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Invalid zip code when running weather widgets

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Invalid zip code when running weather widgets

from WinCustomize Forums
My computer was shutdown incorrectly when the breaker in my apartment went off. Now, when I run a weather widget, I get an invalid zip code error. I uninstalled and reinstalled DesktopX, but it didn't help. I cleared the widget cache, but I still get the same error. Does anyone have any suggestions? I never had any problems running anything in DesktopX before this.
997,297 views 382 replies +1 Loading…
Reply #176 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Snakew, reply 22
To me the solution should be rather simple rather than all of you great skinners bantering back and forth as to how get around the promblem STARDOCK should be taking the lead action to fix this problem as Desktop X  is purchased from them and includes  Weather Widget .Yet I have not seen a reply post from them. They should be promptly addressing correcting this problem in a fairly quick time frame or  perhaps a refund of some amount is in order
End of Snakew's quote
The one weather widget we include as a sample was actually one created by a DX user and allowed by them to be distributed with DX.

Again, there is nothing wrong with DX.  It's calling feeds correctly. 

Lastly, we will be updating that sample object soon to work with our (licensed) accuweather feed.  Or, baring that, removing it as a sample object.

Reply #177 from WinCustomize Forums Top



OK, this seems to be working, so will it work when in a theme/widget and sent to someone else? Or will they need to put their own numbers into it? ID and Passkey?
End of quote

They'll need to put their own ID and Key as per the license agreement. These fixes are for the end-user to implement. I am working on a new weather template for authors which should eliminate the need to hard code this stuff in there. That is, if Vad doesn't come up with one quicker. XD

I could modify your code for you, but then you also have to put the TWC logos in place and create objects for the advert links, etc, etc, etc, etc.  *sigh* We've got a lot of work to do.

CursorFX - Customize your Windows cursor
Reply #178 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Snakew, reply 22
To me the solution should be rather simple rather than all of you great skinners bantering back and forth as to how get around the promblem STARDOCK should be taking the lead action to fix this problem as Desktop X  is purchased from them and includes  Weather Widget .
End of Snakew's quote


I would think if they truly "supported skinning" (isn't that the WinCustomize mission statement?) this would be the route to go.  Being able to use and create weather widgets is kind of a major selling point of DX.  I know the profit margin comes first, but I would think keeping the customer satisfied would come in a close second, and would certainly guarantee that the customer returns to renew their subscription when it expires.  Having an outstanding product will bring in customers, but customer service will KEEP customers.

Reply #179 from WinCustomize Forums Top

 

For example, if weather widgits called an external file for the scripts, if something like this ever happened again, a DX coder could upload a new widgit that had that one file modified with instructions on how to replace it . . all would be well. Right?
End of quote

Yep. That would be best.

Or what if our weather widgets worked similarly to the Mac widgets adn flipped over with any logos htat were requiered?
End of quote

From the license:

Whenever possible, the logo should appear in the lower right or lower center of the design space. weather.com must be legible at all times.

And it goes on...

Reply #180 from WinCustomize Forums Top

For example, if weather widgits called an external file for the scripts, if something like this ever happened again, a DX coder could upload a new widgit that had that one file modified with instructions on how to replace it . . all would be well. Right?
End of quote

This is a nice scenario, but even with instructions, most users will not be able to replace a widget completely in one of my themes. This would work well for standalone widgets.

Reply #181 from WinCustomize Forums Top

weather.com must be legible at all times
End of quote
   nuff said...

Reply #182 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I could modify your code for you, but then you also have to put the TWC logos in place and create objects for the advert links, etc, etc, etc, etc. *sigh* We've got a lot of work to do.
End of quote

I just don't know if I want links and ads in my work. I would almost as soon do without weather.

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Reply #183 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting k10w3, reply 3



I would think if they truly "supported skinning" (isn't that the WinCustomize mission statement?) this would be the route to go.  Being able to use and create weather widgets is kind of a major selling point of DX.  I know the profit margin comes first, but I would think keeping the customer satisfied would come in a close second, and would certainly guarantee that the customer returns to renew their subscription when it expires.  Having an outstanding product will bring in customers, but customer service will KEEP customers.

End of k10w3's quote

It's a bit like the Y2K bug, this is. Everyone built widgets on code that has now gone bad. I don't think it's entirely fair to ask Stardock to pick up the tab on this. They already have a deal with accuweather; supposing a whole slew of widgets come out later on for another site, and then that site changes. Are we going to ask Stardock to pick up the tab for every design flaw we implement?

I know it sucks, because it's ridiculous to think everyone will be able to modify the widgets they have (or authors will modify the ones they've submitted), and DX stands to lose a lot of users over this.

If Stardock can work out a deal, it would be helpful, but I don't think it's realistic at the moment.

Reply #185 from WinCustomize Forums Top

NOAA doesn't support international users.

Quoting RedneckDude, reply 7


I just don't know if I want links and ads in my work. I would almost as soon do without weather.
End of RedneckDude's quote

They didn't say anything about having those links visible at all times; just that you had to include them. But I get your drift; it may be more trouble than it's worth.

Reply #186 from WinCustomize Forums Top

They didn't say anything about having those links visible at all times; just that you had to include them. But I get your drift; it may be more trouble than it's worth.
End of quote

Well, as I see it, either way I go, I will have to update all past work. Either to remove the weather app, or to update it. Because of the possibility of this happening again in the near future, I lean toward taking out the apps. At least that way, I can rest assured I won't be redoing everything again next year....

Reply #187 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Well, there is one good thing....because I am on hold with DX themes, I am working on my first blind.   o_O

Reply #188 from WinCustomize Forums Top

OK, I know i'm not a master....yet, may never be. But what good is all this if the last statement in the following applies?

To comply with the terms of the Agreement, Your Website or Desktop Application must, among other things:

  • display weather data for no more than three (3) locations at a time;
  • adhere to the data request rules, usage rules, and refresh rates outlined in Exhibit B of the Agreement;
  • clearly separate TWCi data from other data within a single visual element;
  • identify that the weather data comes from TWCi by incorporating The Weather Channel logo containing an embedded link to the www.weather.com home page (one of 5 Required Links);
  • provide four (4) promotional links, selected by TWCi and provided through the Service on each data call, back to www.weather.com for additional weather information in close proximity to the TWCi Content as set forth in Exhibit B of the Agreement; and
  • be free of charge to your end-users.

What is the point of making weather apps for themes if they can't be master skins?

 

My only point here is that it seems that we may as well look for another feed or some other way to do this, or just forget using weather widgets. I do hope someday to be a master, and if I can't include weather apps in my themes then, why do it now?

Reply #189 from WinCustomize Forums Top

User code and feeds are not part of DX.
End of quote
Well allrighty then,I'll blame Jim.;)

As for me,I have multiple other means of getting the weather,including  OD+ and TWC on TV which is only 10 feet away.I would rather see DX without weather than have to repair an entire collection each time something changes .It wouldn't be so bad if the DXthemes would run with the weather closed,but as is, nothing works for me. :'(

If I wanted a free standing weather display,I could just create a dock with only the weather docklet on it. It would even be skinnable,including the flyout backdrops. :w00t:

In summary,I know TWC is in the right, my point is that DX themes shouldn't be totally shut down by changes made by an outside source.It simply shouldn't display current weather data.(or at least give the option to disable the script.)

Reply #190 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I do hope someday to be a master, and if I can't include weather apps in my themes then, why do it now?
End of quote

It's a real pickle, that's for sure. Ultimately, everyone will just have to decide what's best for them. I think it'd be smart to exclude weather from your themes until a long-term solution presents itself, if at all.

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Reply #191 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Well allrighty then,I'll blame Jim.
End of quote

Of course....work some damn magic, Mr. Wizard!!!   :grin: :rofl: :rofl:

Reply #192 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting sViz, reply 8

I don't think it's entirely fair to ask Stardock to pick up the tab on this.
End of sViz's quote


I'm not talking about what's "fair" -- I'm talking about creating good will toward the customer -- which includes the skinners who have created weather widgets, as well as the customers that those created skins bring to WinCustomize, who purchase Object Desktop based on the work of those skinners, so that they can make their desktops look "cool" and completely put together.  I know Stardock did not create the problem, nor does Stardock create the widgets which are now unusable, but Stardock does benefit from people who purchase WinCustomize subscriptions, and one of the benefits of subscription is "unlimited file downloading on WinCustomize" - if a large percentage of the downloads are nonfunctional, then that affects the customer service that WinCustomize (and Stardock) offers.

Sometimes it makes good business sense to "take one for the team."

That being said, I will also say I will not hold my breath waiting for Stardock to take one for the team.

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Reply #193 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting k10w3, reply 17

Quoting sViz, reply 8
I don't think it's entirely fair to ask Stardock to pick up the tab on this.


I'm not talking about what's "fair" -- I'm talking about creating good will toward the customer -- which includes the skinners who have created weather widgets, as well as the customers that those created skins bring to WinCustomize, who purchase Object Desktop based on the work of those skinners, so that they can make their desktops look "cool" and completely put together.  I know Stardock did not create the problem, nor does Stardock create the widgets which are now unusable, but Stardock does benefit from people who purchase WinCustomize subscriptions, and one of the benefits of subscription is "unlimited file downloading on WinCustomize" - if a large percentage of the downloads are nonfunctional, then that affects the customer service that WinCustomize (and Stardock) offers.

Sometimes it makes good business sense to "take one for the team."
That being said, I will also say I will not hold my breath waiting for Stardock to take one for the team.
End of k10w3's quote

Sounds hot.

Reply #194 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Is this useable? I just got it at meteo.com

 

<script>
//Live weather feeds by freemeteo.com
//The use of this script is bound by Freemeteo’s Live Feed Service Agreement, as is published in the following url: http://www.freemeteo.com/default.asp?pid=178&la=1
// You are not allowed to change or delete any part of this script.
// Main body background color : FFFFFF
// Main body fonts color : 000000
// Header/Footer background color : 6699FF
// Header/Footer fonts color : FFFFFF
cIfrm="10";
gid="533679_20090709_015944";
</script>
<script src="http://www.freemeteo.com/templates/default/HTfeeds.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

Reply #195 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Whenever possible, the logo should appear in the lower right or lower center of the design space. weather.com must be legible at all times.
End of quote

It isn't *too* bad.  :)

 

 

Reply #196 from WinCustomize Forums Top

k10w3, What exaclty are you looking for Stardock to do here? 

Stardock can't update all the weather gadgets to just work.  The TWC feed changed.  Every DX weather widget has to change no matter what.

You want Stardock to pay for a feed license? When each user can do it for free?

What if SD did . .  and everyone used their id and key . . and TWC changed something again.  We'd be even MORE responsible for some 3rd party's change.  How would that help?

That being said, I will also say I will not hold my breath waiting for Stardock to take one for the team.
End of quote
Stardock has caried the "team" for years when most of the skinning communtiy has whithered.

 

:(

I am really having a hard time with the entitlement mindset I'm seeing here.  It makes me sad.

Reply #197 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Couldn't we still use the regular RSS feeds? Granted, the features would be limited to a 48 hour outlook, but it's not nearly as complicated as trying to update the other widgets.

Reply #198 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Hey Friends,

Seems we can't use TWC feeds without showing their logo. By the way I don't like how it looks and don't want see it each time in my gadget.

However I have one little thought... Who forbids us to retrieve the same data directly from the web page through HTML? Does anyone can tell me is this a violation of TWC Copyright or not?

For example we open the web page in our browser to read the weather data and all is okay. But we can open the same page through a script and retrieve the necessary data to the gadget  for viewing. We can do it or not?

If "YES" there are no any problems. We just make a power script that will do it. So I'll be waiting for any expert advices about this...

Reply #199 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I have a diffrant sort of question. I like the Time, mouse meter thing, calender, and the bottom cpu-prosseser meter bar on the naked noir... is there anyway to just disable the weather all togeather on that widget so i can still use it at least for what half of it is?

Reply #200 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Zubaz, reply 21
k10w3, What exaclty are you looking for Stardock to do here?
End of Zubaz's quote


I'm not looking for Stardock to do anything, Zubaz.  I think it would be nice if they paid for a feed license, but I don't EXPECT it, and I don't feel "entitled" to it, as you seem to think I do.  I think it would help the skinners and the people who download skins if Stardock took the leader/philanthropist model and, for this present issue, buy a feed license -- a policy that could be reversed if it TWC changed things in the future by saying "we did this once before, and it didn't work out for us" -- but I'm certainly not expecting that to happen; I've already stated I don't think it would be fair for Stardock to do that.  All I'm saying is that if I were the CEO of Stardock, I would buy a feed license in this instance if it did not significantly negatively impact my profit margin. I'm a very generous person, though, and would certainly not be as successful of a business person as the current Stardock CEO.