Should We Upgrade the Forum Software?

[tsptalk]

I have been reluctant to upgrade the TSP Talk Forums to the new forum software because it was new and full of bugs, but we should be past that point now. It would also have been a big change in format from what we have now.

The new software is currently being used on www.BeltwayTalk.com/forum.php if you want to take a look (the colors can be changed).

Some cons:
- The layout is very different
- A period of adjustment and getting used to doing things a little differently.
- Inserting images and attachments is a little different.
- Some features we use now might be lost
- It will be a lot of work for me to get it in shape.

Some pros:
- This software is being developed and upgraded regularly so we would always get any new features and upgrades.
- The current software is not being upgraded anymore.
- One of the latest features is an iPhone App, that I don't believe will work on the current TSP Talk forum.

I have been asked about an iPhone App before, and the new software version would have it.

Please leave your comments / feedback.

Thanks!

 

[Steadygain]

- It will be a lot of work for me to get it in shape.

This is the only aspect that makes any difference to me Tom, and I don't want you to feel obligated or put yourself out.

As long as we have a place to share with one another that's all that really makes any difference - but if in the long run you feel the other may work to your advantage -- then I'd say go for it.

Either way I'm good -- and much appreciated.

 

[James48843]

I like this software better than the other software.

this one is more dependable.

 

[tsptalk]

This is the only aspect that makes any difference to me Tom, and I don't want you to feel obligated or put yourself out.

As long as we have a place to share with one another that's all that really makes any difference - but if in the long run you feel the other may work to your advantage -- then I'd say go for it.

Either way I'm good -- and much appreciated.

Thanks. I was being silly. The work I will have to do will probably only last a day or two, so don't let that effect your decision.

 

[fcharles81]

And Android app also would be awesome.

 

[nnuut]

I do like the current software but probably because I'm so used to working with it? I do like the advantage of getting current updates and from my experience with Windows 3.1, Win 95, Win 2000, Win NT, Win XP and Win Vista:laugh:, you may like it but there comes a time when you just have to upgrade, no support, it just can't handle the load etc. I'm for the change!

 

[burrocrat]

be·low (b

-l

)
adv. 1. In or to a lower place; beneath.
2. a. On or to a lower floor; downstairs.
b. Nautical On or to a lower deck.

3. In a later part of a given text: figures quoted below.
4. Farther down, as along a slope or valley.
5. In or to hell or Hades.
6. On the earth.
7. a. In a lower rank or class.
b. Below zero in temperature: 40° below.


prep. 1. Underneath; beneath.
2. Lower than, as on a graduated scale.
3. Downstream of: launched the canoe just below the bridge.
4. South of: Guatemala is below Mexico.
5. Unsuitable to the rank or dignity of: Such petty behavior is below me.

[Middle English bilooghe : bi, by; see by1 + loghe, low; see low1.]

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/below

 

[burrocrat]

actually, i like the new software better.

just couldn't help myself.

c'mon man, it's a new poll!

wheee!

 

[Viva_La_Migra]

be·low (b

-l

)
adv. 1. In or to a lower place; beneath.
2. a. On or to a lower floor; downstairs.
b. Nautical On or to a lower deck.

3. In a later part of a given text: figures quoted below.
4. Farther down, as along a slope or valley.
5. In or to hell or Hades.
6. On the earth.
7. a. In a lower rank or class.
b. Below zero in temperature: 40° below.


prep. 1. Underneath; beneath.
2. Lower than, as on a graduated scale.
3. Downstream of: launched the canoe just below the bridge.
4. South of: Guatemala is below Mexico.
5. Unsuitable to the rank or dignity of: Such petty behavior is below me.

[Middle English bilooghe : bi, by; see by1 + loghe, low; see low1.]

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/below

Brilliant explanation of below. Could not have done better myself.

 

[Viva_La_Migra]

I'd like an Iphone app, but I like the Talk format better than Beltway. Either way you choose to go, I'm cool with it.

 

[James48843]

actually, i like the new software better.

just couldn't help myself.

c'mon man, it's a new poll!

wheee!

Just for you Burro:

​

 

[burrocrat]

Brilliant explanation of below. Could not have done better myself.

well, when he said 'other', i thought he was speaking directly to me. just doing as i'm told. thought it was a test or something.

 

[burrocrat]

Just for you Burro:

​

thanks James,

i haven't had this much fun since, well, since the last time someone posted a poll and i watched that commercial.

ahhh, good times.

 

[jdphx]

I voted "If it ain't broke"....

When we change is when all the little, frustrating, evil things
sort of "pop-up". How many of your Agencies try to reinvent the
wheel every time someone new gets in a new job?

All the time in mine...

Leave well enough alone. I like our little corner of the basement!

JD

 

[nasa1974]

I like this format vs. the other. However if this software is no longer being supported then we could be in for some real downtime and Tom will be pulling his hair out. Just in the last year we have had some issues.

Tom, I commend you for asking for comments. But you are the one that maintains this forum. If the new software will make your job easier, then it really comes down to your decision. If we change formats so be it. The neat thing is we can adapt. Just my opinion.

 

[crws]

I voted don't fix if it ain't broke, but after browsing around on the beltway a bit, to me, the new version appears about the same with a cleaner interface.
Would the upgrade maintain the current post history, or would this site need to be archived at a different address to save it?

 

[tsptalk]

I voted don't fix if it ain't broke, but after browsing around on the beltway a bit, to me, the new version appears about the same with a cleaner interface.
Would the upgrade maintain the current post history, or would this site need to be archived at a different address to save it?

The posts would be maintained.

 

[JTH]

"I hate change"

My biggest concern is hackers taking the site down, so whichever choice better protects the forum. Also, I don't like the look of the beltway, it's got no "pop."

 

[nnuut]

Bunch of Chickens!!

 

[tsptalk]

I like this format vs. the other. However if this software is no longer being supported then we could be in for some real downtime and Tom will be pulling his hair out. Just in the last year we have had some issues.

Tom, I commend you for asking for comments. But you are the one that maintains this forum. If the new software will make your job easier, then it really comes down to your decision. If we change formats so be it. The neat thing is we can adapt. Just my opinion.

I was waiting for a reason to upgrade because I just couldn't see a real good benefit to the new software. The upgrades seem to be geared toward a social networking look and feel, blogs upgrades and CMS (content management) upgrades. Nothing that would really jump at us.

I thought maybe the iPhone App would be the one to get some interest, but like me, most of you aren't overly excited about that. I think it's a sign of our age.

Perhaps we will revisit this in six months or so and see what upgrades may have been developed in the new software in the interim. I will use Beltwaytalk as the guinea pig.