Winter cleaning

[Tage]

So, the forums are getting kind of slow. We use flat-files with this YaBB, instead of a database, and more posts = more files = more mess. I'd like to propose we clean out any posts that are older than 2 year. Does anyone have any objections, or know of any threads posted over 2 years ago that need saving?

[Fellfrosch]

Anything stickied ought to stay around, but I can agree to dumping everything else.

[Spriggan]

If you want we can just upload the new forum, the graphics aren't done but it'll automatically convert user names and all forum posts.

Either way I don't care, the forums are quite slow.

[Peter Ahlstrom]

I think it would be nice to keep all old stuff if at all possible... if the new forum isn't ready (with ranks and stuff!!!!!!) could old posts go to an archive subforum instead of being deleted? Unless all the different subforums are all in the same flat file, of course, meaning there would be no benefit...

[Spriggan]

I actually have all the old posts from last November back too when this forum started, so I could after we update just copy those posts back.

[The Holy Saint, Grand High Poobah, Master of Monkeys, Ehlers]

question: is the new forum going to import from this one?
either way, one solution is to just get the new one running, then leave this old one all locked up but available for reference.

My only concern is all the stuff in the TW(i)G section. I'm rejuvenating that and the material there is valuable reference material for me.

[Spriggan]

There is a PHP program that will convert this forum to the new one, ie it'll transfer all the user info and posts so no on has to re-register.  However, it does not have the class titles since those are not a standard forum function but a plug-in.

I suppose I could have everything ready to go by the end of the year or less, I would just have to find a class level plug in for the new forum and then transfer our custom class titles.

That honestly shouldn't take too long, I just haven't bothered yet since I was waiting on a new forum design from 42.  But I guess I could make some of the icons myself and then leave the more detailed stuff for later.  Then all that would be left is getting Tage to run the installer or give me FTP access so I can do it.

SE, if you're concerned about the TW(i)G forum, I could just send you those text files so you could repost everything or transfer it over to pbwiki like Mr. P and I are doing with our projects.

[The Holy Saint, Grand High Poobah, Master of Monkeys, Ehlers]

that's fair enough. I just need the info.

[Peter Ahlstrom]

I would just have to find a class level plug in for the new forum and then transfer our custom class titles.

Wouldn't it have to be written from scratch, like the current one was?

[Tage]

Wouldn't it have to be written from scratch, like the current one was?

Yes, it would. The class levels aren't a plugin, they're a hack that EUOL made to the forum. Also, you realize that the site's entire authentication system runs off this forum, right? How exactly do you plan on just tossing on a new forum?

[Spriggan]

well first I'd add this magical line of code to our header.php file

Code: [Select]

session_start();

Then just make a quick hack in the forum to register the correct variables.

or I could just rework the new forum's cookie to mimic the current one or something like that.

[Spriggan]

ok, after talking to Fell tonight I've gone ahead and make a quick hack for the new forum and the old site so they'd work together.  Not to complicated, just have to upload 2 changed files and then install the new forum and we're good to go.  Now this doesn't integrate the new forum's cool permission system into the main site but this will allow for easy changes for some of the things Fell was thinking of doing now instead of when the new site is finished.

[Tage]

What, exaclty, are you talking about?