Since the last PlayDay was met with such a great response AND since it was almost 6 months ago, I think that another one is due!
I would like to keep this in January as to warm up those winter blues.
This time, we might venture out side the comfort of Mansueto and hold it some where else. I was thinking my grad school in TriBeCa might be a great place (http://nyaa.edu/nyaa/home.html) ... but i need to check with them. As long as people ain't bothered by the nudity ... we should be fine. Hmmm, how many people can say THAT about their graduate school!
Also, there is a killa place out here in deep brooklyn that would be perfect: Free Wifi, good food and lots of space.
Any thoughts?
__ New Information 01/03/2010 ________________________________________
So, I have talked to Food For Thought and we are good to go :)
Here is information about the place : http://www.yelp.com/biz/food-4-thought-cafe-brooklyn
Here is a gmap to the place: http://tinyurl.com/yj4u27r
If you are taking the subway:
- Get on the A express into Brooklyn and I do mean the express
- Get off at Utica Ave (Nostrand is the (express) station just before it, if you catch a local, it is Kingston-Throop (this is pronounced "Troop", btw)
- You will want to exit the station at the rear of the train, so that you will come out heading, straight in the right direction!
- Take the staircase to your right!
- Follow the directions on the map!
Call me if you get lost 917-676-0677
Comments
Themers Play Day
Great instructor... If I can help, let me know.
sounds cool
where in 'deep brooklyn?'
i wouldn't mind helping/learning something new :)
Sounds awesome!
I'm coming from Jersey so Brooklyn would be good.
I'm on board
I'm on board. Brooklyn sounds fine. Put it near a train or a bus and I'll make it.
Absolutely
Brooklyn and the NYAA both sound great.
Looking forward to it.
+1 for Brooklyn.
fureigh.com
fureigh on twitter and g.d.o.
Food For Thought ...
is the place in Brooklyn : http://www.yelp.com/biz/food-4-thought-cafe-brooklyn
i think that this place would be good... it is a cool spot that has free wifi and good food (great smoothies). Also, I got pinged by a job recruiter and , while i told him my checks were set, i mentioned this event and wondered if he could sponsor us ;) ... so we might have some someone picking up part of our tab.
The recruiter was very interested in this idea because we are essentially focused on skill building.
anywho ... back to work!
Oh, I forgot ...
This is very close to the A express train (utica ave ...) I will post a google map ... really it is about a 3 block walk from the back of the subway
Count me in...
as long as the nudity you speak of is not mine.
+1
+1 :)
I was so disappointed that I ended up missing the last themers playdate. Yes, let's do another.
Jen Simmons
http://jensimmons.com
I think I'm in...?
I'm still getting used to the Drupal theme scene, but would love to learn more and see what y'all got.
So if my newness doesn't slow ye down, then I'm in, either in Brooklyn or NYAA.
--Ted
Nerds invade Bed Stuy
I'm always in .... for a little adventure and knowledge.
Things just keep getting in the way when you programming in the nude.
I lol'd. I love getting
I lol'd.
I love getting updates that have titles like 'Nerds invade Bed Stuy' in them.
Count me in
Please let me know how to attend. I would love to go.
thanks!
There is a signup button
There is a signup button below the main post on this page. All the details are on this page as well!
Got It
Thanks!
Got It
Thanks!
I'm new to the area and into
I'm new to the area and into Drupal Theming, so this sounds great :) Count me in
Start Time?
Most interesting!
This will be my first meeting with the group. Any suggestions what to bring other than a laptop?
Has a start/end time been defined?
Yes! 10 am - 6pm
Any other changes will be noted in the initial post ... please check here before you head out!
I also posted maps and information above.
Also, extension cables and power strips are always welcome :) the wifi rocks and I will bring my projector !
Sounds great but never been...
Eager to meet other Drupal folks in the area!
What is the format of the event? Lecture, presentation, code jam, happy hour...
--
ROOT DOWN!
Design & dev specializing in music industry
Brooklyn, NY
Format of Themers Play Day
I would like to keep the format very Birds of a Feather (BoF) = individual groups of people working on things they wanna work on ... together. The cafe is set up with alot of small tables (it is a good sized space) ... I will have a projector that we can show on one of the walls ... but really, i would like to keep it tight and concentrated.
Even though the hours are 10 - 6, don't feel like you have to be there at 10 and stay til 6. This is more like performing in a improve jazz band than a classical recital. come when you can: leave when ya wanna.
To this point, it might be prudent to ask everyone attending what they wanna talk/learn about. ... just add a comment to this thread. I'm sure that we will be able to touch on it sometime during the day. This is for us to get together and work out solutions. Expect alot of it to be advanced ... not just noobie stuff... this isn't a "how to theme" workshop. While there will be some of that, it is also about more intense theming issues because some of the "older" kids like to play around too :)
The most important thing is to play... come ready, with toys in hand, prepped and ready to go ... for some serious playtime :)
Awesome sounds great. What I
Awesome sounds great.
What I would like to learn:
I consider myself fairly proficient at theming (use a combo of Views, custom node.tpl.php, page.tpl.php files, views.tpl.php files etc) but would love to discuss how others:
-Modify template.php to customize markup on commenting, register form etc
-Remove extraneous 'div' tags
-Optimize CSS, JS etc for quick load times
-Add multiple images to nodes and simplify content oriented tasks
I realize these are specific points and they dont necessarily need to be covered. Overall I just want to meet other local devs and share insights.
--
ROOT DOWN!
Design & dev specializing in music industry
Brooklyn, NY
Hands-on-play with 960 grid for new-to-drupal folk
Sit around a coffee table and watch someone go from a photoshop or other design to a theme using 960 grid. The basics I guess, but in the hands of an artist.
Can someone bring a killer design?
so we can sit down and rock out a theme? Not just a screen shot... but an actual layered photoshop file?
A day is quite a short time to create a theme ... I would estimate about 2 days to knock out an easy low level theme and about two 40hr weeks for a mid grad and about a month for a top notch theme.
Doing a theme in a day is unrealistic ... but we can do a hands on for two - three hours
Late last year, I was working on a purely pre-processing theme ... but that was abandoned after Jacine and I went through it one day and I realized that there were deep flaws in the concept. So I abandoned it (small violins play softly) ... now I am focusing on developing purely Fusion themes. Fusion uses a formula based on 960 ...but not Nathans code base. That said ... we could rock out on a zen 960.
As an after thought, I learned the most about theming when I was working on that base theme ... so we can talk about the limitations of pre-processing .... I can't believe I just typed that!
I have a 960-based theme that
I have a 960-based theme that Id be willing to share. Its for a music & yoga festival in California.
In the meantime, any local themers/devs looking for work? Have a really exciting drupal build. arthur@rootdownmedia.com
--
ROOT DOWN!
Design & dev specializing in music industry
Brooklyn, NY
I don't know if...
i could help with that ... lol...
might interfere with my Sony Music Entertainment non-compete... will have to check
can't bit the hand that feeds me ;p
I want lots of presentation layer goodness
Please John, can we drill down and get into where the PHP and HTML meet? Theme hooks and theme()? How about theming views in D6? jQuery integration?
I want lots of presentation layer goodness
Please John, can we drill down and get into where the PHP and HTML meet? Theme hooks and theme()? How about theming views in D6? jQuery integration?
Prepped and ready to go...
Just registered for an Acquia webinar on Jan 28, Preview of Drupal Gardens: "15 Minutes from Design to Online"
Topics covered will include:
Site Templates to accelerate site building
Theme Builder for faster site design
WYSIWYG Editor
Integration with Social Networks and other socially smart features
How to create microsites for your organization's new product launches or events
Anyone attending our Themer's Playday have any experience with the drupal themebuilder module screenshot or with the psd2cssonline theme features that build drupal themes(page describing with ~8min video tutorial) that can include custom regions (page with ~9min video tutorial)?
Re the themebuilder module: The screenshot generates visions of sugarplums, but a quick google search generated a lot less than I expected.
Re psd2cssonline: I can't tell whether psd2cssonline is a tool that (at least as it is now) is only suitable for less complex drupal sites or maybe rapid prototyping. My understanding is that "slicing" is something that some people use when designing for drupal.
Love to learn that's there's a BoF gathering related to automated themebuilding tools.
Claimer: I have no financial interest in psd2cssonline but I wish I did.
Easy to be wrong (Themer's start your engines)
Think I got it maybe partly wrong in my earlier-today-post.
Suspect the Acquia Webinar will talk about the theme builder described in Dries Buytaert's blog - you can get progress updates and watch a demo here.
interests
I'm looking forward to this event. I am interested in learning the basics of drupal theming. Like how to go from a design platform such as photoshop and porting over a design to be functional in drupal.
New comers welcome?
Hello all. I'm new to this group and semi new to Drupal. I'm in my senior year of college (NYIT in Columbus Circle) studying Information Security. I'm a heavy coder(C,java,python,php,JS etc..) that hates reinventing the wheel, so I found Drupal and really enjoy it. I'm currently making my fraternity(TKE) website using drupal and I have a pilot website for my personal blog/resume/etc. I have all the Lullabot videos and have been watching them and they really help. I'm looking for a community to learn from and I hope I found the right place. Although my artistic ability is pretty well...not, I am looking forward to converting a template to a theme as well as create modules(planning on creating a security module).
So again I ask, are new comers welcome? I have been to a couple meetings, which will remain nameless, that have showin elitism and were not very welcoming to questions. I'm not looking for a hand to hold me through the loops, more like a place to guide me and perhaps a mentor company to take me in as an intern and show me the Drupal ways in a company environment. College is college...the real world is different. I want to move past the academia lifestyle and more towards a career.
Thank you.
Of Course ...
The whole idea behind calling them "Play Days" is to set the tone. I remember the chuckles when I announced the first play day. The weird thing is that most people don't consider play to be a determined activity ... which it is. Work is never playful ... but Play can be serious. Just look at the Major Leagues or our Department of Defense... those are some big toys.
Personally, I would like it if more developer types would come to this and future events. I think that what they have to offer the community is sorta valuable ... even if it is esoteric. <-- you do realize that i am being sarcastic, right ;)
Seriously, though. I think that the Theming Community embraces n00bies more than the Development Community because we live in the front-end ... where most n00bies and non-developers live. That doesn't mean we aren't industrious.
So, please bring your inquisitive self ... and check any elitism at the door.
Double post
Sorry for the Double Post.
Newcomers are welcome in my experience
I'm not either a coder or a designer (content strategist/marketer) but I have found the NYC group and the Drupal community as a whole to be very open & willing to help. You can also learn a lot just as a "fly on the wall." I don't know about the themer's event specifically - unfortunately I'll be out of town that day.
I recommend using all possible resources to get questions answered - there's a good chance they've already been answered somewhere, on drupal.org or the support list, etc.
Jean
Jean Gazis
www.jeangazis.com
www.webhostny.com
Maybe next time.
While I've done truly minimal theming, I probably would have very little trouble keeping up with the big kids.
Unfortunately January 23rd is my daughter's birthday.
Please don't wait 6 more months for the next one and perhaps you could consider Manhattan. It's a little more accessible for us New Joizy folk.
Any possibility of recording the event (audio, video). Or maybe some one could post "minutes" of the event and/or any themes or techniques you come up with?
@johnvsc, i'm glad you posted your number. Good policy. It would have helped me to have the organizer's number for a few past meetups where i went slightly astray.
Sorry you can't make it ...
but maybe you could host a similar event in New Joisey (i was born in newark, btw) and I am sure that some of us would make it to the Meeting Across the River.
Feb would be awesome ... as DrupalCon SF is at the beginning of March.
whaddya say?
DrupalCon SF
FYI DrupalCon Sf is actually 4/19 to 4/21
http://sf2010.drupal.org/
Bollacks ...
and to think i even checked d.o online for the date!
thanks for the correction ... so, youse got until april!
+1 for Jersey! :)
+1 for Jersey! :)
I shoulda known
LOL, John, I knew you were going to ask me this.
BTW, i was born and reared in Woodside, Queens. Got cousins in Brooklyn and da Bronx.
Well, no commitment yet, but maybe we could talk it through first. Here are my thoughts:
I would probably look at late February the earliest or late March the latest. Any preferences?
I could think of a few potential venues but first I have to check on logistics.
What should i be considering?
1. wifi
2. space
3. access to food
4. availability for several hours
John, what arrangement did you make with the current venue? Are they giving you space or are you just showing up like at a Panera?
I don't have access to a sponsor (unless there is an angel waiting in the wings), so what is the usual approach if the venue expect payment for use of space, electricity, wifi, etc?
Suggested topics?
1. Theming in Drupal 7
2. Migrating Drupal 6 themes to Drupal 7
3. Best practices
I was just at the Central NJ meetup where pwolanin presented Drupal 7. The official word is that Drupal 7 will be release when the bug queue goes to zero. But April was thrown out as a possibility. So it might not be a bad idea to start looking at theming in Drupal 7.
Format?
I would follow johnvsc's format (see http://groups.drupal.org/node/39304#comment-115766), making changes based on his experience with the upcoming Themers Play Day.
Location?
If i were to organize the event, it would probably be in or around Rutherford, which is near Giant Stadium and the Meadowlands. It is accessible by bus, train and car. Rutherford is known for its restaurants. Would anyone be willing to come to Rutherford?
All Good Questions
Here is what I did: I rolled into Food for Thought and said, "Hey you mind if I flood your place one Saturday with a whole bunch of geeks?" and they said, "Sure". They have great wifi, good food (all natural ... no red meat), lots o coffee / beverages (i recommend the smoothies!): that is what I was looking for. Also, it is literally around the corner from my house ... So, i like the commute and if we need something, I can run back home a get it!
Food for Thought is always pretty empty during the day ... so I thought it would be a great place to get together ... it is a cafe, we are not paying a price to be there ... so we can just snag a whole bunch of tables and keep it as a BoF
A BoF structure is small groups of people sitting at separate tables hacking away / talking about an interested topic. So, please don't expect a DrupalCamp / Com set up: no blackboards ... maybe a projector ... it is a Do-acracy kinda event.
That said, this is how i have structured this event ... as i believe that it will be the most beneficial to the participants. There hours are normal business ... and I am going to be there all day.
If you want more structure ... then you decide how you wanna run it :) i think, it is very wise to parse the attendees to see what they want.
Hows that?
That Helps
That helps, thanks.
BoF sounds good to me. But since you keep dangling that projector in front of me ;) , i'm kinda thinking that would greatly facilitate the sharing of ideas and hac-- i mean practices. If i organize it and you come, maybe you could bring your projector?
Yes, you are very wise: parsing the attendees for their preferences is a definite. I figure by posting this discussion here people would jump in with their opinions. I've yet to meet a shy drupalista.;)
Ok. I 'll start a new thread on this topic in this group and in the NJ group for feedback.
please ignore
please ignore
+1 more for Jersey
I'll be making my way to bkln though. Can't wait!
One more thing I'd like to learn...
How does everyone manage multiple developers working on the same site? If I want to have a couple people working on theming, how do I make sure all changes to Views, modules etc sync up?
I am using SVN to manage all web files. I have local sandboxes for each dev, a central repo, staging and live server. This works fine for sync'ing up web files. But I am struggling to find a way to sync up/merge databases.
Anyone have a good solution that works for them?
If need be, willing to pay a small fee for a consultation.
Thanks,
Arthur
--
ROOT DOWN!
Design & dev specializing in music industry
Brooklyn, NY
Small fee for Complex work?
Arthur ...
You will probably get farther by saying that you will pay current market rates for this information as it is essential to you business success.
A "small fee" doesn't quite cut it ... not for quality work from seasoned professionals. You might wanna post it as an NYC job board.
You get what you pay for. i'm just sayin :)
Ha. Point taken... thanks
Ha. Point taken... thanks J.
Just discovered Contexts / Features / Spaces modules. Seems like these could work.
John whats your strategy at SME?
--
ROOT DOWN!
Design & dev specializing in music industry
Brooklyn, NY
They aren't the droids you are looking for...
however, because you are in working in the music industry ... i can't talk about SME strategy ... not that I would talk about it with anyone really.
You are on the right track with svn ... and that is all i can say :(
Now, if you were working in the meat packing industry ... things would be different!
Themers Play DayTime Change: 11am - 6pm
Same Place and Same Day !
This Saturday 1/23 in scenic Bed-Stuy at
Food For Thought
445 Marcus Garvey Blvd,
Brooklyn, NY 11216
gmap: http://tinyurl.com/yj4u27r
Take the A Train to Utica Ave Brooklyn (it's an express stop)
If youse are coming from Manhattan:
If you don't...well, we need to talk to your therapist about how come you can't let people help you.
also, bring an adaptor with you :)
Not gonna be able to make it this time :(
I was hoping to come, even for a short time, but I have an early dinner party to go to and would have to leave too early to get back home in time.
/me ducks and hides from johnvsc
!#%@#*#!#
dinner schminner :)
we're gonna miss you ... but we will have one soon.
Because of the grand response ... i was thinking every two months ... howz about that!
Two thoughts
Am looking forwrad to this!
:D
1) Is there a rough schedule or timeframe? Like will the event start with more basic stuffs and get progressively more intense? Or is it more "whatever folk want they gets"?
2)
This may be a big request/project, but one thing I'd be interested in tackling is how to fix a broken theme, like "Vd-08" (which I think is a really unique Drupal theme, but it's not quite fully functional: http://www.freetemplates4u.com/drupal-themes/vd-08 or http://www.osskins.com/main/drupal/free-drupal-6-theme-vd-08/2008/03/10), or ... well, I can't find it, but there was a great theme that won in a recent "Drupal vs. Joomla vs. Wordpress" competition that looked really great, but was not quite ready for primetime. Anyway, is this something that anyone might be interested in leading, and then maybe even posting to drupal.org?
Two Thoughts Too
nope, no schedule or time frame ... show up with your toys and start playing
i was thinking about some things ... and let me put then down here.
A smart strategy might be this:
Manage your expectations for this day... don't invest too much in this single day;
rather, plan on reinforcing friendship and try to create "projects" that will help you learn.
We have themersguild.org set up and I can throw up several sandboxes for everyone to play in and build some thing together .... as a collective. My strategy is to do a single install to explore how a group of modules work together... Or, maybe you want to work on Theming or Configuring ...
Whatever it is, try to see this as a jump-off ... not something you have to complete. that is why it is a play day.
for me, it is time to look at D7 and tale to JenSimmons and the wonderful work i know she is doing for her core theme. It is also time to ask people what they would benefit from so that I can pour it into developementfordesigners.com. Finally, i look forward to clearing roadblocks other themers have ...
so, if I can do that, i will have a great day
to get an account on the themers guild, ask lucia stern (the grand poohbah) and bob phelps. <-- they have been most excited about the themers guild and the most active. get to know them... because they rawk!
see youse sat... well, except for jacine :p
Drupal Course
I am more in Database and Data Warehousing but I heard about this Drupal which is easy to use for web development. Learning is the best thing!
Thanks!
Just a quick thanks for putting today together, John. I thought it went really well. Looking forward to the next one.
Thanks to Everyone ...
for making the day very successful!
Food for Thought was very grateful for us for "taking over" and expressed interest in hosting us whenever we want to. Their food was great and the WiFi was smoking! So, we can set a date for March ... and, if no one objects, we can have the same logistics..
so, that is it ...
again thanks so much!
John and everyone else ...
Thank you for a most enjoyable day. It genuinely brought back memories of playing in a sandbox - vivid and pleasant memories.
Loved the service at Food for Thought.
WOOP!
Yes indeed that was GREAT and thanks to EVERYBODY, including Food for Thought (AWESOME fries!)!
And March may be a good time to play again... hopefully I'll be even smarter by then. :)
Question: Next time would it be OK to stand up and say "Would anyone be willing to help me with XYZ?" Is that staying with the spirit of the event?
--Ted