Forum Maintenance

Hi guys.

This forum is looooong overdue for some maintenance and updates.

I have a plan to update the forum-software to the latest version.

Unfortunately that will mean we'll have to say goodbye to the shoutbox I've created.

Instead there's a chat-room feature in the new version, that I don't really know how works.

I do know, though, that it's something you actively have to open, whereas the shoutbox is just there.

I also know that the shoutbox isn't very stable, but I don't really have to time to work on it.

So, basically, I'm giving you two choices here:

1) Upgrade the forum to the latest version. There's a ton of fixes and small features in there, ie. tablet/mobile layout.

2) Keep version as is and keep the shoutbox as is.

The upgrade is $90, so I won't do it, if people would actually prefer to keep the shoutbox.

Should probably mention that I'm also looking into converting the forum into a free forum software.

Let me know what you think.

My biggest complaint with the forum IS the software. It's an odd ball, probably because on the back end it's a little wonky. The SPAM features obviously don't work since I now manually register everyone because we were having so many problems. I do think that the update adds better security. I know moving from one software to another can be tricky, but I think phpBB is the best out there as far as over all functionality, and it's free. I'm admin on forums that use Web Wiz (this forum), Simple Machines, and phpBB and phpBB has been the least troublesome. This forum is slow enough where I'm ok manually registering everyone, but it would be nice to be able to have automatic registration again. In the end, I'm ok with any option, they all have their upsides.

I wrote a lot of yadi-daa only to have it deleted when I tried to post it, so here's a short version:

I'll be trying to do a conversion to phpBB sometime soon, to see how many problems it's actually causing - my concern right now, is that all passwords will be invalidated, so it's important that all users e-mail addresses are correct, so they can receive new ones.

I appreciate that you're willing to chip in on the costs. I had actually thought about adding a Google Ad previously but decided not to, as I don't really like the idea. Also, I'm not looking to profit in any way on this forum but it would be nice to cover some of the costs.

Who knows, maybe I'll add a Donate-button sometime, then people can put a tip in the jar, if they feel like it.

Anyway, will get back when I know some more about the conversion.

All your input is really appreciated, so please keep it coming :)

We should, at a minimum, update the software here; if not able to convert it to another, and I am more than willing to help pay for the costs rather than have adverts everywhere.

Edited by Superman - 27-Feb-2014 at 19:40

It would be cool if the new software had the gallery or garage feature with it.