The Time Has Come - Forum Software Change

[mrfarb]

Ok Fellas, the time has finally arrived to update the forum software from the 1954 Chevy VBulletin to the 2021 Corvette Xenforo.

Change is hard. Some of you will be aghast at it. But, I am going to try to emulate the existing forum as closely as possible. In fact, I'm paying a company to do the migration for me, professionals who deal in Xenforo software. Its better that way, and more safe in that I won't lose anything.

Here is what to expect - 1 hour of downtime to convert the forum. Most of the transition/migration will happen behind the scenes, with a 1 hour window when the forum will go down and reappear in its new suit.

I plan on running a fund raising drive to cover expenses this year, we've already paid for the hosting and extra space, so there is additional cost for the new software and transition.

This is a huge weight off my shoulders. I've been anxious about us driving around in VBulletin, its very dated and has issues, as its no longer a supported version. To the future!

Mike

P.S. - Bruce agreed with this change, so if shite goes south, I plan on placing the majority of blame on him. Don't tell him I said that, he won't read this anyway is it isn't about Mauser Oberndorf.

 

[CanadianAR]

I hope it isn’t like Waf......,terrible. Lol. But it’s mainly about the content.

 

[mrfarb]

I hope it isn’t like Waf......,terrible. Lol. But it’s mainly about the content.

Hell no. That is VBulletin 5, and one reason I never updated VB4 to that crap. Its the same one Gunboards and all of the main gun forums have gone to. www.falfiles.com is one, but Gunboards is the major one.

It isn't going to be exactly like what we have now, it can't be. VB is out, Xenforo seems to be the stable standard. We HAVE TO DO SOMETHING SOON or we are screwed.

 

[CanadianAR]

I’m on board for change, as long as it isn’t like Waf hahahah.

Let us know when and where to send money!

 

[moconfed]

So the new layout is going to be like gunbroads new look?

 

[mrfarb]

So the new layout is going to be like gunbroads new look?

No, its just the software we will be using. I'm working with someone to have it looks as close as possible to our current layout. Gunboards goes to the "whats new" page first, then you can click through to the full forum listing. We will start at the full forum listing like it is here now.

 

[DukeIronHand]

Guess I’ll be curious.
Out of all the gun forums I visit I always thought this was the best in terms of all-around functionality.
God speed!

 

[RyanE]

I don't like change.

Edit: Forum all-caps filter ruined my joke.

 

[Wolfsburg]

I'd welcome better image hosting options here, if nothing else! When can we expect this to occur?

 

[mrfarb]

Next week. We are going to convert everything over and make a test version. Once it works perfect I'll turn the switch. One day you will wake up and everything will look newer, but the same. I think photo upload will be easier with the new format as well. Other things will work too, maybe PM's will work right.

 

[mrfarb]

Guess I’ll be curious.
Out of all the gun forums I visit I always thought this was the best in terms of all-around functionality.
God speed!

The goal is to keep it similar or better. I know, better can be worse. But the truth is VB4 is too old to be reliable into the future IMO. They stopped doing security updates which is like a ticking time bomb.

 

[Kwperry]

Let’s get it done!

I’m in favor of it, especially if it makes it more usable for techno dinosaurs like me. I’d like to post more photos but I am afraid of screwing it up. Please let us know where we can send donations to offset the cost

 

[whkirkpa]

The goal is to keep it similar or better. I know, better can be worse. But the truth is VB4 is too old to be reliable into the future IMO. They stopped doing security updates which is like a ticking time bomb.

Seems like as good a reason as any!

 

[Absolut]

Looking forward to it. And count me in when it comes to raise funds for this.

 

[Hambone]

.......but without the clickbait and pop ups All good.

 

[joryfreeburg]

Looking forward to it. And count me in when it comes to raise funds for this.

Same here... I missed last time and want to give back on this

 

[M1903A3]

Change is inevitable. The information is why I’m here, the format will be fine however it is. I applaud you guys for changing though, it guarantees the forum will go on for a long time.


Sent from my top secret official Bunker of the Order of the Def’s Hed.

 

[heavy_mech]

.......but without the clickbait and pop ups

WHAT??? Now I'm mad.

 

[bigwagon]

I've actually gotten used to the basic functionality of the new Gunboards forum (and a few others I'm on). But if you can keep the user interface similar to what we have now and eliminate some of the annoying features like Recommended Posts, etc. I think you will have a winning solution.

 

[hale1940]

count me in as well on making a donation when the time comes