 State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
I haven't posted an update in quite some time. So here we are. My efforts to upgrade to the latest version of UBBThreads, short of hiring someone to do it, have been unsuccessful. However, I've been investigating vBulletin as a replacement. You've seen vBulleting if you've been to one of the following sites: www.newbonnevilleriders.comwww.r3owners.netwww.r3owners.comtriumphrat.net We have plenty of donations leftover to cover the license for the new software and we won't be losing very much by discarding the old. After a bit more research on the actual import/conversion process from the old software to the new, I will purchase a vBulletin license and start the testing all over again. As you can see from the above sites, the design might change a little, as will the location of some of your settings. All I ask is a little patience through the transition. I will give at least a few days warning before I take the site down. This won't be like last January when we moved hosting providers. The downtime should be somewhat minimal, but that's what all the testing is for. I believe this transition will position this site for much greater growth and enhancements in the future. VBulletin also has a mobile app feature that, while a bit of a spendy add-on, looks pretty cool. And yes, it does have a photo gallery. Lastly, I will probably opt for the publishing add-on to vBulletin. This will allow us to integrate the homepage with the forums, rather than have the forum software running side-by-side with WordPress. As much as I love WordPress, I love the idea of combining the two even more. Stay tuned.
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,685 Likes: 20
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,685 Likes: 20 |
You gonna be able to marry up the mysql tables from this to the VB or will all prior post be lost?
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
It's supposed to import everything from this forum. I've looked at other software and they only do partial imports. This one even does PMs. 
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,717 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,717 Likes: 5 |
I like the format of this forum. So many others use that vBulletin, makes this forum seem even better for the change. Not that there's really anything wrong with the other style. Having a photo gallery would be cool again. Plus, a ba.com app would be pretty awesome for posting pics while at rallies and stuff.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56 |
I like the format of this forum much better than others I have seen too, including www.newbonnevilleriders.com.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Define format. Design? Colors? Structure? Forum and sub-forum organization? Upgrading this software is long overdue. It's still broken, the core functionality just happens to continue working. Upgrading from UBB 6.5.5 to UBB 7.whatever requires a kludge that doesn't seem to work no matter how much I try. Also, UBB Threads just changed owners in June and to me that means uncertainty. Apparently version 8 of this software is long overdue. Moving to vBulletin is a clean conversion and a fresh start with new functionality, without losing any content. It is also flexible enough that I should be able to make it mimic this "format." I don't like the way those other forums look and I don't like the way they are organized. But those two things are relatively easy to fix. That said, I'm all about keeping the content organized and easily accessible while fostering communication, but I'm not married to this design or any other (though I'm partial to that masthead at the top  ).
Last edited by FriarJohn; 08/03/2011 1:06 PM.
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 113
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 113 |
John,
I like this site. I come here a lot. I appreciate the time and effort that you put in to keep it available to us.
Whatever you need to do to make it easier for you to manage and maintain, I'm in favor of. I know from experience that it's hard to keep an application stable as the IT supporting it evolves (or doesn't).
The UI will change, the users will b!tch, but the long & short of it is that your efforts keep ba.com a viable community for all of us. Thanks again.
Mallard
"Anyone who has never made a mistake
has never tried anything new." - Einstein
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Thanks, Dave.
To give you an idea what the script imports from UBB to vBulletin:
Import usergroup
Import user
Import forum
Import thread
Import post
Import poll
Import Private messages
Import moderator
Import attachment
It's pretty much all of our content and likely the forum structure (and we don't do attachments).
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Moving to vBulletin is a clean conversion and a fresh start with new functionality, without losing any content. It is also flexible enough that I should be able to make it mimic this "format."
The you should just do it. And we'll thank you later for the extra functionality once we get through grumbling :-)
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
I never quite get used to the grumbling, but the day I do probably will mean I'm burned out like the last two administrators...
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647 |
Quote:
John,
I like this site. I come here a lot. I appreciate the time and effort that you put in to keep it available to us.
Whatever you need to do to make it easier for you to manage and maintain, I'm in favor of.
+1
06 America 904
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,420
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,420 |
Quote:
I never quite get used to the grumbling, but the day I do probably will mean I'm burned out like the last two administrators...
I hope that never happens, John. Thanks again for all your efforts and just do what needs to be done. Thanks for the report. You're a hell of an admin. 
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56 |
Quote:
Define format. Design? Colors? Structure? Forum and sub-forum organization?
Upgrading this software is long overdue. It's still broken, the core functionality just happens to continue working. Upgrading from UBB 6.5.5 to UBB 7.whatever requires a kludge that doesn't seem to work no matter how much I try. Also, UBB Threads just changed owners in June and to me that means uncertainty. Apparently version 8 of this software is long overdue.
Moving to vBulletin is a clean conversion and a fresh start with new functionality, without losing any content. It is also flexible enough that I should be able to make it mimic this "format."
I don't like the way those other forums look and I don't like the way they are organized. But those two things are relatively easy to fix. That said, I'm all about keeping the content organized and easily accessible while fostering communication, but I'm not married to this design or any other (though I'm partial to that masthead at the top ).
You have to do what you have to do and what's best for the forum, I like the way you navigate this forum better than others.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 147
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 147 |
Quote:
I believe this transition will position this site for much greater growth and enhancements in the future...
You are correct. I ran a large vBulletin forum for several years, and vBulletin is widely used and supported. Once the transition is complete, you won't look back.
The members will get used to it quickly enough.
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,546
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,546 |
if life gives you lemons keep them because hey,free lemons.
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
I like the way you navigate this forum better than others.
I want to preserve that, if possible. It's simple. No need to gum up the works.
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580 |
Whatever you think is best Its all beyond me 
Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 140
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 140 |
Whatever works for you..... We can adjust
Troy
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 896
phoenix
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phoenix
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 896 |
Yeah!! i'm with dogg33---- on this one also!I appreciate this Forum too Ian
Last edited by bsa_bob; 08/03/2011 7:38 PM.
bob s
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 591
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 591 |
Huh? Thanks for the work John, I like this site and will more than likely like it better when your done.
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971 |
John, you're one of the handful here who bring positive results to the forum, along with those who take the time to moderate and do things like build the tech vault - all at 0 compensation.
Thanks for what you do, and no matter what you do or how you do it, you'll never make everyone happy.
My SQL days are far behind, but if I can help, let me know. I am very good at swearing at things to get them working. Sometimes it even works.
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56 |
I have a large knockometer if that helps.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
John... will all our URL pic links to sites like photobucket.com and flickr.com still work? That's a concern... otherwise it all sounds like a positive step forward. Thanks for keeping us in the loop! 
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Yeah, shouldn't be a problem. Since those are links contained within forum posts, they should remain intact.
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 280
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 280 |
John, if you like it , I love it. Do what you think is best. You are the resident expert in these matters. When it comes to what you do, I can't find my ass with both hands, haha. We all appreciate the hard work and dedication you have to this site.
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 63
Member
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Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 63 |
Quote:
John,
I like this site. I come here a lot. I appreciate the time and effort that you put in to keep it available to us.
Whatever you need to do to make it easier for you to manage and maintain, I'm in favor of. I know from experience that it's hard to keep an application stable as the IT supporting it evolves (or doesn't).
The UI will change, the users will b!tch, but the long & short of it is that your efforts keep ba.com a viable community for all of us. Thanks again.
Agree 100%, thank you for all of your hard work!
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5 |
Quote:
John,
I like this site. I come here a lot. I appreciate the time and effort that you put in to keep it available to us.
Whatever you need to do to make it easier for you to manage and maintain, I'm in favor of. I know from experience that it's hard to keep an application stable as the IT supporting it evolves (or doesn't).
The UI will change, the users will b!tch, but the long & short of it is that your efforts keep ba.com a viable community for all of us. Thanks again.
DITTO. Go for it. Change is good.
Thanks for your seemingly tireless efforts to keep this boat afloat, John.
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56 |
We will get used to what ever you have to do to keep us afloat. I agree, thanx for your tireless efforts on our behalf.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Is it done yet?
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 478
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 478 |
Good Friar - Don't make me send you an angel.... 
Last edited by wrwallpi; 08/10/2011 12:43 AM.
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,525
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,525 |
John I know exactly "Zero" of web design. With that said I , as many others, I appreciate your "pro bono" work. What ever you decide to change this too, Ill follow and will continue to enjoy the site. Thanks for you efforts in advance. Erwin
Erwin
05 America
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Yeah, that might happen someday.
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
I'll support you with whatever you need to do, John. I take this site for granted sometimes but I appreciate all you and the other moderators do to make this site the best. 
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146 |
Quote:
Quote:
John,
I like this site. I come here a lot. I appreciate the time and effort that you put in to keep it available to us.
Whatever you need to do to make it easier for you to manage and maintain, I'm in favor of. I know from experience that it's hard to keep an application stable as the IT supporting it evolves (or doesn't).
The UI will change, the users will b!tch, but the long & short of it is that your efforts keep ba.com a viable community for all of us. Thanks again.
DITTO. Go for it. Change is good.
Thanks for your seemingly tireless efforts to keep this boat afloat, John.
What they said.
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531 |
Quote:
I'll support you with whatever you need to do, John. I take this site for granted sometimes but I appreciate all you and the other moderators do to make this site the best.
+1 
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954 |
As you are the one who will have to do all of the real work keeping it up, etc..., whatever works best for you. Never had reason to complain about anything you've done in the past so do what you feel best.
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
September Update: Haven't purchased the software yet but I will be soon. Certain offline things have settled down, the weather will turn soon  and I'll have plenty of time to work on it. 
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Re: State of the Site, August 2011
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56 |
I heard winter was cancelled this year.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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