breaking new ground?

examancer

I feel like I'm in a rut. The only PHP programming I have been doing lately has been the same old stuff thats been done plenty of times before by people more talented then myself. You know... content mangement systems that look and work pretty much like everyone else's, and stuff like that.

I really think I've only made two scripts I'm remotely proud of, and those are an FTP upload script that allows me to get around the fact that I can't create and edit files through PHP on my webhost. And a nice little script the takes connects to a POP3 account, parses out the emails, and sends them to my cell phone by filling out a form on my cell providers website. (this way I can have my IM client forward messages to an email addy, and this script runs on a cron job every 5 minutes to take those emails and forward them to my phone).

I really think I'm ready for programming something thats never been done before, or at least something I can do better than has ever been done before. Maybe a web based massively multiplayer game, or something totally different... I don't know. I can't seem to come up with any ideas, I just know that I want my PHP code to change the world, but I just don't know what to change. Any ideas? I would love to help someone whos working on any kind of interesting project, or if you have an idea, but don't have the time or resources to implement it... maybe I could help? I just need something to make me feel passionate about programming again....

LordShryku

Well bubba, I feel for ya. I've been kinda in that rut for a while too, but at the same time, still learning all the cool stuff I can. Figure if I keep learning, when I do have that original idea, hopefully I'll be prepared for it.

Though the thought of a team project has come across my mind a few times here. I spend a lot of time on this board, and see so many different styles of coding and great minds, the thought of putting all the minds of these people together is exciting.

All in all, I'm with ya. I ya find something interesting, and could use someone, let me know...

examancer

Thanks for the support. If I do get an orginal idea (either my own or someone elses) you guys will be the first ones I tell, and I'll be open to any help you can offer.

tekky

I was recently contacted by some guy that wants to make a MMRPG I believe out of php.... if you guys are interested I can pass on his AIM handle (when I get home) -- I turned him down, its not what I'm interested in.... of course its all volunteer work from what I gathered.... so it would basically be a new hobby for whoever takes it up :p

drawmack

I am currently working on articles for my site. Each article is actually a series of articles, so I can keep 20 page articles to a more palitable size.

I'm currently working on three series, all with a security focus:

1) encryption in php - some of my code for these is already in the coding critique forum. I'd like to work up to implementing aes but I don't think I'll be able to due to exportation restrictions on encryption in the US. However I do plan on implementing s-des and showing some basic techniques for more advanced encryption.

2) locking down a site with php - hot link prevention, unauthorized access prevention, forcing secure connections, etc.

3) security testing with php - port scanners, password crackers etc. The focus of these articles is not to help others hack but to help security profesionals understand the power of php in this area.

I cannot pay for any work done but if any one would like to write some articles I'd be more then willing to discuss it with them.

examancer

Thanks for the responeses. Tekky, the idea of working on a PHP web based MMORPG definately interests me. If you could send me his AIM handle (via private message or the email listed on my profile), I can at least talk to him and see what ideas he has.

Drawmack, I think I have a good concept of security, so I'd at least be willing to discuss the idea of writing some articles/code. When you get a chance, if you could get ahold of me through any of the contact methods on my profile we should talk about it.

Again, thanks for the replies.