proposal

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s.dot
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proposal

Post by s.dot »

I have an extreme amount of familiarness with social network community sites. I am not saying I would like to spearhead such a project (although I'm not saying I'm against it). But, wouldn't it be such a good idea? A devnet open source social networking site.

We could implement several of our sites most popular posters' superior scripts.

- d11wtq's Swift Mailer
- feyd's SHA256 library
- maugrim the reaper's challenge/response login tutorial
- ambush commander's HTML Purifier (could get extreme heavy usage in such project)
- my own make_safe_url() class
- and I'm sure some others.

Haven't there been failed attempts at this before.. but never an attempt by the regulars at devnet?

Of course, such thing sounds good in theory, but would require a large amount of dedication.
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feyd
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Post by feyd »

What would be different, besides the inclusion of our already open source code, from existing open source social network softwares?
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s.dot
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Post by s.dot »

The open source & devnetwork branding (and with those, surely, popularity), along with whatever we want to make different. Some of the best php coders are regulars here, so i'm sure with brainstorming, the amount of "cool features" could be limitless.

I haven't seen a publicly available open source software for this. There's scripts you can buy... and then look at the source, if that counts as open source.

But I figure a community where every user could look at the source, and experienced users could propose updates, tweaks, optimizations, and suggestions.
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alex.barylski
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Post by alex.barylski »

I'm thinking community projects fail because of the lack of "executive decision making" which is required for successful projects. d11 and AC have successful projects because they make decisions and stick with it. The minute two or more people are part of project someone has to step up and take control and delegate duties, otherwise things don't get done usually. No one likes being told what to do, especially when your not getting paid for it. :)

You need a team leader and I can't see anyone on here accepting second fiddle. I certainly wouldn't work under anyone. :P

The point is, I think you would best to work on a project like that yourself. When you have a decent code base, ask for help (people are more likely to join the party when it's already fun rather than when it hasn't even begun; Like that story about the Hen and the bread?). At this point, it's clearly "your" project and anyone who works on it, will knowingly be working "under" your dictation.

Cheers :)
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Post by s.dot »

I was always under the conception (maybe misconception) that most group projects have a leader and decisions are voted on, or something similar.

[edit] I would be willing to host a dedicated server for the project, along with a wiki to help keep things organized (and voted on). Teams would need to be set up. Graphics guys, coding guys, guys who could get legal docs. Then coders divided into multiple teams. Database design, central code, "plugins", directory architecture, etc.

I would feel comfortable doing this. Assigning project portions, setting deadlines, and gathering the code from pieces into a workable design and coding.

I feel I would be apt enough to do so, but I'm not sure many would feel the same.
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The Phoenix
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Post by The Phoenix »

If it goes forward, I'm in.

Nothing wrong with tilting at the windmills when they look like myspace and facebook.

As to what it could offer that could be a differentiator: Contact import *and* export. Having a truly open networking site could be a huge thing.

I'm happy to spend some time and energy on such a project. Sounds great to me.
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