Old Format

[Atalaya]

No disrespect meant to all those folks rebuilding/repairing their homes but I have a question for the webmaster........is there a timetable for returning to the old board format? Just curious. Also, did the cisterns get any salt water in them during the storm?

[Moderator242]

No, the old Board is history. Actually, it was the old Board that crashed the server.

This is a big change but once you learn it's many capabilities and get used to the new format, I believe you will come to like it better.

[Mont]

if you happen to be a fan of a threaded display for the forums, like the old one had, it's easy to switch to that. Go to any thread, and on the top right, find Display Modes and under it, find threaded. The hybrid mode is also there, it's a cross between linear and threaded. The problem with the old software was that the author has abandoned developement of it and it fell so far behind, that modern servers are unable to run it. It became like trying to play an 8 track tape in a CD player. This script we are on is very flexible for the user and server friendly to accomodate the traffic here, which is considerable.

[Atalaya]

Ok, how do we register for the new board using our old board name?

[Moderator242]

Ok, how do we register for the new board using our old board name?
The same way you registered as "Atalaya."

[Mont]

be sure to log out before trying to register again

[Capt. Jack Ransom Jr.]

I need some information from GTC. Specifically about the Robert Alexandria on a mooring off the Other Shore Club.

[Apoggi]

How can one learn the many capabilibities of this new format? I find it very hard that you cannot see the old posts like on the old board. Greatful for any help you can provide.

Apoggi

[Mont]

How can one learn the many capabilibities of this new format? I find it very hard that you cannot see the old posts like on the old board. Greatful for any help you can provide.

Apoggi
To answer the first part of your question, you can't see all the posts when viewing the main index of posts. You will see the title of the first post, and when you click on it, then your preferences kick in. Using the linear format, you will see all the posts in the order posted. Using the threaded format, you will see the whole thread (very similar to the old format) and whichever particular post you are viewing shown below. Hybrid is a mix.

Visiting the user cp link will allow many choices about how you see the forums and posts. I picked a set of defaults that are the most popular but unfamiliar to users of Webbbs, our old format. I used to work with the author of that script in developing it, but he simply moved on. That's when I went to vBulletin and started helping out there, in a very small way. The picture uploaders, the threaded format option, all are things brought into vBulletin by suggestions from users, one of which was me. Webbbs has finally gotten to the point, most web hosts have banned it. I personally switched TTMB to vBulletin early in 2004. Since then, nearly all forums running Webbbs have transitioned to either phpBB or vBulletin.

The best advice I can offer, is to play with all the features here, and simply ask questions. No one is going to be offended by asking "How do I do this?". It's been my experience that once users find all the capabilities of this new script, it's like Christmas in July. More importantly, it will allow this board and many other busy ones to be able to survive. It's just like I posted about 8 track tapes, there aren't any places to buy a player for those anymore and the old script falls into the same category. Anyone is welcome to PM me for personal assistance and I will try my best to walk you through any issues. This is Sinc's board, and I tried my best to make it look and work like the old one, but this is as close as I can get. Once Sinc gets back on line and the mess cleaned up, I am sure you will see some other changes to things here to make it more functional. I found his board guidelines today, and they are up top. I am looking around for a hack to add the sidebar back to the side, instead of up top.

[Apoggi]

Thanks Mont

[SamFamAustin]

From what I understand, Mont knows his way around a BBS and can program. Most public BBS are really ugly, silly, or bog down the servers because of the way they're designed (or invite pests). That's why the old Abaco BBS went south. I vote five stars for the new BBS. Sure, it could use some "Help" functions but the messages get there just fine. For an example of a commercial "off the shelf" product see http://p207.ezboard.com/bsouthpadreisland25762

That's our "poor man's Bahamas." If you went to this site it's pretty drab, I'm sure you would agree. Obviously Mont not only put his heart into this but attempted to recapture the spirit of the old BBS using Sinc's notes and set-up. In sum, this is a dream-boat Cadillac of a BBS. And for you and me it is free, gratis, and no charge.

Sure, things change and I'm not getting down on those that were comfortable with the old system. I was too. However, the new technology can perhaps be designed to even allow a relational database to store audio files, such as the cruiser net morning updates on VHF. Well, maybe, but that's a suggestion for down the road. I say "hat's off" to Mont. -Sam

[Abacoparrott]

To answer the first part of your question, you can't see all the posts when viewing the main index of posts. You will see the title of the first post, and when you click on it, then your preferences kick in. Using the linear format, you will see all the posts in the order posted. Using the threaded format, you will see the whole thread (very similar to the old format) and whichever particular post you are viewing shown below. Hybrid is a mix.

Visiting the user cp link will allow many choices about how you see the forums and posts. I picked a set of defaults that are the most popular but unfamiliar to users of Webbbs, our old format. I used to work with the author of that script in developing it, but he simply moved on. That's when I went to vBulletin and started helping out there, in a very small way. The picture uploaders, the threaded format option, all are things brought into vBulletin by suggestions from users, one of which was me. Webbbs has finally gotten to the point, most web hosts have banned it. I personally switched TTMB to vBulletin early in 2004. Since then, nearly all forums running Webbbs have transitioned to either phpBB or vBulletin.

The best advice I can offer, is to play with all the features here, and simply ask questions. No one is going to be offended by asking "How do I do this?". It's been my experience that once users find all the capabilities of this new script, it's like Christmas in July. More importantly, it will allow this board and many other busy ones to be able to survive. It's just like I posted about 8 track tapes, there aren't any places to buy a player for those anymore and the old script falls into the same category. Anyone is welcome to PM me for personal assistance and I will try my best to walk you through any issues. This is Sinc's board, and I tried my best to make it look and work like the old one, but this is as close as I can get. Once Sinc gets back on line and the mess cleaned up, I am sure you will see some other changes to things here to make it more functional. I found his board guidelines today, and they are up top. I am looking around for a hack to add the sidebar back to the side, instead of up top.Monty, to have regular users "learn" how to use the new board is fine, however it's the newbies or one-time users feeling comfortable that will make Sinc's advertising effective. Let's hope that the newbies don't find "learning" too difficult for their sometimes short duration on the board......ken

[TurtleDreams]

The best advice I can offer, is to play with all the features here, and simply ask questions.This is Sinc's board, and I tried my best to make it look and work like the old one, but this is as close as I can get. Once Sinc gets back on line and the mess cleaned up, I am sure you will see some other changes to things here to make it more functional. I found his board guidelines today, and they are up top. I am looking around for a hack to add the sidebar back to the side, instead of up top.

Hi Mont! First - Thanks for your unbelievble effort and successful continuation of our beloved "Board" in the face of such amazing obsticles!!

I have one simple question so far and one "appearance" comment.

The simple question is (actually it just became two questions)
1) Why does the board sometimes "remember" me and sometimes not.
2) How do I prevent messages from being considered "read", when I haven't yet read them?

For the "appearance" comment, it is important to alert posters to the community board "rules", but maybe it doesn't need to appear quite so stridently. Maybe just tone down the color contrast?

Finally, we all seem to have some resistance to "New" things, but in more cases than not, if we give it a chance we will often find that it is indeed better, especially if it gives due respect to that which came before.

Thanks to all who have so seemlessly kept our contact to a place we love intact!
Susan

[Mont]

Ezboard (the one in Sam's link) is well known to crackers/hackers and you will find a lot of those being hacked by script kiddies. It's not an option from a security standpoint. Audio files can be added to the list of allowed uploadable files on the board, but that's gonna be up to Sinc to make that call. I volunteer for a charity, and I set them up a deal to answer their phones, where selected members get copies of the messages left on the answering machine via email, all automatically. Technology is only limited by imagination. That one little setup saved them thousands of dollars. Something similar could be used for the VHF updates, I am sure.


Monty, to have regular users "learn" how to use the new board is fine, however it's the newbies or one-time users feeling comfortable that will make Sinc's advertising effective. Let's hope that the newbies don't find "learning" too difficult for their sometimes short duration on the board......kenA valid point to be sure, but to post here, you simply have to register and post. It's pretty easy for most folks to figure out how to do that.


For the "appearance" comment, it is important to alert posters to the community board "rules", but maybe it doesn't need to appear quite so stridently. Maybe just tone down the color contrast? I just pulled that out of Sinc's files as it was. He can change it easily when he gets back here. I feel somewhat "wierd" about digging through another man's files any more that absolutely neccesary. Sinc asked me to get vB going for him, and I will leave the smaller details to him when he gets back.


The simple question is (actually it just became two questions)
1) Why does the board sometimes "remember" me and sometimes not.
2) How do I prevent messages from being considered "read", when I haven't yet read them?
1. This is due to an issue called propagation, related to the server change. Anytime a site moves from one server to another this will happen for up to 14 days after the change. It occurs due to ISP's caching sites to save bandwidth. My ISP (Roadrunner) and AOL are two of the worst offenders in this area. Clearing your temporary internet files, and cookies out will help, but then you have to re log into every site that has a log in again.

2. The timeout is set at 900 seconds (15 mintues), so if you spend longer than 15 minutes getting caught up, you will experience this. Also, once all the the stickies come down, threads will be much shorter and easier to follow. The moderators are trying to maintain a high degree of organization during the current crisis and have organized things via stickies to be able to do this. Once things settle down, I suspect board traffic will return to countdowns, pictures, and "normal" traffic. Right now, everyone is concerned with being able to find pertenant information asap.

[trimms]

Mont - thanks for being such a terrific resource, even if 80% of your advice flies over my "low tech" head.
This should be a simple question:
originally registered on the old board. when i tried to re-register on new board was told my "username was already in use". can't i use my current username?

[Mont]

PM me with the name you tried to register that showed already in use. Also include your email addy in the PM. I will look into it for you.

[peterodgers]

How can one learn the many capabilibities of this new format? I find it very hard that you cannot see the old posts like on the old board. Greatful for any help you can provide.

Apoggi
it's just a new thang!!!!

feel free to make a few mistakes as you try to learn the new Board. Remember, you can't break it. !!!!!

and don't be embarassed when you are trying but failing to get it right, right away. trying and failing a bit is all part of the leaning process. and, remember lots of other people are in the same learning curve as you, at the same time, all learning the new BB together.

also recognize that you don't have to learn everything thing about the new board, just a few relatively simple things, just enough to post and read other peoples' posts. the rest can come later if you'e still interested in going further.

in a few days or weeks when you look back at your learning process, the transition will seem easy.

it's just another piece of software that you need to learn to live this here modern life. and remember that the result of your effort will be well worth the slight effort required.

have at it and we'll see you at the other side of the learning curve.

[pelicanpete]

I'm getting used to the new board style, having 'adjusted' the user CP.
Only comment/request is: can the page headings shown at the top which necessitate scrolling down to get into the message, somehow be condensed in size or better yet, give us the option to see them via a separate link? I think it would make the board's new format more user friendly IMHO.
Pete

[Balmybreezes]

=Moderator242]No, the old Board is history. Actually, it was the old Board that crashed the server.

This is a big change but once you learn it's many capabilities and get used to the new format, I believe you will come to like it better.[/QUOTE]
I disagree- considering the minimal activity that 'crashed' the former server, it must not have been any kind of server to speak of.......... And unless I'm a little dense, the new format states "Today's posts" and when you read the thread, the most recent post is not today's..

My opinion is that the older board was alot more readable and/or user friendly........Most don't look for the capabilities you speak of.........respectfully stated.....

[AbacoPeach]

If you will look at the top of the thread far left, there is a link called "View First Unread." If you click on that, it will take you to the last post that you read so you don't have to scroll down.

[AbacoPeach]

If you will read Mont's post as to the old Board, he specifically stated that it didn't have anything to do with "activity." It was the old Board itself that crashed the server. As Mont put it, "It was like putting an 8-track tape into a CD player."

[peterodgers]

No disrespect meant to all those folks rebuilding/repairing their homes but I have a question for the webmaster........is there a timetable for returning to the old board format? Just curious. Also, did the cisterns get any salt water in them during the storm?
Part of the problem of adapting to the new board is a new "look".

BUT, you can change "the look" or the lay out of the posts by going to the far right of the screen, (on the second tool bar from the top) and clicking on DISPLAY MODES. A drop down menu will appear and two its choices are THREADED MODE and HYBRID MODE. click on either of these two to get a format with a more familiar look.

Feel free to play around with the display options because "you can't break it" (the BB) and you just might find a "look" you like better.

[riss]

I'm getting used to the new board style, having 'adjusted' the user CP.
Only comment/request is: can the page headings shown at the top which necessitate scrolling down to get into the message, somehow be condensed in size or better yet, give us the option to see them via a separate link? I think it would make the board's new format more user friendly IMHO.
Pete

i aggree as well - otherwise everything seems so easy ... also a way of knowing when someone includes a link without having to read the entire thread

[Noontide]

Mont

Just wondering, is there any way to access the photo album on the old board?

thanks

Noontide

[Mont]

Balmybreezes: The old format has been specifically blacklisted by the majority of the server providers out there. Sinc's provider supported it nearly a year after everyone else refused to. Understand that servers hold about 200 websites each, so when one site causes problems, it generates 199 additional complaints from other users. Putting Sinc's site on a server all by itself would not have solved the problem. It's like trying to find leaded gas, it's simply not an option anymore. The server farm Sinc is using is one of the most highly rated and respected webhosts out there.

Noontide, the old pictures might be able to be harvested, I haven't had time to look into it. They might come back as some sort of read only archives.

[peterodgers]

Mont,
please advise me re how to cut and paste articles and links into a post. for example, i wanted to C&P links and/or articles from online NYT re Grand Cayman Hurricane Ivan damage into a new post on this board but it dinna work. leastwise, paste option was not available on the right click drop down menu. is there a "work around" ? thanks,

[Angie Paul]

Well, I think it was wonderful that Mont picked up the pieces and had a Board so that we were able to keep up on things. I myself, am a Computer dummy, but I am trying! At least I can get on and have been reading and now this is my first post. I hope it gets there! Thanks to everyone who has helped to keep us informed. I even got to see the photos on MH! I guess as Mont says, keep trying. I do not understand some of the computer language, like Avastar some other ones that I can not remember. I guess a "Thread" is the subject. I have asked my children and no one seems to know the term.

[Moderator242]

Yes, the "thread" is the subject. An "avatar" is a picture/object, etc. you have downloaded that appears every time you post. Look at Mont's post on this thread. That picture in his post is called an "avatar."

[Billy P]

Today is Monty's birthday!

[Mont]

peterogers,

highlight what you want to copy, and then hit control c
once you are inside the posting box hit control v

The first one will copy it, the 2nd one will paste it.

That's an old keyboard shortcut that never fails to work regardless of browsers.

[TurtleDreams]

Quick note: on most pc's the "control key" is the farthest to the left on the bottom, but for a Mac it's the one with the "apple" on it. After highlighting the text you want to copy hold the ctrl key down at the same time you hit the "c" then do the same when you want to "paste" with the "v". Most amazing is that this technique works with both kinds of computers. Try it on any document, once you get used to it it will save you lots of aggravation ( especially for us "typing impaired")! Copy anything from your email or word document to almost any other program or document.

[Abacobrad]

I find that I can't scan new posts like before and am using Board much less- I hate that because the "old" Board was so friendly to track fresh posts. All the threads are challenging, plus they pop to the last one and I end up reading backwards?

[Moderator8600]

Any Thread that has a New Post will have a check mark to the left of the Thread name, just left click on the check mark an the New Posts will appear first!!

If you will click "First Read Post" that is on the far left of the beginning of the thread, that should solve your problem.