Forum topic just for developers

[heatemyfather]

Wish I could afford something like this as a hobby. LOL

All you need is some server space and one of the free online auction php site installations, Bob's your auntie's live-in lover - you've got yourself a live working online auction site! Good luck to ya.

[SalusLibrorum]

All you need is some server space and one of the free online auction php site installations, Bob's your auntie's live-in lover - you've got yourself a live working online auction site! Good luck to ya.

Then publish an API, sit back and let the world build it for you while you watch.

[bykimbo]

When you say 'development' is that in the business or programming sense of the word? Sounds like management speak to me.

Oh don't worry, when I could find a suitable team of monkeys to get things done, I didn't mind getting my hands dirty.

[JudesNiceThings]

After all, I know the problem of non-technical people chirping in, I've seen it myself on here and it gets very annoying!

Speaking as the ultimate 'non-technical person' I feel a little put out by that remark! LOL

Your idea about 'vetting' is quite right though - without it, or some sort of 'buffer zone' things would never progress!

I would NEVER try to contribute on things I know nothing about - although I do often ask about things that are bandied around on here in jargon form (API for example) because I'm sur I'm not the only person who needs to know what the terms mean - doesn't mean we actually have to take part!

[JudesNiceThings]

is it just a site they're running as a hobby, with a bit of coding thrown in for interest, for basically hobby sellers,

That is the overall impression that eBid is now putting out - which is a shame!

[gazlannathai]

Hmmm - several issues here

First up - let's look at what (for want of a better name) could be called a stage 1 API listing tool.

eBid already have the spreadsheet uploader, and though many people don't like it, or find it confusing, it does work, and works very well according to my experience of it this year.

Therefore, what could be done is to develop a WYSIWYG listing editor along the same lines as Sluggo Lister, which after the listing is designed and sales data added, simply outputs the data to a CSV file, which in turn can be migrated from the application's internal data schema, to the eBid spreadsheet.
The application can then provide a simple step by step instruct for how to upload that spreadsheet to eBid.

Clunky I know, but remember I said this was a Stage 1 tool development.

I think, if a group of user-programmers got their heads together and created a (or rethrashed an existing) WYSIWYG editor to do what I've described, then I think G&M would give more weight to the argument. Opensource WYSIWYGs under the GNU GPL system exist (e.g. TinyMCE editor as used in Wordpress) - they are written into apps using PHP to call the compiled code, and available for tweaking and customising.

Rather than everyone sitting back moaning, calling the integrity of the site & owners into question, and speculating about the site's future and corporate strength, doing something pro-active and constructive may serve better in the long run.

I say that with the admission I have been a loud-mouthed critic of the site in the past too.

Gaz

[gazza]

A new forum will be added on the day our API is first released to the public.

Gazza

[HannaHolly]

Hmmm - several issues here

First up - let's look at what (for want of a better name) could be called a stage 1 API listing tool.

eBid already have the spreadsheet uploader, and though many people don't like it, or find it confusing, it does work, and works very well according to my experience of it this year.

Therefore, what could be done is to develop a WYSIWYG listing editor along the same lines as Sluggo Lister, which after the listing is designed and sales data added, simply outputs the data to a CSV file, which in turn can be migrated from the application's internal data schema, to the eBid spreadsheet.
The application can then provide a simple step by step instruct for how to upload that spreadsheet to eBid.

Clunky I know, but remember I said this was a Stage 1 tool development.

I think, if a group of user-programmers got their heads together and created a (or rethrashed an existing) WYSIWYG editor to do what I've described, then I think G&M would give more weight to the argument. Opensource WYSIWYGs under the GNU GPL system exist (e.g. TinyMCE editor as used in Wordpress) - they are written into apps using PHP to call the compiled code, and available for tweaking and customising.

Rather than everyone sitting back moaning, calling the integrity of the site & owners into question, and speculating about the site's future and corporate strength, doing something pro-active and constructive may serve better in the long run.

I say that with the admission I have been a loud-mouthed critic of the site in the past too.

Gaz

Gaz have you seen the online multilister Jimbo developed? it has a wysiwyg feature you can see it( and other ebid great tools) on the following site:http://www.ebidinfo.com/

[exoticincense]

The reason must be worries about server load?

API would drastically reduce server load because there would be no need to actually visit the Ebid site to manage your listings and sales. We are talking direct communication between your computer and Ebid's database.

Even if Ebid just released their database structure an API could be written quickly.

[gazlannathai]

Hanna - thanks for that link, I'll have a nosy when I get a mo'