[Foss4g2009] Re: FOSS4G 2009 Website Submissions

[Cameron Shorter]

Copying to the foss4g2009 email list for archiving.

Lorenzo Becchi wrote:
> Hi Simon, thank you to include me in this list.
> I would suggest to use a mailing list to go on with this conversation 
> because it is important to have it archived, IMO.
> another thing I would like to suggest is the use of a wiki page, 
> you've made so many important questions that it is normal that you 
> will receive an answer at the time, if you're lucky ;-)
>
> my experience with OCS is still very limited, I've just set up an 
> instance [1] to practice. The instalation is pretty easy if you don't 
> have safe_mode php (I do).
>
> I've started a private conversation with Tyler about part of your 
> questions and he has discovered interesting features that I guess he 
> will comment to everybody.
>
> I'll check out the few answers I can maybe give while we decide if 
> it's worth to move the conversation to foss4g2009 mailing list.
>
> ciao
> Lorenzo
>
> [1] http://foss4g2010.org
>
>
>
> mapbutcher wrote:
>> All, (Lorenzo cc'd because of your recent emails to OSGeo-conf, Gavin 
>> your experience of OCS in 2008 may help shape our choice of scenario?)
>>
>> We need to 'integrate' the current site (http:.//2009.foss4g.org/ 
>> <http://2009.foss4g.org/>) with OCS for 2009. We need to have these 
>> processes handled:
>>
>>    1. Workshop submission (2nd February 2009 Call for workshops open)
>>    2. Abstract submission (9th March 2009 Call for abstracts open)
>>
>> I've purposefully not discussed here the presentation of the 
>> conference programme on the website as i feel this adds a layer of 
>> complexity to the integration which we should handle separately. 
>> Instead I suggest we work on this separate from the submission 
>> process -  any feelings on this? Given the time frames I'd like to 
>> suggest the following  - I'm open to other scenarios but please 
>> consider our time frame:
>>
>> Scenario 1 - Partial Integration
>>
>> a) We develop a workshop proposal and abstract submission page 
>> external from OCS for the current site (http://2009.foss4g.org/).
>> b) Ideally it would be preferable if these pages do not require 
>> authorisation to make the process of submission simple (If possible? 
>> - see clarification questions below)
>> c) Submissions are made directly into the OCS database via an OCS API 
>> (If possible? - see clarification questions below)
>> d) Submissions are reviewed internally by OC using OCS (If possible? 
>> - see clarification questions below)
>>
>> Scenario 2 - OCS
>>
>> a) We link a new submission page on the current site to OSGeo OCS 
>> instance (ideally the most obvious entry point - i.e. register, 
>> submission but not just OCS home)
>> b) We use what css capability in OCS to make these sites 'appear as one'
>> c) Workshop proposals are put through as submissions in OCS under a 
>> 'workshop' track
>> d) We follow the OCS work flows for review
>>
>> Scenario 3 -  OCS and Review through current site
>>
>> a) We follow scenario 1 or 2 (probably 2) above until submission is 
>> complete
>> b) We provide visibility onto OCS data from the current site for the 
>> following (both of these we develop outside of OCS):
>>     i) Workshop and Presentation Open Vote
>>     ii)Online Programme
>>    From a practical point of view we have limited time & resources. 
>> Granted OCS has cosmetic issues as well as having a rather rigid work 
>> flow but it brings a certain amount to the table which we may not 
>> have the resources to replicate in time for the workshop and abstract 
>> submission opening. Personally I cannot throw much time at this in 
>> January, Shoaib & Volker what is your availability? Given this my 
>> preference would be Scenario 3 with the following outline approach:
>>
>>    1. Create 2009 Conference in OCS on OSGeo box (easy)
>>    2. Configure the necessary parts for submissions (more time
>>       consuming, but not tricky)
>>    3. Set up styles(again a bit time consuming)
>>    4. Test submission work flow
>>    5. Create registration page on 2009.foss4g outlining submission
>>       work flow and with links into OCS
>>    6. Begin to develop a workshop and presentation open vote
>>       page\backend for 2009.foss4g
>>    7. Begin to develop a programme page\backend for 2009.foss4g
>>
>> Below are some clarification questions that Shoaib and I discussed 
>> when we met in December which some people may be able to answer
>>
>>    1. What version of OCS is OSGeo using currently?
>>    2. What backend does OSGeo use for OCS?
>>    3. Does OCS allow abstracts once reviewed and approved to be
>>       'assigned' to a time slot in the programme?
>>    4. OCS does not support 'workshop' proposal submission is this
>>       correct? i.e. it only supports abstract submission
>>    5. What information do we need to gather as part of workshop
>>       submissions?
>>    6. Does OCS support ATOM/RSS and iCal feed creation
>>    7. Does OCS allow the program to be displayed on a website in the
>>       form of a calender, my understanding is that OCS only displays a
>>       conference program as a list?
>>    8. Does OCS have support for conference Streams/Themes? if so does
>>       if allow Abstracts and Workshops to be assigned to Themes? My
>>       understanding is that OCS uses 'Tracks' to do this?
>>    9. Does OCS have an API to submit abstracts so the we can call it
>>       directly from the foss4g website without having to transition to
>>       another site. e.g. can we setup the abstract submission form on
>>       FOSS4G that calls the OCS with an HTTP Post request. My
>>       understanding is that there isn't an API and there are some very
>>       basic import mechanisms
>>   10. How does OCS support email notification of proposal/abstract
>>       submission & approval?
>>   11. Does OCS require every user to login with the correct roles or
>>       can we by-pass this requirement to simplify the the
>>       abstract/workshop submission? e.g. will this require a proxy user?
>>   12. If we submit Abstract/Workshops to the back end directly (by
>>       passing OCS) can OCS still be used to review and approve them?
>>   13. How hard is it to change the theme and layout of the OCS
>>       webpages so that the transition between the foss4g site and OCS
>>       is as smooth as possible
>>
>>
>> We need to begin to move on this ASAP so if we can gather feedback, 
>> preferences etc by 8th Dec:
>> http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?day=8&month=1&year=2009&hour=12&min=0&sec=0&p1=240 
>> <http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?day=8&month=1&year=2009&hour=12&min=0&sec=0&p1=240> 
>>
>>
>> Cameron can we take a decision on the way forward thereafter?
>>
>> Simon


-- 
Cameron Shorter
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Mob: +61 (0)419 142 254

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