Changes coming to the website

**Steve** · 01-15-2007, 07:21 PM

This week we're going to start a major renovation and upgrade to the software that runs this website.
There may be a day or two that we are down (I hope not!), and there may be a couple of hiccups on the way, but there are several reasons that we need to make some changes.

1) Patchwork. The current system is a patchwork of several different systems that sort-of work together, but there are compatibility and duplicate information issues. This main website software is called Postnuke, the message forum is an older version of phpBB and the photo gallery is coppermine. Each time there is a bug or a security fix, we have to upgrade everything, on every site! It can take hours. Also, where do you update your profile at? On the main website, or in the message forum? It worked well for the past 2 years, but it's time to move on.

2) Major Bugs. There have been several major bugs that almost crashed us. My web host has shut down access to some files before becuase of some security exploits that were possible. To the end user, it looks like the website has crashed, even though I'm working frantically behind the scenes to get a new version up and running. Part of the reason is the slower response time from these open source software packages. There are dozens of problems, that most of you have seen. I mean, do the timezones work for anyone?

3) New System. Because of all of this, we've made the decision to purchase a license of the most successful, robust and secure message forum software around. Yes, it costs money, but it's worth it to have a professional company behind me helping to keep things up and running. I hope to be able to purchase this license early this week and do a conversion this week or this upcoming weekend. We'll see.

4) Strong GM Community. The overall goal is to provide a web community that is easy to use, full or features, non-hackable and one that doesn't take me hours and hours each month to maintain.

If anyone has any questions or comments, don't hesitate to contact me. We're going to roll out the new message forum slowly and add features over time. Our goal is to produce one of the best GM/Chevy websites and we'll need your support to make it there.

**84fiero123** · 01-15-2007, 07:28 PM

Oh I’m sure I will have questions and problems, but that’s just me. I have problems with any computer related programs.

But if you are looking for support, Go For It !

I will be here, pecking away at the keys.

**unplugged** · 01-15-2007, 07:50 PM

Cool. The easier for everyone the better.

**retired2001** · 01-16-2007, 02:19 AM

The upkeep on one of these sites must take a lot of time. It is a big commitment, so many thanks!

**brownbomb** · 01-16-2007, 08:36 AM

Kudos to you. I know the upkeep on site like this takes a lot of dedication from you.

**Steve** · 01-16-2007, 10:03 AM

Thanks. We've grown pretty well in two years, 2700 members and 10,000 messages posted. But, with a new system I think we can quadruple that in the next few months.