The biggest problem with empowering users with a fully configurable
contest / scoring module is the potential for mistakes.
Whenever we empower our users at work we have to write 2 or 3 programs to
catch their mistakes and keep them from loading bad data on our tables.
The current approach to additional contest modules requires a C++ compiler
and some programming experience. If there's a module for a contest you just
can't live without you can either learn C++, talk a programmer with some
extra time into creating one for you, wait until someone else who can
program decides they want to operate that contest, pay a programmer to
create the module, or wait until Wayne has time or decides there is enough
interest to add that contest.
The benefit to the "one module for everyone" approach is that all the
Writelog users are sending in files that are formatted exactly alike. If
the programmer makes a mistake and the file is in an incorrect format the
contest score checkers can write one program or use one utility that will
correctly reformat all the Writelog logs that are sent to him.
I don't mean to imply that all users are stupid or that people won't be
able to set up contests with a gui menu. I have seen that users don't take
an empirical approach to changes, they change 2, 3, or 10 things at once and
then don't follow a testing plan to see if their changes produce a valid
result. This is the "gather a million monkeys and give them typewriters and
they'll eventually write the Bible" approach and it doesn't work in writing
or programming.
I hope someone finds the time to write modules for all the contests you
would like to enter. If you would like to try producing some yourself the
SAMS "Teach Yourself" series isn't too bad at teaching the basics, I'm
pretty sure they have one on C++, they're also reasonably priced so it won't
break the bank either...
73,
George / KF9YR
-----Original Message-----
From: writelog-admin@contesting.com
[mailto:writelog-admin@contesting.com]On Behalf Of GilBaronW0MN
Sent: Monday, February 04, 2002 3:57 PM
To: Les, VA7LC; Allan Briscoe; Writelog
Subject: RE: [WriteLog] Wish list
> -----Original Message-----
> From: writelog-admin@contesting.com
> [mailto:writelog-admin@contesting.com]On Behalf Of Les, VA7LC
> Sent: Monday, February 04, 2002 14:22
> To: Allan Briscoe; Writelog
> Subject: Re: [WriteLog] Wish list
>
>
> I'm 100% behind you on this one Allan.
> Instead of using WriteLog as I wish I'm left struggling to find
> some logger that will
> support the contest that WriteLog does not. There has got to be a
> better way to set
> WriteLog up for using any contest desired.
> Les, VA7LC
>
I have been asking this ever since I started using it. It is becoming more
and more clear that it is needed. It is not going to be an easy job and
expect to have to pay a price. I think it would be worth it.
No comments form the developer though, negative or positive, possible or
not. That is too bad.
If he thinks that it is not worth the time or not wroth the effort then that
is that. All will have to accept it as it is totally a one man project I am
told. I for one will continue to use it until and unless something better
cones along. It may not!
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Allan Briscoe" <abriscoe@telus.net>
> To: "Writelog" <Writelog@contesting.com>
> Sent: Monday, February 04, 2002 8:07 AM
> Subject: [WriteLog] Wish list
>
>
> > The number One item on my Writelog wish-list is a very
> "user-friendly" way
> > to set up new contests (such as QSO parties, for example) which are not
> > already supported by Writelog. I envisage this as a separate feature or
> > module which, when activated would :
> > - be applicable to, and selectable by check/uncheck boxes , for
> all normal
> > contest types (CW, SSB, digital modes, etc)
> > - provide check/uncheck boxes to select required fields.
> > - easily allow for field width requirements.
> > - allow for "auto field advance" or "field advance by Enter key" , by
> > check/uncheck box.
> > - provide for customizable point value selection.
> > - provide a simple way for the user to enter multiplier info, such as
> > counties, etc. I would have no problem with having to manually enter the
> > "namedmul.ini" info (ie: VE7=BC, etc).
> > - provide for report-type selection by check/uncheck box.
> > - after entering all the required info, provide for automatic update or
> > addition of any required xxx.ini or other Writelog file, upon saving.
> >
> > I am sure that I have very probably overlooked many factors,
> but, in theory
> > at least, is this a reasonable request, or just another one of
> those "pie in
> > the sky" ideas that won't fly ??
> >
> > I await comments ...
> > Allan Briscoe VE7XB
> >
> >
> > ALLAN BRISCOE
> > <http://www.members.tripod.com/~VE7XB/mypage.htm>
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > WriteLog mailing list
> > WriteLog@contesting.com
> > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/writelog
> >
>
>
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