New forum software

[Jeff]

A new version of vbulletin, which this site is based on, has been released. It has a lot of new features, although I don't think many of them are major changes.

The problem with installing a big upgrade such as this is that it may break many of the custom features on this site, things like vbookie, the arcade, user pages, age lock, etc, so it could be a few days after the upgrade before all these add-ons are working normally.

So would you like me to install the upgrade - with the chance that some parts of the site may be broken for a few days while I fix all the customisations, or shall I just leave things as they are?

This is the list of changes in the new version - many of these only affect admins/moderators.

* Multi-Quote
* Linked Quotes
* Mark Forums Read With AJAX
* New Buddy / Ignore List Editor
* Options Backup And Restore
* Private Message Preview In Notification Emails
* Auto-Resize Oversized Image Attachments
* 'Reason For Editing' On Quick Edit
* Unique Unsubscribe Link In Emails
* Plugin Manager Sorted By Product
* Save Search Preferences With AJAX
* Infraction System (Warning system)
* Default Sorting Option Per Forum
* Rate Threads With AJAX
* IP Resolution With AJAX
* Improved Proxy Support In Session Handling
* More AJAX Auto-Completion
* Paid Subscription Permissions
* Show Threads Or Posts From Quick Search Popup
* Phrase Types Identified By Field Name Only
* LastPostID Column In User, Thread And Forum Tables
* Extensive Signature Permissions
* Uploadable Signature Image System
* Improved Image Verification (Captcha)
* Enforced Required Profile Fields
* 'Find Updated Phrases' System
* Pop-Up List Of Attachments In A Thread
* Validation Of Admin Options
* Product Dependencies Support
* Paid Subscription Logging And Statistics
* APC Support For Datastore
* Description Field For Scheduled Tasks
* RSS Poster Robot allows import of RSS feeds into forums
* Latest version check and product URL for products
* Receive private messages from Buddies only option
* Show private forum option per forum
* Give reputation using AJAX
* Error prevention in upgrades
* Option to disable scheduled tasks
* Parsed signature storage for performance boost
* CRON tasks, profile fields, subs, holidays now phrased
* Option to sort forums by thread creation time
* Super moderator permissions
* Welcome private message at registration
* WYSIWYG front-end editing for announcements
* Plugin execution order control
* Flexible username validation
* Private message quota warning system
* Private message admin quota override ability
* Plain-text BBcode parser
* Cache of syndication data (external.php) for improved speed
* Email logging for diagnostics
* Improved performance in datastore failure handling
* Instant view of deleted / ignored posts using AJAX
* Centralized area to view posts awaiting moderation / deleted
* Admin help, scheduled tasks, FAQ now include product support
* CCBill support for paid subscriptions
* Attachment permissions per usergroup
* List posts / threads selected for inline moderation
* Full BCC support in private messages
* Podcasting support
* Atomic flood checking
* Image verification (Captcha) for guest posting
* Thumbnail display options - border / dimensions etc.
* Copy posts using inline moderation
* Announcements show when viewing new posts
* New built-in option types
* Resume paused attachment downloads
* Better webserver logging for POST requests
* Automatically remove thread redirects after set time
* Announcement DataManager
* Persistent D.O.B cookie for COPPA
* Improved master / slave database support
* Improved RSS syndication system

For more information on all these features, take a look at this thread, which contains illustrations and detailed descriptions:
http://www.vbulletin.com/go/36features

 

[MHS]

Personally, I'm happy with the site as it is.

Webbo, what does AJAX mean?

 

[bocadillo]

Most of those things I don't even understand. Is there anything on there that is going give worthwhile improvements for either readers, contributors, moderators or yourself? (that is a serious question - I don't know whether there is or there isn't)

My gut feeling is that all is working OK as it is - but I could be persuaded to vote for change if you or anybody else thought that it was a good idea.

 

[bocadillo]

Personally, I'm happy with the site as it is.

Webbo, what does AJAX mean?

My PSV-supporting mate might have a different answer from Jeff's.

 

[Jeff]

Personally, I'm happy with the site as it is.

Webbo, what does AJAX mean?

Ajax is the way you can interact with a page without having to reload the page each time - for example the quick reply function. basically it makes using the site faster and more responsive.

 

[newtonfox]

Ive had a look at the link Jeff and the new 3.6 looks like it could have lots of benefits for us and the admin and mods

the pic resizeing looks very useful if people have not got one,multi quote could be useful too

Infraction System could be good (bet ive got 1 or 2 )

Signature Image some mite like some not

on the hole IMO look good would be worth doing

 

[Han]

go for it Jeff.

 

[fcukcov]

Jeff at the end of the day it is your site and if you feel we will be better off with it then do it.

 

[MHS]

Has it all been done?

 

[Jeff]

Has it all been done?

The forum software has been upgraded, I now have to reinstall all the customised bits.