About This Project
This is a sample of an open source web directory software that I am developing. I'm looking for suggestions or advice.
For more info visit my blog, or read about me and my project.
Send me an e-mail.
Businesspatron.ca is an ever-expanding directory of businesses in Victoria, British Columbia. But it is more than just a business directory, it is the beginning of a project to make an open source, scaleable, and easy to use web directory. As I continue to develop the site I will make the source code available for download, and I am actively seeking comments and advice on the design and usability of the site.
If you like to play with code then feel free to download the guts of this site here. You are free to use this code however you like. Build your own site around it, improve it, do whatever you like. I only ask that, as a courtesy, you give credit to businesspatron.ca wherever you happen to use it. Even better, send your new and improved version back so I can incorporate your improvements and everyone can benefit.
Please keep in mind that I can’t offer any guarantees about how this code will perform. At this point it is nowhere near user friendly or stable. The code is meant for experienced programmers and administrators who can make improvements and offer advice. If you want to use this code, do so at your own risk.
If you’re not a programmer, you can still help out by commenting on the appearance of the site and how easy (or difficult) it is to use, by reporting any bugs you notice, or generally telling me what you don’t like about it. Send your comments to admin[at]businesspatron.ca, or leave a comment on the blog.
If you own or manage a business in Victoria and you would like your business included in the directory for free, then send me an e-mail and it can be arranged. If you would like your business excluded from the directory, that can be arranged as well.
About Me
I am a freelance writer and self-taught web developer working from my home office in James Bay, Victoria, British Columbia. I am not a master programmer. I’m simply a guy who read a couple of books about web programming and decided to try it out. My primary goal in this project is to learn as much as I can. My secondary purpose is to share what I’ve learned with whoever is interested.