Linkbase architecture
Links are added a continual basis by studio members. The first round of requested topics has been added. Originally the linkbase had multiple pull-down menus, however to increase the visibility of the topics, a hierarchal list was created, showing sub-topics of the current main topic.
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In addition to searching a handful of top search engines, searches from most qru sites and searching the linkbase itself are now integrated.
Search interfaces are collected and inserted dynamicaly to account for options available, because many search engines allow you to search in specific topics, or control the number of hits returned per page.
When adding links, brief descriptions may be added to further explain the purpose of the link, what plug-ins if any are required, and/or the full title of the link if a link is avrebiated in the title. As these descriptions are added in for existing links, on a first-surfed first-described basis.
The linkbase script has a dual purpose. In addition to serving up the linkbase, it also provides dynamicly updated links for domains, kiosks, clients, and each "links page". When used in this fashion, a simply formatted paragraph of links is printed out, appearing automatically and inheriting the design of the page it is on. This provides Qru with streamlined link maintenance, allowing new links to served up in real time. All Qru built URL pages use this technology.
Next steps for this project include adding a system to track which links are popular (i.e. clicked on) and shuffle them to the top, to display search results on the linkbase per section, and a rolling ticker of recently added links.