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"better hosting software"

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  1. chdot
    Admin

    @Kirst has written on another thread -

    "it would be nice if we could celebrate the first anniversary of the forum by moving it to better hosting software"

    First anniversary is three months away so...

    This Forum is inhabited by rather a lot of people who seem to be involved in computers for a living, so perhaps there will be some useful, informed, input.

    Before I started this forum I looked around at (some of) the various options.

    I was keen to make sure it didn't look/feel/function as bad/ly as many forums I have seen in the past (some are still as bad - in my opinion).

    I was wary of ones that offered "free". Downside seemed to be either adverts or future costs based on traffic/bandwidth. I didn't imagine that this would become the hottest forum in the World (in terms of number of users/posts - obviously it's the hottest forum in Edinburgh), but such uncertainties didn't appeal.

    I can't remember how I found bbPress, but the fact that it was related to WordPress made it attractive as I already had a lot of experience of WP blogs.

    After cost (or, realistically, before) ease of use (for me) was important.

    There are some things I wish bbPress did (but not many), but not enough for me to want to look at something else just for the odd bell/whistle.

    I know that some people have had registering/log-in problems, but I don't think this was entirely a software issue.

    Some people want latest posts to be at the top. I don't think that this is possible with bbPress BUT I don't actually think it's a good idea.

    There are issues about long threads/pages. Can't think of any that have gone beyond four pages.

    It's currently set for 30 posts a page. That was the default. It might be worth trying 15 - and see if anyone notices...

    As for "better hosting software", open to suggestions - please post examples of "forums I like" (with something about why it has better functions) - and offers of setting up and transferring.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  2. cb
    Member

    Personally, this is one of my favourite forums. I'm not a fan of smilies or avatars - it's easier to do a bit of stealth viewing at work without them.
    I'd prefer 30 posts per page than 15 as scrolling down is better than clicking next.
    The thing I'd like to see most is a way of going directly to the last page of a thread.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  3. chdot
    Admin

    "Personally, this is one of my favourite forums."

    That's nice. There are other forums?...

    "I'm not a fan of smilies or avatars"

    Ditto

    " - it's easier to do a bit of stealth viewing at work without them."

    That's interesting - is that because smilies show it's not a 'proper website for work'?

    "I'd prefer 30 posts per page than 15 as scrolling down is better than clicking next."

    I suppose that depends a) how many go over 15/30 b) how often there is the need to read a long running thread right from the top.

    "The thing I'd like to see most is a way of going directly to the last page of a thread."

    YES that would be very useful, it ought to be programable...

    Does other forum software have that as an option?

    Posted 13 years ago #

  4. gembo
    Member

    it doesn't bother me to click on last page at the start (4 being a record for the spotted page) then scroll down. What is interesting is that we work back from the last comment rather than checking out the start of the string (but we probably did that earlier?). I am far from technical so weighing up the pros and cons I think the forum is fine on software (esp if it is not expensive) but as you say chris, if some of the boffins know of better stuff that would be helpful

    Posted 13 years ago #

  5. cb
    Member

    " It might be worth trying 15 - and see if anyone notices..."

    I've noticed! It's affecting the 'Latest discussions' list too which isn't too helpful.

    OK, trial over - time to switch back!

    Posted 13 years ago #

  6. steveo
    Member

    Erm yeah the latest discussion list is now too small i've missed whats been going on whilst i've been sans web.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  7. chdot
    Admin

    @steveo posted this on a different thread -

    "If you click on the time beside a post it takes you to the last post in the thread then you can just scroll up till you see one you recognise.."

    I responded -

    "Ah yes, that makes sense.

    I'd never realised (seriously!)"

    SO that's one 'problem' solved!!!

    Posted 13 years ago #

  8. chdot
    Admin

    @cb (and steveo)

    "I've noticed! It's affecting the 'Latest discussions' list too which isn't too helpful.

    OK, trial over - time to switch back!"

    Your wish is my command.

    I hadn't realised that "items per page" included the list on the front page. But NOW THAT WE KNOW how to get to the latest post (I suppose most people had already worked it out (?)) there's less need for fewer posts per page(?)

    It does mean that everyone's favourite thread is back from 8 pages to 4.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  9. Min
    Member

    Well Steveo's tip has just solved my main problem with the forum so I declare myself happy. And I agree that 30 posts is better than 15.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  10. Kim
    Member

    I would suggest the either Simple Machines Forum (SMF) or MyBB would be better choices that bbPress, both are open source and free to use.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  11. SRD
    Moderator

    " NOW THAT WE KNOW how to get to the latest post (I suppose most people had already worked it out (?)) there's less need for fewer posts per page(?)

    I hadn't! Am very happy now, thanks!

    Posted 13 years ago #

  12. Kirst
    Member

    Getting to the last page isn't the problem for me. I'd like proper quoting facilities.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  13. Kim
    Member

    I would like to be able to go to the last unread (by me) post in each thread, rather than just having a choice of either the first or last.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  14. Dave
    Member

    The only thing I find a wee bit annoying is the need to DIY quotes. That aside, I don't use anything on other forums that I can't do here, so I'm happy.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  15. chdot
    Admin

    I still can't get into the habit of clicking the time under "FRESHNESS" to go straight to the latest post.

    I think the reason I didn't notice this option before is because I mostly read posts via the rss feed which automatically puts latest posts (from all threads) at the top.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  16. SRD
    Moderator

    "I still can't get into the habit of clicking the time under "FRESHNESS" to go straight to the latest post."

    Moi aussi. i keep having to go back and do it!

    but what about an option to 'return to main page' or (better yet) 'return to 'latest discussions' at the bottom of each thread? (am assuming someone will tell me that it's always been there....)

    Posted 13 years ago #

  17. chdot
    Admin

    ALSO!!!!

    Just realised when you click "Latest reply from " at top of any thread it takes you to latest post....

    Wot else don't i no??

    Posted 13 years ago #

  18. Arellcat
    Moderator

    Well I'll be darned. I never noticed that function either.

    but what about an option to 'return to main page' or (better yet) 'return to 'latest discussions'

    I whizz up to the top of the page and click the "This Site" link. Seems to do the trick.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  19. chdot
    Admin

    Hmm

    If you use "This Site" link takes you to current "Theme" and "Freshness" isn't clickable -

    Strange

    Posted 13 years ago #

  20. SRD
    Moderator

    "I whizz up to the top of the page and click the "This Site" link. Seems to do the trick."

    I'm obviously just lazy and would like to have the same "CITYCYCLINGEDINBURGH FORUM » THIS SITE" at the bottom so as to avoid unnecessary whizzing...

    "If you use "This Site" link takes you to current "Theme" and "Freshness" isn't clickable"

    I like the fact that it takes you to 'latest discussions', not 'main themes' though.

    Posted 13 years ago #

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