How can we make the Developer Network better?

[Ernie H.]

Hey Ning Developers --

As you guys have probably figured out, the Ning Developer Network could use a little bit of restructuring, and we're looking for your help.

We're actively looking for suggestions on how to improve the Ning Developer Network so it's the most useful for you, the developer. (This applies to developers working on their own sites as well as developers building 3rd party plug-ins or widgets.) In particular, we're also looking for "must-have" topics in the Documentation section, API Reference suggestions and other needed features that will make this site as useful for you guys as possible. If you have any pain points, don't hesitate to let us know as well.

We'll be taking all of your feedback and if all goes well, you'll see some changes in a couple of weeks!

Thanks,
- Ernie

[Walter]

There is a good reference: http://developer.ning.com/notes/REST_API_Request_URL_Syntax
for Profile Selectors.

but it still doesn't help..

$url = "https://" . $apphostname . "/xn/atom/1.0/profile(id='screenname')";

does not seem to return valid objects..

but this does? Who is diego? :)

$url = "https://" . $apphostname . "/xn/atom/1.0/profile(id='diego')";

Also, I'd like to see some more depth when it comes to Content Selectors Value(s) on the page above.. IE, where does it define that the Content Selector type can be of type='User'?

Or for that matter, what are the definable roles?

It should be noted that page http://developer.ning.com/notes/XML_Operations, has a broken link Format Representations page

[Colleen Dick]

A Basic HELLO world tutorial in Camtasia for everything u can do. The tutorial example can be rock dumb. I don't care if it does anything useful at all except prove that it worked. I just need to figure out the process. All the doc is pretty academic. I'm having a really hard time getting on board with this stuff and I am a very experienced php developer.

[LeifHansen]

Good idea, something that specifically says "Work Wanted" and "Work needed".
Thanks,
Leif

[Hari Karam Singh]

It'd be nice if someone would respond to questions posted to this network somewhat more reliably. The last two I've posted have had no response from Ning guys or gals...

How do I have multiple forum widgets...

xn_private, *-private-configuration.xml files, and...

Ernie, is there anything other recourse to take when a developer is in need of assistance?

[Hari Karam Singh]

I posted them in both....

[Ernie H.]

Hi Hari, Roland is right; if you send a message to the help center saying that you need Developer Assistance, that's the most direct way to get in touch with the Developer Advocates.

[Hari Karam Singh]

Thanks fellas. I'll try that next time...

[Ernie H.]

Hey guys - this is a great suggestion (and pretty quick to do as well :) ) - so I split up the Developer Service category into two separate categories: Development Services Needed and Development Services Offered.

Hope that helps, Ernie

[Darren Cho]

1. backup/restore functionality of entire site... Almost a deal breaker since a disaster wiping out content *will* happen some day

1a. sandbox/development environment

[Dick]

This is one I REALLY agree with. I have a feeling there is a way to use SFTP to backup my network code in case NING or I blow it up.
I would love to see this proceedure covered in a "HOW To".
BTW Ernie, I applaud your efforts. I know it cannot be easy when your audience has such a varied level of technical knowledge of the languages involved.
I believe just answering the questions and suggestions at the level they are asked is the best policy and if someone of lesser knowledge asks then the subject is brought down to that level. Kinda like, If I don't ask you how will you know there is a noob out there that wants to know or needs help.

[Darren Cho]

Hi Dick. Entire code can be downloaded here
http://developer.ning.com/notes/Accessing_Source_Code_with_SFTP

However, I don't see anyway to backup & restore the content. Export function exists, but it is not sufficient because exported data cannot be restored onto Ning.

Ernie, is there a roadmap available? Is the backup/restore feature in the pipeline?

[AJ Holloway]

Add an irc chat. I found a few references to a chatroom through google, but I was unable to connect to the server. If the server no longer exists, it should - because sometimes it's nice to be able to ask a quick easy question. If it does exist, you should advertise it here and perhaps have a java applet to let people get there with ease.

Also, the forum index is not very intuitive. It feels crowded. Only 5 topics listed at a time in each section makes it difficult to see all the sections - furthermore, some sections are on a second page. I didn't even realize there was a second page until today...