i have no knowledge of databases, but im looking for a point in the right direction, i dont even know what kind of help i need to find yet so any info will help...

im want to make a sight that allows users to submit a post that can be searched for by location (exact address to be specific) and filtered by options that they select when submitting their post (options that make their post more specific in nature). the posts will have little or no actual user written content. they may include a picture or two. basically it will be arranged similar to craiglist, post will simply be searched for primarily by address nearest to furthest from the adderess the searcher inputs

what sort of software does this sight need? which databases/languages would suit best? does it need some sort of map software? how does that work? where can i find information a little more specific to my questions (the forums have so much thats over my head)


any help is greatly appreciated!

A bespoke system would be best, rather than trying to modify something.

basically it will be arranged similar to craiglist

Maybe I should visit there one day

which databases/languages would suit best

Whatever the developer for the site is comfortable with.

does it need some sort of map software

Integration with Google maps or MSN Live maps maybe.

good to know

and i see now that google maps offers a simple API

should i assume have a bespoke system designed will cost me more?

Not necessarily,

Wading through someone else's code to find the bits to modify can often take much longer, then of course you have to fix the bugs "features" they have left behind.

Most serious developers will have a library of functions and classes ready to "bolt on" to templates to create a site that does exactly what is needed.

I know I stopped re-inventing the wheel for each contract long ago.

you've been a huge help thank you

maybe you can help with one more thing, whats the best way for me to go about finding someone to create this for me in terms of costs, anything i should watch out for etc?

i see ur in the UK but maybe u have some advice on how to shop for a developer

thanx again

i see ur in the UK but maybe u have some advice on how to shop for a developer

Oddly enough. It's not something I have ever had the need to look for

<stage whisper>
Can't imagine why that is
</stage whisper>

maybe you can help with one more thing, whats the best way for me to go about finding someone to create this for me in terms of costs, anything i should watch out for etc?

Write a reasonably comprehensive project specification for what you want the project to achieve, saying "I want it to be like site 'X' " is an open invitation for the unscrupulous to fleece you with extra costs for adding in the features you expected from the start.

Maybe post here in the freelance forum, and check out some of the freelancers at places like Scriptlance, Codelance etc.

Be aware of someone who doesn't ask enough questions to get the job right, and someone who asks too many basic question.

If you appear professional from the start, you should avoid the chancers and the "work from my bedroom" script kiddies.

cool, great advice

thanx again