[openbeos] Re: Site Audit

2008/10/10 Dennis d'Entremont <dennis.dentremont@xxxxxxxxx>:
>
>
> 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
> http://www.techalpha.net - Tech Alpha Computer Forums
> http://epcsolutions.ca - EasyPC Solutions
> http://eComStation.ca - Your Canadian Source for eCS and OS/2 Software!
> http://Haikuware.com - Software for Haiku
> http://Haiku-OS.org - Haiku Operating System
>

+1 Good initiative Karl,
How about reusing the HAIKU site design? At least recognisable.


Greetz,

Arnold

Other related posts: