Nov 03 14:15:29 STRATEGYWIKI MEETING STARTS HERE! Nov 03 14:16:44 ok Nov 03 14:17:07 We'll start off with the advertisements issue./ Nov 03 14:17:28 Here's the situation from a behind-the-scenes point of view. Nov 03 14:17:40 Looking at it from the view of what we need to generate, Nov 03 14:17:46 we need to generate approx. $1500 Nov 03 14:18:05 Obviously the sooner the better, but in whatever time frame it happens, it happens. Nov 03 14:18:26 That $1500 would be enough to buy us one U1 Dual core Xeon server Nov 03 14:18:38 With more than enough horsepower to spare. Nov 03 14:18:51 Actually, Nov 03 14:19:11 Matt is online, I'm going to see if I can get him to join and shed some light on the details. Nov 03 14:19:23 He's not responding at the moment, so I'll just continue. Nov 03 14:19:31 There's also the matter of colocation, Nov 03 14:20:09 and from an entirely different angle, the matter of us getting a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate to protect StrategyWiki.org as a business, but that's a slightly different matter. Nov 03 14:20:11 Anyway, Nov 03 14:20:16 I don't know how many of you noticed, Nov 03 14:20:25 but echelon put some budget figures on a page. Nov 03 14:20:32 Did any of you happen to see that? Nov 03 14:20:44 http://strategywiki.org/wiki/User:Echelon/budget Nov 03 14:20:49 (if we're allowed to answer -- yes, if not... oops :P) Nov 03 14:20:49 Exactly. Nov 03 14:20:57 No, it's an open meeting today. Nov 03 14:21:34 saw it Nov 03 14:21:56 On the first day, Echelon was rather exstactic about the initial results from the widget ad. Nov 03 14:22:07 Since then, he has been more reserved about their projections. Nov 03 14:22:39 they tend to overestimate the amount the ads are making Nov 03 14:22:54 So, at this point, while they may be somewhat sufficient in terms of paying for the lease we have now, Nov 03 14:23:15 they may not be entirely suitable for actually building funds for our own server, owned by us and not leased. Nov 03 14:23:35 the six-day WidgetBucks period on that page comes to #30.02. AdSense earning for the same seven days is $47.58. Nov 03 14:23:47 statistically, AdSense is still earning more due to more people clicking it. Nov 03 14:24:03 this is probably because it shows the same selection of hardware regardless of the page Nov 03 14:24:05 Ness, who was pretty opposed to the ads, and hasn't been as active unfortunately since their introduction, was really hope to have some sort of fund-raiser event. Nov 03 14:25:07 Unfortunately, being in high school, his schedule of availability is somewhat limited, and he would really have to postpone any efforts until winter break. Nov 03 14:25:15 Does anyone here have any experience with fund-raising? Nov 03 14:25:30 * Rhonlore has joined #SW-meeting Nov 03 14:25:31 not online :( Nov 03 14:25:34 Rawr Nov 03 14:25:41 hey rhon Nov 03 14:25:59 Hi Nov 03 14:26:04 To that effect, does anyone have any personal contacts in the internet advertising industry? Nov 03 14:26:07 And call me Lore. I know it's unconventional :p Nov 03 14:26:15 np Nov 03 14:26:32 OK, I guess that's a no too. Nov 03 14:27:03 Well, then that's pretty much the situation as it stands now. Echelon is concerned about the slowness of the site curtailing visits. Nov 03 14:27:22 Our ranking on Alexa has begun to level off, but is still creeping up a bit more slowly. Nov 03 14:27:50 Alexa rankings must be taken with a grain of salt Nov 03 14:27:54 It's not entirely possible to know if that is a direct consequence of the site slowness or something else, but it's a pretty safe assumption. Nov 03 14:27:57 True. Nov 03 14:28:01 only those with the toolbar (or a developer tool that uses its functions) are recorded Nov 03 14:28:15 (so everyone get one :) ) Nov 03 14:28:23 lol, good point Nov 03 14:28:57 At this point, I'd like to open the discussion to anyone who has any observations or suggestions regarding adventising and traffic. Nov 03 14:29:04 advertising... sorry Nov 03 14:29:48 Has anyone tried www.projectwonderful.com? It's popular in webcomics Nov 03 14:30:21 no, what is it? Nov 03 14:30:34 it's an advertising provider Nov 03 14:30:50 a lot of webcomics use it for advertising Nov 03 14:31:16 I know that this is a difficult question to answer, Nov 03 14:31:20 but for pratical purposes, Nov 03 14:31:30 what seperates it from any other advertisement provider? Nov 03 14:31:35 "Advertising is sold on the basis of time instead of clicks" Nov 03 14:32:19 Well, that is interesting. Nov 03 14:32:40 I guess we can consider it as an alternative if the widgetbucks doesn't work out well. Nov 03 14:32:58 widgetbucks would be better if it changed the inside content Nov 03 14:33:05 considering that the average SW page is going to be looked at for a fair few minutes (especially on the walkthroughs) this could potentially earn a lot of money. Nov 03 14:33:06 yea Nov 03 14:33:18 average view time is 5 mins or so right now Nov 03 14:33:23 WidgetBucks is meant to be a "top 10" of things customers are buying Nov 03 14:33:27 hence why it's more static Nov 03 14:34:29 OK, then we can bring project wonderful up in Community Issues and let a discussion about it take place there. Nov 03 14:34:54 If no one has anymore to say about ads and traffic, we can move on to the next adgenda item. Nov 03 14:35:06 sure Nov 03 14:35:08 agenda... Nov 03 14:35:30 Well, I was hoping the DrBob would be here to talk about a lot of the changes that he's been making to the templates... Nov 03 14:35:33 but he's not. Nov 03 14:35:40 My concern for bringing it up, Nov 03 14:35:50 is that if a lot of us use them, and so many of them have changed, Nov 03 14:36:05 then it might be nice to have a primer about what's changed and how to use the new ones properly. Nov 03 14:36:14 well, we've only changed two of them, and created a few new ones Nov 03 14:36:26 Prod, by any chance, could you shed any light on that? Or are you not prepared to do that at the moment? Nov 03 14:36:39 I can go over them Nov 03 14:36:45 Assuming I can remember all the changes :P Nov 03 14:36:50 kk Nov 03 14:36:52 the main new ones are col and pcreq Nov 03 14:37:02 and {{ToC}} Nov 03 14:37:07 which replaces {{:Game Name/Table of Contents}} Nov 03 14:37:11 {{Continue Nav}} has also been changed Nov 03 14:37:34 it no longer recognises the game= parameter Nov 03 14:37:35 {{Continue Nav}} no longer requires a |game= parameter, it is automatically filled in from the pagename Nov 03 14:37:48 all the other parameters are still the same Nov 03 14:37:57 there is also a special |external= parameter Nov 03 14:38:08 in case the guide is completely "outsourced" Nov 03 14:38:21 for example the Rance guide (can't remember the exact name) Nov 03 14:38:42 I believe it's also used on the Super Mario Bros. 2 guide Nov 03 14:38:54 so that the CN can point to non-subpages (which is default) Nov 03 14:38:55 I think so Nov 03 14:39:00 http://strategywiki.org/wiki/Sengoku_Rance Nov 03 14:39:07 thats the one Nov 03 14:39:22 So, in short, it's the exact same as before, just don't bother with |game= Nov 03 14:39:33 next template we created/modified was {{ToC}} Nov 03 14:39:48 this was to simplify the Table of Contents transclusion on the main pages of guides Nov 03 14:40:11 it automatically transcludes the /Table of Contents page for each guide based on the PAGENAME Nov 03 14:40:26 it also takes care of pushing it below the infobox so that they don't overlap Nov 03 14:40:46 also, it takes no parameters Nov 03 14:40:47 in other words, when migrating to it be sure to remove {{-}} Nov 03 14:40:56 wait, is the guide based on pagename or titleparts? (or a combo) Nov 03 14:41:09 titleparts:PAGENAME Nov 03 14:41:13 ah Nov 03 14:41:25 actually Nov 03 14:41:31 it might be just PAGENAME for {{ToC}} Nov 03 14:41:36 maybe Nov 03 14:41:43 both use {{FULLPAGENAME}} I think Nov 03 14:41:44 cause it's assumed ot only be used on the front page Nov 03 14:41:51 to get around StrategyWiki:Guide being in a namespace Nov 03 14:41:51 I think cn uses FULLPAGENAME though, for the StrategyWiki:Guide Nov 03 14:42:12 ToC uses FULLPAGENAME Nov 03 14:42:48 as does CN Nov 03 14:43:07 ok, the next new template is {{cols}} Nov 03 14:43:26 this is to take over for all the messy
stuff we added into toc's to make columns Nov 03 14:43:29 {{col}}, actually. Nov 03 14:43:33 er...yes Nov 03 14:43:33 :P Nov 03 14:43:36 thanks :) Nov 03 14:43:52 the first parameter is the number of columns to create Nov 03 14:44:16 the second is a "special" parameter Nov 03 14:44:33 when starting a set of columns, use {{col|x|begin}} Nov 03 14:44:43 at the end, use {{col|x|end}} Nov 03 14:45:10 all the middle columns do not require a 2nd parameter Nov 03 14:45:14 so simply use {{col|x}} Nov 03 14:45:51 there is also the ability for spanning multiple columns if you want it to be a wider column Nov 03 14:46:27 simply add the number of columns you want it to span as the 2nd parameter Nov 03 14:46:44 so something like {{col|3|2}} would make a column with width 66^ Nov 03 14:46:47 %* Nov 03 14:47:12 nice Nov 03 14:47:41 it's currently used on one of the street fighter pages Nov 03 14:47:43 can't remember which Nov 03 14:48:09 http://strategywiki.org/w/index.php?title=Street_Fighter_II/Table_of_Contents&action=edit Nov 03 14:48:53 this allows you to divide each column into smaller columns when you want a lot of information in one place Nov 03 14:49:22 the final option for the 3rd parameter is |noclear}} Nov 03 14:49:27 2nd parameter * Nov 03 14:49:59 it works similarly to |end}} but it doesn't clear the div at the end Nov 03 14:50:08 I think I put col on TP as well Nov 03 14:50:59 noclear is used when you have the two columns somewhere in the middle and you want to have another column to the right of it Nov 03 14:51:14 limited usage, but necessary, if you think you may need it, just ask for clarification Nov 03 14:51:51 (Skizzerz): I don't see it on TP yet Nov 03 14:52:11 the final new template is pcreq Nov 03 14:52:39 it's used in infoboxes to display the requirements of the game Nov 03 14:52:59 only used for desktop computers (windows/linux/mac based systems) Nov 03 14:53:34 It is suggested, but not required, so don't try to add it if you are only using the |extra parameter Nov 03 14:53:57 It has a few bugs which are shows on [[X-Plane]] where the harddrive value is too big Nov 03 14:54:06 but it works well apart from that Nov 03 14:54:20 as for implementation Nov 03 14:54:33 {{Continue Nav}} and {{ToC}} have been put everywhere (though we may have missed a few) Nov 03 14:54:40 so there shouldn't be any old usage Nov 03 14:54:55 {{All Game Nav}} has been converted to {{Header Nav}} everywhere Nov 03 14:55:09 all the changes we wanted to make to {{Infobox}} (so far) have been made Nov 03 14:55:29 these templates mentioned have all been added to the preload templates so they should be easy to use Nov 03 14:55:50 Cool. Nov 03 14:56:04 Anything else to add, or does anyone have any questions? Nov 03 14:57:00 Guess not, ok. Nov 03 14:57:24 So the last thing on the prepared agenda, Nov 03 14:57:35 (and we'll open it up after this in case anyone wants to add anything) Nov 03 14:57:43 is the status of the Double Jump deal. Nov 03 14:57:57 This may require a little discussion as some details have become clearer since the last meeting. Nov 03 14:58:27 First of all, Tim has been absolutely fantastic about giving up tips and ideas on how to secure StrategyWiki from anyone trying to steal the name away, Nov 03 14:58:32 * You are now known as Skizzerz_Away Nov 03 14:59:03 such as the DBA (Doing Business As) certificate, and adding a TM to the SW logo, Nov 03 14:59:10 which we still need to ask Teddy to do. Nov 03 14:59:34 But over the matter of DJ's logo, Nov 03 14:59:59 Tim was really suggesting that the site be branded as "DoubleJump's StrategyWiki" with the DJ logo to the left of SW. Nov 03 15:00:20 This is not to suggest any ownership of SW by DJ, Nov 03 15:00:30 hmmm Nov 03 15:00:31 but strictly as a branding policy. Nov 03 15:00:47 I thought that there might be some strong feelings regarding this, Nov 03 15:00:54 so I thought it best to bring it up here. Nov 03 15:01:20 Just about everything else remains the same, and as soon as we enter into this agreement, Nov 03 15:01:50 DJ would publish a full page advertisement to StrategyWiki on one of the pages in their printed guides, which are sold throughout North America. Nov 03 15:02:31 In all likelyhood, they would also link to us from their home page. Nov 03 15:03:07 Does anyone have any thoughts that they would like to share about this at this time? Nov 03 15:03:40 I wonder if there is another way to present the logo Nov 03 15:03:47 to make it seem less like they "own" the site Nov 03 15:03:53 What would you suggest? Nov 03 15:04:09 perhaps "Powered by DoubleJump" or the like? Nov 03 15:04:12 how about "sponsored by" link Nov 03 15:04:16 whoops Nov 03 15:04:31 technically wearen't sponsored by them Nov 03 15:04:36 or powered by them Nov 03 15:04:43 True Nov 03 15:04:54 it would be more like "in association with" though that is even a bit too direct Nov 03 15:05:01 all we have is really an advertising agreement Nov 03 15:05:06 yeah Nov 03 15:05:36 Sorry, hang on. Nov 03 15:05:39 but at least it would look less like being their property. :/ Nov 03 15:05:42 It's a good thing I double checked the email. Nov 03 15:05:49 Lemme copy/past exactly what he typed to me. Nov 03 15:06:10 "For the wiki, here's what I'm thinking. My interest in the wiki is to promote the DoubleJump brand. I'd love to just make it the "DoubleJump Strategy Wiki" with the DoubleJump logo right next to the current Strategy Wiki logo and add some banners for the latest DoubleJump guides somewhere (especially on the entries on games we've done guides for)." Nov 03 15:06:24 "In exchange, we would put an ad for the site in each of our guides (and on our site) to drive traffic there. Other than that, it'd be totally your site to run as you see fit." Nov 03 15:06:48 Those are Tim's exact words. Nov 03 15:07:18 hmm, yes Nov 03 15:07:41 I'm fine with that, it's just making their logo look nice with ours is a bit hard Nov 03 15:08:33 True Nov 03 15:08:53 They might be able to provide an artisitic solution. Nov 03 15:09:32 Does anyone else have any thoughts that they would like to share? Nov 03 15:09:41 which image would they like to use? Nov 03 15:09:42 http://www.djpub.com/images/CorpMainPage_01.gif Nov 03 15:09:43 Because that's pretty much the entire announced agenda. Nov 03 15:09:48 http://www.o-sd.com/djbooks/images/index_01.jpg Nov 03 15:10:14 or just a double jumping man? Nov 03 15:10:24 I imagine the second one would be more likely. Nov 03 15:11:59 Alright well, Nov 03 15:12:11 I guess that's it unless anyone has any other issues that they would like to raise. Nov 03 15:12:27 Blendmaster, I wanted to ask you if you thought of anything to replace my ugly block icon with? Nov 03 15:12:49 i posted one on my talk page Nov 03 15:12:58 Oh, lemme check. Nov 03 15:13:01 I've written up the Promising Guide of the Month and Collaboration of the Month pages. Can you guys proofread it? Nov 03 15:13:14 http://blendmaster.googlepages.com/Arcade-Button-Block.png Nov 03 15:13:40 Oh wow, I missed that completely. Nov 03 15:13:44 I think it rocks! Nov 03 15:13:55 May I upload it right away? Nov 03 15:13:59 sure Nov 03 15:14:03 Sweet, thanks! Nov 03 15:14:31 I think everything else is working well. Nov 03 15:14:31 http://strategywiki.org/wiki/StrategyWiki_talk:Community_Portal#QR_Code Nov 03 15:14:48 I dunno how many of you have been tracking the changes to the move lists that Prod and I have been making. Nov 03 15:15:02 they're certainly extensive Nov 03 15:15:03 why would we need it on our website? We don't have any cell phone sized content Nov 03 15:15:15 concerning the qr code Nov 03 15:15:17 it's big in japan Nov 03 15:15:25 We now have the concept of a collection of pages for a series, in addition to a collection of pages for a single game. Nov 03 15:15:28 and it's not for browsing the site Nov 03 15:15:37 it's for people who see the site and want to save the webpage Nov 03 15:15:44 Yeah, QR codes are more like bookmarks. Nov 03 15:16:02 I understand putting it on paper ads or other websites, but if there already on our site when they see it Nov 03 15:16:18 then they shouldn't need it Nov 03 15:17:16 well if we do add it to paper ads (if we eventually go there) Nov 03 15:17:17 I think it might be useful to ask instead: Nov 03 15:17:23 would it hurt us if we added it? Nov 03 15:17:25 seeing it on the site would be a way to connect it Nov 03 15:17:42 where would we put it? Nov 03 15:17:50 http://strategywiki.org/wiki/Main_Page/WIP Nov 03 15:18:22 okay Nov 03 15:18:48 Oh yeah, blend, your gamecube WIP looks really nicew. Nov 03 15:18:50 nice,. Nov 03 15:18:56 * Prod agrees Nov 03 15:18:56 thank you Nov 03 15:19:18 speaking of that, what are your guy's thoughts on category intersection? Nov 03 15:19:41 intersection? Nov 03 15:19:46 no dpl >.> Nov 03 15:19:47 ? Nov 03 15:19:55 http://strategywiki.org/wiki/StrategyWiki_talk:Community_Portal#Category_Intersection Nov 03 15:20:02 i.e. Category:GameCube stubs Nov 03 15:20:15 there's no way to generate such a category dynamically Nov 03 15:20:31 yeah there is Nov 03 15:20:46 I'm pretty sure DPL can check for pages being in two categories Nov 03 15:20:55 i realized that too Nov 03 15:20:57 yes, but it can't generate a new category Nov 03 15:21:00 it'll just make a list Nov 03 15:21:09 is that so bad? Nov 03 15:21:18 it would make the hub get more use anyway Nov 03 15:21:37 dpl is very power hungry :/ Nov 03 15:21:42 it's better to minimize its use Nov 03 15:21:43 We'd need a place to put such lists too Nov 03 15:21:49 like a namespace or something Nov 03 15:22:58 well then how about doing category intersection like wikipedia Nov 03 15:23:11 manually, that is Nov 03 15:24:03 I don't know too much about this so... Nov 03 15:24:05 Prod? Nov 03 15:24:26 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Category_intersection Nov 03 15:24:37 it would be a lot of work to maintain Nov 03 15:24:48 it wouldn't be very "reliable" Nov 03 15:24:58 hopefully they implement the feature request :P Nov 03 15:25:39 Well, Nov 03 15:25:55 Unless we have any more business, I need to sign off. Nov 03 15:26:16 * Garrett mumbles something about forums Nov 03 15:26:25 (Garrett): yea, i agree Nov 03 15:26:45 lol, http://www.undefined.net/w/index.php?title=Talk:DPLforum Nov 03 15:26:54 >_> Nov 03 15:27:10 <_< Nov 03 15:27:12 talk about two bad ideas :P Nov 03 15:27:21 two wrongs do not make a right :P Nov 03 15:27:43 *sigh* I wish we could do something specifically about it, Nov 03 15:27:55 but at the moment, things being the way they are, Nov 03 15:28:01 that could totally cripple the entire server. Nov 03 15:28:17 So it may be for the best right now. Nov 03 15:28:46 forums in general will be left alone for a little while Nov 03 15:28:51 Yeah Nov 03 15:28:58 for the moment we're growing well without them Nov 03 15:29:18 that's true too, but it necessary in order for us to grow to the extent that GF has. Nov 03 15:29:34 it is* Nov 03 15:29:49 Anyway, I gotta get going. Nov 03 15:29:55 I wanna thank all of you for showing up. Nov 03 15:30:55 If I can find time, Nov 03 15:31:07 I'll try to be a bit less flakey about posting the minutes. Nov 03 15:31:45 right Nov 03 15:32:12 Thanks guys. Nov 03 15:32:16 Catch you all online. Nov 03 15:32:20 STRATEGYWIKI MEETING ENDS HERE!