Prediction Contest: Programming Changes

by J.J. from Kansas on Feb 3, 2012 1:39 PM CST in Behind the Blog

We're going to be automating the system for our WIIM Prediction Contest, starting tomorrow. We have all of your previous guesses recorded, but will have to manually enter those into the new system. You will need to register for this system in the application box below. If you have a Google or Yahoo account, this will tie immediately to your OpenID and all you'll have to do is tell the system your username the first time you register. This system will automatically track your guesses, allow you to make guesses for future games you think you might miss, and check the leaderboards.

A couple of notes:

We're working this system out and will start using it tomorrow for the Edmonton game. We think we've got it working up to specs for the supported browsers, but we're aware there may be issues. If you can't register, please let us know. Also, please make sure that you leave your prediction in the comments of the morning skates. If anything gets lost, we can manually enter your predictions based on that. It will take a bit before the leaderboard is up and working, as we do have to manually port all of your previous predictions over, but once we've got the system working, prediction entry and scoring will be real-time and much easier.

Thanks to everybody for participating in this contest this year and let's go Red Wings!

Please register below.

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Just registered under Apocalyptic0n3. Refreshed and got this error in the frame/embed.

Oops, an error occured

This exception has been logged with id 699mfea44.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Feb 3, 2012 1:45 PM CST reply actions

I temporarily broke it

Should be back now

by J.J. from Kansas on Feb 3, 2012 1:47 PM CST up reply actions

Yep. Works just fine now.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Feb 3, 2012 1:52 PM CST up reply actions

Minor, but using the arrow keys to highlight a players’ name when the hint pops up displays a number (I presume it is the UID for the player database) instead of the name until you select the player’s name.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Feb 3, 2012 1:53 PM CST up reply actions

It is indeed a UID for the player. I’ll hide it later. Its actually just the player id from nhl.com

For example, http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8467514 <—— Pavel

by ChuckyD on Feb 3, 2012 1:58 PM CST up reply actions

Couldn’t that lead to issues? Not sure how you are pulling your data (if you are using NHL.com or not for the data, primarily), but if they change their system, your system might need to be redone. That is especially true if you are using JS to scrape their pages instead of actually accessing their database (a simple layout change that changes div IDs or classes, for example, could completely screw up the system).

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Feb 3, 2012 2:04 PM CST up reply actions

Yes and No. The problem of identifying players is not a trivial one. Using just a full name can’t be done as the boxscores have a shocking number of misspellings and alternate spellings (i.e. Dan Cleary, Danny Cleary, Daniel Cleary or Kronvall vs Kronwall).

To clarify when you search in the name box nhl.com is not involved in any way. The hockeycssi.com database just uses the nhl ID as the primary key for convenience. The nhl id is only read the first time a player is encountered by the database. Also, nhl.com has changed their layouts just about every season and so when the software loads a box-score it has to go through several different paths depending on what season the game is from.

So yes, next season when nhl.com makes some minor (or major) change to their box scores the code will need to be updated but once a game (or player) is loaded into the database nhl.com is no longer involved.

by ChuckyD on Feb 3, 2012 2:30 PM CST up reply actions

Ah, okay. That makes sense. There used to be a few sites that did similar data scraping that did it the way you are, but never really paid attention to the changes. So every few months, their sites stopped working. Being reliant on an outside source sucks. Too bad someone like Hockey-Reference doesn’t have open access to its databases.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Feb 3, 2012 3:03 PM CST up reply actions

Clicking on the link does nothing for me

by DarthSparty on Feb 3, 2012 2:13 PM CST reply actions

You shouldn’t have to click on a link. There should be a interface for you to join the league and then enter all your predictions. Since I assume you aren’t seeing it what browser are you using?

by ChuckyD on Feb 3, 2012 2:17 PM CST up reply actions

I'm also getting nothing

Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others.
-Groucho Marx

by Jebus El-Daboo on Feb 3, 2012 3:25 PM CST up reply actions

What browser are you using?

by ChuckyD on Feb 3, 2012 3:26 PM CST up reply actions

Google Chrome. Getting nothing.

"Pavel Datsyuk is Magic."

by EuroCap on Feb 3, 2012 3:29 PM CST up reply actions

hmmm.

I definitely wasn’t expecting you to say Chrome as that is what I do all of my development in and am using right now.

I assume that you are using an up to date version of chrome since it auto-updates. Do you have any kind of blocking or filtering extensions installed that would block an iFrame? Also please check that javascript is not disabled.

by ChuckyD on Feb 3, 2012 3:45 PM CST up reply actions

Working now so idk lol,

"Pavel Datsyuk is Magic."

by EuroCap on Feb 3, 2012 8:07 PM CST up reply actions

I.E 9

Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others.
-Groucho Marx

by Jebus El-Daboo on Feb 3, 2012 3:44 PM CST up reply actions

Thanks. I will test IE 9 when I get access to my windows computer.

by ChuckyD on Feb 3, 2012 3:46 PM CST up reply actions

Appreciate the effort Sir

You are a true gentleman

Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others.
-Groucho Marx

by Jebus El-Daboo on Feb 3, 2012 3:52 PM CST up reply actions

I believe the issue is that the prediction widget is loaded in an iFrame from hockeycssi.com

The authentication cookie which keeps you logged in is technically a third party cookie which I believe is being blocked.

http://www.hockeycssi.com/predict.prediction/leaguepage?leagueId=1

Try this direct link. If this works then it is indeed a cookie issue with your browser.

by ChuckyD on Feb 3, 2012 7:53 PM CST up reply actions

The link works

any ideas to fix my browser would be much appreciated

Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others.
-Groucho Marx

by Jebus El-Daboo on Feb 3, 2012 8:11 PM CST up reply actions

The Intertron is the bane of my existence

Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others.
-Groucho Marx

by Jebus El-Daboo on Feb 3, 2012 8:13 PM CST up reply actions

Go to “Internet Options” in IE
There should be a button “Sites”. Click it.

Enter “hockeycssi.com” and click “Allow”

It should work.

by ChuckyD on Feb 3, 2012 8:37 PM CST up reply actions

Also

If you can you might want to give Google Chrome a try.

Not trying to start a religious thing with browsers but depending on your situation I would at least try it and see if you like it.

by ChuckyD on Feb 3, 2012 8:39 PM CST up reply actions

Nothing here either.

Tried FF10 and IE9.

In FF10 a window opens allowing me to choose google or yahoo as my openid provider. Once I choose one(yahoo) the window just closes. I disabled all my addons and tried again with the same results.

In IE9 the first time I tried I got the openid selection window. Now clicking the login button does nothing and there’s no indication of a popup window being blocked.

My gut instinct is that it is a cookie issue (I’ve given sbnation carte blance access for cookies in FF but not yahoo) or it stems from the fact that I wasn’t logged into sbnation the 1st time I went through the openid process.

by wingingintherain on Feb 3, 2012 4:34 PM CST up reply actions

I can confirm issues with IE. Be advised that authentication cookies are set by the hockeycssi.com domain not sbnation.com
If you could allow cookies from hockeycssi.com and retest in Firefox it would be greatly appreciated.

by ChuckyD on Feb 3, 2012 7:00 PM CST up reply actions

See my reply to above comment about possible cookie issue.

Try this direct link. If it works then it is indeed a cookie issue in your browser. http://www.hockeycssi.com/predict.prediction/leaguepage?leagueId=1

by ChuckyD on Feb 3, 2012 7:54 PM CST up reply actions

That fixed it.

Thanks. I suspected something like this was the issue.

As I was troubleshooting the issue I nuked all cookies, closed all tabs, and went through the login process. That simple act gives you a ton of cookies.

1 – hockeycssi.com
4 – nhl.com
1 – ox-d.sbnation.com
2 – sbnation
3 – video.nhl.com
12 – wingingitinmowtown
7 – yahoo.com

Nothing wrong with that, per se, I just found it interesting.

by wingingintherain on Feb 3, 2012 11:49 PM CST up reply actions

Updated now

added MuleRules, should be good to add whatever is necessary

Fan of the Tigers ~ Lions ~ Red Wings! - Restoring Pride to Detroits Sports Teams
WIIM Mursak Leagues Wingedmule (97-90-38)) PoD Bench Leagues PackMules (7th)
Get better in 2012 Lions! - Thanks for a Great Season (10-7)

by MuleRules on Feb 3, 2012 2:51 PM CST reply actions

Hey MuleRules

I just attempted to import your old predictions. You are the official guinea pig.

Let me know if it looks like something is missing or wrong (which there is a good chance something would be).

by ChuckyD on Feb 3, 2012 3:23 PM CST up reply actions

Look at JJ in 1st

he’s enjoying it while it lasts

I like to Dangle Dangle.

by playboyperry509 on Feb 3, 2012 3:42 PM CST reply actions

Haha

It only lasts until we get all the scores updated, because I KNOW I’m not really in first.

by J.J. from Kansas on Feb 3, 2012 4:04 PM CST up reply actions

cool – works great.

"Need more shoot" Pavel Datsyuk

by Kendal on Feb 3, 2012 4:47 PM CST reply actions

good form

not sure how, but you have even made the predictions classy. Well played.

by normypants on Feb 3, 2012 5:17 PM CST via iPhone app reply actions

This is what I've always wanted

Predicting Jackets/Wings games a month ahead of time!

I like to Dangle Dangle.

by playboyperry509 on Feb 3, 2012 5:34 PM CST reply actions

This was one of my primary motivations for the new widget.

Since my work schedule essentially can preclude internet access for days a time, I wanted to be able to make predictions in advance.

by ChuckyD on Feb 3, 2012 7:56 PM CST up reply actions

Oooooh perty

I like it.

Manager of the Mursak League's Banzai Bananas. BANZAI!!!

by Dannik99 on Feb 3, 2012 6:12 PM CST reply actions

Thanks for the kind words.

by ChuckyD on Feb 3, 2012 7:55 PM CST up reply actions

My username is Slapshotgoal. I’m using Firefox and it’s working ok. I did have to enable cookies for hockeycssi.com thought.

by SlapshotGoal on Feb 3, 2012 8:44 PM CST reply actions

Because I have no idea where else to post this...

And maybe some people will actually see this. Its a condensed version of last nights game that highlights Howard’s injury at the 11:19 mark in the video. And also shows that Datsyuk had absolutely nothing to do with Kelser going down at the 12:16 mark in the video and it was actually Franzen that decided to put his stick in Kesler’s skates, as you can clearly see him looking around wondering if they were going to call anything.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAR5tmqD1Sw

by Ladislavman on Feb 3, 2012 9:00 PM CST reply actions

Thanks for posting.

I was wondering how Jimmy’s finger got broken. Weird how it was a completely routine save and didn’t look like anything at all. Enjoy the rest Jimmah, but get better soon!

by SlapshotGoal on Feb 3, 2012 9:10 PM CST up reply actions

i followed the steps/entered the info - not sure if worked? dont see my name and such

Asheeshy's Twitter

"A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day." ~ Calvin (C & H)

by Igorzba on Feb 4, 2012 2:54 AM CST reply actions

"No data available in table"

and i can’t make predictions. Did I forget a step?

by Darthferrer on Feb 4, 2012 10:08 AM CST reply actions

I got the same thing.

I’m using IE8 at home and at work. Did I do something wrong? Am I forever shut out of making predictions? Not that it would really matter since I’m so bad at it, but still. Any help would be appreciated. I am somewhat of a technophobe since I don’t want to hit something that will forever disable my computer or screw up the site.

Follow me on Twitter -- @zfan16

by zfan16 on Feb 5, 2012 8:11 PM CST up reply actions

Just make sure you’re still putting your predictions in comments of the morning skates. We’ll make sure you don’t get shut out of predictions. Thanks!

by J.J. from Kansas on Feb 6, 2012 11:56 AM CST up reply actions

The issue is the way IE decided to handle third-party cookies. If you want to use IE you need to allow the hockeycssi.com domain to set cookies.

Go to "Internet Options" in IE There should be a button "Sites". Click it. Enter "hockeycssi.com" and click "Allow" and It should work.

Alternatively, if you are not held captive to IE I would really consider giving Google Chrome a shot.

by ChuckyD on Feb 6, 2012 12:04 PM CST up reply actions

I will have to do that at home

don’t have any control over cookies here at work or which browser I use. May try Google Chrome, as long as I don’t do anything to it to blow up the universe.

Follow me on Twitter -- @zfan16

by zfan16 on Feb 6, 2012 12:58 PM CST up reply actions

I entered my prediction but I don't see a submit button or anything.

Do I just put it in and leave it? Or am I missing something?

by SlapshotGoal on Feb 4, 2012 11:03 AM CST reply actions

Looking at my database it looks like you have saved predictions. The “save” button will disappear once the game starts.

by ChuckyD on Feb 6, 2012 12:05 PM CST up reply actions

As a Detroit fan for years and you may say I am a fare weather fan or what ever, this Detroit team sucks the diplay they put on last night is typical of how they have played all season. All kinds of talent but no effort from about half their players, this is the way they play from game to game. Who do u blame I don’t know maybe Babcock again I dont know. Living inToronto and buy what I totally can’t stand the Leafs, but watching them play with half the talent, it is amazing how much effort they but into there games compared to the Wings. Sometimes the Wings show up sometimes they don’t, if these overpriced guys would but effort into there games I am sure they would not be giving away points against weaker teams game in and game out. Again I read all the bull@@@@ about there Cup chances, and I tell you this they are slim and none too many passengers, no effort half the time no postion defensively, even their once great power play sucks. Did you see that 2 man advantage against Edmonton, a peewee team could have done better. As Red Wing fan and I said this earlier in the season no Cup they still will be lucky to get by the 1st round in the playoffs, if in fact they keep it together to make the playoffs, yes make the playoffs. Time to all go to work not just half of them, make some trades rebuild. Much as I hate too say this the Leafs will win another Cup before the Red Wings unless some changes are made and quick. At least the Leafs skate hit and show desire, and they also have defense men that can shut down the other teams and know how to box out forwards and actually hit forwards standing around in front of their net. You see teams come back against Detroit all the time as their d men chase around in their own end stick checking the puck. Sad were is Konsatinvov.

by JRDH on Feb 5, 2012 9:20 AM CST reply actions

This is just about the weirdest post for this comment to have gone in.

by J.J. from Kansas on Feb 5, 2012 9:34 AM CST up reply actions

Still isnt working for me.

Ive tried it from IE8 and IE9.

When I click “Open Log-In Dialog” a pop-up window opens up, I click the gmail button, the pop-up window closes, and then the pane where the “Open Log-In Dialog” button is refreshes, but doesnt change/load anything new.

I even tried registering on the cssi site itself. What am I doing wrong?

by Ghoststriker on Feb 5, 2012 10:57 PM CST reply actions