BIG Changes

[Jeff]

Folks, I have been stuggling with some issues regarding the performace of the software that makes up the Forestry Forum. We have exceded its limitations and performance herehas suffered tremendously. Its only going to get worse unless something is done. The answers are not easy because it has been unexceptable to me to lose our history, I refuse to justswitch to something and not be able to take all the past posts and threads with us somehow.

At some point we will find the answer, but at that point there will certainly be changes in the way the forum looks and operates. I will do my best to keep the look and feel we have now, but invariably we will have to make some trade offs. Big one I can see to begin with? Probably the members map. Big immediatte benefit? Fast fast fast new forum that will actually search our old material.

No matter what we do, the Forestry Forum will still be the Forestry Forum. Its not the software that akes it what it is, but its members.

[Curlywoods]

Here Here Jeff!  I have been a member of numerous forums in tha past, but there is not one that could come close to the sense of family that I feel here at the FF!  What ever the growing pains might be, we will all deal with them and move forward.  Thank you for being so tireless and helpful to all of us!

[MULE_MAN]

I knew there would be side effects from you eating those Grits, But I didn't
know it would affect the soft ware too !!!! Just kidding !!! Jeff you do what has
to be done, You have always made this Forum the Best.  And there's allot
of good people in it !!  8)   8)  8)

[OneWithWood]

Jeff,
I trust your judgement and better speed and search capabilities would be welcome.  The member map is way cool and it would be sad to see it go by the wayside, but progress always has a price.  Is there some way to capture the map image before you make the change?  Just for posterity.  Will you be giving us a few days warning before you make the change?  I really like the look and feel of this forum but I could get used to something different.  You are right it is the members that make the forum.
Will we get more smileys

[Percy]

Yep. Sometimes ya gotta change the motor. Havta ride the bus for a few days, BUT, the net result is an improved vehicle 8)

[Jeff]

Goal one is to be able to import all our members, posts and threads to a new software without loss. That is going to be a huge undertaking. We will probably have to shut down to do it. I will probably try to do it in the wee hours of a morning, but it may take a long time. (Hours? Day? Days?) I still am far from this step, but will let you know as far ahead as possible.

[Avalancher]

Now if you shut it all down for days, what am I supposed to do while eating breakfast? :-[
NO, I dont eat grits.
Use em to patch holes in the driveway though

[MULE_MAN]

 :D   :D  :D  :D   :D

[fstedy]

  ;D :D Big Job for a Big Man  :D ;D You have created a Masterpiece and its a work in progress. We all apperciate you Dedication for our mutual enrichment. What ever is done we know it's in the best interest of  this  8) 8) 8) Great Group 8) 8) 8).

[fstedy]

Jeff
Another forum I use to frequent was similar to this one but with a different topic ( hydronic heating). They used to buy bricks to help support the forum operating costs. I know you have some great sponsors but I'm sure they don't cover all your expences. Maybe we could buy a timber to help with the new addition on the  ??? ;D Sawshed   ;D ???.

[Hokiemill]

Jeff,

Along the lines of fstedy's post, can you create a forestryforum paypal account, then add a button to push for members to make donations to the ff account.  Very painless way for people to donate.  Five or ten bucks from lots of members could certainly help the forum get past its growing pains.

[rebocardo]

I don't know if you are running Unix or Windows, but, if you need Windows software try www.santronics.com. It is very scalable and allows you to dedicate single machines to single tasks or a single database. I ran it for a while, when it was Wildcat Server, and then upgraded when it became WinServer.

The nice thing is you can add a basic programming language to it to write modules.

[Jeff]

Nope running unix/apache  

Problems are no so much getting a new good software, its the conversion process, saving all of our information.  :-/

[slowzuki]

Jeff, if you could message me some of the specifics, a good friend of mine is a Unix system admin who recently setup several bbs related to his hobbies.  He is pretty handy at script writing too.  He was able to move everything from the mailman email list database into the new bbs.

He may have some hints to help the migration.

Ken

[Cedarman]

The FF is like a journery and I am really enjoying the trip with a great crowd. Jeff, you are a great engineer and conductor, lead us on, we're following. Thank You

[Jeff]

Jeff, if you could message me some of the specifics, a good friend of mine is a Unix system admin who recently setup several bbs related to his hobbies.  He is pretty handy at script writing too.  He was able to move everything from the mailman email list database into the new bbs.

He may have some hints to help the migration.

Ken

Thanks for the offer Ken, I have a couple folks working on this with me, so I think I am covered at this point, but I sure wont hesitate to lean your way if I need to.

[slowzuki]

No problem Jeff,  I know too there is a point where too many people looking at a problem slows down the solution!
 ;D

Thanks for the offer Ken, I have a couple folks working on this with me, so I think I am covered at this point, but I sure wont hesitate to lean your way if I need to.

[Norm]

It sounds like a good idea Jeff, maybe we members can set up a fundraiser to help out with the purchase of the new software. A silent auction would be cool but maybe more hassle than help. Patty and I'd be happy to donate some hardwood or a cash donation whichever would be easier.

[VA-Sawyer]

Jeff,
I told you ! No, I didn't say a word to anyone else. There are a lot of good folks here.
VA-Sawyer

[MULE_MAN]

Well I know I sure wouldn't have a problem donating for any New Soft ware that needed or for anything else to keep this Forum going
I never did think it was just real Fair for Jeff to be eating the cost of keeping this Forum going. When this Forum has helped so many people. If someone wants to start a Fund raiser up, just give me a Address, and the check will be in the mail !!!!!!  8)  8)  8)

[EZ]

I will miss the member map but you do what you have to.
Donation, you all know my answer. ;D
EZ

[WH_Conley]

Jeff, let us know about donations or whatever.

Now if ya have to take FF down for a while be sure ya got it runnin fast when its back up, I'll be havin DT's.

Whatever you need to do we are behind you.

[Paschale]

Jeff,

I'm thinking that the paypal idea is a good one.  And if you don't institute it...well, maybe some of the enterprising minds among us will figure out a way to make a collection behind your back.  ;)   And then we'll just have to deal with another "I know" thread...and do we REALLY want another one of those?   ;)

My vote is for a paypal donation option--lord knows I derive enough enjoyment from the FF that I'd gladly help to defray the costs!  Thanks again for all your hard work!  

 8)

[dail_h]

   Uhhhhhhmmmm does this mean ya gonner move the furniture again??? Like everyone else,if donations,or dues will help........ You da BOSS,you have my permission to do what needs did

[Jeff]

I have been working most of the day on a new platform and have it up and testing on my other server. It cant stay there due to the factthat I have to keep that space reserved for my web clients. The forum is going to have to have a new server. :-/

If you would like to go register and play (actually help evaluate) on the test site (it will all be removed in time) you are welcome to. Let me know what you think so far. I have it formatted really close to the same look as here.

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