real good, I've downloaded a bunch of stuff to test...There seem to be hitcounters, messageboards, etc.


I know now what PHP is about, I hope. Seems a lot like C without memory handling. I do some testing when I get home...Shame I can't be online enough to test properly.

Ya that is a good site. I used it once or twice. I made the email script to send everyone an email from the feedback page. I have tested it and it works pretty good. Now it all depends on if we go that way or not. The script is in Perl (easier to make). I like the idea of making it look at the DB to get the name/email address. something else I will have to look into.

MerryVIP, a very good script to work with DB (MySql) is called PHPMyAdmin. it lets you configure the DB and add/remove tables. very easy to understand. I use it alot to see if things are going into the DB/table when I run a script.

Ok thanks. Is there any other tools I should have? And can I run PHP files without installing them to a server, to test them?

You'll need to install some software. PWS (Personal Web Server) should probably handle it. It might be on your Windows CD, otherwise you'll have to download it. If that doesn't work then there shoudl be some pointers at the PHP site you found.

ya that might work or any other server software. here is an article to read about installing it on win9x systems.

http://www.php.net/manual/en/install-windows.php

but you will need MySql also. read it here

http://www.mysql.com/doc/W/i/Windows_installation.html

let me know how it turns out.

Quote:

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Originally posted by ricmitch_uk
You'll need to install some software. PWS (Personal Web Server) should probably handle it. It might be on your Windows CD, otherwise you'll have to download it. If that doesn't work then there shoudl be some pointers at the PHP site you found.

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I doubt that. PHP needs server extensions just like Frontpage, or ASP for non-MS webservers.

Also I think MySQL for Windows is NOT free. Both PHP and MySQL are free for the Apache webserver.

.

Quote:

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form the php manual
The Windows PHP installer available from the downloads page at http://www.php.net/, this installs the CGI version of PHP and, for IIS, PWS, and Xitami, configures the web server as well.

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I do believe it needs a server

I also downloaded MySql, The MySQL server is distributed under the GPL license. this is for the windows version I just downloaded.
and your right Honeybee, it does need the extensions but comes with default extensions also. But can add more

MerryVIP, how are things coming with the scripts?

With scripts I'm atm a bit confused, or more likely because I yet don't know enough..I probably do rewriting when I start understanding the code too. I have downloaded a lot of code and examples so it may take time until I do anything new to the scripts.

Do we need to rush things? MerryVIP, how long will you be away? Any others who plan any vacations so that they will be away from the site work?

We have to put some content now, so if you are away, we can at least get some feedback on the content. I shall start with a tutorial on the Microsoft Windows Common Controls, which includes the ListView, TreeView and such things.

.

Howdy people thought I would step in and offer a helping hand. If you want I could make you a nice intro screen in Flash...

I don't plan on going anywhere.

MerryVIP, it is not so much as db.yourname.com it is just a DB in the name of for example vbdendb or vbdb, I am not sure if he (csammis) has to make it or you can, my server host had to make mine, and once that is done you can make/delete tables in it. so if he can just make the DB we can get things rolling. Because I think that is the only thing wrong with scripts from what I saw. they do work (execute) but just can't connect to the DB.

Yeah, that was my point. If you can mail csammis, do it, I can't mail atm somewhy.

There's a plenty of time to my vacation, over a month. That's why I said I think this thing will be ready before that :D

I will be having hard time for now on, I'm having my last day in work, and tomorrow is my last school day. I can't be at forums enough. I have missed some posts already, but I'm too lazy to re-read them.

I can take care of RichTextBox and most of the normal controls. I haven't used Data and OLE, so someone else can do them. I can't remember if there is other controls which I haven't used enough to write about.

Here's a logo. Let me know what you think. I didn't think you wanted anything too graphical. I've optimized as much as I dare, without losing too much quality.
http://www.vbforums.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=371597
If you want to buy a domain use www.uk2.net
they start at 16p a month for a .co.uk
:D

The logo looks good. Can you change the bottom line so that it is more easily readable ?

.

Yeah sure.
I'll upload it in a mo...

Do you want versions in different sizes? Or a higher resolution version you can maipulate yourself? Or one with a transparent background?

Honeybee, have we decidied on what way we are going to do the feedback script. I have a perl script that will email everyone, I have also been looking into php to email everyone and I think I can do one of those too. or do we want it to lok at the DB for the emails and have the user pick one?

I have also emailed csammis to make the DB and give the information to me or MerryVIP or if we can do it ourself.

nice logo Ric

Thanks.
Heres the new one, it's a bit different, but you can actually read the text on this one.
http://www.vbforums.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=372301

Okay, here's the deal:

The computer that the web server is on doesn't have any database capabilities, since we don't do any database work (we're old-fashioned...text files with damn fast search routines for us!).

I really don't have the time to put a database on and administer it. Right now we're up to our necks trying to complete a few applications in time for summer. I'll add this to the list of things to do, and I'll honestly try to get to it ASAP, but I can't promise anything spectacular.

I haven't been keeping track of this thread recently...what specifically do you need to use DBs for? Is there any way you can work around that requirement? (similar to www.vb-world.net, and how they just use subdirectories to organize their data)

I don't like the logo all that much, but if most like it, we can use it. I can send Tofu, the font I used in the logo I made up fast (the one in the topbar and top of every page).

I think both fonts you used are a bit confusing, I weren't able to read them well. Oh well, I'm always in the other side with graphics :D


As for databases...It is possible not to use databases and use normal text files instead. But it's much harder to do...I guess. I have to look more PHP. I have done a simple news script that uses just text scripts, it isn't protected though (anyone can send).

Databases are needed for storing codesnippets and stuff. You can see more about it in the second page of this thread. Though, of course, they could be done as text based...But again, easier to handle from databases.

Actually, I didn't first think we really need databases, we could do all with just plain HTML. Updating is harder though.

Ya that sucks not be able to use a DB. Having one is a lot more easier then a text file. I can look into a php script that saves/loads to a text file.

or you can just edit all the html pages. a lot harder though.

As an idea, we could make an editor that makes text files online and which we can use, and which keeps up a simple text file with the filenames. Then one script can be called to show the wanted pages and one to list the pages...Somekind of idea...Oh well. This thing really needs more thinking.

DB may not be a burning issue as such at present, when we are still beginning. But later on it may pose problems.

The PHP-MySQL documents advocate the use of databases for managing the websites, as updations and changes are real easy then.

If the database support cannot be obtained right now, we have to wait and try to work with plain files.

.

Quote:

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Originally posted by MerryVIP
I don't like the logo all that much, but if most like it, we can use it. I can send Tofu, the font I used in the logo I made up fast (the one in the topbar and top of every page).

I think both fonts you used are a bit confusing, I weren't able to read them well. Oh well, I'm always in the other side with graphics :D

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To be honest, I don't think it's my best work either;). I think the first font is good. Maybe it would look better without the phrase at the bottom? Gimme your comments people:)...

Right here are all the logos. I'm going to start a new thread in this forum so that you guys can vote for which one you want.
Here they are:
1.http://www.hhcr.freeserve.co.uk/logo1.gif
2.http://www.hhcr.freeserve.co.uk/logo2.gif
3.http://www.hhcr.freeserve.co.uk/logo3.gif
4.http://www.hhcr.freeserve.co.uk/logo4.gif
5.http://www.hhcr.freeserve.co.uk/logo5.gif
6.http://www.hhcr.freeserve.co.uk/logo6.gif
7.http://www.hhcr.freeserve.co.uk/logo7.gif
8.http://www.hhcr.freeserve.co.uk/logo8.gif
9.http://www.hhcr.freeserve.co.uk/logo9.gif
10.http://www.hhcr.freeserve.co.uk/logo10.gif
11.http://www.hhcr.freeserve.co.uk/logo11.gif
12.http://www.hhcr.freeserve.co.uk/logo12.gif
13.http://www.hhcr.freeserve.co.uk/logo13.gif
14.http://www.hhcr.freeserve.co.uk/logo14.gif
15.http://www.hhcr.freeserve.co.uk/logo15.gif
There you go. Go and vote now!:D

Euston, we have a problem...
Someone has a site with the same name as us...
It's here:
http://vbden.tripod.com/
That person's VBforums user name is:
sastraxi

:(:(

Ah forget about it...

I don't care anyways, if I can help a bit... you can use my Tripod address.

And plus all it has are a few tutorials, a d/l page, all unlinked, so I don't really care, I can motor over to my http://sastraxi.tripod.com/ account, so you can use the name.

Thanks on behalf of the crew:), who strangley aren't here...:confused:

thanks Sastraxi, I was the one that suggested the name but didn't check to see if anybody had it to begin with. again thanks

ha ha I finally go it. I got a script for our codes that does not use a database, well no MySql anyway. it uses a flat file DB. I just have to get some pictures and colors squared away and then it should be done. have a look here


remember that is is not all the way done. but the functionality is there.

Whenever you want the site just call me and I'll move on out...

BTW Scoutt, that is SWEET!
Although it takes it's sweet time loading up... took about 1 minute on my computer...

Good job nonetheless.

thanks, it is a little slow because it is a cgi script. but it works without a DB. it will have to do until they setup the DB on the mulunkey.com site. I really don't know what is going on with the site, if we keep it or move to yours, just have to wait to see what the other guys think.

Many many thanks, Sastraxi. We would surely have tried to change the name vbden had we noticed your homepage earlier. That was nice of you to offer that name to our site. And if you think you can contribute in any way, feel free to ask. Since it's still in an early stage, we may not have work for all those who want to help, but as the site grows, I am sure we shall need all the help we can.

Meanwhile, vbden members, I am going outstation for three days, and the reason I could not visit the thread earlier was that the servers were being replaced, I guess, and then I was down with cold.

Anyway, I have started compiling material on the Common Controls and shall try to email the first part to MerryVIP.

.

Quote:

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Originally posted by ricmitch_uk
Thanks on behalf of the crew:), who strangley aren't here...:confused:

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are u a part of the crew now too ricmitch_uk?

a logo

Yeah. I'm doing the logo:p as you can see from the above posts. Only 4 ppl have voted so far. We need more votes to make it fair. Go HERE to vote.:)

Well, for the record I like #9, but I could also go for #4, similar to Behemoth's post...

I'm evil and I put in my own logo suggestion :rolleyes:
It's just that I don't like the "mechanical" feel of Rich's logos. See my one below.


Sorry that I have been off a couple of days, I have been busy sleeping as my school ended. Of last 48 hours I have slept half. And then again, I have been coding a program for my sister, a better text editor (replaces Notepad [and soon my HTML editor too, begins to look like that]).

As for the CGI scoutt have put up, it's great, if it's safe and easy to keep up. Only thing is that it needs to be made to use the site design. But that's a quite easy job to do, though may take time.

I try to organize my doings for next weeks, so I know what all I have in progress. Being too creative...And I have to sleep too, I haven't slept this well for a long time.

I'm off to bed now

Hey guys, I've just got an itty bitty problem:
Look at my email address:

[email protected]

what's so bad about that?

...people may get the idea that i work for your site...
Wait a second, I do..!

If you guys let me...
So what openings do you have for me...

(but i wont be able to spend ALL of my time on the site, Times of War don't you know...)

I don't think it will make a difference since it is backwards.

hence vb.den@ instead of name@vbden. besides the mail server is not very good (so I here) so we might not even have email.

as far as doing something, you would have to talk to the coordinator (HoneyBee).

Quote:

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Originally posted by MerryVIP
I'm evil and I put in my own logo suggestion :rolleyes:
It's just that I don't like the "mechanical" feel of Rich's logos. See my one below.

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That logo has a bit of mechanical thing about it. I thought that the mechanical feel would be best seeing as we are dealing with computers which are an advanced machine. Also it's a minimalist thing... stylish:rolleyes:.

Quote:

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Originally posted by scoutt
I don't think it will make a difference since it is backwards.

hence vb.den@ instead of name@vbden. besides the mail server is not very good (so I here) so we might not even have email.

as far as doing something, you would have to talk to the coordinator (HoneyBee).

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or you could talk to the Content Manager (*me*) ;)

Heh, this becaming design threat now...Oh well. My targets in the current design were simple and nice looking site, one that isn't against anyone, a peaceful one (and that's the way I know best). That is also why the colors are light grey, blue and black, look kinda cool. Have to think what kind of "standard" could be used in the graphics side...Hmm...

All titleimages should be on a light background. This to make those titles come out well. I see that as a one problem in ricmitch's images, dark on dark. I think sharp pictures are better than soft. Oh well...I think I have a thread for this but I'm too lazy to search for it now :rolleyes:

As for updating VB-Den, I make an update next week. No PHP or CGI, just plain HTML format. I have kept up a site in this way, and I got up from 30 pages to 150 without massive problems. I think I could handle even 1000 pages, but when it comes to changing looks or adding new features, I guess that would be a problem. Atleast it would take time to update many pages (though I guess I would edit my HTML editor to do things faster :D )

What should i do when i get new code/content then?

so does that mean that you don't want the script for the code then?

I am adjusting the colors right now, well trying to.

what script?

the script that I have for people to insert there code to the site so everybody can see it. I had to set the colors so take a peak here


let me know what you think. It should be done unless MerryVIP finds somehting wrong, shouldn't though. ;)

i think the code should not be directly added, but sent off to me, so that i can see what it is, or if we have anything similar,

otherwise our site will become overridden with useless code,

such as "How to use a MsgBox"

it has an administration area so you can delete any code you want or ban any user or edit. Honeybee suggested to me that I could get a script that stores the code to a DB so I did, then found out that the site doesn't have a DB on it so I got this script. but if you want people to email you everytime they submit a code, then that is cool, no problem. it just means more work for you, :)

Heh, ok, at the moment da_silvy can post all the accepted code to me so I can update the site's current version. We can do like this until scoutt gets the script match the site overall look :)

Nothing to fear scoutt, only temporary :rolleyes:

Hey guys, just to let you know I am back from my outings to the sea.

Will check out this thread in detail and our site morrow from the office.

.

whew, I thought all my hard works was for nothing, :D

if you check the link a couple of post back you will see it should be done. check it out and let me know if that is pretty close to the sites design. it is using your index.css script.

can you make it so only people of power,

i.e. me, honeybee, yourself, merryvip etc can post code

and let us have passwords ?

this may be asking a bit much csammis, but could we possibly do something about the 404 error?

Quote:

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http://ads.sevarg.net/404.htm

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I think that could be arranged, if you want to go that route. we can hide the link to it and I can take it off so other people can't use it. But if I took the links out of the Header and Footer it would make them bare. Would have to put something else in there to fill the holes, any ideas? or special links you want in there?

Okay, it's looking better, but here are the suggestions on what you could do:

1. Start a page like this:

Code:

---

<BODY BGCOLOR="#ffffff" TEXT="#000000" LINK="#0000ff" ALINK="#0000FF" VLINK="#0000ff" BACKGROUND="../images/bg.gif">
<DIV ID=Layer STYLE="width:600; z-index:1">
<TABLE WIDTH=600 BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=0><TR><TD>
<P ALIGN=right><IMG SRC="../images/pagetop.jpg" ALT="VB-Den" TITLE="The VB-Den">
<B>The <A HREF="http://www.vbforums.com" TARGET="_blank">VB Forums</A> Members' Site</B><BR><BR></P>
<H2>Title Here</H2>

---

2. And end:

Code:

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</TD></TR></TABLE><BR>
</DIV></BODY></HTML>

---

3. Rules for the tables inside the main table:

Code:

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<TABLE WIDTH=100% BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=3><TR><TD>
<!--things in here-->
</TD></TR></TABLE>

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4. Don't place <Hx> tags inside a table...I guess. Not sure :rolleyes:

5. Remove <FONT FACE...> tags. If you want to use smaller text, use <FONT CLASS=small> or <FONT CLASS=menu> (the later one is very small). The CSS script takes care of almost everything.


One more thing, it gave me this error:
An Error Has Occured
The following error has occured in your script.

syntax error at library/email.pl line 87, near "21\"
syntax error at library/email.pl line 89, near "]\"

Additional Information
CGI PATH - code.cgi
CGI URL - /cgi-bin/suite/code.cgi
HTTP_REFERER - http://161.58.186.97/showthread.php?...3&pagenumber=3
REMOTE_USER -

Came in the main page, no errors in other pages.


Hope those fixes aren't too much work :D

Otherwise it's very nice. I think some things could be taken away though. Like table:

Home | API
Num Subcategory Name
3.......... Common API calls


Could just be:
<H2>API</H2>
(table start in this place)
Common API calls (3)
(table end)

and search, not in any other table than the main:
<H6>Search</H6>
(table start)
Enter keywords: Where listing contains:
any of my keywordsall of my keywordsmy exact phrase Advanced Search

(table end)


and the links in the end of the page:

<H6>Admin</H2>
Go back to main (or if under a sub sub, Go back to subareaname)
My code
Post code
Register



Well, a lot of suggestions, hope it isn't too much work, I would do it all myself but I can't. Hope I'm not pushing too much :rolleyes:
And of course these are my suggestions, mainly on the design side (as I'm taking care of that :D )


Good luck scoutt!