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Buddy World is go?
About Truespace Archives
These pages are a copy of the official truespace forums prior to their removal somewhere around 2011.
They are retained here for archive purposes only.
Buddy World is go? // Roundtable
Post by splinters // May 9, 2008, 1:43pm
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splinters
Total Posts: 4148
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I am puzzled though. I put the site files in a folder called 'members', I then used the one.com site to generate .htpasswd and .htaccess files. Popped them both in the members folder but there is no sign in box just the webpage which should be private showing as an empty placeholder.
Edit: scrap that, it had not copied over the two files but it won't accept my password now either...very strange... |
Post by v3rd3 // May 9, 2008, 10:47pm
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v3rd3
Total Posts: 388
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To understand this a bit better, the .htaccess file is used to allow configuration changes in the directory you place the file in that override the configuration details in the main configuration file. You would need this facility if you were using software or scripts that required variation from the default Apache config. (Not sure if you are aware but .htaccess and .htpasswd are Apache server configuration features, not network operating system). In order to use the .htpasswd file the .htaccess file must have the information necessary to point to the .htpasswd file in it.
The .htpasswd file is a flat file with users and passwords permitted to use the directory.
The most likely cause of your dilemna is one.com may have turned off the Apache switch to allow use of .htaccess. The server admins would have the authority to allow or deny use of this feature.
You will find that most ISP/IPP server administrators disable your ability to use .htaccess as it can cause significant performance issues. Effectively in order to allow .htaccess to change configuration details in lower level directories Apache will have to validate all "layers" above your .htaccess file to build an authorization tree. This can slow down the server an awful lot with many users.
First thing to do is verify with one.com that the config for your set up allows .htaccess.
You should see something in your .htaccess file that looks like this:
AuthUserFile /secured_content/book001/uzrs/.htpasswd (path to pwd file from directory with .htaccess file)
AuthGroupFile /dev/null (device null means no group file is defined, you can create a user group profile if you wish, but that is more commands)
AuthName "Buddysworld Books (adds some text to the pwd prompt)
AuthType Basic (There are only 2 authtypes... basic and digest.... I understand basic.... digest.... not sure... maybe eats something...like cookies :D)
After this I think there are one or two more things to add that declare user authentication is required (thus setting up the prompt when you attempt to access the directory)
More later.... |
Post by Heidi // May 10, 2008, 10:55am
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Heidi
Total Posts: 335
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Don't you need to set up an SQL database for usernames and pw's? |
Post by v3rd3 // May 10, 2008, 6:00pm
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v3rd3
Total Posts: 388
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Not specifically. The .htaccess and .htpasswd files are directory/file level security managed by the Apache Server. The .htpasswd file contains the usernames and passwords of users able to access the information in the directory containing the .htpasswd file. There is also a method for creating group level authorizations linked into the password file.
If you wish, you may create additional security for your website using a sql database to create an additional authorization layer. This is definitely an option worth considering.
Allow me to explain. In any server environment you have the security features of the network operating system (NOS) to control access to features or data. Apache is a component of the physical installation of the server that manages internet access to the server. Apache has its own security system for managing access to directories and files. Apache security cannot override the NOS security system (at least it certainly would not be by design).
When we create web sites we can create an additional layer of security to supplement the NOS and Apache security layers. This would take the form of a user or content management system. Userid's, passwords and other attributes of the users are stored in a database with a supervising application that authenticates the users and their access rights. |
Post by hemulin // May 11, 2008, 10:42am
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hemulin
Total Posts: 1058
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Not specifically. The .htaccess and .htpasswd files are directory/file level security managed by the Apache Server. The .htpasswd file contains the usernames and passwords of users able to access the information in the directory containing the .htpasswd file. There is also a method for creating group level authorizations linked into the password file.
If you wish, you may create additional security for your website using a sql database to create an additional authorization layer. This is definitely an option worth considering.
Allow me to explain. In any server environment you have the security features of the network operating system (NOS) to control access to features or data. Apache is a component of the physical installation of the server that manages internet access to the server. Apache has its own security system for managing access to directories and files. Apache security cannot override the NOS security system (at least it certainly would not be by design).
When we create web sites we can create an additional layer of security to supplement the NOS and Apache security layers. This would take the form of a user or content management system. Userid's, passwords and other attributes of the users are stored in a database with a supervising application that authenticates the users and their access rights.
Do you think it would be much simpler to use a simple CMS to create a GUI for managing permissions then? Personally I have a CMS that I use to managed permissions and manage content. However if splinters were to want each client to have their own username and password would it be easier to install a basic CMS just to do the permissions as appose to configuring apache permissions manually? |
Post by splinters // May 11, 2008, 11:46am
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splinters
Total Posts: 4148
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Mmmm, that sounds complicated. Anyhow, I got it working thanks to the support staff at one.com. If you go to www.buddyworldbooks.com and try to enter the site you should get asked for login details now.
This will keep it private while I work on the site but I am definitely going to need some help in getting the whole thing up and running safely and to keep it maintained. |
Post by v3rd3 // May 11, 2008, 1:22pm
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v3rd3
Total Posts: 388
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Your best bet is to decide the tools you want to build your final product in now. Every option before you has its own learning curve and effort level in terms of future maintenance. The main benefit is that you build what you need the first time.
The suggestion regarding a CMS is a good one as you can configure a CMS to offload a lot of work to your end users.
A Content Management System allows you to configure page appearance etc at what we can call the "techie" level. Many are written in PHP or Perl and use CSS to control page layout. Once you have established a series of templates for the pages you want to publish the CMS has tools that allow you to add content without diving in to individual pages. Many have simple editors that allow you to change a specific piece of content.
An added benefit of these types of tools is that features such as blogs or forums are often included in the suite of tools. You don't have to lose your mind or your time adding such components.
The initial configuration of a CMS can be time consuming but the later advantage of automating password management etc can save you a great deal of time later.
Two very good open source CMS are Mambo and Joomla. Joomla is a splinter off of the Mambo project. I suggest you have a quick look at their sites as I believe both have demos and you can view a comprehensive list of addons etc.
Also of interest is an open source project called osCommerce. Yup! A full fledged, though fledgling in some ways, ecommerce suite that can be integrated with online payment systems. No fees or royalties. Your transaction costs with online payment systems remain however.
Professional help with a number of these tools is available as well.
Have a quick look just to understand the capabilities.
As always, let me know how its going. |
Post by splinters // May 12, 2008, 4:58am
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splinters
Total Posts: 4148
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Wow, you guys never cease to amaze with your knowledge and willingness to share it. Thanks a lot.
I am trying to get through examination material for now so I can get a breather and look into all this. When I get a little free time I make a few more images to put into the site.
I really think I am going to have to invest in paying something to do all this, especialy if I am ever to actually make any new content.
I have seen the Joomla stuff and it looks great, very easy to update and change stuff.
More from me when I catch a breath!! |
Post by v3rd3 // May 12, 2008, 5:44am
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v3rd3
Total Posts: 388
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It's a pleasure to see the things I learned in my "previous" life put to good use.
Good luck with the marking and we'll cya when you are done. |
Post by splinters // May 12, 2008, 11:43am
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splinters
Total Posts: 4148
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Cheers Bill, another hour should see my own project marking done...then I begin moderating work from other schools. After that, three weeks of marking examination papers.
I will try and convert as many images/books as I can but I expect it will be late June before I get a long period of free time to work on this...:(
Still, I do get 8 weeks summer vacation so that should help...:D |
Post by v3rd3 // May 12, 2008, 2:10pm
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v3rd3
Total Posts: 388
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From what I know of teaching that is a well deserved respite.
BTW, I'm not going anywhere soon :) |
Post by splinters // May 16, 2008, 11:36am
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splinters
Total Posts: 4148
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I keep grabbing a few minutes here and there to work on this then I realise how much work needs doing on each and every image. I made progress on the Castle which is much better than it originally was... |
Post by Jack Edwards // May 16, 2008, 12:36pm
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Jack Edwards
Total Posts: 4062
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Looking good Splinters :jumpy:
This just *needs* to be turned into an interactive childrens' video game... :D
(Something along the lines of Myst but more fun.) |
Post by splinters // May 16, 2008, 12:45pm
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splinters
Total Posts: 4148
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Cheers Jack. As soon as I get some funds to hire a programmer/developer I will do just that. In the meantime I have to get on with the imagery and content....and I need to somehow get these guys in without scaring the kiddies....:rolleyes: |
Post by frank // May 16, 2008, 3:28pm
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frank
Total Posts: 709
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Good-looking stuff here!
Hey... I had forgotten about the werewolf character (remember seeing him in the gallery some time back) and scarecrow. Nice work on all of them! |
Post by v3rd3 // May 16, 2008, 9:27pm
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v3rd3
Total Posts: 388
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Reminds me too much of my in-laws..... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaGH!
Very well done... ;) |
Post by splinters // May 17, 2008, 12:13pm
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splinters
Total Posts: 4148
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Well guys, a lot of the links from the main map are active in the site now and I spent most of the evening looking into Paypal options/buttons/subscriptions etc.
I am now ready to start converting the books themselves so I can at least complete the sample area of the site.
I am not sure whether to go for a '2.5D' look or just plain flat. I have dumped the idea of flipping pages as I can see them getting real annoying after reading 10 or 12 books.
So, which do you prefer? My site has a black background at the moment so that might have some bearing on what looks best.
Over to you then, which works best bearing in mind I will have to change size/format for different books. Oh, and those arrows are only temporary. |
Post by Dragneye // May 17, 2008, 1:31pm
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Dragneye
Total Posts: 602
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Wonderful work splinters. I like the first cuz it keeps the 'book' feel, but the type may need to be clearer. The second one is cleaner (also easier for you?), easier to read, but not as...mmm...showy (lol, that's the first word that came to mind); effective, but not as ... umm, esthetically better. Hope this helps. |
Post by Jack Edwards // May 17, 2008, 3:07pm
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Jack Edwards
Total Posts: 4062
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I too like the 2.5D book version better. It looks more like reading a book instead of going through a "captioned art gallery". Considering your target audience, the more you can do to add visual elements that draw in the children (and their parents) the happier your customers will be and the kids are likely to stay more interested as well.
Also I can easily envision the stylized page turn arrows at the bottom lighting up and rocking side to side when moused over.
Also I wouldn't ditch the page turning. That can add to drawing in the ready and help promote the necessary "suspension of disbelief" required for all fantasy environments. Something to keep in mind is that sometimes all you need to do is play the page turning sound, and the user will think page turn even if he doesn't see it. Probably a simple feathered horizontal wipe with a page turn sound would be plenty adequate, though a generic page turn animation would be fine too. You just don't want it to take too long. |
Post by v3rd3 // May 17, 2008, 5:52pm
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v3rd3
Total Posts: 388
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I like the 2.5D as well. The only suggestion I would have would be to avoid having the text displayed over the fold by narrowing the margin a small amount.
The background colour of black may work just fine for the book presentations as it will make the page content stand out quite nicely. I might suggest that you use an old web guy trick of texturing the colour.
I often use small bitmap files to break up monotonous backgrounds. For example, I created a quick web page for a friend who is selling his home and used this technique to texture the background a bit. You can see it here.. http://www.exechomeforsaleincobourg.info/
Usually you would use something small.. for linear patterns 9x9 px works well. I think I used 13x13 or something like it for this one.
BTW, one of my neighbours is an arts and entertainment editor for an arts focused paper here. When you're site is up I will see if I can encourage her to review your stuff and try to get her, or one of her colleagues, to give you a plug.
Keep at it... great stuff. |
Post by MadMouse // May 17, 2008, 10:21pm
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MadMouse
Total Posts: 1069
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I think the book version is by far the best. As Jack said it will give more of a reading experience instead of just thumbing through a picture gallery, as will the page turning effect. Much more more for you of course but its not like you've got anything else to do :rolleyes::D |
Post by splinters // May 18, 2008, 4:49am
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splinters
Total Posts: 4148
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Much more more for you of course but its not like you've got anything else to do :rolleyes::D
Hmmmmmph! :mad:
www.buddyworldbooks.com is live now although there is not that much there. I am going to port over the sample stuff from the buddyworld.co.uk site and then replace it one book at a time so it looks better. Feel free to visit it either way and let me know what you think of the layout etc.
Now, money time. What would be best; £5 a year or £15 for lifetime membership...or am I charging too little for what will amount to 25-30 books and other activities?
I can set up a subscription service on Payapl which will invoice at regular intervals but how to restrict access to those with a password if they do not renew, considering that a yearly fee will end at different times for different people...:confused:
Am I charging too much?? |
Post by hemulin // May 18, 2008, 5:28am
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hemulin
Total Posts: 1058
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Feel free to visit it either way and let me know what you think of the layout etc.
One of the things that strikes me at the moment is that the FAQ and SignUp pages look a little uninviting just having yellow and red text on a black background. Also the gate looks as though it has no depth.
I really like the peek-hole however I just think at the moment the scene looks a little too sinister, too dark for a main page to entice young customers. ;) |
Post by Jack Edwards // May 18, 2008, 5:42am
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Jack Edwards
Total Posts: 4062
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I agree with Hemulin. Text pages are not very inviting and I think black is a bad background choice for a child-friendly site. Better would be to have a graphical frame that the site is contained within.
If you did want to use a background color, maybe yellow or white would be better?
For the FAQ and simple pop-ups, it would be better to have them pop up in a graphical Flash or Silverlight window that fits with the theme of the site. |
Post by MadMouse // May 18, 2008, 5:42am
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MadMouse
Total Posts: 1069
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Looking good Paul. Maybe the 'Sneaky Peak' hole in the fence could be a little larger, the you could have some graphics behind. Maybe an eye peaking back.
I agree with hemulin on the FAQ and sign up pages being a little blank, could do with some artwork behind. Maybe a collage of your characters with 30% transparency.
As for money????? How hard would it be to be able to also pay per book? It crossed my mind that because of the range of ages you cover a parent might only want access to the younger books etc.
HTH
Steve |
Post by splinters // May 18, 2008, 6:17am
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splinters
Total Posts: 4148
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Cheers guys. With the exception of the main map which I am pretty happy with, all the other images are really just 'placeholders' until I can spruce them up. This really is a large project; it just took me a couple of hours to add the Little Cloud sample pages to the site, I haven't even started on the 'real' books yet...:( I guess there are 300-700 pages to render!!!)
I need a Tardis.
I agree about the background too and I plan to use a tiled texture eventually; maybe white/grey with a light grey logo for each different range. Leave it with me..more experimentation! |
Post by Finis // May 18, 2008, 7:37am
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Finis
Total Posts: 386
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Style, Flat vs. 2.5D: I'd use the 2.5D book style with no page turning animation. Be sure the text is always easy to read even when near the uh ... fold (seam? spine?). Maybe the arrows could have mouse overs that show a page turning motion or picture appropriate for forward or back.
Style, Background: Use the textured backgrounds like v3rd3 said. A background for artwork should not enhance or diminish any aspect of the work. Neutral gray with a noise texture, like this example (http://www.phosphorgallery.com/A_pages/175FRM.html), doesn't brighten or dim the colors or influence the texture of the picture. For your site I would use the background color and texture for "theatrical effect". Use it to help convey the mood of a page or part of a story. Use it like the music in a movie.
Using the Medium: Since you are now working toward a website instead of printed material use the medium in ways printed material can't offer. Animations, sounds, background music. Although I would prefer no page turning animation ... if you do use it then it could work like the background color. Slower turning for calm parts of a story, sudden or even omitted turning before a full page of werewolf face appears.
Money: I'd go with yearly membership. A lifetime membership has appeal to customers because it intuitively seems like a good deal. Yearly is good because there is limited time period when each child will remain interested and many of them will not behave honestly their passwords. Most kids will explore the whole site or grow older than the target age group and then lose interest. So focus on getting new customers from the continual supply of new kids rather than on customer retention. Most kids will share their passwords with their siblings and friends and there is little you can do about that. They will copy your CD's too. Best not to have a lifetime membership for the cheaters. Yearly also means getting paid for new material you add to the site. Rely on sales of CD's, printed books, Pepe posters, and other merchandise for supplemental income.
No guess here about how much to charge.
I like the peephole in the fence on your intro page. |
Post by Ambrose // May 18, 2008, 8:46am
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Ambrose
Total Posts: 261
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Hi Splinters
Think the prices are ok.
I've just followed this with the side of my eye and if I understand correctly you've set it up via some service.
If I were you I would set it up at home with router an old pc - laptop and use php and mysql, this is also how you would set passwords etc. and expire times for those.
There's a ton of info out there for php, good thing with php is that it's module based so if you know what you want there's probably a module out there doing just that, or a slight modification but not much more.
Like this forum is very easy with php.
Keep up all the good work!
SeYa/Ambrose... |
Post by jamesmc // May 18, 2008, 8:51am
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jamesmc
Total Posts: 2566
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Instead of having a plain background for the pages and plain arrows for page turning, why not make it fun for the children? I'm sure their little learning minds are adaptable enough to understand inventive ways to turn a page.
Here's an example, borrowed the image you had displayed to illustrate the effect.
Anyway, it's how I would approach it or maybe something even different, an animating spining wheel with an arrow thing on it or ... |
Post by v3rd3 // May 18, 2008, 12:37pm
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v3rd3
Total Posts: 388
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Just a small thought but you might consider having Pepe, or Doris, looking out from the behind the gate to invite readers in. This can give you a nice depth cue as well as introduce characters on first sight..... |
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