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Retired!

Turn GIST.com TV listings into vCalendar files that Microsoft Outlook (and most other PIMs) can automatically import.

Looks like GIST.com took my idea. They now have a built-in feature to create a Microsoft Outlook calendar item. So... No need for this utility any more!

The rest of this page has been preserved for no particular reason... GIST's site format has probably changed enough to break the functionality, so don't bother trying to use it...

Introduction

Microsoft Outlook pretty much runs my life. I couldn't live without it. I use GIST.com to find TV shows and movies that I'm interested in, then...believe it or not...I create an appointment to remind me to watch it. Why not set the VCR to just tape it? Well...I usually don't want to tape the show. I just want to watch it. This is a super-fast, no fuss, solution.

So anyway, I wrote a little Perl script that turns a GIST.com show description page into a vCalendar file, which Outlook (and others) can automatically import.

Requirements

Your favorite software that can import vCalendar files (most PIMs).
My vCal "Bookarklet". How do you use this? Read on...

Usage

First, install the bookmarklet by adding a new Favorite / Bookmark:

If you're curious, check out the Bookmarklets Home Page for more info on these guys.
Right-click the "vCal" link above.
Choose "Add to Favorites" for Internet Explorer, or "Add Bookmark" for Netscape. (Hey Mac users- How do you add in-line bookmarks?)
NOTE: Internet Explorer may display a security warning. Choose "Yes" to add the Favorite. If you're nervous about doing so, take a look at the bookmark source - it's benign.
For maximum convenience, place the vCal bookmark in your "Links" folder for Internet Explorer, or "Personal Toolbar" for Netscape.

You're ready to go

Visit GIST.com, and go to a show's description page.
Click the vCal Favorite / Bookmark you just created. You DO NOT need to come back here - just use the Bookmark!
That's it! Your vCalendar program should automatically take over and create a new calendar item. If it doesn't, send me an email explaining what OS, browser, and vCalendar software you're using. I'll try to support it.

Enhancements / Bugs

I need your help!!
Please send me an email if you find a bug, or if you can help with the following:

Microsoft Outlook sets things up nicely such that after clicking my vCal Bookmark, it automatically creates a new appointment without any additional input. I have no idea if other software will behave that well. Please send me your experiences!
If you use a different online TV listing site, send me an email, and I'll try to support it. Visit the TV 2 vCal page for more details.

Last updated: January 8, 2003

Retired!

Last updated:
Nov 9, 2003
Visits: 3446
Email

Send questions / suggestions / bug reports to software@Kodey.com

This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE. Blah.

This software is freeware. Help me spread the word and link to http://www.kodey.com/software

Copyright © 2001-2012 Rob Kodey, Kodey.com