RPGN Revival Discussion

Mink · 06-21-2005, 09:29 PM

why are 80% of the FTP's that are supposed to be online not online....... shouldnt that page be updated to show what actually works

Kilu · 06-22-2005, 05:36 AM

The mirrorers are the ones who should have updated their status, but some fail to remember, because the process is not automatic. Some of the supposedly online mirrors have been offline for months if not over a year. It's sad really, but the Locke, the main man of the site is busy with his hosting company, or something else. Maybe he is just slacking.

He once talked about automatic update process though, but that was supposed to take place with a redesign of the page. As the layout designer is missing in action, I don't know what the plans are right now about that

M.H.A.Q.S. · 06-23-2005, 05:33 AM

Well, rpgamers does have some web programmers! How about Zeugma440? I think Rpgamers needs a dedicated team.

Zeugma 440 · 06-23-2005, 01:34 PM

...but does this site already have a team -> cf. staff page ??

Hell yeah, I would be glad to work for my favourite website, but I think we need to have a solid organization. I don't want to be nasty or anything, but I've already seen two projects crashing into the water (the custom ColdFusion forums, that have been replaced by this one, and the redesign of the main layout, in progress since two years ago

).
They seemed to get well and they have progressively been abandoned, no one knows exactly why (real life demands ? lazyness ? evil forces from outer space ?).

I certainly don't want it to happen again, so think twice and choose a team you can rely on before starting anything ambitious...

eViL bAz · 06-23-2005, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeugma 440

evil forces ?

We are not envolved in this so maybe it is fault of the other 2 options

M.H.A.Q.S. · 06-24-2005, 05:13 AM

I would like to say that I'm free for the next 2 months from my studies and would love to help you guys out. I think Locke needs to address here.

Kilu · 06-24-2005, 07:00 AM

I left a pm to Locke Cole in irc, maybe he'll reply something

Locke Cole · 06-30-2005, 06:21 PM

Hello folks!

Guess who?! No, not him. Its me, the guy who is never around much anymore x.x Kilu sent me the url to this thread, and thus here I am to submit some feedback.

The PHP conversion process was begun for many reasons. For one, we are looking to move all RPGN operations to Lintbox servers, and thus need to switch from cold fusion to PHP. Secondly, much of the site is coded poorly or lazily, a lot of the html needs fixing to be w3c passable etc, so the process has been slow fixing everything up as we go. I'd say the actual conversion process of the front end of the site is about 90% complete, but the back end control panels hasn't even been started.

>> They seemed to get well and they have progressively been abandoned, no one knows exactly why (real life demands ? lazyness ? evil forces from outer space ?).

Well, these projects died for many reasons. First, creating an entire forum quickly became a lot more then we were ready for. There were so many things we wanted to do, but had no idea how to tackle. It would have taken a much larger team or a lot of time to make the boards anything more then the old ones were. After a review of the available softwares, vbulletin fit all of my needs and wants, and thus was selected. Its definately decent.

As for the design attempts, I am very very picky about how the site should look. The first and public design attempt just didn't have the right feel to it, It was good and new, but it just wasn't RPGN. The second, less known redesign plan was going well until Yume vanished from the planet x.x Although I am picky about how the site looks, I also have very little in ideas for it. I can tell you if I like it or not, but as for giving you a plan to base it off, you're on your own. I can provide links to sites that I think look sorta like how I'd like to see RPGN, but I'm not a creative/artistic type, and thus we run into a deadblock.

As for why the site appears to have haulted, well my absense would certainly have something to do with that. As one of the only people with administrative passwords, I've been slacking heavily on my duties around the community. A lot has been going on in life keeping me busy, I've got the business to run, and my motivation levels have been low :/ I have wanted to give RPGN a kick start so many times, but every time we try, I lose direction, we don't know the next step to keep it going, and it dies off again.

September 5th 2005 will represent RPGN's 9th birthday. I would love to get something going to bring it back to life, especially after having that much behind us already. Your feedback, suggestions, etc are always welcome.

I will watch this thread and see what you all have to say.

Kilu · 06-30-2005, 06:42 PM

I'm of course available with my vast photoshop skills. I can do stuff, seriously!

And everything else that comes to mind. I'm good at everything!

Marona · 07-01-2005, 10:59 AM

i thought rpgn was just fine.i dont see a reason of revival...but hey put in my ftp tutorials and link to my cafe if u dont mind...what its a revival right?am i right?!...nevermind>_>

Zeugma 440 · 07-01-2005, 12:44 PM

Marona> Oh yeah, you're right ! RPGN should really have your tutorials on its FTP page

One more reason to upgrade

Locke> I see, then we have to form a solid team that should be led by a motivated Locke Cole

For my part, I'm free and available until the 9th and even after that. Count me in if the project is actually starting !
I know HTML/CSS, PHP, SQL, JAVA, Javascript, perl and even DLL programming, if needed

Concerning photoshopping and CG pictures, take a look at the art section of my site if you want to see samples

Concerning new ideas, I'd like to see these features on the new RPGN site :

- Marona's tutorials
- A system to track automatically if a mirror is online or not (the tech team should have a serious chat about this)
- A cool menu with items that lit up when the mouse is over them (don't take it as an offense but the current menu is too still, imo)
- ... I'll add more if something else crosses my mind one of those days

M.H.A.Q.S. · 07-01-2005, 03:18 PM

Make the whole site all over again!!! ;P Just Kidding!

I think rpgamers.net needs to become alive and i'm not talking about the forums, they're alive. The last time i checked the main page it was the "Main Page" and after months of visiting the main page, its still the "Main Page"... Apart from jokes, I think Rpgamers has everything on the forum and full with content in the main site but it lacks functionality.

Marona · 07-01-2005, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mink

why are 80% of the FTP's that are supposed to be online not online....... shouldnt that page be updated to show what actually works

my ftp is on...wait...is that a bad thing?

*turns off ftp*

jk its on

Kilu · 07-02-2005, 04:16 PM

The first thing that needs to done is kick Lockes ass back to work on the php conversion. Secondly Locke, as I understood it, you liked some of the layouts Yume showed to you? Well, you should post the links here to give all of us a look. Or links to webpages that you like the layout of.

Lenna · 07-02-2005, 07:51 PM

I second Kilu's thoughts. Seriously think the website needs a new makeover. The promised new design a year back hasn't been materialized yet. To tell the truth, I was rather shocked to find the site as it was before when I came back a few days ago.

Lance Alvein · 07-02-2005, 09:27 PM

I'm willing to help out with some design... I only know HTML, but I still can do my part

Prowler · 07-03-2005, 11:41 PM

Heh. This thread could use a rename.

As I said in the email, I'm all for it.

Locke Cole · 07-04-2005, 11:25 AM

The main problem with doing a redesign is the site would then pretty much need to be totally redone, and we're talking a lot of work involved in that. I'm all for it, I've felt rpgn needed a face lift for ages now, but as I said, I have no idea how I'd like it. Both previous attempts at redesign have failed, the first lost its flavour way too soon (too basic, maybe?) and the second, well, the designer vanished off the planet x.x

If we are going to do this, we need a solid plan on how we want things to look. We are goaling for a design that fits nicely in 1024x768 (currently, rpgn is 800x600), although a design that fits the users' settings would be optimal (but more of a challenge for a graphical-heavy design).

Our goal initially was to have three columns, the menu on the left as it is now, and a bar on the right for voting polls, etc. We were also planning to have a main menu across the top maybe below a header image. The left menu would then become like a submenu to whatever section you're in. We want it all to flow and work together, but I want to avoid using things like flash, for those of us who lack it. I'll browse around and find some well-done sites, and post some links so you can see the sort of feel I like.

I'm open for suggestions on this matter. Also, as kilu mentioned, we do need to complete converting all of the code from its current (Cold Fusion CFM) to PHP, as we are moving everything eventually to Lintbox servers. This will allow things such as these forums to become forums.rpgamers.net, etc. which should help merge everything under one roof again.

Old design we were playing with:
http://www.rpgamers.net/Designs/HTML/

PHP conversion of RPGN, in progress:
http://rpgn.lintbox.net/index2.php
(While converting, I am also recoding a lot of the HTML to pass W3C validation. The old code is sooo sloppy!)

Serious about helping? Post up your skills, maybe links to some past work, and lets get a group together for this project. I have been the sole admin of RPGN for a long time now, and I think I am ready to grant some new administrative positions in order to get this place lively again. We need graphical talent, we need php coders, we need people with creative ideas. Can you fill a spot?

You can find me:
- Here on the forums

- IRC ... irc.magicite.net channel #RPGN
- MSN: friskers@hotmail.com
- AIM: rpgamersnet
- Email: admin@rpgamers.net

Lance Alvein · 07-04-2005, 06:11 PM

As I said earlier, I'm willing to help code the site...

As for past work...
I set up Marona's page...

Skills...
Mainly just HTML, so I don't know how much of a difference there is for PHP coding?

Locke Cole · 07-05-2005, 11:25 AM

Hello all,

Project status update. So far the reaction has been very positive towards our plans to bring this place back to life. We are currently seeking people with the following talents: HTML, PHP, MySQL, CSS coding -- Layout and design, graphical design, image editing -- General idea people, creative thoughts, feedback, 'beta' tester type people who get to poke and tell us whats good and bad.

The first group, named the Tech Team, so far contains:

Locke Cole -- HTML, PHP, MySQL
Zeugma -- HTML, PHP, MySQL, CSS

The design team, somehow named The Red Wings, currently contains:

Prowler -- Graphic design, Layout, Image Editing
Kilu -- Image Editing

The last group, dubbed Section 8, has:

TheDragonKnight
Baron

This list will be updated as the project advances. Please contact me via IRC / Email / MSN if you wish to join the project, so we can talk about your talents and where you might fit best.

06-21-2005, 09:29 PM	#1
Mink Adventurer Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 19	RPGN Revival Discussion why are 80% of the FTP's that are supposed to be online not online....... shouldnt that page be updated to show what actually works

06-22-2005, 05:36 AM	#2
Kilu Fishbaker Geomancer Tournaments Won: 1 Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: FI Posts: 3,827	The mirrorers are the ones who should have updated their status, but some fail to remember, because the process is not automatic. Some of the supposedly online mirrors have been offline for months if not over a year. It's sad really, but the Locke, the main man of the site is busy with his hosting company, or something else. Maybe he is just slacking. He once talked about automatic update process though, but that was supposed to take place with a redesign of the page. As the layout designer is missing in action, I don't know what the plans are right now about that __________________

06-23-2005, 05:33 AM	#3
M.H.A.Q.S. Bard Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 283	Well, rpgamers does have some web programmers! How about Zeugma440? I think Rpgamers needs a dedicated team. __________________

06-23-2005, 01:34 PM	#4
Zeugma 440 Knight Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Lyon, France Posts: 854	...but does this site already have a team -> cf. staff page ?? Hell yeah, I would be glad to work for my favourite website, but I think we need to have a solid organization. I don't want to be nasty or anything, but I've already seen two projects crashing into the water (the custom ColdFusion forums, that have been replaced by this one, and the redesign of the main layout, in progress since two years ago ). They seemed to get well and they have progressively been abandoned, no one knows exactly why (real life demands ? lazyness ? evil forces from outer space ?). I certainly don't want it to happen again, so think twice and choose a team you can rely on before starting anything ambitious... __________________ "The problem with reality is the lack of background music" -- Patrick Waters

06-24-2005, 05:13 AM	#6
M.H.A.Q.S. Bard Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 283	I would like to say that I'm free for the next 2 months from my studies and would love to help you guys out. I think Locke needs to address here. __________________

06-24-2005, 07:00 AM	#7
Kilu Fishbaker Geomancer Tournaments Won: 1 Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: FI Posts: 3,827	I left a pm to Locke Cole in irc, maybe he'll reply something __________________

06-30-2005, 06:21 PM	#8
Locke Cole The Ultimate Lurker White Wizard Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,000	Hello folks! Guess who?! No, not him. Its me, the guy who is never around much anymore x.x Kilu sent me the url to this thread, and thus here I am to submit some feedback. The PHP conversion process was begun for many reasons. For one, we are looking to move all RPGN operations to Lintbox servers, and thus need to switch from cold fusion to PHP. Secondly, much of the site is coded poorly or lazily, a lot of the html needs fixing to be w3c passable etc, so the process has been slow fixing everything up as we go. I'd say the actual conversion process of the front end of the site is about 90% complete, but the back end control panels hasn't even been started. >> They seemed to get well and they have progressively been abandoned, no one knows exactly why (real life demands ? lazyness ? evil forces from outer space ?). Well, these projects died for many reasons. First, creating an entire forum quickly became a lot more then we were ready for. There were so many things we wanted to do, but had no idea how to tackle. It would have taken a much larger team or a lot of time to make the boards anything more then the old ones were. After a review of the available softwares, vbulletin fit all of my needs and wants, and thus was selected. Its definately decent. As for the design attempts, I am very very picky about how the site should look. The first and public design attempt just didn't have the right feel to it, It was good and new, but it just wasn't RPGN. The second, less known redesign plan was going well until Yume vanished from the planet x.x Although I am picky about how the site looks, I also have very little in ideas for it. I can tell you if I like it or not, but as for giving you a plan to base it off, you're on your own. I can provide links to sites that I think look sorta like how I'd like to see RPGN, but I'm not a creative/artistic type, and thus we run into a deadblock. As for why the site appears to have haulted, well my absense would certainly have something to do with that. As one of the only people with administrative passwords, I've been slacking heavily on my duties around the community. A lot has been going on in life keeping me busy, I've got the business to run, and my motivation levels have been low :/ I have wanted to give RPGN a kick start so many times, but every time we try, I lose direction, we don't know the next step to keep it going, and it dies off again. September 5th 2005 will represent RPGN's 9th birthday. I would love to get something going to bring it back to life, especially after having that much behind us already. Your feedback, suggestions, etc are always welcome. I will watch this thread and see what you all have to say. __________________ Forum Patrol - Officers and reporting!

06-30-2005, 06:42 PM	#9
Kilu Fishbaker Geomancer Tournaments Won: 1 Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: FI Posts: 3,827	I'm of course available with my vast photoshop skills. I can do stuff, seriously! And everything else that comes to mind. I'm good at everything! __________________

07-01-2005, 10:59 AM	#10
Marona Trainer Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Louisiana Posts: 689	i thought rpgn was just fine.i dont see a reason of revival...but hey put in my ftp tutorials and link to my cafe if u dont mind...what its a revival right?am i right?!...nevermind>_> __________________ ~When the storm draws nigh~ ~Dreams will shatter before your eyes~ ~Know that you're not alone~ ~When the battle starts~ ~I will comfort your restless heart~ ~You'll know that you are home~

07-01-2005, 12:44 PM	#11
Zeugma 440 Knight Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Lyon, France Posts: 854	Marona> Oh yeah, you're right ! RPGN should really have your tutorials on its FTP page One more reason to upgrade Locke> I see, then we have to form a solid team that should be led by a motivated Locke Cole For my part, I'm free and available until the 9th and even after that. Count me in if the project is actually starting ! I know HTML/CSS, PHP, SQL, JAVA, Javascript, perl and even DLL programming, if needed Concerning photoshopping and CG pictures, take a look at the art section of my site if you want to see samples Concerning new ideas, I'd like to see these features on the new RPGN site : - Marona's tutorials - A system to track automatically if a mirror is online or not (the tech team should have a serious chat about this) - A cool menu with items that lit up when the mouse is over them (don't take it as an offense but the current menu is too still, imo) - ... I'll add more if something else crosses my mind one of those days __________________ "The problem with reality is the lack of background music" -- Patrick Waters

07-01-2005, 03:18 PM	#12
M.H.A.Q.S. Bard Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 283	Make the whole site all over again!!! ;P Just Kidding! I think rpgamers.net needs to become alive and i'm not talking about the forums, they're alive. The last time i checked the main page it was the "Main Page" and after months of visiting the main page, its still the "Main Page"... Apart from jokes, I think Rpgamers has everything on the forum and full with content in the main site but it lacks functionality. __________________

07-02-2005, 04:16 PM	#14
Kilu Fishbaker Geomancer Tournaments Won: 1 Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: FI Posts: 3,827	The first thing that needs to done is kick Lockes ass back to work on the php conversion. Secondly Locke, as I understood it, you liked some of the layouts Yume showed to you? Well, you should post the links here to give all of us a look. Or links to webpages that you like the layout of. __________________

07-02-2005, 07:51 PM	#15
Lenna Adventurer Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 8	I second Kilu's thoughts. Seriously think the website needs a new makeover. The promised new design a year back hasn't been materialized yet. To tell the truth, I was rather shocked to find the site as it was before when I came back a few days ago. __________________ 要想战胜对手，首先战胜自我。－　李国梁拳师

07-02-2005, 09:27 PM	#16
Lance Alvein White Wizard Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Charlottetown, PEI Posts: 1,247	I'm willing to help out with some design... I only know HTML, but I still can do my part

07-03-2005, 11:41 PM	#17
Prowler Adventurer Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 5	Heh. This thread could use a rename. As I said in the email, I'm all for it. __________________ Character Archive Network http://www.carchive.net

07-04-2005, 11:25 AM	#18
Locke Cole The Ultimate Lurker White Wizard Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,000	The main problem with doing a redesign is the site would then pretty much need to be totally redone, and we're talking a lot of work involved in that. I'm all for it, I've felt rpgn needed a face lift for ages now, but as I said, I have no idea how I'd like it. Both previous attempts at redesign have failed, the first lost its flavour way too soon (too basic, maybe?) and the second, well, the designer vanished off the planet x.x If we are going to do this, we need a solid plan on how we want things to look. We are goaling for a design that fits nicely in 1024x768 (currently, rpgn is 800x600), although a design that fits the users' settings would be optimal (but more of a challenge for a graphical-heavy design). Our goal initially was to have three columns, the menu on the left as it is now, and a bar on the right for voting polls, etc. We were also planning to have a main menu across the top maybe below a header image. The left menu would then become like a submenu to whatever section you're in. We want it all to flow and work together, but I want to avoid using things like flash, for those of us who lack it. I'll browse around and find some well-done sites, and post some links so you can see the sort of feel I like. I'm open for suggestions on this matter. Also, as kilu mentioned, we do need to complete converting all of the code from its current (Cold Fusion CFM) to PHP, as we are moving everything eventually to Lintbox servers. This will allow things such as these forums to become forums.rpgamers.net, etc. which should help merge everything under one roof again. Old design we were playing with: http://www.rpgamers.net/Designs/HTML/ PHP conversion of RPGN, in progress: http://rpgn.lintbox.net/index2.php (While converting, I am also recoding a lot of the HTML to pass W3C validation. The old code is sooo sloppy!) Serious about helping? Post up your skills, maybe links to some past work, and lets get a group together for this project. I have been the sole admin of RPGN for a long time now, and I think I am ready to grant some new administrative positions in order to get this place lively again. We need graphical talent, we need php coders, we need people with creative ideas. Can you fill a spot? You can find me: - Here on the forums - IRC ... irc.magicite.net channel #RPGN - MSN: friskers@hotmail.com - AIM: rpgamersnet - Email: admin@rpgamers.net __________________ Forum Patrol - Officers and reporting!

07-04-2005, 06:11 PM	#19
Lance Alvein White Wizard Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Charlottetown, PEI Posts: 1,247	As I said earlier, I'm willing to help code the site... As for past work... I set up Marona's page... Skills... Mainly just HTML, so I don't know how much of a difference there is for PHP coding? __________________ I don't suffer from insanity... I enjoy every minute of it

07-05-2005, 11:25 AM	#20
Locke Cole The Ultimate Lurker White Wizard Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,000	Hello all, Project status update. So far the reaction has been very positive towards our plans to bring this place back to life. We are currently seeking people with the following talents: HTML, PHP, MySQL, CSS coding -- Layout and design, graphical design, image editing -- General idea people, creative thoughts, feedback, 'beta' tester type people who get to poke and tell us whats good and bad. The first group, named the Tech Team, so far contains: Locke Cole -- HTML, PHP, MySQL Zeugma -- HTML, PHP, MySQL, CSS The design team, somehow named The Red Wings, currently contains: Prowler -- Graphic design, Layout, Image Editing Kilu -- Image Editing The last group, dubbed Section 8, has: TheDragonKnight Baron This list will be updated as the project advances. Please contact me via IRC / Email / MSN if you wish to join the project, so we can talk about your talents and where you might fit best. __________________ Forum Patrol - Officers and reporting!

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