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DarkBASIC Professional Discussion / DBS Web Site Survey

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Richard Davey
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Posted: 13th May 2003 19:15
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Hi all,

As the new designs for the DB sites are now in full flow I thought it would be a good idea to get some feedback from people as to what they (a) expect to find on the sites and (b) tally-up some votes as to what wording should be used. Please read on...

Some Questions first of all - please answer as briefly as possible

1) What in your mind would a link for "Showcase" give you? Would you expect to see screen shots, write-ups and download links for finished titles or does it imply "work in progress" pictures? Given the choice between two links - "Showcase" and "Gallery" - which one would you click in order to get to screen shots of games made with X.

2) When looking for Upgrades to DB/DBPro (etc) would you automatically assume to find them under "Support" or "Downloads"? Would you rather have a direct link to "Upgrades" on a top-level menu bar?

3) When looking for the Trial version of X - again where would you automatically assume to find this? Under "Downloads" or elsewhere?

4) Does the word "Files" mean the same thing to you as "Downloads"?

5) Do you have the actual forum pages book marked as opposed to the web site itself or do you come in via the site? I.e. do you assume that whatever might be happening on the site will also be announced on the forum somewhere.

6) Do you ever check more than one DBS site (i.e. darkbasic.com to see if there is anything in the gallery and then darkbasicpro.com for the forums).

That's all for now. I'd like to hear what you would like to see added to the new site/s that we don't currently provide in any form at all.

Cheers,

Rich
"Gentlemen, we are about to short-circuit the Universe!"
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APEXnow
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Posted: 13th May 2003 19:59 Edited at: 13th May 2003 20:01
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Hi Rich.

Here are a few points that may be useful to you with regards to site design.

1. I've found that a showcase button would take the user to page very similar to the one found on gamedev.net where people can post small news updates about their newly added showcase entries. The actual project or game names could be listed down the right side. Each name links to it's own dedicated page for displaying a screen shot, information about the game, and if provided, a link for downloading the current version of the game.

A user could create a new project page where they can upload their current version of the game and an optional JPEG or PNG screen shot.

2. I've always sought Upgrades under the support option. I think most other sites use the same analogy for providing support and additional downloads which are product specific.

3. Downloading demos of applications would catch people's attention if it was maintained as links on the main home page.

4. My personal preference are Downloads rather than Files. Files seems a bit ambiquous since the user at first glance would not know whether they are actually downloadable or just viewable from the browser.

5. I've always accessed the forums by going through the site from the main support link. I know it saves time by having a direct link but this could change.

6. My time is mostly spent accessing the DarkBASIC Professional Site. It would be useful for having an extra link direct to the classic site for people who wish to checkout the other systems.

I know that we as a community get advice and help from other members based on their experience, but are there possibilities of people who use the DBDN to post entries that are within the lines of public accessibility. What I mean is that if a member says they can't do something and blame it on a bug, it would be nice that someone who's actually got confirmation of it being a bug or not could reply and put their minds at rest

Hope this is useful feedback.

APEXnow.

"Man who looses key to woman's appartment...... He get no nookie" - A wise chinese man.
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Andy Igoe
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Posted: 13th May 2003 20:16
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Quote: "1) What in your mind would a link for "Showcase" give you? Would you expect to see screen shots, write-ups and download links for finished titles or does it imply "work in progress" pictures? Given the choice between two links - "Showcase" and "Gallery" - which one would you click in order to get to screen shots of games made with X."


For screenshots I would expect to look under "screenshots". To me, the word Gallery would not be applicable to a work in progress, infact I think DBPro should stear well clear of unfinished works unless they really do have something admirable to demonstrate. Equillibrium for instace, is a prime example of a work in progress worth demonstrating, my latest demo of the Goblin animations is not... Include incomplete works at your peril.

I would consider sub-dividing 'community software' into 'showcase downloads' such as Star Wraith, 'community games' such as most Banshee games and 'utilities' written in DB.

Quote: "2) When looking for Upgrades to DB/DBPro (etc) would you automatically assume to find them under "Support" or "Downloads"? Would you rather have a direct link to "Upgrades" on a top-level menu bar?"


The word i'm looking for is 'patch', when I goto the DBPro site my mission is to locate where the patch is... only experience has tought me how to find it first time. However all that said, any user looking for the latest patch is going to find it.

Quote: "3) When looking for the Trial version of X - again where would you automatically assume to find this? Under "Downloads" or elsewhere?"


Clarify please, are we talking trial version of Cartography Shop? Or trial version of FF-MMORG #48295? I'm guessing you meen your affiliate software, I would include this in a Utilities section.

Quote: "4) Does the word "Files" mean the same thing to you as "Downloads"?"


In context of DBPro, I would hope to find models, textures and other media, aswell as the latest patch, DBedit and the latest versions of your affiliate software also here.

Quote: "5) Do you have the actual forum pages book marked as opposed to the web site itself or do you come in via the site? I.e. do you assume that whatever might be happening on the site will also be announced on the forum somewhere."


I'm a regular visitor to DBS' homepage, however the only content here that is truly dynamic is the forum, therefor I link directly to the forum.

Quote: "6) Do you ever check more than one DBS site (i.e. darkbasic.com to see if there is anything in the gallery and then darkbasicpro.com for the forums)."


I was thinking about this today, 'Why do DBS have two web pages?'. To me it seems silly because you 'should' have duplicate content, such as the newletter, the forums etc. The fact that you do not duplicate this content is your own shortcoming - sometimes it becomes necessary to look at the DB page but really this is quite silly and the two domain names should point to the same place.

Pneumatic Dryll
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Oliver
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Posted: 13th May 2003 20:24
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1. I think it would be best for games that are finished (like the showcase on the old darkbasic website - decription, screenshots, download, homepage). I think its better to post work in progress on the forums.

2. Seeing as updates do not change everyday I dont think it is necessary for a link at the top (though you could put them under the downloads section).

3. I would look for a demo under the section about the software (ie where it is at the moment).

4. Sort of, though I preferre the word downloads.

5. I have the forums bookmarked and very rarey vist the home page.

6. No not really.

Hope that helps
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YarSnez
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Posted: 13th May 2003 20:49
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Great idea to get feedback from the users!

1. The showcase in my opinion should provide screen shots, write-ups, and download links. Perhaps divided into two sections for complete projects and work in progress.

2. I would like a separate link taking me to product updates.

3. I would expect to find trial versions of product X under the link
describing X.

4. Although the word 'Files' means the same as 'downloads', I would
prefer the term 'downloads'.

5. I have the web site book marked and get to the forums via that.
However, I also have a link to the DarkBasic google search which
someone set up. The web site needs a search facility which has
been mentioned many times before.

6. Yes, I look at all the web sites I can find.

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Richard Davey
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Posted: 13th May 2003 21:14
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To cover some points raised so far:

"'Why do DBS have two web pages?'"

Because we have 2 products effectively. They shouldn't point to the same place, that would confuse the hell out of people clicking "Download" looking for a DBPro Trial only to see a load of DB updates, etc.

The sites are going to be splitting further apart with the updates coming - while being a lot closer together (it makes sense to see it, trust me). I.e. all the generic "DBS" items (newsletter, etc) will be shared across the sub-sites which will all have their own downloads sections/gallery, etc.

"For screenshots I would expect to look under "screenshots"."

That to me describes screen shots of the software product, not of what it can achieve. So far I'm sticking with "Showcase" to show-off finished games/etc and then need an area to show off work in progress/beta stuff - maybe "Projects" would be a better title?

"The word i'm looking for is 'patch'"

I think that's mostly our fault - we called them patches (and fatches!) from the start. I don't like the term one bit especially as for 50% of what the patches do it's not actually correct! Sure they do "patch" some bugs, but they also introduce new enhanncements and commands - which to me are upgrades. But I think it's too tightly ingrained to change now Microsoft, Adobe, Macromedia, etc all call them "Updates" - I really wish we did.

Any more questions - ask, but this feedback is great so far, thank you all.

Cheers,

Rich

"Gentlemen, we are about to short-circuit the Universe!"
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SpecTre1
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Posted: 13th May 2003 21:17
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1 - Gallery for screen shots, Showcase for unfinished/finished work with extras like source and music etc.

2 - Direct link to upgrades would be nice.

3 - Downloads.

4 - Not really.

5 - I come through the site and press the forums button on the right, I like to see other stuff on DB Pro.

6 - Yup check most of the DB sites! Think the Darkbasic.com site is better style to be honest.

How about get rid of the DBDN subscription and call the site DarkBASIC_Professional.com !!!

New to DBPro comin from AMOS on the Amiga!
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EdzUp
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Posted: 13th May 2003 21:27
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1) What in your mind would a link for "Showcase" give you? Would you expect to see screen shots, write-ups and download links for finished titles or does it imply "work in progress" pictures? Given the choice between two links - "Showcase" and "Gallery" - which one would you click in order to get to screen shots of games made with X.

Gallery is for piccies etc, showcase is for info and demos.


2) When looking for Upgrades to DB/DBPro (etc) would you automatically assume to find them under "Support" or "Downloads"? Would you rather have a direct link to "Upgrades" on a top-level menu bar?

Support AND downloads, I would prefer the 'DB Pro Upgrade vX' to be on the top tho


3) When looking for the Trial version of X - again where would you automatically assume to find this? Under "Downloads" or elsewhere?

under downloads.


4) Does the word "Files" mean the same thing to you as "Downloads"?

Nope, files could be docs etc, all exe's and downloadable material should be under downloads.


5) Do you have the actual forum pages book marked as opposed to the web site itself or do you come in via the site? I.e. do you assume that whatever might be happening on the site will also be announced on the forum somewhere.

I have the forum marked. On a 56K modem the DBPro main page takes a while to load where the forum doesnt.


6) Do you ever check more than one DBS site (i.e. darkbasic.com to see if there is anything in the gallery and then darkbasicpro.com for the forums).

Nope, just the forums ATM. Busy, busy, busy

-EdzUp
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Rob K
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Posted: 13th May 2003 21:47
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1. Showcase items MUST be finished programs. That is why it is a showcase.

2. Having Support and Downloads is a bit confusing. I suggest putting the patches under the downloads section, but have links to it from the Support section.

3. Again, under Downloads.

4. Yes

5. I have the forum bookmarked not the site, maybe a good idea would be a DBS updates text-banner at the top of the page, ala Real Game Tools.com

6. Usually the DBPro forums and only occassionally DarkBASIC.com, which I usually associate with the Classic flavour of DB.

Do you want Windows menus in your DBP apps? - Get my plugin: http://snow.prohosting.com/~clone99/downloads/tpc_menus_101.zip
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Richard Davey
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Posted: 13th May 2003 22:22
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The idea of Support will be the container for the FAQ and Knowledge Base. We're going to split out ALL technical questions into the Knowledge Base and all other questions (billing, ordering, payment, pre-sales, etc) into the FAQ.

Each FAQ and KB will be per sub-site. So the DB site will have a different KB to the DBPro one (as it should do). Generic FAQ and KB entries will span all sites they apply to.

So - support as I see it will feature those two items plus a link to the Upgrades section of which-ever sub-site you're on at the time.

Showcase items will be for finished programs/demos/apps. Still un-decided to call the "work in progress" ones Gallery or Projects though.

Cheers,

Rich

"Gentlemen, we are about to short-circuit the Universe!"
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andrew11
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Posted: 13th May 2003 23:52
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Here's my opinion:

1) "Showcase" should be finished media, applications, etc. "Gallery" and "showcase" are both fine. "Work in progress" should be seperate.

2) I would rather have a link to "Upgrades".

3) Trial downloads should be a subsection of downloads section.

4) File downloads should also be a subsection of the downloads section.

5) I have a link on my desktop. I never go to darkbasicpro.com and click a link.

6) No, not really.

"All programmers are playwrites and all computers are lousy actors" -Anon
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BatVink
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Posted: 14th May 2003 00:25 Edited at: 14th May 2003 00:32
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1
Showcase - finished work
Gallery - Screen Shots

2
Downloads - updates to product
Support - FAQs, links to forums and resources

3
Trial Version - downloads

4
Files/Downloads - Downloads implies "packages", whereas files implies the odd dll or document

5
I always use darkbasic.co.uk, 'cos the Pro site is tempting but right now unaffordable! I would always go to the forum via the homepage, and I would expect official announcements to be on the homepage. Announcements such as the "pay for tutorials" I would expect in the forums, for the users who are "involved".

Hope this helps.

On the "patch" thing...I believe that within a Version (Version 1, for example), the next digit should represent a milestone, which can include new functionality. The third digit should represent a bug-fix release. Examples...

1.0 Initial release
1.01 Bug Fixes
1.02 Previous Bug fixes + new bug fixes
1.10 Previous Bug fixes and new functionailty.
1.11 Bug fixes

Thanks in advance.
All the Best,
StevieVee
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Ian T
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Posted: 14th May 2003 00:36
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1- Gallery
2- Downloads
3- Downloads
4- Yes
5- No
6- Yes

--Mouse

Famous Fighting Furball
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Cras
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Posted: 14th May 2003 00:43
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1) Showcase would imply screenshots of games, with a short description and download link.

2) I think having an upgrades tab would be nicer. depends how regular they will be.
3) Would look under downloads... or trial if it was there... but dont you normally have it posted on the main page anyway.

4) Yes but downloads is much better.

5) I go straight to the forums. rarely interested in whatgoes on in the site.

6) No i tend to goto the db classic site and here.
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Hamish McHaggis
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Posted: 14th May 2003 00:46
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1. Showcase = showcase of programs completed, write ups and stuff, gallery = pictures of stuff from DB, showing quickly what it can do etc...

2. Support, or an upgrades link, either is fine

3. Yeah, downloads

4. Downloads is more specific and better, files is kind of vague.

5. Im usually just on the forums, not the rest of the site, I have the forums in my favorites not the actual site.

6. Yeah, I check Darkbasic.com for new stuff in the showcase, not much else.

Why the hell'd you ask me for crying out loud!?!

Athelon XP 1400 Plus - Nvidia Geforce MX400 - 256mb RAM
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Dave J
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Posted: 14th May 2003 01:28
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1) Yeah, showcase implies that programs/games made from DB would be under there although naturally I would go to gallery for screenshots of the program; I wouldn't go there thinking they were screenshots of a game unless specifically on a game's site.

2) Definately downloads or upgrades, to me, support sounds like the place to find a FAQ or contact numbers/emails if you're having trouble.

3) Again, downloads.

4) Yes, if there was a lack of a downloads link then files would be where I go.

5) I have the forums bookmarked on that nifty quick link bar in IE that no one seems to use but me. I probably would go to the site but it rarely seems to be updated, especially DarkBASIC.com - It's last news update was the Retro Competition starting, not even finishing or telling us of the winners. If someone entered that and didn't visit the forums, the DBP site or mailist then they could think it's still going.

6) Similar response to above, maybe if both were updated a bit more because I see no point in checking a site you've read a million times before lol.

"Computers are useless they can only give you answers."
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Dr OcCuLt
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Posted: 14th May 2003 02:52
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1) i Would expect Showcase to link to Demos of what DB can do, not gen games or projects.i think the Gallery is the better name(like Haert Beat )

2) Upgrades and/or Downloads

3) Downloads

4) the word "Files" do's not mean the same thing as "Downloads"?

5) it book marked and i go strat there.

6) no just the forum.

--Dr 0--


Most people are other people.Their thoughts are someone else`s opinions,thier lives a mimicry,their passions a quotation
Oscar Wilde
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large_nostril
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Posted: 14th May 2003 04:33
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1) If it's feasible and not of too much trouble, I'd suggest doing a drop-down DHTML menu. You could then title the section either "showcase" or "gallery" and then two subcategories of "demos" and "full versions".

2) Downloads or Upgrades

3) Downloads

4) I don't see the word "files" substituting the word "downloads"

5) I used to go directly to http://www.darkbasicpro.com/apollo/forums.php, but lately I've been getting this error (in code box) rather frequently, so I usually go to darkbasic.com and then click on "Forums"

6) I use darkbasic.com quite frequently along with darkbasicpro.com

If you want fresh underwear in the morning, take it off the night before.
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Bighead
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Posted: 14th May 2003 07:48
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1) I should make a distintion among three categories:
a) Showcase: to show only finished jobs.
b) Gallery: to show a selection of outstanding finished jobs.
c) Worklogs: to show work in progress.

Generally speaking, I'd include a title, a brief description, and a thumbnail of the game (and if you want to see the sceenshots you click on the thumbnail and go to a dedicated page). Also, statistics on the most popular titles could give an idea of gamers' preferences (sort of benchmarking for programmers).

2) I understand that "Support" does the job, but "Upgrades" would be quite more handy.

3) Downloads is ok for me.

4) Not necessarily. In "files" I'd expect to find media and other staff (source code, maybe).

5)Well, to be honest I prefer to visit the main page first and then click on the forum button, but adding news briefs should make the first page more apealing (for the ones who already know DB products).

6) DBC gallery is a very good one. But I visit the site not very often. The old DBC pages should be somehow integrated to this site.
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Kangaroo2
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Posted: 14th May 2003 14:40 Edited at: 14th May 2003 14:43
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1) What in your mind would a link for "Showcase" give you?
- Personally I would think a true showcase for the home page would be top quality finished games, or at least playable demos (Like on the original Darkbasic.com site ). A Gallery of cool screen shots would be nice, but are hardly a "Showcase" for a programming language, more for the 3d or 2d packages used to make the graphics

2) When looking for Upgrades to DB/DBPro (etc) would you automatically assume to find them under "Support" or "Downloads"?
- Downloads, definitely. Although if you have a support page with FAQs, trouble shooting and email links I would thin it would be obvious to put notices everywhere that the latest patch is needed to combat issues, and ppl should only enquire as to problems after installing the latest patch.

Would you rather have a direct link to "Upgrades" on a top-level menu bar?
- No, to me "Upgrades" doesn't say "bug fix patches" it suggests that the program you are using is inferior and you many need to spend more to improve it! NOT a good look

3) When looking for the Trial version of X - again where would you automatically assume to find this? Under "Downloads" or elsewhere?
- All demos should definitely be under Downloads, although deoidicated pages for Cartography shope etc. should exist, I think demos should all be clumped together, it helps people to realise the oproducts are related and try them all.

4) Does the word "Files" mean the same thing to you as "Downloads"?
- Yes, maybe. I think downloads is a safer word, as downloads can consist of many "files" even if they are compressed as one. Files could just be programming examples, or tutorials for example. Downloads could have it all

5) Do you have the actual forum pages book marked as opposed to the web site itself or do you come in via the site?
- I have Apollo in my favourites of all my browsers. I only got to the homepage maybe once a month.

6) Do you ever check more than one DBS site.
- Occassionly. I used to love the gallery in the old site, there should definitely be something similar on DBPro. Personally I wish you would combine the two, the look of the Dark Basic Site is dated now, but the content is fine. I think Darkbasic.com and darkbasicpro.com should point to the SAME page with a description of the difference in products, to avoid confusion. I have heard of people buying DarkBasic from the original site, and only thebn discovering DBPro and feeling cheated, which I'm sure is not the aim Only my opinion tho, maybe if there was a clear link explaining they are different products on each front page that would be better

Cheers, Sam / Kangaroo2

Coming Soon! Kangaroo2 Studio... wait and quiver with anticipation! lol
[email protected] - http://www.kangaroo2.com - If the apocalypse comes, email me
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Van B
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Posted: 14th May 2003 16:29
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1) Having the showcase split in 2 would be cool, like a work in progress showcase where people could post comments and ideas would be great - and a finished app showcase where people are guaranteed a download link and they could post comments, maybe even vote for there favourite. One thing that haunts this forum is the lack of media attaching, if there was a page where we could post an image, then store it there for a month or so - we could directly link it to forum topics and get comments from the forum and passers-by.

2) I expect support to be little more than just a contact email addy, that's what I'm used to, Downloads is a good all-round term for patches and trial versions, that's where I'd look if I was new here.

3) As above.

4) I haven't seen too many files pages, I don't think people would expect to see a files page full of downloads - they'd just think you were daft not to call it 'downloads'.

5) I always go in through the front door, it'd be really cool if you could change the images now and then, I'm sick of looking at that cool globe pic that I don't have the code for!.

6) Yeah, I often check the showcase on darkbasic.com, but to tell the truth, that website has slipped a little - it used to be full of cool stuff to download, like media and sounds and models. Any chance you could have a seperate download page somewhere for user supplied media? - I mean someone makes a character model or tune, they send it to you - then folk can download and use this stuff freely. Thinking of newbies here, I learned most of what I know by messing with other peoples stuff.


Van-B

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ClearCoder
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Posted: 14th May 2003 18:27
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don't really know about the rest but if you are redoing the forums at all could you put in a bit that says which users are loged on, kay rich
crystal

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Andy Igoe
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Posted: 14th May 2003 20:04
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What i'd really really really really really like to see is more and improved feedback for stuff I release.

I think the best way to do that is to have a Rating feature for each showcase download, and a small post comments dialogue (max 100 words for example) for each download. And also a download counter.

It meens a lot to me to get feedback like that, and i've no idea how to write it for my own web page.

If a DBPro gallery had such a feature, I would be very happy indeed.

Pneumatic Dryll
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Angeleyes
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Posted: 14th May 2003 21:02
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Ok, I say this:

1) Showcase means either finished games/utility’s OR finished Demos (ala the old Amiga scene demo etc…Not a demo of a project). Showcase should not be used for unfinished W.I.Ps .

PneumaticDryll had some good ideas when he said that there should be a rating feature for each showcase, but I would like to see a limit put on members so they can only vote once. Otherwise you will either get people voting for something to push the votes up in favour of it or if they don’t like it they may vote several times to make the project look bad.
There should also be a link on the bottom of the page to an area where people can post comments over the project. Doing it that way will keep the showcase area nice and “tidy”.

Showcase should have a link to a download and the author of the project should be able to post a screenshot or two and text describing the project, with perhaps a small counter to show how many times its been downloaded.

2) Have a direct link to “Upgrades”

3) Downloads should be for trial and other versions of DBC/DBP.
For example, if DB ever brought out a “lite” version or something similar. I think it should also contain other downloads for media such as graphics, sounds, music etc for the DB user.

4) No

5) I bookmark the site only. You could add a feature to “Subscribe” to a particular thread so that the user will be emailed if there is a response to that thread.

6) I check a few sites that I have found on the net...when I have time! ^_~

One last thing(s):
How about a good search feature??
It would help a lot and cut down on many duplicate postings.
Also add a 1to1 feature so that if a user is online and you want to talk to them you can send them an instant private message. I’m not talking MSM messenger here, just an on-site pop-up message. I have them at work and have used them on other forums and they are great.

That’s it.. Ta at for now
Mary

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cusoi
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Posted: 14th May 2003 21:47
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1) It would be very very cool to have a showcase and projects section. You could follow unfinished projects and see how they do.

2) Nah, just in downloads.

3) Also in downloads. Every file should be in downloads, I think.

4) I think yes, but I prefer downloads.

5) I just go to darkbasic.com and than click the forum button. I go first to darkbasic.com to see if there are any new showcase entries.

6) You're right!

And another thing, did you get my email about my game for the showcase. I hope you did receive it.

Pentium IV 2.4 GHZ 256 MB Ram Geforce 4 TI 4200 128 MB
Visit my site: www.cuso.tk
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Stevo
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Posted: 15th May 2003 00:55
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Showccase, When I liked on that I was hoping to see a piture and be able to download it

oh ok

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UberTuba
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Posted: 15th May 2003 19:24
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SITE SEARCH

Life is a terminal disease.
You never survive it.
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Shining Moonblade
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Posted: 15th May 2003 20:56
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1)Screenshots, demo (if available), some write-ups, and maybe user reviews? For screenshots, I'd definitely look under Gallery.

2)Actually, having an Upgrades button would be nice. Puts everything in one easy to reach area. Not that it's hard now....LOL.

3)Yeah, Downloads.

4)Yes.

5)Come in on the site.

6)All the time.

Hope I'm helpful...

Watashi no namae wa Zeroshin desu! Hashitekudasai!
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AtomR
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Posted: 15th May 2003 23:48
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1)For me showcase is where we could find demos, WIP and finished games, for everyone who wants to showcase their projects. I'd click Gallery to find screenshots of games.

2)I usually expect to find updates and patches in the downloads section. It makes sense to me to find it there.

3)Yeah, under Downloads.

4)Yep, but I prefer downloads.

5)The forum page is my default home page when I.E. starts. I assume that anything note worthy mentioned in the homepage will also be mentioned in the forum.

6)The only page I visited was DBDN but with the expiration of my account I only visit the forums.

Take care
AtomR
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Yskonyn
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Posted: 16th May 2003 12:55
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1) Showcase would give me a glance at finished project as well as projects that are work in progress, however not just any project, only projects that have the potential to be actually finished.
Also I would like to see indeed a Gallery with screenies from things that can be done in DBP.

2) A seperate Upgrade section would be nice, however to keep things into the same sections you might just create a 'downloads' section and within create the seperate items like upgrades, demo, etc.

3) Indeed in downloads

4) The word Files do mean Downloads in my opinion. I've come across many sites that use 'Files' instead of 'downloads' so I would know what to find there. However 'downloads' is more professional.

5) I do browse the forum to see what's happening, yes.

6) Rarely, I am a DBP user and actually like I said, the news always gets to me via the forums (heh maybe I should change that.. LOL)

Regards,

Yskonyn -
"It's better to wish down here you were up, then to wish up there you were down."
"The ONLY time you have too much fuel on board is when you are on fire."
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SpecTre1
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Posted: 16th May 2003 22:43
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Hi Rich

Tell you what does need changing that's a bit annoying is the forum posts!

Just the way they display because say if a post has more than 1 page it should have the last and most up to date page shown first, at the moment you have to go through each page to get to the new posts!!!!



New to DBPro comin from AMOS on the Amiga!
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roswell
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Posted: 16th May 2003 22:55
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1) "Showcase" for me suggests a finished product, and an example of good/clever coding. I would expect screens, an overview of the game, perhaps a DBS team rating, and a download button for the source code (not media, just source). "Gallery" sounds like a place for screenshots and overviews of finished products without source code available.

2) Upgrades could be available under "Support" or "Downloads" with perhaps a link to that specific section on the front page like this: "The latest version of DBPro is X.X, and is available [href]here[/href]".

3) Downloads or Support would be an instinctual choice.

4) Ooh..I like "Files". Demos could be under Files along with DLL's and add-ons. I still like upgrades under "Support", though.

5) I check the front page every few days for updates, but I link directly to the forums a few times a day.

6) I definitely check the darkbasic.com site for updates to the gallery, and then move to darkbasicpro.com for the forums.

Please consider a robust search engine for the forums! Perhaps even a commercial package like phpBB or InvisionBoard would be useful instead of reinventing the wheel?

/* You are not expected to understand this. */

Dual Athlon 2.0/1GB RAM/GeForce Ti4200-128/Win2000 Pro
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David T
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Posted: 17th May 2003 21:30
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1) I'd go for Gallery.

2) I'd naturally look for them under downloads, but you could provide a link from support to them.

3) Downloads definitely.

4) "Files" implies, to me, some sort of almost underground files website. I'd go for (again) downloads.

5) I have the forum bookmarked.

6) I don't go on darkbasic.com / co.uk much, but I freqently visit the forums for any news / games.

You are the th person to view this signature.
Programmers don't die, they just Gosub without return....
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pugmartin
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Location: United Kingdom
Posted: 18th May 2003 23:38
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Main thing i`d like to see would be a search function built into the site. I think that`d be really helpful. Other than that, i dont really see the need for any other major inprovements other than those planned. Good site

10 Rem Code goes here
http://geocities.com/pugmartin/index.html
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Richard Davey
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Posted: 19th May 2003 16:47
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Well thanks for all the feedback so far. Some very interesting points have been highlighted we weren't aware of and will be addressed in the new site launch.

A few final comments.. "Please consider a robust search engine for the forums!"

Already done.

"Perhaps even a commercial package like phpBB or InvisionBoard would be useful instead of reinventing the wheel?"

Nah, I've seen the code behind them both and they don't even compare for speed of SQL queries or performance.

It would appear that "Showcase" is the correct and expected term to use for games you can DOWNLOAD and read about. If you can't download it, it's not a showcase entry but will instead perhaps go into "Projects" (or Gallery, not decided yet, but Projects feels more apt).

"Downloads" instead of "Files" (figured as much).

"Upgrades" found under Support and Downloads.

The fact most of you come direct to the forum and not in via the rest of the site means we'll be changing the way the forum is structured within the site. Nothing too terrible, don't worry. Just a more obvious/prominent "what's going on elsewhere" section rather than the 3 small text-link lines we have at the top now.

More later. The new sites are being graphically finished tomorrow and soon full implementation will start. Erk.

Cheers,

Rich

"Gentlemen, we are about to short-circuit the Universe!"
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The Wendigo
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Posted: 22nd May 2003 09:53
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1) Showcase says to me that that is where you will find programs made with this product that really show off its abilities. To me, it could be either just what the DB team makes or an assortment of DB and 3rd party programs. I prefer to find DB and 3rd party stuff as I feel you get more excitment out of finding out what other people have done with it. Gallery to me, simply implies pictures.

2) This depends on which route you take with Q1. If you already have a list of downloadable 3rd party programms made with X then I would expect that under downloads you would find patches and such for X. However, support is actually what it is. In the longrun, I'd say your safest bet would to be to call them "upgrades" as that definetely implies a spot to download patches and such. On the other hand, you wouldn't be able to put things such as the demo or DB website kits and such under there. How bout "Dark Basic Downloads" or "DB Downloads"?

3) Another dependent on the above. Under downloads, and provided that 3rd Party programs are easily marked properly, I would expect to find the demo as well as patches and anything else pertaining directly to X.

4) In the situation of websites, Yes. It does NOT necissarily say Upgrades to me however.

5) I link to the forums via the website and not a favorite. For ease of use, I would sudgest making a direct link to the forums via the main page.

6) I usually go straight to DBP's site, but ever couple of days or at least once a week go to the DBC site. I rarely ever hit RGT.

Current Projects: mini BSP maker 50%, Height Mapper with many features 75%, FPS/RTT Nameless at the moment 15%
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Ian T
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Posted: 28th May 2003 02:38
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Excellent to hear it's come along so far .

I had previously thought that Files was a UK thing and Downloads was a US thing (and the rest of the world scoffed at how we were stuck in our letter traditions ), but apparently Downloads is generally more popular. *shrug*

--Mouse

Famous Fighting Furball
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Giles Papworth
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Posted: 28th May 2003 13:51
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is it possible to have a search option in the forum, i find it particularly annoying when i am looking for something on there and i have to browse for countless hours until i find something i want.

I am the Superchief, Funk Lord of the universe
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Rob K
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Posted: 28th May 2003 15:03
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Rich has already got that on his books for things to implement AFAIK.

Do you want Windows menus in your DBP apps? - Get my plugin: http://snow.prohosting.com/~clone99/downloads/tpc_menus_102.zip
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Dave J
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Posted: 30th May 2003 11:12
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Stumbled across the new site layout yesterday, and I must say that it looks really, really good. A lot cleaner and more professional.

Although now I see you've password protected the site lol

"Computers are useless they can only give you answers."
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Rob K
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Posted: 30th May 2003 20:59
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Have you got the URL?

Do you want Windows menus in your DBP apps? - Get my plugin: http://snow.prohosting.com/~clone99/downloads/tpc_menus_102.zip
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Dave J
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Posted: 31st May 2003 04:01
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Yeah, but I'm guessing Rich doesn't want anyone to see the site at the moment which is why it's password protected so I'm not going to give it to you lol

"Computers are useless they can only give you answers."
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