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Bill Edwards

By Bill Edwards
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Bill Edwards

Bill Edwards

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Posted

Dear All

We are using Version 3 of Invision's Forum Software.

Version 4 has been available for some time now, but we have resisted upgrading as I know change isn't always popular.

However, Version 4 is a much better version and more importantly Technical Support for Version 3 will be withdrawn some time in the future. As I contact Tech Support on average about once a month, I do not want to be left without support!

The Moderator's and Forum Panel have looked at the new software and generally agree that it is different but broadly similar to use. You may need to look around to find the buttons and functions you are used to using, but it isn't difficult and you shouldn't have any problems using it.

There will be teething problems, but we don't anticipate any major dramas. I have started tentative enquiries into the upgrade process, but want to keep you informed at every step of the way.

The biggest criticism is that the "Preview Post" button is missing in Version 4. I've already inquired about this and the answer is that the Editor in Version 4 is "WYSIWYG" - that is your post will appear in the Editor EXACTLY as it appears in the post, so the "Preview Post" button is unnecessary. Not sure I agree, but I understand the reasoning.

Apart from that, it's powerful, yet simple to use, has more features and will be fully supported by Technical Support for years to come.

Watch this space, we will be upgrading soon :)

If anyone wants to look at the new software it is in use on Invision's own forums at https://community.invisionpower.com/

The Admin/Moderator Team will be available throughout to assist should there be any problems!

All the best

Bill

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Tom Gorman

Tom Gorman

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Posted

Your right, change isn't always good. But I've just had a look at it and it looks fantastic- really modern, and it brings the forum forward with the times. Good luck, and I can't wait to see and use it!

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Bill Edwards

Bill Edwards

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Posted

I am going to ask Tech Support to upgrade the software for us. I'm aiming for the weekend, but as they can't be specific about day/time, it will be a bit fluid :)

The process will be almost painless for members, but to give you an idea of timetable here is the process:-

1) I will have to remove a couple of the Modifications we have on the forum just before we update - some you won't notice as they are back room stuff, but we will lose the "Predefined Fields" on the fair reports, the recent posts/topics from the index page and the links directory (there may be others, but nothing major)

2) Tech Support will upgrade. The forum will be offline and unavailable for about 3 to 4 hours

3) Once up and running, there may be a few "formatting issues" as some of the upgrade runs in the background. This could take a couple of days, but the forum will be usable.

4) I will replace the Modifications we use. The only exception is the "Links Directory" which hasn't been released for Version 4 yet. It is expected and as soon as it is available all our links will be back.

I will keep you fully informed every step of the way either here, or if the forum is unavailable on our Twitter Feed (https://twitter.com/atfotf)

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Bill Edwards

Bill Edwards

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Posted

I have arranged for the upgrade to be done Friday Afternoon (American Time), so it should be done Friday Evening (UK Time). That should give me Friday Evening/Night, All day Saturday & Sunday to get things how we want them & to see through any teething problems :)

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Bill Edwards

Bill Edwards

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Posted

The forum will be unavailable for 3 to 4 hours in the evening of Friday 20th November 2015 whilst the software is updated.

I will keep our Twitter feed updated with progress - https://twitter.com/atfotf

Any problems or delays will be announced on Twitter - I will not be in a position to update members who inquire by email!

If I've announced on Twitter that the forum is back and working and you are unable to access the site at all, you may email me at bill@fun-fairs.co.uk - for all other "teething problems" with the new software, please post in the Help Forum.

Many thanks

Bill

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Bill Edwards

Bill Edwards

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Posted

In preparation for the Software Upgrade tomorrow, I've removed all the Modifications from the forum:-

Recent Topics/Posts (The list on the right side of the index page)

Pre-defined topics (The template for Funfair Reports)

The note that shows the date you joined at the side of your posts

The number of Likes/Thanks from the side of your posts (Like/Thanks is still there and working, but you need to look at a members profile to see their current count)

The preview when you hover over a topic in the forum

The indication of which topics have photos

The software should be upgraded tomorrow evening and I will then replace the Modifications we need.

Your patience over the next couple of days is appreciated.

All the best

Bill

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Tom Gorman

Tom Gorman

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Posted

Quick question- when we update will our likes/thanks be returned to zero or will they be carried over?

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Bill Edwards

Bill Edwards

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Posted

(Like/Thanks is still there and working, but you need to look at a members profile to see their current count)

Quick question- when we update will our likes/thanks be returned to zero or will they be carried over?

All basic forum functions will be carried over - forums, posts, post count, likes etc.

By default the number of likes a member has is displayed on their profile. I installed a Modification that showed the number of likes under Member Information to the left of each of their posts. It is the Modification that displays the total I've removed, not the likes themselves. I won't need to replace this Mod, as it is a standard feature of the next version.

Your likes will be carried over!

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Tom Gorman

Tom Gorman

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Posted

Many thanks Bill, I look forward to the new version very much :) Good luck with the changeover

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Bill Edwards

Bill Edwards

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Posted

I've been playing with the new version for a while now and I am impressed!

At a basic level, although it looks different and one or two things are in different places, it is broadly similar and I don't anticipate members having many problems adapting.

However, once you delve a little deeper, it is much more powerful.

Just the way it handles Photos alone is worth the upgrade - you can add as many as you like in one go (no more 10 uploads at a time). As the editor displays the photo and not a text it makes captioning so easy. If you don't "Add to post", it does it automatically so the photos are always displayed correctly.

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Bill Edwards

Bill Edwards

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Posted

And we're back :)

From Tech Support:-

There are a number of Background Tasks running, to rebuild content slowly so as not to cause server resource issues.

Those tasks are triggered by forum activity (people browsing the site), and until they finish, some of the layout may not be correct, such as quotes, signatures, lists, images, etc.

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Tom Gorman

Tom Gorman

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Posted

Agreed Adam, very simple to use and fantastic looking. And it was very quickly updated too!

Well done Bill & Team, good decision!

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Chunkie

Chunkie

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Posted

Working okay down in rainy Hailsham. :)

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Shaun Martin

Shaun Martin

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Posted

looking good over in Yorkshire tonight:)

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Steve Barton

Steve Barton

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Posted

Looking good 

 

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Chris Asplen

Chris Asplen

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Posted

I assume the photos should display as thumbnail size in posts then click on them to see in correct format?

Have to agree its a nice step forward ;o)

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Bill Edwards

Bill Edwards

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Posted
2 hours ago, Bill Edwards said:

And we're back :)

From Tech Support:-

There are a number of Background Tasks running, to rebuild content slowly so as not to cause server resource issues.

Those tasks are triggered by forum activity (people browsing the site), and until they finish, some of the layout may not be correct, such as quotes, signatures, lists, images, etc.

 

4 minutes ago, Chris Asplen said:

I assume the photos should display as thumbnail size in posts then click on them to see in correct format?

Have to agree its a nice step forward ;o)

No, they should display full size, same as before. As above, it will take a couple of days to rebuild the content.

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Roger Peatman

Roger Peatman

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Posted

Very impressive so far  -- Well done Bill, and all concerned in the update process

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harry m

harry m

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Posted (edited)

Well its up and running and looking good.

Obviously it will be a few days before we see the full functionality of the forum again while tweaks and mods are added.

But first impressions are GOOD :)

Edited by harry monk
spelling/typo
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Chris Asplen

Chris Asplen

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Posted
On ‎20‎/‎11‎/‎2015‎ ‎22‎:‎17‎:‎39, Bill Edwards said:

 

No, they should display full size, same as before. As above, it will take a couple of days to rebuild the content.

Thanks Bill. Got to say now the images are back to normal the site is really top notch! Thank you for this wonderful website!

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Bill Edwards

Bill Edwards

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Posted
1 hour ago, Chris Asplen said:

Thanks Bill. Got to say now the images are back to normal the site is really top notch! Thank you for this wonderful website!

They aren't back - at least not the ones I've checked!

New image are displaying correctly, I'm waiting for the previous images to be restored :)

 

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