bliss & phetish

About This Site

This is where you get to learn about this site. It has the token disclaimers, but more importantly, to me, some of my thoughts, ideas, and goals for this site.

This site is version 3.0b

At least that's the number it has on my hard drive. This version is special to me. I had to take my programming skills to a new level to accomplish this.

The past two version were this huge conglomeration of pages. At the end of version 2 (v2), there were 625 individual pages all linked together for your viewing pleasure. Prior to v2 I had thought it would be a really good idea to turn this into a database. I didn't know how, so it didn't happen. I created v2 with the idea of a better layout, and a site that complied with web standards. I was happy with both.

Unfortunately, there was a bug. It turns out, that the bug wasn't in my code, but in Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Internet Explorer is NOT standards compliant. Don't let ol' Bill Gates fool you. There are some hacks for that, but I hadn't used them. IE6 takes care of some of the obvious problems. Let me recommend a better browser: Firefox. It won't let you down.

On with my story. I was deployed to the Middle East. Internet connectivity was severely limited. When I wasn't working, it was tough to find things to do. I had my trusty laptop with me, so I got down to work learning new programming languages: PHP and MySql. With these two tools I was able to build the database I wanted for Bliss & Phetish. Version 3.0a was simply the old layout with a new backend. Version 3.0b replaced both. Although, as you can see, I liked some of the old design, and left a choice. I flip back and forth depending on my mood.

Now, instead of 625 pages for you to look at, you can see the same information, and more with 13. Instead of me, having to edit twenty to twenty five pages for every setlist (trying not to make mistakes), I run through a series of about five pages, filling in some blanks and checking some boxes. If I want to redesign the site, I only have 13 templates I have to mess with. I don't have to enter the information from 625 pages each time. Converting from v1 to v2 took hours. Taking the information from v2 to v3 took even longer. But, now that the information is in a database, it'll stay there and make my life easier.

Ahhh. I love stories with happy endings.

Inspiration

I'm addicted to music. I like a lot of different artists: Kiss, Nazareth, Phish, Pearl Jam, Tori Amos, Megadeth, Liz Phair, Reel Big Fish. The list goes on. I also collect a lot of live music. There's an energy, and realism that just can't be captured in a studio. I started collecting Liz's shows and found that there really wasn't a good gigography out there so I started one. This site was inspired by the Past Tour Archive at Lukin, and the Dave Matthews Band Tour Archive.

How This Site Rates With Liz

I have no clue. She probably doesn't know it exists. My relationship with Liz Phair is purely fan based. My relationship with her record company is purely monetary, i.e., I've spent lots o' money on albums by Liz and other artists. I've received no cash back.

The Disclaimer

This site is not concrete. It is based upon information collected from other web sites, mailing lists, forums, other fan inputs (Thank you!), and my own collection. I have tried to put everything down as accurately as possible. At times, I find information that conflicts, and I make best guesses. If you find errors, LET ME KNOW! You will get credit for additions and corrections.

Looking Ahead

Besides the FTP server, which is down the road, I have some other ideas for this site.

The first of which will probably be the next “major” change. Yes. A new version already! I will be giving you the ability to add your comments, reviews, and pics regarding specific shows, with your input immediately viewable. This idea stemmed from the fact that while I was deployed this information would sit in my e-mail for months. Visitors should be able to get an idea of what's happening currently, as well as three months ago.

I'm also considering a mailing list. Nothing fancy. Just a little memo that would let you know when updates take place. Especially while I'm gone. This site isn't that busy. You wouldn't get that many.

I'm would also like to add quotes from Liz regarding her thoughts on her music. Something along the lines of a short description of what these songs are about.

Javascript, Cookies, and Privacy

This site contains two pieces of Javascript. The first controls the Navigation bar at the top of each page.

The second controls the Themes. It installs a cookie on your computer with nothing more than a unique ID. It stores the match on the server where it remembers which theme you are using so that when you come back, it will always pick whatever theme you last used.

That's it. No other information. No IP address, browser info, or anything else. Nothing. Nada. Trust me. I'm a huge advocate of privacy. I don't like being followed on the Internet. I don't do anything shady, but I still don't want somebody following me. If you need to follow me, get a warrant. That goes for sites that want to target specific ads at me. Not only do I not want ads targeted specifically at me, I don't want any ads at all. Period. Thankfully, there's Firefox.