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Should We Move To A New Forum Platform?

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Gary Lewis

Re: Should We Move To A New Forum Platform?

Administrator

UPDATE: Chris is going to put phpBB up and we'll be able to test both it and InVision in parallel - at least for a bit while the month's rent is still ticking on InVision. So please stand by to test and let us know what you think.

Meanwhile I've created a spreadsheet where we can score what we observe in the testing. You can see that at Platform Comparison under Test Forums. (You may have to refresh your browser to see it in the menu.) And there's a Costs tab where I'm attempting to quantify all the costs associated with the website and forum.

On the features to test bit, I need your input ASAP. What are you looking for? How would you rate that feature, meaning Must Have, Ought To Have, or Nice To Have? We need to know what we are looking for.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

ArdWrknTrk

Re: Should We Move To A New Forum Platform?

Administrator

I really don't care, as long as I can load pic's without having to jump through hoops, create links without having to back out some ridiculous imbedded http prefix and the damn "server is over capacity" or timeouts that dump my painfully crafted response (complete with links and images that I have to open on separate pages on my phone, then skip back and forth)
Also, it would be REALLY NICE if the forum didn't open in a separate page for the reply window.

Maybe all that is a big ask, but it would make my remaining days much easier.

Jim,
Lil'Red is a '87 F250 HD, 4.10's, 1356 4x4, Zf-5, 3G, PMGR, Saginaw PS, desmogged with a Holley 80508 and Performer intake.
Too much other stuff to mention.

Gary Lewis

Re: Should We Move To A New Forum Platform?

Administrator

Jim - Thanks for the response. I think we have you covered, but you tell me. And in case you can't see it, we have these in Must Haves:

Pics: Picture posting that is easy - and preferably that auto-rotates the pic prior to posting.

Links: Easy to post links

No server outages or over-capacity messages

And this in Nice To Have:

Not open a new tab in the browser when making a reply

Ability to save draft replies

Do those address your issues? If not, what changes need to be made?

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Big6John

Re: Should We Move To A New Forum Platform?

Are you going to post a link so we can check them out and give some feedback?

1986 f150 std cab long bed, 4.9L 300 inline 6, 4spd, 53k miles, 2 barrel carb, EFI split exhaust manifolds, HEI distributor, and much more to come!
Pack Rat a 1985 f150 inline 6 4spd, a/c,cruise, rusty parts truck

Gary Lewis

Re: Should We Move To A New Forum Platform?

Administrator

Yes, when we are ready.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

ArdWrknTrk

Re: Should We Move To A New Forum Platform?

Administrator

In reply to this post by Gary Lewis

I'm a simple man.
I don't ask for much.
Yeah: the photos, the links, and obviously we won't have an issue with an Nabble server anymore.....

I want to say Thank You, for all the effort you and Chris have put into this.

Jim,
Lil'Red is a '87 F250 HD, 4.10's, 1356 4x4, Zf-5, 3G, PMGR, Saginaw PS, desmogged with a Holley 80508 and Performer intake.
Too much other stuff to mention.

BigBrother-84

Re: Should We Move To A New Forum Platform?

In reply to this post by Gary Lewis

Gary Lewis wrote

On the features to test bit, I need your input ASAP.

Testing the blog feature would be nice.
If such blog can be structured in “chapters” or sub-subjects, this could be nice for posting a rebuild storyline, for example.
Or a trip story, split in visited places.

Jeff / 1984 F350 Crew Cab 4x4/5.8L w351 4V/ T18/ D50 4.10 front/ 8' bed.
Restored 2019-2022.
Nicknamed «Big Brother 1984», due to its soooo-looong shape & nod to George Orwell's 1984 famous novel.

Gary Lewis

Re: Should We Move To A New Forum Platform?

Administrator

Welcome, Jim. But thanks really goes to Chris.

Jeff - I added "Blog, or some ability to put together a story w/o interruption. Lock/unlock?" to Ought To Haves. But does that capture what you were saying?

On the chapters, are you saying that something like Big Bro could have a main thread or blog and then beneath that could have chapters on the 3G alternator, etc? In other words, tell me more?

And I've added some Nice To Haves about editing and emoticons.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

BigBrother-84

Re: Should We Move To A New Forum Platform?

This post was updated on .

Yep Gary, exactly what I mean.
Could have been a nice feature for «Big Blue’s Transformation» encyclopedia too.

Splited into “subjects”, as Body, Suspension, Electrical, Interior (then sub subjects as Dash, Seats, etc), Engine (splited in sub-subjects if required)…

EDIT:
Niot sure, but maybe such “structured main thread” could be lighter than a “all in one infinite thread”.
You know that Big Blue’s Transformation” is a gold
mine, but it begins to be heavy and difficult to consult and navigate through.

Jeff / 1984 F350 Crew Cab 4x4/5.8L w351 4V/ T18/ D50 4.10 front/ 8' bed.
Restored 2019-2022.
Nicknamed «Big Brother 1984», due to its soooo-looong shape & nod to George Orwell's 1984 famous novel.

Gary Lewis

Re: Should We Move To A New Forum Platform?

Administrator

Jeff - There are times in Big Blue's transformation that I wanted to document what I was doing w/o comment, but usually I was looking for input, suggestions, etc.

So my thinking is that I might go back and transform the Word document I have, which is embedded in the first post in that thread, and put the info from the document directly in a post or posts. That's because several have said the embedded document doesn't work for them.

I just tested that on our InVision test forum by copying the text from the file called Big Blue's Spec Card and pasting it into a reply. Go check it out here.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

85lebaront2

Re: Should We Move To A New Forum Platform?

Administrator

Looks good sir! I found the second version easier to read through.

Maybe I need to do the same for Darth?

Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

"Getting old is inevitable, growing up is optional" Darth Vader 1986 F350 460 converted to MAF/SEFI, E4OD 12X3 1/2 rear brakes, traction loc 3:55 gear, 160 amp 3G alternator Wife's 2011 Flex Limited Daily Driver 2009 Flex Limited with factory tow package Project car 1986 Chrysler LeBaron convertible 2.2L Turbo II, modified A413

BigBrother-84

Re: Should We Move To A New Forum Platform?

In reply to this post by Gary Lewis

I see the “Main” thread (or blog, no matter how call it) of a “storyboard” as a kind of introduction and table of contents.

Then a reader could jump directly to the specific subject.

Let’s take an example.
Let’s say I am wondering what kind of modifications were made on Big Blue’s engine, did you transform it from carb to EFI or did you entirely swapped a carb engine for an EFI one. And if it’s the same engine with a carb/EFI swap, I want to follow this story, and read at members interactions with this specific transformation.

Presently, it’s probably hard to find (when did it start in the whole thread) and hard to follow (possible that it’s cut with some other modifications somewhere else in Big Blue, maybe LEDs in the cluster or winch on the bumper

).

If the whole transformation is split into subjects, I could find the “Engine” chapter, and then go directly to this specific story I am curious to read.

Such “structure” is difficult to make during a transformation or restoration process. One day we have a question about electricity, the day after it’s about fuel tank, and the following day about ignition timing.

With Nabble, such structured storyboard can be made after it’s ended. Although not sure how to make it.

Nabble is nice for the “present” live conversations. But not easy to read and search at the “past” stories.

So, if the next platform could offer this kind of feature, would be really nice. Much easier to go back consulting “past” threads.

Jeff / 1984 F350 Crew Cab 4x4/5.8L w351 4V/ T18/ D50 4.10 front/ 8' bed.
Restored 2019-2022.
Nicknamed «Big Brother 1984», due to its soooo-looong shape & nod to George Orwell's 1984 famous novel.

Gary Lewis

Re: Should We Move To A New Forum Platform?

Administrator

In reply to this post by 85lebaront2

Bill - If you mean the one that entitled "Big Blue" instead of "Big Blue's Specs" then that's supposed to be readable. But the Spec's version is what I have laminated and post with the truck at shows.

As far as doing something like that for Darth, sure. But since we don't know what forum platform we are going to use we don't yet know how well a Word document can be pasted in and retain its format. It seems to work well with InVision, as shown on my two documents.

Jim avoids any embedded document, and others have problems with them as well, so creating it in Word and then pasting it in should work nicely.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Gary Lewis

Re: Should We Move To A New Forum Platform?

Administrator

In reply to this post by BigBrother-84

Jeff - I think I understand what you are saying. But I don't think any platform will make it easy to do what you are wanting.

I believe it is up to the "writer" to decide how to organize things. In my case Big Blue's Transformation thread was about anything I did to make him what I wanted him to be. And, as you suggested, one day I was working on "this" and on another day I was working on "that".

So if the writer has a thread like that then the only way to read up on what was done on the engine is either to summarize all of that when the work is over, or give links to the discussions about it in the "big" thread. Or both - summarize and put in links to the discussions.

On the other hand, I could have chosen to only discuss the engine in an Engine thread, and the transfer case in a Transfer Case thread. I did some of that with a thread on the cameras with the thread Installation Of A Pormido 998 Mirror/Camera System and the thread on Clutch Switch Bypass For Big Blue. And while there were a few others, they were the exception.

So please tell me what you have in mind? How can the platform fix this?

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Gary Lewis

Re: Should We Move To A New Forum Platform?

Administrator

Ok, we are sort of ready to test both phpBB and the InVision platforms. You can get to either of them via those links or by going to the Test Forums item in the menu above.

Neither of those platforms knows anything about you so you'll have sign up for them. And for simplicity I'd suggest that you use your current handle/screen name from here. That way we'll know to whom we are replying.
Also, I've created a new sub-forum called New Forum Platform Discussions. It looks like a folder on the main page, and I've moved this thread into it. Plus I've created threads for discussing the InVision and the phpBB platforms.

The game is ON! Please have a play with both of them and let us know what you think. And, I don't remember what the joining process is for either of them, so when you join please document what you had to do and how it went for you.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

85lebaront2

Re: Should We Move To A New Forum Platform?

Administrator

Houston, we have a problem. phpBB I went through the register process and when I got to British or American English and made my selection, it dumped me out before I had finished the process. When I went back to log-in, it said I wasn't registered, I used Firefox, Edge and Chrome, same results.

On InVision, I had registered when you first brought it up, and now don't remember the password. Maybe you or Chris can erase that profile so I can start over.

Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

Big6John

Re: Should We Move To A New Forum Platform?

In reply to this post by Gary Lewis

I had the same problem as Bill on the phpbb. When you’re signing up it kicks you out when you choose your language.
I tried the invision and uploading a pic is a lot easier then nabbel on an iPhone.

ckuske

Re: Should We Move To A New Forum Platform?

Administrator

Hi Guys,

Sorry for the trouble. I'll chalk it up to a idiosyncracy of phpBB. I've removed the American language pack - British English is the default for some reason, so while I know it feels weird to use British English in a Ford Truck forum, play along for now, ok? :)

I just created another user for myself and it seemed to work alright?

Chris

'84 F-150 XL 2WD Flareside, 302 w/ AOD transmission, Motorcraft 2150 feedback carb w/ CA Emissions, EEC-IV w/TFI, factory A/C, Tilt Column, Borgeson/Bluetop Steering, Speed Control, 308,000+ miles - Info about me and my truck - My project thread

Gary Lewis

Re: Should We Move To A New Forum Platform?

Administrator

Thanks, Chris.

Bill - I've emailed you the new password for InVision.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Gary Lewis

Re: Should We Move To A New Forum Platform?

Administrator

In reply to this post by Big6John

Big6John wrote

I had the same problem as Bill on the phpbb. When you’re signing up it kicks you out when you choose your language.
I tried the invision and uploading a pic is a lot easier then nabbel on an iPhone.

Bummer on the language bit. I hope that the change Chris made sorts that, at least for now.

And yes, I agree that the picture loading is much easier than Nabble. Have you tried it on phpBB?

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

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