Vikings Message Board.Com

The version of message board software we use (phpBB) is sorely out of date. We are currently on version 3.0 and version 3.2.2 is out. This might not seem like a big difference at first glance but it's actually 5 years out of date. This is a pretty big deal due to potential security issues.

Unfortunately, it's going to mean changes to the look of the message board - whether we want them or not. Specifically, due to the fact that we haven't upgraded in so long none of the "styles" (thing that determines overall look of the message board) are supported anymore.

Honestly, this is one of the biggest reasons it hasn't been updated. I'll need to create a new "Vikings" themed style (under way) in addition to the work of actually updating the database/backend stuff (successfully completed in testing).

Anyway, expect the message board to go down for a couple of hours at some point over the next couple of weeks and for it to look completely different after that happens. I might ask for some opinions once I finish design testing before that.

Appreciate the update and your efforts, Cliff. Does this come at a cost to you? If so I'd be willing to contribute to the cause.

Nah, only my time which isn't technically free but as far as we're concerned it is!

phpBB is open source software (free) but if you can't figure out what's going on they charge for consulting. So for example, if you go to update from version 3.0 to 3.2 and run into an annoying error that turns out to be your web host because GoDaddy has a stupid PHP config. You can either spend several hours working it out or pay them to do it for you.

Fortunately, I've been working with some version of the technology that powers phpBB for nearly 15 years (PHP, SQL, CSS, Linux web server, etc.) so aside from annoyance and time, I think I've got it. My biggest hurdle will be fixing up graphic stuff but I've recently learned how to do that and feel pretty confident with it now. I've also got to change colors and fonts and add Vikings logos, etc., etc. in the CSS for whichever style I pick but that's more of something that will take time rather than being "hard".

I really appreciate the offer though!

Thanks for your hard work Cliff. I love this board and truly appreciate what you and Mike have done here.

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Cliff wrote: I've also got to change colors

I know a little something about this and, in my expert opinion, would go with a combination of purple and gold.

You're welcome.

dead_poet wrote:Appreciate the update and your efforts, Cliff. Does this come at a cost to you? If so I'd be willing to contribute to the cause.

We didn't add you to the executive stock options program?

dead_poet wrote:

Cliff wrote: I've also got to change colors

I know a little something about this and, in my expert opinion, would go with a combination of purple and gold.

You're welcome.

I agree with DP. For some reason those colors speak to me.

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No sweat, guys. It is a labor of love!

You know, I was thinking of something in those colors

When I talk about changing colors and stuff, I've got to turn that into something remotely resembling the current site.

Then there will be the people who absolutely *hate* the main layout and will want the old white/blue prosilver 2 stuff (which doesn't really exist anymore either ).

Luckily I do enjoy this kind of stuff when I have the time to do it. It's like anything else, I suppose. When you put work into something and it pans out the way you intend it to. Good feeling.

If it makes you feel any better I proactively hate it without having looked at your link.

We fear change.

dead_poet wrote:If it makes you feel any better I proactively hate it without having looked at your link.

We fear change.

Bring back Usenet!

It's coming along.

Lots of work to do still but what do you think about the banner? Too much? A bit smaller maybe?

Aside from the banner being busted I think I actually like the mobile version better than tapatalk ...

PsyDanny wrote:

dead_poet wrote:If it makes you feel any better I proactively hate it without having looked at your link.

We fear change.

Bring back Usenet!

Lmao.

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Cliff wrote:It's coming along.

Lots of work to do still but what do you think about the banner? Too much? A bit smaller maybe?

Aside from the banner being busted I think I actually like the mobile version better than tapatalk ...

Nice. I like the shade of purple. Pretty close to Vikings purple. Is it normal for the page not to stretch the length of the monitor on a desktop? Zooming in fixes this but was just wondering. Guessing it's more for mobile compatibility.

Cliff wrote:It's coming along.

Lots of work to do still but what do you think about the banner? Too much? A bit smaller maybe?

Aside from the banner being busted I think I actually like the mobile version better than tapatalk ...

I like it!

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