MOW
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Post by MOW on Apr 23, 2007 20:27:04 GMT 9
Ok everyone I'm working on a new, easier to use Alumni Database and I need your help with some QA.Take a look at it at www.f-106deltadart.com/database-summary.htm and let me know if this is worth the effort of moving off the more complicated Intranet Database I have. This is the early stages, but any and all feedback is appreciated. It takes a few seconds to load the page after you click the link above. Thanks, Pat
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Post by Tom Dlugosh on Apr 23, 2007 23:52:18 GMT 9
The new database looks pretty straight forward to me, but I don't have a problem with the old one either. If the new one is easier then I would go for it.
Tom Dlugosh
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Post by Jeff Shannon on Apr 24, 2007 11:17:56 GMT 9
I agree with Tom, If it's easier to update great. I know I would like to update some information on mine. By the way there are 2 with my name on them.  |
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MOW
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Post by MOW on Apr 24, 2007 18:20:54 GMT 9
Well, unfortunately you still will not be able to edit data, same as before, but I thought the interface might be a bit more user friendly. My thought of changing it was based on some comments that logging into my Intranet website where the other database is stored was confusing and maybe that was a cause for folks not registering. I do like the idea of displaying the data in the standard website format, as you can see from this test page www.f-106deltadart.com/database-summary.htm, but that's a visual preference not a functional one. |
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MOW
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Post by MOW on Apr 24, 2007 20:01:36 GMT 9
I feel bad that each and every one of you can't go in and edit your own records. In order to do that everyone would have to have their own database account (instance), and unfortunetly having hundreds of accounts accessing a database like this is costly. Thus, most hosting sites don't allow for it.
That said, I still feel bad that getting data updated isn't faster for you all since I'm the only one that does the updates.
We can change that, with your help. If I could get a couple/few trusting and dedicated folks to accept the task of complying with update requests, I'd be willing to give them my database login account.
I could also make an e-mail account specifically for data update requests that these same folks could access. I put a obvious link to that address on the database pages, and advertise it, in the hopes that folks would use it.
Any thoughts on this idea? I know there are some out there who wish they could update data easily. While I can't allow everyone to do it, I think I could make it a lot easier to get done.
Pat
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Post by Tom Dlugosh on Apr 25, 2007 1:02:43 GMT 9
Pat,
If you e-mail me with a list of things I would have to do and how much time you think it would take, I might be able to help out. I'm only semi retired and, at times, don't have much time. So if I wouldn't have time to do whats necassary prorperly then I wouldn't want to commit and hang everything up.
Tom Dlugosh
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Post by pat perry on Apr 25, 2007 1:17:05 GMT 9
I feel bad that each and every one of you can't go in and edit your own records. In order to do that everyone would have to have their own database account (instance), and unfortunetly having hundreds of accounts accessing a database like this is costly. Thus, most hosting sites don't allow for it. That said, I still feel bad that getting data updated isn't faster for you all since I'm the only one that does the updates. We can change that, with your help. If I could get a couple/few trusting and dedicated folks to accept the task of complying with update requests, I'd be willing to give them my database login account. I could also make an e-mail account specifically for data update requests that these same folks could access. I put a obvious link to that address on the database pages, and advertise it, in the hopes that folks would use it. Any thoughts on this idea? I know there are some out there who wish they could update data easily. While I can't allow everyone to do it, I think I could make it a lot easier to get done. Pat Hi Pat, I agree with the others. If the old data base is not presenting a problem, then why change it? Which ever is easier and cheaper to maintain is probably the best. I don't think the update process is a "show stopper" since there is an email provision to make updates. I would, however, recommend that the next time you freshen up the Squadron pages that you might include a direct link to a sorted page of Alumni for that squadron. Put the link right there next to the Squadron logo so that if visiting browsers get to their squadron page they can jump quickly to the Alumni to see who's signed up. That may encourage them to go ahead and sign up while they are there. I know the Alumni Database link is in the left margin of the squadron page but unless you have been to the site several times it is easy to overlook until you stumble upon it. When you Google F-106 your site is on top of the list. The home page has all the squadron logos so it's intuitive to go there pretty quickly. Then, if the squadron alumni link is right there it's easy to see who's registered, sign up and and possibly communicate via email with those you served with. The next hurdle is to get the new visitor to join the forum (separate registration process) and join in the conversation or at least sign the guest book and leave their email address so others who know them can track them down. Back to laying mable tiles in the bathrooms... Pat Perry 456th FIS |
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Post by Cougar on Apr 25, 2007 2:10:46 GMT 9
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MOW
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Post by MOW on Apr 25, 2007 11:24:35 GMT 9
Its been so long since I registered that I don't remember how I did it, but is it possible to have a single registration page, allowing check boxes that would allow the signee to be listed as an alumni and/or join the forum. Activating the check box would automatically transfer data from certain fields to its appropriate location.  Does that make any sense   Nope they are two separate sites. No data sharing between the two. |
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MOW
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Post by MOW on Apr 25, 2007 11:30:11 GMT 9
... include a direct link to a sorted page of Alumni for that squadron. Put the link right there next to the Squadron logo so that if visiting browsers get to their squadron page they can jump quickly to the Alumni to see who's signed up. That may encourage them to go ahead and sign up while they are there. That's what I cannot do with the current database. I cannot embed any pages or even link directly to a particular view in the database. A visitor will always be taken to the Guest Logon screen. I already have views for every FIS in the database, they have always been there, but you have to navigate with the dropdown menu to select one. This new database I can embed views like what you see at www.f-106deltadart.com/database-summary.htm, which I like, and also I can link directly to a database view like I added on the www.f-106deltadart.com/456fis.htm page. Click there and see the 456 FIS Alumni Data link, which takes you to a page of only 456 folks. I can add an entire database link section to each page so you could view data, add yourself etc. The new database gives me more control over how to display data and allow you to get to it, although it's a lot of work to get there. But I think it's worth it. |
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Norm Weiderhaft
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Post by Norm Weiderhaft on Apr 25, 2007 13:14:16 GMT 9
Since I am retarded---oops retired & spend a lot of time on line I would be willing to help out with updates. Hopefully it would be easy, since I am a slow learner now that I'm retired.
Let me know if I can assist & what would be involved...
Norm Weiderhaft
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MOW
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Post by MOW on Apr 25, 2007 13:23:32 GMT 9
Thanks guys for volunteering to help me out with some of this. What I'll do is tweak things up and then get back with you and we'll discuss what we need to do. Knowing I have the help is 90% of the game, now I can make some plans.
Thanks guys.
Pat
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Post by pat perry on Apr 25, 2007 13:27:19 GMT 9
... include a direct link to a sorted page of Alumni for that squadron. Put the link right there next to the Squadron logo so that if visiting browsers get to their squadron page they can jump quickly to the Alumni to see who's signed up. That may encourage them to go ahead and sign up while they are there. That's what I cannot do with the current database. I cannot embed any pages or even link directly to a particular view in the database. A visitor will always be taken to the Guest Logon screen. I already have views for every FIS in the database, they have always been there, but you have to navigate with the dropdown menu to select one. This new database I can embed views like what you see at www.f-106deltadart.com/database-summary.htm, which I like, and also I can link directly to a database view like I added on the www.f-106deltadart.com/456fis.htm page. Click there and see the 456 FIS Alumni Data link, which takes you to a page of only 456 folks. I can add an entire database link section to each page so you could view data, add yourself etc. The new database gives me more control over how to display data and allow you to get to it, although it's a lot of work to get there. But I think it's worth it. Ah OK, now I understand. Tally Ho toward the new data base. That's a neat direct link example on the 456th page. Like Tom & Norm, I'll be glad to help any way I can. I like the idea of being able to register on the squadron alumni page when you see all your old buds on the list. BTW, I forgot to thank you for showing the last 30 posts -THANKS! - That will really help when a flurry of posts hits the forum and you don't have to go "folder diving" to find what you missed. OOOhrah! Thanks, Pat Perry 456th FIS |
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MOW
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Post by MOW on Apr 27, 2007 18:15:14 GMT 9
Ok, I'm going to change the database over to the new location this weekend. I'll let you know how it goes. I'll get the new one up before I disable new registrations in the old one.
Pat
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Post by Cougar on Apr 27, 2007 23:34:35 GMT 9
Thanks guys for volunteering to help me out with some of this. What I'll do is tweak things up and then get back with you and we'll discuss what we need to do. Knowing I have the help is 90% of the game, now I can make some plans. Thanks guys. Pat Ya mean ye had about us helpin out with tha forum ;D ;D ;D Just let us know what ya need, we will respond...  |
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