Forum Upgrade

Post by **Fan** » 05-19-2011 12:01 PM

Just a poll to see what people think. Assuming I could find a suitable platform to upgrade the forum to, would you support this decision?

CoastZone · Post by **CoastZone** » 05-19-2011 01:00 PM

My vote is, Yes. My reason is that the FantasticForum's current software was created in March of 2003. This is 2011 and many advancements have been made which enhance the forum user experience. Not to mention security.

Art Bell was one to embrace new technology and was not willing to stand in one place. Should the FF be a knot on a log and not enhance itself? Embrace the future and upgrade the forum software.

Right now, from where I stand as a user. We can stay where we are and the result will remain the same. Or, we can take a huge step forward and take a chance to shoot the FF with renewed life..or the chance of a new life.

There are a small handful who like the current, old, outdated software. New guests, may not register because the forum is outdated.

Just my opinion.

turtle101 · Post by **turtle101** » 05-19-2011 01:01 PM

i say what everworks.....if it needs it do it.

Raggedyann · Post by **Raggedyann** » 05-19-2011 01:31 PM

Do you mean that the look would be completely different? If so my vote would be no. I like this place just the way it is.

Post by **Fan** » 05-19-2011 01:57 PM

It is quite possible to make the place look almost the same, that is the theme (just like you can switch to the artbell theme and the place looks totally different). It is more about keeping current, giving features like PMs and searching back, plus we really are open to hacking and security issues running an unsupported forum. They have not issued a security update for many years, although flaws have been found.

I am not arguing one way or another really, but there definitely is a limit to what I can fix here. Given enough time I am sure I can hack this place into mostly full running shape, but that time could be better spent doing other things that would enhance the forum perhaps.

Anyways, just want to get everyone's opinion.

Raggedyann · Post by **Raggedyann** » 05-19-2011 03:01 PM

You are the owner and you would know best. I have always loved this forum for it's open, airy look. I will stay no matter what you decide. Just saying because you were asking.

JimWest · Post by **JimWest** » 05-19-2011 03:52 PM

Upgrading to a version that could support multiple selectable themes would be great. Some users like a dark background, others a white background. That would allow individual selection instead of one for all. Some areas of the forum are currently forced to black background which many don't like, should be selectable on a user basis.

Post by **Fan** » 05-19-2011 05:17 PM

JimWest wrote: Upgrading to a version that could support multiple selectable themes would be great. Some users like a dark background, others a white background. That would allow individual selection instead of one for all. Some areas of the forum are currently forced to black background which many don't like, should be selectable on a user basis.

It is in fact already like that, some forums were set to always use a certain theme, but I am trying to make it user selectable wherever I can. If you find a "forced theme" deck you can let me know by email to [email protected] please.

earthist · Post by **earthist** » 05-19-2011 05:28 PM

I say upgrade, not only for tech reasons (I have a few complaints -- no need to list them), but for financial ones as well. Free software (phpBB, for example) would, I think, be an assist in keeping the board available a long time into the future. As of now, we rely on your (Fan's) personal generosity. Hat's off to you for that, but I don't see any advantage in perpetuating it.

Post by **Fan** » 05-19-2011 06:07 PM

Please, if any oldtimers are around, I would really like to hear from you all. New or old, I'd like to know. I am not deciding anything unilaterally, I want a consensus.

megman · Post by **megman** » 05-20-2011 12:02 PM

I've been around here 11 years and I'm kind of set in the look and feel of the place.

I voted yes but with reservations. If we can keep a look and feel of the old place great, but I am fully aware things must change to keep up with the software world.

Just my humble onion.....

feetsie · Post by **feetsie** » 05-20-2011 03:45 PM

Do what you have to. Whatever you do someone's going to complain. They'll get over it.

Dude111 · Post by **Dude111** » 05-20-2011 11:29 PM

I would say NO!!!!!!

THIS SITE HAS BEEN USING THIS SOFTWARE SINCE 2003 AND LUCKILY HASNT HAD ANY PROBLEMS...

Why upgrade it WHEN THERE IS NO REASON TO DO SO??

I come here for the basicness/niceness of vb2.3 -- Why does this site have to become another overbloated/slow piece of garbage??? (Ridden with facebook,etc)

I will not look forward to being here anymore to be quite frank FAN if you ditch this software...

This is 1000% better than the crap out now,PLEASE DONT RUIN THIS PLACE!!!!!!! (This is the reason i came here to begin with and made such a stink to get on..... PLEASE DONT TAKE IT AWAY)

Patty · Post by **Patty** » 05-20-2011 11:35 PM

I like the FF the way it is, but if you need to change it, so be it. Everything changes eventually. jmho.

Dude111 · Post by **Dude111** » 05-20-2011 11:40 PM

I was hoping this wouldnt be an issue but i dunno now.....

I guess me,Linnea and RC are amoung the very few who realise what GOOD is do whatever we can to stay with it!!

God bless you Linnea,im missing you more than you know

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