Most of you don't know or care what goes on behind the scenes of a website like this, and that's as it should be. If you are the type who cares about such things, please lend me you attention for a moment.
This site is based on the freely available PHPBB2 software which has been around for donkeys years. It was originally installed by our local Zed encyclopedia, nzeder, but I've long since barged in and taken over. The software has served us well and will continue to do so for a while, but it's day is coming. It has officially been superceded by PHPBB3 and support from the creator has ceased, but we can't upgrade because of all the modifications nzeder and I have made over the years.
So, being a programmer with a little (very little) time on my hands, I've decided to tackle creating a replacement myself. All the programmers in the club reading this right now are shaking their heads in disbelief. Yes, I know. The new site will be different from other generic forums in that it will be aimed specifically at vehicle based clubs.
Ignoring all the reasons I shouldn't do this, lets dive into what I'll need from you.
1) Beta testers.
Once the new site has basic functionality, I'll need some volunteers to log in, use it, try to break it, tell me what could be improved. If you're interested please PM me.
2) Ideas.
Having been on the intertubes for some time now, I have used many and varied online community websites and have a few ideas of what works and what doesn't. I have some grand plans for the new site which I will detail in subsequent posts, but I'd like to start by asking "What's the most important thing a car club discussion forum should have?". Please post your thoughts here, lets get a discussion going so I can design these things in from the beginning rather than retrofitting them later.
Thanks.
Edit:
Things which have come up so far:
- Garage
- Event Results
- PM to groups of people (reinvent email
) - Hosting photos
