messing-about.com outgrew its old server, and we were close to having to pay for bandwidth (expensive). In addition, the forum software was slow, and getting harder and harder to maintain once we got over 2000 messages. In looking for a new host, I found some who would not allow the old software to be installed on their systems. Hmmm ... I took that as a hint.
So we switched to phpBB software for the forums, and our new host provides us with a faster server, more web space, and a few other nice features (in fact, we were the first site on their newest server). I know some of you don't like the "flat file" style of these forums, but I tried to find one that had the feature set we needed, and was cheap enough for me to install. phpBB is open source, and free, and we have picture uploading (for registered members), smileys, "bbcode" for formatting messages, and some other nice features.
Many features require that you register, but you can still read, post and reply without registering. Registration is easy enough. You have to provide your email to register, but it isn't sold and won't be displayed ... someone has to click a link to get to it, preventing the spam robots from harvesting it. Registration will also allow you to post pictures in our gallery and, when its available, put up your own home page in our My Home Port section.
The last 2200 messages from the old Main Forum have been imported, but some of the older ones didn't make the transition. The slower forums, including the B & B Yacht Designs Forum were imported on Jan. 10, so the newest messages there are that old. Same with the Design Forum and Classifieds.
Finally, check the home page, and the new format of the Weekender, Small Boats and Gaff Rig Pages (some still under construction!)
Soon, I'll have the new "bookstore" up, with the top 100 boat building books of all time. And new gift items in our Gift Shop for those of you who want to support the site.
As always, feel free to enjoy the forums. I hope the new format will grow on you, and it won't interfere with the comraderie we've had over the last two years.