As I mentioned in my last post, I was looking to post something new this weekend on "Central in Japan". Well, it finally happened, after some major studying, testing and writing... *whew*
I have found the best way to become good at something is to 1. Do it. 2. Teach it. So that's what I did. I built up 5 tutorials on Central (for the beginners of course) and at the same time started work on a new app, that I actually wanted to get out a long time ago that would be standalone, a mini application/site for my current community site that I have up. I kept thinking it would be so cool to be able access the site without having to even open up my browser. So far I have the forum entries coming into the Central app and they are browsable. Unfortunately I haven't got any farther yet, like being able to post from Central, and I still want to get a tutorial and download file search, and live chat section up. In the future I can imagine adding in a section where I'll teach a group of people live (with FCS), should be fun to build.
I put up a poll last week on Central, here are the results so far out of 42 people who have entered the poll:
Central:
1. is something I really know - 10%
2. I've heard of it, and am interested - 19%
3. I've heard of it, but am not interested - 5%
4. I've heard of it but.... - 19%
5. Never heard of it - 48%
As you can see... Central isn't well known yet in Japan (my site gets over 1000 users a day so I think it's a pretty good judge of Japan's des/dev guys and gals).
So, what tutes did I get up you ask (I'll link them for any of you that understand Japanese)?
1. The basics on Central - what it is, how to use it, good and bad stuff
2. About the product.xml file - what it is for, how to edit it and why
3. Making a basic app - making, publishing, writing the product.xml file and posting/installing
4. How to use notices - how and when to use them, engaging, closing
5. How to open/make a pod - how to make them (both ways), and why
And of course my app :) Though it sucks still... so don't bother if you don't have time to blow on nothing.
I've got quite a few ideas for some future tutes but I need a break from Central for a bit. I think I've read the documentation at least 10 times in the past week and am tired of testing... but will most likely get back on my app soon as it is sitting at version 0.3....
Got a forum up to support the tutes too, so we'll see what questions come in about Central (or if they don't come in..).
So this puts the number of tutes on MM's products alone at 70! Holy crap... and for some reason, no matter how many times I ask MM Japan to link up to the site as a resource for MM products they won't do it.. even though they say they will... I can't figure it out, blows me away (MM can only gain right?). ah well.. I do have to say though, that this has been a great experience, and I can now say from that experience what I would like to see new/changed in Central instead of working off of just info or other people's comments.
Yes, you don't see so many of these anymore. Mike's moved on to more flash and Flex posts, even though he says "I can already do that stuff in Flash".... are MM employees supposed to say stuff like that? ;) . David seems to be running a bit low on new material but he's got an idea for a contest, if you have any thoughts on that, make sure to post in his comments if you can. ash's last post on Central was about 3 weeks ago! what's going on guys? Last but not least, be sure to check out John Robinson's new FCS admin app. Very impressive stuff! You can find that in the app finder.
I've been messing with central quite a bit lately and have found that even if I can't make money off of it yet, I'm learning a new way to get apps up and running in a new environment. This is good in itself as it is so easy to get into a pattern/style of development that may be good, but can be made better by trying out new and different ways to produce apps. I recommend to any that do develop to at least check out what Central can do and code up a couple of apps or so. Pretty interesting stuff if you have the time to spare.
I should have some more interesting news coming up on "Central in Japan" in a day or two so will hold off on half-posting here right now.