Forum Upgrade Delay Options

[Master of AFTER]

Those of you waiting for the software upgrade announced here are no doubt curious why the forum is still running IPB 2.0 nearly three weeks after it was supposed to make the transition to 2.3. Even though I've been posting semi-regular updates regarding the matter on Twitter, I figure enough of you have forgotten about the site's Twitter account that I should probably make a statement about the delay here on the boards.

The short version of the story is Requiem (head admin over at Sonic Online and behind-the-scenes technical magician for the PA Forums) and myself ran into some issues with the IPB 2.3 software. More specifically, we encountered some coding fuckups roadblocks that prevented us from making some of the customizations we wanted to the functionality of a couple different features. Thankfully, Requiem is smart enough when it comes to this sort of thing that he's been able to resolve just about every issue. Working around the idiotic mistakes of the programmers employed by IPS is an agonizingly time-consuming process, though, hence the reason the upgrade is running so late.

On the plus side, good things come to those who wait. I feel pretty confident in saying that the new software will change this community for the better. While the majority of the forum will remain familiar enough in its functionality that there will be very little in the way of complicated new crap to figure out, there are enough new features and little enhancements here and there that I honestly think this upgrade is going to do more than simply help get this board up to speed with comparable forum communities out there—it's going to make posting on the PA Forums a lot more fun.

At the present, Requiem is aiming to have the new software ready to roll by the middle of next week. I'm not in a position to make any promises at this point, but that's our new target for the time being. In the meantime, I'm going to go ahead and resume the Cosplay Caption Contest this Saturday; it looks like there will be less downtime during the upgrade process than I anticipated, so it shouldn't interfere with caption submissions as much as I originally thought.

If you folks have any questions about the upgrade that weren't answered above, I'll be happy to take them here.

[Kvitne]

But will it blend?

[Al_Cone]

C'mon, Boss, we're gonna bitch and moan about these changes more than the Sonic fanbase bitches and moans about new voice actors. "But I want my shitty SA2 voice cast baaaaack...!"

[Master of AFTER]

But will it blend?

As a level 16 journeyman Mixologist, I can make anything blend. I once created a cocktail that mixed peppermint schnapps, tequila, red wine, and Sriracha sauce. And it was delicious.

C'mon, Boss, we're gonna bitch and moan about these changes more than the Sonic fanbase bitches and moans about new voice actors. "But I want my shitty SA2 voice cast baaaaack...!"

Coincidentally, I respond to criticism the exact same way SEGA does: I cordially assure everyone that their complaints are being taken into consideration, then promptly ignore them, proceed to make the same series of mistakes over and over again, then pretend as though it wasn't a fluke on the rare occasions when I manage to create something people actually like.

[Kvitne]

As a level 16 journeyman Mixologist, I can make anything blend.  I once created a cocktail that mixed peppermint schnapps, tequila, red wine, and Sriracha sauce.  And it was delicious.

Next time I'm having an orgy, you are so hired to be the bartender.

This post has been edited by Kvitne: Jan 21 2012, 10:23 AM

[Master of AFTER]

Well, I'm glad this is generating so much hype and interest among community members. Okay then, you spoiled little shits. I didn't want to announce this until we were 100% certain it could be accomplished without causing any complications, but I guess being 99% certain is close enough... Included among the new features that will be introduced with the 2.3 software is a little surprise: after the upgrade, you kids will have the ability to embed videos directly into your posts!

I know video embedding is something you can find on a number of newer message boards, but it's a feature that never made it into the IPB 2 software series. Patching it into the 2.3.6 software required a modding program installer, custom code and images, and some alterations to the post screens. The result of our hard work means that you ungrateful slobs will not only be able to post videos, but the ability to do so will be a fully-integrated element that blends seamlessly into the forum's existing feature set as if it were an inbuilt part of the software.

While I fully admit that Requiem has done the majority of the heavy lifting when it comes to the customizations involved in this project, video embedding was one thing I took the initiative on and suggested adding, then put in a fair amount of time into tracking down reliable source code, designing new post icons, etc. Point is that I knew this was something quite a few of you have been asking for, so I busted my hump to make it happen because I care about your enjoyment of this forum. You're all welcome.

*Hmph!*

[Kvitne]

That's sweet! Now I can show off my Justin Bieber fan videos and rickrolls without making fellow members leave the site. Thanks MoA, you're the best.

But no seriously, that's awesome. It sounds like you guys have been putting a lot of care and hard work into the update. I'm excited to see it.

[Soren Highwind]

But no seriously, that's awesome. It sounds like you guys have been putting a lot of care and hard work into the update. I'm excited to see it.

Pretty much my feelings.

[Al_Cone]

I know exactly what I'm going to post as my first video, too.

[Kvitne]

I know exactly what I'm going to post as my first video, too.

I'm guessing this.