Some Planning

[TwitchisMental]

Okay, so I just wanted to throw some thoughts and questions out there so I can assist better with these projects.

1. After SMF 2.1.4, we shouldn't be seeing any more updates to theme files, unless it is found necessary. There is the Attachment UI change which is coming with 2.1.4, but it really isn't much. See here for more information - https://github.com/SimpleMachines/SMF/pull/7676 . Figured it was worth mentioning.



2. As of right now it seems that we just discuss changes to a theme in the comment areas and then the boss applies them.  Which works just fine if we want to keep it that way.

A random idea that I had was maybe we can create a copy of the theme and name it something like name and then user.
So AmbassadorTwitch for example. From there I can make whatever edits I feel are needed.. Then when I am done, the bossman can look over the changes and then include them in the main version.

That or I could just make my version on my local server and upload the files like I have already done before.

The reason behind this is when I or whoever has time, they can go and do whatever they need and then just submit the changes up the chain to be merged with the main theme. Kind of like GitHub.

This would also make it possible for me to start on converting a theme that hasn't been started yet. Like if I wanted to go ahead and start on cool black for example.



3. Releases. How are y'all currently doing releases? I know that a thread is posted on the forum, but what about the downloads page ? How often are y'all releasing updates? Personally I release updates as soon as I resolve issues.  I am asking this because the version of Ambassador that I was using had some issues that were already resolved, but I did not know this until I was told. I feel like the version we now have here needs to be put out soon on the main site.



4. What I in theory would like to do is get the two themes(Ambassador and Cleantek) that have been updated and released all tidied up. What I mean by that is, get bugs fixed, make adjustments such as  color changes where need be, and then release the updated version to the public. We have started this already with Ambassador.


From there I would like to start converting the next theme or set of themes. I have converted several of my own themes from 2.0 to 2.1 and know the process quite well. I would also like to share all the knowledge that I have with y'all so we can get more done overall.

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So what are y'alls thoughts and comments?


I made this thread due to the way my mind works. I find it easier to get things done with a list, a goal, or someone giving me commands.

[Dave]

I liked the post as you make some good points. I will give my feedback tomorrow as it's bed time here.

One thing I will say, which Steve already knows about, is that I would like to convert the 'News' theme to 2.1.

You can see it here Twitch www.davejohnson.co.uk/SMF2.0

I've created a membership for you

Username: Twitch
PASS: twitch2013

Feel free to have a look, also change the email and password

[Bocool]

Great ideas!

1.  I totally agree! I try to keep the updates to a minimum, mostly to save to and get the themes out faster. But sadly, I haven't been keeping up with github...

2.  Sounds great! Dave has access to FTP and sometimes will backup files here and then add the changes to files so I can see them live. As long as they are backed up, I really don't mind.

3.  I release them as soon as we are happy with them...but...

Well, I think the mod for the downloads is outdated...I'll need to check on it. But, I've made a demos site for 2.1 themes (like Jeff used to do). It may need updating as well. I'd like to update the site before adding them to the downloads because I'll probably have some things to rearrange, etc. Maxx, who was the last Admin (who passed away) kind of made some weird changes here. LOL That's the biggest reason why I'd like to upgrade the site.

Also, there's some weird file arrangements on the server. I think Jeff did it. If you look at the server files you'll find smf installs within smf installs. Sometimes a few of them within one! Jeff used a 3 pronged stick in his mouth to type and I'm sure that's why it's like that. It's crazy! There's themes within themes, some outside of public_html, and more! There may be themes no one has seen yet although they may be outdated...

4.  Way ahead of you and trying to get those done as well as CleanWhite which has been on the back burner for some time due to an issue I couldn't fix.

Yup, that's how I see it. But, I'm not the greatest coder. LMAO However, I love learning things and stive to do better and learn as much as I can with each passing theme.

Thanks for the post!

[attachment deleted by admin]

[TwitchisMental]

Great ideas!

1.  I totally agree! I try to keep the updates to a minimum, mostly to save to and get the themes out faster. But sadly, I haven't been keeping up with github...

2.  Sounds great! Dave has access to FTP and sometimes will backup files here and then add the changes to files so I can see them live. As long as they are backed up, I really don't mind.

3.  I release them as soon as we are happy with them...but...

Well, I think the mod for the downloads is outdated...I'll need to check on it. But, I've made a demos site for 2.1 themes (like Jeff used to do). It may need updating as well. I'd like to update the site before adding them to the downloads because I'll probably have some things to rearrange, etc. Maxx, who was the last Admin (who passed away) kind of made some weird changes here. LOL That's the biggest reason why I'd like to upgrade the site.

Also, there's some weird file arrangements on the server. I think Jeff did it. If you look at the server files you'll find smf installs within smf installs. Sometimes a few of them within one! Jeff used a 3 pronged stick in his mouth to type and I'm sure that's why it's like that. It's crazy! There's themes within themes, some outside of public_html, and more! There may be themes no one has seen yet although they may be outdated...

4.  Way ahead of you and trying to get those done as well as CleanWhite which has been on the back burner for some time due to an issue I couldn't fix.

Yup, that's how I see it. But, I'm not the greatest coder. LMAO However, I love learning things and stive to do better and learn as much as I can with each passing theme.

Thanks for the post!

1. Like I said the changes aren't big and do not matter until 2.1.4 fully out. Shouldn't get any more theme changes in the future either.

2. Which one sounds great? I gave a few ideas there :p .

3. Well in whatever way you can use me to resolve these issues, let me know.

4. Glad we are on the same page there.

So I guess at this point, I just need to know what you need or would like me to do to help.


Just for giggles I did kind of start porting another theme to 2.1 -

You cannot view this attachment.


Also are you familiar with the use of css variables?  These can make theming alot easier in the long run.  If so, would you like to use them in the 2.1 ports?

[Bocool]

2.  I favor the random idea. lol

I 'used' to plan things out like you do but have gotten away from it.

Actually, Flagrantly was the next theme I wanted to do from CZ. LMAO I've done some early 2.1 beta versions of it but that all...

[TwitchisMental]

2.  I favor the random idea. lol

I 'used' to plan things out like you do but have gotten away from it.

Actually, Flagrantly was the next theme I wanted to do from CZ. LMAO I've done some early 2.1 beta versions of it but that all...

Haha now ain't that a coincidence XD.

[Dave]

Following on from my reply to your post Twitch. I agree with everything you said.

The main reason for that is that I have no real knowledge of coding/php. What I am fairly good as it investigating.

I use Brave browser and with that, as with Firefox and Edge, it has the right click on an item and 'inspect' and as it lists the css line numbers for the specific item I can then test alterations and their effects on my test site 'https://www.davejohnson.co.uk/testing/index.php'; (yes I know I have lots of test sites) and if it works with no errors then I can pass that info on to you guys.

I did try the conversion of the news theme but even though I managed to get the header near enough right the body was way off.

So as far as coding is concerned you guys are it.

The other thing worth noting as well is that for my part I could not put a theme on SMF as I would not be able to support it with my limited knowledge.

I recently changed the SMF default on Quizland and created a Spring theme...as my wife said that the default theme I was using was too bland, I can do that sort of thing but the actual coding and variables etc are lost on me.

Anyway thanks for reading and I'm here to help if I can

Well that's it, take care.

[Bocool]

Dave, you've been a great help! We both notice things that the other doesn't. And you have helped with coding. And, you have good ideas and that is what makes a team. Not that we are all good at the same things, but the fact that we help each other and what we do know compliments the others.

[Bocool]

For the planning, I was thinking on making a sort of check list/to-do list. This would have a topic per theme where we can all list the things that need to get done for the theme or you would like to see done (maybe a separate topic for the last one?).

We can then check off what has been done when it's completed. For instance, yesterday Dave reminded me that the inline_mod_check wasn't right. But because of all of the posting I forgot about it. Things like that should help keep us on track with each individual theme.

[TwitchisMental]

For the planning, I was thinking on making a sort of check list/to-do list. This would have a topic per theme where we can all list the things that need to get done for the theme or you would like to see done (maybe a separate topic for the last one?).

We can then check off what has been done when it's completed. For instance, yesterday Dave reminded me that the inline_mod_check wasn't right. But because of all of the posting I forgot about it. Things like that should help keep us on track with each individual theme.

I like this idea

[Bocool]

Thanks, It's something I used to do to help keep me on track but got away from as I became more busy with things.

So, do we put it in a separate board just for that?

EDIT: And, do we put it in a public board? I think it should be private until the release!

Remember, there is an Admin board...

[TwitchisMental]

Thanks, It's something I used to do to help keep me on track but got away from as I became more busy with things.

So, do we put it in a separate board just for that?

EDIT: And, do we put it in a public board? I think it should be private until the release!

Remember, there is an Admin board...

Seeing that this forum is only accessed by us, I see no reason not to just create a new board specifically for it.

[Bocool]

We are the only 'users' here but everyone can see what we type unless it is private. IMO, we need to see how guests view the themes as well. Some things they shouldn't know. I think it adds to the 'element of surprise' when it is released.

They may see changes each time they come here but can't predict the future...

[TwitchisMental]

We are the only 'users' here but everyone can see what we type unless it is private. IMO, we need to see how guests view the themes as well. Some things they shouldn't know. I think it adds to the 'element of surprise' when it is released.

They may see changes each time they come here but can't predict the future...

How many people know about this site though ?

Do it whichever way you see fit, lists are good.. We need lists haha XD .

Also need to fix the theme selection for users :p .

[Bocool]

How many people know about this site though ?

I've asked for help on SMFH (https://www.smfhelper.com/index.php?action=forum) and I think SMF...

Also need to fix the theme selection for users :p .

I've forgotten about that because of the many posts since then. This is why why we need the lists. LMAO Can't remember everything all of the time.