January 3, 2007A Year in Review
We’ve closed out the end of 2006, and I felt like reflecting back on some of the events of the year. Some things that happened, some things that didn’t… the usual stuff.
What didn’t happen
We didn’t launch the phpBB Doctor site to the public. That a personal disappointment, but since nobody really knows what we have coming it’s probably not that big of a deal. I do hope that we won’t go another entire year without a public launch, but only time will tell.
We didn’t get a release for phpBB3 aka Olympus. Great strides were made, to be sure, and I’m excited that the developers have been through (as I type this) four public beta cycles. I consider this to be a very good sign that phpBB3 will be coming sooner rather than later. This isn’t intended to be a slam on the developers… as I can certainly understand what they’re going through having several often-delayed projects of my own. It’s just an observation, nothing more. 
What did happen
This blog started. I wanted to have a way to share some thoughts and comments about the phpBB Doctor site, about phpBB, or any technical matters. I already have a personal blog for family and friends, but only a few of them are really interested in the technical side of what I do. So rather than clutter up my personal blog with technical stuff and vice versa I decided to start a second blog.
Even though we didn’t launch the full site, we made major progress on the “behind-the-scenes” stuff. So even though we’re not launching yet, we are a lot closer to doing so than we were at the beginning of the year.
Despite the lack of a public launch, we did bring on some new clients for phpBB consulting and MOD work. I’ve posted in a prior post about Elfquest.com coming on board, and there are some other new clients welcomed to the phpBB Doctor this year as well. And there is at least one client that will be leaving phpBB for another forum solution in 2007, so we will bid farewell to them in the coming months.
We even brought on our first additional developer, albeit for a project that is probably not going to happen. So even if the public features of this site are not changing much, the private functions are very much alive.
I got several MODs approved, and added quite a few to the MOD Catalog here at this site as well. I had several MODs rejected too. I really admire the dedication and efforts put forth by the MOD validator team. I certainly value their input, as it makes me more thorough in my coding for the next project. I like to think that I write good code, but there is always room for improvement.
I was asked to join the phpBB.com moderator team last year, and therefore have nearly completed my first year of service.
Goals for 2007
Launch this site – even if we have to launch with a minimal set of features rather than the full suite that’s in the works. I have decided to take time away from finding new clients and concentrate on existing projects instead.
Complete the integration of phpBB with my photography site – This project is even more delayed than the launch of this site, as it’s last on the priority list when clients come calling. I am now in a holding pattern trying to decide whether to go forward with phpBB2 or phpBB3 when it’s out, as I am quite certain that phpBB3 will be released before I have time to complete my integration plans. It would be an excellent way to learn the new code.
So there you have it, a few thoughts about 2006 related to phpBB, the phpBBDoctor site, and some personal goals for 2007. Check back in a year and see how I’ve done. 
Comments (2)
Well, we did get an idea from the interview (although you didn’t mention it in your summary)
I wish you a happy New Year and the best of luck with all your projects. I hope to see the phpBB Doctor site grand opening happen soon.
Comment by damnian — January 4, 2007 @ 6:49 am
There are a few folks that are “in the know” but not many.
Comment by dave.rathbun — January 4, 2007 @ 7:58 am