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    Beasts of Beyond OOC Resources Helpful Hub BoB Revamp: Site Platform Changes

    BoB Revamp: Site Platform Changes
    Orion
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    a little testing, don't mind me
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    Discord:LegacyOfOrion
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      Conrad Clyde
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      Houses of Halcyone
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      Star
    #1
    01-01-2024, 12:51 AM
    Beasts of Beyond has ran on Simple Machines Forums (SMF) 2.0 for almost six years now. Our users have gotten used to the platform and found it is comfortable. Even so, SMF has upgraded to 2.1 and is in the process of creating 3.0. The last update to 2.0 was in 2021, leaving us behind by two years, and potentially more if we do not upgrade. While I would love to stick with SMF, I have been running into issues with upgrading to 2.1.

    Three of our key modifications are out of date and cannot run on 2.1 without changes. Those being post templates, BBCode template coding, and subaccounts. I have managed to get BBCode template coding working, but the ability to save post templates and switch between accounts is something I will have to commission. After consulting some coders, the estimate for work is around $850 and it would take several months to finish. This does not include the other fees I have to take to keep the site hosted.

    We can try to fundraise to stick to a familiar platform and upgrade our modifications accordingly. It may take some time, but I do believe we could do it. That said, there are other options.

    Another option would be switching platforms. There are multiple options, but I have greatly considered MyBB and Xenforo as possible additions. MyBB is free, while Xenforo is paid forum software and is significantly pricier than what we are dealing with now (especially if not self-hosted). To make things simpler and easier to read, I will include a table pointing out the difference between each platform below.

    Our final option is to stick with 2.0 and pray that things will get updated eventually... Truthfully, I do not see this happening though. The modifications mentioned have been abandoned and not updated within years. It is highly unlikely that something will come to replace it, especially so quickly. I worry that sticking with 2.0 will cause us to lose out on modern technology and, in the end, be more trouble than it's worth. While I love SMF, I cannot help but prioritize what is best for us.

    To see our options, please check out the table below.
    Platform Options:
    [Image: t3vLq8e.png]
    I would like to hear your in-depth thoughts about each option, not just a vote. This is a big decision that will effect our site's future.

    Personally, I am conflicted. SMF's community has always been welcoming and has gladly assisted us with our many issues, but we are being held back from upgrading (due to cost and time). If we upgrade to 2.1 without fundraising, we can always just login between accounts or use post templates to signify what character we are roleplaying... That is not my favorite idea though.

    On the other hand, MyBB is a free platform that includes a lot of the features that we already have. It does lack an up-to-date shop feature and that is a big part of our site too. This platform also has slightly working modifications to have post templates work, but it's not exactly ideal. That is why it's listed as 'somewhat.'

    Xenforo is a paid platform. This can be fundraised, but I can also shoulder the costs myself. We would be losing posting templates with this platform.

    Overall, I want to stick with what we know, but at what cost? This is WHY I want your input.
    "FUNNY OLD WORLD, ISN'T IT?" - Crowley
    Hiya! I'm Orion, Beasts of Beyond's administrator and owner. I play a few characters, which you can view by clicking on 'linked accounts' underneath my avatar or going to my profile. I am always open to plotting or chit-chatting with anyone who asks, so feel free to approach me at any time. Along with that, I am open to answering any questions about BoB. You can do either by sending me a message on-site or on our Discord! I look forward to roleplaying with all of you. ;^)

    For info on BoB's revamp, click here! Check out the guidebook too.
    Orion
    Administrator
    Offline
    a little testing, don't mind me
    Pronouns:he/himbo
    Discord:LegacyOfOrion
    All Accounts Posts: 5,946
    Posts: 3,971
    26 Attached Accounts
    • Avatar
      ???
    • Avatar
      AEGON
    • Avatar
      Alastor
    • Avatar
      Alexandre
    • Avatar
      Atticus Roux
    • Avatar
      Bakari
    • Avatar
      Bowie
    • Avatar
      Brutus
    • Avatar
      Conrad Clyde
    • Avatar
      DEAD EYE
    • Avatar
      Dog
    • Avatar
      Guru
    • Avatar
      Houses of Halcyone
    • Avatar
      Jervis
    • Avatar
      KOJU
    • Avatar
      MARINA
    • Avatar
      Montgomery
    • Avatar
      Morrison
    • Avatar
      Perseus
    • Avatar
      Pyrrhus Valentine
    • Avatar
      Raymond
    • Avatar
      Romulus
    • Avatar
      Stryker
    • Avatar
      Valerius
    • Avatar
      Waylon.
    • Avatar
      Star
    #2
    01-05-2024, 01:32 AM
    I am going to note that MyBB’s shop plug-in has been announced to have a new developer that’ll be keeping it up to date. Please disregard that section of the table.
    "FUNNY OLD WORLD, ISN'T IT?" - Crowley
    Hiya! I'm Orion, Beasts of Beyond's administrator and owner. I play a few characters, which you can view by clicking on 'linked accounts' underneath my avatar or going to my profile. I am always open to plotting or chit-chatting with anyone who asks, so feel free to approach me at any time. Along with that, I am open to answering any questions about BoB. You can do either by sending me a message on-site or on our Discord! I look forward to roleplaying with all of you. ;^)

    For info on BoB's revamp, click here! Check out the guidebook too.
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