Task Force: Gamma

ArjimCalodan · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 11:43 pm Post subject: A call for help!

Alright guys, as we're prepping to create a task force, I've done a good bit of research on software to run one.

There aren't many options out there to run a "sim" right now. The two best are SMS and TRMS. After fighting with TRMS in the past, I've found SMS to be the simplest. This is the tech that is behind the new usshartington.com.

To run a Task Force, there are a couple options...and they all suck. The only decent one, TFMS (AKA Task Force Management System), seems to be unavailable on the internet.

So, I've begun hacking on making a task force management system for us. While I am pretty nerdy, coding is not something I relish doing (did it as a career for a while and quit). If you have any tech talents that you've kept under wraps and you're willing to help out, please lemme know. I am on AOL instant messenger basically 24/7 (we use it at work as our contact system) on the screen name andrwthe1 or you can PM me on the forusm.

The major techs I am looking at using in this are:

Ships/sims:
*SMS 2 - http://www.anodyne-productions.com/
*phpBB3

Task force management:
Custom coded solution using
*PHP
*Javascript/AJAX
*MySQL
*Wordpress

My BIGGEST weakness is in webdesign. I am not artsy at all, so doing the actual design of a site takes me forever and turns out looking awful. I can do the backend stuff, but unless the Cap'n likes the basic design I hacked together for him (under wraps for now, I'll let him show it if he wants to), I don't have a design for the site at all.

If there is a specific feature you'd like to see in a Task Force management system, post it here and we can talk about how to implement it. If you come across a site/sim/TFMS that does something in a nifty manner, post up a link.
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uvek · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 11:52 pm Post subject:

Hi, have you considered Joomla? Dunno if it is a sim running program or no, but it can be set up through blog style posts or whatnot. Just an idea.

ArjimCalodan · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 11:56 pm Post subject:

I've used Joomla in the past and it, like most CMSes is like pulling teeth to get it to look good and do what you want.

If you have experience with Joomla and would like to help in setting it up to do what we want, Im not adverse to using it. I have just had a lot of bad experience in the past putting a lot of time and effort into a CMS and then having to scrap it because it is just isnt working.
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uvek · Posted: Tue Sep 22, 2009 12:17 am Post subject:

I'm working with Joomla and have the e-book on it. I admit there are kinks that have not fully been ironed out, but as far as posting it works well. I have a friend in Maine that is a computer whiz and has helped me along with it.

You are right about creating the particular look you want, but I could always try to feel him out about helping. Dunno but it is worth the effort. In the meantime, I stand ready to help write backgrounds, do research, whatever. I have 2 computers here and love star trek enough to flesh out as many storylines as possible; which could leave you free to focus on getting our imaginations into the ethernet.

I've got about 15 faves locked in, and of course can take and get you feedback on any requests for info or help. Just an offer to help in whatever limited way.

uvek · Posted: Tue Sep 22, 2009 12:48 am Post subject:

Arjim, check out www.apostolicsunite.org it is the church website I work, with my friend's support.

It is Joomla. It will show you the layout (plus my pic on the front page...LOL)...maybe let you decide if a format such as that would work for this (maybe the captain could check it out too). I know how to set it up and do the categories/sections/etc. so maybe it would work, don't know, since I'm just not familiar with RPG on the computer that much.

let me know k?

Liam McTavish · Task Force Crewman Joined: 03 Sep 2009 Posts: 286

Id really like being of some help here but truly i have no web skills. Several years ago dabbled in creating web pages but nothing like what we would need. Mostly just linking a front page for play by mail wrestling "Stable" and a forum so we could plot lol.

Marek · Posted: Tue Sep 22, 2009 8:22 am Post subject:

I have a Bachelors degree in Computer Science, and while I'm pretty rusty, I could help some once you decide on a system. I have done web programming in the past mostly Javascript. I would suggest laying out exactly what is wanted and seeing what system could best provide that. Picking a system and then trying to make it do what you want will most likely end in a cranial hemorrage.
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ArjimCalodan · Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 8:28 pm Post subject:

Just poking you all again seeing if anyone out there wants to help out/work on webdesign.

The current "theme" is at http://aherrington.homeunix.org/stargazer

Currently all the content is static (as it doesnt automatically update) and a lot of it is just big, gaping holes. This is the basic "design" I have right now, but as no work has been done yet on pulling the content from the backend I am writing (which I have named stargazer), the design is 100% fluid and changeable.

Any suggestions, comments, or willingness to take on work would be HIGHLY appreciated.

As for status on the backend stuff, it is at about 40%. All of the major pieces have been wrestled into place, now its just a matter of making it all talk and not a major headache to work on.[/b]
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Reahil'ea_Zeara · Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 8:36 pm Post subject:

I am willing to help on whatever issues you need... just wouldn't be able to until after the weekend... down to my last hour of free time till monday.
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It's acceptable for men to act the fool. When women try, they're considered aggressive and opinionated

uvek · Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 8:39 pm Post subject:

Hi sir.

I can't write code, but I would be glad to help in any way possible. I can write and would be glad to flesh out where ever I can.

ArjimCalodan · Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 8:41 pm Post subject:

uvek · Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 8:50 pm Post subject:

Do you just need code written? Or do you need some sections turned into english and placed in the site? I would be glad to help there, too.

ArjimCalodan · Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 8:51 pm Post subject:

uvek · Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 8:52 pm Post subject:

Gotcha....sorry.

Captain David Brennon · Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 9:05 pm Post subject:

I am currently working on the actual content for the site. Should I need any assistance I'll let everyone know what I am in need of.
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