All,
Following reports from users that there were issues with the forum's operating ability I did some investigation and found that the hosting provider had updated some of its specifications to the latest versions meaning that the forum software, a legacy version of vBulletin (version 4), had effectively become redundant and was throwing up errors when it couldn't efficiently process requests.
I considered updating to the latest version of vBulletin (version 5) but, on reading reviews and opinion around the web, decided it wasn't worth the cost for software that some considered 'dead' or 'failed'. Therefore, I've performed a migration from vBulletin to another software called XenForo which, incidentally, is developed by some of the original vBulletin team before it was acquired and began its decline.
The new software is stable though, understandably, is different. It looks a little different, and it plays different behind the scenes too. It's going to take some time get used to its interface for users, but also for me as admin to navigate my way around its features. It also has a decent registration system, which will hopefully limit the spam accounts we've seen signing up.
Sadly, in the migration, a few things have been lost. Flag icons, some default avatars, and probably much more I've not yet noticed. Also the 'look' and logo of the forum, which I'll endeavour to design anew in time. Another frustration, to which I'm seeking a solution, is the loss of URLs for incoming links. For now they'll just default to the home page. Hopefully this can be resolved.
I'm opening the forum again today as it's Nobel day, usually the busiest time of the forum's year, so wouldn't want you to go without the annual discussion it generates. Especially this year, with two laureates to be announced.
All I ask is that, as you use the new software, you highlight any issues you find on this thread, and I can look to resolve them as soon as possible. If there's posting issues, use the private message system or use the Contact us link at the bottom of the page.
Following reports from users that there were issues with the forum's operating ability I did some investigation and found that the hosting provider had updated some of its specifications to the latest versions meaning that the forum software, a legacy version of vBulletin (version 4), had effectively become redundant and was throwing up errors when it couldn't efficiently process requests.
I considered updating to the latest version of vBulletin (version 5) but, on reading reviews and opinion around the web, decided it wasn't worth the cost for software that some considered 'dead' or 'failed'. Therefore, I've performed a migration from vBulletin to another software called XenForo which, incidentally, is developed by some of the original vBulletin team before it was acquired and began its decline.
The new software is stable though, understandably, is different. It looks a little different, and it plays different behind the scenes too. It's going to take some time get used to its interface for users, but also for me as admin to navigate my way around its features. It also has a decent registration system, which will hopefully limit the spam accounts we've seen signing up.
Sadly, in the migration, a few things have been lost. Flag icons, some default avatars, and probably much more I've not yet noticed. Also the 'look' and logo of the forum, which I'll endeavour to design anew in time. Another frustration, to which I'm seeking a solution, is the loss of URLs for incoming links. For now they'll just default to the home page. Hopefully this can be resolved.
I'm opening the forum again today as it's Nobel day, usually the busiest time of the forum's year, so wouldn't want you to go without the annual discussion it generates. Especially this year, with two laureates to be announced.
All I ask is that, as you use the new software, you highlight any issues you find on this thread, and I can look to resolve them as soon as possible. If there's posting issues, use the private message system or use the Contact us link at the bottom of the page.
