Forum upgrade?

[Deku]

I've actually had to ban/delete close to 50 bots in the past three days, and I'm sure the mods have deleted many more than that.

I wouldn't doubt this, looking at the amount of members that have "joined" recently, compared to well... The amount of them that post.

Agreed. We definitely need an upgrade then. Last time, we pretty much waited until porn started popping up all over the place before we upgraded. Maybe we shouldn't wait for that this time...

[The Glamour Nazi]

I've actually had to ban/delete close to 50 bots in the past three days, and I'm sure the mods have deleted many more than that.

I wouldn't doubt this, looking at the amount of members that have "joined" recently, compared to well... The amount of them that post.

Agreed. We definitely need an upgrade then. Last time, we pretty much waited until porn started popping up all over the place before we upgraded. Maybe we shouldn't wait for that this time...

*remembers HE discovered it when it happened* Yeah... We need to upgrade.

[kamakaziplumber]

OK, so this is totally possible and I'd like to make it my first project for TDC this summer. However, I'll need some more information from Jack before I can start it, so that may take a while depending on how long he takes to reply to my emails once I send them.

I'll see what I can do meanwhile, I might be able to test whether we can use our database information with a fresh install of the forum software because it is basically impossible to update the software as is at this point. Believe me, I've tried before.

EDIT:: So, I just confirmed that I am able to backup our database and reupload it successfully. The only difficulty I might have is that I had to fight with my test server's php settings to make it work, so I don't know if I would have enough access to do that. We'll see once I get the info from Jack.

Just so you guys know, this involves reinstalling the forum software in its entirety, since the current installation refuses to upgrade correctly. I'll try to maintain the old theme initially, at least.

[Keaton]

I figured it would involve something drastic.  Do what you must, sir, I believe in you.

[The Glamour Nazi]

We have a backup, in case the forums go down? Where we can all still talk?

[Darth Wyndisis]

There's always the HA2 Talk forums.

[Pale Dim]

The HA2 Forums...Do they take the same accounts here?

[Deku]

The HA2 Forums...Do they take the same accounts here?

I don't know what you're asking there. If you're asking if your account info will transfer, then no, it won't. If everyone wants to move over there when the time comes, you can also find the link to the site on HA2's main page. I created a board there for us to congregate in. The only rules in that board are no racism and no pronz. In case nobody comes up with a better idea, the talk forums are ready for evacuees.

[kamakaziplumber]

The backup I'm referring to isn't another forum, it's just a copy of everyone's profiles and all the threads/posts on these forums as of the other day. There's a high chance that I'll find a way to keep these forums on the server without making them the main forums so that, in the event that only the upgrade fails for some reason, you could all still post. However, if something happens to the server overall, then everything will go down until that's fixed. That's an unlikely event, though, or at least a temporary problem if it happens.

I think I'll email Jack today and try to get access to the things I need to move on the forum upgrade. While I'm waiting for him, I'll use my local server to start setting up a new forum layout and such. Maybe I can get the old one to work still, maybe not. I'll let you guys know.

[Keaton]

I appreciate it, sir.

[kamakaziplumber]

Jack is up for any changes we might make to the site, he claims it's not even his anymore but I let him know that wasn't really true. However, this also means that the site can be changed any which way and he'd be fine with it, which is good. It will take a bit longer to get the information I need from him, though.

Just thought you all should know.

[Deku]

he claims it's not even his anymore
this also means that the site can be changed any which way and he'd be fine with it, which is good.

That is indeed good...
Verrrry good...
hmhmhmhahahahahHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA AHA HA AH AH AHHHH!! :D

[kamakaziplumber]

OK Jack replied, I now have all the information I need to get started with this business. I'll probably initially just make a test server and ensure that everything works online, and when it's time to make the switch I'll just take these forums down for about a day and do it. It shouldn't take too long, honestly, and of course everything will be backed up.

EDIT:: I've officially tested things, and it works. Even the current layout transfers flawlessly. It was a little irritating copying all the information from the database because I had to use some stupid methods, but it works now. And all the information should be there.

SO, yeah. Tach you can let me know when you want this to go down and I'll PERFORM MAINTENANCE.

[kamakaziplumber]

I'm going to go ahead and bump this so Tach gets the notification for the edit. DOUBLE POST WOO.

[Keaton]

Thanks for the update, KP.  You've got the green light anytime.  Just please put up a message or something so people can know what's going on :D