The Forum Software Needs to be Updated

[mpallamary]

The software being used for the forum is version 3.6.4 of vbulletin and it is pretty much antiquated. It is essentially DOS based. The current version of the software is 5.0 and it is drag and drop windows based and it allows for a broader array of attachments such as clean video inserts, etc. I have attached a screen shot to this message.

I propose we modernize this system so it is more efficient. There is also a modern mobile application and the cost is very reasonable.

We should be using modern technology here. Here is the link:

https://www.vbulletin.com/overview/?gcl ... 4AodlRgAHQ

[Lee Hixson]

For sure! This is way overdue.

[squid]

Even though I'm more of a lurker than a poster, I vote to upgrade!

[Jim Frame]

I'm mostly agnostic regarding an upgrade, but will note that the almost total absence of images and external resources necessary to render the page make it very quick to load. That's a big plus when accessing the site via a marginal connection.

Newer isn't always better. The RPLS. com changeover/suicide is an object lesson in what can happen when you change platforms without knowing what you're doing.

[dmi]

50% of the lurkers I know are Mensa members. This tends to lead me to form the opinion that lurkers are smarter than almost everyone else. If Squid thinks its a good idea count me in as well.

[mpallamary]

Cast a vote my old friend!

[mpallamary]

version 3.6.4 was released in November 2006, seven years ago.

It is a dinosaur in terms of technology. A new system will no doubt be faster, cleaner, easier to use, more compatible, etc.

Upgrading to a modern version has great benefits:
Forums
-Unlimited Hierarchy of Forums
-Private Forums

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Threads
-Thread and forum subscription (notification by email optional)
-Admin tools: edit, delete, move, lock, make sticky, etc.
-Email page to friend option

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Posts
-Supports BB Code in posts
-Supports HTML in post
-Smilies
-Avatars
-WYSIWYG or standard editors for posts and Private Messages
-Attachment images (.gif, .jpg., etc.) stored on filesystem (optional, via Admin CP)
-Preview post option
-Polls
-Post Reporting - report posts to moderators
-User post count
-Admin tools: edit, delete, move, etc.
-Preview-safe Attachments

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Member Features
-Member Profile Pages (updated in 4.0). This information can be viewed by other members from the member list. Custom user title, URL home page, date of birth, instant messaging medium, location, occupation, biography, interests, vB version, plus any other custom user fields that may be defined by the administrator.
-Allows members to upload pictures that can be viewed in the user's profile.
-Private Messaging
-Friends List
-Member Birthdays shown on Forum home
-Who's Online
-Signature Editor

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Avatar Options
-Custom Avatars - upload from own computer or specify a URL

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Private Messaging
-Private Message Tracking
-Private Message filling in custom folders

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Privacy & Permissions
-Permission system, based on user, usergroup or forums
-Private Forums

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General
-Email and password changes require current password

Users & Usergroups
-User registration options
-User banning (by name & IP)
-Global Ignore User - When enabled, all posts by the specified user will be ignored/unseen by other members. Automatically added to all users ignore lists.
-Unlimited Moderators and SuperModerators
-Permission system, based on user, usergroup or forums

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User Options
-These include Daylight Savings options, forum style chooser, selection of notification types for PM, emails etc., thread display options, WYSIWYG editor options, and language chooser

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Admin & Board Maintenance
-Task Scheduler
-Control Panel, Moderator & Task logs
-Post Pruning

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Moderation
-Moderation queues for user registration and posting

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Attachments
-Attachment thumbnails (requires PHP to have GD enabled)
-Storage type options for attachments (database or file system)

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Styling & Templates
-Powerful Templating System
-Conditionals supported in the templates
-Ability to create multiple styles which can be applied to different forums and users

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Template Engine and Layouts
-Proprietary template engine
-Template/Skins
-Full CSS layout and design
-Sitewide templates: you can create an entire site using a default set of templates
-Powerful, fast and suitable for robust development
-Add-ons and Plug-ins
-Easily extensible through a plug-in architecture and variety of accessible plug-ins

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Language & Phrase Management
-Phrase manager

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Help and FAQ
-Context sensitive help throughout the adminCP

[Anthony Maffia]

I agree that a software update would be nice.

Note that many of the features Mr. Pallamary listed are in the current version of this software, but they are disabled on purpose by the central office. I asked about having them turned on, and was told that it would be prohibitively expensive to hire an administrator to make changes.

They simply have BB codes, images, subscriptions disabled.

[Anthony Maffia]

They simply have BB codes, images, subscriptions disabled.

They did turn on quotes, though.

[btaylor]

Yeah for a while here quoting would not work, and that was annoying.

[mpallamary]

If the forum is a valued tool for the members, who is it that decides how much time and effort is required to maintain it?

Should not the members of CLSA make this decision? Should we not know what it will cost to upgrade and maintain?

Who's forum is this?

[LS 4722]

I agree with Frame..

Anyway Mike, if you really want new software for the forum, just buy it and donate it to CLSA.

[land butcher]

I find most upgrades require more user input when they should require less.
If the new software is easier for the user and has more features then go for it, but if, like this software, if someone is going to limit it's features why bother.

[E_Page]

I'm with Jim on this. An upgrade, properly done to enhance the usefulness of the forum but not to completely reconstruct it from the ground up would be good. Attempting to completely redefine how it's organized, how to navigate, how to search, etc. can be self destructive.

The POB forum rebuild made it so cumbersome that it was useless, even with a high speed connection. I visited a few times when it was new, got frustrated each time and didn't visit again for quite some time. I now take a look once every few months, note the lack of interesting topics (and the incessant and pointless bickering of a couple participants), and leave without posting anything or checking the ads.

I like the basic functionality of this forum. It's easy to navigate and easy to search. I wish it had the enhanced functionality of being able to use html codes, and a broader/better method of handling attachments. I don't think it needs much beyond that.

[Stephen Johnson]

I'm with Jim on this. An upgrade, properly done to enhance the usefulness of the forum but not to completely reconstruct it from the ground up would be good. Attempting to completely redefine how it's organized, how to navigate, how to search, etc. can be self destructive.

The POB forum rebuild made it so cumbersome that it was useless, even with a high speed connection. I visited a few times when it was new, got frustrated each time and didn't visit again for quite some time. I now take a look once every few months, note the lack of interesting topics (and the incessant and pointless bickering of a couple participants), and leave without posting anything or checking the ads.

I like the basic functionality of this forum. It's easy to navigate and easy to search. I wish it had the enhanced functionality of being able to use html codes, and a broader/better method of handling attachments. I don't think it needs much beyond that.

Evan,

I was one of the 40 beta users on the POB new forum before they let everyone else in. It is still as bad now as it was in the very beginning.

For years I was one of the people on there quite often. Now only maybe 3 times a year.

They did not listen to us.

SJ

[Peter Ehlert]

the poll
no option for maybe...

My vote is Maybe update, but for sure change the user options

this is kinda like a car with tho hood welded shut, but it does run ;-)

[mpallamary]

Thanks Peter! I have a 1987 4 wheel Jeep. I love it and my wife hates it. It still drives but not like a new car.

My thinking is the software is 7 years old and not windows friendly. Also with a mobile APP, that would be entering the modern age. It also lets folks run blogs and easily post pictures. That would be pretty cool!

I think 7 years in terms of software is about as ancient as it gets and I am sure it all works better. I am now running WINDOWS 8 on my computers. Seven years ago WINDOWS XP was the dominant software.

PS, I hope all is well with you and yours.

[Coy Glasscock]

an iPhone APP would be great also... if the admin needs help, let me know.