I've been continuing work on the new version of the front page. I think it's going to be faster and better-behaved than the current version -- the code's a lot simpler, for one thing.The main problem I'm going to have will be the data import from MySQL. Postgresql shadows the MySQL version, but I broke it in 2010 (Don't ask. I've forgotten what I did, but it was stoopid.) The two databases have slightly different formats so I have to do a lot of hand work, the while deciphering the occasional cryptic error message.
I've got the headlines routine installed and there are a number of changes.
- I think I'm going to leave it all in page order unless you're really unhappy about not having the current page at the top of the list. If you like it that way it's another trip to the database.
- I've dropped the page hits column. That gets corrupted by various robots and spammers and who knows what else. I think the number of comments are a better gauge of what's most interesting.
- Rather than opening a separate page, I have the headlines link to the article presentation on the front page. If you click on something that's not on the current page it'll take you to that article on the appropriate page. At least I hope it does. I haven't tested it was all browsers yet. Linking will work as it does now. Clicking on the logo will, as always, take you back to today's Page 1.
- I've added the category to the headlines presentation, using the real estate the page hits column took up, plus a bit.
- I've got headlines in category order, rather than posting order. I'm not sure which I prefer. I'll certainly bow to the majority on this...
- I've added the option to view articles in posting order to the front page, without having to go to WoT Research.
- I've widened the page a little. Modern screens are mostly wider than was customary last time I modified thing.