A quick note about TGJ and the future...

[PelicanPines]

Might be a bit bias, but interesting to see a comparison:
https://itxdesign.com/vbulletin-vs-xenforo-vs-ipb/

They rate their (VB) search function worse than XenForo... that alone is a reason to switch to XenForo. (sorry, I'm not fond of the current search function in GJ)... it no good work (as my grandmother would say)

 

[ItsNemo]

Funny. That site is owned by VB... Typical shady **** from them too.

And no VB is very much not “top BB software.” It hasn’t been since 3.8.

Was just what I found on a quick search for comparisons since I wasn't familiar with xenforo before you mentioned it. I guess it's just that I'm used to vbulletin having been on boards powered by it for ages...the few xenforo sites I've seen seem far too messy/inconsistent but hopefully you do a better job skinning it.

Have you tried vb5 yet?

They rate their (VB) search function worse than XenForo... that alone is a reason to switch to XenForo. (sorry, I'm not fond of the current search function in GJ)... it no good work (as my grandmother would say)

I usually use google to search gj... "site:garagejournal.com search term" into google and it can pull up most threads (other than free parking obviously).

 

[eyeball]

...and it over-shadows the free parking lunatics by such a large margin...

That comment alone has persuaded me that I need to spend some time bouncing around in the free parking section.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[astrohip]

I'm with several others here in saying XenForo does not look like a good platform. vBulletin has been the top BB software for a long time for a reason.

You have it backwards. If done well, Xenforo is miles ahead of VB. That's what several of us are saying.

At this point, we get to wait and see what is in store for us. I'm sure it will be great!

still wish I was getting my daily emails...

 

[HOTFR8]

still wish I was getting my daily emails...

You should have them back by now.

 

[travisn1]

disclaimer, I haven't read the whole post, just searched through Ryan's responses...

Have you looked into discourse? (https://www.discourse.org/) It's probably too late but another forum I frequent is going to that soon. We did a test run and it's definitely different. Almost like Slack.

 

[Duker]

disclaimer, I haven't read the whole post, just searched through Ryan's responses...

Have you looked into discourse? (https://www.discourse.org/) It's probably too late but another forum I frequent is going to that soon. We did a test run and it's definitely different. Almost like Slack.

A couple of financial forums and a few software support forums I am on have gone to Discourse. Here is one example -
http://forum.amibroker.com/

The search functions work well and there appears to be a lot of customization available. They work well as a support function I am not sure if they would blend well with GJ but it might be worth a look.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

 

[ixlr8]

Ryan, any guess as to when this change might happen?

 

[Tundra]

I'm staying no matter what direction you go, one of the best sites IMO.
Joe

 

[Milton Shaw]

Great job Ryan love the sight. Did notice one quirk in the new software. IT forgot the history of sites we have looked at since before the upgrade. Now every site is bold typeface until we look at it again. Before it would only be bold on new/updated sites, now every thing is bold. May be a quirk in software history or whatever... Otherwise it is running well not like World wide welding web that is still not running.

 

[Falcon67]

Do it, life doesn't stand still.

 

[travisn1]

A couple of financial forums and a few software support forums I am on have gone to Discourse. Here is one example -
http://forum.amibroker.com/

The search functions work well and there appears to be a lot of customization available. They work well as a support function I am not sure if they would blend well with GJ but it might be worth a look.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

I was hesitant to it at first but after sitting down with the trial environment they set up it really makes sense. Photo uploading was easy, could paste screen shots, live updating of threads, etc.

Mostly it made uploading pictures easier which for build threads and things like that is essential. I skipped a build thread for my ls1 volvo to avoid the headache of hosting photos, making sure the urls were correct,etc. So I just use instagram for that now.

 

[fsae0607]

Thanks for your hard work, Ryan!

 

[Ryan]

Ryan, any guess as to when this change might happen?

Next week, I'm gonna set up a test server. From there, I have to install all of the software and then design the UI. This design process will take a good week or so... and then I'll import all of the data from TGJ which will also take at least a week. And then at least a month of testing... Then, some BETA testing... and then finally a launch.

I'm hoping for 2 months?

 

[HOTFR8]

I'm hoping for 2 months?

Thank you.

 

[ishiboo]

Was just what I found on a quick search for comparisons since I wasn't familiar with xenforo before you mentioned it. I guess it's just that I'm used to vbulletin having been on boards powered by it for ages...the few xenforo sites I've seen seem far too messy/inconsistent but hopefully you do a better job skinning it.

Have you tried vb5 yet?



I usually use google to search gj... "site:garagejournal.com search term" into google and it can pull up most threads (other than free parking obviously).

Xenforo is leagues ahead of vB in almost every area. I would consider vB almost a thing of the past at this point. It was poorly architected from the get-go... they did a much better job with Xenforo. (Some of the same original people I believe)

 

[ddawg16]

Next week, I'm gonna set up a test server. From there, I have to install all of the software and then design the UI. This design process will take a good week or so... and then I'll import all of the data from TGJ which will also take at least a week. And then at least a month of testing... Then, some BETA testing... and then finally a launch.

I'm hoping for 2 months?

I'll be glad to help with testing.....

 

[Spareparts]

Best site on the web, bar none. Not to puter savy but this site is my go to. Every night I spend about 1 hour catching up and most of that time is here. While I'am at it I want to THANK YOU for fixing my problem in such a professional and quick manner. Made my day. Thank You Again, Jim

 

[My Old Tools]

It's a great site Ryan. I have gained far more than I contibute, but I try to add where I can. If I can help, holler. 39 years of software and systems engineering, now retired.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Two months will be here before you know it.

 

[James E]

 

[James E]

Kevin wants to know if the post counts will carry over or will we all start from scratch?

 

[Ryan]

Kevin wants to know if the post counts will carry over or will we all start from scratch?

Everything will carry over.

 

[peter2772000]

Ryan, thanks for this site, it truly is an Encyclopedia Britannica of info.

Oh, and quick question; Will we finally get a thx or like button?

 

[Bad Eye Bill]

If it's the same as The Hamb there will be one. ^^^

 

[-Brent-]

So glad to read this @Ryan (a feature I love w/ xenforo). The GJ is the only site out of the few I visit that's still on VB.

For the people who can't adapt to the new changes, did y'all have a hard time adapting from screwdrivers to impact drivers? It's about the same jump in ease and technology, in my opinion.

 

[James E]

Everything will carry over.

Kevin is very happy.

 

[mandlebaum]

I am not a computer guy by any means - I use the machine for weather info, parts searches, this site and ****. Wait, I didnt say that...

I am also generally resistant to change. Aaaaand I have hardly any posts on this forum which means I have no idea what I am talking about and should be ignored - I accept that.

That being said, I just spent some time over on the HAMB to get some firsthand experience with this new format. I was expecting to come away hating the layout but I have to say - not only do I have no complaints, I rather like it!

Yes, it is visually different. But as a fully functional adult (unless you ask my wife) I was able to easily figure out what was going on. Navigation was smooth and intuitive. Threads had the OPs avatar right there in the margin which is nice for simple, visual identification/association of who posted it up. Dates of both the thread start and most recent post are right there. Inside the threads is equally 'non-confrontational'. Reading and traversing is simple and done without peril. The only complaint I have (and this is purely from a personal perspective) is that the post timestamp and number are at the bottom. My particular brand of OCD prefers that to be at the beginning but when my sobbing and convulsing stops I am sure Ill be able to carry on.

All in all I look forward to this change.

And frankly, if it makes managing / maintaining this site easier on the back end thus staving off shutting the doors on GJ - anyone who values the content here should be on board. Special disclaimer - I dont mean that as any kind of combative statement towards anyone who has voiced an opinion against the transition.

Thank you to Ryan and the mods for the work you do here to keep this place running.

 

[PassnThru]

I'm a programmer by trade. I've installed a lot of software over the years - some written by us some sourced. And this has always been the biggest hurdle - getting people to accept the change.
I spent considerable time in a warehouse preparing to install our new inventory management system. Not everyone was happy. I had a forklift driver cuss me to my face. My new supervisor was with me - he was shocked and froze.
I shrugged my shoulders. My supervisor was upset - I laughed. It's all part of the job - no need to report it.

On the first day of go live - the same forklift driver found me and thanked me. Every time that day he went to do a retrieval it was there! I had made his job easier and he finally understood that.

 

[ixlr8]

I just spent a few minutes on the HAMB site. It is vastly different, and vastly superior, compared to the other site I am on that uses Xenfro. If TGJ uses the same format as HAMB, I will be okay with it. The setup on that other site, very few people like.

 

[ixlr8]

Next week, I'm gonna set up a test server. ... Then, some BETA testing... and then finally a launch.

I'm hoping for 2 months?

Ryan, Thank you for the update, I hope all goes smoothly for you. This site is a huge asset to many people, thank you for all the work you do to keep it running.

 

[KELLHAMMER]

I am excited about it hopefully some of the upgrade will allow me to access the posted photo attachments easier. I have trouble signing to GJ sometimes, I get an message telling me I used the wrong password. A new look is always exciting.

 

[Builder302]

I love the site, keep it up. Look forward to the changes.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Hey Ryan, just a thought.

Is it possible to either add a plumbing section or change the Heating & AC section to a "Plumbing & HVAC" section ? Plumbing questions/suggestion always seemed to get tossed where ever.

 

[a52-830]

Plumbing questions/suggestion always seemed to get tossed where ever.

and maybe a tool storage section, since those questions litter several areas also.

 

[Lassen Forge]

Part of the reason this board works is the categorization of this board. And it's logical - if it sucked, people wouldn;t hang out here. How many people are on line? That says a lot.

While HAMB is fine, when you have 3 categories, and buttloads of entries for each, things get too lost. There's a reason I hang out here - I call this my favorite hangout, and the place to go... I even send people here.

This works. I was just relating to someone about working for a truck shop, the owner decided to "diversify" into autos and motorcycles, and he went under in less than 2 years.

Bottom line - if something works, and works well, don't try to change it to make it "different". You were talking about changing the "look"... Why? It looks good, feels comfy as old shoes, and works (for us, the end users) as a well oiled 80 tooth ratchet.

My continuing 2¢...

 

[HOTFR8]

Bottom line - if something works, and works well, don't try to change it to make it "different". You were talking about changing the "look"... Why? It looks good, feels comfy as old shoes, and works (for us, the end users) as a well oiled 80 tooth ratchet.

My continuing 2¢...

The bottom line is not every thing is working here as it should and the recent server change had plenty of issues. I am sure Ryan has it all worked out given the HAMB went over with the change some time back.

 

[reader2580]

I cannot stand the look of XenForo over at HAMB. There is a colored box around the signature. That box is absolutely huge for most posts. It only looks right if the post is fairly long.

 

[astrohip]

I cannot stand the look of XenForo over at HAMB. There is a colored box around the signature. That box is absolutely huge for most posts. It only looks right if the post is fairly long.

I find that site poorly designed also. Not at all pleasing to the eyes. Doesn't flow well.

To be fair to Xenforo, there are a couple of other sites I use all the time that are great sites, well-designed. Xenforo has the tools, but then it's up to the designer.

 

[zmotorsports]

First off Ryan, a HUGE thank you for this site. I have only been a member since 2009 but this is hands down the site that I am most active on and it is because of the people that I communicate with here and have met since becoming a member. For that alone I thank you immensely.

As for the changeover, I am NOT a computer guy and can get by, but barely. I am not a fan of change but since I like this site so much I will just have to work through it. I was very active over on hobby-machinist.com until they went through "the change" and since then my participation has fallen off so I hope it isn't too difficult to navigate through as I want to remain fully active here.

Thanks again for a great site and allowing us a place to post our projects and communicate with like-minded gearheads.