Forum Software Update - Downtime Oct 22-24

[Janet H]

We are on track to convert the forum to new software. It has been many years since we've had a platform update, and it's finally time.

To do this we'll need to close the forum. This is scheduled for October 22-24 beginning very early in the morning on the 22nd (subject to change if there are complications). The forum will be back online Thursday, Oct 24 (exact time unknown). There will be some noticeable changes upon returning to open:

The Forum is moving to a new modern software platform (XenForo). All the usual controls will be available, but buttons and functions will be moved around a bit. Modern software means a much better browsing experience! Look for a "How To" thread in the forum admin section after we reopen to help with your questions.

Your account is already integrated into the RV LIFE network login system. This means that if you already have an RV LIFE Login (Trip Wizard, RV LIFE App, Campground Reviews, or one of the other RV LIFE forums) and the email address is the same as your account here, you will still be using that existing RV LIFE login.

Other changes:

• The forum colors and header image will be updated
• Image storage and avatar size will be increased.
• PM inbox storage will be increased
• Responsive for mobile use: There is no mobile app needed. XenForo has a mobile view that is entirely responsive to device size. Use a browser to open the site and you'll have a good view. You can even set an app-like icon on your phone (really a bookmark)

New functions:

• Image handling will be improved. You can still upload images in the usual way but will also be able to simply paste directly into a post.
• PMs will be labeled as "conversations"; same function, new title and tada: images can be added to messages.
• There will be an updated and improved table editor and new tools for great looking replies to posts.
• New Albums to hold images in your profile if desired
• New OP badge to denote the Original Poster (thread starter) of a thread - handy for long topics.
  

RV LIFE Pro subscribers: For those with subscriptions to RV LIFE Pro (Trip Wizard or the RV LIFE Pro mobile app), no ads will display the forum pages.

Be patient after the site opens, it takes a little time to get settings dialed in, but we will bring the site back online as soon as possible (even while adjustments are still being made).

If you have any trouble logging in, please use the contact link at the bottom of the site to reach the help desk. We can help with account issues, and password resets if needed.

We'll all have a learning curve when the site updates but we believe that the faster site response and more robust features will be a great improvement.

 

[Ron in BC]

OMG, two days without the Escape Forum, OK Ron, take a deep breath.

Some of the new features are great. One that I'll find very useful is the ability to include a photo in a PM. Great if you're trying to assist someone with an issue.

Ron

 

[Rockhead]

My withdrawl symptoms are all ready hitting

 

[Janet H]

My withdrawl symptoms are all ready hitting

Options for entertainment:

• Wash my trailer (or wash your own)
• Winterize
• Plan next years adventure

 

[Rockhead]

Or come
Mow my yard ( 4 acres)
Trim my boxers toenails
Give him a bath
Give our 4 cats their bath

 

[GinoandLinda]

Good times! After decades in information technology, glad someone else is doing the work.

 

[splitting_lanes]

Thanks for the notice and thanks for doing the work.

 

[Kingfisher]

I’m on another forum (ericsonyachts.org) that uses XenForo. This is wonderful news! XenForo is *so* much better. Thank you for putting in the work to make this transfer and make this happen.

 

[Mike G]

I hate change, ugh. I'm content to be stuck in the mud. You'll drag me kicking and screaming into the new software.

 

[Centex]

Not a big fan of change, either, and I'm perfectly content with this forum's function, but I also enjoy the Xenforo forums I participate on.

IMO it's the moderators that help the most to keep forums useful. We're lucky in that regard here, IMO (Thank You!), I just hope that the change, if it affects them at all, makes their volunteered efforts easier.

 

[Janet H]

Change can be unsettling but our current software is not aging gracefully and is especially tough for folks using small screens. XenForo will be a big improvement.

With the software change comes a graphics update for the header. Brighter colors and changeable rig/image to showcase member rigs.

Here's a preview (with some test data). And then a mobile view (again with test data)

 

[Rockhead]

As long as the print doesn’t get any smaller I’m good lol

 

[Janet H]

We are on track to convert the forum to new software. It has been many years since we've had a platform update, and it's finally time.

To do this we'll need to close the forum. This is scheduled for October 22-24 beginning very early in the morning on the 22nd (subject to change if there are complications). The forum will be back online Thursday, Oct 24 (exact time unknown). There will be some noticeable changes upon returning to open:

The Forum is moving to a new modern software platform (XenForo). All the usual controls will be available, but buttons and functions will be moved around a bit. Modern software means a much better browsing experience! Look for a "How To" thread in the forum admin section after we reopen to help with your questions.

Your account is already integrated into the RV LIFE network login system. This means that if you already have an RV LIFE Login (Trip Wizard, RV LIFE App, Campground Reviews, or one of the other RV LIFE forums) and the email address is the same as your account here, you will still be using that existing RV LIFE login.

Other changes:

• The forum colors and header image will be updated
• Image storage and avatar size will be increased.
• PM inbox storage will be increased
• Responsive for mobile use: There is no mobile app needed. XenForo has a mobile view that is entirely responsive to device size. Use a browser to open the site and you'll have a good view. You can even set an app-like icon on your phone (really a bookmark)

New functions:

• Image handling will be improved. You can still upload images in the usual way but will also be able to simply paste directly into a post.
• PMs will be labeled as "conversations"; same function, new title and tada: images can be added to messages.
• There will be an updated and improved table editor and new tools for great looking replies to posts.
• New Albums to hold images in your profile if desired
• New OP badge to denote the Original Poster (thread starter) of a thread - handy for long topics.
  

RV LIFE Pro subscribers: For those with subscriptions to RV LIFE Pro (Trip Wizard or the RV LIFE Pro mobile app), no ads will display the forum pages.

Be patient after the site opens, it takes a little time to get settings dialed in, but we will bring the site back online as soon as possible (even while adjustments are still being made).

If you have any trouble logging in, please use the contact link at the bottom of the site to reach the help desk. We can help with account issues, and password resets if needed.

We'll all have a learning curve when the site updates but we believe that the faster site response and more robust features will be a great improvement.

Bumping this - just a reminder that the forum will offline beginning tomorrow and will return Thursday (or sooner) after the software has been updated.

 

[GinoandLinda]

 

[Rockhead]

Sitting in corner cringing at upcoming withdrawl systems

 

[MarkinVan]

Hope they add "Likes"

 

[kernwig]

Hope they add "Likes"

Like

 

[Janet H]

Hope they add "Likes"

Likes are coming!