An ASP Blog System - UK Web Hosting | Dedicated Server Windows and Linux VPS Forum

**flesso** · #1 (**permalink**) 12-04-2007, 20:44

Hi,

I've decided to create a blog application to be as powerful as WordPress, but in the classic ASP format. I've come to the decision to make it suitable for the following database engines where available:

Microsoft SQL Server (I will test it with 2000 & 2005)
MySQL Server (I will test it with version 5)
Microsoft Access (Access 2002 + 2003)

I have decided to include the SQL Server database creation scripts for MySQL + SQL Server, and for the application to come with a ready made database for Access.

What I want to know is, what makes a good blog application? Are there features which aren't incorporated into engines such as WordPress + Moveable Type which you would like to see ready packaged?

Any input would be very helpful, and I thank you all in advance.

Also if anyone would like to aid in the devlopment of the program, please don't hesititate to PM me.

**Eidolon** · #2 (**permalink**) 12-04-2007, 21:39

Security and simplicity are important aspects in my opinion. You want to ensure the blog is secure so that hackers can't find a way to post under other peoples names nor mofify/remove their entries. Simplicity is also important so that end-users of different levels of experience can use it. It's worth considering accessibility, and making it possible to access the 'basic' areas without the need for javascript (handy for screen readers + search engine bots). On a similar note try to design using css for layouts and avoid resorting to tables, tables are best kept for tabular data.

**flesso** · #3 (**permalink**) 12-04-2007, 21:47

I'm pondering over how to let people install it, I've come to 2 options:

1: Provide a database for Access, and for the SQL Server engines, have a page that creates the tables and sets all up for you.

2: Make users do it themselves by providing scripts for creating the tables.

I will probably go for the first one...

I will of course make it in css so people can design their own layouts and I will also build it so that people can make their own add ons for the system.

**flesso** · #4 (**permalink**) 13-04-2007, 12:49

Should I make it so that anyone with no knowledge whatsoever of computers can just paste the stuff in via ftp, and set it up via a web interface, rather like WordPress, but more simple?

**eUKhost.com** · #5 (**permalink**) 13-04-2007, 14:09

Yeah. That would be better. If people with limited knowledge can install it by clicking here and there rather than making any changes in the code then that would help a lot in boosting your blogging software.

**flesso** · #6 (**permalink**) 13-04-2007, 14:43

Would it be ok to put like a link back to eUKhost in the software, or something like 'in association with eUKhost'?

**eUKhost.com** · #7 (**permalink**) 13-04-2007, 15:18

Yep !

Thats the reason I am going to promote your blogging software

**flesso** · #8 (**permalink**) 13-04-2007, 19:46

Thanks, that's great!

I'm getting somewhere with the system now, and it is coming on rapidly.

Hallief3 is helping me design + build a default theme for the system, so I have no doubts that it will be a success!

**eUKhost.com** · #9 (**permalink**) 13-04-2007, 19:52

Yep. I've also got huge respect for Matt. He is a helpful developer and highly talented Businessman.

**flesso** · #10 (**permalink**) 13-04-2007, 19:57

I'm sure by working together, we can have a stable copy ready for Monday. The program should be bursting with spam fighting featrues and high security. I hope many will enjoy it in the future.

**eUKhost.com** · #11 (**permalink**) 13-04-2007, 20:04

Yep. I'll have my people to do rigorous testing for 2 days before we schedule its public launch. If the name gets spoiled in the beginning then it makes huge problem in future so we need to stress on testing.

**flesso** · #12 (**permalink**) 14-04-2007, 14:08

Do you think it's worth including little bits in the application, like litebox and maybe some Flickr features? Just little things like that which people may find helpful...

**eUKhost.com** · #13 (**permalink**) 18-04-2007, 13:31

Hi Flesso,

Not sure whats the status of development of the asp blog software but I would like to show something to you :-

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=asp...L_enIN211IN211

Cheers !

**esnail** · #14 (**permalink**) 18-04-2007, 15:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by flesso

Do you think it's worth including little bits in the application, like litebox and maybe some Flickr features? Just little things like that which people may find helpful...

Dunno if I'm butting in on a thread - but it seems public enough lol. In my opinion I wouldn't include a lightbox as a core function of the blog - instead create it as an optional plugin. I think the reason wordpress is so popular is that it's simple and not cluttered with features that most people are unlikely to use. For anything beyond the standard installation, there's a world of plugins for those who wish to do so to customise their install. I suppose this is based on the philosophy that you can't please everyone - so offer a great foundation - then allow people to please themselves. Are you considering including plug-in functionality in your blog system?

**flesso** · #15 (**permalink**) 18-04-2007, 15:04

Hey,

Thanks for that, it's good that this is at the top of the google rankings! I've only just really decided a name, and I've started coding again so that the code is easy to read & modify for advance users. It's getting there though, and something decent will be ready in the next couple of weeks.

The system will be plugin and theme based, so you will be able to add plugins as you want, I've decided to add support for MySql in a later release due to it's complexity with ASP. I've come up with a nifty little anti-spam item that will be part of the system, and it won't be by-passable.

Cheers!

**eUKhost.com** · #16 (**permalink**) 18-04-2007, 15:24

Now I know that you are giving your 100% to it as earlier you said that it would be ready in days which was impossible.

Take your time and we are here when you need our help

**flesso** · #17 (**permalink**) 18-04-2007, 15:35

Thanks for your support

I suppose a few days was impossible, but now looking at it, a couple of weeks is a good time to do it in.

I'm starting from the ground up so that I can note everything down, and comment everything so people know what's what.

**esnail** · #18 (**permalink**) 18-04-2007, 16:01

Will you be using MSAccess for the blog database? You mention MySQL support later on, so will the user have a choice of database system on install? I'll stop asking questions now so you can get on with building it lol.

**flesso** · #19 (**permalink**) 18-04-2007, 16:12

Access & MSSQL

An Access 2002 database will be included with the package (I haven't got 2003). MSSQL will also be supported. The way it will work is that in setup if MSSQL is selected, people enter the login details, if MSAccess is chosen, nothing needs to be entered. People won't need to pick an email component since that will be just confusing, so I'll write a script that detects the install mailing components and picks the ideal one. All this setup will be done via a web interface, so no editing files etc etc. Most database items will be encrypted using the RC4 aglorothym, using an encryption key that will be randomly generated during setup, so all installs are unique.

Keep asking questions if you want, I don't mind, it gives me more ideas sometimes.

**esnail** · #20 (**permalink**) 18-04-2007, 16:43

it sounds excellent so far - I'm sure most of the questions will come once you release version 1.0 (or its beta). Usability tweaks, that sort of thing. Then will come the cries for plug-ins to turn it into a CMS etc. I'll eagerly await the first version!!!