The Road Ahead - Upcoming changes to 914World.com Options

[SirAndy]

There are several changes and improvements coming to 914world over the next few months.

The move to a new server this weekend was the first step in that process. By moving the site to a new server, we can now take advantage of better hardware and more storage space.

Our old server was running close to its capacity both in terms of processing power and file storage.


Here are some of the upcoming changes:

- Refactor the current codebase for the forums
The forum software was written almost 15 years ago and it is starting to become more and more of a problem. I'll be spending some time doing a major cleanup while adding some of the new features listed below.

- Create a mobile friendly skin for the forums
As more and more people move towards mobile devices it's time that we have a usable interface that works well in that environment.

- Upgrade the database to a newer format
Our current database is getting HUGE and it's time to move it to a newer format that can take advantage of the better hardware we now run on. This should drastically improve the loading speed on the site.

- Restructure the image file storage
The way the forum software currently stores uploaded images was never meant to be used for large amounts of files. We're now at over 700,000+ uploaded images taking up some 150GB of disk space and they're all stored in the same folder on the server (!). The new codebase will use a different approach for file storage that will improve access times to those images as well as categorizing them in a more meaningful manner.

- Allow members to tag images and threads
Being able to tag posted images and threads with keywords would allow for much easier searching. This could include both predefined tags and member defined tags.

- Update the VIN pages to be part of the forum
Change the pages for the VIN database to be integrated into the forum software. This would allow for better searching as well as attaching multiple images per VIN.

- Update the "914 Info" section to be part of the forum
Many of the current pages in the 914 info section need to be integrated into the forum software.

- Clean up the current forum skins
The current HTML for the forum skins is not compliant with the latest standards and needs to be reworked to work better with all modern browsers. At the same time, i'd like to add more color options to the skin selection.

- Add search function to your PMs
Allow members to search through their PMs easily.

- Add a "reply all" option to multiple recipient PMs
Adding this option will aid group conversations utilizing the PM system.

- Members map
We used to have a members map using frappr which was based on Google maps. I'd like to resurrect that idea and have a integrated map where members can enter their (approximate) location and add additional info, like a picture of their car.

- Add member tagging using @Username
Tagging a member by using their username in a post with the @ prefix will send them a notification with a link to the post where they were tagged.
This is a simple and easy way to get someone's attention to a post or topic.
Done ...


(IMG:style_emoticons/default/type.gif)

[Dtjaden]

Great stuff Andy (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clap56.gif)

[timothy_nd28]

Great news! Seems like a ton of work, can I help in any way?

[bcheney]

Great stuff Andy (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clap56.gif)

All of us are extremely grateful for all the work you do with our site and community. Thank you!

[Zimms]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) Awesome stuff! THANK YOU!

[scotty b]

- Add a "reply all" option to multiple recipient PMs
Adding this option will aid group conversations utilizing the PM system.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/type.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif) Your the bestest Andy

[Jett]

Thanks for all the effort. The site is Fast (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[914bub]

Thanks for all the effort. The site is Fast (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I am super grateful as well, Andy, for all you do for us.

Can you include clickable links to other 914 enthusiast sites where I can still buy the shoes I need?

TIA,.... Bub

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)

[veekry9]

Are you shitting me?
Truly?
This tiny 'cellphone' has 1 Terabyte and has a camera.
This Collossus has 256k!It has to warm up the tubes.
Tell me futureman,has mankind reached the stars.
Is the future a time of peace?

Gripes:
01) Display color formatting---------(the snow-blindness effect of a bright screen)-------A choice of colors and contrasts suitable to the users preference.A palette of versions.
02) A highlighted cursor-------------(a return to the previous page(backpaging))------------To see where in the list you were before,a contrasting highlite.Flaming pink if you choose.
03) Large Icon View-----------------(Other than a list format)-------------------------------A glance of the subject's topic and first few lines and or pix by mousing or other interface.
04) Icon gif panel--------------------(I don't use a gif all the time)--------------------But when I do,a pop-up or dropdown works for me.May I minimize the gif panel?
05) Edtor panel----------------------(A window in the corner sucks)----------------------A normal window,min/max/drag/pop and a line length limit to display and wrap.
06) Autosave-------------------------(Lose your editor input?)---------------------------Autosave,you know,autosave,for those neanderthals who use thumbs to type.
07) Page of thread-------------------(Want page 6?)--------------------------------------Pulldown and enter #in field,mouse LB,(not enter/return))Pita.A string of page # icons.
08) Thinking of somethin..Oh Yeah,a googlemap address for the sites and /found vehicles/photo'd 914s/vendors references and other utility.(Pix of a 914,the other side of the hill.)
09) Tailending the editor string-----(Adding attachment to input,cursor is ignored)---Saving,then reopening,placing the cursor with a leading and trailing space works though.

(edit:11/13/15)
10)Tagging----------------------------(Where was I?searching the page)---------------------------------------A highlited icon to map interesting subjects,at a glance


An interesting tangent of the transistors. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
http://www.scientificamerican.com/magazine/sa/1969/09-01/
http://www.joeydevilla.com/2010/01/15/mult...he-mad-men-era/

[914-300Hemi]

Thank you for all your hard work. It is greatly appreciated.

[r_towle]

You are a great and dedicated guy!

[Krieger]

Thanks for all your work! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif)

[Mikey914]

Thanks Andy,
Let me know if you need anything. Your dedication to the forum is what truly makes world what it is.

[bfrymire]

Great work Andy!

-- brett

[mbseto]

Thanks for your efforts!

[Gambusia]

Thank you

[infraredcalvin]

Thank you!

[bob]

thanks!!!

-bob

[Andyrew]

Good news! Thanks for everything Andy! Let us knoe if there is anything we can do to help!

[76-914]

Thx Andy. Is it a pain to add the ability to send pic's via pm, while your in there? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)