TriptychBlog Syndication

Glitch Leads to v.9.0.6

TJHalva — 7/1/2008 5:43:15 PM CT

In the latest release I basically forgot to update the comment code from the internal version. As a result the new moderation feature never took hold. The new release, or rather bug fix only addresses this issue. The demo has been updated to v.9.0.6 as has the link on the download page. The fix was so minor that only the sources files need to be replaced If you've already installed or updated to v.9.0.5 you can download just the files neccesary to upgrade, Source or Compiled. Simply copy the new files over their existing counterparts. Don't forget to change the application name in IIS to incorporate the new version of the dlls.

Tweener Release v.9.0.5

TJHalva — 6/26/2008 1:18:49 AM CT

While working toward .9.1 there were some glaring flaws that need to be addressed. Two new features were added and two were fixed. The biggest addition pertains to the database structure and will render previous versions obsolete; I'm going to write an upgrade script that will ease the upgrade process for older users. The change involves adding a Moderation column to the CommentData table and until this is done previous versions will not work. This change relates to the addition of comment moderation which allows comments to be approved before they are posted. This will eliminate spam, which we have currently been experiencing. The other change presents the comment text in the datagrid of the admin panel to make it easier to moderate comments. The two fixes likely didn't cause any problems but had the potential to if the circumstances were right. The comments associated to an article are now deleted when the article is deleted. The watermark number in the background of each comment has now been fixed to list sequential numbers instead of the comment ID. I also updated some design elements to ease the addition of new features and improve performance. The new version is now available for download. I've also applied this version to the new demo page so you can tour all the features of TriptychBlog.

Dev Update For TBlog v.9.1

TJHalva — 3/25/2008 6:52:04 PM CT

I've done very little work directly related to TriptychBlog, but I have implemented quite a few new features that use the TriptychBlog database. Moderation support and a name box for comments has been added. I've also found a bug in the admin panel that doesn't really affect anything unless very specific things happen. I've also been tinkering with a charting control I've written that will eventually be ported to the admin panel's stats section to display daily hits and other useful information in graphical form. In conclusion, I have a lot of the coding done, but I now have to find large chunks of time to incrementally implement the different features.

Future Features of TBlog

TJHalva — 2/12/2008 4:54:18 PM CT

I got several comments suggesting new features and I want to address them. The first was posted by David and he wanted to know if there were any plans to incorporate treeview style comments. Well the answer is yes, but before that can be done I feel that there are other commenting issues that need to be addressed first before treeview style comments are even worth implementing. The two main issues at the moment is the lack of comment control. While there are separate options for Closed, Open and Protected comments, I feel that there should also be a Moderated option that would submit the commit to the admin for approval where it could either be approved and posted, or deleted. This would in turn greatly eliminate spam and other worthless posts. IP banning could also potentially be added at this time to ward off specific people or bots. The other feature I feel is important is ability to identify who is actually making a comment. This could be a simple as a name box and a website box on the comment page that would be posted in place of "Guest" in the comment title. I think this would greatly add to idea of the treeview comments by allowing to people to actually know who they are communicating with. A user creation context could also be added in due time to allow members to post without printing their name every time. I think all of these ideas could be implemented independently of each other so I will likely push out each separately and then build upon them with point releases. This will allow me to still continue working on TriptychBlog without contributing the large chuck of time (which I currently do not have at the moment) to release a full upgrade. I'll also try and post updates more regularly, I know it's been a while. And thanks for all the suggestions.

Century Mark Reached

TJHalva — 8/29/2007 9:46:57 PM CT

Today marked the day of the one hundredth download of TriptychBlog since the release of v.9.0, and then the fix for v.9.0.1. TriptychBlog now also has a page at codeplex. There is really nothing new on the codeplex page, but hopefully it will help attract new users.On the development side of things look for a v.9.0.2 to be released fairly soon. I've nearly cornered this pesky error that randomly occurs when the comment page attempts to load comments in certain situations. I need to do some more testing to see if it only happens when I'm on host. Regarding the bigger upgrade to v.9.1; I haven't started, but thoughts have been brewing.

Bug Found: Get v.9.0.1 Now

TJHalva — 7/12/2007 2:47:53 PM CT

While doing a little upkeep I discovered that there was an error using the options page that made it completely useless. It was a problem that prevented config.xml from closing properly and resulted in lost functionality. It was an easy fix, a single line. I also changed the page you get redirected to when you edit comments; it previously went to the home admin page (which was useless), now it simply reloads so that you can ensure the comments were in fact updated. I've updated the download page with the new version, but since nothing else changed you can simply download new source files, or the already compiled dll.

TriptychBlog v.9.0 Released

TJHalva — 6/22/2007 1:53:52 AM CT

I finally finished this version. It is a vast improvement over the previous builds and makes TriptychBlog actually worth using. Everything that can be edited is now much easier to edit through the new Options page in the admin panel, but its not perfect yet. There are still some issues with timezone selection; it works so long as the timezone isn't ever changed again. Theres also a new stats page that has information about browser usage form people that visit your blog; it also displays the total number of unique hits (using ip address). In future versions better support will be added for fine tuning your settings along with more tools to help drive traffic to your blog.The bottom line is the new version improves on everything without increasing setup time or limiting usability. The new settings file (config.xml) allows you too choose a name and a description for your blog that will be consistent on all pages; this means the end of editing each individual pages title element. The settings file is automatically generated, and if it ever becomes damaged, the system will correct the issue by filling in the missing data.With the release of the new version also comes a new skin and an expansion to the site as a whole. The new skin compliments the features that were added in v.9.0 and improves upon the old skin. If you want to use the old skin you can still download it through on of the older versions on the downloads page. You will also find other pages that will hopefully provide information that will make choosing, using and customizing TriptychBlog easier.If you find any bugs or would like to help on the project please leave a comment.

TriptychBlog Roadmap

TJHalva — 5/21/2007 3:24:39 AM CT

The TriptychBlog Roadmap can now be viewed as a pdf. I fixed the formatting and updated the roadmap to reflect the features present in v.9.0.

TBlog Back in Blue

TJHalva — 4/26/2007 1:00:42 AM CT

I'm sure most you you are aware of this, but everything related to TriptychBlog was lost due a harddrive failure. Based on the popularity of the site however, I was able to reconstruct the previous news items and from another mirrored download of TriptychBlog v.8.3 I have got the site back up and running. Unfortunately all progress on version .9.0 was lost. The good news is I have already been able redo some of the features planned for that release. The new admin panel is back in all its old glory. I have to start over on the stat stuff thought. Luckily in the nearly year that has elapsed since the last update I've gotten considerably better at C# and asp.net and have been working on other projects. I plan to continue working on this project with a new release roughly scheduled for the middle of summer.

TriptychBlog Niner

TJHalva — 6/2/2006 10:30:42 PM CT

I've updated the site very infrequently for which I apologize, but I've been hard at work; so don't you worry. Almost all of the new features that will be included in the new edition have been completed. A new config file has been added that places everything in one easy to access location. The sidebars on the main page actually work now, and are completely automated through that new config file. The next logical thing to start on was making all of these new features customizable in the admin panel. Well I started adding the configure page and I decided that the current admin panel looks like foot and is way oversized; so I decided to redo it. It looks pretty fabulous so far; I'd say I'm 85% done. I'm also going to add a stats page so you can analyze data that is collected and use it to drive traffic to your blog. All the backend stuff is done; I'm just working on making it pretty now. All sorts of different charts will be included, but I have yet to code any of those, with the exception of the browser pie chart which I finished this morning. Progess is coming and a new release should come within the next month. Check back for updates. I'll post some screen shots as I finish features.

TBlog v.8.3 Is Complete

TJHalva — 2/17/2006 11:19:23 PM CT

TriptychBlog version .8.3 has just been completed. The most noticeable change has been the introduction of a new skin; there has also been other improvements to the admin panel and functionality. Perhaps the most significant change is the introduction of xml settings files. By no stretch of the imagination is this a huge improvement, but it has paved the way for progression leading into version .9.0. With the release of v.8.3 the site has also been redone as you may have noticed. Some links may not work for a period while we finish development on the new look. The latest version can be downloaded in the Downloads Section.

TriptychBlog Turns One

TJHalva — 2/7/2006 12:21:35 PM CT

TriptychBlog marked a milestone today with its first anniversary. Since the initial release on this day one year ago, TriptychBlog has grown from a simple news script into a full-fledged blogging engine. As TriptychBlog advances into the future it will remain free, and we, as developers, will remain dedicated to allowing anybody with an interest, the opportunity to have an internet presence.

Ver .8.3 Preview & New Skin

TJHalva — 12/29/2005 8:02:59 PM CT

I'm working on a new layout and skin that will be used in .8.3. Its not completely done, but I have made enough progress to get an accurate view of what the new vesrion will look like. The CSS has been massively simplified. A link to the preview can be found here.

TriptychBlog Is Alive

TJHalva — 12/12/2005 6:44:39 PM CT

Believe it or not, I'm actually still working on the next version. I have however become obsessed with creating a new skin because I think the current one leaves a lost to be desired regarding both aesthetics, and customizeability. I'll probably release the new skin as version 8.3, and the new features which take advantage of the new skin in version 9. I have completed the layout, but the final color scheme and layout is taking quite some time. If anybody would like to help me, please email me.

Version .8.2 = Dunski

TJHalva — 10/6/2005 6:25:27 PM CT

Version .8.2 inlcludes minor addition to the admin panel which improve article moderation. The frontend of TriptychBlog is now 100% XHTML and CSS compliant. There has also been changes to the database structure in preparation for v.9.0. Also included is an Atom 0.3 feed generator. The next version will inlcude a more advanced global configuration. Download version .8.2 and open readme.html for installation instructions.

TriptychBlog v.8.1 Finished

TJHalva — 8/24/2005 9:24:12 PM CT

Originally planned as a minor release v.8.1 has some big new features. TriptychBlog is now XHTML valid, the archieve panel has been added featuring the new RSS feed, and some code has been optimzed in preparation for v.9.0. The installation remains the same as well as the admin panel; but expect changes to both in the next version. An installation script will hopefully be added in v.9.0 as well as global settings within the admin panel to ease the upgrade process in feature releases. You can download TriptychBlog on the products page or by using the side panel.

Admin Demo v.8.0

TJHalva — 8/7/2005 10:31:38 PM CT

You can now preview the admin panel in all its glory. The functionality has been reduced however, to ensure security. Some functionality is built in, but not useable; such as IP banning and previewing an article before submition. The options and help categories are empty, but they will be implemented in v.9.0. Regarding the next release, it will likely be v.8.1. Version .8.1 will feature minor improvements; most relating to code optimization in preparation for v.9.0. Also notice the new archive panel featuring the new RSS feed.

RSS 2.0 Feed Added

TJHalva — 8/3/2005 11:30:52 PM CT

While working on the next version we realized that it had been quite some time since an update, so we decided to add syndication in the form of an RSS 2.0 feed. To implement this feature you simply need to download an additional file and place it in the root directory. We havn't created a universal place to display the link, but when the next release comes it will be implemented. In the meantime syndication is still available for TriptychBlog. Until the next version enjoy this neat little addition.

TriptychBlog v.8.0 Completed

TJHalva — 6/24/2005 10:22:44 PM CT

We have finished work on version .8.0 and have already begun working on the next version, which will more than likely be v.8.1. Complete functionality has not been completed, but it is at a point were it is very useable. New in this release is the ability to edit/delete/hide articles and comments. Some features have been cosmetically implemented, but are not functional; such as IP blocking in the admin panel. We have also finalized details regarding the launch of v1.0. There will be a free version which will use .DLLs like the Beta releases do, and a payed version which will come with source code. The final price and release date has not yet been determined. In the meantime enjoy v.8.0.

Version .8.0 Release Info

TJHalva — 6/22/2005 12:22:23 AM CT

In the next couple of days version .8.0 will be released. It's one of the more significant releases in the fact that it actually makes the admin panel useful. You can now manage/edit news and comments all will logged in. There have also been some minor changes to the database structure, as well as cosmetic changes. There are still a few bugs that need to be fixed before we can make a release.

TriptychStudios Forum Online

TJHalva — 6/13/2005 12:23:51 AM CT

We've finished installing and configuring our forum. You can now register and participate in the forum. In the next couple of days we will add the finishing touches. On a side note we have been hard at work on the Admin Panel for TriptychBlog in the past couples months. Expect a new release within the next month.

Version .7.0 Beta Completed

TJHalva — 4/10/2005 12:07:06 AM CT

Prelimilary structuring of TriptychBlog has been completed upon this release. Version .7 Beta can be downloaded in either .zip or .rar format. Cosmetic work is completely done, leaving the backend to be completed. Major improvements include the admin panel, more detailed reporting of comment data and user authentication. Documentation and graphic development material will be provided in version .9. Our main goal right now is to get 100% functionality, and then roll out the final support packages preceding version 1.0 Final. In the following weeks we will also being creating a team page, where you can talk directly to our staff members for support and requests on what you would like to see in the next release. Work is still progressing smoothly, as we move closer to the final.
Triptych Admin

Version .7.0 Beta - Update

TJHalva — 3/31/2005 6:29:07 PM CT

Work on the admin area is coming along nicely. There is a secure login area which takes you to the Admin Panel. From there you will find five seperate pages; Home, Add News, Edit News, Options, and Help. The home page is very plain right now, but will be improved. Add News and Edit News are the pages that have shown the most progress. We will continue working on the Admin Panel as well as overall functionality. You may have noticed the numbers by the article titles; well those will eventually be the number of comments associated with each article. Good progress is being made as TriptychBlog aprroaches its release.
Triptych Admin

First Official Release - Version .6.0

TJHalva — 2/21/2005 4:45:24 PM CT

We have completed the comment system, and have decided to do a release. TriptychBlog, is fully functionally, although not completly automated. You can download version .6.0 Beta below. Be sure to read, readme.txt as it contains important installation instructions. Download TriptychBlog in .Zip or .Rar format.

TriptychBlog - Version .5.0 Beta

TJHalva — 2/7/2005 4:45:05 PM CT

Progress with the next version is coming along very well. There are only a few minor errors regarding the comment system that needs to be resolved before an actual release can occur. Fortunately they should be easy to fix. We have just started working on the membership area of the site. Expect a working implementaion of the login script in version .6.0, and the final in .7.0. Once the login script is finished the comment engine will have to be edited to allow only registered users to interact.

Until then we will keep you posted on the progress.
Triptych Admin