PerlBB

Hello again. Well, its taken over 12 weeks, but I've finally released an early version of perlBB (my open source forum system). Version 0.4 (codename Field Mouse) just works as a simple message log (no replies). I'll add full thread capability as soon as I can get the code for it to work. Check out my homepage if you'd like to see a demo. If you'd like a peek at the code just search sourceforge.net for perlBB. Any comments appriciated.

Steven.

The prototype looks interesting, however I think you need to majorly rework the HTML/CSS on the page. I know, it isn't really part of framework of PerlBB, which is what you're probably most concerned about, but if you want to demo something, make it look good! Another feature which you should/could have is being able to use templates from other forum software, such as vBulletin or phpBB.

Secondly, what features are you going to have, or what will PerlBB offer us webmasters that phpBB and the commercial vBulletin don't offer us already? You have to make some unique features in your software if you want people to choose your software instead of someone else's.

Good work, though! I can imagine this is quite a project for you.

Thanks for the feedback Joe. I agree the HTML front end does look a bit ropey. The thing is, the main reason I put an early version online is to see if it can take the heat. If I came back the next day and the thing had started doing weird things when the posts began to build up I'd know I had some serious fixing to do. That said, I realise that proper software testing is a bit more of an exact science than simply sending an app to the wolves and seeing if it gets eaten :) .

Steven.

Secondly, what features are you going to have, or what will PerlBB offer us webmasters that phpBB and the commercial vBulletin don't offer us already? You have to make some unique features in your software if you want people to choose your software instead of someone else's.

Thinking about such things when you project has just seen daylight is not such a good thing. Also addding all the customer friendly features to your software along with all the goodies would be too much for him.

MushyPea, what you need to do is gather as many people as you can for your project, get Perl intermediates interested in your project and maybe then start worrying about the customer friendly features. Visit various Perl dedicated forums, get people interested by posting about your project in their geek lounge. A good and serious helping hand is what you require at this stage since the concept has already been seeded.

Your project should basically have two things, complete working template along with a good front end (to attract people).

Hope that gives you some ideas.

Thinking about such things when you project has just seen daylight is not such a good thing. Also addding all the customer friendly features to your software along with all the goodies would be too much for him.

Sorry. I like to be a perfectionist, but maybe this is the wrong time to say stuff like that... :cheesy:

In any case, for attracting developers, the most important thing is to show some stability - after all, people like coding new features, NOT fixing bugs. Test it like mad, and make sure that there aren't any obvious bugs. It'll help build confidence among potential project crew members.

Well, version 0.5 is now installed on my home page. The following features have been added over version 0.4:

• Threaded discussions
• User registration

The front end still looks a bit shoddy but you know....patience dear Watson. Also, the user registration is hidden from public use until I can get password hashing working. If you have any more comments or questions about the project, you could try starting a thread on my home page. Sorry Dani, not supposed to say that here I know. But I think you'll understand in this case :) . Thanks go to Matthew Diefenbacher (mattyd), who's artwork will soon be the official project logo.

Steven.

Nice :)

Any possible chance that we can see the logo that Matty designed for you? I'd very much like to see it.

Nice :)

Any possible chance that we can see the logo that Matty designed for you? I'd very much like to see it.

Just check my home page again, it's now in place. Be warned that a broken link lurks behind that image, under no circumstances click it (yet) :) . What it will link to soon will be a project profile page stating my goals for the software and giving credit for any other peoples code used (and Matty's logo of course).

Steven.

Be warned that a broken link lurks behind that image, under no circumstances click it

:o Oops...

heh, heh, heh... :lol:

Just a quick update about how the forum is going:

1. The website has "gone multiple", with a Haskell forum being added today.

2. A Major Site Update (MSU) is currently in progress. When it's finished the software will be up to version 0.6 (beta). Features to be added include admin and user control panels, user profiles (avatars etc.), a better looking front end and a search engine.

Enjoy (soon) :) .

Steven.

P.S. They'll be smilies too :) :p :surprised :twisted: .