Indie Website Template
by Michael \"Evic\" Wales · in Torque Game Builder · 04/15/2005 (12:59 pm) · 28 replies
After reading Phil Carlisle's Plan a few weeks ago I started putting some heavy duty work into an Indie Website Template package. I have a lot of the backend work done on it and a strong set of features I think will prove useful to not only the T2D community but the TGE and TSE communities as well (I'm just posting this post here because I personally, am more active within this community).
So, below is a quick description of where I'm heading with this, and I look forward to your comments and suggestions:
- The entire "system" is written in PHP with a MySQL backend (although a file operated backend will be released as well, for those without database access).
- Many ways to customize the site to your needs, both manually and through control panels (ie. image replacement via simple control panels, CSS editing via control panels).
- Content Management allowing you to create/edit/delete pages on the website without knowing any HTML
- Navigation Management allowing you total control over your website's navigational "tree"
- File Management to provide statistics on files, downloads, and provide accurate past version information to your users
- Screenshot Gallery w/ categorization of images if necessary
- Forums
- Template engine (with 5-6 official templates) allowing developer's the ability to modify their website with the utmost control
- Logo Designer through a simple control panel
I will also be including various "modules" for use by the indie team themselves, such as:
- Project Management allowing a team to adequately plan out their tasks, schedule, etc.
- Finance Management (maybe, unsure as of now) for basic tracking of company finances, primarily expenses
- Team Management will allow the Webmaster to add members to the team, define their permissions on the website, and their status within the team - this info will be used to generate your Staff page visitors will see.
- Version Management is a web-based CVS of sorts, with various options such as automatic backup, file check-in/out, file locking, etc.
I'm really trying to make this as simple as possible through the use of control panels for users without much experience, while also keeping it modular and powerful enough that the experienced user will be able to manually make modifications they would like. Speaking of it's modularity, user's will also be able to program their own modules, simply drop them in a folder, and activate them from within the Webmaster Control Panel.
So, I am curious as to what you guys think, if you would use it, what other features you would like to see, etc. The option of approaching GG for distribution has crossed my mind, but I am unsure if this is a product that really falls under their focus. Would you be willing to pay for a product of this nature, of course with technical support, documentation, etc. Would you be willing to use a free license of this product if it included my personal Google Ads code?
So, below is a quick description of where I'm heading with this, and I look forward to your comments and suggestions:
- The entire "system" is written in PHP with a MySQL backend (although a file operated backend will be released as well, for those without database access).
- Many ways to customize the site to your needs, both manually and through control panels (ie. image replacement via simple control panels, CSS editing via control panels).
- Content Management allowing you to create/edit/delete pages on the website without knowing any HTML
- Navigation Management allowing you total control over your website's navigational "tree"
- File Management to provide statistics on files, downloads, and provide accurate past version information to your users
- Screenshot Gallery w/ categorization of images if necessary
- Forums
- Template engine (with 5-6 official templates) allowing developer's the ability to modify their website with the utmost control
- Logo Designer through a simple control panel
I will also be including various "modules" for use by the indie team themselves, such as:
- Project Management allowing a team to adequately plan out their tasks, schedule, etc.
- Finance Management (maybe, unsure as of now) for basic tracking of company finances, primarily expenses
- Team Management will allow the Webmaster to add members to the team, define their permissions on the website, and their status within the team - this info will be used to generate your Staff page visitors will see.
- Version Management is a web-based CVS of sorts, with various options such as automatic backup, file check-in/out, file locking, etc.
I'm really trying to make this as simple as possible through the use of control panels for users without much experience, while also keeping it modular and powerful enough that the experienced user will be able to manually make modifications they would like. Speaking of it's modularity, user's will also be able to program their own modules, simply drop them in a folder, and activate them from within the Webmaster Control Panel.
So, I am curious as to what you guys think, if you would use it, what other features you would like to see, etc. The option of approaching GG for distribution has crossed my mind, but I am unsure if this is a product that really falls under their focus. Would you be willing to pay for a product of this nature, of course with technical support, documentation, etc. Would you be willing to use a free license of this product if it included my personal Google Ads code?
#22
@Michael "Evic" Wales glad to be of service! Let me know if there is anything else I can do.
04/27/2005 (2:55 pm)
@Jason McIntosh - Hey Jason what CMS are you using? I've been playing with Plone and Zope lately any insight?@Michael "Evic" Wales glad to be of service! Let me know if there is anything else I can do.
#23
206.174.3.120/phpIndie.jpg
I don't have any of the control panel's done, so this website was completed as follows:
- I designed all the artwork and laid out the entire website in Photoshop (2 hours)
- I sent a ton of requests to the server via the address line of my browser (1 hour)
That's it! All the content portions of the site were done! Now, if control panels were added this website would take 2:15 to complete at most, including the artwork.
My next step is to work on the support systems (forums, bug tracking, trouble tickets).
Also, I changed me content flow a little bit. The template system will allow you to use either HTML w/ a linked CSS file or allow you to use pure XHTML and CSS for all placement/formatting. I decided to incorporate both, because personally, I still like using tables rather than pure CSS.
Also, I've implemented a multi-tier temlate system. For example: the screenshot above uses default.tpl, but there are also other template that default.tpl calls. The login form is one of those. So, if you wanted to use default.tpl, and you didn't like how the login form looked, simply update that template file and you are good to go!
This also changes page addition a little bit:
When you go to add a new page you will select a template to use for that page. phpIndie will then parse this template and determine what data is static and what data is dynamic. You will then be presented with another screen that will allow you to make final modifications to the sub-templates, this is especially usefull if the template calls a sub-template that does not exist. You can quickly create it right then, and preview it before making the final change to your website. Most all dynamic content will be determined via the main template, whereas static content (a login form, or options for logged in users) will be determined via sub-templates.
04/27/2005 (7:46 pm)
Just a quick update... I have officially made the first website w/ phpIndie, although I only have the content systems completed. You can view a screenshot here:206.174.3.120/phpIndie.jpg
I don't have any of the control panel's done, so this website was completed as follows:
- I designed all the artwork and laid out the entire website in Photoshop (2 hours)
- I sent a ton of requests to the server via the address line of my browser (1 hour)
That's it! All the content portions of the site were done! Now, if control panels were added this website would take 2:15 to complete at most, including the artwork.
My next step is to work on the support systems (forums, bug tracking, trouble tickets).
Also, I changed me content flow a little bit. The template system will allow you to use either HTML w/ a linked CSS file or allow you to use pure XHTML and CSS for all placement/formatting. I decided to incorporate both, because personally, I still like using tables rather than pure CSS.
Also, I've implemented a multi-tier temlate system. For example: the screenshot above uses default.tpl, but there are also other template that default.tpl calls. The login form is one of those. So, if you wanted to use default.tpl, and you didn't like how the login form looked, simply update that template file and you are good to go!
This also changes page addition a little bit:
When you go to add a new page you will select a template to use for that page. phpIndie will then parse this template and determine what data is static and what data is dynamic. You will then be presented with another screen that will allow you to make final modifications to the sub-templates, this is especially usefull if the template calls a sub-template that does not exist. You can quickly create it right then, and preview it before making the final change to your website. Most all dynamic content will be determined via the main template, whereas static content (a login form, or options for logged in users) will be determined via sub-templates.
#24
04/27/2005 (8:33 pm)
Very nice "Evic"!
#25
On a side note, the example website layout is really nice, and I like the artwork you knocked up for it. :)
Kudos. :)
04/28/2005 (7:20 am)
This is some real nice work you've gotten done. :) Now, is the templating system going to be available to users on multiple proficiency levels? As in, real basic, drop in your content into an existing layout, to more advanced, roll your own layout and content? Either way, this is looking to be a great resource for indies.On a side note, the example website layout is really nice, and I like the artwork you knocked up for it. :)
Kudos. :)
#26
Just an example, of creating your website, with no HTML knowledge at all:
1. You upload the framework.
2. You go to install.php, fill out a small form, click submit, then delete install.php from your server.
3. You go to your website and login to your administrator account (a temporary website will be setup until you design yours).
4. Once you log in the first question will be, which template do you want to use for the overall design of your site. All dynamic portions of the site (forums, bug tracking, etc) will use this template.
5. Once you select this template the framework will parse this template out into "blocks." For example, my phpIndie image above has quite a few blocks: {menu} {login_form} {recent_news:2} {newsletter_subscription} {content}
6. You will then have the opportunity to edit these sub-templates, so you can easily alter the way to login form looks, or the newsletter subscription form.
7. Click submit and you're done, time to move on to the next page or start adding in your dynamic modules.
When I refer to static/dynamic - all of the pages are technically dynamic (ie. read from a database, easily updateable via forms, etc.) But, by static pages I mean they are not a page that is created and operated solely by the framework (like the forums are), but they are created by you, where you add the information that page contains via the control panels (like the image I posted a few pages up).
The process would virtually be the same for a template you designed yourself. You would simply upload that template before you went to design your website, or just change your website over to that template later on.
04/28/2005 (7:49 am)
Most definitely. I intend to release around 7 templates with the framework, and I'm sure people will be making their own as well (and maybe even releasing them).Just an example, of creating your website, with no HTML knowledge at all:
1. You upload the framework.
2. You go to install.php, fill out a small form, click submit, then delete install.php from your server.
3. You go to your website and login to your administrator account (a temporary website will be setup until you design yours).
4. Once you log in the first question will be, which template do you want to use for the overall design of your site. All dynamic portions of the site (forums, bug tracking, etc) will use this template.
5. Once you select this template the framework will parse this template out into "blocks." For example, my phpIndie image above has quite a few blocks: {menu} {login_form} {recent_news:2} {newsletter_subscription} {content}
6. You will then have the opportunity to edit these sub-templates, so you can easily alter the way to login form looks, or the newsletter subscription form.
7. Click submit and you're done, time to move on to the next page or start adding in your dynamic modules.
When I refer to static/dynamic - all of the pages are technically dynamic (ie. read from a database, easily updateable via forms, etc.) But, by static pages I mean they are not a page that is created and operated solely by the framework (like the forums are), but they are created by you, where you add the information that page contains via the control panels (like the image I posted a few pages up).
The process would virtually be the same for a template you designed yourself. You would simply upload that template before you went to design your website, or just change your website over to that template later on.
#27
If you want input on the bug tracking part, I'm a professional videogame tester, and have lead many quality assurance projects for console games in the past. If you need any input on some simple things that would add value to that part of the framework, I can take a look and make some suggestions. I think that part could be quite valuable to some.
04/28/2005 (9:48 pm)
I noticed no one mentioned if they'd use your Google Ads code for a free version. I personally would rather pay for an ad free version. It's nice to have that choice though. This is looking very nice. I'm early in my game, but I'd definitely be looking to pay for this once I start bug testing my game.If you want input on the bug tracking part, I'm a professional videogame tester, and have lead many quality assurance projects for console games in the past. If you need any input on some simple things that would add value to that part of the framework, I can take a look and make some suggestions. I think that part could be quite valuable to some.
#28
I have been thinking of the various ways I can distribute this framework. So far my options are free license w/ AdWords, Lifetime license, or a monthly license on my hosting.
I don't think I'll be going w/ the AdWords option as it doesn't offer a very efficient way to insure payment for the work. I also don't think I will be going w/ a monthly license on my hosting as I am then obligated to provide hosting for a certain period to my customers. I think I will just be selling an open license to the framework somewhere in the neighborhood of $200, although price is yet to be determined. This will allow customers the ability to alter the source as they feel the need, and even use it in their own projects (although this would require some sort of comment as to where the source was obtained). Otherwise, customers would be under no obligation to maintain the source in any sort of fashion or even mention my name.
As for the bug tracking, I would be very interested in hearing your opinions and suggestions for this, and soon too - as I am going to begin work on this module very shortly. The only experience I have with bug tracking is w/ sourceforge and bugzilla, and I am currently using these two products to design phpIndie's bug tracking. Please feel free to email any and all suggestions concerning this to evicerator52@hotmail.com.
That goes for anyone actually - if you have questions, comments, concerns, curses that you want an immediate response to feel free to contact me the following ways:
Email: evicerator52@hotmail.com
Yahoo: shrimp20
AOL: evicerator52
MSN: evicerator52@hotmail.com
Skype: evicerator52
04/29/2005 (12:17 am)
@DaveI have been thinking of the various ways I can distribute this framework. So far my options are free license w/ AdWords, Lifetime license, or a monthly license on my hosting.
I don't think I'll be going w/ the AdWords option as it doesn't offer a very efficient way to insure payment for the work. I also don't think I will be going w/ a monthly license on my hosting as I am then obligated to provide hosting for a certain period to my customers. I think I will just be selling an open license to the framework somewhere in the neighborhood of $200, although price is yet to be determined. This will allow customers the ability to alter the source as they feel the need, and even use it in their own projects (although this would require some sort of comment as to where the source was obtained). Otherwise, customers would be under no obligation to maintain the source in any sort of fashion or even mention my name.
As for the bug tracking, I would be very interested in hearing your opinions and suggestions for this, and soon too - as I am going to begin work on this module very shortly. The only experience I have with bug tracking is w/ sourceforge and bugzilla, and I am currently using these two products to design phpIndie's bug tracking. Please feel free to email any and all suggestions concerning this to evicerator52@hotmail.com.
That goes for anyone actually - if you have questions, comments, concerns, curses that you want an immediate response to feel free to contact me the following ways:
Email: evicerator52@hotmail.com
Yahoo: shrimp20
AOL: evicerator52
MSN: evicerator52@hotmail.com
Skype: evicerator52
Torque Owner Michael \"Evic\" Wales
I think you get the point. I think the largest qualm with indie websites is the lack of information. Any successfull indie game has the talent to create a good website (artists, basic programming in HTML) yet they lack the ability to manage their content effectively. This is where phpIndie will come into place. All 3 of these sites' content could be developed in full within 2 hours time w/ phpIndie, you add in artwork and a custom template and you've completed your entire website within 5 maybe 6 hours. To include user feedback, screenshot gallery, purchase/registration management, and project management features.
I feel developers tend to rely on GarageGames to much. They have never promised to publish a game, support it, etc. It is up to us, the developers, to do this ourselves and the easiest way to accomplish this is via our websites. I have yet to find a single indie website to accomplish this effectively.
My final vision of phpIndie will allow developers to create an effective and easy to use website on par with www.worldofwarcraft.com/, www.guildwars.com/, etc. within a day, give or take some amount of time based on their HTML and web-based graphics ability.