After a long night wrestling with IV Free board customization, I managed to finish (for the most part) the new look for the Bob Jones Grad Forums. I went with a “hawk/squirrel” theme as I’m told these two are common sights on the BJU campus, specifically with the former terrorizing the latter. I have to admit I feel a little strange, being an alumni of PCC, considering the “rivalry” that exists between the two. Considering the fact that PCC is in some technology black hole, though, I don’t feel all that bad. It’s a real shame too, because they had a good deal of talent. But I always felt strange, because every time I spoke to anyone in administration about a computer issue, they blinked the “I’d rather be scuba diving” look and nodded mindlessly. I remember one semester asking for internet access because I had a job that I needed to FTP files and email sample images to my client. This threw them for a loop. “How do we control that?!” Several long nights and a few pots of coffee later, they said no. But I digress.
IVP Free (I think its better for paying customers) is so much more difficult than phpBB… it was so ridiculous that I couldn’t even login and upload images to the server to use with the site; I had to post them as attachments and find the file name to make reference to in the CSS from the control panel. What a runaround!
I really broke some ground, though, in understanding PHP… of course, I learned a great deal from working on our school’s forums; but I’m thinking seriously about using PHP to power my new site.
Yes, that’s another thing. Look for a new PlasticMind site that integrates the forums, blog, design portfolio and store all into one. It’s going to be a big bold move, but I want to be ready before I do it. I’m not sure, but I think I’m going to go with a really clean blue and green look. I’ll put up samples later as I go on. Also look for a very cool ad I’m putting together for my first PlasticMind Design magazine appearance. (It involves almost jamming a pencil in my student’s eye!)
Last question… in reference to the BJ Grad Forums–should I use the hawk with the mouse cursor? I’ve been torn. The designer in me balks at the thought of changing the cursor to look like a hawk. But it is fun. Any thoughts?
