Author Topic: Symbiostock Testing Build Released! (Read 12539 times)

Leo Blanchette · « **on:** March 26, 2013, 03:57 »

4/4/13 - updated testing theme - please download v1.2.1

Please note: The best thing you can do for the project at this time is to tell others about Symbiostock, and grow your network.

See this important intro:
https://github.com/orangeman555/symbiostock/blob/master/README.md

Download:
( https://github.com/orangeman555/symbiostock/blob/master/symbiostock.zip?raw=true )

Here is a child-theme for you. This allows you to change the appearance and functionality of your site independent of Symbiostock theme. - make it yours!

( https://github.com/orangeman555/symbiostock/blob/master/symbiostock-child.zip?raw=true )

https://github.com/orangeman555/symbiostock

After getting your site uploaded with content ready, you may wish to start networking with your fellow microstockers.

http://www.microstockgroup.com/symbiostock-network-building/networking-what-are-you-looking-for-in-a-match/

Having done many hours on this, I was hoping the more experienced people could help the less experienced. Paypal IPN and basic Wordpress functionality might be new for some people.

I've created some quirky last minute getting started videos you might find a bit humorous...perhaps if anyone has more energy they can get some inspiration from them and make something more pointed and professional.

Don't forget to add a user end license agreement. http://www.microstockgroup.com/symbiostock-general/eula-legal-paypal-etc/ - Thanks to Jamie and Tinny for helping with that! Simply put it into the page your site generates on install...and change certain words needed.

+---------------------------------------------------------------------------+

Found a bug? Let me stomp it for you. http://www.microstockgroup.com/symbiostock-technical-support/symbiostock-test-build-the-bug-stomping-thread!/ - In most cases I can even send you an updated symbiostock install so you don't have to wait for the next release a few days from now.

EDIT: Symbiostock must be installed in route directly. Its greedy like that

. Also some stricter hosts (speculatively) might repress the install if it finds a few functions it doesn't like like file_get_contents() and fwrite() ...sometimes frowned upon for security reasons. But symbiostock can't live without them.

Leo Blanchette · « **Reply #1 on:** March 26, 2013, 03:59 »

The first video is essential. The others not so much.

sharpshot · « **Reply #2 on:** March 26, 2013, 04:16 »

Thanks Leo, this looks great. Looked at the first video and it looks straightforward. Now all I need to do is work out if I can afford the web hosting. I'm on a very tight budget after removing most of my best images from istock. Might have to wait a few months but this will give me an incentive to work harder.

Leo Blanchette · « **Reply #3 on:** March 26, 2013, 04:18 »

Send me an email. I can set you up on my inmotion server. It will be nice to have a nearby guinea pig. You just have to register a godaddy domain and point it there, which I can help with.

faberfoto · « **Reply #4 on:** March 26, 2013, 04:30 »

Thanks Leo. you are great.
Now I know what I will do next weekend

klsbear · « **Reply #5 on:** March 26, 2013, 06:39 »

Very exciting! I'm familiar with WP and have set up my host site but programming and self hosting are new to me. It may take me awhile to get up and running but I'm ready to give it a try.

Chico · « **Reply #6 on:** March 26, 2013, 06:41 »

So, the steps are:

1) Rent a space to host a site

2) Create your address like "www.myvectorsite.com"

3) Get some free worpress theme and put it in your space

4) Install it

5) Change it for Symbiostock theme

6) Set Symbiostock theme

7) Upload your content

Be happy

I'm right?

Kerioak~Christine · « **Reply #7 on:** March 26, 2013, 07:11 »

Many Thanks Leo, am having a play now, its looking good
~~~~

Chico
In step 3 I would load Wordpress onto your site, it has a default theme already but looks like that is pretty much it.

~~

Leo's Video No 7 - (if you are doing this before Video 6)
he shows how to create "above header" repeat this and create header as well or you may get confused. I am not working though them quite in order as want to get everything else set up before I start playing with pictures.

click_click · « **Reply #8 on:** March 26, 2013, 08:31 »

I just installed the Symbiostock theme and everything went smoothly. Nice.

I will start fuzzing with it and see what stands out and report it here.

Good job and thanks for your efforts!

Pixart · « **Reply #9 on:** March 26, 2013, 09:00 »

Home tomorrow, can't wait to get started! Leo, really appreciate your hard work!

cthoman · « **Reply #10 on:** March 26, 2013, 10:16 »

It's blowing up Wordpress when I try to activate it. I'm not sure if this is the issue, but I noticed it was throwing a folder in the root directory, but my Wordpess install isn't in the root directory.

EmberMike · « **Reply #11 on:** March 26, 2013, 10:36 »

Mine installed successfully.

Leo, this is really impressive. Thanks for doing this. I'm not going to get too into it just yet, I plan to heavily modify the style and would rather wait for a more stable build before getting into modding it too much. But so far, I'm very impressed.

Make sure you set up some sort of donation system where we can contribute to your efforts. This thing is definitely worth some money. I've paid for far less useful and more buggy WP themes than this.

cthoman · « **Reply #12 on:** March 26, 2013, 10:45 »

Quote from: cthoman on March 26, 2013, 10:16

It's blowing up Wordpress when I try to activate it. I'm not sure if this is the issue, but I noticed it was throwing a folder in the root directory, but my Wordpess install isn't in the root directory.

I reinstalled Wordpress in my root directory instead of /blog and it looks like everything is fine.

Chico · « **Reply #13 on:** March 26, 2013, 11:27 »

Worpress is usually provided by webhost service or have to get somewhere and install?

Travelling-light · « **Reply #14 on:** March 26, 2013, 11:44 »

Quote from: Chico on March 26, 2013, 11:27

Worpress is usually provided by webhost service or have to get somewhere and install?

It's often available as part of a hosting package - see 'Install Applications' or similar in the control panel of cPanel or Plesk. I prefer to get it from wordpress.org - not wordpress.com - and install it myself.

daveh900 · « **Reply #15 on:** March 26, 2013, 11:47 »

Downloaded. Installed.

Couldn't be easier. Looking forward to setting this up.

click_click · « **Reply #16 on:** March 26, 2013, 12:05 »

jumping fish and women marketers with headsets

LOL

click_click · « **Reply #17 on:** March 26, 2013, 12:26 »

I watched the first 7 videos you provided and set up my Symbiostock version with no problems whatsoever.

I already uploaded one image, made price adjustments etc. - everything works really nice.

I know there will be some bugs lingering along the way but this is miles better than anything I've ever tested on Wordpress.

Super duper!

Chico · « **Reply #18 on:** March 26, 2013, 12:32 »

Quote from: Travelling-light on March 26, 2013, 11:44

Quote from: Chico on March 26, 2013, 11:27
Worpress is usually provided by webhost service or have to get somewhere and install?

It's often available as part of a hosting package - see 'Install Applications' or similar in the control panel of cPanel or Plesk. I prefer to get it from wordpress.org - not wordpress.com - and install it myself.

Thanks. I'm wating for some paypal funds to choose my webhost service and put my hands on work.

Can we see some sites working right now? Put your links here!!!

Leo Blanchette · « **Reply #19 on:** March 26, 2013, 13:02 »

Quote from: click_click on March 26, 2013, 12:05

jumping fish and women marketers with headsets

LOL

stole that from sean a few years ago

click_click · « **Reply #20 on:** March 26, 2013, 13:54 »

Where do we post bugs and suggestions? In this thread here?

Leo Blanchette · « **Reply #21 on:** March 26, 2013, 14:03 »

Here you go - this will help keep MSG from getting over-run with Symbiostock bugs. http://www.microstockgroup.com/symbiostock-technical-support/symbiostock-test-build-the-bug-stomping-thread!/

Smithore · « **Reply #22 on:** March 26, 2013, 15:31 »

Oh great!! I will create a sub domain and try it soon!!! Thank you so much Leo!!

cathyslife · « **Reply #23 on:** March 26, 2013, 22:34 »

I am very much interested in this. I will go through the threads this weekend and see if i can get it going. I have built a couple of wordpress sites so i am a little familiar with the install. Just have to check about a subdomain...i already have a site and hosting.

Leo Blanchette · « **Reply #24 on:** March 27, 2013, 06:20 »

You can see in the original post there is a new download available. I haven't changed a lot, but you will see a new tab in your network area: "Testing"

This tab holds a plethura of information on your settings. That way I can ask what they are when someone reports a bug, and I suspect is a server issue (not a theme one)

A few other little issues have been address. The BIG one I'm working on right now is to make the theme happily live in other directories of your site - not just the root. Will take me a while.

If limitations got you down, into the symbiostock admin area and push:

up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, b, a, b, a, ENTER

And you will smile.

Kerioak~Christine · « **Reply #25 on:** March 27, 2013, 06:34 »

Do we have to delete and start again before installing update?

"Unpacking the package…

Installing the theme…

Destination folder already exists. ............. then the address it was originally installed to ..........

Theme install failed."

Leo Blanchette · « **Reply #26 on:** March 27, 2013, 06:38 »

1. Switch back to the wp default theme (like 2012 theme)
2. Delete old theme.
3. Upload new theme.
4. Activate new theme.

This will be the norm for the first month or so until I upload it to wordpress. Then it will be really fun: Updates available. *click* your theme is up to date!

Don't worry, if you delete theme and reinstall, you will lose nothing. (Unless you hand-altered css or other files, in which case it gets over-written)

daveh900 · « **Reply #27 on:** March 27, 2013, 11:01 »

Leo, thanks again for making this happen.

Quick question(s)... Do you see any reason to hold back on uploading images at this point? Will all future versions be able to utilize the images I upload now?

cascoly · « **Reply #28 on:** March 27, 2013, 13:02 »

Quote from: Smithore on March 26, 2013, 15:31

Oh great!! I will create a sub domain and try it soon!!! Thank you so much Leo!!

a subdomain is only virtual - if it points to anything other than the root, it finds the same problem

with luck Leo will be able to fix the underlying problem shortly

Leo Blanchette · « **Reply #29 on:** March 27, 2013, 15:12 »

Quote from: daveh900 on March 27, 2013, 11:01

Leo, thanks again for making this happen.

Quick question(s)... Do you see any reason to hold back on uploading images at this point? Will all future versions be able to utilize the images I upload now?

Nope! Although we have a nice fun month of bug-hunting and re-installing ahead of us, images are safe and in stone.

The only thing I'd say - with huge emphasis - give each image loving time and attention as you set up descriptions, optimize for keywords/phrases, etc. [edit] See the write-up in your symbiostock admin tabs. It explains how/why.

cidepix · « **Reply #30 on:** March 27, 2013, 16:12 »

Leo,

Will it work If I upload and play with it on a testing domain, then move it to the actual domain when it is ready..

I see that it is creating a folder outside the main domain directory named "symbiostock_rf"

would that cause problems if the domain name is changed later?

Leo Blanchette · « **Reply #31 on:** March 27, 2013, 16:22 »

You seem pretty web-savvy! It should work.

That folder you mention holds all of your protected full-size content. Are you already familiar with the checklist in doing so? That folder you mention is the only odd item, and it will be a HUGE folder if you upload lots of content.

cidepix · « **Reply #32 on:** March 27, 2013, 16:34 »

Quote from: Leo on March 27, 2013, 16:22

You seem pretty web-savvy! It should work.

That folder you mention holds all of your protected full-size content. Are you already familiar with the checklist in doing so? That folder you mention is the only odd item, and it will be a HUGE folder if you upload lots of content.

I am not sure If I would consider myself web-savvy yet..

Are you talking about the checklist that I need to take into account when moving files from one domain to another? things like updating urls/links etc?

Thanks btw! You are in the process of creating something awesome.. it should be pretty good once little issues people mention are sorted..

cthoman · « **Reply #33 on:** March 27, 2013, 16:44 »

Quote from: cidepix on March 27, 2013, 16:34

Quote from: Leo on March 27, 2013, 16:22
You seem pretty web-savvy! It should work.

That folder you mention holds all of your protected full-size content. Are you already familiar with the checklist in doing so? That folder you mention is the only odd item, and it will be a HUGE folder if you upload lots of content.

I am not sure If I would consider myself web-savvy yet..

Are you talking about the checklist that I need to take into account when moving files from one domain to another? things like updating urls/links etc?

Thanks btw! You are in the process of creating something awesome.. it should be pretty good once little issues people mention are sorted..

You should be able to export your Wordpress site, then import it to the new domain. I rebuilt mine once. I can't remember if I exported the database or used a Wordpress plugin though. You might want to experiment.

cidepix · « **Reply #34 on:** March 27, 2013, 16:49 »

Quote from: cthoman on March 27, 2013, 16:44

Quote from: cidepix on March 27, 2013, 16:34
Quote from: Leo on March 27, 2013, 16:22
You seem pretty web-savvy! It should work.

That folder you mention holds all of your protected full-size content. Are you already familiar with the checklist in doing so? That folder you mention is the only odd item, and it will be a HUGE folder if you upload lots of content.

I am not sure If I would consider myself web-savvy yet..

Are you talking about the checklist that I need to take into account when moving files from one domain to another? things like updating urls/links etc?

Thanks btw! You are in the process of creating something awesome.. it should be pretty good once little issues people mention are sorted..

You should be able to export your Wordpress site, then import it to the new domain. I rebuilt mine once. I can't remember if I exported the database or used a Wordpress plugin though. You might want to experiment.

Thanks Cory..

I might just try pointing the domain name to the new folder I set up symbiostock.. never done it before but I believe it should be the fastest way to move it..

Leo Blanchette · « **Reply #35 on:** March 27, 2013, 19:22 »

See attached pole on thread. I'd like to see how everyone has enjoyed the first (granted, buggy) impressions of the test build. Feel free to vote even if you've been watching things from the side-lines too.

Also its hard to ignore that MSG has a huge amount of Symbiostock threads on the main page. I don't want to spam out the place, so I'd like to know a good way to keep a rather modest profile here as a project, not overtaking the main page. Suggestions?

cthoman · « **Reply #36 on:** March 29, 2013, 00:24 »

Quote from: Leo on March 27, 2013, 06:20

If limitations got you down, into the symbiostock admin area and push:

up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, b, a, b, a, ENTER

And you will smile.

Sweet! Unlimited Sales! It's true. Old school Nintendo does solve all problems.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=wyoNnMO3zFk

Leo Blanchette · « **Reply #37 on:** March 29, 2013, 00:45 »

Listening to it now. Thats pretty cool.

Leo Blanchette · « **Reply #38 on:** March 29, 2013, 05:59 »

Finally - works in non-root installs! You now have ability to change the default size settings as well.

Plus you have a child-theme now, which you can modify to your own needs if you happen to know css (even the theme preview pic) to personalize your symbiostock site.

Eventually I plan to have a premium version child theme for sale, which allows customization of as many elements as possible, but this child will get you started in your own customizations. Regarding the child theme linked above - feel free to use it to make changes to style others might enjoy and distribute it.

Please divert to this thread now - This weekend, after everyone has come to terms with where we are, I plan on taking a break to help some customers who have been waiting on me. Please divert to this thread for discussion: http://www.microstockgroup.com/symbiostock-development-area/symbiostock-ready-to-hatch-take-care-of-the-baby/msg306973/?topicseen#new

And keep using bug-stomping thread for bug discussion.

cidepix · « **Reply #39 on:** March 29, 2013, 07:05 »

Quote from: Leo on March 29, 2013, 05:59

Finally - works in non-root installs! You now have ability to change the default size settings as well.

Plus you have a child-theme now, which you can modify to your own needs if you happen to know css (even the theme preview pic) to personalize your symbiostock site.

Eventually I plan to have a premium version child theme for sale, which allows customization of as many elements as possible, but this child will get you started in your own customizations. Regarding the child theme linked above - feel free to use it to make changes to style others might enjoy and distribute it.

Please divert to this thread now - This weekend, after everyone has come to terms with where we are, I plan on taking a break to help some customers who have been waiting on me. Please divert to this thread for discussion: http://www.microstockgroup.com/symbiostock-development-area/symbiostock-ready-to-hatch-take-care-of-the-baby/msg306973/?topicseen#new

And keep using bug-stomping thread for bug discussion.

Thanks Leo,

I now have it installed on my testing domain.. will see how it goes..

btw is it possible to offer ELs? like 1 vector download for EL and 1 for the regular vector purchase..

also, is there a stats page to see what sold, and all time totals etc?

cidepix · « **Reply #40 on:** March 29, 2013, 07:18 »

and once a customer buys an image, when does the download expire?

it shouldn't be available forever I think..

Amanda_K · « **Reply #41 on:** March 29, 2013, 13:51 »

Hey Leo, the child-theme has one little bug so it installs as broken, (or maybe it's just me) the directory name in your original version was in caps so I made it lower case and re-installed. That worked. This is an edited version if anyone runs into the same thing.

Leo Blanchette · « **Reply #42 on:** March 29, 2013, 22:33 »

Quote from: 9lives on March 29, 2013, 13:51

Hey Leo, the child-theme has one little bug so it installs as broken, (or maybe it's just me) the directory name in your original version was in caps so I made it lower case and re-installed. That worked. This is an edited version if anyone runs into the same thing.

Good catch. Updating it now.

Leo Blanchette · « **Reply #43 on:** March 30, 2013, 00:05 »

Today is a special day! We've started incrementing version numbers. 1.1.1 is where we start.

3/30/13 - updated testing theme - please download - fixed categories to show child/parent relationships and no bugs plus some other things I can't remember.

daveh900 · « **Reply #44 on:** March 30, 2013, 00:13 »

Quote from: Leo on March 30, 2013, 00:05

Today is a special day! We've started incrementing version numbers. 1.1.1 is where we start.

3/30/13 - updated testing theme - please download - fixed categories to show child/parent relationships and no bugs plus some other things I can't remember.

Yay, categories look great.

THP Creative · « **Reply #45 on:** March 31, 2013, 23:02 »

education category spelt wrong, needs an "a"

Leo Blanchette · « **Reply #46 on:** March 31, 2013, 23:03 »

Quote from: Microstock Man on March 31, 2013, 23:02

education category spelt wrong, needs an "a"

THANK you

THP Creative · « **Reply #47 on:** March 31, 2013, 23:14 »

I'm just mentioning all the little things im noticing as I work on it, I hope thats not annoying Leo. Most of them are tiny.

- On the image detail page, when the image is clicked it just displays in a blank browser screen. Would be good to remove the ability to click it, until (or if?) we get a 'zoom' feature way down the track.

Leo Blanchette · « **Reply #48 on:** March 31, 2013, 23:17 »

I'm not sure...clicking it has always been so customary. I just couldn't resist. Zoomies would be cool. I wonder how its done...

THP Creative · « **Reply #49 on:** March 31, 2013, 23:19 »

But clicking it currently doesn't achieve anything, does it? Thus why I feel it might be good to do without it. It just leads away from the site essentially.

Leo Blanchette · « **Reply #50 on:** March 31, 2013, 23:41 »

I'll look into it. I've always assumed the link added some SEO significance at least. To me its "cleaner" to leave it without a link.

Leo Blanchette · « **Reply #51 on:** April 01, 2013, 01:33 »

4/1/13 - updated testing theme - please download 1.1.4

( https://github.com/orangeman555/symbiostock/blob/master/symbiostock.zip?raw=true )

See this important intro:

https://github.com/orangeman555/symbiostock/blob/master/README.md

Here is a child-theme for you. This allows you to change the appearance and functionality of your site independent of Symbiostock theme. - make it yours!

( https://github.com/orangeman555/symbiostock/blob/master/symbiostock-child.zip?raw=true )

click_click · « **Reply #52 on:** April 01, 2013, 09:01 »

Thanks for centering the images!!!

cathyslife · « **Reply #53 on:** April 01, 2013, 09:08 »

Quote from: Leo on April 01, 2013, 01:33

4/1/13 - updated testing theme - please download 1.1.4

( https://github.com/orangeman555/symbiostock/blob/master/symbiostock.zip?raw=true )

See this important intro:

https://github.com/orangeman555/symbiostock/blob/master/README.md

Here is a child-theme for you. This allows you to change the appearance and functionality of your site independent of Symbiostock theme. - make it yours!

( https://github.com/orangeman555/symbiostock/blob/master/symbiostock-child.zip?raw=true )

I see directions above but want to clarify. I delete both my parent and child theme and activate one of other themes. Then i install updated parent theme, then install updated child theme. I have made changes to css on child theme. So when i install this new child theme, i am going to lose all my css changes?

Amanda_K · « **Reply #54 on:** April 01, 2013, 12:32 »

You shouldn't need to delete your child theme just the parent and temporarily activate a default, that way your changes are saved. That's what I've been doing and it worked fine for the last 3 versions. Hope that helps!

cathyslife · « **Reply #55 on:** April 01, 2013, 13:12 »

Quote from: 9lives on April 01, 2013, 12:32

You shouldn't need to delete your child theme just the parent and temporarily activate a default, that way your changes are saved. That's what I've been doing and it worked fine for the last 3 versions. Hope that helps!

Thanks, 9lives!

Edit: i guess it makes sense that leo will not make changes to the child theme...it would defeat the purpose of having a parent and child.

Jeffrey · « **Reply #56 on:** April 02, 2013, 10:58 »

Oops, something is wrong with the latest theme. It says, "Missing page" right after activating it.

steheap · « **Reply #57 on:** April 02, 2013, 11:19 »

Not on mine...

Steve

Jeffrey · « **Reply #58 on:** April 02, 2013, 11:26 »

Oh my, could be my host.

farbled · « **Reply #59 on:** April 02, 2013, 11:38 »

Quote from: Jeffrey on April 02, 2013, 11:26

Oh my, could be my host.

Can you try to re-install the theme? Does it show in preview before you make it live?

Jeffrey · « **Reply #60 on:** April 02, 2013, 11:59 »

I currently have 3 hosts.

1 host: After installing, it just went to a 404 error page. Did not even went to a page which I can click the link "Activate" the theme.

2 host: PHP error when I clicked the link "Activate". The typical PHP error, showing PHP code in the upper part of the page.

3 host: Installation, perfect.

Conclusion. Choose your host correctly. The theme uses a lot of resources.

Jeffrey · « **Reply #61 on:** April 02, 2013, 12:04 »

The sad thing is, I'm leaving this the host 3 this month because of downtime.

farbled · « **Reply #62 on:** April 02, 2013, 12:08 »

Quote from: Jeffrey on April 02, 2013, 12:04

The sad thing is, I'm leaving this the host 3 this month because of downtime.

I found switching hosts (to Bluehost) seemed to work for the majority of problems I was having.

Chico · « **Reply #63 on:** April 02, 2013, 12:12 »

Quote from: farbled on April 02, 2013, 12:08

Quote from: Jeffrey on April 02, 2013, 12:04
The sad thing is, I'm leaving this the host 3 this month because of downtime.
I found switching hosts (to Bluehost) seemed to work for the majority of problems I was having.

I'm working with bluehost and works fine. No problems until now.

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Author Topic: Symbiostock Testing Build Released! (Read 12539 times)

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Leo Blanchette

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Leo Blanchette

Leo Blanchette

Leo Blanchette

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