Re: Xaraya Theme Initiative?

Hi David

There have been a few ideas floated around on similar initiatives for 
xaraya.com.  It is a great idea and something that would be good to work 
toward for both themes and modules and .. :).

First, as background for those that might be unaware, and at the risk of 
being over detailed in my response, we have a central repository on 
xaraya.com for theme and module information in the Release & Extension area. 
Module and theme developers are encouraged to register their modules and 
themes (extensions) here and are provided a unique ID as identification for 
that extension. This unique ID is used in installation and upgrade of the 
extension, and other functionality in the xaraya code itself for it's 
functions, in database tables and also linking to assistance for site admins 
at xaraya.com.  There are RSS feeds separately available for themes and 
modules, and one directly fed into the Base  module configuration area in 
every Xaraya site.

Importantly, we would like to encourage 3rd party module and theme 
developers to continue to register their modules and themes, and also can't 
stress enough the need to also publish release announcements there too to 
ensure up to date information for extensions.

The release module is still rather basic, but we have plans for it to 
provide a central area for download, support, documentation, and all 
information regarding extensions, including themes. It may even provide the 
backbone for a developer project area, with each extension having their own 
project area. We are currently in the process of upgrading some of the 
Release module functionality and increasing the richness of information 
there. Other processes at xaraya.com like splitting of the module 
repositories also impacts on the speed of changes and functionality offered 
too.

It is I believe important to retain xaraya.com as a central repository of 
information on modules and themes for the the key reasons above. However, 
it would be very useful if we could work together with interested persons 
such as yourself David, and Joel, to enhance functionality in a number of 
areas.

One of these areas raised by Marcel, is that of an extended "view" of themes 
(or modules ) provided at xaraya.com or quite easily at another site if 
wanted, using the information repository at xaraya.com  like a syndication 
site. We could enhance the information that is now offered at xaraya.com and 
ideally, work to provide remote editing that would also be a nice addition 
to functionliaty.

In effect this is a sharing of information between xaraya.com and another 
site, but it enables your unique 'view' or pages of themes information, on 
whatever site you choose, in whatever layout. With remote editing, we have 
the ability to ensure both your site is up to date with information, but are 
also maintining the integrity of the required information at the central 
repository at xaraya.com.

Suggestions or discussion on this idea is appreciated. And, of course any 
assistance with the 'theme' (and module, and pubtype?) site setup and remote 
editing features.

Thanks for your input David. I hope we can work out something that would be 
of real benefit to the Xaraya community.

Jo









"David Dyess II" <[email protected]> wrote in message 
news:[email protected]...
> David Dyess II wrote:
>> I'm curious if anyone in the community would be be interested in 
>> contributing to a theme site specifically for Xaraya themes.  ... and (if 
>> necessary) under the authority of the PMC.
>
> Any comments from the devs on this?  I'd like to get this started this 
> weekend if possible, but I would like to know general concensus is.
>
> David.D