Tell me about your postnuke "career".
Well, when I first started with PHP it was to build an object translator for
a Flash based order management application I was building. The key was to
keep cost low, so we were using all open source stuff. I liked PHP because
it was fast and very easy to use. Then I started seeing how much PHP was
being used on the web as a language for dynamic sites. That led me to the
open source CMS world, which is where I found PostNuke. I liked how easy it
was to install and extend. I messed with some other systems but PostNuke
was the one I settled on because of its flexibility.
What is your task in within pnCore?
Good question, lol. I don't really know for sure. I'm pretty sure it has
something to do with an article I wrote a while back outlining a PostNuke
module development SDK I have a vision for. It would include a couple of
modules that would work together to help people develop PostNuke modules
rapidly with documentation and support tools all built in.
When did you start programming for PostNuke?
I have not actually started programming for PostNuke yet. I suspect most of
my contribution to the core will consist of input on the project's direction
whenever I can help, and in the writing and development of the SDK's
modules.
What is your development like?
I hope it will be huge. I'd like to see more of the "average joe" be able
to developer, deliver, and support modules they have a need for and can pass
on to the rest of us.
What is the biggest difficulty in your development?
The most difficult thing about developing is trying to create cutting edge
features that will work on any server configuration. I found with
pnFlashGames that subtle differences in PHP and mySQL versions can really
throw a monkey wrench in the works.
Which route will Postnuke in your opinion go in the future?
I think that with the introduction of Xanthia the doors have been opened
wide. The upcoming .76 release also shows us that the developers are
thinking in practical terms, which is great. I would like to see PostNuke
go towards a more business oriented platform, but that is greatly dependant
on module developers providing the functionality to make that work.
What is the weakest/strongest point in PostNuke?
I think PostNuke's greatest weakness is also its greatest strength: the
modular nature of the system. PostNuke relies on third party modules to
deliver a good bit of functionality that every site needs or wants. As a
result, users are at the mercy of the developers of these modules. So if
the modules are buggy then it makes PostNuke look buggy. Conversely, if
they are written and supported well then it makes PostNuke look all the
better. This is another driving force behind my vision for the SDK.
Anything else you always wanted to say about Postnuke?
It never ceases to amaze me how no matter what you do or where you go,
everything is run by individuals. Everyone has their own personality,
complete with their own set of characteristics. This simple fact is what
makes working in a global community like PostNuke so exciting. But you
know, even with all the different cultures and languages the pnCore has to
deal with, module developers and the pnCore team alike all just has to
provide good quality customer support and that will guarantee PostNuke's
continued success. I have always been impressed with the pnCore's customer
support. I strive to offer a high level of support to my module's users as
well; staying positive and trying to be helpful has helped me to establish a
good reputation and a successful project. I only wish we could see more of
that with the third party module developers.
Tell me something about your module work?
I am the author and director of pnFlashGames and pnFlashGames.com.
When did you start working on your own module?
When I first starting using PostNuke I wanted to build a website for my
company and have some tools to help our customers get downloads and
information they needed quickly and efficiently. I could not find modules
that did what I needed so I set out to learn how to make my own modules. I
thought that the best way to do that is just to make my own. So I chose a
fun and easy subject for my first module, a flash games gallery. I found
some flash games to start out with and it just so happened they had a common
high score system (they came from the same author - Paul Neave). So then I
though, if Paul Neave can store high scores in a text file with a common API
for his games, I can make my own API and store the scores in PostNuke's
database for any flash game. Thus, pnFlashGames was born. I never thought
it would become as popular as it is now. I still chuckle when I look back
at my first release.
What features should the Postnuke .8 core have to simplify your
work?
:lol: an automatic conversion script that will take a pnHTML module and
convert it to pnRender.... Seriously though, I'd love the ability to load a
"light" version of the PostNuke API that gives me access to the database and
module API for only the parts I need. This way, I don't have to load the
entire application just to store a score. I only have to load just enough
to get to the pnFlashGames API and make a database call.
Which route will your module in your opinion go in the future?
My community is so fantastic. They are always providing me with great
suggestions and very cool ideas for features and direction. We are working
on multiplayer games, global high scores (site vs. site competitions),
enhanced team functionality (team vs. team competitions), and better quality
and more port projects for other CMS. Currently, pnFlashGames has been
ported to Xoops, Mambo, Invision, and just recently to PHPNuke.
Recently a wonderful thing has happened with pnFlashGames as well. My
company, SourceKit, acquired pnFlashGames and pnFlashGames.com. It's great
news and means that big things are happening with our project. I believe
this is the first time a PostNuke module has been purchased by an
independent company. It says a lot about PostNuke and a lot about
pnFlashGames that a company not involved with PostNuke would see enough
potential and value in a module project to invest like they have done. Best
of all, I still run the project and it is still open source. :) For full
details you can go to the <a
href="http://pnflashgames.com/displayarticle51.phtml">press release on
pnflashgames.com.
What should users of your module regard?
Well, the weakest part of my module is the pnHTML I think. However, I have
addressed that in the short term by using CSS classes in the output whenever
possible and documenting how to use them to customize their look and feel.
I think they are happy with that for now. Eventually I'll port it to
pnRender, but its going to be a lot of work. The strongest part of
pnFlashGames is the traffic generation that comes from it. People like
being on the score board and they will come back to check and make sure
their rank is held. pnFlashGames is an automatic community builder. I
think it is even more effective than a forum because more people will play a
game than post in a forum. Every feature I write is done with that thought
in mind.
Thank you very much for your patience
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