I wanted to update everyone on this matter. We have known for over 2 years that we would eventually be forced into upgrading the forum software to vbulletin 4 (we are currently using vb3). This is because the software maker was bought by another company and they basically took vb3 out into the woods, and vb3 didn't come back (yes, a gun shot was heard). So they've engineered the situation so that we have little choice but to upgrade to vb4.
It's expensive, but for us that's not an issue because we have a healthy donations record - thank you. There are a few things you should know though:
It's expensive, but for us that's not an issue because we have a healthy donations record - thank you. There are a few things you should know though:
- Just thinking about this gives me a severe headache. It's a lot of work and I've tried to put it off for 2 years but the upgrade is needed more and more as time goes by (see later points). You don't need to worry much about my headache though.
- The look of the forum will change a little. I'm working on keeping this to a minimum, but I can at least say that some of the menu options will be different.
- You will have near-seemless social network integration with the site. That includes facebook (you can log in with facebook), twitter, and other strangely-named things. This is sorely needed before Caudata.org goes the way of Netscape, Altavista, and Yahoo. Alright, so Yahoo isn't dead yet, but they're picking out a headstone as we speak. And I would sell that stock in RIM if I were you. Where was I...
- We may be able to get a caudata.org-based chat system up again. Not being able to do this anymore with vb3 is a big motivator to upgrade to vb4.
- Assorted other benefits that are escaping my brain at the moment but I know they exist!
- Downside - there will be a large part of a day where you won't be able to do much on the site.
- Another downside - we will likely come back with slightly less functionality for a day or two until I've figured out how to make all of the old conveniences work on the new system.