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defcreative
01-30-2008, 11:13 PM
As many of you may already know, I am managing a new project for an official headquarters for the grassroots movement that will serve as a central hub of data, event planning, organization, videos and other media, member published articles, organization of projects by precinct with an interactive map, interactive user comments, all with a “digg style” rating system, and much more. Saying this site will be a powerful tool for the community is an understatement. :)

This site is meant to provide a framework for sharing and coordinating ideas and data for this grassroots freedom movement, through this election and far beyond into the future.

As of right now, the official site name will be “PeopleforLiberty.com”. And the site design will be the one that was overwhelmingly voted for by the people of RonPaulForums.com.

If you are a developer who wants to help out with the project or if you just are a “technical guy” and want to know a little more about how the project is going to be put together, visit my *******official developers needed thread*********.


A BRIEF RECAP ON THE PROJECT-----------------------------

For those who haven’t been keeping track, or have not heard of this project yet, here is a brief recap. I began initial design and domain analysis (researching the market / project) in early January with the announcement of the project (http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=82842) (which has evolved into the PeopleforLiberty.com project you now see before you).

While I was in the initial development / coding phases, LandonCook announced he wanted to start a new project that essentially did the same thing as the one that I was already creating. As a result, we tried collaborating on the project, but after disagreements about how the project should be made and a general lack of understanding about programming, project management, and website development I have abandoned that partnership. That isn’t anything personal against him; I think he is an excellent person and a great Ron Paul supporter.

You can equate the situation to an “average joe” deciding that he wanted to build a Formula 1 car for Ron Paul, then trying to lead a team of expert formula 1 car designers and engineers, with little experience about formula 1 cars himself. It just doesn’t work out. Just like another member said, “You shouldn’t open an ice cream shop if you don’t want (or know how) to scoop ice cream.” He seems to be very good at converting people in person, which is a real asset, and I think he should continue perusing that angle of helping the community. Of course it is his choice if he wants to try to do another project beside mine, but I think it will just add to the confusion of the grassroots.


TEAM MEMBERS------------------------------------------------------

We currently have:
1) Chris Mapes (aka DefCreative) - Project Manager / Team Leader / Graphics Design
2) John Orr – Expert PR / Marketing Specialist (Ron Paul supporter)
3) (undisclosed name) – Legal Advise / Attorney (Another Ron Paul supporter)
4) *slot open*
5) *slot open*
6) *slot open*
7) *slot open*
8) * slot open *
9) * slot open *
10) * slot open *
11) * slot open *



CONCEPT SCREENSHOT:

http://www.creativebolt.com/libertylayoutdesign.jpg

(Note that there are small blurry artifacts all over the image due to picture compression, the real version is absolutely flawless.)



That screenshot is just of the art/interface concept, the real production copy will have:

- Top Header with user info at a glance [location: top] *pictured*
- Map (described more in detail below) [location: middle top left] *partially pictured*
- Top Media / Newest Media tabs [location: middle top right] *pictured*
- News Ticker / Ron Paul forums RSS feed [location: right bar] *pictured
- Top Events and Projects (6) [location: left content area] *3 pictured*
- Top Articles (6) [location: left content area] *not pictured*
- “New to PeopleforLiberty.com?” Section with help, tutorial videos, and FAQ’s [location: right bar] *not pictured*
- Official Top projects (like moneybombs, etc) [location: right bar] *not pictured*



DESIGN AND IDENTITY GOALS----------------------------------------------

As of right now the official domain name for the new HQ will be PeopleforLiberty.com. This came after a lot of debate and analysis from me and my marketing advisor. The other name that was being considered was “thelibertytree.com”. There are several reasons why we decided against that name. I always explain to clients that the domain name of the website can be equated to the positioning of a storefront of a brick and mortar business. You can have an absolutely excellent business fail because of poor positioning.

Requirements for a successful domain are:

1) Not too long

2) Should be a .com, most people take other names less seriously

3) A descriptive, useful name with keywords that are related and will help with SEO (search engine optimization). A user who has never seen the site before should be able to look at the name and figure out what your site is about.

Example: PeopleforLiberty.com

Dissected by keyword:

People – “People for” suggests that there is a community, or a group of people joined together for something.

For – Ties the relation between people and liberty.

Liberty – Shows the nature of the content that the community is about.



Example: TheLibertyTree.com

Dissected by keyword:

The – Non-descriptive word

Liberty – Shows the content has something to do with liberty.

Tree – Non related word, eg. User may say “is this site about trees, or the rain forest?”


4) Spells easily, looks good written, and sounds good spoken.

5) Memorable. (If all these other requirements are met, then the domain will usually by default be memorable.)


As for the logo, I understand that some people feel that there is a historical entanglement with the icon of a tree and liberty. However, I feel that the same can be said about liberty and a torch flame, eg. Statue of Liberty Torch. Not to mention that the icon of a “tree” is overused with websites, and that will further detract from the uniqueness and memorability of the site.

This, in depth, covers my objections to the other proposed design and shows why the current proposed design is superior for the community.



USER EXPERIENCE BASIC GOALS---------------------------------------

1) Clean, Understandable interface.

2) A friendly color scheme.

3) Ease of use for less “tech savvy” people, yet powerful features for advanced users.

4) Streaming VIDEO TUTORIALS to show new “less tech savvy” people how to use the site step by step.

5) Satisfying network to communicate with like-minded people.



INITIAL FEATURE LIST-----------------------------------------------------

This feature list is a list of all the features that I would like ideally integrated into the site off of the top of my head. I’m sure I will forget at least a couple, so that is why I want the community to help by suggesting features they would like to see on the site. I am making this happen for the community, so of course the community will have some input on the features they want to see.

I doubt we will be able to see all of these features in the first version of the site, but the most important ones will all be available.


------------ORGANIZATION OF EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES-----------------------


- Users have access to an interactive map utilizing google map’s software.
- Users will submit activities with a location, time, and desired number of participants.
- Users will search for activities by submitting an address and/or zip code, and radius, or using the map.
- Users can join activities.
- Users can comment on activities.
- Users can upload media / submit links to activities, which would allow for videos/photos/blogs of the activity as well as any media coverage of the event.
- Users can comment on media.

-Activities / Locations can be centralized or dispersed. When the user joins a dispersed activity, it can either join at that location, or in a new location. The other locations are plotted on the map too.
- All Plots on the map, when overlayed with the cursor, will show the member’s ID who is taking responsibility for that location.

- Users can browse all activities in a list.
- The list can be sorted with the activities occurring next first.
- The list can be sorted with newly submitted activities first.
- The list can be sorted by desired number of participants.
- The list can be sorted by number of participants so far.
- Users can browse all links submitted to all activities in a list.
- The list can be sorted newest first.
- The list can be sorted according to how many participants the activities had.
- The list can be sorted oldest first.

-PAGE FOR EACH ACTIVITY----------

- There is a button to join the activity on this page.
- There is a button to post a media to this page.
- Media/links have the option to have to be approved by the project creator before being shown in the activity page.
- AJAX comment box to post a comment
- “Digg style” rating system for comments.
- Show avatar and profile of user who submitted this location / activity.
- If the event is over, it displays how quickly the event was organized (time posted to time all slots were filled or when it occurred).
- It displays when it is to occur, if it hasn't happened yet.
- Displays who participated.
- Displays media/links connected to it.
- Displays comments.


Info for each link / media.
- Displays activity it is a part of
- Displays when the activity occured
- Displays when the element was submitted
- Displays who submitted the element
- Displays comments


-USER ACCOUNTS-------------

- Users able to choose avatar.
- Users have basic information profile.
- Users will have a score system based upon how many successful events / locations / activities they have made and participated in.
- Users who have the highest scores for the month will be eligible to win certain site sponsored prizes and contests and/or be granted moderator/admin positions.
- Top member of the month will be shown on home page.
- Users can add people to a buddy list
- Users can send private messages
- Users can receive email notifications of updates to Articles / Event they started or are participating in.
- Users can see others who are online, or have the option to make themselves never shown as online
- Ignore list can block viewing elements created/posted by certain users.
- Users can have their zip code saved on their account to allow arranging by location with elements (articles, media, events).

- MEDIA--------------

- Videos can either be uploaded and streamed from the site, or linked through youtube.
- Audio can either be uploaded and streamed or linked.
- Users can give a 1-5 star rating to media
- Users can favorite media
- Daily media will be displayed based upon a combination of unique views, best user star ratings, and most favorites in the last 24 hour period.
- Users can comment on media.
- Comments can be rated with “digg” style rating system.

- MAPS------------------

- In various places on the site there will be maps available.
- Maps will have multiple uses.
- Users can select elements (articles, media, events, etc) arranged by the closest locations to you, or by members located closest to you.
- Users can select information by precinct map by state.
- Maps will have state map mode, which shows the map with the states overlayed
- Maps will have precinct mode, with precincts overlaying the map, so users can select data by precinct.
- Users can draw regions on the map for events, to show whole areas such as towns or streets that they want to take responsibility for. This will be done by drawing points outlining the region on the map.
- Users can draw specific points on the map
- Users can delete / edit their points and regions.

-PRECINCT SPECIFIC DATA--------------

- Users can post “precinct specific” elements viewable only to those in your precinct.
- Users can subscribe to receive email notifications about events / articles / media posted by people in their precinct.

-SHOUTBOX-------------

- Homepage will have an AJAX shoutbox for posting quick short messages in real time to visitors on the home page.

-HELP AND SUPPORT-------------

- Video tutorials will be created to show new users how to do common tasks on the website.
- Frequently asked questions
- Help desk to post questions that can be answered by other users or admins.


Please submit any ideas you have for additional features.


DEVELOPMENT TIMEFRAME------------------------------------------------------------

It is hard to predict how long a project like this will take, but I would like to see an initial build within 3-4 weeks. Other updates can add more features.


Thank you to everyone who actually read through this whole thread, lol.
Comments welcome!

RonPaulFTFW
01-30-2008, 11:28 PM
Nice.

thewolf7=1976
01-31-2008, 12:38 AM
If you are a programmer sign up to help f you are a regular joe (like me) your input is just as important. The regular folks will be using the site. If you have ideas about content, gaining audience, how to implement the site for local and state strategies speak up. This site is for us, put in your 2 cents and let's start a discussion.

defcreative
01-31-2008, 02:32 AM
If you are a programmer sign up to help f you are a regular joe (like me) your input is just as important. The regular folks will be using the site. If you have ideas about content, gaining audience, how to implement the site for local and state strategies speak up. This site is for us, put in your 2 cents and let's start a discussion.

Thank you for the bump, lets get a discussion going here people. I'm expecting to put 400-500 hours of work into this project for you guys. :)

By the people, for the people!

lol, maybe people were a little overwhelmed by the size of the thread?

defcreative
01-31-2008, 04:58 AM
bump for the night.

LandonCook
01-31-2008, 05:39 AM
bump

Mckarnin
01-31-2008, 05:56 AM
bump


Bumpitty Bump!

defcreative
01-31-2008, 06:02 AM
lol, I know someone has a feature that they are dying to see on the site. ;)

thewolf7=1976
01-31-2008, 11:06 AM
bump

defcreative
01-31-2008, 05:21 PM
bump.

CaptBookbag
01-31-2008, 05:26 PM
I came.

defcreative
01-31-2008, 05:32 PM
I came.

lol, we can count that an addition to the project. :eek: :p ;)

asceth
01-31-2008, 05:38 PM
I've done php work for 3+ years non-professionally but have focused on Ruby for the past 3-4 months or so. I'm heavily involved in my own ruby site using merb + datamapper so while I can't guarantee I'll have a load of time to work on this (school, work + other project) I can't sit here and watch all 3 programmers you had be delisted and no one step up.

I'd like some details on what framework you are going to use if any and how you plan to setup the infrastructure for such a task before I can tell you how much I can be of help. I'll try to keep up with the forums over the next few days to catch any new PMs, threads on this topic.

JoshLowry
01-31-2008, 05:43 PM
I'm not sure what to say, but Ron is trying to get Freeople.com going. I have had LibertyForest.com on the backburner and now this site comes along and declares it the official project.

I wanted to wait for this campaign to be officially over before I pushed Liberty Forest, but it looks like you guys are just going to take the community Bryan, the mods, and I have gently molded over the past 7 months.

Your intentions are good, but I don't plan on just dropping the ball on this place as I said in this thread: http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=34278

robmpreston
01-31-2008, 05:47 PM
I'm not sure what to say, but Ron is trying to get Freeople.com going. I have had LibertyForest.com on the backburner and now this site comes along and declares it the official project.

I wanted to wait for this campaign to be officially over before I pushed Liberty Forest, but it looks like you guys are just going to take the community Bryan, the mods, and I have gently molded over the past 7 months.

Your intentions are good, but I don't plan on just dropping the ball on this place as I said in this thread: http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=34278

Why not help him with his project ??

JoshLowry
01-31-2008, 05:49 PM
Why not help him with his project ??

Like I said, I've been working on it but haven't pushed anything on the community as of yet.

It's distracting from the campaign.

imaginegirl
01-31-2008, 05:56 PM
How about adding ongoing comparison charts of people running for congress/senate, etc searchable by state or region? My "Christian" chart has helped people a lot - clean, easy to understand & a fast way to get the info across...

http://files.meetup.com/619210/2008_Christian_Voter_Guide.pdf

Thinking ahead to the future...

asceth
01-31-2008, 06:00 PM
JoshLowry: Didn't notice this until now so I don't want to get in the middle of a conflict between these two sites. I'd recommend defcreative and you + other involved talk amongst yourselves and get things straightened out so a unified effort is achieved. You're probably already doing this so I won't say anything else.

I like the name PeopleForLiberty more than LibertyTree but as an admin if you've created this community you should be a top voice in how this community grows beyond this. Thanks for chiming in before hand so everything can get sorted.

GreenApples
01-31-2008, 06:02 PM
Posted this earlier...

So now we have:

libertyforest.com
thelibertytree.com
standandunite.com
freeople.com
dailypaul.com
libertycongress.org
etc
etc
etc

I think I will stick around here unless they give me a reason to leave.

Crickett
01-31-2008, 06:06 PM
How about adding ongoing comparison charts of people running for congress/senate, etc searchable by state or region? My "Christian" chart has helped people a lot - clean, easy to understand & a fast way to get the info across...

http://files.meetup.com/619210/2008_Christian_Voter_Guide.pdf

Thinking ahead to the future...

That's nice..this is a pretty site. Looks interesting

Ronin
01-31-2008, 06:12 PM
I'm not sure what to say, but Ron is trying to get Freeople.com going. I have had LibertyForest.com on the backburner and now this site comes along and declares it the official project.

I wanted to wait for this campaign to be officially over before I pushed Liberty Forest, but it looks like you guys are just going to take the community Bryan, the mods, and I have gently molded over the past 7 months.

Your intentions are good, but I don't plan on just dropping the ball on this place as I said in this thread: http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=34278

I don't see a problem with having more than 1 place. Maybe you guys could compromise and have a single login system. The last thing we need is a turf war. The top of the structure could be along the lines of "freedom network".

MsDoodahs
01-31-2008, 06:28 PM
As many of you may already know, I am managing a new project for an official headquarters for the grassroots movement that will serve as a central hub of data, event planning, organization, videos and other media, member published articles, organization of projects by precinct with an interactive map, interactive user comments, all with a “digg style” rating system, and much more. Saying this site will be a powerful tool for the community is an understatement. :)


I changed your title. You are not "official" anything, and I will NOT have you asserting that you are when that is a baldfaced LIE.

You would be advertising your idea HERE because ????

Wait - because HERE is the grassroots headquarters and without using Josh's site to advertise yours, yours will be unable to even get off the ground.

I'm going to walk away before I say more because I am pretty damned angry.

The lot of these new shitheads ought to be banned. Motherfuckers trying to divide the grassroots....:mad::mad:

LibertyEagle
01-31-2008, 06:31 PM
Yet another group attempting to piggyback off of Ron Paul's campaign, for their own purpose. Very sad. :(

Question for you folks. Do you care on iota about getting Ron Paul elected, or is his candidacy just a vehicle for you to make some money?

freelance
01-31-2008, 07:28 PM
I'm not sure what to say, but Ron is trying to get Freeople.com going. I have had LibertyForest.com on the backburner and now this site comes along and declares it the official project.

I wanted to wait for this campaign to be officially over before I pushed Liberty Forest, but it looks like you guys are just going to take the community Bryan, the mods, and I have gently molded over the past 7 months.

Your intentions are good, but I don't plan on just dropping the ball on this place as I said in this thread: http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=34278

Yes, and many of us recognize that you have been here for us since early in this show. Thank you for all you do for the Ron Paul community day in and day out. I know that it must be a thankless job at times, but you guys have never let us down.

LandonCook
01-31-2008, 11:59 PM
Yet another group attempting to piggyback off of Ron Paul's campaign, for their own purpose. Very sad. :(

Question for you folks. Do you care on iota about getting Ron Paul elected, or is his candidacy just a vehicle for you to make some money?


I changed your title. You are not "official" anything, and I will NOT have you asserting that you are when that is a baldfaced LIE.

You would be advertising your idea HERE because ????

Wait - because HERE is the grassroots headquarters and without using Josh's site to advertise yours, yours will be unable to even get off the ground.

I'm going to walk away before I say more because I am pretty damned angry.

The lot of these new shitheads ought to be banned. Motherfuckers trying to divide the grassroots....:mad::mad:


You two are sick....

"vehicle for you to make some money"

FUCK YOU.

I have donated my max of 2300.
I run 4 meetups
Have bought thousands of dollars of material.
Was one of the 300 in Iowa.
and spend thounsands of hours working for this campaign!

I am the one that got this project running and Def took over of leading the team. The team I have in the background is made up of 7 identical projects who all had been working toward this goal and all were assimilated into the project.

We have set up a very professional and talented team. From all we were told the LibertyForest was only a name change for the RPF. And after going over your project it seems that there are many things that we were including that your does not have.

I am the Arkansas Grassroots organizer, a business owner, and I run 4 meetups. Many supporters have been begging and pleading for a unified Grassroots site. I have contacts all over California, Ohio, NH, and Arkansas who have begged me to do this project and many in the community have begged for it. Def and I took it on and have been working hard to make that happen.

Defcreative, a Entrepreneur, Web Designer, Programmer, Ron Paul supporter, and very devout patriot, who has been on this forum for month, and donated thousands of dollars of his money and time just got a wonderful thankyou of BANNING for all of the hard work he has been doing.

This is utter betrayal.
You all should be ashamed at these attacks...
Your own brothers and countryman!

FUCK YOU
YOU should be BANNED for this egregious attack of a fellow patriot.

Cleaner44
02-01-2008, 12:18 AM
blump