Developing the AM tools for vertical line Placement and Safety zone
01/04/2007
Today one of our programmers and I spoke in good detail about the implimentation of new admin tools for postcard design. What these tools will allow for is custom placed text layouts on specific backgrounds. This will let us pre-create a nice looking layout in terms of fonts, font colors and special affects. We will precisly layout each individual postcard and sign it with the signature of tasteful human eyes. Here is what we discussed:
Conversation Jan 4, 2007
Sergey says:
Hi Robert
Sergey says:
Could we talk now ?
BOB says:
Hi Sergey
BOB says:
sure
Sergey says:
I thought about positioning tool, so I would like to discuss it with you
BOB says:
OK
Sergey says:
We could do it e.g. like this:
Sergey says:
At AM page where we have 3 buttons: L,C,R we add 1 more button with the word “Custom” (custom positioning). When
it is clicked:
1) Line Placement vanishes from the page
2) 2 pull-down lists appear at the place where “Line Placement” was before: “X Position” and “Y Position”.
Sergey says:
“Y Position” and “Line Placement” do the same
BOB says:
That sounds good
Sergey says:
so only 1 should be present
Sergey says:
I have only 1 doubt about it though …
Sergey says:
Logically the buttons L,C,R
Sergey says:
are responsible for horizontal alignment only
Sergey says:
So logincally the button added to them as the 4th
Sergey says:
should be responsible for horizontal alignment only too
Sergey says:
but in my example
BOB says:
that is why I keep thinking we only need to add a verticale fixed placement tool
BOB says:
let exiting tools do the rest
Sergey says:
you mean horizontal ?
BOB says:
existing
Sergey says:
not vertical, horizontal ?
BOB says:
existing already does horizontal
Sergey says:
Line placement controls vertical
Sergey says:
it is exsisting
Sergey says:
we need horizontal, right ?
BOB says:
no
BOB says:
so we are on the same page….
BOB says:
horontal= noth and soutn movement right?
Sergey says:
horizontal is X
Sergey says:
east-west
Sergey says:
no ?
BOB says:
so currently we can move text up and down
Sergey says:
yes
BOB says:
but we cannot move it sideways
Sergey says:
right
BOB says:
all we need is a way to move it sideways if desired
Sergey says:
still we could move the text up and down only 1 line, which is not really precise
Sergey says:
Auto showed it
BOB says:
true
BOB says:
I have a queston
Sergey says:
yes ?
BOB says:
yesterday you said something to me that was meaningful…
BOB says:
the system is not very user friendly
Sergey says:
right
BOB says:
and I totally agree
BOB says:
When I think about it…
BOB says:
maybe the beginning programmer build something that can only go so far with out to look at total rewrite?
BOB says:
So I want to show you something
Sergey says:
yes ?
BOB says:
Please click
BOB says:
http://www.weprintcolors.com/
Sergey says:
ok
BOB says:
see
BOB says:
It won’t take you long to figure out that creating a business card with point and click technology is the quickest, most accurate way to make your ideas happen. We have simplified this process to provide the maximum with minimum effort.
Here is a little teaser Check it out
More Details
BOB says:
click Check it out
Sergey says:
ok
BOB says:
Please see how it works
BOB says:
easy
BOB says:
point and click
BOB says:
reason I show you is…
BOB says:
maybe we should realize the limits of other system (I realy on you to guide me)
BOB says:
?
BOB says:
I wonder if this system is something you can work with?
BOB says:
I am not saying we drop other project
BOB says:
I am saying let’s realize how far we can go with it
Sergey says:
The system looks completely different. It is nice. I like it but it is absolutely different from what we have now …
BOB says:
for sure
BOB says:
but much more user friendly
BOB says:
especially when you log in
BOB says:
You are a very good programmer
Sergey says:
thanks
BOB says:
1 sec . phone
Sergey says:
ok
BOB says:
k
BOB says:
what I am saying is maybe the other one is only worth so much perfection?
BOB says:
so getting back to task at hand…
BOB says:
the shortest easiest way is best
BOB says:
I played myself ALL day with it
BOB says:
and it is difficult to use
BOB says:
no matter how you cut it
Sergey says:
Do you mean we have to drop the system we have now, take the system you just showed me at weprintcolor.com and use it at weprintcolour.com ?
BOB says:
Oh no…
BOB says:
I will finish other
BOB says:
quickest easiest and cheapest
BOB says:
the new one is up to date tecnology
BOB says:
a pleasure to use
BOB says:
the current one (realized it today)…
BOB says:
is junk compared to
BOB says:
lol
Sergey says:
current is the one we are working with, right ?
BOB says:
yes
BOB says:
junk
BOB says:
lol
Sergey says:
and the new one is at weprincolor.com ?
BOB says:
weprincolors.com
BOB says:
When you have time I first want to know if you can work with it?
BOB says:
If not I will seek the company that made it in India
Sergey says:
Yes, of course I can work with it
BOB says:
I looked through code
Sergey says:
Still, what about the current system ?
Sergey says:
We do not need it any more ?
BOB says:
there is some really heavy stuff going on with flash
Sergey says:
I see …
Sergey says:
I have to look at the code too …
BOB says:
right well I don’t want to derail the current project but…
BOB says:
you are my fav top work with
BOB says:
and I need to get this looked at/ fine tuned
BOB says:
favorite to work with
Sergey says:
OK. I have to look at the source code in any case …
Sergey says:
It is difficult to say anything without it
BOB says:
yes agree
BOB says:
ok then
BOB says:
what we should do is finish off the old system ASAP and move on
BOB says:
I am not going to be too fussy with old now
Sergey says:
So … If you say the old system is junk …
What should be finished there ?
Could you tell me how you see this ?
BOB says:
he he
BOB says:
I forgot you will take me literally
BOB says:
when I say junk (after 6 hours of making layouts) I mean it doesn’t compare, but still has use
BOB says:
the admin tool you are making is the most useful part
Sergey says:
I see…
Sergey says:
So wqe will not make it for users ?
Sergey says:
only for admin ?
BOB says:
yes but…
Sergey says:
I mean custom cards for users we talked about …
BOB says:
As i understand what you are doing …
BOB says:
if we do it for admin it is not much more time to also do it for user
Sergey says:
There is one thing to consider:
Sergey says:
For admin we just do not need a really friendly interface
BOB says:
agree
BOB says:
The NEW system does not make nice templates
BOB says:
like old
BOB says:
that is the only real valuable use
BOB says:
As far as looking pretty for admin you are right
BOB says:
it doesn’t matter for now
BOB says:
once functions exist they can be decorated
Sergey says:
Right!
Sergey says:
So we do not consider interface any more …
BOB says:
I see the old system totally different in terms of marketing now
Sergey says:
Right ?
BOB says:
I t can build templates that can be the theme of your website
BOB says:
So if we went back later and made a noce skin for it
BOB says:
maybe clean up code
BOB says:
If I want to market it as such
Sergey says:
Will the templates we are making now work with the new system ? …
BOB says:
they can
Sergey says:
Are the compatible at all ?
BOB says:
easily
BOB says:
yes the new system has CMS
BOB says:
where you upload backgrounds
BOB says:
Old system can make unique backgrounds
BOB says:
to upload
BOB says:
to new via CMS
BOB says:
Anyways we shold keep on track I guess
Sergey says:
Still … What shall we do now ? Sorry for the silly question …
BOB says:
fixed position
BOB says:
so I can move left to right
BOB says:
on old
BOB says:
then http://www.weprintcolour.com/postcard-talk/?p=6
BOB says:
then new
BOB says:
http://www.weprintcolors.com/
BOB says:
I shall await your completion of old
BOB says:
I have update the scope for the back postcard layouts
BOB says:
on blog
BOB says:
http://www.weprintcolour.com/postcard-talk/?p=6
Sergey says:
I see …
Sergey says:
So could I ask you a few questions ?
BOB says:
I am not sure what makes most sense?
Sergey says:
yes ?
BOB says:
The new having you briefly look at it to determine whether you can work with it first?
BOB says:
Not sure
Sergey says:
Looking at the source code is necessary under any circumstances I think
BOB says:
Because if it comes to something that is out of your realm of knowledge then I may as well find someone now
BOB says:
and you can just carry on with old
Sergey says:
How could I tell you without seeing the source code ?
BOB says:
what is your viewpoiint on this
BOB says:
sure you can see source anytime you like
BOB says:
I can give you FTP if you lie
BOB says:
like
BOB says:
the only part about that I see as challenging is the flash
Sergey says:
yes … If you send me the FTP, I would look at the source code and tell you more … I can not answer right now … I have to see the source code …
BOB says:
No probs
BOB says:
Let’s just continue as we planned before conversation took place
BOB says:
I shall patiently wait completion
BOB says:
then we can talk in detail about new
Sergey says:
OK. So we do not consider the new system now …
Sergey says:
So
BOB says:
correct
Sergey says:
let me summarize:
BOB says:
k
Sergey says:
Do we need that x-coordinate scale which you made 2 images for yesterday ?
BOB says:
yes
Sergey says:
Do we need that X-positioning only cusomized, or Y-positioning too ? Or with Y-positioning we do not need any too except the current “Line Placement” which is not really precise ?
BOB says:
just sideways option is all we need
Sergey says:
ok
BOB says:
in increments of 1
BOB says:
same s as up and down movemnet
Sergey says:
With top-bottom we rely on existing “Line Placement” tool, right ?
BOB says:
correct
Sergey says:
So we do not need to be able to move up or down 1px
Sergey says:
only 1 line
Sergey says:
which is roughly about 10px
BOB says:
as it is is good
Sergey says:
ok
Sergey says:
Do we need this tool for admin only, or for user too ?
Sergey says:
sorry for asking but I need to know
BOB says:
User as well…
BOB says:
If it poses problems user is not essential
BOB says:
but would be nice
BOB says:
admin for sure
Sergey says:
For user always or for custom backgrounds only ? Always is simpler
BOB says:
always
Sergey says:
ok
Sergey says:
A moment please … I’ll open AM
BOB says:
I shall return in 10 mins, ok?
Sergey says:
OK. Of course
BOB says:
cya
Sergey says:
Will wait for you
Sergey says:
cya
BOB says:
Hi Sergey, I have returned now
Sergey says:
Hi
Sergey says:
So I suggest the following:
BOB says:
k
Sergey says:
On the right of L,C,R buttons I place 1 more button with text “Custom” on it
Sergey says:
When it is clicked
Sergey says:
on the right of it
Sergey says:
a pull-down list appears
Sergey says:
X-Position:___________
BOB says:
k
BOB says:
perfect
Sergey says:
So the user/admin could fine-tune the position
BOB says:
1 to 550
Sergey says:
no matter which layout - horizontal or vertical ?
BOB says:
same as other
Sergey says:
I mean which card alignment - t - horizontal or vertical ?
BOB says:
As long as the sideways movement allows for 1 to 550
BOB says:
10 px at a time
BOB says:
same as current funtion for up and down
Sergey says:
I see. It would be: 1,10,20,30,…550 ?
BOB says:
yes
BOB says:
that’s it
Sergey says:
I see
BOB says:
whether I am working on a horizontal or vertical design is not relevant
Sergey says:
OK
Sergey says:
So adding the horizontal ruler depending on the card alignment would take about an hour and would be 10 USD
BOB says:
http://www.weprintcolour.com/panelV2/images/grid_right_long.gif
BOB says:
ok
Sergey says:
And making the “Fixed” functionality in the way we just discussed it
Sergey says:
would be about 3 hours or less
Sergey says:
So it would be 30 USD or less
Sergey says:
depending on how complicated it is going to be
Sergey says:
would it be OK ?
BOB says:
Not sure about your descrition on part 1 $10?
BOB says:
http://www.weprintcolour.com/panelV2/images/grid_right_long.gif
BOB says:
is already made
BOB says:
not complaining
BOB says:
just don’t understand
Sergey says:
Yes. But it should be placed above the image - long or short one
Sergey says:
depending on the card alignment
BOB says:
ok
BOB says:
i see
Sergey says:
If the alignment is horizontal
Sergey says:
we need the long one
BOB says:
I understand now
Sergey says:
So what would be you decision ?
BOB says:
good so let’s go ahead with it then
Sergey says:
So 10 is the fixed price for the ruler. 30 or less is the price for the new functionality for the “fixed” functionality in the way we duscussed it. Total will be 40 or less.
Sergey says:
Just wanted to make sure
BOB says:
ok
BOB says:
let’s do it
Sergey says:
OK. Thanks
BOB says:
Also
Sergey says:
yse ?
BOB says:
remember I asked about a “safety zone”?
BOB says:
did you understand what I meant?
Sergey says:
yes … though I did not completely understood
Sergey says:
Could you explain again please ?
Sergey says:
You need a zone
BOB says:
sure I will need to show you
Sergey says:
ok
BOB says:
go to AM
Sergey says:
yes
BOB says:
Computers
BOB says:
On right
Sergey says:
ok
BOB says:
Reply card Computers ring1
BOB says:
OPPS
BOB says:
Post-card mailer Computers rings
BOB says:
Yellow with green border
Sergey says:
ok
BOB says:
Align company name right
Sergey says:
ok
BOB says:
50% of all card have borders
Sergey says:
I see
Sergey says:
I have 2 questions
BOB says:
Most layouts are very difficult
BOB says:
or impossible
BOB says:
tell how mauch extra to add
BOB says:
admin specifies safety zone 1 to 20
BOB says:
10 px at a time
Sergey says:
1,10,20?
BOB says:
hmmm
BOB says:
5, 10, 15, 20
Sergey says:
5px at a time. OK
BOB says:
yes
BOB says:
better for this
BOB says:
safteyzone=text cannot go beyond this area
Sergey says:
So could I make what we discuss before, I mean that proj for 10+30 or less and then give you the quote for this one ?
BOB says:
sure…
BOB says:
was thinking it could be 1 project?
BOB says:
to me is is required to use properly
Sergey says:
OK. Then it would be 10+45 or less USD. Would it be OK ?
BOB says:
all as 1
BOB says:
sure
Sergey says:
So total would be 55 USD or less
BOB says:
then I will have no problems with all layouts
BOB says:
and more fexibilty
Sergey says:
With vertical adjustemnt 10 px at a time ?
BOB says:
please proceed then
BOB says:
yes
Sergey says:
Yesterday I hade a problem with it and had to correct top-bottom alignment manually for Auto… card
Sergey says:
10px was not enough
BOB says:
oh
BOB says:
what do you suggest..5
BOB says:
?
Sergey says:
I would suggest 1px … But it would look confusing for a user …
BOB says:
can we just make it 5 then
BOB says:
instead of 10?
Sergey says:
Then “Line Placement” will not make sense. 5 is less than a line
BOB says:
ok 1 px it is then
Sergey says:
Still “Line Placement” in this case should be replaced with “Y Position”
Sergey says:
“Line Placement” does not make sense in this case even more
BOB says:
BOB says:
lol
Sergey says:
Sergey says:
yes
BOB says:
We have 2 basic functions…
BOB says:
1) allow movement of text sideways
BOB says:
2) Safety Zone 5, 10, 20
BOB says:
where is that a problem?
BOB says:
I don’t understand?
Sergey says:
“Line Placement” allows the top-bottom text placement with roughly 10px step, but
BOB says:
yes
Sergey says:
sometimes it is not enough to place the text exactly in the middle of the area at the card which is specially drawn at the card for this purpose
BOB says:
true
BOB says:
So what I say is everything 5,10,20?
Sergey says:
So if we make it 5px or 1px step it is not a line any more - it is less than a line
BOB says:
would that work?
BOB says:
your point that it is not shown on rulers?
Sergey says:
I am not sure that it will work for all cards, but 5 is better than 10
BOB says:
to match up
Sergey says:
I do not consider rulers
BOB says:
OK then lets do 5,10,20
Sergey says:
If we can not place the text *exactly* at the desired position …
BOB says:
today I did MANY layouts
BOB says:
and there were only a couple that needed that
BOB says:
in those cases 5, 10, 20 would be great
Sergey says:
5,10,15,20,…
Sergey says:
OK
BOB says:
sorry
BOB says:
yes5,10, 15, 20
Sergey says:
Shall we rename “Line Placement” ?
BOB says:
what ever you see fit to work best
BOB says:
in system
Sergey says:
Shall we rename “Line Placement” to “Y Position” ? Do you think it will be still clear for a user what we mean ?
BOB says:
yes
BOB says:
that is what the graphic ruler says
BOB says:
see http://www.weprintcolour.com/panelV2/images/grid_right_long.gif
BOB says:
X
BOB says:
I can change it easy
Sergey says:
OK. So … Y Position will depend on the card alignment ? 1-370 or 1-550 ranges os something ?
BOB says:
yes
Sergey says:
Previously you said for X Position
Sergey says:
it should not depend on card alignment
Sergey says:
1-550 always
BOB says:
in odler versions of this system this was the way we refered to it
BOB says:
Sergey says:
I just making the task description absolutely clear
BOB says:
sure
Sergey says:
Previously you said for X Position
it should not depend on card alignment:
1-550 always
Sergey says:
But Y Position depends on the actual image size
Sergey says:
Shall we make them both depend on the actual image size ?
BOB says:
hmm
Sergey says:
depend roughly I mean
BOB says:
can both do max 550 anyways
Sergey says:
Yes, of course … Still it could be confusing for a user
BOB says:
suitable ruler is present when hor and vert display?
Sergey says:
yes
BOB says:
would that not be easiest way to code it?
BOB says:
all sizes dimesions are covered then
Sergey says:
I woould make them depend on the actual size … Not the easiest but correct.
BOB says:
OK then
BOB says:
your way some proper
BOB says:
sounds
Sergey says:
OK. Thanks
Sergey says:
So I’ll start to work with it tomorrow. Would it be OK ?
BOB says:
sure
Sergey says:
OK. thanks
BOB says:
we good now
BOB says:
thank you
Sergey says:
It is always a pleasure to work for you as I already said
Sergey says:
Thanks
Sergey says:
Good night
BOB says:
cheers
Sergey says:
cheers
