Future of the forum

I'm a bit wary about a poll. To do one we have to have alternatives that are definite. i.e. People are there and willing to take over the Forum and run with whichever set-up of forum they prefer so the choice for us is simply which we'd prefer. From what I've seen there's plenty of discussion about what people would like but, quite honestly, that is irrelevant unless someone is willing to take over and do what they want and it can be financed. Have this Skype call by all means and if something concrete comes out of it and there are alternatives then have a poll but let's not get ahead of ourselves.
 
I am a phpBB admin of old, here are a couple of old phpBB forums I did Windsor Safari Park - Index page UFO FORUMS - Index page they are basically dead and dusty now but show phpBB basically in comparison to XenForo which is this site.

My idea (which probably wont be popular :p ) is to get a copy of this site's XenForo's database , doing that will not change anything on here at all, operations on here continue as normal, meantime the copy is used to create a phpBB version of these forums at another domain e.g classicroverforum.co.uk (or similar) , so now you have 2 sites with very similar content , "where are you going with this?" I here you ask, well the point is that no damage has been done to this site, all members can look at the new "copy site" and see if they are content for that to "take over" , if not, no harm done . if members want this option I will handle all costs involved and set this up within 1 month but lets see what other options we get first, early days.

I have to say if members don't want this , then fine, there are already plenty more options listed above :p Rich I note you say It's unfair on you to keep on doing it when it's a reminder of what you cant do at least for a year or two. so I hope fingers crossed in a year or so you'll be recovered and have a P6 back !! gotta keep positive and we are all feeling for you
a reminder of my proposal above and I will handle all costs involved and set this up within 1 month .
...... if we dont have a poll, members cannot express their preferences in a quick easy to see method
 
they do, check out their service here ProBoards and the database from this site could be imported there? this is an issue I have been unable to confirm

I'm not aware of any current plans to incorporate a data import feature on ProBoards, so I'm unfortunately unable to verify whether or not this will ever be a feature.

We currently provide a data import feature on Forums.net (our paid service), but this is limited to the highest plan.
 
they do, check out their service here ProBoards and the database from this site could be imported there? this is an issue I have been unable to confirm
HTTRack is a program that you can run and it will download the entire forum and you can then save it to your computer and view it offline but not sure if you can use this to transfer the information elsewhere.
 
would you be willing to take us forward on Proboards then? Chris we could add Proboards to the Poll if someone is willing to do that :D
 
Can I ask why you want to move off xenforo? It's probably the best platform out there for hosting a forum, and it's on a dedicated server so it's quick. The database and web folders for this forum are huge. It goes back to around 2003 iirc.
 
I suggest we put it to the members. its not what one person wants. its what the members want :D

and the best way to do that is a poll
 
Hi Rich, I don’t have the experience with xenforo or my sql database.
This was just a test page to see if we can create one.
It would be better if someone could take over what you have but think that’s above my talents.
 
Nothing on this thread for over a week.. We've had a few good suggestions, so maybe it's time to create a poll and see which options people would prefer?
chrisw suggested a poll on 9 Dec which is a very good idea, is anybody in agreement that a poll should now take place?
 
Hi Rich, I don’t have the experience with xenforo or my sql database.
This was just a test page to see if we can create one.
It would be better if someone could take over what you have but think that’s above my talents.

Probably not as much as you'd think. It's not too hard once it's set up. It's the initial bit that's difficult and I'd help with that. Xenforo is simpler than these other environments to look after. The upgrades and plugins so far have just worked (touch wood).
 
Probably not as much as you'd think. It's not too hard once it's set up. It's the initial bit that's difficult and I'd help with that. Xenforo is simpler than these other environments to look after. The upgrades and plugins so far have just worked (touch wood).


Rich, I remember when you set up this site where it is now, even for a dumbo like me it didn't take long to get used to, and I think it has worked, and still works, very well. Forum problems and downtimes have been very few indeed.

I'm definitely of the opinion that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it..."
 
Hi Rich, I am sad to hear about your problems. I do not know anything about what it takes of skills to run a forum like this. But I must say that this is by far the best forum I have attended. Much thanks to its members. I can trow out a question and can rely on good answer within reasonable time. That has not happened in any other forum I attend. I agree that we should do it right especially if you are not in rush to get out as the administrator. The only thing I would like to improve is the size of the attachments. I cannot post any pictures directly from my phone and that can be a pain. Much easier on facebook, but then the next day it is almost impossible to find old stuff. This forum works like a database and it is very easy to find old stuff. So thank you for the good job you have done Rich, and I hope someone comes forward and take over this great forum!
 
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