Announcements

[Matt]

**pretty much wide open**

Guests will never be able to post though. :borg:

[sarah]

Guests will never be able to post though


oh good. :D


and hello today to everyone. :)

[BlakeMP]

Good call, man.

[Matt]

Just to keep you guys up to date on the ideas flowing around here.

I do think that removing the post count from view is the easiest way to go on that question, I am going to figure out how that is done.

-Its already gone if you search the member list.

-Will changed the quick reply box to be active all the time so you can just click in it and post

-A "mentor" program is being developed to handle the arrival of new people so they feel comfortable.

[sarah]

**loves the quick post box*** :rock:

[Matt]

Me too Sarah, I am starting to find it very easy to use.

Wanted to let you guys know--the easiest solution to the "post count" problem is to make it so posting in off topic forums does not count toward a users post count.

That has now been done in

The Dixie Pig
Blue Heaven

:grouphug:

[Patrick]

Sounds fine to me, Matt.

And I love the quick reply box.

[Nerak]

he he y'all said BOX!!! :D

[Matt]

We have a spoiler tag now. Its on the tool bar and looks like this.


You can't miss this can you?


I may change the picture soon, don't ask me about the colors, its that way for a reason. :cool:

[fernandito]

**loves the quick post box*** :rock:

Seconded.:excited:

[Matt]

I am giving Chris' suggestion a try on how the forums read the database so we can have accurate reflection of "read threads"

If the all look unread, that is probably why. Use the "forum options" drop down to mark all the threads as "read" and we'll see what happens next. :cool:

[Patrick]

Ah, that explains it. Thanks, Matt. Hope it works.

[Matt]

I have upped the avatar settings to 100x100 pixels.

The total size is maxed at 19k

(that could be larger, I wasn't sure if it was a pretty good size, seemed like it.)

[Frunobulax]

**loves the quick post box*** :rock:

Amen!

[Frunobulax]

I have upped the avatar settings to 100x100 pixels.

The total size is maxed at 19k

(that could be larger, I wasn't sure if it was a pretty good size, seemed like it.)

I actually really like the smaller Av size. It makes the boards look more streamlined.

[Matt]

Well...it was only 80x80 before so it won't be that big of a difference. But I agree, I like the av kind of out of the way of the post.

Hopefully its the best of both worlds.

[Frunobulax]

Well, as long as they don't end up like 500X500, I think it's OK. BeastToast has a good Av size, too.

[Honis]

I like the 100x100 ava size... Its the standard size for the animated ava's. Its hard for some people to change the size of those without losing the animation.

this quick post thingy rocks too!!!!

[Rjeso]

Haven't animated avs been deemed verboten, though?

Yeah, that's right, I'm a FAQ-readin' nerd.

[Brice]

Yes, they have I believe.

[Matt]

Another main focus for the site was to make it so it would load easily for people. That's been a big complaint I have seen sometimes.

[Matt]

I have gone ahead and opened a few of the forums on the board. We have a nice broad base and I wouldn't mind the board looking like it had been populated a bit when we open.

This forum will stay for ideas and comments we would rather stay among the small group we have established (not too small anymore :lol:)

Here are the open ones:

The Way Station--I am going to move "introduce yourself" :wub: there.

Path of the Beam--This thread is going there. Also I believe there will be a bunch of new news in the near future. We can also start the idea development for welcome and information threads.

The Dixie Pig--Some off topic

Fedic Station--SpiderMan three is out

Blue Heaven--some more off topic

The idea is to establish some foundation threads and try to make the board looked "lived in" a bit. As time goes on, we can begin opening the reread forums to establish what we are going to do there

And the copy of The Dark Tower Concordance my parents got me includes a reading group guide for the entire series!! :excited:

[sarah]

:rock: thanks matty

[ZoNeSeeK]

Woohoo, things are cranking up a wee bit :cyclops:

[Frunobulax]

Me too Sarah, I am starting to find it very easy to use.

Wanted to let you guys know--the easiest solution to the "post count" problem is to make it so posting in off topic forums does not count toward a users post count.

That has now been done in

The Dixie Pig
Blue Heaven

:grouphug:

There goes my reason for postwhoring! :P

[Patrick]

Me too Sarah, I am starting to find it very easy to use.

Wanted to let you guys know--the easiest solution to the "post count" problem is to make it so posting in off topic forums does not count toward a users post count.

That has now been done in

The Dixie Pig
Blue Heaven

:grouphug:

There goes my reason for postwhoring! :P

So I guess you need to focus on the "Now Playing" thread in Fedic Station to really boost that post count?

Loophole! :doh:

[Matt]

I figured we need to have one slightly off topic place that still recorded them. :lol:

How else will anyone become a...oops, that's a secret. :cool:

[Patrick]

;) :lol:

[Frunobulax]

So I guess you need to focus on the "Now Playing" thread in Fedic Station to really boost that post count?

Loophole!

I listen to more music in one day than some do in a week--no problemo.

[Steve]

D'oh!

[Matt]

I just figured out how to change the site icon to our logo :nana:

Meaning, if you bookmark it, it will give you the crossed guns instead of the little "e paper"

I am totally jazzed about it.

Expect to see it soon.

[Matt]

I added :D :blush: and :thumbsup: last night. :cool:

[Brice]

Cool! :D

[Matt]

I love his little sparkle there. :lol:

[Brice]

Me too! :cool:

[Patrick]

Sweet. Thanks, Matt. :D

[Matt]

:o ready for service

[Fall of Gilead]

I listen to more music in one day than some do in a week--no problemo.


I've created a monster!! A postwhoring monster!!
:cyclops:

[Jon]

I figured we need to have one slightly off topic place that still recorded them. :lol:

How else will anyone become a...oops, that's a secret. :cool:


My Mom says I was an "oops" and kept me a "secret" for years untill one day she had to call the Vet out to look at the chickens and figure out why some of them had their midsections wrapped in duct tape.

You see with such a small creature as a chicken you HAVE to reinforce the abdomen or their bodies will tear if you get real vigorous when you... ummm. TMI!

Anyway... the vet noticed the internal damage to the chickens and found certain "non chicken" fluids in the inside of the chicken, put two and two together... Then Mom HAD to let me out of the chimney void during the daylight after that. But I had to wear a pair of pantyhose over my head and carry various fishing paraphernalia.

Thats right...I was a paraphiliac carring paraphernalia.



Oh the good old days!!

[Matt]

When did you switch from sheep to chickens Jon? ;)

You guys have probably notice but the member titles are changing with post progression. Its really common on boards and some really funny/cool/unique ones were written for this one.

[Graham19]

Hey Guys n Gals! Greetings from sunny (Hah!) England!

[OchrisO]

Nested Quotes now work.

[OchrisO]

Nested Quotes now work.


Example.

[OchrisO]

Nested Quotes now work.


Example.


Fully examplified.

[Randall Flagg]

Very slick.

[ZoNeSeeK]

Jon: you havent been home to our nest in a while, baby :(

[Matt]

As you guys can see--the "playground" has been sent away to the archive.

Nothing was deleted, just moved to the back room :D

[The_Nameless]

One thing: I love the spoiler box.

[Matt]

:D

I consider that my greatest achievement to date. :lol:

Much thanks.

[Matt]

I wanted to let everyone know that the boards name will officially be changed to "palaver" in the next couple of days.

The new addy to the place would be www.thedarktower.org/palaver

It was only named "towervbull" so it would stay hidden to searches on the net until we got it all up and running.

So if you have the link saved, remember this message. :lol:

[Baradin]

LOl thanks for that Matt. I do happen to have towervbulkl bookmarked hehehe

[Matt]

Hey Jason!!

Nice to see you. :D

New announcement:

Aaron sent the press release out yesterday and I am already getting emails from other fan sites asking for information. :nana:

[Baradin]

Great to be seen Matty. This place is absolutely stunning btw. Great job all of you.

[Matt]

Thanks man, it has been an amazing journey. I think I will probably by some expensive mescal for tomorrow night :cool:

[Matt]

bye bye to the development forum :nana:

[Matt]

Couple of things to see out there now.

first...

our privacy statement www.thedarktower.org/privacy

also--

the page that will redirect from here when we rename

www.thedarktower.org/towervbull1

[Frunobulax]

Sa-weet! This site is getting better and better each day, Matt.

[Matt]

Few announcements to make...

-There are now site links at the top and bottom of the board

-All the other pages have link back doors on them now so if you haven't checked them out, have a look
www.thedarktower.org/aboutus
www.thedarktower.org/links

you get the idea :lol:

A "privacy statement" link has been added at the bottom for that information.

I love suggestions on the pages and how stuff can work so you guys feel free to give me any input you have.

[Spencer]

Will there be a way to click from here back to the home page of the site? You can click back to the forum homepage, but not the overall homepage as of now.

[Matt]

At the bottom of the main forum page there is a link called "home". I am considering putting it at the top too.

[Spencer]

I missed that. I just found all that fun stuff at the bottom.

[Matt]

And in addition, I added a "door portal" link to the top ones.

[Spencer]

I'll have to check that out.

[Spencer]

Just saw it. Very cool.

[Matt]

I'm changing all the backgrounds for the web pages :lol:

click the current news link at the top to see the first one, I think it looks much better this way and I'm here alone on a Sunday :nana:

[Matt]

Opps, me again.

Some updates:

The about us page has been fixed for pic resolution as best I could. I did the resizing in photo software instead of the page software. I think its much better now.

Also, there is a link there for more pics now. :D

The back ground has been change on the other pages as well.

www.thedarktower.org/aboutus
www.thedarktower.org/news
www.thedarktower.org/links

Coming soon...collector and fan art pages...plus a whole lot more.

[Matt]

new smilies :D

:beat: :clap: :harrier: :pullhair:

[Fall of Gilead]

That little smiley pulling his hair out is awesome!

[Matt]

I have created a list of existing pages and how they have changed today.

Links across pages throughout the site are not quite up yet so do the best you can. I think there is a return to the board on every page.

We will continue to develop as we go along. :D

www.thedarktower.org (http://www.thedarktower.org) --unchanged
www.thedarktower.org/door (http://www.thedarktower.org/door) portal --unchanged
www.thedarktower.org/aboutus (http://www.thedarktower.org/aboutus) --new background, pics right, all linked
www.thedarktower.org/collectors (http://www.thedarktower.org/collectors) --same as above
www.thedarktower.org/collectors/collections (http://www.thedarktower.org/collectors/collections) --same as above
www.thedarktower.org/collectors/collections2 (http://www.thedarktower.org/collections2) --same as above
www.thedarktower.org/fanart (http://www.thedarktower.org/fanart) --same as above
www.thedarktower.org/comictower (http://www.thedarktower.org/comictower) --same as above
www.thedarktower.org/links (http://www.thedarktower.org/links) --same as above
www.thedarktower.org/moreaboutus/ (http://www.thedarktower.org/moreaboutus/)
www.thedarktower.org/news (http://www.thedarktower.org/news) --same as above
www.thedarktower.org/privacy (http://www.thedarktower.org/privacy) --same as above
www.thedarktower.org/redirect (http://www.thedarktower.org/redirect) page --same as above

Please alert me of any broken links. :grouphug:

[ZoNeSeeK]

www.thedarktwer.com/moreaboutus

appears to be broken

[Matt]

thanks Zone. Its all fixed now :D

[Rjeso]

Oh, man, I sure missed a lot this weekend. :O Things look awesome, Matt!

[Matt]

Thanks Rjeso :D

I was so proud of the place last night I almost took it for ice cream. :lol:

[Brice]

Everything looks great to me Matt! :D

[Randall Flagg]

Just returned from a trip last night and I am very impressed.
Great job Matt, Aaron, et al:thumbsup:

[Matt]

Thanks Randall. I have a few broken links out there that I plan to fix tonight but I think we are just about there.

Aaron has taken over the "door pages" side of the development with some great ideas.

Doors on doors which really works for the series. :nana:

[Matt]

Another announcement.

Jean has accepted the Managers position we offered him so he will now be the primary manager in Keystone Rose and secondary in MidWorld.

Welcome Jean and thanks for the help. :couple:

[Hannah]

:dance: Welcome, Jean! I couldn't think of someone better to have on staff.

[Jean]

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/Thank20You20Bear.jpg

[Matt]

:D

One more thing...

The home page has changed a bit to not only accomodate more navigation pages (added a "more" door to it)

But Aaron also too the advice on making them look different.

Its very cool now--have a look www.thedarktower.org/doors

www.thedarktower.org/cradle

[Rjeso]

Those are really fun. Good show.

If I may make a usability suggestion, the font on the "About Us" door isn't the easiest to read at a glance. It does jump out at you eventually, but for something like that, it's good to have it as clear as possible right from the start. Could just be me and my eyes, though. ;)

[Matt]

I think he wanted to make it look like the door was ooozing blood. :nana:

[Rjeso]

I kinda figured :)

Hee, that's cheery for the "About Us" section. I love it.

But yeah, like I said, maybe it's just my eyes. *shrug*

[Jean]

if there is a door marked "more", there should be a door to go back from that second screen: using browser button for that isn't very consistent.

but all the doors are so impressive! :thumbsup:

[Rjeso]

This is gonna be so freakin' cool. Man.

Heh, that's Jean, always thinkin.' You rock.

[Matt]

Great suggestion Jean. I think that is probably necessary.

[Fall of Gilead]

It's an honor to be managed by Jean! (a "not worthy" smiley would be excellent for an occaision like this)

[Rjeso]

It's an honor to be managed by Jean! (a "not worthy" smiley would be excellent for an occaision like this)

I happen to agree.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v123/silver_phoenix11/smileys/worshippy.gif

[Matt]

Dang, there is another one. :lol:

[Ruki]

it's a small nitpicky thing, but on the comic tower page it says "Their will also be a limited edition..." "their" should be "there" (says the girl who doesn't capitalize).

[Matt]

That's a good catch Ruki, thank you.

In this case, I can't take credit. That was a straight text copy from the article. :lol:

But I fixed it anyway

[Aaron]

I added a small temporary link to the second portal page to return you to the first. I have some great ideas for what I want to do with those pages, but it is going to take a shit ton of work to pull it off. So in the meantime, I am getting the basic idea out there, and will make all of the final changes when everything is ready. I'm going to start taking my laptop with me to work so that I can design during my lunches, though, so it may not be too long.

[MonteGss]

I absolutely love to read that you all are so dedicated to this site. Thank you.

[Daghain]

Me too. Thanks!

[Patrick]

I've been clicking around a lot of various links today since I got back from a trip. You guys have really done a lot of work over the past week, and it really shows in the excellent end product. Great job!

[Matt]

Thanks Patrick. :couple:

I have updated a lot of the pages out there you guys.

-New page link buttons
-New fan art
-"back" and "next" buttons on collector pages
-Reviews by Blake on the comics page
-new posted news

If you guys have time I would love it if you clicked on some of the link pages and checked them out.

The "door" pages that portal into the site are being worked on for easy flow so the collectors door is not hooked up yet. :D

[Randall Flagg]

On the Current Newws page, there are a lot of hyperlinks that occur in the blank white areas of the page. When hovered over they say
Fist 2 chapters to Blaze (definite spoilers here).
When clicked upon, they have *http://http://stephenking*.com...........
and thus with 2 http's are recognized as intranet, not internet.

On the Comics page the header for Variants is spelled wrong (no E in the word, a's only).
Passed issues should be spelled Past.
I know there are misspelled words in the text from Liljas, but they are cut & paste form his site.

[Matt]

Dangit!!

:lol:

Think sometimes my eyes cross out there.

Something about those two links are giving me fits. Thanks for the heads up Jerome

Ah...that must be one too many copies.

[Randall Flagg]

Noticed on the News page that the link for Duma Key to stephenkingnews is broken.
Also,
I think I might have mentioned this, but shouldn't the external links open up a new browser page, so that when closed, dt.com is still up?

[Matt]

They should, I thought I had them set up that way but there are a million little things. I will totally check into it though. Dora is home today and wants to learn how to do this so I will call her so she can have a look.

Thanks again on this Jerome.

[Matt]

This should be fixed :D

[Matt]

We made the first page of google over the weekend and are climbing fast.

As someone pointed out, I named the page wrong so google is simply seeing the word "home" for the search. It actually looks kind of cool out there.

"hmmm...I searched thedarktower. I have a choice between this other stuff and...home :blush:"

:lol:

It should fix to the new name when it runs through another database index in a week or so.

[Jean]

We made the first page of google over the weekend and are climbing fast.
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/HAPPYBEAR.jpg

[Matt]

Also wanted to let you guys know that a plain old search engine has been added to the site here.

www.thedarktower.org/scrolls

The page itself is blank because it is going to represent the backdrop for the book connections (I have a great idea about a spider web for that one).

It searches the site will but there isn't much to find at this point. :lol:

The forums have been excluded from the search, I may put that thing in later. Also, there are some duplicate entires I need to fix and the results page is going to look a little nicer :D

Just so you guys know, there is still plenty of site development going on. :nana:

suggestions always welcome of course.

[Matt]

We also have a new subforum now for fan fic.

Called "I, Gan" and should be available in Turtleback Lane.

It has been locked for new posts until we have a chance to figure out what is acceptable for the forum :D

[The_Nameless]

We also have a new subforum now for fan fic.

Called "I, Gan" and should be available in Turtleback Lane.

It has been locked for new posts until we have a chance to figure out what is acceptable for the forum :D


I like the sound of this, even if I don't write fan fic. But I am interested in seeing other people's vision for the series.

[Matt]

We are still trying to figure out if we can even do it :lol:

There will have to be some serious rules involved to make it work.

[The_Nameless]

We are still trying to figure out if we can even do it :lol:

There will have to be some serious rules involved to make it work.

We can always just change some letters around; for example: Ralond. :lol:

But seriously, that's what I was thinking. I know other sites have fan fictions without being shut down, so there must be a way around the copyright laws.

[Matt]

Fanfiction.net has well over three hundred stories fanficed off SK.

Several about the tower itself so I will have to find out how that is done.

[Rjeso]

Mostly I've seen people just put disclaimers acknowledging that the characters and settings of the worlds are copyright the author and the publishing house, and not theirs.

[Matt]

From what I can read, that is a really good way to go. Here is an article on the delio with fanfic.

http://www.chillingeffects.org/fanfic/faq.cgi#QID137

[Aaron]

This should be ready to go soon. :shoot:

[Matt]

:nana:

Also wanted to let folks know I have added a chat link in the toolbar at the top of the forums.

Its not working totally right yet, but its there. :lol:

[Frunobulax]

Matt, I would like to congratulate you (and all the mod team) on all the fantastic improvements you've made to these here forums. Keep up the awesome work!

[Matt]

:blush:

Thank you sir, that means a lot to every one that has been involved.

For me, it's a very long term fanboy dream realized. :lol:

I think we have the makings of some good cookies here.

[ZoNeSeeK]

Are we able to have this site linked from http://www.stephenking.com/DarkTower/ ?

The compendium ( :onfire: ) is the only one on there.

[Matt]

That, my friend, is the ultimate goal.

When we thought the place up the idea was to create a site that was so cool, and professional, and fun...that we could eventually get that spot.

I hate to go running up for it too soon though. :cool:

[The_Nameless]

This site is coming along very nicely.

[Frunobulax]

:blush:

Thank you sir, that means a lot to every one that has been involved.

For me, it's a very long term fanboy dream realized. :lol:

I think we have the makings of some good cookies here.

Chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin??

[fernandito]

:blush:

Thank you sir, that means a lot to every one that has been involved.

For me, it's a very long term fanboy dream realized. :lol:

I think we have the makings of some good cookies here.

Chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin??

Fudge cookies!!!

[Randall Flagg]

:blush:

Thank you sir, that means a lot to every one that has been involved.

For me, it's a very long term fanboy dream realized. :lol:

I think we have the makings of some good cookies here.

Chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin??




:blush:

Thank you sir, that means a lot to every one that has been involved.

For me, it's a very long term fanboy dream realized. :lol:

I think we have the makings of some good cookies here.

Chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin??

Fudge cookies!!!


Gentlemen. Please.

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/9209/offtopicxv5.gif

[Bethany]

Freshly baked chocolate chip if you are trying to butter up Matty.

[Frunobulax]

Announcements anyone???

[Matt]

Here's one:

I have got the search engine for the site all squared away, its being added to the pages.

Also, text links on the home page. :D

[tamez]

HOT!
thanks so much Matt for all you have done!

[Matt]

:blush:

your "HOT" makes me shiver. :lol:

Also, just wanted you guys to know that since this site was launched...we have taken almost 2.5 million hits. 1.8 million of those were in the last month (May)

Its a damn good start, thanks everyone :grouphug:

[sarah]

:o that's fucking amazing!!! congrats

[Frunobulax]

W00t w00t!

[fernandito]

[QUOTE=Matt;13912we have taken almost 2.5 million hits.[/QUOTE]

You must be really stoned then :lol:


<- Couldn't help it.

[Daghain]

BWAHAHAHHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!:rofl:

[Frunobulax]

:rofl:

[Matt]

[quote=Matt;13912we have taken almost 2.5 million hits.

You must be really stoned then :lol:


<- Couldn't help it.[/quote]

:rofl:

Ummmm...I may have had twice that.

[Jean]

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Messages/congratulations_bouquet.jpg

[Fall of Gilead]

[QUOTE=Matt;13912we have taken almost 2.5 million hits.

You must be really stoned then :lol:[/QUOTE]


:doh: :lol:

[Rjeso]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v123/silver_phoenix11/smileys/rimshot.gif

[Frunobulax]

:lol:

[Matt]

Just want everyone to know that the "door" pages on the site have been updated to include links and a search :rock:

Thanks to Aaron for all his really hard work on those, they look great!

[Frunobulax]

Awesome!

I'm still getting a 404 from the banner click, though. I get redirected to this page:
http://www.thedarktower.org/aboutus/About_Us/www.thedarktower.org

[Matt]

Banner on the pages itself or the one here on the forums? EDIT--I see what you mean. I didn't think I had that even linked to anything. :lol:

Will fix tonight

Also...:D

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/1117/googlebb4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Up to sixth and the name is right :rock:

[Daghain]

:excited:

[Frunobulax]

Awesome!

[Jon]

I have several small woodland creatures at my command.

[Matt]

Its still only if you type "thedarktower" all together like that. :borg:

but its not bad for a start. :D

[Matt]

:D

The Current News (News) page on the site has been changed to a new format, all of the links on the site point there now.

Basically, this gives us a huge amount of flexibility where updating the site is concerned and also allows all kinds of "side modules" to fit different things.

For instance, I put an Amber Alert module on the news page today, it will flash and scroll the alert whenever one is issued in the US

[Frunobulax]

Cool. I love stuff like that.

[The_Nameless]

Awesome.

That'll come in handy.

[Matt]

Thanks you guys. A couple of features I am developing that people can look forward to.

A google member map--not only people but points of interest and landmarks (this will be global)

Living avatars :ninja:

More games

Dt specific word games and trivia

flashchat

[Frunobulax]

L-living avatars??

[Jean]

I am not sure I can face it...

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Misc/bear_closedEyes.jpg

[fernandito]

Living avatars? elaborate...

[Frunobulax]

Avatars are PEOPLE!!!!

[Daghain]

Sounds creepy, doesn't it? :scared:

[Frunobulax]

Well, yeah. Living Avs.

[fernandito]

So if I log on to the site drunk off my ass, my avatar will start making fun of me?


NICE.

[Matt]

:rofl:

I am not going to say that may not happen.

[Frunobulax]

That'll be interesting to see.

[VolsToTheWall]

Living avatars :ninja:

Dt specific word games and trivia


Living avatars, intriguing. :D
And I'm all about more DT trivia games. :thumbsup:

[Matt]

:cool:

I love cutting edge technology :lol:

The dt trivia is going to require some help because we have several projects going on that front.

IRC auto bot
Card game like watch me perhaps
Dt based crosswords

Tons of work so I will call for volunteers when my part is ready.

I also found a suduku and Isketch for the sites.

[Frunobulax]

Awesome!!

[VolsToTheWall]

:cool:
The dt trivia is going to require some help because we have several projects going on that front.

I'm sure myself and the rest of the "Trivia Tet" can help you out with this if you need some help. I can help out with content and ideas, but I wouldn't be much help in a technical way. :lol:

[Matt]

That is exactly what we are going to need Vols, nobody wants that tech stuff. :lol:

Having help on content would be very valuable.

[Frunobulax]

Joel, what are voobs?

[MonteGss]

:cool:
The dt trivia is going to require some help because we have several projects going on that front.

I'm sure myself and the rest of the "Trivia Tet" can help you out with this if you need some help. I can help out with content and ideas, but I wouldn't be much help in a technical way. :lol:

:)
Cool! Trivia-Tet, I like the sound of that. TRIVIA ROCKS!

[Daghain]

Yeah, Trivia-Tet. Cool. :)

[ZoNeSeeK]

Yeah, we can come up with some questions ranging in difficulty?

[VolsToTheWall]

Yeah, we can come up with some questions ranging in difficulty?
I guess a trivia bot sort of thing would be cool. With like three difficulty settings: easy, intermediate, and difficult. It could randomly pull out a question from it's database based on your difficulty choice. I'm sure the Trivia-Tet would be able to supply plenty of questions for each of the difficulty levels desired.

[MonteGss]

And who would be the person that determines which questions are easy and which are more difficult?
:)

[VolsToTheWall]

And who would be the person that determines which questions are easy and which are more difficult?
:)

I guess the individual submitting a question can rate it when they submit it, according to whatever categories are to be used, then a designated member of the staff can verify that the question is valid, and that it belongs in said difficulty category. Another idea would be to form a committee comprised of the Trivia-Tet, perhaps a temporary section added to the forums for the creation of this project? There we could bounce questions off eachother and decide if a given question is a fair question, and then what difficulty category it belongs in.

[OchrisO]

The bot I am working with now pulls from one flat file of questions randomly with a set number of questions specified by the person starting the game. It has other trivia as well, but the dark tower game is started by typing !trivia darktower 10 where 10 is the number of questions you want for the round. It is also a team game with two teams.

I could make it to where it has themes like darktowereasy darktowermedium darktowerdifficult with seperate question files for each, but you then run into the problem Monte brings up, which is who decides what is difficult?

[VolsToTheWall]

but you then run into the problem Monte brings up, which is who decides what is difficult?

Rating questions would be rather subjective wouldn't it? One question might be considered easy by one person, but might be more difficult to someone else. Of course a question is easy to you if you know the answer, so yeah it would be hard for one person to label all questions. It's the sort of thing that would be better decided by a group opinion rather than an individual one I wot.

[MonteGss]

The bot I am working with now pulls from one flat file of questions randomly with a set number of questions specified by the person starting the game. It has other trivia as well, but the dark tower game is started by typing !trivia darktower 10 where 10 is the number of questions you want for the round. It is also a team game with two teams.

All of this sounds really swell. :) It could be like "tag-team." :)



I could make it to where it has themes like darktowereasy darktowermedium darktowerdifficult with seperate question files for each, but you then run into the problem Monte brings up, which is who decides what is difficult?

It could be decided in the manner Vols suggested. The staff could read them and vote what they think of each.

Also, I'm curious about the bot: would there be a score-system of some sort? Are our totals from each session be compiled so we have a "Trivia champion" based on scores?

[OchrisO]

The bot I am working with now pulls from one flat file of questions randomly with a set number of questions specified by the person starting the game. It has other trivia as well, but the dark tower game is started by typing !trivia darktower 10 where 10 is the number of questions you want for the round. It is also a team game with two teams.

All of this sounds really swell. :) It could be like "tag-team." :)



I could make it to where it has themes like darktowereasy darktowermedium darktowerdifficult with seperate question files for each, but you then run into the problem Monte brings up, which is who decides what is difficult?

It could be decided in the manner Vols suggested. The staff could read them and vote what they think of each.

Also, I'm curious about the bot: would there be a score-system of some sort? Are our totals from each session be compiled so we have a "Trivia champion" based on scores?


As of now, it keeps a record of the most correct questions in a row as well as the fastest answered questions which you can view with !records and records for the hall of fame for most correct questions ever as well as the others with !hof !hoffast !hofstreak





but you then run into the problem Monte brings up, which is who decides what is difficult?

Rating questions would be rather subjective wouldn't it? One question might be considered easy by one person, but might be more difficult to someone else. Of course a question is easy to you if you know the answer, so yeah it would be hard for one person to label all questions. It's the sort of thing that would be better decided by a group opinion rather than an individual one I wot.


I suppose that comes down to wether you guys want a working trivia bot in place soon, or quite a while down the road. Sorting the questions would take forever, especially with a bunch of people voting on it, but if all questions are in one system with the questions pulled randomly, then once I get enough questions for a decent run of the bot, then I can just add new questions as I get them.

[Daghain]

I think a Trivia-Tet committee to decide dificulty level would be great. You could maybe use a numerical scale (1-10) and pick the range for easy, medium, and difficult. If you had a committee, you would get a better feel for the difficulty of the questions, I think. :)

You could also set up a time frame for rating questions. For example, the committee could have a week to look the question over and vote on a given day, say Thursday, for example. That way you don't have questions in "ratings limbo" forever.

Just my two cents. :)

[MonteGss]

I suppose that comes down to wether you guys want a working trivia bot in place soon, or quite a while down the road. Sorting the questions would take forever, especially with a bunch of people voting on it, but if all questions are in one system with the questions pulled randomly, then once I get enough questions for a decent run of the bot, then I can just add new questions as I get them.


I think a Trivia-Tet committee to decide dificulty level would be great. You could maybe use a numerical scale (1-10) and pick the range for easy, medium, and difficult. If you had a committee, you would get a better feel for the difficulty of the questions, I think. :)

You could also set up a time frame for rating questions. For example, the committee could have a week to look the question over and vote on a given day, say Thursday, for example. That way you don't have questions in "ratings limbo" forever.

Just my two cents. :)

I know there are some people that are anxious for word games and trivia so I can understand getting a bot out sooner rather than later. If we are speaking of Dark Tower Trivia, then I would prefer to have something with a bit more time involved in its creation. Mayhap others would also be willing to wait for something that could be improved upon. Those are my two cents. :)

[OchrisO]

It would also be rare that everyone in the room and wanting to play would be on the same difficulty level, so I'd imagine it would be easier to just have one question base wher eyou had a chance of getting an easy or hard question.

[Daghain]

Well, you know my theory - I'd rather have it done right than right now. At the moment we have the trivia thread, so that satisfies a good number of people. :)

[VolsToTheWall]

I know there are some people that are anxious for word games and trivia so I can understand getting a bot out sooner rather than later. If we are speaking of Dark Tower Trivia, then I would prefer to have something with a bit more time involved in its creation. Mayhap others would also be willing to wait for something that could be improved upon. Those are my two cents.
As far as DT trivia goes I am with you there Monte, I would prefer to wait and have something of quality rather than something that was rushed out. Good things sometimes come to those who wait.

[Matt]

That sounds great you guys.

Just wanted to let everyone know I have but a "get unread posts" as an option in the bit that shows your name at the top right. :D

[Matt]

I have a new "image of the week" module that can be seen on the current news page.

Right now it is fanart by boehmke (love that thing)--I plan to change it out with other stuff as time goes on :cool:

[sarah]

cool thanks matt

[Frunobulax]

Awesome.

[Matt]

Next one:

I have added a "random image block" to all of the pages hosted on the site so far.

News
Comics
Collectors

This is four images that randomly pull from the gallery (which is why it would be cool if we could put stuff in there)

It does not pull from the personalized member galleries, only the special content categories. That is because unregistered guests cannot see the personal galleries. :D

The special content categories will be added to as time goes on.

Misc images

stuff like that...

[Daghain]

Most users ever online was 217, Today at 03:54 PM.

Holy cow, did someone empty a tour bus in here? COOL! :excited:

[Matt]

I have been doing a bit of advertising but I believe the vast majority of those are yahoo crawls. :D

Which is also not a bad thing. :lol:

[Aaron]

Two plus seventeen equals nineteen, ya know. :P

[fernandito]

Two plus seventeen equals nineteen, ya know. :P

BRILLIANT.

[Daghain]

OOOH, good one, Aaron! :)

[Matt]

After much work and help from the collectors, we have an official "collections" page on the site now.

http://www.thedarktower.org/collections

check it out :D

[Matt]

Another one:

I have added a site navigation module on the pages. One feature is "Hot Stuff" and that allows us to feature certain things going on.

I have the current re read in there--link to games and announcements

[Matt]

Just so you guys know, we are now second page on google with the separated phrase...the dark tower...and climbing.

This is all without me even starting an ad campaign for the site so expect to get a little busier in the coming months. :D

[Daghain]

Woohoo! :D

[Matt]

New Privacy Page (http://www.thedarktower.org/privacy) :rock:

I plan to do something with a mission statement for the site soon.

[Randall Flagg]

Good policy.
Look forward to seeing the Mission Statement.

[Matt]

Thanks Jerome.

Its going to be a quick little thing and I really have no idea where to put it. :lol:

[Matt]

I just added a drop down to choose smilies from the quick reply box.

:nana:

That way you guys can have them all.

[Matt]

Never mind, we can't use it :(

Disables comments in photo post <_<

[Daghain]

Awww, get me all excited....:D

[Matt]

I have disabled the setting that does not allow all caps over 10

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

:lol:

[Daghain]

WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Matt]

:huglove:

Something else:

I am adding a modification today that will automatically send an email out to inactive users on the board.

(now that I have fixed the auto emails :D)

We should see a bit of returns from it

Basically all it will say is..."TheDarkTower.com misses you!!"

plus information on how to retrieve the password and the site addy :nana:

[MonteGss]

I have disabled the setting that does not allow all caps over 10

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

:lol:
:lol:
Good! Now I can properly make fun of CK when needed. :);)

[Frunobulax]

Yay for updates of any kind!

[Matt]

Hey everyone.

Bethany has decided to step down as a facilitator for personal reasons. I consider her one of the coolest people I have ever met out here so there is no drama.

We are considering options on weather or not we will fill the position.

This first 3 months has been considered a "soft launch" for the site. All the posts here are through word of mouth with very minimal advertising.

That is actually about to change because starting in month four, we will be part of a links exchange with sites all over the internet and I expect that will drive some traffic our way.

Also, the next google refresh will put us on the first page searching the words "the dark tower" we are also climbing very fast with just "dark tower"

Now, the reason I say all of this is we are going to be re evaluating how the system works now that we have an idea of how the site is going to work.

I will keep the members posted if there are any changes like this in the future of course. :grouphug:

[Matt]

Also, the next google refresh will put us on the first page searching the words "the dark tower"

Actually, we are there now. Soon people will be able to make an active choice between fan sites :rock:

[Frunobulax]

Awesome!

[ZoNeSeeK]

Aw, sucks about bethany :( is she ok? should i send money?

[Matt]

Darkthoughts has been named as the new facilitator in EndWorld.

We're very lucky to have her aboard. :rock:

[Darkthoughts]

I'm glad to be here :grouphug:

[MonteGss]

Congrats!

[Daghain]

Welcome to the team, Darkthoughts! :)

[Jean]

Darkthoughts!!! http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_wub.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_wub.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_wub.gif

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/welcome_65.gif

[Matt]

Just wanted to let you guys know that we have been nominated for:

Board of the Month on vBulletin.org

Its a modifications site for vBulletin and they are pretty impressed with our community. We probably won't win but being nominated by a board like vBulletin.org is a huge honor for us.

[Randall Flagg]

Congrats to Darkthoughts, and to you Matt for the nomination.

[Daghain]

Just wanted to let you guys know that we have been nominated for:

Board of the Month on vBulletin.org



Cool!

[Jean]

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_thumb.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_thumb.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_thumb.gif

[Letti]

Just wanted to let you guys know that we have been nominated for:

Board of the Month on vBulletin.org



Cool!

Woooow. :grouphug:

[Darkthoughts]

Thanks you guys!! And a big :thumbsup: to Matt for the nomination!

[Matt]

:rock:

Like I said, I am almost positive we won't win but being on the list is great advertising.

[sarah]

wow matt that is super coool!! It feels good to see all your hard work recognized. congrats!!

[Matt]

:wub:--thank you, it really does. All of our hard work actually.

New one:

Before I add the Wiki, I am having our hosting service back up the entire site. This might create a little slowness so I just wanted to make everyone aware. :D

[Erin]

Congrats on the nomination! You guys deserve it!

[ZoNeSeeK]

Woohoo! *spreadeagles in front of the camera*

[Daghain]

Backup. Good plan. :lol:

*goes to backup Word files*

[Matt]

Just wanted to let you guys know that there is now a "my location" link in the postbit on the left

<--- It will not be there if you haven't added yourself to the member map so if you would like to see an example, its right there on mine. :lol:

If you click it, it takes you to my place on the map :nana:

[Daghain]

Slick :D

[Randall Flagg]

That is nice. I guess I'll have to move mine so that it isn't over the San Quentin prison.:lol:

[Matt]

:lol:

FYI

the new Towerpedia is on the site and runs beautifully!!

Daghain is literally working her fingers to the bone to get the information in there so we should all be seeing it soon. :grouphug:

[Daghain]

Yes, I am bleeding BUCKETS over here, people! Soon, I promise! :D

[Matt]

It looks and works great Daghain, we'll work the kinks out as we go along.

And now there is another--check under The Baronies for the new

"towerconnections" page that looks very similar to the main wiki but is about connections. :nana:

**prays it works right**

Thanks to Mike Beck for the amazing connections graphic he made for us.

[Matt]

There is a new drop down on the second nav bar menu that has information on our Wiki. :nana:

[Daghain]

And it's very cool! :D

[Matt]

Just so you guys know, the book connections page is linking any instance of the word "it" (because its a King book). Not only the word, but if it appears in words like..."with" :lol:

Obviously not okay, I am trying to get it fixed. :D

[Daghain]

:lol: Too funny.

[MonteGss]

I think it's kinda funny too. Maybe it should only link when it is written like this: IT?
:)

[Matt]

Wow, doesn't seem to be doing it now. Maybe I fixed it. :nana:

[Matt]

hmmm...sure doesn't look like it, there are blue "it's" all over the place.

I turned the function off for now, I may be able to hard code it or something.

[Daghain]

I think that one is going to give you fits. :lol:

[Matt]

I have created a Book Connections (http://www.thedarktower.org/towerconnections) page for the site. :D

have a look if you like :nana:

each one of those links at the top takes you to the entry in our connections forum.

[sarah]

YAY!! Thanks matty! :couple:

[ZoNeSeeK]

Thanks for your hard work Daggy Hain, you have the patience of a saint. :)

[Daghain]

Actually, you can thank Darkthoughts for the majority of that - she's been working hard!

[Matt]

She did jump right on that thing :wub:

Also, I have put an announcement on the home page (top center) about Towerpedia!

http://www.thedarktower.org

[Daghain]

*SQUEE*

Now, if you can change my about us photo and remove the Ancient Scrolls text...:lol:

[Matt]

The text for sure, do I have a new photo?

[Daghain]

Not yet. :lol:

[Matt]

**waits in eager anticipation**

[Daghain]

Don't hold your breath. :lol: I wasn't planning on changing it at the moment. :lol:

[Matt]

Now, if you can change my about us photo and remove the Ancient Scrolls text.

??

:rock:

[Daghain]

Sorry, I meant, change the text on the photo. :lol:

[Matt]

ah--reading it that way it makes total sense.

change my about photo in order to remove the ancient scrolls text. :lol:

That's next on my list today :couple: