Access To Automatic Karma Update Feature Restored

The Automatic Update checkbox in Account Settings was hidden for a couple of weeks already.

Access to the Automatic Update Feature (and management of Message Pool messages) was recently restored to those who had it before.

Plurk Announces Their API Service

FINALLY!

See their landing page here.

Automatic Updates No Longer Public

As of a couple of days ago, the Automatic Updates feature will only be available to a select few.

Again, the reason for this is that it kinda got spammy, when a handful of people in your timeline use the feature. I don't regret having implemented it in the first place -- I just haven't thought of how to make it less annoying. Got ideas? Post them in our GetSatisfaction page!

Extended Hiatus

I haven't worked on kaPlurk! for quite some time and, unfortunately, for longer. I've been very busy with my day job, and I'll be on vacation next week! =D

Anyway, Here's a list of stuff I thought I'd better prioritize:

• Mobile number verification


• Post the first part of a long, concatenated SMS as a plurk, and post succeeding parts as replies


• Post Twitter updates


• Hide automatic update feature from public use and maybe only offer it to my friends. Because I realized a few months ago how bad an idea it was, when I saw it looked so spammy.

That's all for now! =)

Slow Progress - SMS Service

I've successfully used the Globe Labs SMS API! Unfortunately, free access to the SMS API only provides 10 SMS messages per day. Fine tuning the service will take some time.

I'm currently evaluating whether I should proceed with this, because this method will only serve Globe users.

Fixes and Tweaks as of October 24, 2009

I sneaked a few fixes to the application, based on these posts in our GetSatisfaction.com page:

1. Fixed problem when changing Plurk accounts
2. Removed default qualifier "says", since Plurk automatically extracts valid qualifiers from the message when no qualifier is specified

If you have any more questions or concerns, feel free to post them in our GetSatisfaction.com page!

Indefinite SMS Service Interruption starting October 20, 2009

Starting on October 20, 2009, Plurking via SMS will not be available INDEFINITELY.

There is a power problem at the SMS gateway's location.

We are hoping this will be resolved soon.

Want to Know If Plurking Via SMS is Active?

You can now check if the SMS gateway can connect to Plurk. Just send "KSTAT" to 09158954867.

Message:

To: 09158954867
KSTAT

You'll receive a message saying whether the system is up or down. This way, you can stop wondering whether you're merely wasting your cellphone credit.

Finally! We Have an Official Plurk Timeline!

Because someone asked:  Why isn't there a kaPlurk account on Plurk that we can follow?

We answered:

Aaaaand this is why: http://www.plurk.com/kaplurk

Somehow, someone got the "kaplurk" username AND JUST FORGOT ABOUT THE ACCOUNT! What a waste of a perfect username! T_T

I then got frustrated when nobody from the Plurk team responded to my question: Can we claim "dead" accounts (karma = 0.00) after a certain period?

So I kinda gave up about using a different username, simply due to stubbornness in refusing to admit defeat. :p

Anyway, I just created a dedicated Plurk account: http://www.plurk.com/kaplurkplurk

Simply follow the kaPlurk! Plurk timeline to receive updates in your Plurk timeline! :)

SMS Service Interruption on October 10-11, 2009

As I mentioned before, the current SMS service is not 100% reliable yet.

This weekend, October 10-11, 2009, Plurking via SMS will not be available.

The SMS gateway will be turned off during that period, because the gateway will have no Internet connection then.

The SMS gateway will be turned back on by mid-day Monday.

Thank you for your continued support!

Plurk Via SMS (Temporary Solution)

I put up a temporary SMS solution, just so I have something to use.

If you haven't registered on the main site yet:

1. Log in to kaPlurk! with your Google account
2. Register your Mobile Number (the preferred format is 09xxxxxxxxx, but +639xxxxxxxxxx should also be accepted) and Plurk credentials

If you already registered before, check your Account Details if you entered the correct Mobile Number in an accepted format.

To update your Plurk timeline via SMS, send a message with the keyword "KP" to 09158954867.

Sample message:

To:  09158954867

KP I'm Plurking via SMS!

Currently, the qualifier is automatically set to "says".

Take note, this is only a temporary solution, and I won't vouch for its reliability.

New Feedback Tab

I've just signed up with GetSatisfaction.com and added that Feedback tab to this blog here and the main site.  Feel free to post your ideas, questions and problems there!  :)

TO DO List for 2009-09-14

Posting

• Posting via SMS -- the app's original purpose
• I plan to make use of the Globe Labs SMS API
• I already bought a Globe SIM for this
  
• I'm planning to use Kannel as SMS gateway software
  

Message Pool

• Pagination of messages -- won't be needed until the pool grows sufficiently large
• Sorting of messages

Miscellaneous

I found an error in the logs that says messages can't be multi-line.  My options:

• change those textareas into regular text fields,
• strip newline characters upon submission,
• all of the above
  

I also have to remember to consider the quotas of Google App Engine and Globe Labs SMS API.

I'm still not sure if I should show my friends my source code.  I'm pretty sure it isn't as elegant as I'd want it to be..  :p

Closed Beta of Automatic Updates

I've allowed some of my friends to sign into the app to test automatic updates.  We'll see how it goes when the next weekend comes.  :)

Welcome to kaPlurk!

Good day!

I think I'm ready to open kaPlurk! to a few friends of mine for testing purposes..

The app is FAR from complete, as I haven't even begun working on the SMS part yet.  But I think many will already benefit from the automatic updates.

I'll be back when I find more free time!  :)