New Airlinercafe – Airlinercafe

This topic has 28 replies, 10 voices, and was last updated 2 years ago by LH707.

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June 26, 2020 at 2:15 am #96848
Ahmed
Posts: 2,096
Location: Sunny California

Occupation: Software Engineer
Hi all,

I mentioned a few weeks ago that a new airlinercafe site would be developed soon, and I haven’t forgotten. I started working on a new site, with a new modern look, and after I started modifying the forum software to make uploading of images easier, I realized that I was simply putting a new paint job on an old car. Jodie even helped me with writing some of the descriptions, titles, etc. for the various sections. The current platform dates back to the early 2000’s, is hard to code for, and very time consuming. Thus, I decided a total rebuild would give us a more robust platform and be better for the long-run…

The new site will definitely include the Forum, Private Messaging, Kit & Decal Database, as well as the Articles, Walkarounds, and Profiles sections. The Articles and Walkarounds will be rebuilt in a new format. However, I’m not sure about the Member Galleries. Do we need a Members Gallery? Please post any other suggestions and requests here as well.

Rebuilding the entire site from scratch is no easy task. I’m estimating about 500 hours worth of work with a lot of the hours going into migrating the data. I really want to preserve the Forum and Kit & Decal database. There is good value in both and I think it’s worth preserving. So, I’ve recruited one of the best programmers I know to help with the rebuilding of the site. For the past month or so, he’s been working on the tools to export the data from this rickety site and import it intact into the new site. It’s a lot of work and I don’t expect him to do it for free. So, I’d like to raise some funds as a thank you for all his hard work. My goal is to raise $2500 which is not a lot of money in the world of web development, believe me. If you’d like to donate, please PayPal your donation to newcafe@airlinercafe.com

I will post all donations here, unless you would like to stay anonymous.

I’ve already come up with a design that I like very much. Would you guys like to see screenshots of it, or should we let it be a total surprise???

Thanks,

ahmed
KSFO
June 26, 2020 at 3:16 am #159175
Jesse
Posts: 6
Wow! I’m pretty new here and things keep getting better an better! Thank you Ahmed for all the work! I think it would be pretty cool to see the new design :boing

Future DC-8 Captain

"Nobody has seen me and Batman in a room at the same time, just saying."
June 27, 2020 at 4:57 pm #159189
pa747sp
Posts: 206
I would be happy with whatever you decide. I fear if you ask for feedback you may end up getting 100 different opinions.

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June 28, 2020 at 12:00 am #159196
Ahmed
Posts: 2,096
Location: Sunny California

Occupation: Software Engineer
Yeah, that is true! I thought there would be more excitement, or maybe not everyone has seen this post. A lot of the sections of the site will remain as is, but will be vastly improved in functionality. The Forums will finally get all the features everyone’s been asking for, for a long time:

– One-step image uploading
– Thread Subscription/Notification of new posts
– Ability to notify moderators of offensive posts

So far we have only 2 donors:
cesare747
pa747sp

Thanks you two! We have a long way to go. Whatever you can contribute will help. Here’s an image to whet your appetite.

Please don’t pay too much attention to the small details like links, text, etc. It’s just a rough image for now.

I hope that helps to get more people excited and hopefully some more donations. Thanks everyone!

Thanks,

ahmed
KSFO
June 28, 2020 at 4:50 am #159201
RB211-524
Posts: 125
Hello,

That preview looks really really nice, airy, fresh and modern. For good stuff like this I can donate, I will be honored to make a donation end July.

I like today’s page design and have no issue with the photo uploading process but this preview just wets my appetite.

Cheers, Stephane

Cheers,

Stefan
June 28, 2020 at 9:53 am #159203
Ahmed
Posts: 2,096
Location: Sunny California

Occupation: Software Engineer
Thanks Jesse. Thanks Stephane I’m glad you like the design. Like any modern design, it will be responsive, so it will look like this on tablet:

Mobile:

But, besides the look, I will try my best to make the site as user-friendly and as easy to use as possible.

Thank you very much to the following donors:
cesare747
pa747sp
Airbusian
radioguy

Thanks,

ahmed
KSFO
June 29, 2020 at 12:59 am #159216
NinjaFlight
Posts: 266
Thanks for keeping the site going, I am here almost every day. Probably more time than I spend actually working on my projects!

Let me get logged into PayPal, I’d be happy to contribute to something I use so much.

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June 29, 2020 at 6:20 am #159223
pa747sp
Posts: 206
Looks really good Ahmed!

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June 30, 2020 at 2:23 am #159234
Ahmed
Posts: 2,096
Location: Sunny California

Occupation: Software Engineer
Thank you! I’m glad you like it. I’m pretty excited. The new site is going to be the biggest transformation since Airlinercafe was launched. Lot’s of new features. I have some pretty good things in mind.

Updated donors list.

cesare747
pa747sp
Airbusian
radioguy
gavmh
Reccephantoms
LH707
HeavyUAL767

Thank you very much for your support everyone!

Thanks,

ahmed
KSFO
June 30, 2020 at 3:49 am #159236
Graeme
Posts: 303
Just found this, I’m liking the new look, should work well, keep up the good work always appreciated.

Graeme
July 1, 2020 at 9:24 pm #159245
Ahmed
Posts: 2,096
Location: Sunny California

Occupation: Software Engineer
Thanks Graeme! Your support is always appreciated as well.

An update to the donors list:

cesare747
pa747sp
Airbusian
radioguy
gavmh
Reccephantoms
LH707
HeavyUAL767
gebbw

Thank you, everyone, your donations are highly appreciated. Also, thanks or the kind comments in the PayPal transaction, sorry I have not been able to respond to everyone individually. Right now we are at about 1/4 of where we need to be, so please keep them coming. Whatever you can spare, will help. Thanks!

Thanks,

ahmed
KSFO
July 6, 2020 at 9:19 pm #159278
Ahmed
Posts: 2,096
Location: Sunny California

Occupation: Software Engineer
Hi all,

An update to the donors list, just want to make sure everyone gets credit for helping out.

cesare747
pa747sp
Airbusian
radioguy
gavmh
Reccephantoms
LH707
HeavyUAL767
gebbw
richbsmith

Thanks for your support everyone!

Thanks,

ahmed
KSFO
July 10, 2020 at 9:58 pm #159319
Ahmed
Posts: 2,096
Location: Sunny California

Occupation: Software Engineer
Hi all,

Another update to the donors list. When making a donation, please add your Airlinercafe username to the notes section. Sometimes, the PayPal address and what’s in the database here do not match. Thanks!

cesare747
pa747sp
Airbusian
radioguy
gavmh
Reccephantoms
LH707
HeavyUAL767
gebbw
richbsmith
concorde-144
ninjaflight

Thanks again everyone! Your support is highly appreciated.

Thanks,

ahmed
KSFO
July 13, 2020 at 6:06 am #159352
Convair990A
Posts: 259
Donation sent. I hope it helps to get you over the finish line.

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July 13, 2020 at 7:35 am #159354
Ahmed
Posts: 2,096
Location: Sunny California

Occupation: Software Engineer
Thank you very much, David, and welcome to airlinercafe!

Here’s an updated donors list:

cesare747
pa747sp
Airbusian
radioguy
gavmh
Reccephantoms
LH707
HeavyUAL767
gebbw
richbsmith
concorde-144
ninjaflight
mark m
Convair990A

Thanks,

ahmed
KSFO
August 9, 2020 at 5:32 am #159533
Ahmed
Posts: 2,096
Location: Sunny California

Occupation: Software Engineer
Hi Everyone,

Wanted to give you all an update. We’ve reached a great milestone by successfully porting over all the forums/posts. And, we’ll be able to make a final transfer right before the cut off to the new site, so nothing will be lost. This is a great win! After this we’ll be porting over the photo database and working on the new upload and approval interface for the photo database. I will keep you guys posted as we make progress.

Also, the donations have grinded to a halt. We’re not even close the $2500 goal, so please keep them coming. Every little bit helps. Thanks for your support!

Thanks,

ahmed
KSFO
August 9, 2020 at 4:35 pm #159534
Andrew
Posts: 857
Looks great Ahmed,

Keep up the great work. The new functions are most welcome.

Cheers

Cheers
Andrew
CYYZ
August 15, 2020 at 2:55 am #159556
Ahmed
Posts: 2,096
Location: Sunny California

Occupation: Software Engineer
Thanks Andrew! Glad you like it. Thanks also to everyone for the new donations.

Here’s an updated donors list:

cesare747
pa747sp
Airbusian
radioguy
gavmh
Reccephantoms
LH707
HeavyUAL767
gebbw
richbsmith
concorde-144
ninjaflight
mark m
Convair990A
Jabrokaw2
Bramsing
airlinercrazy
MC84
norherman
DullesFlyer
+2 Anonymous

If I’ve missed anyone please let me know.

Thanks,

ahmed
KSFO
September 5, 2020 at 11:54 pm #159638
Ahmed
Posts: 2,096
Location: Sunny California

Occupation: Software Engineer
Hi all,

A quick update to the donors list. Again, thank you very much everyone for your support. The development is progressing, albeit a little slower than I’d like. I will let you guys see/test as soon as possible.

cesare747
pa747sp
Airbusian
radioguy
gavmh
Reccephantoms
LH707
HeavyUAL767
gebbw
richbsmith
concorde-144
ninjaflight
mark m
Convair990A
Jabrokaw2
Bramsing
airlinercrazy
MC84
norherman
DullesFlyer
Boeing797
astirrot
+2 Anonymous

If I’ve missed anyone please let me know.

Thanks,

ahmed
KSFO
October 19, 2020 at 12:59 am #159829
Ahmed
Posts: 2,096
Location: Sunny California

Occupation: Software Engineer
Hi all,

It’s been as while since I’ve given an update as far as the development of the new ‘Cafe is concerned. Work is progressing slowly, mostly on the Kit and Decal database now. An issue that has come up is the Member Galleries and Kit and Decal database combination. We’re trying to figure out exactly how to incorporate the two or keep them separate. Should we combine the upload interface for the two and have the photos separated by categories, tags, etc.? Or keep them as complete separate entities as they are now? I know it’s been the source of confusion in the past with members getting confused as to where to upload the photos and not fully understanding the screening process for the Kit and Decal database. I’d like to hear your thoughts on the two. What do you think?

An update to the contributors list. We’ve had a few more donors. If I have missed you, please let me know.

cesare747
pa747sp
Airbusian
radioguy
gavmh
Reccephantoms
LH707
HeavyUAL767
gebbw
richbsmith
concorde-144
ninjaflight
mark m
Convair990A
Jabrokaw2
Bramsing
airlinercrazy
MC84
norherman
DullesFlyer
Boeing797
astirrot
John
rck14
Redbelliedjet
+2 Anonymous

We have a member willing to generously match dollar per dollar the next $200 in donations. So, if you have not donated yet, right now would be a great time as your dollar will go twice as far. Thank you very much everyone for your kindness and generosity.

P.S. You can send your donations to newcafe@airlinercafe.com via PayPal.

Thanks,

ahmed
KSFO
October 23, 2020 at 4:22 am #159845
Ahmed
Posts: 2,096
Location: Sunny California

Occupation: Software Engineer
Thank you so much to those of you stepping up and donating to the dollar-per-dollar challenge:

rck14
F-ILIP
NX28388
Cambrian
Echo Mike
Kikiferret
aceebee

Very grateful for your kindness and generosity!

Thanks,

ahmed
KSFO
February 24, 2021 at 4:49 am #160593
Ahmed
Posts: 2,096
Location: Sunny California

Occupation: Software Engineer
Hi everyone,

Wanted to give you all a status update on the new ‘Cafe. Work is still progressing, but obviously delayed and moving a lot slower than I’d like. I’m happy to say the Forums and other site sections have been built. Content still needs to be ported over for quite a few pages, but all the Forums have been migrated.

The two remaining sections are the Kit & Decal Database, and the Member Galleries. The biggest stickler at the moment is the Kit and Decal database. It has been a little tricky setting it up in a way that will be easy to use for everyone as well as allow for migration of all the content on the current site. If you haven’t looked recently, there are over 27,000 items in the database now. We have to make sure everything goes smoothly and everything is migrated properly. We’ve had a couple of setbacks but are back on the right track. So, stay tuned, and hopefully things will go smoothly from here on and we can enjoy the new site soon.

Thanks for your patience!

Thanks,

ahmed
KSFO
February 24, 2021 at 9:59 am #160595
LH707
Posts: 1,635
Sounds good, thanks for the update! Holler if you want some tire kickers, I’d be happy to join a bug bash.

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February 24, 2021 at 12:55 pm #160600
pa747sp
Posts: 206
aro757 :
Hi everyone,

Wanted to give you all a status update on the new ‘Cafe. Work is still progressing, but obviously delayed and moving a lot slower than I’d like. I’m happy to say the Forums and other site sections have been built. Content still needs to be ported over for quite a few pages, but all the Forums have been migrated.

The two remaining sections are the Kit & Decal Database, and the Member Galleries. The biggest stickler at the moment is the Kit and Decal database. It has been a little tricky setting it up in a way that will be easy to use for everyone as well as allow for migration of all the content on the current site. If you haven’t looked recently, there are over 27,000 items in the database now. We have to make sure everything goes smoothly and everything is migrated properly. We’ve had a couple of setbacks but are back on the right track. So, stay tuned, and hopefully things will go smoothly from here on and we can enjoy the new site soon.

Thanks for your patience!

Thanks so much for putting in the time and effort. Look forward to the results.

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February 24, 2021 at 10:50 pm #160601
Ahmed
Posts: 2,096
Location: Sunny California

Occupation: Software Engineer
LH707 :
Sounds good, thanks for the update! Holler if you want some tire kickers, I’d be happy to join a bug bash.

Yes, definitely. Once ready, I will call on a few members to test things out and provide feedback. Thanks!

Thanks,

ahmed
KSFO
March 2, 2021 at 7:18 am #111837
Convair990A
Posts: 259
Ahmed, i don’t know if this issue has been hashed out and a decision made yet, but i always thought Hyperscale and ModelingMadness.com had a good system for organizing built models and build articles: Aircraft Type, Scale, Kit Manufacturer, Builder. Made it very easy to dial things down to aircraft type and very quickly see finished models, paint schemes, and data points from different modelers who built the same subject.

david

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March 3, 2021 at 3:33 am #160628
Ahmed
Posts: 2,096
Location: Sunny California

Occupation: Software Engineer
Thanks David. Will take a look.

Thanks,

ahmed
KSFO
March 22, 2023 at 1:03 am #184995
Alvaro Buelvas
Posts: 2
Buenas noches cómo hago para acceder ala página antigua, especial mente la galería de miembros no hay mucho que ver el las calcomanías , me gustaría ver un poco de la.oagiina anterior

Gracias

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March 24, 2023 at 3:27 am #201951
LH707
Posts: 1,635
Seria genial que mas miembros podian leer en Espanol, oder auch auf deutsch, but for now I think you’ll get a better buy-in in English. Is the user gallery function not working well for you?

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