Forum Software Upgraded

[Head Surfer]

To everyone who questions the change:

Main reason for the change:

The old software was buggy, outdated, unsupported, and a security risk. It was patched together with "add ons" that are also unsupported. It was only a matter of time before it broke completely as it didn't support the latest MySQL databases, nor the latest PHP (programming language). The upgrade path for that software went in a direction I didn't like at all so that's why I didn't stay with the same software. Believe me if I had upgraded to the latest version of the old software there would be a much larger outcry than there is now.

So there it is, I had no choice. Sort of like you continuing to run Windows 98 on your current computer.

There were secondary reasons, most of them apply to the ease of managing the forum, and allowing users ability to better interact with each other. But that is secondary, the main reason is stated above.

 

[Head Surfer]

This got me thinking back to past software changes we made:

In 2002 we change from WWWBoard where all the threads were one under the other as was the custom of that day to PHPBB, and the outcry was huge. After eveyrone got used to the new format they liked it.

We have changed platforms two other times since then, and this is the 3rd and I hope last time. I looked over all the different options and choose the one I thought best to carry the forum into the future. One that had an active support community, active developers who were responsive to their customers when they had a problem.

So give it a chance, we are starting our 16th year now, and I do thank everyone for their support.

 

[Head Surfer]

As far as the ads, there are the same number of ad units as the old forum. The forum is ad supported, that pays the bills.

If anyone wants to become a Supporting Member you can both support the forum and get rid of the ads. Cost is $25 per year.

Click on "account upgrades" after clicking your name in the menu bar or click the link below:

http://appraisersforum.com/forums/account/upgrades

 

[Pat Butler]

Pat, scroll down to the very bottom of the page. In the left hand corner you can toggle between "Modern" and "Classic" view. Switch to classic and that will help.

Thanks, that helps a little bit with the length. Now if I can find a way to get rid of the swimming pool blue color I'd be all set

 

[Head Surfer]

Thanks, that helps a little bit with the length. Now if I can find a way to get rid of the swimming pool blue color I'd be all set

The colors used in the classic style are similar to those used in our old forum.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

I like the new format fine but notice it is easier to double post. I still have been unable to attach a pix even after loading the newest adobe flash. And I notice I could not attach a file even in the PMs.

 

[Ms. Janet]

As far as the ads, there are the same number of ad units as the old forum. The forum is ad supported, that pays the bills.

If anyone wants to become a Supporting Member you can both support the forum and get rid of the ads. Cost is $25 per year.

Click on "account upgrades" after clicking your name in the menu bar or click the link below:

http://appraisersforum.com/forums/account/upgrades

That is a great idea. Personally, I don't notice or mind the ads, but we have been living here rent free. I like having the option to support the forum.

 

[Head Surfer]

I like the new format fine but notice it is easier to double post. I still have been unable to attach a pix even after loading the newest adobe flash. And I notice I could not attach a file even in the PMs.

Terrel I really don't know why you can't post pictures as others have done so with no problem. Please try it with a different browser and see if it works.

As far as double posting, don't hit the back button on your browser after you have posted and it shouldn't happen.

 

[Head Surfer]

I like the new format fine but notice it is easier to double post. I still have been unable to attach a pix even after loading the newest adobe flash. And I notice I could not attach a file even in the PMs.

I made a slight change that may help you uploading a photo. Please try now, with the same browser that was giving you problems.

 

[gregb]

Wayne, upload a file now works.

Thanks.