Sneak Peek at a possible site upgrade

[eric]

I've mentioned before that our board software is "end of life" which we know is not a big deal considering some of us are still using 20 year old software for our train simulation addictions.

Unfortunately, for the site it means that we no longer can upgrade the underlying frameworks that provide security and new features.

There's a newer version of our board software that I've been able to install as a testbed at https://test.trainsim.com/forums -- this is locked down for new posts and downloading (as it's on a $10/month development server without a lot of disk space or performance), but I'm going to make it available for some test driving for those who might be curious.

Here's a visual preview of the layout and functionality -- this will not be the actual color layout or logo, but it will give you an idea of how pageflows work and what features might be available.

Some of the newer features that are offered include the ability to log in with an email address OR your username, Google and Facebook authentication, and "Like" buttons for individual posts. There's a bunch of enhancements on the back-end that will make the site easier to manage.

I'll leave the preview open thru the weekend and early next week.

[crstagg]

Eric,
Problem
Hmmm… can't reach this page

Check if there is a typo in test.trainim.com.

• If spelling is correct, try running Windows Network Diagnostics.

[eric]

Yeah, I'm not wearing my glasses today. Fixed a typo in the URL.

I had screenshots as well, but they seem to not behaving.

Layout is about the same:
capture_400294.jpg

Search layout is also about the same
capture_400295.jpg

Posting and responding is also about the same, aside from the user details being on the left as opposed to across the top.
capture_400299.jpg
capture_400300.jpg

Lastly I really like the help capability... and the concept of having a user manual format for things like how to manage MSTS, OpenRails, modeling software, etc...
capture_400296.jpg


The ability to "Like" posts is something that people have asked for, and I'd really like to look at a shopping cart for downloads. Those are all things we can do with the newer version.

I know some won't like the idea of Facebook or Google integration, but with as many groups that have migrated to Facebook, there's some value in being able to bridge the two channels...

[crstagg]

Cannot sign-in nor sign-up

Sign-in takes email but NOT username.

[crstagg]

Looks good. Like the use of "Forums" vice "Discussions" on top tabs. Can't teach an old dog.

Suggestion: Make the subforums consistent in name and sequence for ORTS and MSTS with one exception of MSTS Bin.
Also when splitting up the Help and assistance sub forum there are some threads that are related to the overall site and not just MSTS. Maybe those should be moved elsewhere.

[R. Steele]

I know some won't like the idea of Facebook or Google integration, but with as many groups that have migrated to Facebook, there's some value in being able to bridge the two channels...

Yep, I belong to that group, but you've stated the reality about having a bridge to them...and a member can choose to not use that bridge.

imo ( my opinions usually don't rate using caps -- ) I like the direction the forum is taking --- design, usability --- updates and upgrades were needed.

[eric]

Suggestion: Make the subforums consistent in name and sequence for ORTS and MSTS with one exception of MSTS Bin.

Agree, although with the forum activity on the site down from what it was, it's possible that some categories will be collapsed together to match the "Modeling and Physics" approach for ORTS.

That same consolidation has already been done with the smaller footprint sims like BVE and DRS.

[eric]

Also when splitting up the Help and assistance sub forum there are some threads that are related to the overall site and not just MSTS. Maybe those should be moved elsewhere.

Also agree.

[jbtower]

I think we're positively moving in the right direction Eric. The suggestions above give us an opportunity to make the experience here more fluid!

[eric]

Some good progress made with the custom development needed to support the file library...

• Basic keyword search, new files, and view entire section are done.
• File uploading is being tested.
• Downloading is also being tested.
• Quota tracking and Download Jail are in work

That's it for critical path items. Anything else will be Day 2 work which doesn't directly affect most users.

One example of this is file management, which is the behind the scenes functions used to edit file descriptions, move files between sections, and manage the thumbnails that are displayed in the catalog.

If testing goes well, early July is the target for upgrading.

Early indications are that the file library may be down for up to 24 hours, and the forums for up to eight hours.