Before I try installing Ray 3b, I was wondering if the Ray Server that goes with it is compatible with Ray 2.3. I can only have one communications server going at one time and need to keep Ray 2.3 running for my members.
Archive for April, 2007
Mozy.com recently announced support and for Mac OS X and I decided to give it a try. Simply put - it works. You can have 2Gb of free remote storage space and backup your files with encryption.
You can use my referral link if you decide to give it a try - https://mozy.com/?ref=YN77FD (referral code - YN77FD) . This will give you extra 256Mb of free space and will add free space for me too. Win-Win 
and a very smart move, which we should also consider.
Introduction:
Pricing is a serious issue in our BoonEx family. That is why it deserves to be called back on this blog.
I wish i was able to militate or force BoonEx prices drop. I know we all dream about affordable BoonEx Products and Services and i call it: “The BoonEx Dream” or “DreamEx.”
Expensive Products and Services:
BoonEx is reputed for its expensive products and services although I bow in reverence before all its products.
I remember when we use to pay $50 per month as a contributor to get Boonex Support.
I also remember those modification quotes of $180, $150 etc that I received from BoonEx for small Dolphin mods or changes. Today, we have the same mods and changes done by Expertzzz members for $10, $20, $30 etc. Thanks to Expertzzz team.
Each corporation has its own business approach and culture. Some corporations base their business on services provided, some on prices, some on their relationship with customers etc.
Trying to earn money overcharging products and services may have a negative impact on a business and slow down its growing process.
I´d rather prefer to sell 1000 candy packages per month, $2 each than to sell 1 Plasma TV for $1000 within the same period.
I have nothing to say against BoonEx products. They are the best products I have ever seen in their categories. I am in love with all BoonEx products. Congratulations to BoonEx.
Dropping the contributor price and starting the Expertzzz community for mods helped us all breathe easier but we still have a long way ahead for Boonex product price drops.
The Knock Out:
I am not here to tell anybody how much he is supposed to sell his products or services. I know that developing a computer program involves many resources and it is not cheap or easy at all but there is a but…. Somebody has to develop a software and give people the opportunity to use it. Otherwise why is he developing it for?
Most of us here are not company owner. Many people are webmasters or computer users on fire financially speaking trying to find their way out and set up their small business. I bet some of us are even running their community website from their bedroom. Am I lying? Please, tell me!
High Boonex Product prices are barriers to many of us. For example, selling the chat software which is one of the main elements on a community website for almost $300 is knocking people out. Expensive Shark Software will double knock somebody out.
High Potentiality for Growing:
There are many professional companies on the internet that are offering high-rated quality services and products at a very cheap price. By thinking that they are loosing business you will be misjudging because they have gotten over 8000000 customers on internet. Please, try to multiply their prices by the number of their customers; you will see that these people are making a lot of money out of their products and services.
I was happy when I read this news from BoonEx: “Wow! Already 20,000 Members!, 5 months have passed since Expertzzz.com has been launched, but our community is quite popular already”
In light of such encouraging news and results, I am confident that Boonex has the potentiality in growing profitably.
Some Propositions and Recommendations:
-
Support Services improvement:
People are buying expensive BonnEx products and services, at least let them have an equivalent technical support and attention. (live chat support 24h, emails response within 20 minutes, Post reply (forum) within 24h, Customer Support toll free and much more) -
Support or contributor membership included in the Product Price:
Example: Shark: USD xxxxx with a 1 year free customer or technical support and product update or upgrade. No need of paying monthly contributor membership.
Ray: USD xxxx with a 1 year free customer or technical support and product update or upgrade. No need of paying monthly contributor membership. -
Contributions membership to maintain and cover Boonex Expenses with a Product prices drop.
People will be paying the monthly contributor fee and buying Boonex products at a BoonEx-friendly price and special offer for members or contributors. High prices will be the Non-Boonex member purchase prices. -
BoonEx Product Prices drop and customer number increase:
Let BoonEx give everybody the opportunity to start or do business by dropping product and service prices. Boonex earnings might also be on the quantity beside the quality.
Conclusion:
I do believe that we can all make BoonEx products unbeatable over the internet. We are all concerned about their growing because our business success somehow depends on BoonEx.
Quality vs Quantity! What do you think?
Should we emphasis on quality only or should we combine both quality and quantity and earn money over the quantity too?
We already have the quality (BoonEx products are excellent) now we need the quantity. By dropping its product and service prices, increasing the number of its customers, BoonEx will dramatically boost its sales while remaining the leader in its business area. Let´s give it a try, make it popular and take it to the next level.
Dear friends, BoonEx and Expertzzz members/users, I can not wait to read from you. Please drop me your comments.
Dotnet
For those who have decided to install dolphin 5.6.0005 integrated with Ray 3.0B using the Dolphin files included in the Ray 3.0B package.
1) While trying to run your installtion, example: www.yourwebsite.com/install/index.php you are having the following error:
Parse error: syntax error, unexpected T_CONSTANT_ENCAPSED_STRING, expecting ‘)’ in /home/YOURPATH/public_html/YOURPATH/install/index.php on line 190
This is because a comma was forgotten at the end of the line 189 in install/index.php:
‘modules/global/xml/config.xml’
Just add a comma at the end of the above line like this:
‘modules/global/xml/config.xml’,
Do not upload the modified file yet. Some of you did so and had this error:
Warning: fileperms() [function.fileperms]: Stat failed for ../modules/global/xml/main.xml (errno=2 - No such file or directory) in /home/xxxxx/public_html/xxxxxx/install/index.php on line 1007
Warning: fileperms() [function.fileperms]: Stat failed for ../modules/global/xml/config.xml (errno=2 - No such file or directory) in /home/xxxxx/public_html/xxxxxt/install/index.php on line 1007
Next files have inappropriate permissions:
modules/global/xml/main.xml;
modules/global/xml/config.xml;
It doesn´t matter what kind of permission you give to these two files (main.xml and config.xml) you will still have the same error.
2) Here is the fix to this second error:
Just add: ray/ before modules/global/xml/main.xml and modules/global/xml/config.xml. (lines 188 and 189 in install/index.php). The path was not correct.
If you added a comma at the end of the line 189 (please see the fix to the first problem), you should have codes like this: (Approximately line 181-191 in install/index.php)
$permFiles = array(
‘periodic/cmd.php’,
‘periodic/notifies.php’,
‘inc/params.inc.php’,
‘inc/menu_content.inc.php’,
‘ray/modules/global/inc/header.inc.php’,
‘ray/modules/global/inc/cron.inc.php’,
‘ray/modules/global/js/integration.js’,
‘modules/global/xml/main.xml’,
’modules/global/xml/config.xml’,
‘orca/inc/header.inc.php’
);
Then
Add ray/ at be beginning of line 188 and line 189. of course inside the ”.
Things will look like this:
$permFiles = array(
‘periodic/cmd.php’,
‘periodic/notifies.php’,
‘inc/params.inc.php’,
‘inc/menu_content.inc.php’,
‘ray/modules/global/inc/header.inc.php’,
‘ray/modules/global/inc/cron.inc.php’,
‘ray/modules/global/js/integration.js’,
‘ray/modules/global/xml/main.xml’,
’ray/modules/global/xml/config.xml’,
‘orca/inc/header.inc.php’
);
Upload the modified install/index.php and try the installation again or click on “Check again” button. (on the installation page)
modules/global/xml/main.xml;
and
modules/global/xml/config.xml;
will now appear on the Pre-installation check page. Set the writable permission. Chmod them 666.
Proceed with your installation and enjoy!
The installation system will work like a charm.
At the end of the installation process, please do not pay attention to “chmod 644 to ray/inc/header.inc.php file” because Ray 3.0Beta does not have a inc directory inside its root. Leave it out.
I hope that andrey will soon upload the above updates to the Dolphin + Ray 3.0B package for download.
Dotnet.
to all of you who have worked so hard on this and for what I am sure is a job well done…and unfortunately with the usual unavoidable bugs. Would love to tell you I have the courage to install it directly to my site but I have had a few snags of my own setting it up and have cold feet about doing my “live” use of this upgrade this time but I promise you before the 30 days are up I will definitely spend as much time fooling around with it and trying to goof up the demo version to see if I can shake any bugs out of it for you.
And let me be the first to thank you for all of us on another great surprise. 
I am thrilled to announce that the beta package of Ray 3 is now ready for download. Those with brave hearts can give it a try either on their live sites, by doing proper integration OR by setting up a test site, based on Dolphin, OR by trying the online demo.
Short Disclaimer
This is the very first public beta. Anything may happen. We are not liable.
Short Description
Ray 3.0 Suite includes Ray Base + all 6 Ray Widgets. All of them are 100% operational. Demo is not limited in functionality or load. Demo uses a demo license key. Demo licenses will expire in about 1 month or so. Since Ray is an integrable software, the package contains latest version of Dolphin integrated with Ray 3.0b, as well as developer API for creating your own Ray widgets, Ray Media Server and manuals for installation and administration.
Instructions
Download link: Ray 3.0b - Community Widget Suite (47Mb Archive)
Beta License Keys (will expire in about 30 days):
Base: LN_base
Chat: LN_chat
IM: LN_im
Presence: LN_presence
Recorder: LN_video
Desktop: LN_desktop
MP3 Player: LN_mp3
Online Demo (user): Dolphin + Ray 3.0b
Register, login and try chat, IM, Recorder, Presence, MP3 Player and Desktop App
Online Demo (admin): Dolphin + Ray 3.0b
Login: admin Pass: dolphin
What’s Next
This program is for those willing to provide their feedback about the release. Active collaborators will be awarded a free license (or even licenses for a few domains, if contribution is very valuable) of the final release full version of Ray Suite.
Important! Please, post your feedback in this blog only. Publish posts and/or comments within Ray category. Remember, the main benefit you get from your feedback and testing efforts is the final product, which will work the way YOU want and expect.
We’d be grateful for any help. If you can/want to fix documentation language or report unclear instructions, please do so. If you find bugs in software, please tell us about them. If you notice inaccuracies or can suggest improvements in any aspect, please share. We will listen and react.
Let’s make it perfect together!
Mike @ Boonex sales will tell you…I have been asking about this since it was first announced that it was coming out. My site is: http://www.ludus-pro-libertas.com/
Shark 2 Beta
Still no definite info about Shark release, but launch of 4ppl is delayed. It was expected to be launched today, but looks like we’ll not make it. 1st of May is THE date now. We are a little slowed down by “Settings” page, which handles users preferences for mail reception, and it takes quite a while to make it universal enough to be a part of Shark. Next, we still have to update mobile module, which will also take a couple of days. Hence 1st of May.
Ray 3 Beta
Almost done. 99% likely that the beta will be sent to those eligible as soon as tomorrow.
Dolphin 6 Beta + Orca 1.2 Beta
Still in works and will take about 7-10 days + testing/fixing. Groups are ready. We’re also building-in a new default template - more community-oriented, and adding one more community-style template. This also takes some time. Thus we’re targeting 8th of May with this couple.
It’s been a long way that made me think that the transition is simply inevitable. First, AEwebworks and aeDating with a lot of secrets, hidden plans and tricks, then Dolphin, with a bit more freedom, but no communication and feedback management… It just has to be stopped. This blog made it even more obvious. You - our customers and prospects want to have open and fair communication, and in turn you are willing to cooperate. Hiding facts from customers or competitors just doesn’t pay off. Transparency provides so much more benefits and piece of mind.
I believe that so called “Radical Transparency” can become the next magic formula for our company growth and most importantly - for development of better community software, which is the major force driving us towards our mission fulfillment.
Consider this post a statement. We will be open and honest with you. We will tell you how things work and we will discuss our policies with you - our customers and partners. We will make decisions based on communication with you, and if we have problems - we will seek for your help, understanding and consideration, not trying to hide and lie. This is our plan to build a better relationship with our customers… And you know the plan already
The “Wired” cover page was very inspirational and re-assuring:
and
and this blog post excerpt:
“The small cost of some competitor getting early wind of a new feature is more than outweighed by the good will generated among customers by candid insights into product development.”
Like it or not - this is the way BoonEx will communicate with public. Competitors are also welcome to read and learn.
I feel the most important element of a social networking is missing in this product, i.e the feature of groups or communities. In this you have your own profile where you normally talk with your friends(who have been added manually) and then you have the option of joining different groups or communities like a community based on a school or a community based on a particular artist, then within these communities you talk with other members of the community simply like in like in a forum or a blog.
I seriously hope that this feature is included in the next version of Dolphin and even in Ray.
By the way both the products are very good but the price of Ray is very Steep.
Good Luck!
Facebook is definitely gaining more and more traffic every day and the trend is likely to push it to where MySpace is now in the nearest future.
I think it’s great. It is the first social networking website worth making to the top positions in my opinion. Balanced navigation, light design, and great backend.
Yes, we do hope that all those millions would soon migrate to 4ppl.com, but for now I am happy to see how PHP/MYSQL technology effectively performs in real life HIGH-SCALE conditions. This is the example that effectively proves that ASP, Oracle DBs, custom webservers are not the only choice. Open-source platforms can perform just as well or even better. Shark is a LAMP+AJAX software and it WILL be capable to run sites of the size of Facebook. Period.
I still meet “ugly sells” propaganda here and there. Current success of PlentyOfFish is often taken as an evidence. In short - ugly is bad. Nobody likes crappy designs - it’s just not normal for human being to like something visually distracting. Success of POF, same as Google, Facebook, MySpace, etc is all about functional simplicity and user-experience set as a priority.
I just couldn’t resists quoting “Mike” from PlentyOfFish blog comments, since his post precisely supports my point: “I don’t buy that at all, people don’t flock to a site because it looks like crap. They usually flock to a site that makes the core functions simple, and to the point.” Well said.
Ok, we are about to launch it. Techs demoed the Ray Base to me today and now you can see a draft screencast of how it’s going to work.
As you may see in Ray 3 you can download 3-rd party widgets (we’ll publish a free API for widget developers) and seamlessly activate them via Ray Admin. Integration is also made easy via special “widget holders”, which you can position anywhere on your site and then put available widgets into those “holders”.
Thus Ray Base is a “platform” for various Flash applications that you may add to your community site. It provides unified administration and management interface, which itself can be updated/upgraded easily. This is start of something potentially very popular and unique. Our major goal is to make IAIC (installation/administration/integration/customization) as hassle-free as possible and the ver 3 is a major forward in this direction.
Once we have manuals and licensing issues settled (should take longer than 2-3 days) I will send free evaluation copies for members of this blog and other interested individuals.
You may view the screencast here - Ray Base Demo Screencast (4.4Mb). In this demo we show Ray Base integrated with Dolphin. Enjoy and share your comments.
I run a site dedicated to History, and the American Civil War in specifics. For our discussions…access to a whiteboard woudl be of indescribable benefit. To be able to illustrate and display…and input…on the chat screen would be a phenomenal asset…and a real selling point.
Well I see a product ever evolving and a price of 300 is a bargain as long as all modules are fully functional and easy enough for “dummies” to update and edit. I look forward to testing new modules and seeing how I can give feedback to make my site and the shark product cut through the internet and chew up my competition.
I would like to say to all of the people who benifet from the little or no cost software that we all have a choise to use. nothing say’s we can’t purchas every thing we need to build a web site and if your lucky you wont have to go back to school to learn how to run it. and if you want to talk cost have any of the bitchers out in what about me me me me land got any idea what a program like Dolphin cost? I bet not! I for one disagree with the no help no responce to problams that were no doubt caused by I-D-10-T errior . if you want tec.support try paying for it or at the very least donate to the delovepers in some kind of possitave, non - your software dont work way! I got to say I am a newby I do mean NEWBE! and I have less to bitch about than some of you long time users you get your free software, free foram, ok yes it dosen’t come with a tecnition or install its self and maby it could use a few more step by step instructions, hell why don’t we just expect to get paied for useing boonEx, when you get something for nothing you can’t expect the giver to be at your beck and call 24/7 try giveing a little back thank you Expertzzz,I get timely efficente tec. support maby because I donate to the cause. newfriends2
Templates which are easy to configure are important for giving a site a professional look, which is semi-unique at a good price. The Joomla/Mambo community is supported by some very professional template makers who charge an annual fee that gives access to many high quality templates. Each comes with source graphics and explanations about how to reconfigure. I would rather obtain templates of this quality this way, than pay between $20 and $100 for one.
Although Dolphin is very configurable, there are some fixtures under-the-hood which are firmly related to dating. I don’t want to make dating sites: I want a site that enables networking between anyone who might want to meet with like minded others. I have evaluated various software solutions for this, some paid, and some free. So far, Dolphin comes closest to what I want, but I can’t get rid of the lonely hearts flavor!!! Can the software developers?
check out the “losing-est kittens”…funny - simple feature, and could be used for anything - people, cats, cars, you name it.
I really think the hardest part of this entire project is _not_ the code! I’m all for amazing code and it sounds like it’s a Class-A application.
The hardest part of building an online community is getting critical mass. Here in Los Angeles, it’s become such that MySpace is continually successful because there’s about a 2/3rds chance _anyone_ you meet at a party will be on there.
Solution? Share users among us, as an optional feature, for $$. I’d pay for it - otherwise it’s like showing up first to a party, when there’s nobody there yet. I think if you get a few hundred serious Shark admins, the user base could get into the millions, and thus be on par with huge sites like friendster, myspace, etc. Case in point: theOnion.com and Nerve.com use the same dating system, and just skin it with an affiliate share - and an Onion guy can find a Nerve.com girl.
As a consideration, there are a few possible ways to share. All that really matters is that the user finds who their searching for - be it a date, a tennis partner, football team, or business deal. If they find what they want, that’s a successful site and they’ll return. If not, then all the bells and whistles won’t keep them around.
So, for sharing, options include A. truly sharing the entire DB and not even having a local DB, which might require hosting on Boonex servers to be practical, B. sharing only searchable index data, i.e. find me a 27yr old blonde in area code 91607 and it then searches an index of all Boonex end-users and retrieves that data only at time of search.
Boonex is in a very very unique position right now, and doing this right could mean $$$$ - but it’s the _userbase_ that’s more important than amazing code.
Make Meaning Or Die