It's time to upgrade the forum. Right now, I can get a discount on upgrading to the new 4.0 software for $175. Obviously that's still a huge chunk of change, which is why I'm asking for assistance with it.

Also, this is the version update I was waiting for to start the new Massassi site. So once I've got this installed, and the new theme done, we'll be ready to move forward.

If you can help out, send money via Paypal to coolmatt@sorrowind.net (note the lack of a Y).

I know most of you won't be able to pitch in here, but even if it doesn't cover the whole cost, it'll help. Thanks!

Final Result and donators!

(Before anyone complains, no my address, nor the license numbers are sensitive information)

KOP_AoEJedi: $34.01
Tony: $34.02
Dash_Rendar: $10
Spook: $34.03
JediKirby: $5.00 x2 (?)
Anakin-Paul: $35.00
llibja: $3.98
Steven: $13.96

Is it worth it to try to upgrade to another, free package? Set up a test database and try importing this vB database into say, a Simple Machines Forum.

I'm pretty sure this has been brought up and rejected for some good reason or another, but I can't recall what.

I would donate a few dollars but I have almost no money right now due to medical bills, living costs and getting my car to stay on the road for a few more years.

I've used all the major free forum software (including SMF) and I've come to hate every one of them for one reason or another.

Most of it stems from their infuriating methods of theming/plugins. vBulletin may have an extremely complex theming system, but it works. Their plugin system is similar. Instead of hacking up the source and causing problems each time I upgrade, I can keep it separate.

If I thought there was a free forum that was secure, fast, and easy to manage, I'd use it. But vBulletin despite its price has served us well.

SMF's plugins are the easiest thing in the world?

I suppose you have too much custom code at this point though?

In SMF's case, it's their theming I hate, and I've actually had serious issues with spam and security before with them. (The NESI website ran SMF for a while, it was a god-awful mess)

I still believe SMF is the best choice for free, but not really at the level of vBulletin.

As we stand right now we don't have TOO much custom code for the forums. It's just the holiday logo system and the hex post counts (unless you count the Youtube tag but that's just a tag edit). The new system though will be far, far more indepth.

The theming however is pretty ridiculous. While some portions do resemble VB closely, others are vastly different. Another strong suite is that as features were added, I didn't need to modify the theme significantly for those features. We (Brad) removed many different things from the forum defaults, shifted things around, reworked postbits significantly, and of course supplied a wildly different color scheme beyond just CSS.

Sadly though I'll have to redo the theming for VB4 though. But I expected that.

I'll pitch in ONLY if we can get a crappy paint graphic indicating where we are in terms of donations.... I'm thinking something along the lines of a cruddy thermometer starting at $0 going up. Eh?

Seriously... I WILL contribute if we can get that.

edit: $34.01 sent. (Don't ask why the .01 was sent...)

A call for donations days before judging for the level contest begins? Hmm... I'll play this game... *checks bank statements*

kidding. I am making a note to myself to donate; if there's a cruddy paint thermometer, I will donate a little more.

Got a donation from KOP, and Tony. Tony one-upped KOP by donating $34.02. That's the total so far, and I swear I did it in paint! >.> <.<

Donation Sent.

Haha, one upped by a PENNY?!? What is this? Ebay?

Updated again. You guys are donating so fast I can barely keep up with the bar here.

Part of me wants to donate $0.02... just to give Tony a what-for. XD

Take that, Tony!

Spook ups the ante with $34.03. Total has been updated.

Beaten at my own game.

I have $3.98 rotting in my paypal account that you can have. Sorry it's not much. Sending it over now.

done and done, enjoy

Thanks everyone, we're very nearly the end now! Only $13.96 left!

This has to be one of the most successful fundraisers in history....

Sent the remaining balance!

Posting to say that we've got it all! Steven's finished it off!

Haha, at least the history of this place.


edit:



ahhh, that's more like it. Crappiness delivered. Thanks MSPaint

Somehow it sent twice, but don't worry about it, I'll go in 10 for the accident :-P

Do I get a wing of the library named after me now?

Paul made the largest donation...

Welcome to
"The Anakin Paul Religious Debate Forum"

I think he's still riding the newly married wave of euphoria.

Let him enjoy it before he starts hating his life.

UPGRADE NOWWWWWWW

Go oonnn take the money and run

That's why I put a ? after it. I can refund you the $5 if you want. I think I can handle paying $5 myself

WTF, how did I miss this thread?

..oh, I was sleeping.



I can get it.

.

No, it's not a problem at all, 10 it is.

Anakin Paul forum bridge

And Steven completes it.

I wanted to bargain my way to another year of Hypnotoad.

Lol - no I just got some more inking working so a little more flush with cash than normal

Dammit I'm too late! I would've chipped in

I'll buy the whole thing if I receive complete authority on the forums.

Edit: DAMNIT!

Heheh, I was telling Matty I would donate for the first time in my Massassi history, but now it's too late, conveniently enough!

/me bathes in his money

Hey, if you all are just dying to give money away, I do have server bills as well >.> <.<

(Also Child's Play Massassi Fund is sorely needing monies, only kirby and myself have pitched in this year)

I suppose we only care about the forums...even if they're not on a server!