I'll just be another echo in the room.  Great job Mediadogg and all the other folks who contributed!

Now back to working on profiles.

Quoting Kathy:

Quote:
I want to thank mediadogg and the other members of the community in their efforts to improve the database.

I see that Ken is aware and will soon focus on contribution issues. 

...Monday?!? 

(highlighted by me). Hate to spoil the news and just for the record and no offence: Ken didn't indicate any timeframe. Just that an iOS v2 and an Android v1 release are in the works and take precedence.

@mediadogg: perhaps you could further your private mail exchange with Ken on timescale? I mean, there is some vibe now to get started on at least some things. I'd hate to see a 8, 10 or whatever x months delay introduced with all bickering in various threads repeating itself as has been going on for years. If you and Ken could discuss whether it makes sense to get started on some topics or not and heaven (on iOS and Android) is imminent  , would be IMHO a sensible follow-up.

Quoting eommen:

Quote:
... If you and Ken could discuss whether it makes sense to get started on some topics or not and heaven (on iOS and Android) is imminent  , would be IMHO a sensible follow-up.

Well he didn't ask us to stop. The tasks are defined. Anyone who wants to Lead a task, go ahead start a thread and pick up the ball ...

Quoting Parsec:

Quote:
Ok, what do we need to start?

domain, sub-domain?
server software type to determine type of server to support the site?
Do we have any web devs?
Should we be concentrating on xml based database or sql type, php or asp frontend?
Are any free previously done web software that could be used? eg: wiki or cms software etc

Here are some ideas I shared with someone who PM'd me with the same question:

I think a great project would be pulling together a consolidated set of proposed rule changes to handle all known issues. We have several lists of problems and issues - but we need some actual solutions and a consensus on them. Throwing everything over the fence to Ken is easy, but he has actually given us the power to make some decisions. He seems to rarely go against a consensus.

If you prefer a more technical aspect, we could use a solid data model for what would be needed in an updated database that can handle the requested improvements. I think both DJ Doena and Mark Harrison have external database models that can handle additional fields, Maybe one of them would be willing to help work on something that could eventually be a plugin or PHP solution.
(I've seen various proposals - something about layers, and separating movie data from DVD data., User-defined fields, etc. )

That's just two ideas. I'm sure the Team has others.

Main thing is:

- Focus on consensus. If we can't agree, maybe move on to another item and revisit later.
- Whatever is done should have immediate benefits, plus have a definitive way to be converted into Invelos format, now (watered down maybe) and the future (full features)

Quoting mediadogg:

Quote:
Another thought:

I'm wondering if we could help Ken be more responsive, if we brought solutions rather than problems. The guy is busy. If we bring him: "Here is a new rule (update), with a short rationale and NO major dissenting harangues that he has to wade through, perhaps he would just bless it and move on?"

As a test, let's pick one, nail it, and see what happens.

Actually that is exactly what he wants.

Here is ta link to the pinned thread in the 'Contribution Rules Committee" forum on how to get a rule changed

http://www.invelos.com/Forums.aspx?task=viewtopic&topicID=605472

Here is the text in case some do not have access

Quoting Ken Cole:

Quote:
To get a rule changed or added:

- Start a dedicated thread in this forum, state the problem and proposed solution.
- Discuss and build a consensus, modifying the solution as required.
- When a consensus is built, the op restates the final proposal, including proposed wording for the change
- The op opens a support ticket and links to the thread.

Note: The consensus need not be universal, but it should be as broad as possible.

Also we should start threads of that nature in that forum.  Those that do not have access, can get access by hitting the forum link.

As far as I know anyone can get access that is in good standing.

Quoting mediadogg:

Quote:
Another thought:

I'm wondering if we could help Ken be more responsive, if we brought solutions rather than problems. The guy is busy. If we bring him: "Here is a new rule (update), with a short rationale and NO major dissenting harangues that he has to wade through, perhaps he would just bless it and move on?"

As a test, let's pick one, nail it, and see what happens.

I was thinking we would have something on display first, before we start pushing for rule changes. I thought we were creating a web display of profiles which are in the excellent gold class approved by a group to be that way. Then we could visibley point to certain gold credited profiles that have substance to incorporate a rule change. Like ones with alternates or clarifications that the majority think suits the profile(s) better.

Quoting mediadogg:

Quote:
If you prefer a more technical aspect, we could use a solid data model for what would be needed in an updated database that can handle the requested improvements. I think both DJ Doena and Mark Harrison have external database models that can handle additional fields, Maybe one of them would be willing to help work on something that could eventually be a plugin or PHP solution.
(I've seen various proposals - something about layers, and separating movie data from DVD data., User-defined fields, etc. )

Ok, just trying to give things a little push
I just figure if we have a site up with a few example profiles and a working idea towards how it's all going to happen will make this project move along rather then us sitting around waiting for Ken's input after those releases he mentioned.

Quoting CharlieM:

Quote:
As far as rule changes.  I have gone through, with a consensus, on a couple of rule changes and sent them.  They are still pending in the support system, and have not had a response.

They have been in que since July 7.

one for Prosthetic Makeup to add to crew tables
One for company names in dividers.

Proposed addition

Quote:
  Dividers

Dividers allow the segregation of cast and crew into logical groupings. Wherever possible, these groupings should mirror the film credits.

    •Use Episode dividers for TV show episodes, distinct films, or other logical episodic distinction.
      Also use episode dividers for full cast division, such as "Japanese Voices".

    •Use Group dividers to designate cast grouped in the credits such as "Soldiers" or "Additional
      Cast".

    •"Cast", "In order of appearance" or other similar headers at the start of the credits should not
      be entered.

    •Also use Group dividers for crew teams, included only if the crew meets the other listing
      requirements.

    •Groups should be ended with a "Group End" type divider, unless the next entry begins a new
      group.

    •Do not add a group end divider at the end of the cast, or at the end of a crew section.

    •Do not use a blank dividers to simulate spacing within the credits

    •When including Company names in group dividers, use full description i.e. "Visual Effects by
      ILM" instead of "ILM".  Omit company suffixes such as LLC, Ltd., Inc. Omit location specific suffix.
      Abbreviate where necessary to fit within 1 divider (Visual Effects - Visual FX or VFX)

Maybe I did something wrong.

Charlie

How about a clarification on - Additional Visual Effects by...  There are some that are in profiles and some that get voted no when trying to contribute because of the additional. Usually when you put the full discription in and not just the company name.