[openbeos] Re: Site Audit

Is BeBits going down?!

On vr, 2008-10-10 at 14:59 -0400, Karl vom Dorff 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. 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Karl vom Dorff
> B.Sc (Hons) Biology, (German minor)
> 
> http://www.karlvd.com
> http://www.clubloreley.org
> http://www.haikuware.com
> 
>

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