User manual

Welcome to SP-ARK!

SP-ARK is a web-based open source educational project based on the multi-media archive of film-maker Sally Potter. In the beta phase, SP-ARK is uploading hundreds of assets relating to the production of Sally's 1992 film Orlando. Users are able to browse through different versions of the screenplay for this landmark film, as well as experiencing a 'day in the life' of Sally Potter through the multitude of assets relating to one day of the shoot on location in Khiva, Uzbekistan.

Accounts

Currently SP-ARK is in development, but we are always looking for new users to help test the site. To get details on how to create your own account, which will allow access to many more features, please send an email to beta@sp-ark.org.

Account Management

Now you have a user account at SP-ARK, you are able to explore the full functionality of the website. Users are encouraged to submit their own content by creating a profile and keeping a record of their journey through the archive through the exclusive pathways feature, as well as participating in discussion with other users through the comments and forums available.

Profile:

  1. By clicking on "My Profile" you can add and edit your profile by adding your name, photo, location, occupation, institution etc.

Search:

  1. Categories: By clicking on a category all the related items in that category will be presented in thumbnail form - these are known as "assets"
  2. Top Tags: These are user-added tags. By clicking on a tag from the bottom of the 'Home Page' every asset tagged with that word will appear in thumbnail form.
  3. Search box: this searches through the pre defined tags (official tags) and where applicable the text of all the assets including the text of the screenplays and the novel. For example if 'moor' is searched for, all the assets, including the pages of the novel featuring that word will be listed. It does not search through the user added tags.

Viewing an asset:

  1. To take a closer look at an asset click on the thumbnail to enter the page of the asset.
  2. Above the asset there are numerous functions you can click on:
  • 60% 80% 100% - enables the asset to adjust in size
  • "Details" - produces a description of the asset
  • "User Tags" - ability to add your own tags
  • "Comments" - ability to add and view comments about the asset
  • "Add to Pathway" - ability to add an asset to your pathway (see below)

Pathways

Creating "pathways" is the principle function for you, the user, to navigate your way through the archive. The subject of your pathway can be as specific as 'trees' or as broad as 'film'. The search function enables you to make decisions over the direction and purpose of your pathway. Interacting with other user's pathways takes the concept a step further as users, through crossing pathways, dynamically suggest to one another where to look. Over time, as more users register, create pathways, tag, add comments, send messages, the site will become increasingly interactive with ideas not only crossing pathways, but continents as well.

Creating a pathway:

  1. To add an asset to your pathway select the asset and click on the "add to my pathway" tab. This automatically adds the asset to your pathway.
  2. To add a comment to an asset within your pathway use the text box provided under each asset.
  3. The comment can be changed when you return to the asset page. If you add or edit a pre existing comment you must save it by clicking on "Save Comment".
  4. Under each asset there is an option to delete the asset from the pathway.
  5. To delete an asset from the pathway click on "delete from pathway".
  6. To change the order of the pathway click on the "change order" tab and drag and drop.
  7. To set another one of your pathways as an active one (in order to be able to add or delete assets to that pathway) click on "my pathways" and click on "active". Only one pathway at a time can be set as "active".
  8. To edit the title or description of any of your pathways, just click on which item you want to edit and a text box will appear.

Crossing pathways:

  1. If you add an asset to your pathway which another user has added to their pathway their name will appear in pink below the shared asset.
  2. To view the other user's pathway click on their name and their pathway will appear.
  3. To add an asset from their pathway to yours click on the asset and then use the "add to my pathway" tab.
  4. Your pathway will save automatically.
  5. To send the user a message click on the "Send Message" tab on their pathway tool bar.
  6. You can add another user's pathway to your favourites. To do this click on the "Add to Favourites" tab on their pathway tool bar.
  7. To view the users profile click on the "View Profile" tab on their pathway tool bar.

Finished pathways:

  1. To view a list of your pathways click on "My Pathways". To view a specific pathway click on a title.
  2. There is a choice between making your pathway public or private. To make your pathway public tick the "public" tab and then click the "create" tab.