Mentoring site - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

01/02/2004 07:54:11 AM · #1

I've been working on a site to automate the matching of photo mentors, mentees, and peers..

PhotoFriends

It's only in alpha at the moment, so it's not quite ready for use.

I'd certainly appreciate your opinions.

Feel free to create accounts. I'll wipe the system after the alpha.

Cheers.

EDIT: Search matching doesn't work too well atm. Best leaving the name, age and keywords fields blank. :-)

Message edited by author 2004-01-02 07:55:07.

Konador

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

01/02/2004 08:53:18 AM · #2

I just sighed up as a mentor and mentee. One thing I think should be added is another box for Username. Name sounds like it should be full name, and I guess as a mentor/mentee it should be quite personal, by using real names, but username is useful for logging in with and for referring to DPC :)

Manic

DJI Mini 3 Pro

Kamlan 28mm F1.4 MF for APS-C

01/02/2004 09:07:09 AM · #3

Looks interesting, could work quite well. One thing lacking is that there doesn't seem to be any way of indicating when a mentor/mentee/peer pairing has been established - perhaps some way of knowing who has been paired with who would be useful?

dr rick

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

01/02/2004 09:48:55 AM · #4

Since the intent is automated matching, you may want to add fields to match on. It's rather difficult for an automated process to parse a description and figure out what areas the person wants to be mentored in, what he or she could be a mentor for, what the general interests are, etc. Pre-selected keyword lists that users could choose from would be one way (separate ones for mentee, mentor, and general interest). But there should be some way for users to enter items you hadn't thought of in advance.

Kamlan 28mm F1.4 MF for APS-C

01/02/2004 12:33:50 PM · #5

Thanks for the ideas guys.

Good point Ben, I think I'll change "Name" to "Login" and have a "Full name" field. I may allow anonymous profiles to hide their name. (Not sure if anonymous entries are really needed.)

I was wondering if records pairs was a bit too constraining, Manic.. My concern is that after initial pairing someone might decide they don't fit with the other person. If this happens it's a bit harsh to remove someone from a specific list? Bit like saying "You're not my friend any more"..

The idea wasn't so much complete automation, Rick, more of a 'self service' approach. :-) Pre-selected keywords sounds like a great idea though. As you say, it's a bit complicated to match against user text.

Manic

DJI Mini 3 Pro

01/02/2004 12:49:51 PM · #6

Hmm... OK, how about just a indication of whether the user currently has a mentor/mentee/peer or not? As for the predefined keywords, how about a list of abilities (eg macros, landscape, portraits, post processing, etc) with the option (radio buttons?) to pick each as either a) confident, b) average, or c) not confident - that way you can pair your weaknesses with someone elses strengths and vice versa...

tfaust

Canon EOS 80D

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

01/02/2004 12:54:31 PM · #7

Originally posted by Manic:

As for the predefined keywords, how about a list of abilities (eg macros, landscape, portraits, post processing, etc) with the option (radio buttons?) to pick each as either a) confident, b) average, or c) not confident - that way you can pair your weaknesses with someone elses strengths and vice versa...

On that same token would it be just as easy (or easier) to make the keywords a check box with a 'click all that apply'... ?

Message edited by author 2004-01-02 12:54:46.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

01/02/2004 03:06:59 PM · #8

Originally posted by Manic:

Hmm... OK, how about just a indication of whether the user currently has a mentor/mentee/peer or not?

Good thought, Manic. Maybe I'll add a "Looking for" field?

Originally posted by Manic:

Originally posted by tfaust:

On that same token would it be just as easy (or easier) to make the keywords a check box with a 'click all that apply'... ?

Think tick boxes might be the way to go. I can see the volume of profiles not being too huge, so I bet it'll be hard to find a perfect match based on proficency. :-)

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

01/02/2004 03:17:12 PM · #9

Originally posted by PaulMdx:

I've been working on a site to automate the matching of photo mentors, mentees, and peers..
Feel free to create accounts. I'll wipe the system after the alpha.
:-)

Can't you keep our descriptions? How are you defining "peer" in this case? Should you maybe offer multiple check-boxes for those categories as well?