I'll second that motion. We are definitely looking to add to our theme
collection, so we'd love to get whatever you guys can come up with.
I think Matt's criteria sound right. One semi-neat suggestion would be
to try and get all the themes to use the same basic html/css framework,
that way it's easier to mix and match css/javascript widgets between themes.
On a bit of a side note, this may also be a good time to make sure our
approach to themes is flushed out. a couple minor things that I don't
particularly like in some of our current themes are ...
1. some themes reference static files (css, js, images). this makes it
very hard to ensure that when someone customizes a theme they are
getting a local copy of all the theme's resources. what ends up
happening is that people have 2 year old themes with links to css and
images which could become broken/changed in the future. it would be
nice if we had a way to keep this from happening.
2. some themes use shared resources (css, js, images). i think this is
even slightly more problematic than #1. i prefer that themes be self
contained.
3. i think we should keep the number of templates to a minimum and avoid
using the "_decorator" template. in my mind, more templates = more
confusing for users.
Also worth considering is our theme distribution system. Would it not
make a bit more sense to move the themes directory outside the webapp
and allow Roller admins to download themes individually or in bundles?
this would make it easier for admins to control what themes are
available on their site without having it tied to the webapp, so app
upgrades would be easier.
Anways, just some thoughts.
-- Allen
Matt Raible wrote:
I think I can speak for the team and say YES - this sounds like a *great* idea!!
On 12/26/05, Greg Hamer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Dear Devs,
I am on the advisory board for a design school. I would like to propose as a
student project for upcoming semesters that students create Roller theme pages
(e.g. Weblog.vm, _day.vm, etc.)
My question to you is does Roller accept new stock themes that would be
included in the future Roller release distributions? If so, could you please
sketch out for me what process students should follow to submit their themes?
Also, could you sketch guidelines that might be used in determining if a theme
might be acceptable or unacceptable?
I think the very basic criteria should be:
1. XHTML 1.0 Transitional compliant
2. CSS 2 Compliant
3. Good lookin' ;-)
There are validators for the first two. In addition, it should be
possible for us to convert Photoshop images to XHTML/CSS - but
obviously the whole ball of wax would make it easier to integrate.
Of course, I'm just one voice in a growing community. ;-)
Matt
Thank you again for your great work. I hope that you are having an enjoyable
holiday. Best regards for good health and prosperity in the new year.
g
