Upgrades to the forum script, should we or shouldn't we?

[The Bar Keep]

There is a new script available to forum's operating under the smf platform. We have installed a version of it on a sister domain to this forum that can be found at www.crabbyhostforum.com please take a look. Here are the problems that Deb and myself are contemplating.

First thing we will lose is the template. The template we are using now will not work on the new script because it is a beta version. A bunch of the mods, like buy me a beer, will be lost, most of them the members don't see anyway. There is no telling what else we will lose but we will keep the members and posts unless Deb runs into a problem installing the new script (there will be several backups so if we lose the posts and members we will revert back to the old script). All in all the biggest problem I see is the template.

What are the advantages for the new script. Well most of it is back end stuff that you will most likely never see but many of the mods we had wanted would now be available. Member groups, better moderation, spam control, user warning system and a much more advanced PM system, that is just a few plus enhancements to existing mods.


Please consider a choice in the poll above and we have no problem with any option. If the members want a second forum for the time being until a template to our likely becomes available then so be it. My suggestion if we do go the 2 forum route for the time being would be to make the second forum strictly a BUSINESS atmosphere because the new features will cater to that and we can link back and forth. So it's up to the members, you decide!!!


Joe - The Bar Keep

[The Tavern Wench]

I know for sure we will lose the Shoutbox (it is integrated within the current theme) and there is a good chance we will lose Rock, Paper Scissors. 

The entire layout will change.  There won't be a 'homepage' with the main news/articles on the front and we will lose the 'columns'. 

Essentially what you see on the new install site is what we would have until either they (1) make new templates for this version (I predict this will happen soon) or (2) They come up with an upgrade version for our current template/portal script (estimate is late 2008).

[The Tavern Wench]

I've been tweaking. 

[bbhc]

we will lose the 'columns'. 

Why?  We use the default template on all 3 of our SMF forums and they all have columns. 

[2boysandtoys]

Deb/Joe - I didn't vote.....but - am very flexible!  As our hosts, I think you all should do that which is easiest for you and I can adapt!!!  I've used both, and both are 'all good' by me!

 

So -  - for asking - I'm good with either!!! 

[The Pet Guy]

I don't do change well. I like the current look. Deb you and Joe are our leaders,you should do what you think is best for the forum and the back end use. Would be a shame to lose anything. It has taken a long time to build it. JMO

Better have a good sl=pell chacker

[QUILT]

there is a good chance we will lose Rock, Paper Scissors. 

OH DEAR GOD.....say it isn't so 

[Dixie_Collections]

It is fine with me, but the avatars show up too small. I love forums that use Simple Machine.

[The Bar Keep]

While we still are looking for votes and opinions on the upgrade we encourage all members to give the installed version a test drive at www.crabbyhostforum.com


Please post your likes and dislikes, suggestions etc... in this thread as a decision will be made over the weekend as to when the upgrade will occur (yes it will happen, the benifits only make sense to do it).


Joe - The Bar Keep

[farvelcargo]

I voted for upgrade the forum and lose the theme.   <---- I think I made a hasty decision!
I'm with The Pet Guy though, change is a drag.
But I can get use to it, Joe and Deb, you should do what is easiest for you.

Sue

[The Bar Keep]

I voted for upgrade the forum and lose the theme.   <---- I think I made a hasty decision!
I'm with The Pet Guy though, change is a drag.
But I can get use to it, Joe and Deb, you should do what is easiest for you.

Sue

I must say we both like the theme and hate to lose it but the plus side of the update is tremendous. The other thing is we could do a home page/landing page to sort of match what we have now. Best thing to do is test it yourself and see what the difference is. Did ya happen to notice that the boards can be linked to a url? That will improve the benefits of posting to promote yourself 10 fold once we get that setup with a few preliminary ideas. The other benifit is user groups and the list goes on and on.

[The Pet Guy]

While we still are looking for votes and opinions on the upgrade we encourage all members to give the installed version a test drive at www.crabbyhostforum.com


Please post your likes and dislikes, suggestions etc... in this thread as a decision will be made over the weekend as to when the upgrade will occur (yes it will happen, the benifits only make sense to do it).


Joe - The Bar Keep

Sounds like the decision has been made. I have been looking at the new improved? Crabby Host. I see some of the current posters are already registered there. I send my well wishes for a smooth transaction. How long will this version of the forum be active?

[QUILT]

I have been posting over at the new forum.  I figured it generally takes me a bit longer to get going than it does other.  It does appear to be user friendly and I must say not having the paper, rock, scissors has given me great pleasure.

Deb and Joe keep up the great work.

[chiquita]

Joe and Deb,
Do whatever is easiest for you, and best for the members.
I trust ya 

Quilt can get the games going again, just bring the bar and we are good to go
 

[The Bar Keep]

I have been posting over at the new forum.  I figured it generally takes me a bit longer to get going than it does other.  It does appear to be user friendly and I must say not having the paper, rock, scissors has given me great pleasure.

Deb and Joe keep up the great work.

Just to clarify for some and not saying that QUILT doesn't understand. The upgrades will take place here on this domain www.thecrabbyhost.com the other forum is just so the members here can test drive the upgraded version as well as for myself and Deb to get a feel for it. Once the upgrade takes place the test forum will point to this domain so in other words we are not moving. The theme will be gone but we will remain right here. If you feel like testing out the new version please feel free to register at www.crabbyhostforum.com and please note many of the new features are not turned on at this point at the test forum.


Hope this helps and if you get lost at the test forum there is a link back to this forum.


Joe - The Bar Keep