Dec 30 2009 - Site Updates Options

[Gandalf42]

Just a list of things I am working on:

• Getting server information updated to allow for larger file uploads.
• Adding new shmup related games and files to the 'Files' section. If you know of a file that we should have here but don't, _PLEASE_ PM me with a link and I will get it online. And once the server info is set, you will be able to upload these yourself.
• Adding images to our gallery section. If you have any shmup related images please upload them. This is one area of the site where transfers almost always work so please keep those images coming.
• I'm going to be changing our chat software from ParaChat to PHP Pro Chat Rooms. Basically, Parachat is rather expensive and lacks features. PHP Pro Chat is self hosted, much cheaper, and allows us to host multiple chat rooms. No firm date on the switch, but it will be within the next few months.

Things I'm thinking about doing:

• Possibly setting up development forums on the site. I want to add forum, chat and file resources specifically geared towards people that develop shooters. I've stayed away from this area in the past mainly because shmup-dev.com was covering it rather nicely... but recently that site has had issues with administration, bandwidth, and web space.
• Relating to the above idea- I'm also thinking about starting development contests in some form. I need to look into whether they will be informal or formal (Prizes, etc). Is there any interest in doing this?

Please weigh in with your thoughts on both of these ideas.

[Raigon50]

Relating to the above idea- I'm also thinking about starting development contests in some form. I need to look into whether they will be informal or formal (Prizes, etc). Is there any interest in doing this?Please weigh in with your thoughts on both of these ideas.

I think it's a cool idea, though I don't know if there are very many developer's who come to this site. You might want to hold off on doing any form of contest however until you have the game development thread up and see how well it does.

[Gandalf42]

I think it's a cool idea, though I don't know if there are very many developer's who come to this site. You might want to hold off on doing any form of contest however until you have the game development thread up and see how well it does.

Right. I'm planning on starting off by getting the file sections and forums sorted out. If there is enough interest, I'll see about getting everything else in order.

I've got a bit of time tomorrow, so maybe I'll start on that.

Any suggestions for development forum categories?

[Raigon50]

Any suggestions for development forum categories?

There needs to be a "Tips and Hints" kinda category, which is obvious. Something that would be nice would be a resource category made for posting sprite images or song links and whatnot. Painfully, however, those are the only two I can think of...