Forum Support

[Andylaser]

As it looks like we might be here a bit longer than originally thought and the forum has had minimal work done to it since it was created 5 years ago, I think some housekeeping and technical support is needed. I really want to update the forum software to the latest version (there have been 2 updates since the forum went live). This entails "buggering about" with servers, SQL and PHP. Now I am happy to vapourise Uranium fuel roads and build Sat Comms system in the Arabian desert, but software is like voodoo to me. I know its there but fuck knows how it works. Once this is done then we can work on upgrading the smilies and a couple of other things.

With this in mind, does anyone have experience of such things? Having another admin would be good "just in case" and having someone who knows the geeky stuff would be exceptionally good for everyone. There is no pay, just an almost invisible "admin" badge and some smug satisfaction. Please dont all rush at once.

Currently we have about 50 quid in the kitty. We are good on bills until about June and October when some renewals will need paying. If you feel like donating this is the paypal address. Thanks.

Spoiler: SHOW

 

[MaC]

I'm not volunteering; I am hopeless at this kind of thing, but I can access three tech refs/sys admins if necessary

Paypal is insisting that they phone me (house phone) before I can donate, but since the other two are away to bed, and the phone is ULTRA loud so that I can hear it, I'll leave that until the morning

Good on you tackling this, Andy, it is appreciated

M

 

[noddy]

I am like the guy in Good Omens who can break the internet simply by pressing Send on emails. So, no help there, sadly, Andy. But I can send money. Guns too, if need be.

Thanks for everything you are doing to keep this site ticking over. Someone mentioned we should probably be working on a backup site now :ROFLMAO:

 

[Andylaser]

But I can send money. Guns too, if need be.

Last time I had a gun come by post, it was delivered by a cop who had lots of awkward questions. :oops:

 

[Andylaser]

I'm not volunteering; I am hopeless at this kind of thing, but I can access three tech refs/sys admins if necessary
M

Hi Mary, that might be very much whats needed if they dont mind. I presume they know forums and if I handed them the server access details they could do magic in the background?

 

[Nice65]

I’m hopeless too, can contribute drugs to accompany Noddys guns, but that’s my lot.

We have a dastardly fellow here who may be able to help, you could drop him a PM perhaps?

 

[MaC]

Hi Mary, that might be very much whats needed if they dont mind. I presume they know forums and if I handed them the server access details they could do magic in the background?

If we don't have a 'regular' who is capable/able/willing, then I'll ask. Pretty sure we can get help with it if necessary.

I think it would be ideal if it were someone who was about and familiar with things though, just so that you do have back up.

See how it goes

M

 

[Saint-Just]

I am like the guy in Good Omens who can break the internet simply by pressing Send on emails. So, no help there, sadly, Andy. But I can send money. Guns too, if need be.

Thanks for everything you are doing to keep this site ticking over. Someone mentioned we should probably be working on a backup site now :ROFLMAO:

Well, it seems the only thing needed would be a bunch of lawyers then. I can find that if needed.
I won't volunteer for the really technical stuff. But I have decent Google-fu: Have you thought about asking Xenforo directly? (I cannot see the cost but that could be a good solution; I'd certainly contribute).
Likewise, I saw that they have an import facility should we have the keys of ROF for a couple of days to avoid losing content... There must be a couple of threads worth saving, surely? :ROFLMAO:
Or maybe just the emoticons :unsure:

 

[Andylaser]

Until Neil gets back, we cant do anything wirth ROF. I have the smiley library, as I created it originally. But we need to update forum software to upload them. I will look into getting help from Xenforo if need be.

 

[Oldtimer]

I once called a technician to my school computer as it wasn't working. He pointed to a switch at the back, turned it to ON, gave me a withering look and departed. I did pay the bill,though.

So don't expect me to help with any techical stuff, but I am happy to make a small contribution.

 

[Saint-Just]

With the serial number they'll give you a quote. That will be a good start. It may be unrealistic; it may also be small enough so we don't have to ask favours and keep them for when real issues show up

 

[Juttle]

Money, guns and lawyers eh?

well, why not!

 

[Beachlover]

I'd come into the able and willing category, but as for capable I'm afraid not. I set up a forum for some parishes a few years back, but that's my sole experience of pressing the serious buttons. I'm with Marc really in terms of exploring the cost of employing Zenfora to do the job, although that does leave the issue of having another member with the keys in case you decide to spend ten years on the shitter down a silo with your cat or worse.

 

[Saint-Just]

The first thing that is usually important is the update, as it generally contains security fixes as well.
There seems to be a decent user community and we know that asking a diverse community like that of a forum usually brings qualified answers. It's what we've always done.
I'll browse that link further later tonight.

 

[Winnet]

I do play about with IT stuff at work but have the backup of a department in America so maybe not.

I reckon @Saint-Just is the man required to guide us through these interesting times.

I did set up a payments thing for ROF in PayPal, does that still come to you Andy?

G

 

[MaC]

Just off the phone with Son1. He says that probably the best idea is to work through the upgrades, not just jump to the latest, especially after five years. He says that the older ones will have been worked over and any issues resolved, while the latest one might still have problems.
Someone needs to be aware of the upgrades, responsive if necessary. He doesn't work on forums, which are somewhat of a plug and play thing anyway, but says they usually have really good communities available to help the Admins. Worth making contact and asking for advice, suggestions, etc., and yes, another back up like OOT is a good thing.

There is a suggestion that actually we might be better just keeping OOT as the back up, even if upgraded, but set up the new forum as the active one. All new, set up clean and tidy and ready to go. It is just a suggestion though.

If we get stuck, then yes, help will be available but better that it's someone (s) involved in this group who does it, understands what underpins it.

On a personal note,
ROF, NAFOF, OOT, etc., are my chill out places. I get to be adult me here, not Mum, iimmc ?
They found me quite recently on BcUK when surfing for information on something or other, and it was apparently only after following my threads that it suddenly dawned on GFSon1 that something sounded very familiar "Does this not sound like your Mum ?", was the comment, followed by an enquiring phone call. Suddenly my 'influence' is seen in a new light. Favourable light, but still.
I'm not sure about how I feel about that, tbh. I'm not hiding it, but....yeah. Hmmm.

 

[noddy]

update

A word to send shivers down the spine of any Apple owner

 

[MaC]

A word to send shivers down the spine of any Apple owner

I'm still running two operating systems on mine because I can't get used to Chrome. Safari's still the one I'm comfortable using.

 

[Andylaser]

I did set up a payments thing for ROF in PayPal, does that still come to you Andy?
G

No, that goes to Neil for paying ROF bills.

 

[Andylaser]

It seems I havent logged into Xenforo for so long, it doesnt remember my account. I have a ticket opened and hopefully can get access soon. Cant download the updates until then.

 

[MaC]

Paypal had me pay in dollars converted to GBP :dunno:

It's done though

M

 

[Andylaser]

I have decided to disable adding attachments to posts. This eats into out bandwidth quite heavily, especially for photos. This will mean hosting photos elsewhere, which I realise is a pain, but also less resource heavy. Once things are more stable I will look into reinstating this. Admins still have this permission, but its only to be used for important stuff and I wont be abusing it by adding silly pictures everywhere.

Those attachments already uploaded will still be visible.

 

[Woody Girl]

I have decided to disable adding attachments to posts. This eats into out bandwidth quite heavily, especially for photos. This will mean hosting photos elsewhere, which I realise is a pain, but also less resource heavy. Once things are more stable I will look into reinstating this. Admins still have this permission, but its only to be used for important stuff andf I wont be abusing it by adding silly pictures everywhere.

Those attachments already uploaded will still be visible.

Oh bugger!
Never mind, I just won't be posting photos untill you get that sorted. But I never posted pics on rof, so it's nothing new. I'll look forward to being able to post pics in the future. Tech willing.

 

[Andylaser]

Just letting you know I have made Marc an admin. Not so much to do the techy stuff which I am still getting my head around, but to help clear out the several hundred 0 post members and help with minor background stuff.

Also as a backup repository of all log ins and keys in case I get struck by lightning/abducted by Amazonians.

 

[Andylaser]

It seems I havent logged into Xenforo for so long, it doesnt remember my account. I have a ticket opened and hopefully can get access soon. Cant download the updates until then.

OK, this is sorted and I am back in.

When I originally set up the forum, I purchased 12 months support and additionally paid Xenforo do the initial set up. They also offer an upgrade service and will apply all latest software and patches. Provided you have a support contract.

The support contract is $55 for 1 year.
Forum upgrade is $50 one off payment.

Also our "theme" is no longer supported. This will need replacing at a one off cost of $25 - $35 (not critical yet though).