• 12/14/2007 - ArtistServer News and a new site: FreeMusicLicensing.com
• 09/18/2007 - AritstServer and ToneThis Serve Up Indie Ringtones
• 09/11/2007 - Running LightTPD and PHP on Windows
• 09/06/2007 - Compete.com -vs- Alexa.com - Comparing Website Rank
• 08/29/2007 - HostMySite.com Limits ColdFusion, Does Not Tell Customers
• 08/14/2007 - New Song: Chocolate Rain - Sonic Remix
• 08/03/2007 - If You Use Open Source, Leave the License and Credit
• 07/31/2007 - Add Links to Profiles on MySpace, Facebook, and More
• 07/23/2007 - SocialNetwork.in API Promotes Cross Site Networking
• 07/22/2007 - AddToBookmarks.com Script Updated to Version 1.1

Every few months, I revist my notes and ideas about the next generation of ArtistServer and try to shape it more. I usually do this by sketching out the interface in a graphics program like Adobe Fireworks. A great site is one with the right combination of: form, function, and content. While I'm sure there are people that don't like how ArtistServer looks or works, I can tell you that many people have emailed and messaged me stating they felt ArtistServer has a great interface.

But - the Web is changing, becoming more interactive, dynamic, and intuitive. It's a media and data rich environment which is evolving and empowering people.

How will this apply to ArtistServer?

The answer is to evolve with the Web and to explore and experiment with new ideas and technologies. ArtistServer is a natural fit for what people call RIA's - which stand for "Rich Internet Applications," and below, you'll find my first steps in experimenting with a recently launched technology called "Flex 2" by Adobe. Flex allows you to create a very rich application-like experience which renders as Flash. One of the cool things about Flex, is that it can talk to ColdFusion, which is the technology ArtistServer is built on.

Instead of spending time playing with the Beta for months, I selected to sketch out a possible design, and would wait for it's release. Flex 2 was released just last week (June 28 2006). This first screen you see is only a graphic I designed - no coding.



Here is a link to a larger version.

This second image is what I've created so far using Adobe Flex Builder. Right now this is only an interface - there's no interactivity nor do the buttons do anything. I'll need to work through a few tutorials before I dive in to the real coding.



Here is a link to a larger version.

Feel free to post feedback, comments, or ideas.

I'm sure a few people won't like this because it's Flash. I'm definately one of those who don't like Flash... but... I have to say, I'm really enjoying how Flex Applications function - it's like a cross-platform desktop applicaiton in the browser.

Keep in mind these are only sketches - these are NOT screenshots of a new 'beta' version of the site.