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From our archives:
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Small
Scale prototype history #3
As
of October 1, 2001
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| The IDLS database
and web site have been improved since the original launch
of the site in January of 2000.
On May 1, 2001 the first extensive revision was launched. The objective
of the redesign was to make the site much more usable.
On October 1, 2001 the
final revision to the prototype was launched.
The objective of the revision was to make it easier
for people to join the IDLS and list their work.
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The site still uses Microsoft FrontPage 2000 and Access
2000 as principal design tools. The site works still works
best with Microsoft Internet Explorer.
In fact, the site's online
forms DO NOT WORK with Netscape browsers. This is a very
big problem, and is currently the organization's top technology priority.
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The prototype database is currently running Microsoft
Access Jet Database Engine. This platform continues to work well, with
some initial performance problems now overcome. We will focus on moving
the database to a professional tool, such as Oracle
or SQL 7, which provide better security and
performance for a larger database.
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We still expect that the prototype will perform
reasonably well with a combined total of about 5,000 listings and a reasonable
amount of traffic. As the site reaches 10,000 entries (or
sooner, depending on the number of visitors) it will become critical that the IDLS database be moved
to a more substantial production scale SQL platform.
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The original navigation scheme has been
extensively revised to make the site far easier to use. Rollover navigation buttons have been abandoned in favor of more
useful links with explanatory text. The home page has been revised
completely to reflect the types of missions and goals our visitors may
undertake. The links are now simply text. This also makes the
site more efficient at page load, with far fewer images.
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The
original visual concept for the site has been abandoned, although we have
kept the association of color with each major content area. The graphic
design limitations of the developer are still quite evident in the
simplicity of the design. In 2001 we hope to have a professional
graphics designer help give the site a more polished look. Until then,
revisions will be focused purely on continuing to increase the usability
of the site.
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The database and
search components remain unchanged in this revision except as follows:
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The database now allows for multiple
production companies to be listed with one movie.
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Visitors can now search for TV, cable
or radio networks to find shows that air documentary work.
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Hopefully the site is now a more useful tool for people. Site visits, memberships and listings
should grow as marketing begins.
In the mean time, there are doubtless many small improvements that can be
made to the prototype, which will be ongoing.
For more information about IDLS
initiatives please see Activities
Underway.
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If you have questions or comments about the
prototype, its development or suggestions for improvements,
please Contact IDLS via an online message,
or e-mail us at
COMMENTS@documentaryservice.org
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You
can learn more about the history of the site by accessing
any of the following pages:
Small
Scale Prototype January 1, 2000
A description of the site when
it was first launched.
Small
Scale Prototype May 1, 2001
Description of
changes made to the original site.
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| International
Documentary Library Service, Inc. |
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P.O.
Box 1158 |
Concord,
MA 01742-1158 |
USA |
978-337-6425 |
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