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The New Forum Software is Up and Running

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2021 6:06 pm
by beltguy
There was a previous thread about the migration from the very old legacy software to the current software:

https://eaglesinternational.net/clone/v ... php?t=4821

I have started this new thread so that we can discuss the features and issues with the new software.

I will make some new posts as time permits, but for now I am going to grab a deep breath and get on with my life :D :lol:

Jim

Re: The New Forum Software is Up and Running

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2021 12:30 pm
by beltguy
As was mentioned in the old thread, our forum software was old (we were three versions behind -- 3.0 to 3.3). Upgrading three levels meant that all our old "appearance file details and many other things would not transfer to the new platform. In other words it was almost like starting over again. Fortunately all of the posts were in a database (pretty secure) and our post images were in a file folder in the software (not too secure, but is now being backed up periodically.

All of the features that you might have used in the past are still there, but a bit hidden. If you are logged in, you will see a tab at the top of the page (under the Eagle) that says "Quick links". That will give you a menu with lots of options. I like to use the option called "active topics" when I visit the forum.

Jim

Re: The New Forum Software is Up and Running

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2021 12:40 pm
by beltguy
As of 12/10/2021 the forum software appears stable and functioning properly.

About the only issue I have found is that there are two sets of buttons labeled "register" and "login" at the top of the page. It appears that the red buttons do not function properly, but the blue buttons just about the announcement block work well.

It is nice to have the register button prominently displayed. Hopefully it will encourage our guest readers to register (free and relatively easy). By registering and logging in, you have quite a few "tools" that will help you navigate this forum.

I have not attempted to do any "tweaking" since there are no reported issues. In addition, I am a bit burned out from all the work needed to get us to the new platform :o :lol: :lol:

Jim

Re: The New Forum Software is Up and Running

Posted: Sat Dec 18, 2021 6:24 pm
by beltguy
The posting option is now significantly improved over the options that resulted from our upgrade.

I have added a better editor for "adjusting" the text and look of your post.

Posting attachments is now functional albeit a bit different process.  After you select and upload the file, a "Post inline" button will appear.  Simply put the cursor where you want the attachment to appear in your post and then click on the "Post inline button.

Jim

 

Re: The New Forum Software is Up and Running

Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2021 7:11 pm
by beltguy
One of the features that people asked for in the past was for a functional "log me in automatically each visit".  I have activated that option, but there are some other settings needed to make that work and they are a bit of a challenge.

In lieu of that, I adjusted the session time limit to around 14 hours.  That means that once you log in, you should not have to log in again that day (assuming a normal day :lol:).

I will probably not get around to working on the "automatically" option in the near future.

Jim

Re: The New Forum Software is Up and Running

Posted: Mon Dec 27, 2021 11:13 am
by beltguy
The menu options for readers (who are registered and logged in) of the new platform are different from our old forum platform.  Most of the options are still there, but arranged differently.  Two of the most popular options ("search" and "active topics) along with other options are found in the "Quick links" menu.  I have attached a screen capture to illustrate what options are in the Quick links drop down menu:

Quick links menu.jpg
Most websites have gone to what is know as a "hamburger" menu system (the icon next to the words "Quick link" looks a bit like a hamburger - thus its name).  This is done to keep the page "clutter" down.  However, if you are not familiar with the hamburger menu system, you will miss quite a bit of the functionality of the forum.

Again, I want to emphasize that you will not see this option unless you are logged in.  In order to log-in you will need to be registered and that option is free and is offered to the public.

Jim

Re: The New Forum Software is Up and Running

Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2022 11:01 am
by beltguy
Update 1/27/2022. 

In general, the new software is functioning properly and no major problems have been reported.  Perhaps the only exception to that is the registration process.  There appeared to be some minor glitches that were resolved with some adjustment to the settings.

There were some red menu buttons at the top of the screen that did not function properly.   Those have been removed.

Please report any issues to me via email (link in signature).

Jim

Re: The New Forum Software is Up and Running

Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2022 8:35 pm
by Eagle obsessed
Jim, red buttons didn’t work on computer but did work quite nicely on my phone. Lol

Re: The New Forum Software is Up and Running

Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2022 10:12 am
by beltguy
Mason, thanks for the info.  I did some testing and it looks like the blue buttons below the header photo work on the phone.  If you are having any issues with logging in, please let me know.

BTW, there is strange looking wording on various parts of the forum with words "colon" instead of a " : " and "button" rather than a button.  Those issues involve updating the language package.  That process looks a bit complicated and I have been holding off making the update until I have time to do it properly.

Jim

Re: The New Forum Software is Up and Running

Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2022 1:52 pm
by Eagle obsessed
No problems logging in Jim. The colon and button words are the only other small details I’ve noticed.

rest of the software looking good 👍