Well, what can I say…February is almost here (a few hours left!) and it’s upgrade time! This proper transfer will take quite a while, as I have decided to re-validate as many links as possible.  Descriptions will be edited where necessary.  First and foremost of course, featured links and reciprocals will be moved before regular listings.

I’ve got a packed schedule ahead, esp. because my graduation project is due in a few weeks.  So bear with me.

Free submissions will still be accepted during the transfer…I hope.

I tried upgrading to the paid version earlier today, but the links database was so large that it was taking time to run.  So I went to sleep - and fell fast asleep, LOL…and then something went wrong so that would explain why anyone who was trying to submit links today weren’t able to access the directory.

This is going to be a problem.  The links database is just too big, and I managed to add a few links but that method will take forever.  Also, the categories on the index page were not functioning properly, they were all pointing to the index page instead of their individual categories.

I have managed to login to the admin panel and I must say, it is sweet.  It definitely has a ‘paid software’ feel to it.

But today has come with some ‘bad’ news.  It’s got something to do with my holiday plans…I’m thinking: should I go back home or should I visit a place I’ve never been? Both options come with their own list of advantages and disadvantages.  Disadvantages suX.

Early last month, I made the decision to transfer the directory to PHPLD version 3.  I stated on the post that the transfer will be made some time around February.  A few minutes ago I just purchased the license and I’m looking forward to moving to the paid version.  BPDir completely deserves it!

I’m expecting the paid version to increase traffic, esp. because it allows article submissions, and it also allows members to post tags (I think) so that would really help IMO.  Check out the features comparison.

I’ve been trying to familiarize myself further with CSS, and I’ve decided to go ahead and try to do the template on my own instead of paying someone to do it for me.  Skinning only requires CSS + graphics so I should be able to do this on my own.

It’s really cold right now and I haven’t had lunch yet so that’s all I’ve got to say for now.  Have a good day.

The other day, my assigned supervisor told me that I needed to hand in my grad project by the beginning of March and lookey - it’s got to be a developed website (as opposed to a mock-up which I had previously assumed).  In fact, I don’t think it was an assumption, I think the teacher just changed his mind at the last minute.  Because I’m pretty sure he said our grad project had to be handed in by next week.  All of a sudden it’s early next semester.  Hmph!

I have been given permission to get help from a programmer, because all I am is a designer.  So I will do the mock-up and hand it in by next week or the end of this week and then ask for permission to use open source softwares.  Even if I were to use them, the project would still be a tough one to finish due to time constraints so it’s not really considered  cheating.  Besides, I will do the skinning and all the graphics and flash thingies so that’s what my job is anyway - a designer.

I have disabled free links unfortunately.  I have been busy throughout December, and because of that there are now about 1000 or so pending links.  A regular link will now cost $5 for review and submission, and reciprocal is only $1.  Featured link price has not changed.  This is effective immediately, and it won’t be changed until the beginning of March.

Some people might have noticed that the PR update has occured early this month, and BPDir is still at PR3.  Some of the sub-categories are at PR2 and buying a featured link bumps up your link to the first page of that category (so if the page is at PR2, your link will remain on that page for a whole year).

Remember a few months ago when I said I’m going to have the new theme custom-made and my budget was around $xxx?

Well, I’ve been really busy lately with school-related homeworks and one of them was creating a CSS website.  So even if I’m still very much a beginner at it, I will most likely do a few more CSS sites before Feb…so I’m thinking of creating the custom template myself!

Custom templates usually consists of graphics and CSS more than anything.  I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to manage the graphics section of it, but if I’m having problems with the CSS I’ll just get someone to clean it up a little and that should really kill the costs.

Hope you’re enjoying the new year!