Random Image Rotator

Here’s an image rotator that’s NOT Flash, javascript or jquery: multi-browser, multi-platform, lightweight. Nothing against other technologies, it’s just that we are now challenged to come up with new ways to deliver the same experience to multiple platforms. I did this on a client’s homepage where a random product image appears on each visit/refresh. Then, for grins, I overlayed a transparent background .png of their logo in different colors, and they randomly change with each visit/refresh against the product image as well.

It’s a simple php script called ‘imagerotator’, included here. Open this .txt version in Wordpad or any HTML editor, and simply re-save it as 'imagerotator.php'. Install this in a folder called, say, “rotate” on the site. Create identically-sized versions of the graphic you want to rotate, and upload them to the same folder. The script, as written, recognizes .png, .jpg, and .gif image files.

In Xara, put an identically-sized placeholder in the page where you want the image(s) to appear. Under “Web Properties > Placeholder > Replace with HTML Code > HTML Code (body)”, paste this:

<img src="http://sitename.com/rotate/imagerotate.php">

If you want to overlay a second graphic, create a second folder, i.e., “rotate2”, upload a copy of ‘imagerotator’ and the graphics files as above, make your placeholder (above the first), and use a link like this:

<img src="http://sitename.com/rotate2/imagerotate.php">

I like visit-driven random image rotation because it’s very subtle, and has the effect of keeping a site fresh over time, subconsciously. Okay, sometimes there’s the slightest lag while the image loads, and the site has to support PHP. Worth it. It’s simple to FTP additional images right to the file, and/or cycle images in and out of the queue. The Behaviorists tell us ‘Randomly rewarded behaviors are impossible to extinguish’. This should help keep visitors, and clients, coming back, too.

I haven't got a clue as to what you're talking about.
I can do very simple web sites so doing this sort of stuff is a bit beyond me.

I'm not trying to run myself down completely but the only way I could make sense of what you've attached in your text file is if I can see an example of what it does on a web site.

Sorry, if this is not the response you were looking for but I'm sure the web Xperts will give you a real opinion.

Uh, oh. Sorry Rik. Posted to the wrong forum. Thought I was posting to 'Xara Web'. Hopefully, Gary or someone will move me...

Hey! I need a lift here!

No apology needed, BigWave.

I would just like to see this in operation.
Like on a web site, where you've used it.

Here you go:

http://dickswingsandgrill.com/

Just hit 'refresh' on your browser, watch the food shot and "Dick's"

Here's another one:

http://www.pipestheplumber.com/

Just 'Pipes the Plumber' changes. I think I'm going to rotate the clipboard (look familiar?) next, should have that up tomorrow.

Another one, but this was done with that 'other' editor (NOT a Xara problem, it's the hosting service)...and this hosting service DOES NOT allow php scripts, so this was done with the same method, via a iframes:

http://drdanskaggs.com/

Click on "Meet the Doctor", for instance, and hit refresh on that page; the banner graphic will change. But not on all pages...wanted it to be REALLY random.

Hello BigWave,

I think is a good product you made. Do you think is it possible to put a "time" to "switch" between the images then it can become a "photo-slider"

Best regards

Giraf