Planning Site Upgrade.... Need Feedback

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GP403

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Feb 25, 2005
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Hey everyone. So the time has come I think to start planning the upgrade from Xenforo 1.5 to 2.x .... What's that mean? Well, just that the software that runs the site needs to get with the times and the latest version of everything.

That said, here are a few things I think bear mentioning, a few ideas I have, and a few changes I intend to make when it happens. When is that? Not sure exactly. I'm just starting to get the pieces together.

  • New "theme" -- It'll be somewhat similar to this, but I want to bring back a more graphic (and therefore larger) header image.
  • "Garage" section. -- Not sure exactly how this will play out, still looking into it.
  • overhauling the "classifieds" on the site
  • overhauling the entire upgrade and vendor/sponsor system. Basically the options for self-serve advertising on the site will blow up a bit. The intent is to offer more options for sponsors to get their message in front of you guys, without being obnoxious about it.
  • Keeping the "latest reply" box on the main page, this one has been hard to find a replacement for, but I think I found it. I know the last time I tried to change that I heard all about it.
  • ???
This is the part where you guys tell me what's missing and what the site needs, doesn't need, what you hate. etc. Any big picture type of stuff down to re-arranging the boards, stuff you see on other forums that we don't have here, etc.

Sound off.
 

Streetbu

Know it all, that doesn't
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May 22, 2011
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Having the latest replied threads in a group at the top of the page is very handy.... That would be awesome to keep if possible
 
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Zeus785

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Apr 30, 2018
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Make a HELP/ADVICE section, this may cut down on im's asking for advice/trouble shooting help. Not everyone can/has time to search.
 

Zeus785

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Apr 30, 2018
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Oh and the garage section can be a "what ya got" in the garage
 

GP403

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Feb 25, 2005
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Rolla, MO
Make a HELP/ADVICE section, this may cut down on im's asking for advice/trouble shooting help. Not everyone can/has time to search.

mmmmm..... gonna say no. (underlining mine) You're telling me someone would rather browse through 100+ pages of threads and stuff instead of just use the search box? click in box. type. hit enter.

Oh and the garage section can be a "what ya got" in the garage

the more I dig into this garage idea the less I like it. The add-ons haven't kept pace and they all kind of suck. If I find something I like I'll throw a URL out as an example but I don't know they'd do any more than a regular build thread would... Didn't realize what an "old" paradigm it was in the forum world.
 
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GP403

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Another thing I'm likely to do, is force new users to read an "onboarding" thread before they can post. Basic stuff like rules, how to do simple things, etc. I don't know if it'll help with a lot of the basic "I don't know how to post a thread" or "how do I upload an image" or the people using the contact form for forum things or not. Will probably kill a lot of spam in its tracks. Seems like a good idea but it seems harsh and finger-wagging for a new user... opinions?
 
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Zeus785

Greasemonkey
Apr 30, 2018
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I here ya there, I don't do any social media other than this, I also know how to search, some less familiar don't know. I know most would rather just Im to get answers, and not scroll or search, it was just a suggestion, trying to help those out get swamped with previously answered questions in older threads.( There are a ton answers out there)

The garage thing is tough to figure out how that looks. Personally I think the site is set up pretty good, but I realize there are some old topics that are hard to keep going.

Just trying to help, and offering my ideas...even though they may suck
 

Zeus785

Greasemonkey
Apr 30, 2018
129
191
43
Another thing I'm likely to do, is force new users to read an "onboarding" thread before they can post. Basic stuff like rules, how to do simple things, etc. I don't know if it'll help with a lot of the basic "I don't know how to post a thread" or "how do I upload an image" or the people using the contact form for forum things or not. Will probably kill a lot of spam in its tracks. Seems like a good idea but it seems harsh and finger-wagging for a new user... opinions?
I like that idea!!!
 
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pontiacgp

blank
Mar 31, 2006
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Kitchener, Ontario
Another thing I'm likely to do, is force new users to read an "onboarding" thread before they can post. Basic stuff like rules, how to do simple things, etc. I don't know if it'll help with a lot of the basic "I don't know how to post a thread" or "how do I upload an image" or the people using the contact form for forum things or not. Will probably kill a lot of spam in its tracks. Seems like a good idea but it seems harsh and finger-wagging for a new user... opinions?

under the rules can you add that when a problem is solved the op should to let us know what the fix was.....:)
 
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