[techtalk] how to find prior art/software?

[Jeff Dike]

slandrum at turing.csc.smith.edu said:
> The project in question: a generic ratings and comments engine for a
> website. The things being rated could be anything, but site visitors
> should be able to vote on various survey questions for each
> (book|movie|restaurant), and add their comments. Visitors should also
> be able to add (books|movies|restaurants).

> Anyone seen anything like this, or know where I should look? I looked
> on freshmeat already.  

Another thing you could try is look for sites that are run by an open-source 
web app server.  There are only a small number of popular ones - Zope and 
Midgard come to mind.  Find sites that use them, and see if any of them have 
something like what you're talking about.

You could also locate mailling lists associated with these projects and check 
their archives or just ask there.

				Jeff