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slippy · Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 2:24 pm Post subject: Herobase - Decision Time!

Hi guys, this ISN'T off-topic, it's heroes related! I know I've already got a Herobase topic, but I need votes for this one.

Now, I know most of you don't have the slightest interest in the Herobase Project until it's got some content in it that you can actually USE. Well, I want it to reach that stage, and it will - but I need your help to make a decision.

You see, YOU are going to be the end users of this project, so I think it's only fair that you all get a say in how the data is presented to you.

Due to a lack of knowledge on the database front, I've settled on three options for the Herobase.

Option 1 - The Herobase Wiki
Option 2 - Herobase Central
(The first page of this link lists the downloadable "extra content" for option 2 - it's also accessible through herobase central itself)
Option 3 - no link - an amalgam of options 1 & 2 - using a wiki to present "Herobase Central" but NOT the Herobase itself, and using external links from the wiki to the downloadable content.

I REPEAT - Option 3 would NOT present the data as a wiki, only the extraneous stuff, like discussions, downloadable content links, etc.

Option 1 entails entering ALL the data manually into the wiki site. The data is not "reusable" as far as I can tell - meaning that I cannot automatically extract the data into different file formats for future expansion, although the wiki content itself is easily editable and searchable, and cross-table relationships are easy to maintain using internal links

Option 2 requires me to enter all the data into an access database stored locally on my computer. I then have to export this as a spreadsheet, which then gets imported into google spreadsheets for online viewing and collaboration.

The biggest problem with Option 2 is that importing it into google spreadsheets truncates the really long scene descriptions in the database. On the plus side, the data in the access database IS reusable, so I can provide it online for users to download and view the untruncated version. I can also export the data as XML and a whole host of other file-formats. Unforunately, most of these file formats do not preserve cross-table relationships.

So you can see, each option has benefits and drawbacks, so please, have a play, feel free to edit anything you like (if you can) - it's all temporary data at the moment, anyway, see which setup you like best (remember, it's all prototype, so it'll be a bit sketchy in places) then come back and cast your vote.

Oh, please don't base your votes on content, coz I've spent a LOT MORE TIME playing with Herobase Central than I have with Herobase Wiki, so the first has a lot more content

Once I've got enough input from y'all to make a decision, I'll start furiously entering data, and it shouldn't be many weeks after that before you've all got a nice theory-food resource!

Would I be embarrassing myself if I BEGGED for your input? Smile

Edit: Added this:

That's not to say I'm limited to the 3 options above....if you have a better idea of how to present the data, please tell me.
Also, if you DO want to play around with editing any of the documents, PM me your email address and I'll add you as collaborator to all the relevant parts....and you may even get credit on the final project!

Jormengrund · Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 1:28 pm Post subject:

Slippy:

You know that if I had the ability to help, I would.

I say that both one and two sound like good choices. Two sounds a bit more of a time cruncher for you, but potentially good for the browser. Number one sounds like a great idea for the info surfer, but not for someone wanting more than just the words.

I'm torn. Can I add a fourth option? I don't know which would be better? Try both or all three at the same time?

How's that strike you? *evil grin*

slippy · Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 3:50 pm Post subject:

I'm open to any and all suggestions, Jorm!

Jormengrund · Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 4:19 pm Post subject:

email me a database file and info, and when I have some spare time, I'll do entry for you.

slippy · Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 6:33 pm Post subject:

Lol, I was kidding!

Jormengrund · Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 7:00 pm Post subject:

lol

I can always all data to a template and email the stuff back to you for you to post. I don't get on my home computer much, so I'd be doing the stuff from here at work during dull times, or waiting for a database here to compress, so I honestly could have a few hours during the day to enter things in.

If you have an empty template and the information you want entered, I'll type away and fill in the areas you're wanting, then I'll email that batch back to you, and wait for the next one.

That sound like a workable agreement?

slippy · Posted: Sun May 06, 2007 12:33 pm Post subject:

It's a kind offer, Jorm....the only data entry that's being done is transcribing the actual episodes into the database. I'm thinking that maybe you can't actually get away with watching a TV show on the office PC? If you can, and you still wanna do it, hit me on messenger and we'll work out the details. If you don't see me online, try sending me an MSN IM anyway - I might be hiding.

BTW, you may have noticed that my sig here on the boards has changed. In the interests of not looking like a spammer with my links plastered all over the place, I'm linking all my personal projects at my "Slippy Lane" website, which I've linked in my sig. It's one extra click, but hey, your finger needs the exercise.

SuperHiro · Posted: Sun May 06, 2007 3:08 pm Post subject:

slippy · Posted: Sun May 06, 2007 4:16 pm Post subject:

Yeah, but it's messy. I'm all for neat, me.

Jormengrund · Posted: Tue May 08, 2007 1:23 pm Post subject:

True on that. Slippy feels that the word Anal Retentive isn't just in all caps, but it needs the hyphen as well!

I actually can't get away with watching episodes online, so I think the data entry won't work.

Unless, you save the file into a windows media player format, and are able to email it to me!

I've found a chink in my firewall, and I'm going to see if I can exploit it!

See if you can save the episode you want me to watch in a WMP format, and can email it to me. If you're able, I should be able to watch the episode, and do the entry that you'd want from me. Let's do a couple of trials, and I'll see if I can actually help you out, or just cause more problems for you.. Whatever the outcome, I'll still be keeping you busy!