Update: It's been awhile since I've worked on threepointoh, but after spending a few weeks learning PHP, I am going to begin working on the dynamic content for the site instead of the graphical layout. Since the site is still in it's earliest stages, I will probably just post descriptions of updates as I finish them. I will primarily be working on my site off a webserver on my computer. It will make it easier for me to modify the database however I want, and I may possibly integrate some of the more useful code onto the current Northwindy layout. If you want to view the current progress on threepointoh then e-mail me at webmaster@NOSPAMnorthwindy.com (remove the NOSPAM).
I've also resolved what my database will probably look like. I have the SQL for it but most viewers don't understand SQL :-P. You have to ask if you want to see that. check out my DB diagram
Description: Northwindy ThreePointOh is the third major site overhaul since the creation of Northwindy Alpha from the original Northwindy.com. Some major drawbacks that will be corrected in the new site include revamped site navigation, faster load time, linked site login (one login for the whole site), and better graphics. The new site pages will conform to HTML or XHTML (haven't decided) standards, and will implement CSS 2.0. The dynamic content will be written in PHP 5 and will allow for easier site navigation than the previous site version. Java applets will be kept to a minimal to prevent long load times on a JVM. Graphics will be done in Flash, and all site content will be original work done by me. The backend framework of the site will consist of a MySQL database that will hold all site articles, user logins and passwords, and other stuff once I get the database relationship hierarchies written. To the average user, the site will be more responsive and have a bigger bang. In the background it will be using more advanced coding techniques than done in the previous site.
The domain name assignments of the site will change once ThreePointOh is ready for the final release next century. The subdomains home.northwindy.com, chat.northwindy.com, and forums.northwindy.com will be removed. A new subdomain threepointoh.northwindy.com will be created that will serve as the web-portal to the rest of the site. The content on the web-portal will be dynamic so you can decide what you want to see and what you don't want to see in your user profile. Site color scheme can change depending on user preference. (Basically the CSS page will be generated by a PHP program that will provide backend options to change the color scheme).
FAQ:
Will there be a threepointoh.com to replace northwindy.com?
Sadly, no. I wanted to do this but the domain has already been taken but threepointoh.northwindy.com will be the official ThreePointOh portal.
How soon can we expect to see this change take place?
Changes will take place as I have free time to update the site. It may take a long time considering how much I want to do with the site. I also need to learn PHP before the dynamic content can be done.
Will changes be made to the gallery or blog?
Mostly cosmetic changes to the color scheme. My goal is to remove a lot of reliance on open-source php programs, and begin working on original and more compatible programs with the site. Those changes, however, will not occur until after the final product so b2evolution and gallery will still be used for awhile.
What will become of the old site?
Much like the original site, it will be archived for historical purposes. Big programs like PHP nuke, phpBB, and probably the chat program will be removed, but the static content will remain the same.
Okay, so the site will look better, but the last site wasn't very good at keeping people interested. How will this one be any different?
The last site was too impersonal and distant from the user. The interface was clumsy and there was simply too much to do. ThreePointOh will be stripped of several things that were not really necessary such as the forums and the chat room. With a more friendly environment, I will ocassionally post essays I've written or evaluations of products. As a computer scientist I will keep you up to date in the latest technologies, my personal recommendations, and interesting articles. An average user will visit and not have a clue what's what. So there will be articles describing things about the site, possibly coding hints to help more advanced users. Basically the target audience is everyone from first-time Internet user to programming guru. Who knows maybe I'll get feedback on some of my recommendations since computer scientists generally have varying opinions on things.
Anticipated Scripting languages:
Date of preliminary site planning: April 5, 2006
Expected Webflow resolution: a few weeks
Expected preliminary static HTML/CSS construction: a few months
Expected dynamic page scripting: TBA
Expected graphics creation: TBA
Expected Final Release: TBA
Expected Archival of Northwindy Alpha and northwindy.com domain implementation of Northwindy ThreePointOh: TBA
