18 replies to this topic

[Nowe]

Alright, as this would be a decision that affects everyone here at the Frontier, I've decided to post a topic about it.

IPB 3.2.x is coming probably in a few weeks, maybe in so much as a few months. The update to 3.2 looks amazing, and has so many features and updates to already existing features that it's kind of unbelievable. Now, you can read over these features IN THIS TOPIC, which has a list of feature updates and links to blog posts describing them.

There is, however, a downside. Skins compatible with 3.1.x will not be compatible with 3.2.x. There are simply too many CSS and Template updates for them to be anywhere near compatible.

So, my question, I suppose, is this:

Do you want to upgrade, and if you do, do you mind loosing the skin Final Frontier?

The reason is is that the updates on 3.2.x make it difficult for a non-professional coder (IE: Me) to update a 3.1.x skin to a 3.2.x skin without redoing the entire thing. Yeah, I would have to start from scratch again. At this point, I'm not sure I have enough time to do that, so I probably wouldn't update it to 3.2. So, that is my proposal, and I'll await your answers.

Thanks,
Nowe

[Durandal]

Although I'm generally the one to want things updated, in this case I have to say no. I've grown attached to the Final Frontier Skin, and RPGF wouldn't be the same without it.

[Vithar Megilaglar]

To tell the truth, I have to ask a question, thus, I chose maybe.

The question, as it stands, is this:

Does 3.2.x increase site security (not that that is an issue)? If it does, I say go for the update for the sake of preparation. If not, I say don't update until we find a good reason to do such.

[Nowe]

The answer, vith, is yes and no.

Yes, it improves site security, mainly within the functionalities of the ACP. Not to mention 3.2.x should significantly decrease site load times, as some of the caching functions have been reworked. This would decrease our overall bandwidth consumption as well as our loads on the server (IE: if we update, we probably won't have an issue with the host's resources, which could get us kicked, not that we have issues atm though).

I will look at updating Final Frontier to 3.2, but it won't be the same. For one I'd probably get rid of the reply-box backgrounds. That, and I would look at making things opaque, or non-transparent. I think that's probably one of the things that annoys me most about the Frontier skin, thinking back on it. Let me put it this way: If I were to update Final Frontier to 3.2, it wouldn't be the same.

Edit: I would also not be able to start work on an upgrade for Final Frontier until after the update to 3.2. So erm..yeah.

[Vithar Megilaglar]

So, upgrading would lead to both better ACP security (for some reason, it felt safer with a double login...) in addition to a faster site overall?

I would say that, while we might lose the Frontier skin, perhaps this would be a good change?

[Nowe]

Let me put it this way: If we update to 3.2, I will try my best to update the Frontier skin for it. If it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out. If it does, all the better.

[Vithar Megilaglar]

Words to live by, my friend. Words to live by.

[Durandal]

I do not mind a different Final Frontier, as long as you can implement it.

In the meantime, if we do upgrade to 3.2.x, I'd like to see a dark skin be added along with it until FF can be added, since it's easier on the eyes when posting.

[Chef]

I wouldn't mind the upgrade, as it looks like it has numerous benefits.  If all we're losing is Final Frontier, than that's fine by me.  Right now I'm using Deviant 2 anyways.  I don't mind skin changes.

[Redcoat]

Progress, Nowe. Progress. If you can update FF, or get someone to, then do so--but progress is the main thing. Besides, if it makes the site load faster, I enjoy it. And I hate FF's replybox background. XD

[Nowe]

Not that we use it, but there are really REALLY great improvements to the administrative/moderative side of user profiles. Like board-side user editing and warning that doesn't require an admin/mod to use the + or - buttons in topics. We don't use the system here, but hell of an update for that system. God I love IPB.

[Maikuolan]

Hard call. :-/

I'm quite fond of the theme, and it'd be a shame to lose it - It truly is something that I recognise RPG-F for. On the same token, however.. Back when I used to run Invision software many years ago, it was *always* when my co-admin of the time and I were comtemplating upgrading and decided against it that we'd end up getting our site hacked and defaced, to which I learned the lesson that while Invision software is good software and can be very powerful, to never tempt fate or destiny when Invision recommends that an upgrade would be a good idea.

I like the theme and don't really like the idea of losing it.. But the thought of the potential consequences of seeing RPG-F compromise on security is a bit worse, I think.

If any sort of security improvements have been documented with the upgrade, I think an upgrade may be in order.

[Nowe]

I think what we shall do, is wait for 3.2.0 to be out at least a week. By then, I'm not sure but IPB 3.2.1 might be out with some of the more important bug fixes and whatnot. Either way, by waiting a few days I'll be able to see if there are any issues with the installer and whatnot, so yes.

[John Archer]

Personally I would rather keep the skin.  We haven't really been having any problems on RPGF with the current version and it always takes a while for anyone to come up with skins whenever an upgrade is released.  Bandwidth and load times have never really been a problem here.  At the very least I think we should hold off on the upgrade until we make sure we have a good dark skin.

[Lyon]

I'm voting a maybe. Depending on the pros and cons, which I'll leave you professionals to debate, we could go either way. However, if we upgrade, I do think that we need to keep the Final Frontier skin. If we upgrade it, though, can you update the banner with the proper English translation of the motto? It may have been a typo on my part a LONG time ago, but it translates to "Through Writing, To The Stars."

[Nowe]

Three new semi-important updates for 3.2:

Remote Skin Editing

Search/View New Content Improvements

Admin Forum Management

I think that at least the search update and the remote skin editing will be useful. Kind of like the update to the admin management areas too.

[Vithar Megilaglar]

The forum management interface does indeed look much easier to comprehend.

[Nowe]

Doesn't it though? I think, while it might be a huge update, that it'll be completely worth it.

[Vithar Megilaglar]

Indeed. I'd be glad to not have to find all the right options...