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GTG Project?


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#1
ScHwErV

ScHwErV

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I talked in a thread a little while ago about updating and adding functionality to a script that I had already written. I think it would be super cool if we could work together and release this script as a GTG team.

We have a great amount of talent amassed here and I think this kind of thing would be neat to see come out of it.

Here is what I have been working on. I wrote this script last year around this time. Its a Christmas script. The hardest thing in my family is having to go around and get Christmas lists from everyone so that you know what to get them. Since I do web design, I figured I would throw together a script to do the work for me.

http://ScHwErV.geekstogo.com/xmas/

I am using it on one of my websites for my extended family. I have aunts, uncles, and cousins in different states who all get together for Christmas and we have a gift exchange. We all draw names at the previous Christmas party. Now you can see why its hard to keep track of.

The script works great, but needs some functionality. Its definitely not compliant with any kind of standard and I believe I wrote it using *tables*. (At least I didn't use frames and I can claim temporary insanity cuz I wrote it during a sick day while doped up on nyquil) It would need a complete re-write in order for it to fit with someone else's website and it doesn't look particularly great.

So, thats what I did wrong. How can we fix it.

We have 2 very CSS minded people that can likely bring us up to standard and can create a nice CSS file that can be easily skinned to help it match other people's websites.

We have quite a few PHP people who can help me add editing function, security, admin console, email capabilities, and some other features that would make it something that someone would want to use.

We have a flash genius who can add a Santa flying past the moon or maybe some blinking stars in the background or some other Christmas'y type flash objects to make the page interesting to look at.

I made the script with a flatfile database so that anyone could use it. This may bite me in the [bleep] as it may hinder the amount of functionality that we can add. I am open to changing it to mysql, but we would have to do a great job with the readme so that anyone can still use it.

So, interested? Other ideas?
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#2
ScHwErV

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Forgot the zip.

Attached Files

  • Attached File  xmas.zip   98.8KB   586 downloads

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#3
Tigger93

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I'll try and help. I have some PHP knowledge, but its not that great... :whistling:
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#4
thenotch

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I'll play around with it a little and see if I can make the layout W3C compliant and converted to CSS.
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#5
ScHwErV

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Ive not been part of this type of thing before, but I would imagine we need to start the php coding off with security, then build from there. Anyone familiar with password protecting php scripts?
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#6
admin

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You what would be nice, is a way to mark an item as taken. Maybe not let the list creator view their list after posting. :blink:

We all distribute wish lists via email, and would help prevent duplication. :whistling:
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#7
Tigger93

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Sorta. Iffy-iffy. You mean so you can't view the PHP by going to that page or a login type thing? Sorry, confused as to what you mean. I've seen both used for that...

I thought it may be best in order to view the list or add to it, require them to log in quickly with a username and password. Same for everyone probably. Only, I'm not sure, cookies could be a problem there maybe, I'm not to sure on that...

Anyways, I like Admins idea. Make it so you can mark an item as claimed, maybe even let you edit the list.
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#8
ScHwErV

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Yah, I like that idea.

The protection I was looking for was to keep jerks or spammers out of the script. Not to protect the php, to protect the list. No one outside my family needs to know that aunt bertha needs new salt shakers.
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#9
ScHwErV

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On the flip side, someone that I don't know doesn't need to post their list of viagra needs for my family to see.

We could just have them use a .htaccess and protect the entire directory, but if there is an easy way to protect it via the script and a control panel, I would prefer to go that route.
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#10
admin

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Here's a start: http://www.nil.clan-...et/cycsoftware/
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#11
ditto

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i've worked with session variables in php and am amble to work with php/mysql communications for database work and functionality....

ill take a look at it....

but for now, someone turns 21.
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#12
admin

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*tip* Drink lots of water before you turn in (or pass out).
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#13
ScHwErV

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One thing that I didn't do before that I know I should have is put one big text box instead of all the small ones. I did it that way so that the different fields would be separated on the output, but what I should have done is have the text box recognize carriage returns and put in br tags.

Easier for the person putting in the list to hit enter between each line cuz most people aren't used to tabbing between.

Blair's link made me think of that. Don't know why it didn't fit into my head before.
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#14
thenotch

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A couple screen shots of me messing around with a basic layout....

example1.jpg example2.jpg
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#15
ScHwErV

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Awesome! I love it.

I am still looking into password protection. Anyone willing can feel free to look also :whistling:
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