Your Forum Version 2

[Shrike]

I think the only time my site has ever truly had a new version is when we transplanted the forum from Facebook to Proboards. That was a bit more than an overhaul in the design and plot though (not that we changed the plot), it took 3 of us about 2 weeks to get all the coding, boards, layout, skin and Rules put together.

It is pretty much inevitable that a forum will, over time, evolve slightly. I don't believe in new "versions" of a forum as such, maybe a month where new features are brought out gradually but in quick succession (I'm eyeing up July for mine). Maybe it is just me but I don't see any reason why someone would want to change the plot of the game (in the case of an RP forum), it only shows that you haven't got longevity in the game. We haven't changed a thing about the plot in the 3 years that our game has been live.

Like Grieves said earlier, a new skin isn't a new version of your forum, it's just changed out of last year's ghastly fashion and slipped into something more contemporary. A new version should seem like the forum has been recreated yet still similar enough so that people stay.

If it's terminology you're talking about, I'd just say something along the lines of "a total revamp" and be done with it

[BioEye]

My forum has changed dramatically since it first started, and not once have I given it a version name. I've always wanted to associate it with the main identity of the forum, not a number put on the side. I also associate version numbers with incomplete work. While any forum can never be totally complete, I never like thinking I'm going to join a forum that's 'work in progress'. I like to think that the admin is happy with their currently layout, structure and design, and doesn't plan to change it as soon as I become accustomed.

I also associate version numbers with those forums that are always changing their look. While I gradually make improvements on my own, I never like people to think that the whole thing will suddenly change, as people start assuming that they won't be able to navigate the site easily.

[Ara (Crow)]

To me, a version two of a site is what they call the second site, after the first one dies, or becomes inactive. Usually there are no visible differences to the inner workings, just to the layout.

For me, personally, I find making a version two of a site as a waste of time. If something didn't succeed the first time it was around, there really is no point in trying again. The only exception I have to this is if the forum was around for years, then a version two would be just fine. To me, now, it seems everyone is making a version two of their site, and three, and four, and I saw one up to version seven. Just start something new, drop the second versions.

[Nick (Goodbye!)]

I think it depends on what kind of forum you have. If you have an rpg, you most likely won't have a new version (unless of coarse you remodel everything) but even then. Plus you have plots, which is what keeps members excited.

But for a General Chat forum, or an ad forum, that versions can be good. It will keep members excited for the new release and new skin and such. Unlike an rp, you don't have those plots to keep your members at their toes, so version help.

I think ultimately, it is the admins decision, and depending on what the circumstances are, you may or may not want to have defined versions.

[Erida]

I actually hate the use of new versions. When I was recently looking for a roleplay to join I turned away from several based simply on the fact that it was V2 or V3, etc. As a new person looking for a roleplay I was thinking of "oh, so this is version XYZ. They must have had some major plots happen, everybody already knows each other and has their separate plots. Where will I even fit in?". I can't speak for other types of forums as the only ones, other than here, that I use are roleplay. However, in my opinion, for a roleplay to even survive you have to go through the motions of what people have listed as excuses for "version 2's, etc". People will get bored if things stay the same exact way. This is where you see the really good admins shine, they can pull their forums along for years because they make changes. Most of the roleplays that have been around for a long time have consistent skin changes, board updates, keep ADDING to the plot, adding new features, adding new codes, and just changing things up. And as far as complete plot change, you might as well make a completely new forum. I believe you have to add to the plot, have plots between and within groups on the forum (packs/tribes/whatever). Your plot should flow nicely while adding things in at just the right time.

[ily 'TIL THE end]

Some even say that forums shouldn't have versions. What do you think?

I agree, anyone that puts v2, v3, etc. into their name is only doing it for the name really. I mean, they got a new skin and they call that another version. Some people have gotten used to the idea of v2, v3 and think that when someone changes the skin of their forum, they should have some sort of version to it.

What constitutes a new version for your forum?

Let's say I decide to one day put Version 2 into my forum name. I would think that it would be used for the following reasons:

• New skin.
  
• New boards.
  
• New or different codes added to the existing codes or perhaps deleting some codes that serve no real purpose.
  
• Perhaps additions or subtractions to the staff.
  
• A new vision, for the most part, of where the forum wants to go.
  

Do you release new versions at all? If not, why?

At the moment, I don't. I never really had a need release versions. I finally got suited with the look of my forum, finally giving it the feel, look and vision. Currently, there has been plans for a version 2 but it won't happen for quite some time. And when I do release any version 2, it would include the above list that I laid out. Some if not all of them anyways. But the release of a new version would only come when there is some sort of demand for change. Currently, I have no suggestions to change my forum from my members other then a board idea, which I implemented. But in my mind, if something isn't growing in popularity, then I see no use for it. I'm a strong believer that some things in life should be more enjoyed by people who are willing to go the extra step. Like for instance, register to use a certain feature on my forum. It just seems fair. I put a lot of hard work into it and wish it to be successful but one person wants to come buy, post once as a guest and leave. Never to return. I don't see a fair investment in that.

[Owlstar]

I don't have versions of my forum. I put a lot of time into creating the plot and boards for my forum, so I'm not going to up and change it all. I mean, I'll create new skins every once in a while. A new skin will draw more people in because it will give them something to look at, and I'll keep the older skins so they can switch whenever they want. But unless many of my members want a plot and board change, I don't think I will ever be creating a "version 2" of my forum.

[Weezze]

I’m not too bothered about other people doing the whole version 1, version 2, ect, but I don’t see the point, unless, there is a time jump and both sites are kept open, or something similar to that.

On my site, I have a whole plot planned out (subject to change) and whenever the plot moves on I create a new skin and in some cases new places are opened to role play in or closed. With none of these there are going to be 'versions' as it's the same thing, just progressing.

[commanderdave]

Sorry for replying ou of the blue

Couldn't find the approproate place to post this.

I am trying to utilize the CTRL K function to label a link (as opposed to pasting the entire link) but I can't make it work on proboards. Can this functionality be enabled. Must I turn on html editing somewhere???

[Candice]

Aug 16, 2010 12:22:40 GMT -8 commanderdave said:

Sorry for replying ou of the blue

Couldn't find the approproate place to post this.

I am trying to utilize the CTRL K function to label a link (as opposed to pasting the entire link) but I can't make it work on proboards. Can this functionality be enabled. Must I turn on html editing somewhere???

Hi,

Please visit the support board for questions like this, thank you.

[southpark13]

I own a v2.0 forum. It is he third generation of this forum. The only thing that was changed was pretty much the plot, and staff. The only reason we had to switch was because of site deletion. I have no problem with switching up. I think it is good to start fresh. Sometimes it is easier just to start over than to try to modify things.

[THE MURPHY]

I dont have a V2 forum but I understand the concept behind it. Im currently on a very old site that really NEEDS to make many changes because its simply behind its time. The only way it can hope to bring in new members is to make the proper adjustments, I think its okay when old forums do this. It helps come up to date with times and bring in a fresh face.

[Luke]

I dont call it a version, I call it an update because all it really is is an update, some people regard calling it version as too "meh" so calling it an update makes everyone happy.

[Xylish]

I still latch on to the idea that a version in Proboards design sites denote the fact that a overhaul of the GUI by graphics and coding is done. This gives a completely different feel to the site in general which also gives the members a new layout to play with.

[empowerbpo]

Agreed with xylish i like your prompt response.

Jason.
www.empowerbpo.com