User talk:Ldgarcia27

From Palmpedia - Palm Grower's Guide
Jump to: navigation, search

Bienvenidos Luis

Luis, I see you are trying to contribute. Let me know if I can help. You can edit this page and I will see it.


Thanks Dean

I am trying to contribute creating a palm root article. I hope it will help :).

Luis, go here

Click on this Fascinating Palm Roots

Luis, you're doing fine without my help

Just keep going as you are. I can link to it later. You will see that you need to create the page in it's proper section (location) first. Then after it is created, you can click on it and start the article or whatever. But with this software everything is so easy to fix, no matter what. Thanks for helping. It will get easier and more fun.

Luis, need to create page first.

Luis, before a page such as Acrocomia can be made, it must first be created in the appropriate area. For example, for Acrocomia acuelata, first go to the encyclopiedia section and create a heading and a page for the species. Then after that link is created, click on it. It will take you to a blank page where the pics and text can be placed. Otherwise, there is no way to find it again. I already made the Acrocomia page when I saw your upload. Where are you starting your pages from?


This is how I create it

I search for the article (which doesn't exists) and then I create it.

  • I'm not understanding. Where are you creating it.? In the Encyclopedia section, or the General Interest section, I can't find your article in any of the sections on the Main Page. Dypsisdean 22:13, 13 May 2007 (PDT)
  • I have created a page for Acrocomia aculeata in the Encyclopedia and will try to move your article into it. That way it will be listed in the proper order in the reference area so that people can find it easily. Your doing great. Nobody else has figured out this much on their own. :) Dypsisdean 22:18, 13 May 2007 (PDT)

Acrocomia has been moved.

Luis, Your Acrocomia page is now in the On Line Encyclopedia section under Acrocomia. Here A. aculeata

Taxonomy table

Luis, That table template is a great idea if we can get it to work. I may be able to help, but I'll let you try and figure it out first. I'm not sure what to do. However, please be aware, we can not post copyrighted material unless we have permission. And for something like that, that will be incorporated into a lot of pages, maybe written permission would be better. Otherwise, we could go through all the work, and have to take it down. Dypsisdean 12:57, 14 May 2007 (PDT)

About taxonomy template

Dean, I don't think the taxobox is copyrighted material, so I will give a try to install it.

Luis, Still trying

I have tried just about everything without success. I still have a few ideas, so I haven't given up yet. I think it would be a nice addition, so I will deep trying. Dypsisdean 13:43, 16 May 2007 (PDT)

Dean

Good, I will also try sometime when I have some time.

  • Luis, I am in the process of upgrading the server and software to the newest version of the wiki and a much larger server. Maybe the new wiki software will enable us to get that box going. The one we are trying to use comes out of the newest wiki version, so that may be our problem. When I get the new setup running, I'll send you a notice. Then maybe it will work for us. Dypsisdean 13:28, 29 May 2007 (PDT)

Taxobox resolved!

Hi Dean, I made a box similar to the Taxobox which I named Palmbox. Please read the email I sent you :).

  • Luis, I have responded via email. Dypsisdean 16:39, 31 May 2007 (PDT)

Thanks Luis,

Thanks for the correction. It's a treat having someone that actually knows what to do with a wiki. Eveyone else is scared to death. All the data has been moved to the new server and I expect I will be able to test drive it soon. I will be traveling all day tomorrow to California, so I won't get much done. Hopefully, I will have the new one ready by the weekend. Dypsisdean 18:38, 6 June 2007 (PDT)

  • Hi Dean, is good to hear the wiki software is been updated, are the Parser Functions already installed? --LDGC 21:04, 8 June 2007 (PDT)

Palm Profiles ???

Luis, I don't quite understand where you are going with the Palm Profile idea. Isn't it just a duplicate of the Main encyclopedia palm species list already created? ---> http://www.palmpedia.net/wiki/index.php/Palmpedia:ONLINE_REFERENCE Dypsisdean This is the page you get when you click on the main encyclopedia link (On Line Refererence) after the rotating green arrow. On the Main Page. 16:40, 13 June 2007 (PDT)

  • I just add the page, but I can't add the link in the Online Reference because I am unable to edit that page. It is a way to keep the new pages I have been creating in a same place, although I have added other pages too.
  • Luis, I guess I still don't understand completely. Almost all of those palms that you put on the "Palm Profiles" page already had pages created and indexed to the main "Online Reference Encyclopedia." I did see Manicaria was not, so I made it a page. If there are others, let me know and I'll include them in the main index. It will get very confusing for visitors if we have more than one index page with some palms on one index, and some palms on the other. What we have been doing so far is as follows. We do not add a Palm Page until we have a photo. The prime idea of Palmpedia is to have Hi Res photos for each palm. So no photo, no palm page. As soon as a photo is uploaded, I create a page (indexed to the main encyclopedia) and put the photo on the page. Then we have a page with a photo that anyone can add or edit as they see fit. If everyone starts making their own index for their own projects, I think things will get very disorganized. If you feel this limits you, I could make you a Sysop which would allow you to add to and edit the main Online Reference Encyclopedia index page. However, I have been able to keep up with everyone when they upload photos, by creating the Palm Page with photo included, all ready for adding text or more pics. You obviously know how to use a wiki, so I have no trouble making you a Sysop, as long as you didn't ever edit the Main Page, and you discussed any major changes with us first. Let me know. Dypsisdean 16:17, 14 June 2007 (PDT)
  • Hi Dean, sorry for making that category. I agree that it will confuse visitors and will make the site look disordered (I didn't think that when I created it). I have deleted all the links to the category and wrote a request on the category's disscussion page for it to be removed. I didn't know that photos were needed before creating a page, but it is good to know now. Thanks for helping me on the process to learn how to collaborate in wikis, next time I will ask first before taking action :).

Do you agree on the idea of creating a category for Palms in Costa Rica?

  • Luis, a couple of things. First, no apologizes necessary. We appreciate your efforts to contribute. We are all learning here. I knew zero about a wiki when I started. It is not absolutely necessary to have a photo before we create a page, it's just the way we did it because it's easier to keep track of everything, as we initially build the site. If you want a page, but have no photo, we can still make it. Maybe someone would see it, and upload a photo.
  • I think the Palms of Costa Rica is a great idea. Especially with the IPS biennial coming there. You do know that, I hope??? It may even expand to a whole category of palms by country, or location. I'm thinking maybe in the "Garden Pictorial" section after we get a few going. But for now, probably a major article in the "article section'" would do. Where would you like it placed? I will be doing a pictorial here soon on Madagascar. Gary Le Vine from PalmTalk gave me his photos to use.
  • If you feel the need to be a Sysop, let me know. It gives you some more privledges, but not that many. I have only protected two pages --- the Main Page, and the main index page --- because those are so important. As Sysop, you can edit everything. Usually I check, and will see uploaded photos, and create a Palm Page immediately. Let me know if it would help you contribute to the wiki. You are obviously trust worthy, capable, knowledgable, and have the interest.
  • Also, I am upgrading the server tonight (Fri) at 6:00PM Pacific Time. I don't know how smoothly it will go. If you have any trouble getting on, email me at [email protected] If all else fails, you may have to clean out your cache to get to the new IP, so give that a try. Dypsisdean 14:44, 15 June 2007 (PDT)

How about a User Page?

Hey Luis, Why don't you put together something on your User Page. A photo, and a little about you would be nice to see. Have you always lived in Costa Rica? What part do you live in. Etc. Dypsisdean 20:58, 15 June 2007 (PDT)

  • BTW --- The server is upgraded with all the latest software, and it appears as if it went as planned. Now I can play around with that taxobox of yours. I have to confess, I will have to learn about that parsing function. I may need your help. Dypsisdean 20:58, 15 June 2007 (PDT)
  • Hi Dean, I will send you an email. --Ldgarcia27 16:52, 16 June 2007 (PDT)
  • Luis, It's nice to meet you. (At least your photo) A very appropriate photo. You live in a great place for a plant lover. I knew you must have some programming experience. PHP is very useful for this wiki. I didn't even know what a server really did until a year ago. I wish I knew more. Right now I am wondering if it would be possible to write a scipt that would automatically put a water mark (I hope you know what that is) on all uploaded photos. I am being put in touch with a programmer in India to see if it can be done. I have a feeling it may be very difficult. What do you think? At this point, please don't spend any time trying to do it. But I would like to know if you think it would be possible. The hardest part would be the fact that different people will be uploading different sizes of pics, so a set size watermark would not work. Too big for some, and not big enough for others.
  • Dean, PHP can handle images with some libraries as GD or ImageMagick, although you must first check to at least one of them installed in your server. Making a script to make this isn't that difficult, I have made some test scripts (that use GD) to achieve this for a future web-application I have been planning to do. What seems difficult is to adapt a script to the wiki software system. A simple solution is to have an external script that takes local images in the server as a resource and uses them to create a watermarked-one, although this process would have to be done separately after uploading the image. Maybe there is some kind of Mod (modification) out there on the web, try searching for wiki software modifications. I think it can be possible.
  • Do you need any help on installing the Parser Functions?
  • Luis, we are using ImageMagick. My son is a software engineer and I talked with him a little last night. I don't think it will be that easy. It is probably possible, but difficult to have it work seemlessly on upload. With people uploading from around the world, there is no way I can keep track of everything, and download them in order to use an external app. And then upload them again. If there was some way to mark them internally with some kind of script, that would help. Anything to avoid the downloading, marking, and uploading again. These are large files, and it is very time consumming. Not to mention keeping track of file names, etc. so the links still work. Thanks for the feedback --- there's too much going on to worry about that right now. I've checked all over for a solution that already exists.
  • I've installed a real nice embedded MP3 player extension that I think will be fun to play with for creating audio garden tours, etc. I'll set up a sample here soon and let you know. While looking around for sounds, I came across this site I thought might interest you. http://www.naturesongs.com/CRsounds.html
  • I also ran across an extension for making boxes. What do you think about this one? Could this be easier to work with than yours? http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:CreateBox I don't think it's what we need, but thought I would ask. I'll get back to you if I need the help installing yours. It will be a few days, because I am still getting this new server all the way configured. Thanks for the offer. I may need it. Dypsisdean 12:41, 17 June 2007 (PDT)
  • Hi, Dean. I think I didn´t explain well the idea of the external application. I meant an application which is in your server and that can look up all the images on a folder (in this case: http://www.palmpedia.net/wiki/images/ I believe, so you don´t lose time downloading and uploading, but just processing the image file ). I called it external because it wasn´t part of the wiki software. In this supposed application you can edit the images you want and add them a watermark, although I don´t know how to use ImageMagick yet only some of GD. The flash mp3 player is very good, can it play video?? The Costa Rican sound website was very good, thanks for the link. I think the Createbox is for creating input text fields like the ones used on web forms, not to create boxes as the Palmbox.
  • Luis, the flash player is for MP3s only. But it also allows anyone to unpload and post an MP3. I guy in Australia wanted to do an interview and post it, but I didn't know how he could do it. Now he can. :-) I did find an extension for video and am checking into it. But from what I can tell it is only linked to video hosting sites, and not uploaded directly. I'll have to answer you better when I have more time about the watermarking, etc. Is your brother also contributing here? Who is Adogc45??? Do you know? Dypsisdean 19:24, 17 June 2007 (PDT)
  • Hi Dean,

Yes, he is my brother, his name is Adolfo. --Ldgarcia27 15:23, 18 June 2007 (PDT)

  • I found a box that can be used for hybrids, please check it [here] it would help for the palm hybrids' pages.

Parser Functions Uploaded

Well Luis, I have the Parser Functions uploaded and working. And the Palmbox is working. A couple of thoughts I have. Although I like the idea of listing common names, I don't think it is a good idea to highlight a common name at the very top. In addition, there are several common names for some palms, and they are different depending on where you live. So I think a subsection at the bottom of the Palmbox for common names would be better. But then that presents another problem --- If we put the scientific name at the top, there is no need for the Binomial Name subsection. If the main heading was the binomial, then there would be the subsection binomial, and the genus and species listing as well. Seems redundant. One more thing, do you think we need to list Division, Class, Order, and Family for every palm, since they will be exactly the same for every listing? I'll give it some more thought because I like the general idea. Let me know your thoughts. Dypsisdean 13:10, 27 June 2007 (PDT)

  • Hi Dean, I undestand your point. I already modified the Palmbox and took off the binomial_name and changed the binomia_authority for taxonomist. Please read the Palmbox disscussion page.

Finally Responded

Luis, I was reviewing some older discussions and came across one of yours I had not responded to. Please see "Another Suggestion"[1]
Dypsisdean 13:19, 4 July 2007 (PDT)

Muchas Gracias

Sorry Luis, I don't know how to include proper Spanish punctuation. :) I appreciate your quick fix. We are slowly getting info into the Palm Pages, and it's great to have the PalmBox there. It looks great. Dypsisdean 12:44, 28 July 2007 (PDT)

  • Hi Dean, it is fine as it is (Muchas gracias), you are welcome (Con mucho gusto) :). I see many people don´t know how to use it or don´t want to mess up with the wiki markup of the Palmbox. I have investigated wikis, and found an excellent extension to solve this. SimpleForms is an extension that allows the contributor to create forms to edit things (although you would need to install the proper files and edit the LocalSettings.php). I am beginning to know it, but a good usage of this extension could let Palmpedia have a form to create a Palmbox for any article. That way no one should know the wiki markup of the Palmbox to create one. It would be an user-friendly PALMBOX-CREATOR. Try taking a look at the link I posted previously. It is just an idea I would like to contribute, right now I have not much time to work since I have to attend the school homeworks, develop my site, etc. But I would like to give it a try whenever I have time, what do you think?--Ldgarcia27 11:09, 29 July 2007 (PDT)

PHP Question

Luis, I'm sure you have seen the flash player I have installed for MP3s. I believe it is embedded or written in PHP. I have the code. I have emailed the guy who wrote it several times, with no response. I would like to be able to have it open in it's own window if I wanted, so that I could have a file continue to play if a viewer went to another page. I would like to have a slideshow with a running commentary, that would continue as a viewer clicked through several slides. Do you think this would be possible? I asked my son, and he wasn't sure if PHP could be made to open a new window. He thought it would need to be tied in to Javascript, which would make it much more difficult to enable. Any ideas??? --Dypsisdean 13:34, 21 September 2007 (PDT)

  • Hi Dean,

I suppose that MP3 extension is written in PHP as are many extensions for this wiki software. Although, to achieve what you want Javascript is necessary. I believe that what you want is to load a pop-up window which contains the player. I don't know if it may be complicated, I would like to have a look at the source files of the MP3 Extension. --Luis Diego 17:31, 21 September 2007 (PDT)

  • Hey Luis,

Here's a link to the code and other info concerning that extension. If you notice on the discussion page at this link, the question has been asked twice, once by me. And there hasn't been an answer for a while now. I'm thinking there must be a reason. http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:FlashMP3

  • Well Dean, I don't know how the Javascript code is used, I think it can be modified but with Javascript knowledge.