jase
Ye Olde Member
Hi everyone,
Just a quick post to give everyone a heads up. In the near future (I'd like to think that we can get everything organised and sorted within a month rather than let it drag out) we will be making a few changes around here.
Most importantly, we will be changing web host. Given that we have had many problems with our current host over the years we hope that the new agreement we have will work for us all. The idea is that our security will be better, we will receive daily backups, meaning that is something was to be exploited we would lose a lot less posts/pm's/etc, and our support will be better too (faster, and a little bit more educated). It's something that we have wanted to do for quite some time but to get the goods you need money and to get the money we've needed to save every cent from our Sponsors and our Donating Members. (Thank you to everyone who has contributed!)
Secondly, when we upgraded to vBulletin, it was intended to be a long term upgrade. No redesign's, no major upgrades for as long as we could. Unfortunately though, the owners of vBulletin, Jelsoft have created vBulletin 4, and given us an absolutely lousy discount to a very expensive product. We just simply don't have the money to get better hosting and stay up to date with vBulletin.
Long story short, it's time for another upgrade. I have been researching our options for months now. For those interested, we will be changing to Invision Power Board. IPB gives us a lot of new features, including a proper Gallery, Download Center, and even a Blog function. Whether or not we will be using all of these features is yet to be seen, but more options can't be a bad thing.
To me, there are a lot of positives here, however I like change. Evidently last time we made a big change it wasn't so well received. My greatest concern here is that people feel as though I or the rest of the Admin/Mod Team has some sort of ulterior motive here, hence this thread.
I would hope that the biggest "negative" to come of this upgrade is that there is a new design to get used to. I hope to use a design that is simple to use, yet offer the full functionality of the software that we are paying for. I have attached a poll to this thread which will hopefully help to provide a look and feel that our members want. (Keep in mind though, it's impossible to please everyone).
Anyway, that is a good start on what is to come. As things unfold I'll try and keep you all posted with where we are at, address any questions, and let you know any key dates with the upgrade.
Cheers,
Jase.
Just a quick post to give everyone a heads up. In the near future (I'd like to think that we can get everything organised and sorted within a month rather than let it drag out) we will be making a few changes around here.
Most importantly, we will be changing web host. Given that we have had many problems with our current host over the years we hope that the new agreement we have will work for us all. The idea is that our security will be better, we will receive daily backups, meaning that is something was to be exploited we would lose a lot less posts/pm's/etc, and our support will be better too (faster, and a little bit more educated). It's something that we have wanted to do for quite some time but to get the goods you need money and to get the money we've needed to save every cent from our Sponsors and our Donating Members. (Thank you to everyone who has contributed!)
Secondly, when we upgraded to vBulletin, it was intended to be a long term upgrade. No redesign's, no major upgrades for as long as we could. Unfortunately though, the owners of vBulletin, Jelsoft have created vBulletin 4, and given us an absolutely lousy discount to a very expensive product. We just simply don't have the money to get better hosting and stay up to date with vBulletin.
Long story short, it's time for another upgrade. I have been researching our options for months now. For those interested, we will be changing to Invision Power Board. IPB gives us a lot of new features, including a proper Gallery, Download Center, and even a Blog function. Whether or not we will be using all of these features is yet to be seen, but more options can't be a bad thing.
To me, there are a lot of positives here, however I like change. Evidently last time we made a big change it wasn't so well received. My greatest concern here is that people feel as though I or the rest of the Admin/Mod Team has some sort of ulterior motive here, hence this thread.
I would hope that the biggest "negative" to come of this upgrade is that there is a new design to get used to. I hope to use a design that is simple to use, yet offer the full functionality of the software that we are paying for. I have attached a poll to this thread which will hopefully help to provide a look and feel that our members want. (Keep in mind though, it's impossible to please everyone).
Anyway, that is a good start on what is to come. As things unfold I'll try and keep you all posted with where we are at, address any questions, and let you know any key dates with the upgrade.
Cheers,
Jase.
