Where does the site go from here? Input Please!

So I thought I would make an official update as to where things stand with AF.net. I want to thanks all those who donated to make this new site possible, it seems to be falling into place nicely. I am interested in your input on several topics.

What We've Done

• Migrated the domain to a much more stable and dynamic host
• Installed new CMS software, importing all user accounts, posts, stats ect.
• Configured and implemented user created content
• Input much of the data from the old site, not quite finished, but getting there. Thanks to the other admins for helping with this task!
• Reinstalled Alphanex Wiki, importing old database.
• Integrated Alphanex Wiki with cms, allowing for site members to have automatic wiki editing rights. Also integrating wiki in to website search, and user status.

What's left to be Done

• A solution needs to be reached for Gallery integration, see end of post for more details
• Databasing system needs to be implemented for Phil's appearance list
• Fanfic posting method needs to be resolved (see end of post for more details)

So, now that you know where things stand on this end, I could really use some input on a couple of things.

First, and most important in my mind in s the Gallery. Our options are as follows:

1. I have found free software that can kind of be integrated into the site, but it will be messy, and won't work well, and won't fluidly fit in.
2. I've been informed by the design team of the CMS software that eventually gallery software will be integrated into later versions. They are however, unable to give me even the most vague of time-lines, so it could be a month(probably not that soon) or it could be two years, I dunno.
3. We could purchase software that has been designed to be able to integrate into the cms software. It is called PhotoPost. Have a look. Now the problem there is the cost. It's $129 USD, and if we were to go that route I would have to swallow my pride and request more donations (I still don't like to do that, but simply don't personally have the funds).

So you guys tell me what YOU want and we will proceed from there.

The next thing I want your thoughts on is what to do with Fanfic. I want it more on display for site visitors, who aren't necessarily interested in taking an active roll in the community.

1. We can add a new section to the site where in fanfics are posted as other articles are currently. As before they can either be posted by the author as an article, or alternatively posted in the forum, then promoted to an article (effectively the same thing). Older fanfic can be input as well.
2. We can have users post new Fanfic as a blog.
3. we can just leave it on the forum and not add it to the site.

Personally I lean towards a combination the first option and the second. People can post their fanfics as articles, and admins would publish them to the site in the fanfic section, but if there is an ongoing story, people may prefer to give it a blog treatment, still allowing it to be promoted to an article by admins.

Thanks, sorry if that was long-winded, looking forward to your input.

Ben

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If you have to buy PhotoPost...sorry, if WE have to buy PhotoPost, then let's do it. Priority number one is a professional and cool site. Hey, if we had to pay somebody to design a website for us, it would cost a lot more than what we have had to shell out so far. I'm willing to pitch in a few more bucks, and I am sure some others can scrounge up some couch-cushion-change (although, with Roll Up The Rim being on now, it is even harder to find change for anything but Timmy's...).

You might get some donations if you had a donation button to click on.

Hint Hint

Love,
rplass

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rplass

You might get some donations if you had a donation button to click on.

Hint Hint

Love,
rplass

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LOL, I didn't wanna jump the gun on that until I knew what members wanted to do. If people want to keep giving their opinions, and there isn't a great outcry against that option, I'll configure the donation. There is actually a cool hack to add the the site that can take care of donations that I'm curious to try out :)

I have to blow out the driveway (about a 4 hour job) and I have a hot date tonight, so I'll probably hook it up tomorrow if that's the route people want to go.

My vote is that you should use Photopost. Good luck!

Love,
rplass

I'd say go with Photopost.

Ok, so I added a "donate" tab to the site for Paypal. anything folks want to donate to get us to the goal would be awesome. I'll be adding an additional tweak soon to the site to acknowledge all past and present donators.

And how did the date go, Ben? lol.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Flightpath07

And how did the date go, Ben? lol.

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heh, plans changed we were going to go see Alice In Wonderland, but it was all sold out, so we are just going to a friend's house fore a few drinks. This was all planned rather last minute, as "grandpa" and our boy made plans for him to babysit before checking with us, so we have to go out and do something. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ben

heh, plans changed we were going to go see Alice In Wonderland, but it was all sold out, so we are just going to a friend's house fore a few drinks. This was all planned rather last minute, as "grandpa" and our boy made plans for him to babysit before checking with us, so we have to go out and do something. :)

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Ah, the exciting life of our own resident superhero...

Ben, I assume you reached the fundraising goal for this round. Great! When do you think you'll get the photopost software to work?

Love,
rplass

Heh, yah I got it ;) Thanks to all who donated!!!! YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE! The software is bought and installed, and there is a gallery tab added to the site. Now it's a matter of uploading files, and making directories. I have a few created. Once an directory is made any member can add images, increasing on the fan-driven nature of the site.

Ben

Where on earth was the paypal button? Holy that took no time.