How about making IFG software more powerful?

[hvj1]

Dear IFGians,

Subal Das has perhaps the most Value added suggestion of the year.

He feels that the IFG software be upgraded to a higher platform and has suggested the vbulletin software. Please refer to

http://www.vbulletin.com/

I dont know much about software (other than when alluding to the fairer sex). On perusing the vbulletin site, I did not come across 'chat rooms'. Please correct me if I am wrong. I think a chat room, is very important and a lot more exciting. So if this vbulletin cannot accomodate this feature, then are there any other/better softwares?

Secondly, $300/- is not a very big deal, some of us can put up the whole lot on our own, without any STRINGS attached. What is more important is that the IFG owner should agree and or our administrators and moderator/ senior blokes could hold a council to take the appropriate decision.

Suggestions are welcome.

[grewal]

He feels that the IFG software be upgraded to a higher platform

I think a software upgrade is always a nice move , I am not an expert in which software to choose from , but any good one will do .

[nagarifle]

[essdee1972]

to Subal.

Pls let me know the contribution, when and how.

Cheers!

EssDee

[abhrankash]

Dear IFGians,

Subal Das has perhaps the most Value added suggestion of the year.

He feels that the IFG software be upgraded to a higher platform and has suggested the vbulletin software. Please refer to

http://www.vbulletin.com/

I dont know much about software (other than when alluding to the fairer sex). On perusing the vbulletin site, I did not come across 'chat rooms'. Please correct me if I am wrong. I think a chat room, is very important and a lot more exciting. So if this vbulletin cannot accomodate this feature, then are there any other/better softwares?

Secondly, $300/- is not a very big deal, some of us can put up the whole lot on our own, without any STRINGS attached. What is more important is that the IFG owner should agree and or our administrators and moderator/ senior blokes could hold a council to take the appropriate decision.

Suggestions are welcome.

Dear Sir,
As per Mr.hjv1 who is one of the eminent member of this community,If the vote goes to the majority in favor of upgrading the software then it is good.I hope the the no of members that this community is having the share of $300(13549.50INR) will be a very few some that if the willing member pays for this in the form of DD or by some other means.
If the vote cast is majority then kindly let me know by the PM or by my mail id so that I can post you my DD as I don't have any credit cards.

[goodboy_mentor]

IFG is based on phpBB, it is one of the most popular free and open source forum software. vBullettin is also written in php. A paid software does not always mean "better". First let us figure out what are the features that are "needed" in IFG. Admin can figure out if those features can be "activated" or "added" with help of some plug-ins or version upgrade of phpBB. This would would avoid any need to shift to some other forum software.

A comparison of php forum software is available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison ... _%28PHP%29

[dr.jayakumar]

though i have very less knowledge about software's,i will strongly suggest to go on with anything that will improve this forum.

[mundaire]

Also, as per this review vbulletin will ALSO REQUIRE us to move to a dedicated server - http://bobschwarz.com/vbulletin-4-gold- ... d-the-ugly

Recently a large number of committed vbulletin users have been moving to other software like IP Board and phpBB etc.

A dedicated server means substantially higher monthly hosting costs AS WELL AS substantially larger number of hours spent on maintenance. This is so because on a "shared" hosting plan, you simply rent out space & bandwidth but the hassle of regularly patching/ updating server software, plugging in security holes in the host server etc. is taken care of by the host company.

[Rajat]

Hvj Improvement is always for the better, it will be a step forward and the chat room definitely sounds good but we need to know first what exactly will we be getting in the new package. Most of us here not experts on software and I feel it will help if a member who is an expert on such things steps forward, prepares and posts a detailed comparison of the existing software and the new ones which are available. Both pros and cons should be mentioned so it is a fair comparison.

Mundaire has pointed out some issues. A one time cost can be borne by any of us or shared too. But it depends on the guys running the forum how much extra time they can put in on the maintenance etc.

So guys, will someone come forward and post a review and comparison.

[hvj1]

Great Response, please keep it coming, we are yet to hear from other distinguished members. As Rajat pointed out, the experts will have to present a picture of the pros and cons. I dont think financing is much of an issue here.
Best Regards

[eljefe]

Leave the thing be.
A dying gun society, shackled to the ghosts of gunlaws once used to oppress the ruled.Now used to supress 'free men'

[Anand]

I am willing to contribute, but my worry is more on the lines of if "big brother" or whoever wants to shut us down for whatever reason are we capable of defending IFG's internet presence. If the software includes additional "frills" thats good, but I am more for being independent (as much as possible) on the internet. I have heard of some hosts/server operators did not want to have the hassle of hosting "Gun nuts" and their "questionable activities" Some are rabid anti's so they have in the past shut down perfectly legitimate gun sites based on their bias.

Plus, I would look at spending money, at least at present, on increasing IFG's internet or real world strength. I expect more modern "features" may add to our numbers. Between the total number of IFGians the amount may be small, but if it is a recurring amount (especially if everyone has to pay) then we may actually see a drop in numbers.

These are only my opinions, there are better judges here

Regards,
Anand

[nagarifle]

i do remember in the past we did have a chat room,
and also member did help with contribute to keep out the outside adds on the forum some 2-3 years back.

same can be done again.

[hvj1]

i do remember in the past we did have a chat room,
and also member did help with contribute to keep out the outside adds on the forum some 2-3 years back.

same can be done again.

All ye lesser mortals
leery wench chasers
ruddy beer luggers
hear ye now
Big Chief has spoken
So let it be said,
So let it be done!

[Subal das]

Also, as per this review vbulletin will ALSO REQUIRE us to move to a dedicated server - http://bobschwarz.com/vbulletin-4-gold- ... d-the-ugly

Recently a large number of committed vbulletin users have been moving to other software like IP Board and phpBB etc.

A dedicated server means substantially higher monthly hosting costs AS WELL AS substantially larger number of hours spent on maintenance. This is so because on a "shared" hosting plan, you simply rent out space & bandwidth but the hassle of regularly patching/ updating server software, plugging in security holes in the host server etc. is taken care of by the host company.

no need for dedicated server at all, it runs perfect of shared hosting. only boards which having large number of visitors at once on line 3000-5000 may need dedicated server, most will do fine with Virtual dedicated server, which is much cheaper.

if you want I can give you admin access to one of my test board. Only after seen admin panel of Vbulletin you can see that phpBB is handicap. invision is another good choice, but I do not have experience with it.

-- Wed Jan 12, 2011 8:48 pm --

chat rooms as usual are having many security issues, but there is number of chat rooms as addons (mods) available for VB

-- Wed Jan 12, 2011 8:52 pm --

Subal Das has perhaps the most Value added suggestion of the year.

our year is only started