34 replies to this topic

[thatshelby]

Hey all.

I have an idea for a Flash program that would help the GMC. Basically it is an image creator for diagrams.

I often find that I am in need of a diagram to explain my problems and such, and so are many others. Instead of painstakingly opening paint, saving as a png, going to image shack, uploading, signing in, and copy-pasting the link into a forum post, why not just have an online 'paint' application, so that users can easily make diagrams to portray their troubles, mock-up some sprites, or make a unique smiley? I feel it would benefit many.

If you agree that this is a good solution, please say so, and add any suggestions or possible uses.

If you disagree, that this idea would not benefit the community, please state your reasoning.

I am not an experience AS3 programmer, even with FlashPunk, so if one/a group of members would like to take this project upon themselves, please go for it.


Thanks for reading!

Edited by Theophilus, 07 March 2011 - 09:35 PM.

[ElecGM]

Sounds cool. I agree.

Edited by ElecGM, 07 March 2011 - 09:25 PM.

[Dark Matter]

Why Flash?

[NakedPaulToast]

I doubt that the IPB forum software easily allows flash apps to run without considerable modification.

I also think it's a very bad idea for the Administrators to allow foreign code on their forums. This opens the door for malicious code or unanticipated exploits.

Unless of course you're suggesting that YYGs stop work on Game Maker 8.1 so that they can write a flash app for diagrams?

[Dark Matter]

YYG wouldn't...
However, if they finish the HTML5 conversion we could create it in GM, and then use that.

[Water Chicken]

I like this idea, not sure how useful it would be though.

[thatshelby]

Why Flash?

Flash can run in a web browser. We could make it in HTML5, but I believe Flash is the only runs-in-a-web-browser program with an Imageshack API for imagehosting.

I doubt that the IPB forum software easily allows flash apps to run without considerable modification.

I also think it's a very bad idea for the Administrators to allow foreign code on their forums. This opens the door for malicious code or unanticipated exploits.

Unless of course you're suggesting that YYGs stop work on Game Maker 8.1 so that they can write a flash app for diagrams?

Perhaps we should host it somewhere else then.

YYG wouldn't...
However, if they finish the HTML5 conversion we could create it in GM, and then use that.

Very good idea.

Edited by Theophilus, 07 March 2011 - 09:52 PM.

[TheMagicNumber]

Imageshack

*puke*

[thatshelby]

Imageshack

*puke*

Do imgur, tinypic, or any other hosting sites have APIs for this kind of thing? I was only aware of Imageshack's. I know it's a pretty bad place to host

EDIT: Imgur has one! Tinypic doesn't have one AFAIK.

Edited by Theophilus, 07 March 2011 - 09:58 PM.

[TheMagicNumber]

Imageshack

*puke*

Do imgur, tinypic, or any other hosting sites have APIs for this kind of thing? I was only aware of Imageshack's. I know it's a pretty bad place to host.

I know Imgur has an API, but it would be best to stay away from third-party image hosting (they can be limiting).

[Dark Matter]

Imageshack

*puke*

Care to explain why to the un-informed?

[TheMagicNumber]

Imageshack

*puke*

Care to explain why to the un-informed?

Compare ImageShack to Imgur.

[Dark Matter]

Imageshack

*puke*

Care to explain why to the un-informed?

Compare ImageShack to Imgur.

I see your point

[Andy]

There are flash sites that let people draw together - I just don't have the links on me.
Anyway, I have a feeling there would be a lot of penis drawings.

[Shadow Link]

It'd probably be best to keep it off-site. There is the issue though that not a lot of people would participate, much like previous suggestions about GMC IRC help chatrooms and such. One that I've found to be nice is FlockDraw

[Desert Dog]

It's an interesting idea which I doubt will be that useful.

I can almost guarantee that 90% of the time it'll be used for jokes, rather than diagramming some problem. And yes, I pulled that number out of the air.

For people who have those relatively rare problems where a diagram is useful, an extra minute for saving/uploading is nothing.

[thatshelby]

The point of this is NOT a community whiteboard. The purpose is an application that easily lets users create diagrams or images in a paint-fashion, and then upload to an imagehosting service so that it can be used in forum posts.

[chance]

There's plenty of free online whiteboard sites. I've used a few of them.

Nothing wrong with your idea, Theo. But if I needed one, I'd just use an existing site.

[thatshelby]

This is not an online whiteboard program. Didn't you read my post?

Sometimes I swear you're messing with me. You must know I have ADD.

[chance]

This is not an online whiteboard program. Didn't you read my post?

Yes, and that's what it sounded like. A place to make quick diagrams, illustrations, artwork... and then share it on the GMC.

But let's not get concerned about semantics. We can call it whatever you want. It's the function that's important. And there are already sites that provide those functions.

You must know I have ADD.

Everyone has a DAD. But not everyone is dyslexic like I am.

Edited by chance, 07 March 2011 - 11:41 PM.