BioRUST Forums - Blogs - BioRUST Development Journal by Man1c M0g http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/ en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:12:58 GMT vBulletin 60 http://forums.biorust.com/images/misc/rss.jpg BioRUST Forums - Blogs - BioRUST Development Journal by Man1c M0g http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/ Back to the bench! http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/245-back-bench.html Sun, 03 May 2009 09:07:22 GMT I must admit something - I've been very bad and skipped the gym for 3 weeks! I wasn't sitting idle, of course, but the change in the season and all the recent gardenwork left me with little inclination to continue. Now that I've started going again, though, my energy levels have perked up and I'm feeling slightly prowly all the time again. I seem to have lost a little strength and endurance, but I'm hoping to make it back in a couple of weeks. I'm definately not gonna have a sixpack for EF, but I'm starting to think that's an impossibility for me now to be honest...

In other news, I've decided to sell my 260L tropical fish tank. It's just lost it's appeal since I had to put it out in the gym due to lack of space in the new house. Anybody interested? I'll supply it cleaned and with plenty of accessories (including a cabinet base), but you'll have to pick it up as I can't carry it very far! ;) ]]> Man1c M0g http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/245-back-bench.html Buddy Activity Box - Now in BETA http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/214-buddy-activity-box-now-beta.html Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:00:53 GMT To those of you who haven't been keeping an eye on my blogs, I hope you like the new feature currently in beta and visible to Premium Subscribers.

A simple idea really, the buddy activity box displays a quick list of content that has been made available since your last visit. It currently informs you:
  • Every time a user 'favorites' an image in your gallery.
  • Every time a buddy/friend adds a blog.
  • Every time someone comments in one of your blog entries.
  • Every time a buddy/friend uploads an image to the gallery.
  • Every time you have a new message or friend invitation.
Best of all, you can click on the relevant links to be taken to a page that displays everything in even more detail.

This system will remain in beta for 2-4 weeks until all the bugs have been ironed out. Of course, if you find any bugs, a quick bug report will be greatly appreciated. After the beta period this new feature will be made available to all members.

As the system relies heavily on promoting the 'friends' system, my next project will be to implement the new profile pages. An example of how this will look is online over at BioRUST.com :: Your Source for Top Notch Photoshop Tutorials & Downloads! (although this is a static HTML page and will soon be converted to accept dynamic content).
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]]> Man1c M0g http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/214-buddy-activity-box-now-beta.html <![CDATA['Recent Additions' Update]]> http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/212-recent-additions-update.html Sun, 25 Jan 2009 22:05:29 GMT Ok, progress is coming along quite quickly now! I've written the main classes for accessing the database and even got the 'recent additions' box working a treat. Now I just have to write the pages that process the information & show the data and we'll be sorted!

I think I might bite the bullet and actually write the 'new images' page first. Wish me luck! I'm hoping to have all this content out into public beta in the next few weeks. :)

PS. If you want a look at the work in progress, take a peek over at http://www.biorust.com/indexmember.p...ember_messages . It will be in various states of construction depending on when you look at it. Oh, and the lastvisit times are set to different times to allow me to track bugs, so don't be shocked if you have tons of unread entries, etc etc. ;) ]]> Man1c M0g http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/212-recent-additions-update.html My Next Project http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/211-my-next-project.html Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:59:55 GMT For my next Biorust-related project I am hoping to develop a 'recent additions' box. This will fit in at the top of the screen and function much like the one in Deviantart. This will be distinct from the one in the current 'sidebar' in that it will only show things that relate to YOU (or your friends as approproate). Stuff like:
  • A listing of all new comments on your gallery submissions since your last visit.
  • New blog entries by your friends
  • New Images submitted to the gallery by your friends (this one will definately take the most work).
  • Notification any time your gallery images are 'favorited' (and by whom).
  • New PMs and friend requests.

Of course, all extra suggestions will be welcome... but do depend upon my coding skill! lol. ]]> Man1c M0g http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/211-my-next-project.html PDF Downloads Failure http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/210-pdf-downloads-failure.html Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:53:32 GMT Sorry guys, but it appears that I will be unable to offer automatic PDF downloads after all. I tried several free server-side scripts, all of which have one fatal flaw - they don't 'float' content & images. This may seem a minor problem, but nearly all our tutorials have images in the middle of text, and the result of this when its uploaded to the PDF scripts is HORRID! There are, of course, commercial scripts that don't have this flaw... but the cheapest is £1500!!!!

If you still want PDFs of our tutorials, my advice is to download a free PDF processor like http://www.cutepdf.com/. I've upgraded the 'printer-friendly' script immesurably over the last few days, so just click on the link (when logged in as a free member or better) to see a new formatting that will print like a dream. :) ]]> Man1c M0g http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/210-pdf-downloads-failure.html <![CDATA[Current Project: Printer Friendly & PDF Downloads]]> http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/207-current-project-printer-friendly-pdf-downloads.html Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:57:54 GMT As promised a while ago, I am now working hard on making automatic tutorial PDF downloads available for premium subscribers. The option *IS* now enabled on the tutorials screens, but whilst some of them display beautifully in PDF, others have a complete flidd and look terrible. Just bear with... As promised a while ago, I am now working hard on making automatic tutorial PDF downloads available for premium subscribers. The option *IS* now enabled on the tutorials screens, but whilst some of them display beautifully in PDF, others have a complete flidd and look terrible. Just bear with me... I'll get it all fixed soon.

PS. In other news, all members should now have access to 'printer friendly' layouts from the tutorials pages with a much cleaner layout. Hope you like!

Edit: Oh ok... the problem with the PDF layouts is that the PDF parser is strictly 100% standards compliant. That means that i'll have to go manually through all the tutorials and tweak a few things. I'll publish my progress as I redo them... ]]> Man1c M0g http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/207-current-project-printer-friendly-pdf-downloads.html Biorust Refresh http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/183-biorust-refresh.html Tue, 09 Dec 2008 20:43:41 GMT Hey peeps! As you may have noticed, I am currently giving Biorust a bit of an overhaul prior to the introduction of subscription services in 2009. The main aim of these improvements is to allow core features to stand out better, and enable more effective use of our resources. In the next two... Hey peeps! As you may have noticed, I am currently giving Biorust a bit of an overhaul prior to the introduction of subscription services in 2009. The main aim of these improvements is to allow core features to stand out better, and enable more effective use of our resources. In the next two weeks I'm hoping that I can:

1. Further refine blog listings on the main Biorust index page. At the moment the HTML is dynamically generated each time, but I could easily code a 2 minute cron-job, which would reduce server load greatly without sacrificing functionality. - COMPLETE

2. Redesign the main site menu so that it has two levels of tabs. Search will vanish into its own page, but the payoff will be one-click access to blogs, the wiki, and the upcoming members section. - COMPLETE

3. Look for better ways to integrate the gallery into the forums software. They are two independant script libraries sharing a common database, but I don't want this to be obvious. A few tweaks should make things more seamless. - COMPLETE

4. Update the vbwiki software and bring the wiki back into life. Although it didn't really take off last time, I put a lot of work into it and there's plenty of content in there for people to enjoy. - COMPLETE

5. Begin work on the subsciption model. We'll need an info page to explain the differences between 'standard' free membership and 'premium' paid subscriptions, and that might need a lot of work. I'm wondering if we need a mascot? - COMPLETE

Anyway, I've got plenty of time off in the run up to the winter holidays, so it'll be interesting to see how far I get before 2009. See you all soon, and if I don't write an update in the next 3 weeks, I hope you all have a happy new year! ]]> Man1c M0g http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/183-biorust-refresh.html Getting Porky! http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/121-getting-porky.html Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:50:00 GMT Oh dear... I may have had a fine excuse recently for putting on weight (i.e. the stress of moving house, settling in, decorating, etc), but even so I've developed too much fat around my midsection! Its time to get back to the gym (my own gym too... SQUEE!) and back onto a diet. This diet *MUST* consist of absolutely no takeaways and good wholesome lunchtime food at work. To be honest, post-mortgage poverty will help me with the former goal, but I still need to work on my self control. I used to have a bit of a reputation as a musclefur but I've lost that in the last year. Its time to take back my rightful title! LOL!

In other news I'm seriously interested in the new Apple 3G iPhone. It will replace my PDA, phone, and even GPS unit (when on foot), so I think I can justify the £35/45 monthly contract. It'll leave me with TONS of minutes and texts to spend a month, though, so I'll have to get started with some serious socializing. Hmm... lessons from Bunni in that regard may be useful!

In slightly sadder news, I seem to have little time left to develop Biorust these days. Life, the mortgage, and working out leave me so strapped for time that I can barely review posts these days (or even play games!). I'd be interested in selling it on to an interested party, but I *REFUSE* point blank to just flog it. The price would have to reflect my last 5 years of effort and the buyer would have to be someone whom I could trust to maintain the community and take it forwards. Alas mature individuals are plenty... but they all lack money. Still, its not a problem I have to sort out right away or maybe even ever. And who knows... circumstances may appear a lot different when I'm finally settled in my nice new house! ]]> Man1c M0g http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/121-getting-porky.html Credit Crisis http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/95-credit-crisis.html Mon, 17 Mar 2008 22:28:42 GMT Just when I'm buying mine & Bunni's first house, a credit crisis hits. I'm now gonna be utterly terrified until they accept our application. I suppose that applying for a professionals-only mortgage makes me a lower risk than most, but its still an awful gamble... and right before a mega easter holiday too. *whimpers and hides in the corner* :( ]]> Man1c M0g http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/95-credit-crisis.html Great first week of driving! http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/86-great-first-week-driving.html Sun, 27 Jan 2008 23:43:00 GMT 300 miles later, and I've finished the first week of my independent motoring life with no accidents or scrapes whatsoever! Typical to form I ended it tonight with a bit of a shock (driving in very thick fog), but overall I now feel comfortable with my car. Just as well really, because next weekend Bunni has me driving to Oxford! *whimpers* ]]> Man1c M0g http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/86-great-first-week-driving.html Skint but happy! http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/83-skint-but-happy.html Mon, 14 Jan 2008 22:15:31 GMT After a very fraught weekend searching for used cars in the local area, Bunni's parents were kind enough to drive us around a few dealerships in search of...]]> After a very fraught weekend searching for used cars in the local area, Bunni's parents were kind enough to drive us around a few dealerships in search of our ideal car... and we found it on sunday in the form of a 2005 Peugeot 206 SE 1.6. Yeah, ok, it may not be massively powerful by some people's standards, but for a kitty who is used to trundling around for lessons in a wrecked 1.2 corsa (read: a lawnmower), a 1.6L 16v engine is an absolute godsend! Plus we got it cheapish too - £5.8k for a 2yr old car thats done 13k miles and is in immaculate condition WITH 12 months road tax, a 12-month MOT, and a full tank of petrol!

Our satnav is arriving on Thursday, and then its my job on saturday to drive it home from Fareham (10 miles). Oh PLEASE let the roads be quiet... ;) ]]> Man1c M0g http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/83-skint-but-happy.html 2008 New Years Resolutions http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/81-2008-new-years-resolutions.html Sun, 30 Dec 2007 10:52:11 GMT
  • Regain peak personal fitness - With a little help from some friendly rivallry, my target this year is to get down to at least 16% bodyfat... with more as a bonus. I once managed 14% bf whilst at uni, so I know I'm physically capable of...]]> Here's my new years resolutions for 2008:
    • Regain peak personal fitness - With a little help from some friendly rivallry, my target this year is to get down to at least 16% bodyfat... with more as a bonus. I once managed 14% bf whilst at uni, so I know I'm physically capable of it!
    • Brush my teeth TWICE daily - I've gotten into a very good habit, and now brush my teeth every night. I aim to improve this in 2008 and brush in the morning as well. It should keep the dentist happy, and reduce food cravings too (mint flavor always makes me feel less hungry for some reason).
    • Start on a housing deposit - I've had enough of renting. My medium-term plan is to hang around Portsmouth for the next 3 years. Beyond that, though, I'd really like to get onto the housing ladder, and for that I NEED a deposit. Of course, 100% mortgages will still exist in 2011, but if the financial turmoil persists they'll be somewhat rarer, and with stupid rates that make you feel raped. My goal is to save a total of £10k (with Bunni's help, of course), by 2011.
    • Be a safe driver - I've just passed my test, and I'm quite a liability on the roads! My goal for 2008 is to drive at least 2000 miles without getting a single scrape on my nice new vehicle.
    • Get a tiger-stripe tattoo - I keep talking about getting a tiger-stripe tattoo on my arm, but I never actually get down to it. This year I will source an artist for a design that I like, and then get it drawn on my left arm. No excuses!
    • Quit Smoking - I started smoking a cigar or two a week this year because it gave me a buzz. Now I don't feel anything from them, though, and they ARE unhealthy, so it's time to give them up!
    • Publish more tutorials on Biorust.com - My pet project, Biorust, has been neglected somewhat in 2007, thanks to interference from real life and World of Warcraft. I plan to publish at least 20 new personally-written tutorials in 2008. This will require more than a little help getting stock photography, but at least the technique explanations will be easy...
    ]]>     Man1c M0g http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/81-2008-new-years-resolutions.html 2007 New Years Resolutions - Redux http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/80-2007-new-years-resolutions-redux.html Sun, 30 Dec 2007 10:50:05 GMT The Successes
    • Take better care of myself - A complete success! Although I did fail somewhat at cooking all my own food (Bunni won't let me cook because I'm a disaster zone), I have got into the regular habit of going to bed around 11pm, and I now...]]> The Successes
      • Take better care of myself - A complete success! Although I did fail somewhat at cooking all my own food (Bunni won't let me cook because I'm a disaster zone), I have got into the regular habit of going to bed around 11pm, and I now brush my teeth every single night. Oh, and my sleep is excellent because my PC is now in a separate room, so I don't have to worry about leaving it on.
      • Learn how to drive - After years of promising, I *FINALLY* took lessons and passed my driving test! Around time too - I'm getting on in years and the added mobility will be nice! :p

      The Failures
      • Regain peak personal fitness - Oh dear! I totally failed on this one, and slipped back quite a lot. To be fair, its not entirely my fault - I've had a MAD year including a house/job move, learning how to drive, etc... all of which has left me with little energy to get back into the fitness thing. Next year, though, I aim to really get back into it by pitting myself against several people in a fitness competition. I can't help it... I'm just competitive that way, and a bit of friendly rivalry could help lots!
      • Save more intently - See above! ;) I am rather skint at the end of this year, but at least I'm still solvent, and my new place has LOTS of stuff i've always wanted, including all my own furniture, a fully equipped home gym, and a massive fish tank. Not a failure due to wasting money at any rate... ;)

      Well, that's it for my 2007-related entries! New resolutions for 2008 will follow later... ;) ]]>       Man1c M0g http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/80-2007-new-years-resolutions-redux.html Light at the end of the tunnel... http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/55-light-end-tunnel.html Sat, 27 Oct 2007 10:56:22 GMT Good lord... I feel like i'm just starting to come out of a very long tunnel. For the last 8 months I tried to cope without anti-depressants and I thought I was coping well, but in reality I was just sliding downwards so slowly that I didn't notice the decline. I lost all interest in friends, family, and my hobbies. Now that i've been back on my SSRIs for a week, however, I can feel the beginnings of a renewed energy and interest in all things... and seem to be able to pay attention again, which is bringing my driving on really nicely.

      If I ever decide to try to live without my happy pills again and you notice me sliding, you all have permission to slap me! ;) ]]>       Man1c M0g http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/55-light-end-tunnel.html       From Peaceful Bliss to Mayhem! http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/47-peaceful-bliss-mayhem.html Sun, 07 Oct 2007 21:49:13 GMT Just got back from Centerparcs, and I'm glad to say that I had a pretty good time! Me and Alex opted for a restful sort of holiday as opposed to a busy activity-based one and it worked well. Perhaps the only active thing we did was horseriding, which was scary and cool at the same time. Who else but me would be given a HUWGE stallion called Aslan whose shoulder was level with the top hairs on my head!?!. Still, it was quite easy in the end - rather like driving a car, but with a mind built into it so you do not need to concentrate on all the minutae. If I ever move to Canada I may take riding up properly!

      Oh, and whilst I'm here and may as well report that my fishtank now has fish! All I have at the moment are 7 cherry barbs and 3 cory catfish, but its a gentle start I suppose. The pH of the water remains a high 8.0 due to the local water specs, but the fish & plants don't seem to mind. Hell, the snails and algae are multiplying like crazy - I may have to go and get an Ancistrus-type catfish to help with cory's with the clean-up! I'm also keeping my eye on one of the Cory's which seems to have lost a bit of it's tailfin. Thing is, I can't remember if I bought him like that, or if someone has been doing a bit of fin-nipping. This shouldn't happen with the amazingly timid-type fish in my tank so far, but you never know!

      I have a weights set and bench arriving on Saturday, which I will use to restart my training programme. I'd been trying to get it all done at my local gym, but its plain IMPOSSIBLE at peak hours, as it's massively oversubscribed, leaving the iron section a total warzone. I'd much rather just do it at home! Sure, I'll miss the eye-candy, but at least I'll get a proper workout!

      That's all for now. Work starts again in ernest tomorrow, and I'm also working over next weekend, so this will be the last complete day of rest for 12 days. *cry* ]]>       Man1c M0g http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/man1c-m0g/47-peaceful-bliss-mayhem.html