8956 Forum Upgrade

Step 2 of the forum upgrade is now complete. Back in December when we took the decision to change the forums we thought that we would have to completely change the software that runs them so as to get some of the networking features we were after.

Turns out that was not necessary so the upgrade is much smoother than expected. Basically most things work like they used to but there are lots of new features to boot. Their utility is still to be proven :smile:. I guess it depends on how we decide to use them.

So - here goes:

[I][B]1. [SIZE=3]Public Messaging[/SIZE][/B][/I]
We've been able to send private message to each other but now by visiting a user's profile we can also post a public message. Great if the question is directed to a specific user (so does not merit a whole thread) but the answer might benefit other people

[I][B]2. Picture Galleries[/B][/I]
We used to have these - but the way they were integrated was uncomfortable and they kind of died out. Well now they are back but built right into the system so should be simpler to use. You can have private and public galleries and people can post comments on the pictures.
[I][B]
3. User-created Social Groups
[/B][/I]This is an interesting one and one I hope will really prove helpful. Users can create their group - manage the members of that group and share information and pictures in that group. It's like a super-enhanced thread in a way.
I was thinking that this is ideal for special interests such as "Home Heating" or "Ryan Air Offers". Those interested in the subject join the group thus explicitly declaring their interest and also provides a way to follow a subject without loosing information in threads all over the forums.

[I][B]4. Profile Page
[/B][/I]The profile page is very different now - looking more like, well... a profile page! It displays more information about your profile, can have your network of friends (very much like facebook, myspace, etc do) as well as access your picture gallery and social groups

[I][B]5. Tags
[/B][/I]You will notice that at the end of new threads there is a field to enter tags - this is a simple way to categorise the thread and make it easier for others to find it. For example if you are talking about stone walls just add the phrase "stone wall" in the field - then someone looking at tags can get all the threads that deal with that tag.

[I][B]... and much more

[/B][/I]there's lots of others bits and bobs - many of them a pursuit of the latest trends in forums and social networking sites. We will hopefully manage to cover most of them as we progress.

I fully expect things not to work properly so once more please be patient while we sort out all the last problems.

And as I said - this is phase 2 of three phases. The third is the Wiki functionality that a lot of you have indicated would be a useful feature.

Have fun exploring and ask any questions here