While I didn’t blog about last week’s status, significant progress has been made in parsing TypePad and Movable Type AtomPub feeds (well, parsing TypePad feeds). This week started off by completing more research on the AtomPub spec. In order to parse an AtomPub feed, I had to learn about X-WSSE authentication. From there, I found a great X-WSSE class that I included in my test version of WordPress. Then, the fun began.
Movable Type Hates Me
Almost immediately, I was retrieving the RAW XML of TypePad’s AtomPub feed. Unfortunately, I could not say the same for Movable Type. Due to some server configuration issues on my end or possibly a bug in Movable Type, I am unable to retrieve Movable Type AtomPub feeds at the moment. I’ve tried various methods of parsing the feed and each method returns the same cryptographic error message. I’ve called in the experts (my mentor, Lloyd) to help me, but if anyone has any clue as to why Movable Type hates me, I would appreciate the feedback.
Continue Reading »
Google’s Summer of Code 2008 is officially underway! This year I am working on creating an AtomPub-based content importer for WordPress. The goal is to import entries and other content from Movable Type and TypePad into WordPress in as few clicks as possible.
Since the AtomPub spec (RFC 5023) is so new, this should prove to be an interesting summer. I will be one of the first to implement a real world use of AtomPub, and I suspect documentation will be scarce. Regardless, I am up for the challenge and can’t wait to see how the end product turns out.
If you’re interested in the progress of this project, just stayed tuned to this blog. I will be blogging weekly updates on my progress, so you will always know where I stand.
I noticed this interesting article from ComputerWorld earlier today:
Microsoft Corp. has warned users updating to Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) that they won’t be able to downgrade from Internet Explorer 7 to the older IE6 without uninstalling the service pack.
As a web designer, this article hit close to home. While I think forcing Internet Explorer 7 down XP users’ throats is great (eliminating the horrible non-standard compliant IE6), this only further complicates the IE6 / web designer relationship.
Continue Reading »
Just a heads up, 9rules, the most awesome blogging network in the universe, relaunched today. The forum discussions have been removed from the site, returning 9rules to the original idea; highlighting great content from around the web. Check out the new site when you get a chance.
On a side note, I realize my last post is extremely ironic considering I have not posted since publishing that post. The second my finals are over you’ll see some great content, I promise.
For the past few months I have had difficultly blogging. Part of the difficulty has been finding the time to blog, but most of the problem has been my blogging environment. My desk had become cluttered, my work environment noisy, and I could not find a moment of peace to myself.
I solved these problems by starting to write my rough drafts on paper, away from my normal work area. I write while I’m waiting for class, or even in class when the professor is boring. When I am on my computer, I have started using an excellent application, WriteRoom, which removes the normal background noise. This combination has allowed me to resume a regular post schedule without much difficulty.
Continue Reading »
