Open Forum Question -- Options for the Future?

[DDGator]

All,

I posted in this forum in the hopes the most people would read it.

As all the regulars know, the forum has been inundated with spammers as of late.  It's getting to be very difficult to control them, and I won't let the forum get bogged down with crap.

The forum software is too old to have any spam control plug-ins available.  Tech Guy has talked about writing his own plug-in, but it's a great deal of work and we are still left with this antiquated forum software.

The best thing to do is probably to upgrade the forum to newer software that will control spammers and also offer better functionality.

The sticky issue is the old posts.  We have a huge database of information here that cannot be lost.  One option would be to close this old forum to new posts and start fresh in the new forum software.  The old forum would stay available for reference purposes.  Obviously this is not ideal, but it's a possibility.

The other option would be to pay someone to migrate all the old posts into the new forum software.  That would be better, but might be somewhat costly -- I am guessing $300 to $500.    

I am in the process of figuring out the exact costs, which may take a few days.

Anyone have any thoughts one way or the other?

[Ratzo]

How about when you Figure out How Much, we all start with lets say 10 dollars each into the Paypale and Go from there.

Just a Thought Gator.

We all like this Forum, Lets NOT Lose it.


Just a Thought :-/

[tracker]

I would prefer upgrading the program to newer software to keep it relatively simple with fewer unanticipated problems. If this were done, could old posts be referenced for info into new posts?

[Richard S]

Duane:

I also think the new software is the answer, along with paying someone to migrate all of the old posts into the new forum database. As for the estimated $300-$500 cost, I would predict such an amount could be raised within a matter of hours from the membership. In that regard, of course, I speak only for myself.

[kjtrains]

Duane.  I'm in agreement as well with the new software as long as the old posts can be migrated into the new.  I would think also that the $300-$500 cost would be not a problem to raise; be glad to help.

[TpaBayFlyFisher]

Wow!  For a moment I thought this thread was about banning me.  

It was the older information that led me here and I would hate to lose it.  I think that we could easily pay for the cost of saving it for future owners.  

[Richard S]

Bump back to the top due to my having started a new thread.

[DDGator]

I made the thread "sticky" now so it will stay at the top.

[kjtrains]

Good idea, Duane.  Thanks!

[Robar233]

Duane,

 I spent $1800 on a Robar R9 based on what I learned on this forum. I carry that pistol daily.
 I will gladly make a donation to your conversion fund. Post the details and I will put a bank check in the mail.

 Robar233

[coyote]

count me in for a PP donation  

[DDGator]

Thanks to all so far.  We are not quite there yet.  I am getting some quotes and we will go from there.  It may take a couple weeks to get an answer.

[ehb86]

I'd be happy to donate, it's a nice forum and upgrading would be great as long as we can keep the archives.

[Billmack]

Duane,

I’ve not posted in some time but I do check-in every now and again.
With that said, I’ve always enjoyed your forum and continue to.

It would be a shame to lose all the information contained with- in the site. I’m sure I’m not the only one that reads and re-read a lot of the post.

Which ever way you decide to go, you can count on me to help financially.

In closing, I’d like to say hello to all the forum members and to you Duane and thank you for this resource.

Best regards,

Bill  

[Aglifter]

Let me know when you need the money, and I'll be happy to kick in.

For what its worth, the Enos forum is my favorite gun forum to use - works well on my iphone as well.