Implementing the Newsing system in Drupal

So in the DrupalDev: Empowered Newsing System project we've already got a discussion of what the ideal newsing system should be able to do. As the wishlist of ideas grows, lets also talk about how we can best implement the system under Drupal.

There are several links to look at where people discuss this already:

• http://shakk.wordpress.com/2006/06/12/creating-digg-clone-using-drupal/
• http://drupal.org/node/24686
• http://vigillar.se

There are certainly other sites and threads to read and study.

So far our design looks like this: 

Alpha: Get something working

The alpha can be implemented so far using a content type and organic groups. We already have several candidate tyes. There's a story type built into drupal, there's a storylink type that has a link field, and we could CCK a new content type with an apt name like newsing link that refers to the broader medium more specifically. The story and storylink content type names sound a little generic and confusing.

Beta: Develop advanced features

We could do better than this crude application of basic Drupal features. Where should we begin to extend and improve? Do we have modules that can be combined to get what we want or do we need to write new modules? 

Omega: the ultimate possible design

We will always strive to obtain this and envision loftier heights

Feature request list so far:

• RSS aggregator node integration
• friend-weighted vote measurement as per Pfhorest's suggestions