Hi all programmers,
CANDO EASYNEWS is aiming to be a simple, but effective company newsletter system. I have researched some other systems and looking at the two main ones, DADAMAIL and PHPLIST, I feel that there is a need for an easy to use system that complies with internet law and has the major functions of the existing systems without the need for a degree in geek language to use them.
I want my system to be somewhere below these programs, so that it is EASY to use for the list manager. I will install and configure the system on my own hosting servers, but the interface for the user needs to be simple and 100% web based.
I have a basic newsletter system that I paid $$$’s for via scriptlance. It is 90% complete but I need a good programmer to help me finish it off and get it where it needs to be. It looks like the previous ‘programmer’ has used some kind of CMS code to make the base and it works in essence but there are lots of files that are unused and can probably be removed – the problem is that I do not know what files are safe to remove. I have knowledge of PHP but it’s by no means good enough to get this project going alone.
This is how it works at the moment in principle:
http://www.domain.com/newsletter – this is where website users subscribe and can view an archive of previously sent newsletters. This is a public area.
http://www.domain.com/newsletter/admin – The admin logs in here and manages the subscribers and edits the newsletters. Other admin functions are also found here such as ‘sender’ ‘manage users’ and ‘manage newsletters’ etc.
It has an FCKeditor which works fine to create the newsletters, including file uploads and images. Need to check that all features do work – possibly add new fonts or better pre-set styles in the editor but the current features do suffice.
It has Import/Export CSV mailing lists – works fine but could be refined – things like timestamps could be made better. It would be nice to create a simple format for admins to use to add their own lists, and then have them ‘opt-in’ as required once the list has been imported. A tick box to enable/disable would be great so the client can choose whether to use the opt-in/out feature (with a warning about the rules of commercial mailing) so they have the choice – EG. they may already have permission from an older list of users and don’t want to force everyone to opt-in again.
There is a page that displays the archive of previous newsletters and a link to subscribe. This is the main public newsletter page located at http://www.domain.com/newsletter – I need to add a link to download PDF versions here too. The newsletters are viewed by clicking the preview button, they are then displayed further down the page, exactly as they appear in the e-mails. Very quick and simple with fast load times. I’d like a link to ‘send me this newsletter’ or the ability to select which archives the user want to have sent as a one off email – like ordering back issues, if you like.
Here’s my crib sheet to finish the CANDO EASYNEWS project;
Double opt-in/out system required for new subscribers – this is essential as my servers are in the USA.
I need the existing captcha system fixed (currently, if nothing is entered, it will allow users to register) – or a new one incorporated.
A choke system that conforms to the US CAN-SPAM act: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/busines … bus61.shtm and the Hostgator Mail Policy: http://www.hostgator.com/mailpolicy.shtml
A way to select all users/select none from the list of subscribers
A way to save a template of previous newsletter to re-use for future ones without overwriting the archive newsletters.
A PDF generator for archiving – this is to display on the archive page alongside the current archive newsletters.
An Automatic install script (for me) that sets up the SQL and key options such as the ‘name’ of the sender, company name and other setup options when installing on a new web server.
I need full copyright ownership to be maintained as the system will be re-sold with Can Do Network branding.
YOU MUST HAVE A GOOD GRASP OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND FULLY UNDERSTAND THE THINGS I AM REQUESTING BEFORE BIDDING – I’ve had time and money wasted already on this project so please only bid if you are confident you can do the task at hand. I will send you a copy of the existing script before we agree prices and exact job list.
I am also happy to talk to you in detail to clarify requirements. This project would suit an experienced PHP programmer with CMS and SQL experience and a good understanding of other newsletter systems like DADAMAIL and PHPLIST.
