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Recent Posts

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26301
SMF Forum Mods / Re: DC SMF Search Mod - an improvement search for smf forum (codename Zillarank)
« Last post by mouser on July 10, 2007, 02:52 PM »
Here's the description by smf of their licensing choices, which always seemed pretty reasonable to me, and it's why i never worried about this issue:
http://www.simplemac...about/opensource.php

I can understand their expressed desires and don't have a problem with them.
26302
Living Room / Re: Google in Sicko Storm - Welcome to democracy google style
« Last post by mouser on July 10, 2007, 02:47 PM »
Jimdoria, I hope you are a professional writer - and if so, please point me to more stuff of yours i can read -- you really write well and in an entertaining style.  :up:
26303
SMF Forum Mods / Re: DC SMF Search Mod - an improvement search for smf forum (codename Zillarank)
« Last post by mouser on July 10, 2007, 02:09 PM »
perhaps they are flexing their muscles ready for when they feel a change of philosophy is due and move into more profitable areas.

yes, i have somewhat of a fear that this might be the case and we could see a change of licensing model in the future.
26304
Find And Run Robot / Re: [bug report] last version 126 introduced new bug ?
« Last post by mouser on July 10, 2007, 02:06 PM »
Now this bug:
if i type "f ph", i should only see my "Mes Photos" folder, but instead it only shows my action keyword result ! trying to launch my photoshop cs2 exe...

is something different altogether, and i think i just realized the cause..
i think the +action trick is trying to be clever and detect that there is only one result, and so it should show you text about the action.  that's normally what you want, so that you can see what action will be applied to what file.

but something is confusing it.. some interaction between the aliases.. i'm just not sure exactly what.  can you email me your alias file(s) -- might make it easier for me to fix.

as always i appreciate these bug reports so much -- especially when they deal with these esoteric uses that wouldn't otherwise get much testing :)
26305
Find And Run Robot / Re: [bug report] last version 126 introduced new bug ?
« Last post by mouser on July 10, 2007, 02:00 PM »
ok, let me try to tackle one thing at a time, since this is a bit confusing!
first, you can tell FARR to not match items in your search history if they are not in current search path; this is a controversial option and i'm not sure what the default should be.  Maybe i can make it a little smarter so that when it sees you are using a directory modifier it will never try to match it against history items not in path, but when you dont use a directory modifier it will.

Screenshot - 7_10_2007 , 2_00_06 PM.png
26306
SMF Forum Mods / Re: DC SMF Search Mod - an improvement search for smf forum (codename Zillarank)
« Last post by mouser on July 10, 2007, 01:54 PM »
A reply i posted which addresses some of the "why" issues that cranioscopical suggested i tackle:

Did you ever see the movie "5 easy pieces" -- there is a famous "no substitutions" scene where jack nicholson is in a restaurant, trying to deal with a waitress who is "just following the restaurant rules".. that's how i feel about smf now:
http://www.youtube.c.../watch?v=6wtfNE4z6a8

I appreciate you guys taking the time to explain your positions.
I would however direct you to look at this post by Rudolf: http://www.simplemac...sg1156617#msg1156617
which discusses some of the inherent conflict between saying mod writers can't include modified source file but can include a package mod file which is nearly identical.

Much of the argument above seems to deal with it being unwise to copy modified files over your installed files unless you really know what you are doing.  I couldn't agree more.  I never suggest anyone do this.  So you don't have to convince me of the wisdom of that.

The reason i have always included the original+modified versions of the smf files i change in my mods is to make it 1000x easier for people who dont use the package installer to compare files and make the changes manually.

You guys probably already know from many posts on the forum that the package installer, while something to be proud of, can be difficult to get working properly when you have multiple mods that affect the same files.

I do not use the package installer -- i know others don't as well.  We like to modify the files manually so we know what's being changed and where, and we can correct for unanticipated interactions.  In my mods i include the original and modified file so people can use a normal dif/compare tool and see easily the changes that need to be made, and so people can use a proper merge tool to merge in the changes.

The package mod file format is poorly suited to manual merging.  I've done it before and it's a huge pain compared to having a set of modified files and being able to do a visual side by side compare+merge.

I belive it is an unreasonable rule.  No one is talking about allowing forking or redistribution of your entire forum software.

It's easy enough for you to change the rule to say that mod writers can include modified versions of the files. If you want me to rename them so as to avoid the possibility of someone mistakenly overwriting one of their files, fine.

I know this will sound harsh and probably uncalled for, but in my view this is one of those cases where we can see whether a company (smf) is more focused on users+coding, or following corporate rules and unable to adapt these rules when they are harmful.  I know you disagree but for me, this is one of the ways i decide which communities i want to be part of.  It's not like we're getting paid to contribute mods.  I have supported smf financially with donations and i continue to believe it's a great piece of work, but i'm just having real second thoughts about the smf corporate model.
26307
SMF Forum Mods / Re: DC SMF Search Mod - an improvement search for smf forum (codename Zillarank)
« Last post by mouser on July 10, 2007, 01:53 PM »
I don't think it has to do with anyone being upset at criticism of their search code.. however i do think that it suggests that for every 1 person they have working on improving the code, they have 10 people doing legal and corporate compliance and marketing..  Not really a promising sign.
26308
Living Room / Re: Who is more corrupt?
« Last post by mouser on July 10, 2007, 12:56 PM »
hahahahaha what a poll..  ok i voted.
26309
General Software Discussion / Re: ZipInstaller: Install Windows applications from a ZIP file
« Last post by mouser on July 10, 2007, 12:37 PM »
thats a brilliant idea  :up: :up: :up:
26310
The Form Letter Machine / Re: Variable case?
« Last post by mouser on July 10, 2007, 12:19 PM »
this is definitely something i've been meaning to add.
i'll put it on my todo list and try to get an improved version with support for this soon (next few weeks).
26311
Screenshot Captor / Re: [Bug] v. 2.32.02 - Button Off-screen on License Key Confirmation Dialog
« Last post by mouser on July 10, 2007, 12:10 PM »
thanks for the report, i will endeavor to fix.
hey, at least you can still see part of the button :)
26312
SMF Forum Mods / Re: DC SMF Search Mod - an improvement search for smf forum (codename Zillarank)
« Last post by mouser on July 10, 2007, 12:09 PM »
I should note that wordzilla himself was not angry about this, and he isn't the one causing the ruckus -- it's really just me in a very foul mood about what i see as a really bad sign about what's going on at smf.

Maybe my mood will calm down about this, but I'll tell you, if you ever see me reacting like they did to someone offering an improvement to this site or one of my programs, please shoot me immediately.
26313
SMF Forum Mods / Re: DC SMF Search Mod - an improvement search for smf forum (codename Zillarank)
« Last post by mouser on July 10, 2007, 12:05 PM »
You'll probably sense that a good deal of my anger about this stems from the fact that it's been almost a year since i've been trying to get someone at smf to fix their broken search code, and felt like i was just speaking into the wind, mystified that no one was taking the broken search issue seriously.

Then when wordzilla agreed to devote his time to improving it, and went through the considerable effort to creating something others could benefit from, and we posted it, i was sure that wordzilla would see some very happy smf people, thrilled that he shared his improved code.  All the time he was working on it I was telling him how wonderful this would be to all smf forum admins, and cheering him on.  He did a lot of work he didn't have to in order that it could be understood and used by others.

When I finally posted it i was anxiously waiting for the nice replies about wordzilla's mod and the thanks he surely deserved.

Instead, we got one comment, accusing us of violating a rule that makes no sense and threatening to "escalate the issue" if it's not fixed by friday.  If this is how they thank people who are trying to improve their software and help their community, then count me out.
26314
SMF Forum Mods / Re: DC SMF Search Mod - an improvement search for smf forum (codename Zillarank)
« Last post by mouser on July 10, 2007, 11:53 AM »
I'm still hoping someone at smf will wake up.
Here was my initial response and maybe it will shed some light on my feelings:

from smf reply to wordzilla posting his modification for others:
UPDATE: It has been agreed that including the full Search.php file is redistribution, which you have not been given the permission to do. As the package already includes the modifications in the xml file, just remove the Search.php file and you'll be compliant. If we don't see this fixed by Friday, we will be forced to escalate the issue (and we really don't want to have to do it, it is a waste of time for everyone).

And my reply:

I understand that when big corporations get involved in things that things get more confusing, but this response to us trying to share an improvement that we finally gave up waiting for smf to fix and wrote ourselves, after i've been asking smf to pay some attention to for almost a year, is mind boggling to me.

My inclination at this point is to just take down this mod, and the other inline image mod we did that people seem to like, and just never mind.

I understand you are just doing your job but I'd really like the smf coders to take a reconsider if this is the approach they want to take with these things, it's just the wrong attitude in my opinion.  We included a mod, and then the patched version of one file.  It's just silly to object to that.  For people like me who do not use package mods and modify the files themselves, stopping people from including a modified file is insane.

If i sound bit peeved it's because after all of this time asking people to fix the bugs in smf search, what i really expected was a "cool, thanks for working on this and sharing it!".

We'll remove our mods and maybe this can spark a discussion on simplemachines about changing your approach to mod writers, if not, que sera sera.  Please understand I'm not mad at you Motoko-chan, I'm sure you are just doing your job.  That's why my protest is against your job instructions and why i want someone who makes the rules to read this post and think about this approach.
26315
SMF Forum Mods / Re: DC SMF Search Mod - an improvement search for smf forum (codename Zillarank)
« Last post by mouser on July 10, 2007, 10:43 AM »
I wasn't very clear --
basically what happened is that when we released the modification, instead of a thank you we got someone an official smf person complaining that due to a tiny technicality we were violating their license and we should correct it within a few days or face legal action.  in fairness the correction we were being asked to make was minor, but the only attitude left me with a really bad taste in my mouth, and it's a non-sensical rule that just makes it harder for people to share their mods, so that's why i had such a negative reaction.
26316
SMF Forum Mods / Re: DC SMF Search Mod - an improvement search for smf forum (codename Zillarank)
« Last post by mouser on July 10, 2007, 02:00 AM »
A little background to this mod and why it has been temporarily removed from download for now:

Many of you know that the smf built in search functions are flawed -- users have been complaining about it not finding posts for a while.  After failing to get smf people to fix the search after almost a year of begging and pointing out the problems, wordzilla dove right in and spent some real time fixing them and improving them, and was looking forward to improving them even more.

I was so proud of the work that I went and posted to the smf forum and invited people to try it if they wanted;  after asking for a fix for so long and then sharing one i really thought there would be some genuine thanks and appreciation.  Instead we got a pretty rude note saying that the zip file with the fix contained a modified version of one of the files, which is illegal according to their licensing, and we need to remove it and only include the "diff" file or the issue would be "elevated").  For people like me who dont use the package installer, the rule against not including a patched file is harmfull, and the attitude of the smf post was just plain offensive.

So in protest i've asked wordzilla to remove his mod, and I will report on how this issue develops.  I hope it's just a little glitch that is cleared up and that once the smf developers see what's happening they will change their approach.  I'll post a follow up later.  If it stands, I will remove our other inline image mods as well and we will wash our hands of the matter.

26317
Older Newsletters / Newsletter for July 9th, 2007 - Codename "Member Mania"
« Last post by mouser on July 09, 2007, 08:27 PM »
Newsletter for July 9th, 2007
Codename "Member Mania"


"If you read nothing else on our site, read our BLOG"



1. From the Editor

Greetings everyone and welcome to another edition of the DonationCoder.com newsletter, proudly labeled as non-spam and virus-free by one out of five internet service providers.

First things first, I need to remind everyone in the area that there will be a DonationCoder.com Early Dinner (4pm) LUNCH (and maybe dinner) on Saturday July 14th, in Champaign IL.  All DC members are welcome, and I will be paying the bill for anyone who has to drive for more than a couple of hours to get here.  There will only be 2 or 3 of us, and I am a social recluse, so bring your own conversation topics please.  Email me to RSVP ([email protected]).

In the editor's corner this month i wanted to mention a post in our discount section, about an email that a member got from GenieSoft, which stated that because he purchased Genie Backup using a discount he was not entitled to the normal free upgrade that normal purchasers were.  While there has been a trend lately with some websites offering cheap licenses for software but limiting the support / upgrades / license length, DonationCoder has never participated in such arrangements.  All discounts used from our site are 100% equivalent to a normal full-price purchase from the company.  We made some quick emails and got the situation cleared up and clarified for all members.  This isn't the first time we've contacted companies on member's behalf, with similar results.  One of the benefits of us all working together on the site and exhibiting solidarity with each other is that companies take more seriously any problems that a member might have.  We are looking out for each other -- if you have a problem with a company, please post about it so we can help.

Lastly, I wanted to announce that we created a new section on our forum that is open only to supporting members.  The new supporting member's only "Preview Software Release" section will be where we post early releases of our new software programs for members to try and comment on.  We encourage our coding members to use this section as well to get some early feedback on new programs.  This new section means members will no longer have to request download links to get access to early releases.  Find and Run Robot v2 beta is available now on that section for your download pleasure.


2. Our Members Write Stuff
Some people are under the mistaken impression that our site is just for programmers -- it's not!  It's for programmers and non-programmers alike -- anyone who loves the world of software.  But one thing is for sure, the members on our site are busy beavers and they love to create and share stuff..



3. Member Site Spotlights and Mini-Reviews
Some of you are writing some great stuff out there on the world wild web, and we're going to start spotlighting more member sites each month:



4. Countdown to FARR v2 Release
After almost a year of solid development, Find and Run Robot version 2 will be released to the public later this month.  It's a huge release for us and supporting members of the site can now download an early release of v2 with 7 fantastic plugins described below, and more on the way.  We're very excited about this release as you might imagine!



5. Discounts for July
Supporting Members, you've got until July 15th to enter this month's Free Shareware Giveaway.  The Discounts run until at least July 31.



6. Your Input Requested!
We want your participation on the DC forum! It's ok if you're normally shy and reserved and scared to post questions and comments -- we give you permission to make an exception for these posts.  Some people think our forum is only for expert power users, but it's really a giant mix of users, and we want you to participate, regardless of your background.  So take a deep breath and jump in!



7. General Software Discussion
Above all else, discussion on the DonationCoder.com forum focuses around software, old and new, and finding the best tool for the job.  Have a question or want advice on what program to use? Ask it!



8. Fun and Games
Our readers are obsessed with productivity and time management, but even the hardest workers need an occasional quick burst of recreation and diversion.  Nothing too complicated -- just enough to recharge your batteries.



9. The Wonderful World of the Web
Are you suffering from IOS (Internet Overload Syndrome)?  We thought so.  Have you just figured out what web2.0 means? (get ready because web3.0 is coming soon).  To help reduce your overload, here's a list of some of the more interesting website discussions, debates, and discoveries that have come up on the forum over the last month..



10. Developer's Corner
Don't be thrown off by the name of this section on our forum.  It's not just for programmers.  It's also for people interested in starting their own business and website developers, students and entrepreneurs.  Even if you're not sure whether you belong in that category, you might want to poke your head in and see if there's anything interesting out there that might want you to start up a new hobby.



11. Website of the Month

Each month we choose a site that we think is deserving of special attention.  This month's choice, JayIsGames.com, is long overdue for us since we post stuff we find on the site constantly.

  • JayIsGames.com used to be a one-man site, but it's expanded in the last year or so and is now a multi-person blog that has gathered a real community behind it.  While there are lots of places you can go to discover new flash games, (and an occasional installable game), very few sites provide such enjoyable and informed commentary on each game they post about.
  • Not satisfied to simply be a review site for flash games, JayIsGames.com has actually been running flash game programming competitions, and the results have been outstanding, and of a much higher caliber than anyone had a right to expect, and are not to be missed.  The 3rd game competition deadline is this month, July 15, with the highly anticipated results to be posted soon after.

26318
Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: Compact AutoRunner v1.0 - Small, compact, customizable cd autorun menu!
« Last post by mouser on July 09, 2007, 03:26 PM »
Congratulations carroll/hamradio  :up: :up: :up:
looks beautiful.
26319
Living Room / Member Site Spotlight: Becoming a Writer Seriously - Tools and Trade Secrets
« Last post by mouser on July 09, 2007, 03:06 PM »
We're going to try to do more spotlighting of member websites.  This is a great one for writers, and has a special section on software for writing.  If you are interested in the business end of writing, this is a must visit site.

Becoming a Writer Seriously: Tools and Trade Secrets for Aspiring Writers

http://becoming-a-writer-seriously.com

Emphasis will be on detailed descriptions of HOW writers can utilize available TOOLS to best advantage. Over time, the blog will also provide an overview of the various pieces comprising the BUSINESS side of writing. Our aim is to become an indispensible resource & reference on the web for writers.


Screenshot - 7_9_2007 , 3_02_53 PM_thumb.png

26320
General Software Discussion / NosillaCast Podcast: A Technology Geek Podcast
« Last post by mouser on July 09, 2007, 02:51 PM »
Allison Sheridan runs a very fun podcast that talks about software and technology (focuses more on mac stuff than pc).

She did a nice segment last week on my Screenshot Captor program, but the real reason to listen to it is for the laughs -- anyone who has tried to advise a resistant family member on buying a computer, and anyone who has fought with MS Word formatting will definitely appreciate it and find themselves nodding in agreement.

26321
Developer's Corner / Re: It's A "Must Read" - Static Versus Dynamic Typing (A great overview)
« Last post by mouser on July 09, 2007, 02:30 PM »
Nice reading --
Personally i think strong static typing is a very good thing, and dynamic typing is asking for trouble.
26322
DcUpdater / Re: LATEST VERSION INFO THREAD - DcUpdater - 1.12.05 - JUN 30, 2007
« Last post by mouser on July 09, 2007, 11:04 AM »
i've fixed the UAC vista stuff in the new version which will be released soon (it was caused by MS VISTA heuristic of trying to run programs with the words update/setup/install in them ).  Thanks go to taichimaster who figured out the problem.

i think i remember seeing something about http: proxies, ill look into it.
26323
LaunchBar Commander / Re: Error handling when a drive not available
« Last post by mouser on July 09, 2007, 10:40 AM »
this came up once before i think..
question: what should LBC do in this case?  show the buttons but grey them out?
26324
Official Announcements / Site of the Month for July 2007: JayIsGames.com
« Last post by mouser on July 09, 2007, 01:50 AM »
Each month we choose a site that we think is deserving of special attention.  This month's choice, JayIsGames.com, is long overdue for us since we post stuff we find on the site constantly.

JayIsGames.com used to be a one-man site, but it's expanded in the last year or so and is now a multi-person blog that has gathered a real community behind it.  While there are lots of places you can go to discover new flash games, (and an occasional installable game), very few sites provide such enjoyable and informed commentary on each game they post about.

Not satisfied to simply be a review site for flash games, JayIsGames.com has actually been running flash game programming competitions, and the results have been outstanding, and of a much higher caliber than anyone had a right to expect, and are not to be missed.

The 3rd game competition deadline is this month, July 15, with the highly anticipated results to be posted soon after.

26325
DcUpdater / Re: Adding support for zip files
« Last post by mouser on July 08, 2007, 04:02 PM »
Or maybe just limit themselves to unzip to the same directory as the .dcupdate file?
this is what i was thinking.

I think unzip would be the simplest unless the plugin installer needs to do some pre or post commands before/after the installation like deleting some old stuff etc.
yes, in fact this pretty much cancels the idea of simply shelling an exe unzipper, since the updater may need to do post processing, and thus needs to know when unzipping has finished.  i'm looking for an open source unzip lib now..

External EXE is also good, but then you might have different people using different installer...Inno, NSIS, MSI...., so the user-experience might not be consistent.  Also, they might all show up as entries in Add/Remove Programs.
the updater already supports launching downloaded exe installers.
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