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    Invelos Forums->General: General Discussion Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6  Previous   Next
Creating my own online movie database
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DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar ContributorKulju
Registered: March 14, 2007
Finland Posts: 2,337
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Quoting movie_madness:
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And don't get me started on the cover pictures from DVDP.  There are far too many times where the back cover picture is missing.

I didn't know that imdb has cover art for all DVD/Blu-ray/HD DVD releases. Or do you mean that no cover art at all is better than missing back cover?
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar ContributorKulju
Registered: March 14, 2007
Finland Posts: 2,337
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Quoting CharlieM:
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I am trying to figure out what you are trying to accomplish here.

You're not the only one.
 Last edited: by Kulju
DVD Profiler Unlimited Registrantmovie_madness
Registered: August 7, 2007
Posts: 97
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Quoting CharlieM:
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@movie_madness

I am trying to figure out what you are trying to accomplish here. 

Are you trying to convince people to move away from DVDP?, If so don't you think that this is not the proper place to do it.

Are you trying to get help in programming this idea of yours?  Are you looking for ideas?  Please help me understand here.

I work for a company that went from a thick platform to a thin platform.  It has not worked out so well.  What was really needed was somewhere in between.

What you are proposing is to go from a thick (local based) system, to a thin (cloud based, accessed through a web browser).

What people are telling you, is they do not want to abandon the local component, and want the cloud (or online) aspect as a secondary.  You are trying to emphasize the complete opposite.  You want a primarily online component with a local option.


I just do not feel, that having access to my collection online and editable 24 hours a day is of any benefit to me.  I do not feel that online primary is the way to go for me. 

I have an android device, I only use it whil I shop, to make sure I don't buy something I already have.  I was able to do this before, bu viewing my online collection.  I also have phpdvdprofiler, which I update, so friends can see my collection (they do not need to edit)

I think that there are many things that need to be addressed with DVDP, and the online editing is not very high on that list.


I'm here to point out the shortcomings of DVDP, which should be obvious.  I understand that you people are not liking the fact that I'm the bearer of bad news, but look around; I'm speaking the truth here.  This forum's traffic is nowhere near what it used to be.  DVDP hasn't been updated in two years.  You all are using a product that is going NOWHERE.  When was the last time you people gave money to Ken?  A DECADE ago when you first bought DVDP?  That's why this product NEEDS a steady stream of NEW customers.  And is this product doing anything to attract new customers??

Cloud technology for DVDP is a NO-BRAINER.  It is not a enterprise-level product that you have a call a meeting to decide whether to go cloud or not.  It's a HOME, LEISURE, "lifestyle" commercial product for mass users.  Look at your tablets and smartphone and see how many lifestyle apps use cloud technology.  Note-taking, calendar, photo-sharing, etc., practically every genre is using it.

You people are resisting it because you are WAY too old-school, way too set in your old ways of doing things that you naturally regard such a significant paradigm shift in thinking with resistance, suspicion, and even contempt.  But you are not doing Ken any favor if you keep that attitude.

It's amazing Ken is still giving product support for *PocketPC* users.  Those people should have thought of ditching their dinosaur device long ago instead of WASTING Ken's time and (AND YOUR MONEY) when he should be spending time improving the product.
 Last edited: by movie_madness
DVD Profiler Unlimited Registrantmovie_madness
Registered: August 7, 2007
Posts: 97
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Quoting Lord Of The Sith:
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Quoting movie_madness:
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Quoting ateo357:
Quote:
0 contributions in 7 years. just another useless member, complaining about not enough contributors, In my opinion you and your database can fade back into oblivion.


Where does it say in the product EULA that I have to contribute?  All I had to do was PAY for the software, and that I did.  DVDP's database relies on VOLUNTEERS.  Do you know what that word means? It means I'm not required to contribute.  I never contributed to IMDb and wiki either, and they are doing pretty well, aren't they?  The point REMAINS that even if every single DVDP member and their family, relatives, pets, gold fish, etc., ALL contribute, this product is still never ever going to keep up with the breadth and depth of IMDb.  You just need to face that fact.



The reason you should be contributing is it is one of the very things you are complaining about.  In other words you are part of the problem.


As I have already said, if I'm not a fan of the product why should I contribute?  Instead of contributing to a product that is doomed to fail, why not proactively try to influence the people who make and use this product, as I'm trying to do, so that the product may actually get better and stand a better chance of lasting another 5 years?
 Last edited: by movie_madness
DVD Profiler Unlimited Registrantmovie_madness
Registered: August 7, 2007
Posts: 97
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Quoting ateo357:
Quote:
Quoting movie_madness:

So I'm a "taker" now?  In addition to the $30 I paid for DVDP desktop, I also bought both iOS and Android versions just last year.  And I felt they were woefully insufficient for the reasons I have already delineated in great clarity.  Another reason I don't contribute is that I'm not a fan of the program, simple as that.  I have hardly used the program in any meaningful way.  I've spent an extraordinary amount of time entering data with its cumbersome interface, and the program has hardly benefited me.  So one day I said that's it for DVDP, time to look elsewhere.


not a fan of the program, but yet you made your initial purchase of the desktop version. And then in a stroke of genius purchased iOS and Android version, even though you were already not fan and not really using the program.

and now you want to be our savior and lead us to a new promise land. Thanks, I'll wander the desert on my own.



You mean you never bought a product that you initially liked and then later stopped liking?  Or am I dealing with a simpleton here who can't comprehend such common everyday occurrence?

Now I'm here to discuss what I dislike about these products, which is also common everyday occurrence. 

Why strain yourself to keep coming up with non-zingers like that when you have so little to work on?

When the mobile versions came out, I thought they were the major overhaul I needed.  But they turned out to be archaic in design just like the desktop version.

I started using DVDP over 10 years ago since Version 2.0, and bought it seven years ago
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar ContributorLewis_Prothero
Strength Through Unity
Registered: May 19, 2007
Reputation: Superior Rating
Germany Posts: 6,730
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Quoting Kulju:
Quote:
That might be OK for environments <5 users/workstations but for anything bigger I would go:

1) External Networking: Only if required
2) Internal Networking: Whenever possible
3) Local: Avoid in all cost


You are correct, of course.
What I wanted to say was:
Be extremely careful with what you save in a centralised storage. You never know who has access.
It all seems so stupid, it makes me want to give up!
But why should I give up, when it all seems so stupid?


Registrant since 05/22/2003
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar ContributorLewis_Prothero
Strength Through Unity
Registered: May 19, 2007
Reputation: Superior Rating
Germany Posts: 6,730
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Quoting Kulju:
Quote:
Quoting CharlieM:
Quote:
I am trying to figure out what you are trying to accomplish here.

You're not the only one.


I think that one is quite easy to answer:

He's trying to find customers for a competing product.
Hence my remark that this thread should have been removed on day 1.
It all seems so stupid, it makes me want to give up!
But why should I give up, when it all seems so stupid?


Registrant since 05/22/2003
DVD Profiler Unlimited Registrantmovie_madness
Registered: August 7, 2007
Posts: 97
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Quoting Lord Of The Sith:
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I have to agree with everyone here.  While DVDProfiler has many issues it is still better than other options.  Would I like to see further updates?  Absolutely.  But Ken is a single person company, he either is incapable or unable of producing more updates than he does.  The real reason people no longer post in the  program request area is 99% are shut down by other users before anything can be done with them.  Most of the requests I see posted are answered by another user with there is a work around for that.  That is not Ken, it is other users.  Are there problems in the forums? Yes.  Is Ken mostly absent now days? Yes.  But we still have a mostly better program than others offer.  For you sir, I have one thing to say.  Be glad I am not Ken.  I would refund your money and kick you out of the DVDP gang as you obviously are not happy here and would be in better spirits somewhere else.


DVDP is still the best among this TYPE of software, but what I'm arguing is that this genre of software is really getting obsolete.  Even in its popular days, disc-cataloguing software was already a niche to begin with.  People who buy thousands of movies are a minority and always have been.  People who buy 1000+ of movies AND use disc-cataloguing are a minority within a minority.  And with cloud-technology taking over many applications, it should be obvious the handwriting is on the wall regarding DVDP's success.

Take a look at the feature request forum a few years ago, which had several new threads every day.
DVD Profiler Unlimited Registrantmovie_madness
Registered: August 7, 2007
Posts: 97
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Quoting TheMadMartian:
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Quoting movie_madness:
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TheMadMartian, don't you find your statement oxymoronic: "I want a local copy of my database that I can take with me anywhere I go."  If you want something anywhere you go, CLOUD is the thing.  I don't see how you are going to bring a PC software anywhere you go without hauling your PC around everywhere you go.

Seriously?  I had a copy of my local database on my iPhone and currently have it on my iPad so, no, I do not find my statement oxymoronic.  Not only do I have my collection everywhere I go, I don't need a connection nor do I have to rely on somebody else maintaining the cloud.

As for you not seeing how I am going to bring PC software anywhere I go without hauling my PC around everywhere I go, well, that doesn't even make any sense.  First, Profiler is on my laptop.  While I don't, I can take that everywhere I go.  Second, Profiler is also on my Surface Pro.  That I do take everywhere I go so, again, your statement doesn't make any sense.
Quote:
When you need to update disc info, DVDP has you do a massive global update on ALL discs.  Don't you know how last century that is?  If the data is on the cloud, you don't need to DO A THING.  The data is updated automatically in the cloud server without you ever knowing it.  THAT'S PROGRESS.  This society is built on progress.  Don't you people want to make the program better?

First, Profiler doesn't have you do anything.  The last time I did a global update was when I switched from Intervocative to invelos.  Second, one of the reasons I don't like your cloud ideas is because the data is updated automatically.  My database is set up the way I want it, not the way invelos wants it.  Automatic updates, for me, isn't progress.  It's a step backwards.  And finally, I don't need the program to be 'better' as it does exactly what I need it to do.  I'm sorry it doesn't do what you want it to do, but your better isn't my better.


You haven't changed in the 2 years since we last posted, and are still posting would-be arguments that don't accomplish a thing.  I mean, look at what you posted to me last time.  Your idea of an argument is that "it doesn't have to make sense" to another person.  For a person with common sense, that is called LOSING AN ARGUMENT, my friend.  So keep it up.

If you can't haul your laptop around, can you just admit you can't?  Why make a weasly statement like, "While I don't haul it around, I can."  It doesn't strengthen your argument any.  It only strengthen MY argument that it is difficult for anyone to carry any bulky equipment instead of a lightweight smartphone (which of course has LIMITED storage space, not enough for your gigabyte DVDP data).
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar ContributorLewis_Prothero
Strength Through Unity
Registered: May 19, 2007
Reputation: Superior Rating
Germany Posts: 6,730
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Quoting movie_madness:
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Your idea of an argument is that "it doesn't have to make sense" to another person.


It all seems so stupid, it makes me want to give up!
But why should I give up, when it all seems so stupid?


Registrant since 05/22/2003
DVD Profiler Unlimited Registrantmovie_madness
Registered: August 7, 2007
Posts: 97
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Quoting Lewis_Prothero:
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Quoting movie_madness:
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The data is updated automatically in the cloud server without you ever knowing it.  THAT'S PROGRESS.


In fact not only a few people consider "THE CLOUD" to be a step into the wrong direction.

The main reason here being security rsiks (User has to rely on the service-provider to protect his data). Can you even imagine how interesting a CLOUD-server (containing millions of highly confidential documents) is for criminal elements (Crackers) and/or Intelligence Agencies (in many cases these will even be the same)?

Here are 3 basic-rules on how to set-up any IT-infrastructure:
1) External Networking: Only if required
2) Internal Networking: Only if needed
3) Local: Whenever possible

Or in other words: As long as I can decide which of my personal is publicly available that is completely OK for me. But I will not be part of the strange Microsoft/Apple complex trying to tell me that local data is "Last Century" and Cloud-Computing is "The Next Big Thing". I will rather have my right arm cut off than providing anyone with more personal data than absolutely necessary.

I too am using CLOUD services, but mostly for external backups of my (and my customers) local data. And these backups get 2048 Bit encrypted BEFORE I send them.
Always remember: If you trust someone with your personal data, you are already betrayed.


Disc-cataloguing software is NOT at the level of the sensitive nature of the material you mentioned.  Of course, I would be concerned about security for my banking info, medical info and the likes.  But DVDP is a leisure product, and it contains data that just aren't as sensitive as other truly personal info.

You are ALREADY entrusting your personal info to someone every time you use your credit card, open a bank account, apply for a job, shall I go on?
DVD Profiler Unlimited Registrantmovie_madness
Registered: August 7, 2007
Posts: 97
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Quoting Kulju:
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Quoting movie_madness:
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Microsoft also secretly offers its industrial-strength SQL Server FOR FREE as well,

Secretly?? "industrial-strength"      It's Express version of real SQL.
Quote:
the only catch being the 4-gigabyte size limit, which regular folks will never exceed anyway."

You don't see max. 25 db connections as a catch?


Can you actually USE the product first before saying anything so you would sound less of an idiot?  I've been using it for 10 years now.  For companies with fewer than 25 employess (and that's true for MANY companies), that's more than adequate.
 Last edited: by movie_madness
DVD Profiler Desktop and Mobile RegistrantStar ContributorTheMadMartian
Alien with an attitude
Registered: March 13, 2007
Reputation: Highest Rating
United States Posts: 13,201
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Quoting movie_madness:
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DVDP is still the best among this TYPE of software, but what I'm arguing is that this genre of software is really getting obsolete.  Even in its popular days, disc-cataloguing software was already a niche to begin with.  People who buy thousands of movies are a minority and always have been.  People who buy 1000+ of movies AND use disc-cataloguing are a minority within a minority.  And with cloud-technology taking over many applications, it should be obvious the handwriting is on the wall regarding DVDP's success.

If everything you just said is true, and I agree most of it is, how is putting the database 'in the cloud' going to change anything? 
No dictator, no invader can hold an imprisoned population by force of arms forever.
There is no greater power in the universe than the need for freedom.
Against this power, governments and tyrants and armies cannot stand.
The Centauri learned this lesson once.
We will teach it to them again.
Though it take a thousand years, we will be free.
- Citizen G'Kar
DVD Profiler Unlimited Registrantmovie_madness
Registered: August 7, 2007
Posts: 97
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Quoting Kulju:
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IMHO when you compare imdb and DVDP databases you compare apples and oranges. Correct me if I'm wrong but the information you cannot get from imdb are at least:

- Title (can varie from theatrical distribution and of course varies between localities.)
- Edition
- Media Type
- Regions
- Run Time (can varie because NTSC/PAL or in different editions)
- Release Date
- Case Type
- SRP
- Rating System
- Rating
- Rating Details
- Video Format (can varie between releases)
- Dimensions
- Features
- Audio Tracks
- Subtitles
- Localized Overview
- Easter Eggs
- Discs info
- Box Set info
- Cover Scans
- All Personal Information

What you can scrape from imdb (if you don't mind about accuracy):

- Original Title
- Production Year
- CoO
- Genres
- Studios
- MC
- Color Format
- Cast & Crew

So as a DVD/Blu-ray collector I take DVDP data over imdb data any day. If I wan't to know more about some movie I just click one button on DVDP and it will open imdb for me.


Except that there are TONS of missing credits and blank credits in DVDP.  Does an IMDB page tell you what movies you have?  Having a link to IMDb is NOT ENOUGH.  The movie data have to TIE IN with your collection data.  And DVDP has way too many discs with incomplete movie data like cast and crew. 

It takes A LOT LONGER to enter cast and crew info than it does to enter disc info.  That's why I see so many blank credits among DVDP disc profiles.  There is even a DVDP plugin that imports data from DVDP.

If any disc info is missing, it only takes a few minutes to fill in.  When the cast and crew are missing, I have no choice but use the plugin to import from IMDb. 

Face the fact that DVDP is just NEVER EVER going to have enough contributors to keep up with the ever-growing number of discs and movies.
DVD Profiler Unlimited Registrantmovie_madness
Registered: August 7, 2007
Posts: 97
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Quoting Kulju:
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Quoting movie_madness:
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And don't get me started on the cover pictures from DVDP.  There are far too many times where the back cover picture is missing.

I didn't know that imdb has cover art for all DVD/Blu-ray/HD DVD releases. Or do you mean that no cover art at all is better than missing back cover?

Yeah, but WHERE do the contributors get the cover arts?  From PUBLICLY accessible websites of manufacturers, studios, and e-tailers, of course.  And I don't need DVDP contributors to do it for me.
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar ContributorKathy
Registered: May 29, 2007
Reputation: Highest Rating
United States Posts: 3,475
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It might be that you will find people who feel as you do but so far no one on these forums feels your prototype fills a need.

Your arguments advocating for this type of online database hasn't swayed my opinion at all. The counter arguments on the other hand express my thoughts quite well.

I don't like the way this new online database looks and I don't see any benefit changing from profiler and IMDb use.
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