What happened to SWTC?

vakundok · Post by **vakundok** » 2004-12-07 01:47am

I wanted to check whether there were some updates in the Technical Commentaries, however the link in my favorites http://www.theforce.net/swtc/did not really work.
The link http://www.theforce.net/swtc/index.html works, but a large part of the updates is missing (since february).
What is going on?

Illuminatus Primus · Post by **Illuminatus Primus** » 2004-12-07 01:50am

Looks like they've reformatted TFN and they haven't fixed up the current copy of the SWTC yet to the new format.

Spanky The Dolphin · Post by **Spanky The Dolphin** » 2004-12-07 04:44am

I hope that they preserve the original format when they complete the change over.

Galvatron · Post by **Galvatron** » 2004-12-07 06:55am

I seriously doubt Curtis will let them fiddle with his site design one iota.

Post by **Vympel** » 2004-12-07 07:03am

Personally, I think Dr. S could use some more webspace to spruce things up a bit. Some funky thumbnails, a few more pics, etc. Updating all the images from the OT to DVD standard especially.

Dr*S · Post by **Dr*S** » 2004-12-07 07:15am

This just a transitional bug. All of the TFN sites are moving from one server to another. IT specialists are tinkering and regular services (e.g. FTP uploading of my page updates) have not yet been restored. The changeover started about a week ago. My site appears frozen because I rely upon FTP access, whereas the TFN news updates use a fancier automated mechanism (which is none of my business).

None of the TFN administrators has said anything about reformatting. While the SWTC pages remain my property, I intend to retain the straightforward, original format. I have good academic reasons for this, and when I have more spare time I intend to cross-link the pages even more extensively.

Yes, it looks like the network service guys are experimenting with an old (February) version of the files. Fortunately I keep a complete master copy of my site at home, with DVD backups. I'll upload it as soon as the regular network service resumes. If that takes more than a few weeks, then I'll consider uploading it elsewhere.

Thankyou all for your patience.

Elheru Aran · Post by **Elheru Aran** » 2004-12-07 11:54am

Whoa! Dr. Saxton? If so, allow me to be the first to welcome you here to SDnet.. we're all very glad to have you here.

Mange · Post by **Mange** » 2004-12-07 12:03pm

I concur, we're so happy to see you here, Dr. Saxton! We look forward to every update with great anticipation.

Dooey Jo · Post by **Dooey Jo** » 2004-12-07 12:08pm

I like the current SWTC's current design. It's easy to read and very nice to us poor bastards who still have dial-up modems. All other pages on TFN are so graphic intensive that a single document could take more than five minutes to load.

Wait a minute...

THE Dr. Saxton? Here? Wow... I agree with Aran and Mange, we're very glad you're here.

Hope you enjoy your stay!

Illuminatus Primus · Post by **Illuminatus Primus** » 2004-12-07 03:49pm

I think Dr. Saxton has a brief commentary on web design on his FAQ, and it pertains to simplicity over complexity as well.

VT-16 · Post by **VT-16** » 2004-12-07 03:56pm

He´s right, when it comes to extensive resource-sites like his, it´s easier to navigate without alot of excess images/animations etc.

I have to LOL at his status though: 'Redshirt'.

Dr*S · Post by **Dr*S** » 2004-12-07 09:20pm

Thankyou all for your kind remarks.

The generous gentlemen who administer my area at TFN, Anthony Baratta and Philip Wise, have fixed the main page bug and restored my FTP access. I'll progressively replace the old February pages with today's version of the site. The replacement will probably be finished by this time tomorrow.

Then perhaps I'll manage some occasional updates (when I'm no longer constrained & busy with ROTS work). The SWTC web site and its e-mail addess will once again be my only means of self-expression as a private SW fan. I'm afraid that BBS forums and their debates evolve too rapidly for me to follow regularly.

Post by **Ghost Rider** » 2004-12-07 09:24pm

Fantastic. I can believe I can safely say, most of us here of the Star Wars fans greatly enjoy your contributions and your site. We look forward to any update.

We do also look forward to your ROTS ICS simply because of how good the last one was, and enjoyed your contributions to the Inside the Worlds of...material as well.

Pcm979 · Post by **Pcm979** » 2004-12-07 09:27pm

I second that. I'm positively slavering at the thought of the ROTS ICS.

Solauren · Post by **Solauren** » 2004-12-07 09:28pm

Doctor Saxton!?

Cool!

A bigger Star Trek tech geek then me!
Welcome to the club

Man, seeing you in a vs Debate would be killer

Stravo · Post by **Stravo** » 2004-12-07 09:31pm

Truly a class act in the community. Welcome to SD. Net Dr. Saxton.

Pcm979 · Post by **Pcm979** » 2004-12-07 09:32pm

Even if you don't want to debate, please stick around!

Nieztchean Uber-Amoeba · Post by **Nieztchean Uber-Amoeba** » 2004-12-07 10:31pm

WE'RE NOT WORTHY!!! WE'RE NOT WORTHY!!!

Seriously, this is funky cool.

Dr. Saxton, I thoroughly enjoy your site, and your contributions to the Star Wars saga in general through books. Keep up the good work!

Admiral Drason · Post by **Admiral Drason** » 2004-12-07 11:20pm

WOW DR Saxton!!!!!

I just want to say that your site got me into a higher level of Star Wars Fandom. Thank you.

President Sharky · Post by **President Sharky** » 2004-12-07 11:35pm

Welcome to SD.net Dr. Saxton, I think I speak for almost everyone on this board when I say that we are great admirers of your Technical Commentaries website and your contributions to the Star Wars universe. I look forward to your ROTS: ICS with great anticipation.

Solauren · Post by **Solauren** » 2004-12-07 11:41pm

Dr. Saxton
I'd love to see you do a ICS for the Expanded Universe.
Full Tech specs on a Tie Defender or Missile Boat would be awesome

Sarevok · Post by **Sarevok** » 2004-12-07 11:57pm

Whoa Dr Saxton is here !

Welcome to SDnet good sir.

Winston Blake · Post by **Winston Blake** » 2004-12-08 12:12am

*falls to knees
HAIL THE GREAT ONE!!!!

Dr Saxton, i think you'll find just about everyone here considers you to be some kind of god.

I suggest that Dr*S' title be changed from Redshirt to The Great One.

Illuminatus Primus · Post by **Illuminatus Primus** » 2004-12-08 12:24am

Let's not embaress or overwhelm Dr. Saxton here. He's a fan just like the rest of us, even though we all respect - and envy?

- the professionalism of his own analysis and work, and his remarkable oppurtunity to officially contribute.

And it is hardly up to Dr. Saxton whether LFL and DK opt to publish additional SW reference materials (maybe you should lobby for them

). He is just the lucky one who got hired to actually write them.

Its a pleasure, Dr. Saxton.

vakundok · Post by **vakundok** » 2004-12-08 01:46am

Well, the most competent has answered. Thanks!

A lone, single wish: Could you modify the picture links to open up in a new window? (EDIT: With adding the 'target="_blank"' to the reference(s).)