Web2.0 shenanigans
I've been playing around with some cool effects using the scriptaculous library of effects - I'm sure we've all seen how Yahoo and Google do those cool text effects and fades and what-not…
I wanted to come up with a new solution for a `problem` I was having. Actually it wasn't really a problem at all, but some of my users perceived it to be so…basically what I was doing was loading a new page to show more text (of an article). In other words, a snippet of text - load in a new page to get the full article. For me, this is a perfect scenario as you can do all sorts of funky PHP programming for the new page…but some users didn't like it so much.
Many moons ago, I played with Web2.0 but gave it up as;
- It seems (and still seems to me) to be pretentious claptrap
- I didn't have enough interest to actually do anything with it
Anyway, that's beside the point - on my search for an easy to integrate script, I came across the scriptaculous library at http://script.aculo.us/ - basically, you insert their .js scripts and you can then call all sorts of cool effects in your pages.
The one I wanted was a text link which shows more article when clicked. Really simple to get working - though it did take me some time to theorise the integration of the scriptaculous scripts into my tool. Once the theory was out of the way, in practive it was very simple.
So, if you are after effects, try out the scriptaculous library, you'll be amazed at the power and versatility! I was. But I am easily pleased 
Next up is to make a Web2.0 template - I found a good logo-maker at http://msig.info/web2.php - you can see the logo which I made in about 10 seconds;
It's pretty darned good! What I shall do is create a good logo, then build a web2 template around it, there are absolutely loads of Web2 theme tutorials out there, but from what I see;
- Loads of White Space
- Large Fonts
- Funky Image Effects
- And the job's a good'un
Of course, once the actual themage is done, it's simple to add in all sorts of cool effects using the scriptaculous stuff.
Why do I want to build a Web2 theme?
Because I can! Why the heck not - it'll sell well enough, as my core business is selling templates!
Comment by One Dollar A Day — November 14, 2006 @ 12:48 am
Very nice, will have to have a play around with that library!
Comment by Chance — November 14, 2006 @ 2:24 am
eDevil has a huge list of other js libraries if you want to see other options.
The application framework we are using on our current project installed with Prototype and script.aculo.us libraries, and we are implementing them to great success for some of the form options, up-loader status bars, and other user feedback scenarios.
Just remember that if you are going to add gee-whiz cool stuff, make it actually bring value to your project and not be there just because you can
Comment by Matt — November 14, 2006 @ 7:00 am
I think you missed off "rounded corners" from your list of requirements. Don't all your rectangles have to have rounded corners to validate as web 2.0?
Comment by Tom — November 14, 2006 @ 1:36 pm
I thought about going for a web 2.0 look, but decided it would probably look dated quite quickly as trends move on.
Plus, I figured you've got to be able to do it "properly", or it's just going to look like a half-baked attempt.
Comment by Carine B — November 15, 2006 @ 1:55 pm
You sure you got the colors right ?
http://www.modernlifeisrubbish.co.uk/article/web-2.0-colour-palette
Comment by burt — November 16, 2006 @ 11:25 pm
Web2 is just so…words fail me. I really don't know if I like the whole concept or not.