₦airaland Forum

I don't typically review code/layouts that aren't written from scratch. That usually means blogs and cms tools. Nothing against them though. I just figure that even if the customization is the best one known to man, the original concept isn't that of the coder (and that includes stuff that I have done). No offense.

having said the above, I will make an exception here because I see one thing that is glaring, granted it might have been intentional: The "sign up" screen seems to have gone outside of its assigned container area.

@ajaxify
Thanks for signing up.  I have added your name to the positions you've specified.  Please send your contact details to Omni who in turn will send me a combined list.

@omni
You haven't sent me the latest list.  Please do so soonest.

@all
We are now one step closer to actual work.  I have updated the projects doc (attached).  If you don't feel like reading it again (thought it would be a good thing to, considering I have updated "risk areas", "sections" and "assignments", just scroll to the last page ("Page Specs".  This highlights what the pages should look like, assuming no one has any input.  Once approved, wireframing starts (remoranger, are you getting ready?) and after that, we can finally get our hands dirty (design, then coding).

2 of the stated risk factors have raised their ugly heads: communication (not everyone has sent in their contact info) and there not being enough people to fill needed positions.  The latter can be easily fixed though as database work can be combined with back end work and I, and a host of others can handle testing. 

PLEASE SEND IN YOUR CONTACT DETAILS AND REGISTER AT THE (CLOSED GROUP) FACEBOOK PAGE!!

Feedback for the latest addition the projects doc will last till September 23, 2011.  Wireframing will start no later than September 26, 2011.

Next 3 steps (so various peoples can start getting ready):
- Wireframing
- Graphical design, based on wireframes (hopefully we get more than 1 submission, from which we get to vote on 1)
- Front end Design specs (what to use, how to use, peer reviews, etc)

tubiz:
1) I have sent you my request to join. Please approve.
2) From facebook rookie (too lazy to google at the moment ) to facebook pro: How do you delete a page?

@all
Currently modifying original doc, to include break down of the home page and all the inner pages (basically, the inner pages will be based on one template). Expect to hear from me soon.

Open the xml file, look at how many lines you have, divide by 3, copy each third into another file, save it, upload to cpanel

databoy247:
Better not even fantasize (not to talk of dream) of using this tool for our pet redesign project

On a serious note, if you want to build something totally unique, these tools are not the way to go. Sure, I troway salute the creators, especially considering it is free but some clients/companies are trying to build a brand and using designs that someone else is likely to use, won't help them realize this goal.

If I understand what you mean:
When you install joomla, it asks you for the default email address. Each time someone registers on the site (assuming you are using the login module), you get an email to let you know the details of the registrant, that's all.

Again, if I understand what you mean:
If you don't want to get the emails and/or you installed it for someone else and that person should be the one getting the emails, you should be able to change this under the "global configuration", I believe (I stand corrected).

So, unfortunately, I am not familiar with wordpress, sorry

Having said that, I would say that:
1) You should look at the file structure of where you exported from, upload the zip to the root of the new location and unzip such that it mimics the "exported" structure

2) You should bear in mind that blogs are database-based. This means that it isn't enough to just zip and unzip files. I assume you have also exported the database from the old location, for importing to the new location (this might also include using the same username and password you used to set up the blog at the old location, but I stand corrected).

@tubiz:
1) If you don't mind, create the closed group.  I only know enough about facebook to accept friend invites.  Once you are done, let all of us know

2) I transcribed what Omni sent me, regarding your role.  I have taken you out of tester and added you to both front and back end developer roles.  Sorry about that.

@all
1) Webmonk has joined the fray as a graphics designer.

2) In the absence of any feedback, Phase 1 (assignments) ends tomorrow and phase 2 (detailed documentation) starts.  Expect to hear from me regarding this

3) To the effect of #2, an Updated document will be posted tomorrow, complete with breakdown of features for each of the pages

auwal87:
Tell that to Mr. Angaye

"Make use of Nigeria’s domain, .ng, Angaye urges"
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/09/make-use-of-nigerias-domain-ng-angaye-urges/

Well, the error is pretty self-explanatory.

Question:
Was it 4mb after you zipped it or before? If the latter, trying zipping it first. If 2MB or below, load that to your cpanel then unzip.

wow ajaxify! You are making so much money that you can hire your very own outsourcers

@all
Expect "next steps" tomorrow

@databoy:
Refer to post #127

@all
1) This may go without saying but just in case, please try and read all the posts from the last time you read them and not just the very last post. That way, you are always up to date.

2) So far, only 1 person has commented on the document I posted here. I will take it to mean that everyone is fine with its contents. That notwithstanding, I will wait till the self-appointed september 21 before proceeding with the next steps.

@clementcro
Per post #132, first things first. We need to close out any missing issues, with respect to requirements. After that, is wireframing (hopefully). If not, we go straight to design phase. At this point, I would like to get at least 2 versions from 2 separate ppl so that we all can judge. After that, coding.

Don't worry, we will start soon. Remember, I said 3 months for this project. There is a reason for that

@databoy
There has been no information sharing, outside of this thread. you are to check it at least once a day until told otherwise. So far, I have added the latest docs to this thread and pre-emptively created a facebook group. You were omitted from SEO cos omni didn't have your name down for that but I have added it. Sorry about that though

@all
Until told otherwise, please bookmark this thread and visit it at least 2ce a day, until told otherwise.

Jencejyde,

So far, to the best of my knowledge, no one has volunteered for this. Care to step up to the plate?

auwal,

I am well aware of that. My point wasn't that but why we would be doing that. Totally unnecessary

@maximip
Makes sense.

I will wait till the close out day for document modification (sept. 21) so that I actually know who have and have not signed up, before making next moves.

@lakelake
Information architect is the one who ensures that all information posted on the site is in the right place. So for example, taking into account the fact that people look at websites in an "F" pattern, the person would ensure that for example, logo is always at top left, search is at top right, the most important information is, "above the fold" and in general, information is easy to find.

If you haven't already, I highly recommend the book, "Don't make me think" by Steve Krug. It should be in the 2nd edition now

@afam4eva
You asked and I have delivered:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nigeriagovng-Redesign-Group/197530770316668?ref=ts

Now, send me your invite

By the way, this thread will still be open, for the purpose of providing updates. As much as possible, I would like for the FB page to be members-only, until we have something to show.

I am posting the updated version of the doc, which includes names and assignments. Please note that contact info is missing. Send your contact info to omni, who in turn will send to me.

Also, real names wouldn't hurt

Thanks

Oops! I forgot to add a "quick links" section. This will be part of the global features, a quick way to get to key info, since the site will have a lot of info on it.

chaircover:
Thanks.

DDA/508-compliance was implied but since you bring it up, I will add it to the document. Performance will be added as well (do you mean stuff like load testing, load balancing, etc? If not, do explain)

@csharpjava
As discussed earlier, the issue of domain name shouldn't come up now.  For one, as we speak, by advertising your suggestion, some knucklehead will probably reserve the name in hopes that they can negotiate with us.  Secondly, we are not aiming to develop a site that rivals that of the government whereby if ours beats the official one on the SERPs, potential visitors already afraid of Nigeria, per 419, have further reason to cast us in a negative light.  Let us also not forget that we could stand to risk a lawsuit, for violating copyright laws.  We are merely suggesting what the site could look like, that's all

@all4naija
Your concerns have been answered below

@all
Please find attached the initial "plan of attack" document.  Bear in mind that this is merely a "30,000 foot" view of the project.  Suggestions are welcome and will be incorporated into the final document where applicable.  The document will get more "into it" as the project advances.

Note how I have named the file.  The last part (the date portion) will serve as my own version of  "source control".  There will be only one of this document and I will be the guardian of it, if you all don't mind.

Deadline for suggestions:
September 21, 2011.

No problem.

By the way, I am happy you said, "believe" and not "know" because as I am sure you know (and I know you know ), you can't assume to know what others know or how they think. Believe it or not, I actually thought that being part of the link, that that was the actual domain name. Now, if I was "fooled" and I like to say I have some level of experience when it comes to the internet, imagine papa babajide who is just now grasping the concept of cyber cafe?

Just a thought.

Define, "reasonable", please.

OP:
You are aware that because of the way you've posted your urls that when you click them, you get a "server not found" error, right?

I wasn't encouraged to do anything on the site as it was too dark for my liking. . .No offense.

@afam
Who is government? Isn't it the people? No mind naija style. Government is the people. So by helping the government, at least in this case, you are helping your fellow Nigerians in particular but also mankind in general. Welcome aboard

@all
Rounding up initial "plan of attack" document. Should have it ready in a few hours, at the most.

lakelake,

I am actually writing the initial specs as we speak. Might not be anything official, as in SDLC style but will be something nonetheless. Of course, once written, it will be open to discussion/modification.

As mentioned in perhaps my original post, the positions will be many. In that document, I will specify what positions are needed. For example, it would be nice if we have someone familiar with visio for the wireframing.

No worry, I can assure you that all angles are covered. This is not some project done due to lack of what to do (believe me, my hands are over full) but something that needs to be done right from all angles. That way, if nothing else, we all learn from the process and apply it to our future jobs. Who knows? Maybe our future clients will read this thread and have more respect for what we do.

Cheers!

@all:
To all those who have sent in their words of encouragement, thanks

2) Wow! This thread has generated 3 pages of responses. . .and we haven't even started work yet

2) Seun don do us o! Y im put this thing for home page?  I guess it is an auto script

THe above only adds to the pressure.  Oh well, somebody's gotta do it


@beknown

1) I am doing this on the assumption that some bad belle will not accept the work. If that happens, we simply move on to the next thing.  The aim isn't to put people out of work but to show the world that Nigerians can do better than what we are currently seeing online

2) On page 2 of this thread or so, someone has already volunteered to hook us up directly with the source.  We will see how that goes.

@CyberG:
My fear is that if I carry the stakeholders along, they will stifle whatever innovation that we may have.  Assuming they accept the final product from us, they can modify as they see fit.  Again, the aim here is to show our country that it can be better.

@petres and others thinking alike:
I estimated 20 people but that doesn't mean that if the bucket is full, we can't buy another bucket   Just throw your name in the hat.  You never know who might suffer a case of malaria and not be available on a certain day

@soreola:
Noted, about the blog.  As far as facebook, I dey fear d response.  I am already panicking about it being on NL's home page

@omni:
Mr. Moderator, please email me (you have my private details ) your phone number.  We need to talk

yamakuza:
This is a website redesign project. No "wow" factor. So I figured we can always do that after phase 1. As a result, the roles are the typical web development ones:
- Graphics designers
- web developers
- copywriters
- database administrators (this could be combined with web developers. We shall see)

I have been trying to avoid defining rolls until at least September 19 but since you and a few have asked, I will peel back the onion a little:
I am anticipating a situation where at least 3 developers works on a section (a section would be defined as a menu item, like "government" or "ministries". This hasn't been defined yet). Be that as it may, even if we have access, the aim is for all concerned to play a part so for instance, we could run it like a relay race where each person "runs 100m". Make sense?

Thanks for your interest. Hopefully, you will be on board as well.

brine:
As long as they won't directly or influence what we are about to develop, that would be great.

Welcome aboard!

worldbest:
Like Noah's Ark, there is room for anyone who wants to be on board

@instinct:
1) I think we should hold off on Seun "advertising". If you think we have many ideas now, with 15 or so ppl, think of how it will be with the thousands who will comment once it is opened up. After we are done, we can do that

2) Yep, "egoism" is a big concern to me, which is partially why I have asked for patience in planning. Make we handle this thing like suya. Abi, which suya wey no dey take time to prepare and cook?

It is well