[openbeos] Re: Site Audit

On Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 3:59 PM, Karl vom Dorff <karl@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> Dear Community,
>
> It's probably no surprise to many of you (as you see the number of files on
> Haikuware increase) that I've been spending the last while auditing BeBits.
>
> I think it's important to have a software base ready for when Haiku's
> ready, and if users have to deal with the vast amount of missing software at
> BeBits where ~35% (conservative estimate) of the files are missing, they
> will surely get frustrated! Some may argue, why bother? The software is old!
> To them I would say - old software doesn't necessarily equate to bad
> software... Also, imagine if BeBits were gone tomorrow. That would be a
> great loss.
>
> To make a long story short, here's what I've been doing:
>
>
>    - downloading all available files. When there was missing software, I
>    would check against the file name at: a) BeShare b) Archive.org c) Google 
> d)
>    Check the Talkback comments for links. In short, if the missing files were
>    available somewhere on the net, they have to be hiding pretty good...
>    - importing the files, descriptions, dates, icons, etc. Adding archived
>    links to author homepages if they disappeared, etc.
>    - centralizing all the files on one server (later to be mirrored in
>    Europe and Asia) so that the infamous BeBits 'missing file/dead link' never
>    happens again.
>    - linking files only to one category. BeBits is confusing and
>    misleading because files are listed in multiple categories (artificially
>    inflating the file counts in each category. e.g total file count listed on
>    their frontpage when adding all together = 6500, actual files = 3535). So
>    when you're browsing software, you don't know whether you've already passed
>    by the file you're looking at or not therefore wasting time. Not to mention
>    wasting time finding a link that works or visiting unwelcomed porn sites
>    hehe.
>    - removed Zeta software.
>
>
> I'm 90% complete the task, and will be spending the next 2-3 weeks
> finishing. BeBits lists 3535 'files' on their website, of which I estimate
> 35% are gone (= 2298 actual files). Today I uploaded the 2222nd file to
> Haikuware, meaning very shortly, Haikuware may be the largest (but not most
> popular) online provider of BeOS (and Haiku if Haiku R1 achieves binary
> compatibilty) software (and maybe retro software in general)... But that's
> not really the point.
>
> *The point is, I'd like to salvage as much BeOS software as possible. I'd
> like to ask the community to contribute any missing files (that I'm sure
> they have on CDs in their basements) my way, so I can fill the missing gaps.
> I've tried to keep a record (sometimes GoogleDocs crashed on me) of the
> missing files, and for the most part, should be pretty complete. You can
> view the documents here (in XLS, ODF): *
>
> http://www.haikuware.com/downloads/registered/haikuware.zip
>
> Although I would hope most people see this endeavour as a good thing, I can
> appreciate that some developers may not like their software hosted at
> Haikuware. Please contact me, and I'll remove whatever you wish.
>
> Lastly, I know the design of Haikuware lacks in function, speed, and
> aesthetics (compared to BeBits). Once I'm done with all the files, I'll be
> re-designing the website and hope to have it ready for the Alpha 1 release.
> I'm looking at an RoR design perhaps. Something that will be able to stand a
> huge database and lots of traffic. I'm also looking to create a unique
> website that will combine the best parts of VersionTracker, BeBits,
> Download.com, etc. Therefore, if anyone can recommend a good developer/team
> or has any suggestions I'd be greatful. Also, if anyone here thinks they may
> be up to this task (I'd like to keep the work in the community if possible),
> contact me privately with your resume. It has to be someone with serious
> credentials (not a Joomla hacker like me) with 6-8 weeks of 
> *full-time*labour. A full proposal is in the works, and will probably be 
> 20-30 pages.
> Ask for my budget - serious enquiries only please.
>
>
Good stuff Karl :)

If you can't find anyone in the Haiku community to help with the site
redesign, I would suggest trying elance.com or rentacoder.com. You might be
able to find someone at one of those sites.

Cheers!
D


>
>
>
> --
> Karl vom Dorff
> B.Sc (Hons) Biology, (German minor)
>
> http://www.karlvd.com
> http://www.clubloreley.org
> http://www.haikuware.com
>
>


-- 
Dennis d'Entremont
IT Professional CNA, MCP, A+, ITIL
LinkedIn Profile - http://www.linkedin.com/in/dennisdentremont
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