Forum Software Upgrade

[Frank Hagan]

I'm looking at upgrading messing-about.com's forum software.  At the very least, I have to re-install the current software with a clean, fresh install, as it is getting a bit flakey.

What forum software do you prefer? 

vBulletin - this software is commercial, and used by sites like the Wooden Boat Forum and the woodworking site Sawmill Creek.

Invision Power Board - another commercial package, it is well respected and offers some of the same features as vBulletin.  Easier to attach images, better editors, etc.

phpBB is a leading software package, but I'm having trouble getting the images to transfer over.  I won't be able to switch to that if I can't solve the image import problem, but its on the short list.

SMF is the current software, and they have a new version coming out soon.  They are also in turmoil, with developers leaving and new ones coming on; it might be best to wait a bit on it.  You can see the community site at SMF's website.

Periodically, I'll be testing software packages at http://www.messing-about.com/forum/

[Steve Day]

Frank,

I don't know enough about these software packages to provide good input. I have voted to use whatever you select.

I was wondering why we were offline last night.

Steve

[Frank Hagan]

I was wondering why we were offline last night.

That was actually my fault.  I put the software into "maintenance mode", but didn't think that it was actually in maintenance mode because of the error message I was getting.  My log in worked fine (duh, I'm the admin!), so I didn't realize the problem until I got a couple of emails about it today.

[Ken_Potts]

  I trust you completely, Frank.  This is my very favorite place on the internets and I know you'll pick software that's good for me to interact with and also good for you to maintain.

  I dig through some pretty archaic bulletin board stuff to talk about building airplanes and I think it's a hoot that this boatbuilding forum is light-years ahead of the aviation sites for ease-of-use.

  Keep up the good work!  I'm looking forward to seeing the new stuff.  If the aerospace guys can't do it, somebody has to, right?  8)

[Frank Hagan]

As you can see, there are some issues ... lost my custom theme, but I was able to prune some of the old stuff. 

I hope to get it cleaned up and then I'll upgrade the software ... or maybe just leave it cleaned up!

[Hirilonde]

I voted that you do what ever you think best, for many reasons, not the least of which is I have nothing worth advising.  There are very few forums worth being part of.  The people make it worth participating and the integrity maintained by the admin is why these people participate.

[lewisboats]

I tend to like BoatDesign.net's software...it allows decent sized attachments along with html to insert pictures etc. I do like the extra smilies over here though  :BIG:

[paul_stewart]

Frank,

Amen to what Ken and Dave said.   This website is a beauty.  Much appreciated!   It is hard to improve on perfection.   Thanks for all your great efforts.  "Keep up the good work," as they say.

--Paul

[Oyster]

Everything is cool with the site, including keeping all but one of the scurvy critters out of here too. 8) Pick your poison for sure.

[Frank Hagan]

I tend to like BoatDesign.net's software...it allows decent sized attachments along with html to insert pictures etc.

Boatdesign.net is using vBulletin, version 3.  It is great software, used by the majority of the commercial sites.  vBulletin would be a slam dunk for new software, but they have just released a new version 4, and they have a ton of hosts dropping them over the change in the upgrade policy.  Without getting too far into the weeds, they are suspending updates for anyone not willing to pay nearly full price for the upgrade to version 4, even if they want to keep running v3.  That means every vBulletin system out there will become vulnerable to hacking as the years go on unless the webmaster ponies up another $175 to $200.  And version 5 is rumored to come along in a year or so, with another forced upgrade cost.  And their support right now is horrible, judging from the complaints on their support forums.

[lewisboats]

Figures...just because I like it it has to be a PITA!

[Frank Hagan]

I have to tell you, though, that it is still attractive to me.  The only thing holding me back is that their support is faltering right now, and if there's a problem, it is truly a PITA!

Software is a lot like boats ...

[lewisboats]

As a former computer tech and current boat builder and amateur designer...I heartily agree!!