Developer's Blog

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Written by John Sunday, 07 March 2010 22:18

As the site starts to ramp up in to full functionality, two key components are coming back after a period of dormancy. At the outset I had both forums and post commenting turned on, but even this lightly-trafficked site was getting pummeled mercilessly by spam. Failing to solve th issue, I simply turned off things completely. Now, tentatively, I believe I have things figured out. The wonderful reCAPTCHA function (http://recaptcha.net/) looks like it is working for new account registration for both the main site and the forums. As such, I've brought both back online. As of this writing the forums look...er, atrocious, but that will go away in the next 24 hours or so. reCAPTCHA is now also working on comments, so you don't have to register to comment here but you DO need to prove that you're a human. :)

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2010 at Ashland Link

Written by John Monday, 15 February 2010 11:27

It's mid-February, which means it's finally the New Year!

Waitaminute.

Actually, though, it's true. The 2010 seasons are either just barely underway: Oregon Stage Works is currently running Agatha Christie's The MouseTrap (through February 28th), Oregon Cabaret Theatre ran out Red, White and Tuna on February 12th (through March 28th), and previews at some other theater in town begin in a week. On the heels of a hugely successful season which saw ticket sales growth despite the economic climate we're in, anticipation for the 75th Anniversary season is sky high. Rather than ducking the pressure, artistic director Bill Rauch (I'll give him the credit for now...) headlines the season with long-time favorite Dan Donohue as Hamlet. A couple of years ago I would've said that this was a led-pipe cinch for greatness, but I had that kind of anticipation for last year's Macbeth and was more disappointed than I probably should've been as a result. (Peter Macon and Robin Goodrin Nordli, flat? Who'da thunk?) So for now, call me cautiously optimistic.

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Serendipity 2

Written by John Friday, 24 July 2009 20:33

The last time I came to Ashland (in early Jume) I got off the bus, walked up the Chattaqua sidewalk, and bumped into Eddie Wallace, who works at OSF and who very, very graciously had a conversation with me (along with the inimitable Amy Richards) about how I could best be served in covering the Festival. I mean come on, I was *nobody* at the time. You know, as opposed to now... ahem... Anyway, we bumped into each other and had a lovely chat.

I just got off the bus a few hours ago. I start to head up the Chattaqua sidewalk and bumped into Eddie Wallace, this time chatting up Jonathan Haugen, Miriam Laube, and Rex Young. He was actually going to stop and chat me up, the loveable mook, but I excused myself so they could continue the conversation. Just, you know, one of those things.

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Serendipity 1

Written by John Saturday, 13 June 2009 18:15

At breakfast the other day, the other guests and I were chatting aimiably about our plans for the coming day. "I'm in one of the $20 seats," I said, "so I'm either in the back corners or tucked along the side somewhere." This was for The Music Man. "Oh, well, we're seeing the same thing, hope to see you there." So I stroll over to Pioneer and Main, noodle about in The Tudor Guild for a bit, and then head in to the Bowmer. As I sit down I realize that the people in front of me and to my right look awfully familiar. They're the same two couples I just had breakfast with.

It's not like we're the only 5 people in the building, the show was close to sold out if not actually so. And yet, there they were. These things just seen to happen here.

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Forums, We've Got 'Em

Written by John Monday, 26 January 2009 21:09

I've had a nominal forum system up since the beginning, but now I've got something that actually looks like... well, like it wasn't coded by a drunken monkey. Whether you want to talk about the upcoming OSF season, any of the other entertainment options in Ashland, dining, the weather... you name it. Heck, talk about anything you want, bits and bytes are free!

In any case, please do check the forums out. If you'll forgive a moment of geekiness, I'm mildly proud of what it took to refine them. Cheers!

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We're on Facebook!

Written by John Friday, 16 January 2009 22:24

(We? Who am I kidding...)

Yes yes, Ashland Link is now on Facebook; become a fan and be kept in the loop as to what's what. I'd particularly be interested in meeting up with interested people while in Ashland - three of the four trips I'm taking down there this year will be on my own, so chatting you up over panini's at Pangaea would be fun! Or, you know, other places.

Having come across Ashland Link, I'm curious to know how you got here. If you have a moment, would you please email me, at john <at> ashlandlink <dot> com and tell me what link, google search, personal recommendation, or blind surf has led you here? I'd appreciate it!

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And Away We Go!

Written by John Thursday, 04 December 2008 11:36

Today's a big day at Ashland Link. Prior to today, everything I did on the site was, in my mind, an extended test run. The reviews I wrote, the blog posts, the various design tweaks... these were all me figuring out exactly what I wanted to do with the site. Now, with the publication of the first (of eleven, egad!) previews for the upcoming 2009 season at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, I've got to start putting my money where my mouth is. What that means is regular posting schedules and a stable platform for upcoming features like reviews and forums. Nothing exists now unless it exists in a useful state.

If you've been to the site prior to today, well, thanks. :) But this is when it starts to come together. I hope you enjoy it - please, let me know your thoughts (positive or negative) about anything you see here. Practically everything on the site has the option for you to Comment on it, but if you don't see an obvious feedback mechanism just email me at john (at) ashlandlink (dot) com.

See you 'round!

John

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Developer's Blog

Read. Share... say what now?

2010 at Ashland Link

Serendipity 2

Serendipity 1

Forums, We've Got 'Em

We're on Facebook!

And Away We Go!

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