Ok it's that time again. Need to rearrange the furniture, do some spring cleaning etc. That's what us janitor's do ya know.
There will be some changes coming soon to the site (New forum and Profile functions - New Chat/Video - New Blog Software). I won't go into a lot of detail here just yet but I wanted to let you know in case you wonder why something is missing, doesn't work or something new and unfamiliar appears.
Priority One: Chat and Video
After spending a few grand on the current video and chat, it turns out that the video server is very touchy. With almost every change made on the the site..it pukes on itself. So that bastard is on the way out. I have new software already for the replacement but haven't had the time to fully get it tested/integrated.
What you can expect now and during this change: intermittent boots out of chat/no video at all but chat will work and/or no chat and no video. We have to take the existing chat/video offline when testing the new one.
What will be new with Chat/Video:
Site IM - one to one video and chat. Just like YIM AOL etc. No more posting a msg in the forum telling someone to go to chat etc.
Option for the chat users to vote on "kicking a user out". So if Bergie is annoying you guys...just click her profile to boot. Once the threshhold is met...she's outta there.
Option to report a user within the chat room.
Chat profile/pic will feed from the main site...so you have the option of the ugly avatars or a real pic in chat.
Profile recorder - an option to record live video/voice profile.
Totally new interface (look and feel).
Lots more options and capabilities I think you will all like.
Priority Two: Blog System
Before I can upgrade the main site, the current Blogging software must be replaced as it is no longer supported/developed and is not compatible with the new site core software.
So I have two choices. 1. Kill/delete the current blog. or 2. Switch it to a new blog software.
Obviously not everyone uses the blogs but I refuse to dump all the existing blogs if I can get around it. The new software I am familiar with and use on other forums. The problem is the export/import is a big pain in the ass. It does look a bit different but no huge shock.
This import and new software must be in place before the rest of the site can be upgraded.
What you can expect during the change:
Blog being closed or inaccessible during the migration period. No access at all.
Priority Three: Site Software Upgrade
These are usually fairly easy and take only a few hours if all goes well.
The site software upgrade will intorduce many new features and more security/privacy mechanisms as well.
Profile Pages will be one of the biggest changes. You will now have the capability to upload pics etc. directly to your profile and have privacy settings for them as to whom can see/share the pics. You will no longer have to post personal pics in the general Gallery unless you so desire.
Too many other changes to list here at the moment.
What you can expect: Site will be completely closed during this upgrade.
So don't think we have shut down like some of the other recent happenings or that you have been personally shut out.
During our closure/upgrade period...go visit Proazn and read the news. As a member recently commented to me "all they have there are news feeds for posts and not many member".....so go give them some luvin!
tom
Sunny, June 20th '08
OMG, what will we do with our lives while the site is down???!!! I'm getting the shakes just thinking about it. 
