I have just learned that Live Journal already has an “export entries” facility on their web site (http://www.livejournal.com/export.bml). This seems to be doing pretty much what my program was going to do only it works, the only catch being that it will only download one month at a time. It’s possible that I can hook into it to create my archiver. I’ll have to investigate. I also have some other ideas about how I could make my archiver more efficient, but that will require some testing too. Another catch with their archiver (this is also a problem with anything I may get working too) is that it will only download the entries, not the comments. I’m not sure if there is an easy way to get the comments.
I’m thinking if none of this pans out, I might try parsing the actual HTML that comes from the site when you view your journal. I don’t want to because that comes with its own headaches (like different users using different themes for their journals). This would allow me to grab the comments, but seems like a big pain in the ass. It is a last resort however.
In other news I have an LCD screen coming from Crystalfontz (the pretty blue one). I have wanted one for a while but didn’t want to spend the money, finally I just said screw it and ordered it. Ideally I want to make it standalone with just a communications cable going to it so I can put it downstairs and have it display breaking news, caller ID information, and the latest messages I get on IM. Of course none of the software exists to do any of this, so I would be putting some time into it, but it is all possible, and it’s the kind of project I enjoy most. It is supposed to be plugged into the power supply of your computer, but since I want it to be standalone, I ordered parts on Friday to build my own power supply. I think the hardest part will be finding a case for it and cutting out the holes for the keys and screen. Oh well, I like a challenge.
The quarter is about to come to an end and I can’t wait to get out of here (It wouldn’t have anything to do with the fact I’ll have a new computer and LCD waiting for me when I get home would it??? YES IT HAS ALOT TO DO WITH IT) Well I am exited to see April too, but it is a new computer… I don’t get one of those every day.
Well I guess I’ll wrap it up and put off the stuff I have to do.
Congratulations on sounding more like a man than you have on here in the recent past. Being more excited about a new computer than your gf is definitely something I would feel, and something most men would. Congratulations, and keep up the good work.
I wouldn’t say that I am more excited about my computer than my girl friend… I don’t think my computer would love me quite as much as she does, however I was just trying to make the point that I am excited about my new computer. That will wear off after a while, but April will still be there.