Re-Writing 6GC...Feature Suggestions Welcome Options

[Coomer]

With my senior project behind me (and an A to show for it, yay! ), this quarter is going to be far easier than the last two, so I'll finally have some time to work on 6GC.

I've actually already started re-writing 6GC from the ground up. I've got the login stuff and a lot of the key core components done. For those that care, I'm using extensive object oriented programming along with several design patterns, including basing the site on a model-view-controller. Technical details aside, the site will be faster, less intensive on the server, more secure, and easier to work on.

Of course, there will be new features as well.

So far, here's the tentative list that I'm striving to achieve:

• Better Member Profile URLs, like http://www.6gc.net/members/coomer.
• Member Profile Photo Ordering
• Ability to Remove your High-Res Photos
• Better Administrative High-Res Photo Management (so photos get authorized much, much faster)
• Some AJAX-based enhancements...for example, not leaving the page when you post a comment (these may be implemented at a later date, after site re-launch)
• Some non-AJAX, JavaScript-based enhancements...nicer submit buttons, etc.
• Better transaction feedback system that integrates with the main site's design and doesn't require popup windows
• Ability for members to add parts and part photos
• Downloads section, with wallpapers, sticker design in multiple formats for taking to your local sticker shop, etc. Probably no videos, as bandwidth is a killer and I'm already paying a lot for web hosting
• Better member search page
• Printer-friendly pages
• Multimedia forum (for posting pics and vids)
• Tentative: More contact options, besides AIM. Maybe MSN messenger, Yahoo messenger, ICQ...I'm not sure on this one...what does everyone use the most?
• Tentative: 6GC store, using Cafepress integrated with the main site

What do you guys think? Let me know if there's more you'd like to see.

My goal is to work on the site for a few hours every day until it's done. Most of the hard parts of development are completed (the basic framework, login functionality.) It works out well since I have more time with my senior project done, I'm too broke to finish the Celica, and most of my friends up here don't do anything but drink, which I don't really enjoy.

So with any luck, the site will be re-launched within a couple months. Let me know what you'd like to see.

[Coomer]

Hey guys,
I've been keeping an eye on the discussion here, and I'm kind of undecided at this point as far as what direction to go.

I definitely won't create a "paying members only" section like several sites have. I don't like the segregation that setups like that create.

A donation/subscription option is an idea I'm kind of throwing around. They would probably result in things like more photo storage, possible photo uploading on the forums, a "supporter" icon or something similar, and things like that.

As you all know, I have very little time already, so I will not be able to supply merchandise to those who donate/subscribe. I just don't have the time.

I'm kind of thinking about creating a store tied into Amazon that would have some Celica-related things...not sure though.

I don't know...those are just a few of my thoughts at the moment. But anyway, I'm going back to programming. I've been making excellent progress, and I'm confident that soon 6G Celicas will be better than ever.

[BloodyStupidDave...]

As you all know, I have very little time already, so I will not be able to supply merchandise to those who donate/subscribe. I just don't have the time.

I'm kind of thinking about creating a store tied into Amazon that would have some Celica-related things...not sure though.

Given the huge bandwidth needed to host videos, I think either continuing to prohibit videos being hosted on 6gc.net or making that a members only feature would make sense.

As 96bluevert suggested, I don't think we expect you to actually provide the merchandise but having a store front where a percentage of the sales price goes to 6gc.net would make a lot of sense. The members could provide the merchandise and the store-front would provide a unified view of what is available. The percentage is effectively a tax for using the store front (the ebay business model) and 6gc.net brand.

The members profile and rides section is already fantastic and one of the things that makes 6gc.net stand out from the others. I can't wait to see the new stuff