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Quest Database (sorry about that)
A while back, we had some internet problems here at home. Modem breaking and all that. I just want everyone to know that I'm sorry about vanishing for nearly a month. I will begin looking at the QDB again shortly, and trying to look into getting a solution up (personally, I'm beginning to think a scrap and start over might be the best solution for the site at this point).
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
woah....
Scapping all that work seems a bit extreme to me, ya don't junk your car just because it gets a flat.
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tygore
(personally, I'm beginning to think a scrap and start over might be the best solution for the site at this point).
That IS a good idea. Right now we have an OoT link artwork on a program which is a supposed to be a Z1 clone, and that it has a rather dull boring brown background with Lttp graphics. Out with the old and in with the new! (You know, I was going to put an "aggresive" word in the there but) (.__.)he disagrees
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
Changing a few graphics is one thing, rewritting a database is another.
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Freedom
Scapping all that work seems a bit extreme to me, ya don't junk your car just because it gets a flat.
No, but you do when the various repair costs don't seem to be worth the trouble in comparison to buying a new model. There are several problems with the current site, some of which are with the administrative control panel. Functions which worked in the past mysteriously ceased function, and the person who coded the majority of the site has moved on with his life. Personally, I'm in favor of a much simpler design (less that goes wrong that way), possibly even having a seperate DB setup than that of the ZC.com main page.
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
scrap all and start afresh.... its the simplist (most effective) way to fix most problems with windows... so why not with a database?
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
Quote:
Personally, I'm in favor of a much simpler design (less that goes wrong that way), possibly even having a seperate DB setup than that of the ZC.com main page.
There was a seperate QDB site to that of the main ZC.com one in the past - about three or four years ago, I believe.
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
Just start with uploading quests till you have made a new one.
We have this one and have to deal with it till you can show a better one .
It also would be a good idea if someone else also can upload instead of now only one person , we saw what happened when you where away................nothing , nothing at all happened:shrug:
People get nervous again , the questdatabase looks out of order again, and new quests aren't uploaded .
be a little creative till everything works again , like now you can't upload screens in the Questdatabase , make a thread in the forum put the screenies there till you can put them in the questdatabase and make a link in the questdatabase in the quest for the thread where they can see the screenies ;)
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
Tygore, I agree with Elise and Freedom. Don't scrap it unless you absolutely have to. Also, Eckels has been around lately, maybe he'll listen now.
Anyway, back to my point. If you would like assistance with running the DB (uploading quests and such), I'll be glad to help. Just a thought. 2 heads are better than 1. At least in this aspect. If for some reason one should go down, you'll have the other to cover. But, that's an admin call. Might be a good idea to bring it up to them.
I'd hate to see this happen again.
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
I'm a little torn on this one... I agree with both sides in some way.
For the "scrap it!" side, I agree because, well, it would be the more efficient way of fixing the QDB problem. The recent QDB is completely screwed up. We don't have a flat tire, we have problems with the engine, transmission, and control panel!
For the "fix it!" side, I agree since people would have to reupload all of the quests. Not only that, but the votes, comments, downloads, and upload/update dates would all be reset.
Which would be the better choice? (Great to hear that you're back, Tygore! :) )
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
Here's my idea: Start afresh, and make a temporary forum in the Zelda Classic forums to act like the temporary main site until the actual main site is up again.
Or... just do whatever you think is best. Currently, I'm siding with "scrap the old and bring in new stuff!" The site probably needs an entire overhaul anyways...
EDIT: Yeah... I think I'm gonna re-enforce that with a change in the rating/comment system. Right now... it's uhh... sorta... not so great. I'd move it to a 20 or 50 scale if not 100... 5 with some halves just isn't enough. As for the comments... I think it's a bit obvious.
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
hope you finally got my pm about the ZC files, Tygore. if not, i'll pm you again, or if i need to upload any additional files, lemme know.
as far as ZC.com, redo it. it was great when first unveiled, but being littered with errors, spam comments, and the overall look is just getting stale.
g'luck.
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pineconn
I'm a little torn on this one... I agree with both sides in some way.
For the "scrap it!" side, I agree because, well, it would be the more efficient way of fixing the QDB problem. The recent QDB is completely screwed up. We don't have a flat tire, we have problems with the engine, transmission, and control panel!
For the "fix it!" side, I agree since people would have to reupload all of the quests. Not only that, but the votes, comments, downloads, and upload/update dates would all be reset.
Which would be the better choice? (Great to hear that you're back, Tygore! :) )
the person managing the main site can just copy the quests and images off the server and re-upload them later when everything is back to normal... no need for quest designers to re-upload there own quests again.
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
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Originally Posted by franpa
the person managing the main site can just copy the quests and images off the server and re-upload them later when everything is back to normal... no need for quest designers to re-upload there own quests again.
The only thing bad about revamping the whole thing, is the stats that some of those quests have. If you wipe it, they'll have to start fresh.
Other than that, if it's that bad, go ahead and wipe it.
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
It depends. Is it possible to edit the number of downloads? If so, the current download counter could be set to the correct value if a new ZC.com is created. Comments aren't too important, and votes could be added quickly. (I suppose someone could download each quest the appropriate number of times if the current engine is scrapped. :D But that would take painstakingly long.) We can always borrow and use the Pure ZC engine. :shrug: It works.
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
It's all nice that you want to have the site fixed, Tygore. But what of the Database being updated? Are you still monitoring that?
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
yeah thats kind of what my thinking is too :shrug:
You took JayeM's job her job was to upload quests ........ the database issue was left to myth.... ( sorry lost his name ) but he moved on cause his questions weren't answered .
If he was answered maybe the questdatabase was already back in full function by now . :googly:
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
I believe that what is needed is a database team.
Manager - This person organizes the team. Hires/replaces team members. Deals with conflicts. Delegates jobs. Finds people who can solve problems. This could even be two or three people to allow for checks and balances and to make sure someone is always available to get things done if a manager is gone (sickness/vacations/etc.)
Programmer - Again, could be more than one person. This person either codes the database from scratch or finds a database somewhere and modifies it for use here. They add new features to the database and fix things that are broken.
Database Front End Designer - Again, could be multiple people and could even be one or more of the programmers if they are also good at layout and design issues. This person designs the look of the database. Obviously, strong web design skills are a must. This person passes their designs on to the programmer(s) who then code the back end of the database.
Quest Uploader - Again, could be a team. This person's only responsibility is to upload quests, descriptions and screen shots. People would submit quests to them complete with descriptions and screen shots and this person would upload them to the database. An alternative idea would be to give everyone upload rights and have this person moderate quests. Instead of uploading quests every day, they simply log into the database and are presented with a list of uploads for the day. Clicking accept on an upload moves it from the waiting area into the database.
Database Assistant - This person (could be more than one) handles questions about the database. They clarify suggestions and pass them on to the Database Front End Designer or the Programmer. Ideally, they would be the only link between the database users and the rest of the team.
Thoughts/suggestions? If the database truly is in limbo right now (nobody is currently doing any sort of work on it and hasn't for some time), then I volunteer to assemble the team to get things going again.
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
Dark Nation, truely a magnificent idea! Top of the top! This is definately something that needs to be done! A++ man!:thumbsup:
I totally agree 100% with this idea.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dark Nation
An alternative idea would be to give everyone upload rights and have this person moderate quests
The only issue there is you could easily get fake or demo quests uploaded. Where the DB is for finished quests only. Just a thought.
And would like to volunteer as either a Quest Updater or DB Assistant, or both.
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dark Nation
I believe that what is needed is a database team.
Manager - This person organizes the team. Hires/replaces team members. Deals with conflicts. Delegates jobs. Finds people who can solve problems. This could even be two or three people to allow for checks and balances and to make sure someone is always available to get things done if a manager is gone (sickness/vacations/etc.)
Programmer - Again, could be more than one person. This person either codes the database from scratch or finds a database somewhere and modifies it for use here. They add new features to the database and fix things that are broken.
Database Front End Designer - Again, could be multiple people and could even be one or more of the programmers if they are also good at layout and design issues. This person designs the look of the database. Obviously, strong web design skills are a must. This person passes their designs on to the programmer(s) who then code the back end of the database.
Quest Uploader - Again, could be a team. This person's only responsibility is to upload quests, descriptions and screen shots. People would submit quests to them complete with descriptions and screen shots and this person would upload them to the database. An alternative idea would be to give everyone upload rights and have this person moderate quests. Instead of uploading quests every day, they simply log into the database and are presented with a list of uploads for the day. Clicking accept on an upload moves it from the waiting area into the database.
Database Assistant - This person (could be more than one) handles questions about the database. They clarify suggestions and pass them on to the Database Front End Designer or the Programmer. Ideally, they would be the only link between the database users and the rest of the team.
Thoughts/suggestions? If the database truly is in limbo right now (nobody is currently doing any sort of work on it and hasn't for some time), then I volunteer to assemble the team to get things going again.
Would that mean at least 5 more Mods?
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
I would like to voulteer my services too to get this thing up and running. I don't know much about coding databases but I can definately help with maintaining the database once it's running properly again.
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
Dark Nation this is the best news we could get , the questdatabase is already out of normal order since Januari and no one ever jumped in or answered our questions on getting it back up , the last try came close but ended like started with nothing , I really hope you are the one that can make a team and that the biggest zelda community stays one , the developers , the questmakers , the quests and the players all on this AGN board. ;)
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
Wow, DN, this is just what we need! I don't care what I would be, I just feel that I need to help the QDB in some way. I say, yes, we need at least 2 or 3 people per job. Unless there are only 15 active members of the ZC board, then that may be too many. ;) I think getting programmers, though, would be the hardest job to fill up.
And, also, the team wouldn't have to be mods, just have their own special title like "QDB Manager" or "QDB Designer" or whatever they would be, similar to "ZC Beta Tester."
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dark Nation
I believe that what is needed is a database team.
Manager - This person organizes the team. Hires/replaces team members. Deals with conflicts. Delegates jobs. Finds people who can solve problems. This could even be two or three people to allow for checks and balances and to make sure someone is always available to get things done if a manager is gone (sickness/vacations/etc.)
Programmer - Again, could be more than one person. This person either codes the database from scratch or finds a database somewhere and modifies it for use here. They add new features to the database and fix things that are broken.
Database Front End Designer - Again, could be multiple people and could even be one or more of the programmers if they are also good at layout and design issues. This person designs the look of the database. Obviously, strong web design skills are a must. This person passes their designs on to the programmer(s) who then code the back end of the database.
Quest Uploader - Again, could be a team. This person's only responsibility is to upload quests, descriptions and screen shots. People would submit quests to them complete with descriptions and screen shots and this person would upload them to the database. An alternative idea would be to give everyone upload rights and have this person moderate quests. Instead of uploading quests every day, they simply log into the database and are presented with a list of uploads for the day. Clicking accept on an upload moves it from the waiting area into the database.
Database Assistant - This person (could be more than one) handles questions about the database. They clarify suggestions and pass them on to the Database Front End Designer or the Programmer. Ideally, they would be the only link between the database users and the rest of the team.
Thoughts/suggestions? If the database truly is in limbo right now (nobody is currently doing any sort of work on it and hasn't for some time), then I volunteer to assemble the team to get things going again.
To clarify to people- upon signing up for this, I was strictly given the duties of quest uploader. However, as problems befell, the responsibility to fix them was put on my shoulders- a task I was not up to. I love the idea of making this a team effort. It really is too much for one person, and was rather overwhelming to feel the brunt of the ZC community as things began to fall apart. Zelda Classic is rather large at this point, and it will take more than one person to maintain a satasfactory database, not to mention having immediate backup incase someone drops off the face of the intarwebz.
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
i could help with the quest uploading if you like.
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
What not be a bad idea, if you can, is to post on the main site that these problems are still [slowly] being fixed. Since the last post was April 28 - I believe - some people may be thinking that ZC has been re-abandoned.
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
I hope I'm not being offensive, but I don't think there have actually been many new quests this year, probably because of the beta developments.
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
That doesn't mean that the new ones that where made don't need to be in the questdatabase does it :shrug:
and that also doesn't mean that someone that made a quest even if it's 3 year ago and wants it in the questdatabase can't do it :shrug:
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
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I hope I'm not being offensive, but I don't think there have actually been many new quests this year, probably because of the beta developments.
How about we get back to the suggestion at hand instead of complaining.
I believe DN has an awesome solution here. Who wants to help?
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
(Yeah, there have been new quests. Check out the Top Ten Lists or the forum QDB.)
Again, I'll offer my help for any needed position. I don't know about programmer... That job should be covered by someone who is skilled with whatever the site uses to run.
Also, if when the site gets fully functional, we have two options. The first is to continue the way the present ZC.com is running - update only when something significant has happened, like the release of 2.11, a new affiliate, etc. The second is to do it like PureZC - update whenever quests have been uploaded/updated. Also, will we still have only quests, or will we allow music, tiles, and tilesets to be uploaded (like PureZC)? There are many possibilties.
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
I don't know a lot about how the database is put together, or the problems with it, I do know a little about html and am familiar with cgi, but my guess is that the site involves php which I haven't played with all that much.
I'd be willing to lend a hand if what knowledge I have would be useful.
Has anyone thought to ask Wild Bill if he'd take a quick look to see if he can pinpoint the problem?
I'd guess he's the most knowledgable in the area that is involved in the ZC community.
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
Yeah, I think it uses php. Ever since I joined and became active, I've never seen Wild Bill in the forums.
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
His forum name here is Raichu86 :)
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
I've rarely seen Raichu86 on. ;) Occasionally, but rarely.
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
Still, If someone could, that knows him well, contact him and ask a favor of him or at least point him in this direction. I would like to think that the more attention that this thread gets, the faster this issue can be resolved, yes?
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
Quote:
Originally Posted by rocksfan13
Still, If someone could, that knows him well, contact him and ask a favor of him or at least point him in this direction. I would like to think that the more attention that this thread gets, the faster this issue can be resolved, yes?
He's wildbill at PureZC and from what I understand built Pure's database, he may not want to be bothered with all of this, I can't say, but I'd guess he is the most experienced in that area that comes around here.
He might be able to locate and solve the problem in a matter of minutes, since he probably knows what to look for.
Someone like me would take months digging around in there trying this and that until it finally started working.
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
Again, what would it hurt to ask him? What' the worste he'd say? No!?
Anyways, I would love to see this getting started. I don't know about anyone else.
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
Quote:
Originally Posted by rocksfan13
Again, what would it hurt to ask him? What' the worste he'd say? No!?
Anyways, I would love to see this getting started. I don't know about anyone else.
I wasn't suggesting it would hurt to ask him, I was letting you know where he is and how to get in contact with him. ;)
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
Yeah, the sooner, the better. Otherwise, we may be getting less traffic and active members in the future.
But we all agree that something needs to be done, whether it be ask Wild Bill to sight out the problem or completely scrap the old database. The latter should really be our "if all else fails" plan. I'm not a member at Pure ZC (for whatever reason I don't get the verification e-mail!), so I wouldn't be able to ask him.
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Re: Quest Database (sorry about that)
why not just ask Eckels he made it and is still an admin here :shrug: