This new forum is different

Submitted byNick Schade - … onFri, 03/23/2018 - 21:19

Out with the Old

The KayakForum used essentially the same system to run for just over 21 years. I like the way free-flowing conversations could evolve in the old system. A thread could start with a focus on one subject and then as the conversation flowed, end up at a very different point. Because the subject lines could be changed as the conversation moved, the thread could easily branch and readers could still keep track of it all.

Unfortunately, when my web host upgraded the operation system on the server for the KayakForum, it broke parts of the KBBS. While we currently can still read all the posts, the ability to post was broken.

Another nice thing about the old system was its fairly loose registration system. You could start posting without actually really registering. This was convenient, and even those who did register, promptly forgot their passwords and rarely ever needed to remember them.

In with the New

This new system is different. You will need to register and you will need a password. I'm sorry, but hopefully it will help me control spam as well. Another thing that broke on the old system was my ability to delete spam. This system should be much easier to monitor for spam.

Please Register and Keep Posting 

Posting photos is easy with this new system and you have a bit more ability to format your post. It has some nice features, I hope you like it.

Thanks for keeping this community alive.

ironbound

Scott Innes

Sat, 03/24/2018 - 07:43

Thx for making the time to rebuild the forum. Personally I find it a big contributor to making this pastime addictive... anytime I finish something I really like, the better ideas and alternatives shared by others has me looking how to fit another boat rack in the garage...

JohnAbercrombie

Sat, 03/24/2018 - 18:17

Nick:

Thanks for getting this up and running so quickly.Are there any 'Preferences' settings in this BBS software?

I'm accustomed to 'browsing' recent posts (not just thread titles)...is there a way to do that here?

I will be linking over to the old posts as soon as I can. 

I don't have a way of integrating it seamlessly, but I can at least provide links. The old script still works for finding and viewing the old posts. I will be looking for a way to make the existing information as easy as possible

The "Tools" menu on the right has a link to "Recent Content". Its bare boned, but its quick.

This forum system doesn't have a lot of features. It's very stripped down. I went with it because I could get something working quickly. There are almost certainly better forum packages out there. I chose this one because I am familiar with it.

As time goes by I will look into other options that can be added. If anyone wants to research, I am using Drupal 8 "Forums". I am open to suggestions for how to make this new system easier to use.