Website changes

SouzaSouza Posts: 9,400
edited January 1970 in MJDHI News
I am working on the website, which is why you see all kinds of strange things happening on the homepage. For hours no one even noticed, but apparently some of you still use the homepage to go to the forum. I went to bed yesterday without changing the homepage back to normal, so people thought I deleted the whole thing without letting you know. Sorry for that, haha.<br /><br />Anyway, as long as I am changing stuff, you will always be able to enter the forum using its own link: http://www.michaeljacksonhoaxforum.com/smf/index.php<br /><br />Then there is an issue I would like your opinion on. What I want for the site is to make it more interactive. I want everything in one place and I want people to log in just once. To make that possible, I will have to do a fresh forum install so that I can link it to the Wordpress system. After that I will probably be able to restore all the posts, but I am not sure I want to. The database this forum is running on has been hacked and fixed and formatted and all since day one, and I think a fresh, new database is not such a bad idea, and we can use this one as an archive and only transfer important threads, or informative threads to the fresh install. What I want for the new website is to make the whole website sort of a community thing, so that everyone can use the whole site instead of just the forum. The website itself is too static and I lack time to keep it up-to-date. In this new format I can assign authors who (for example) can post news, or other important articles or whatever else they can contribute to the website. I can integrate a new chat where you don't have to register for seperately etc. Plus I think it's a good idea to split the forum in 2: 1 for off topic things so that people can talk about anything they want without being ticked off that it's off topic, and one (same format and lay-out as this one) for the actual hoax investigation so that people who are annoyed by off-topic stuff don't have to be bothered with it. See it as sort of a private facebook site. It will be easier for all to use and the site will be less static.<br /><br />I am now trying to find a theme that will work with these ideas and as long as it's not hoax-proof, I will keep this forum open at all times, sometimes only accessible through the link above. But as I am still working things out, ideas are very welcome. Please let me know what you think.<br /><br />

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

Comments

  • RKRK Posts: 3,019
    I like the idea of everything being in one place. While I may take a bit to adjust to change, it is a necessary part of life....so change away Souza. Seems necessary to have the split for off topics and hoax related as well.
  • GINAFELICIAGINAFELICIA Posts: 6,506
    no...but you will do it anyway
  • MaryKMaryK Posts: 1,732
    First of all: great idea Souza. I think it´s important to set things in motion once in a while.<br /><br />Your concept sounds interesting and I think maybe it´s gonna make it easier for new members to obtain an overview, adjust and incorporate themselves into the forum. <br /><br />However I have a few questions.<br />Are you planning on having editorial staff (which you call "authors" in your post) to let´s say avoid double posts as far as news are concerned?<br />What kind of topics are considered to be "off-hoax-topic" and will this mean that this part of the site will be more like a "fan based forum"?<br />What exactly does that mean "link to the Wordpress system? (Sorry I just don´t get that part, forgive my ignorance).<br /><br /><br />
  • SouzaSouza Posts: 9,400
    on 1331033203:
    <br />no...but you will do it anyway<br />
    <br /><br />Certainly with such an answer. Maybe you can tell me WHAT exactly you don't want, so that I can change the site in a way everyone will agree with. I already said that this forum will not change and that I might transfer some and maybe all the threads to the new database, although I think it's better to start as fresh as possible, because this database has been kicked and bruised a lot. If I want to guarantee the forum's future, it's sometimes necessary to make changes to make sure it stays up the best and fastest way possible. We are on a forum that was converted from an old forum software, and even though I have no problems, or you, doesn't mean some other people can have. I noticed that the database freezes a lot and I have to call the host at least once a week to ask why and restart the server. Besides that, backing up takes 30 minutes every time I do that and in that time the forum is down because the back-up is too large. I have tried a hundred things to fix it the best way I can and to speed it up, but the problems are still there. That doesn't mean everyone has to register again, I can transfer everyone to the new install, just as I can transfer the threads to the new install. But transfering the threads will mean the same shit in the new database.<br /><br />Let's say for example that MJ will bam somewhere this year and imagine the amount of people coming here then. This database can't handle that for sure, which means I already know that if I do nothing, you will not be able to visit the forum after the BAM. If I do make a fresh install (this one will always stay accessible and you will always be able to log in and view pm's or anything else you want) then you might be able to chat here after bam. Of course I have no idea HOW MUCH people will visit here after the bam, might be too many even for the server to handle, but if I make sure that at least the software can handle that, I have done all I could. Just try to understand and share ideas or concerns I can actually use to make the best out of it for everyone. I know some don't like change, but that doesn't mean it's not needed sometimes.

    "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

  • SouzaSouza Posts: 9,400
    on 1331033978:
    <br />First of all: great idea Souza. I think it´s important to set things in motion once in a while.<br /><br />Your concept sounds interesting and I think maybe it´s gonna make it easier for new members to obtain an overview, adjust and incorporate themselves into the forum. <br /><br />However I have a few questions.<br />Are you planning on having editorial staff (which you call "authors" in your post) to let´s say avoid double posts as far as news are concerned?<br />What kind of topics are considered to be "off-hoax-topic" and will this mean that this part of the site will be more like a "fan based forum"?<br />What exactly does that mean "link to the Wordpress system? (Sorry I just don´t get that part, forgive my ignorance).<br />
    <br /><br />I am planning to have people who can post on the actual site, outside the forum, to keep important news up to date. Not as a discussion, but purely giving the facts. See it as the TMZ website, where the TMZ staff posts the news whenever there is news. Some of them can log into the site as author and are able to update the site. That way the site comes more 'alive' and therefore more attractive for people who don't post on the forum. The site is now static or 'dead'. If I want to update it I have to change the code and I don't have time to do that, hence why the latest news on the site is (I think) Elizabeth Taylor's death. People who visit for the first time might see that and think we have nothing to share since that. I hope that answers that question.<br /><br />As for the off-topic stuff, I have noticed that (and mostly in quiet times) people are indeed using this forum as a fan forum. I don't mind, but it's annoying when you only want to read hoax-related topics. If I split it in two, we will have a (simple) forum where people can chat about anything, their dog, how awesome they think a certain kind of MJ video was etc. All hoax related topics will be on the hoax forum (this one, but cleaned up). This is not a fan-based website, but it's hard to ignore the fact that some people on here are die-hard fans and want to discuss fan based stuff, so in that way everyone will be happy. Plus there is no fanforum really for fans who believe he is alive, because they are being kicked off the moment they notice.<br /><br />Lastly, a Wordpress based website is a website that has a so called contant management system behind it, which makes it possible that everyone can be part of the website, post comments etc. Just like for example TMZ, that also has a CMS behind the website. You can subscribe, log in, make articles if you are an author etc. I can make a so-called 'bridge' between Wordpress and SMF, so that you don't have to register also for the site, but are automatically logged in on both.<br /><br />Did I answer your questions?

    "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

  • MaryKMaryK Posts: 1,732
    Yes Souza, you´ve answered all my questions.<br />Again: this is interesting and great stuff for sure!<br />I very much like the "community style" concept.<br />That´s a good way to cover all interests, no matter if they are hoax related or "fan related". <br />And, as I said above: I really believe that this kind of format will be very interesting and helpful especially for new members (which I really think is important).
  • Darina21021985Darina21021985 Posts: 25
    Yes, I saw yesterday that happen with the homepage, because for the entrance to the forum, I always first opens the homepage. Ok, Souza, but I have some questions: Do you do a language panel on the new site? It is important to me because I use this panel here. 2 Do you know who hacked into the forum? 3 New website will be open website or closed website? 4 Do I need would to re-register  on the new website?<br />And I want you to restore messages, or at least, could you make a link to this forum.<br />Thanks in advance for your answers.
  • paula-cpaula-c Posts: 7,221
    on 1331033978:
    <br />First of all: great idea Souza. I think it´s important to set things in motion once in a while.<br /><br />Your concept sounds interesting and I think maybe it´s gonna make it easier for new members to obtain an overview, adjust and incorporate themselves into the forum. <br /><br />However I have a few questions.<br />Are you planning on having editorial staff (which you call "authors" in your post) to let´s say avoid double posts as far as news are concerned?<br />What kind of topics are considered to be "off-hoax-topic" and will this mean that this part of the site will be more like a "fan based forum"?<br />What exactly does that mean "link to the Wordpress system? (Sorry I just don´t get that part, forgive my ignorance).<br /><br /><br /><br />
    <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />yes, it is a good idea, and in what i am concerned i have nothing against changes always i have adapted to them. In addition Souza is thinking about the future, to make the necessary changes now and not wait for the Bam. During the days of the trial of Murray had moments in which i could not go to the forum, i guess at the amount of people that visited him, something could occur. it usually but on a larger scale.
  • MaryKMaryK Posts: 1,732
    The more I think about it, the more I like it!<br /><br />A community with stable parts such as maybe general hoax information for newbies and already established facts and outcome from investigation (kind of a hoax encyclopedia), a continously updated part with news that are hoax related or relevant and a part with a potpourri of fan related or general topics, a chat...and all that "all in one". And last but not least as you said Souza: with enough potential to deal with eventually occuring mass influx. <br />So it does not matter if one is interested in hoax stuff only or fan stuff or just in a good chat or liberating rant. Everything will be covered. <br /><br />What more could one want?<br />I think this is gonna be very lively and fantastic.
  • BeTheChangeBeTheChange Posts: 1,569
    @Souza...<br /><br />I don't know all the ins and outs of what it takes to keep and maintain the website....but I have full trust in you at the helm.  If you think that changes are needed and/or would benefit us going forward, then I say go for it.  We've had changes in the past, and although some changes took a bit of getting used to...we all adapted and the forum was/is better for the changes.  The thought of not being able to access the forum come BAM-time is not a good one  /overreacting/...so if these changes can help with that, then I'm all for it.<br /><br />Some questions:<br /><br />1) Will pm's that we've saved be affected?  I know that some were deleted in the cross-over last time...do you know if that will happen again?  It's not a huge issue...but if you know ahead of time that there's a possibility that some will be deleted, I'd appreciate the heads up.<br /><br />2) Will there be an interuption during the process? (i.e. will the forum be down for any length of time while you make the changes?).  If so, for how long?  <br /><br />3) As for copying over threads....could the most active threads be brought over, while the ones that haven't been active for awhile be archived?  I agree that not all threads/posts need to be copied over....but would hate to lose any threads/posts that are currently active.<br /><br />4) Is there anything we can do to help you out?<br /><br />With L.O.V.E. always.
  • hesouttamylifehesouttamylife Posts: 5,393
    Sounds wonderful, Souza.  I am not technically inclined so I’m in agreement with what ever works best.  The mention of Michael’s possible bam this year and the upgrades makes a lot of sense to me.  When that happens, this will unequivocally become the new Official Michael Jackson Forum.  That’s for damn sure.  Gotta love it  beerchug
  • sandythymesandythyme Posts: 365
    Good Jog Souza!  I embrace change....it's always a good lesson and some thymes a struggle but the outcome is always a good learning experience.  I agree with the planning ahead, as quickly as our techie equipment becomes outdate, this is also true for our website and basically how much it can handle.  As you said if Michael does bam this year and we crash or can't handle the volume then where would we be.  Great ideas.  I like the all in one place, the fan base verses hoax related.  I believe in you Ms. Souza!  bearhug
  • AndreaAndrea Posts: 3,787
    I continually appreciate your hard work on this site Souza and I know you makes changes that are necessary.  As long as I can still post and review mine and others previous posts, I'm happy!
  • GINAFELICIAGINAFELICIA Posts: 6,506
    I thought I posted an answer but it's not here now.<br />It is your place S, you can do what you like with it.
  • MJonmindMJonmind Posts: 7,290
    <br />I'm kinda old school and hate changes--stressful. errrr crash/ :cry:  BUT, every change in the past has been helpful to the forum, and I know that you, Souza, have never steered us wrong. /bravo/  Whatever and whenever BAM is, I'm sure will bring a definite influx.  To be successful long term, we have to look future or die.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />For my interests, number one is hoax related, number two MJ interest, number 3 is forum family, and number 4 is general non-hoax news seen through our eyes. But they are all 4 intertwined and so I hate to see them separated--can't have one without the others.  The fun f family stuff is usually sandwiched in the midst of the MJ stuff, so I don't see separating them.  Humorous discussion just happens spontaneously, and I love that!  We already have the religious stuff on another forum, and hardly anyone goes there because it's cut off so to speak.  My worst nightmare is the site shutting down/crashing permanently like the first one.  As long as THAT doesn't happen, I'm good with whatever.  I like to be able to go back to my old posts, and check other people's posts whenever, use the Search, go into some older topics.  I'm basically very happy with the way the forum is now, but I trust your admin wisdom.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Just one request-- whenever I go on, I first like to see how many and who are online, the stats for the day.  Could you put them on the top of the new current topics page?  I would appreciate that! :D <br /><br /><br />Also can you let us know at least the day before if the site is going to be down and how long?  Thanks again!
  • marumjjmarumjj Posts: 1,027
    I agree with the change, it seems to have a more relaxed place where newbies like me, maybe we can ask or ask for help without interrupting a thread of discussion.<br />I therefore thank Souza work and dedication. I'm sending a  bearhug
  • becbec Posts: 6,387
    I have infinite faith in you, Souza.<br /><br />You know I do suffer from PTSD re: forum changes thank you original mjhd.com. <br /><br />I will probably spaz n fret quietly to myself and then be happy again<--- as per normal.
  • mattiemattie Posts: 296
    For the dummy's like me it is  /overreacting/<br />I registerred today 3 times and saw al kind of strange pages?<br />I needed a activation key :shock:Dont know what that is??<br />But finaly i found this link..Big relief!!!!<br /><br />Ofcource i understand this can not be avoided al the time.<br />But it is stressful!<br />Greetings :(<br /><br />(sorry for my English..Trying)<br />
  • blankieblankie Posts: 2,350
    Even for me until recently it was impossible login to the forum  errrr errrr ....that fear  errrr  errrr...even now  is strange the box of the reply... Excuse me Souza If I gave you trouble  :? , but do not know what to think  confused/ crash/...  only fear  errrr ...Thanks for all ....really... with all my L.O.V.E. and faith !!! bearhug  moonwalk_/
  • starchildstarchild Posts: 374
    Great ideas, Souza.  Fully support your judgment regarding whatever changes you think best.  Thanks for all your hard work.
  • curlscurls Posts: 3,111
    I'm a bit confused Souza, as you say you want everything in one place but you also want to split the forum in 2. Maybe that's just techie stuff I don't understand!  :oops:<br /><br />All I would request is that if possible you keep the 'Show unread posts since last visit' button, for everything, in one place. That way we can easily choose which threads to read or not, as I do now, without the risk of missing interesting or important ones because they're in some place I might not regularly visit.<br /><br />'Splits' worry me!  errrr As does the fact you're doing this once again now, in readiness for future heavy traffic - as I fear you may have to do it all over again before that happy day arrives!  ;)
  • SimPattyKSimPattyK Posts: 4,281
    /bravo/ Souza for the initiative of making changes and improvements !!<br />I always welcome anything like that!<br /><br />And by the way you describe it, sounds more like a great project to be than just a simple re-arrangement! I am all excited!!  :)<br />I totally LOVE the idea of it all! especially thinking about the BAM moment!! and noticing how many new members have joined the forum lately!!<br />This is just the beginning! You do very well to prevent a massive blockage from happening when large numbers of people will be here connected at the same time!<br /><br />I only need to remember how the Murray Trial-thread had been totally BLOCKED those days, when about 40-50 people were trying to read it and post on it at the same time! it was a CHAOS! While you wrote 4 words, another 10 messages appeared! You clicked the Send button and the message would appear only 15 minutes after...so the whole meaning of it was lost since in the mean time other messages had been posted! loll It was a crazy situation! I can only imagine what it would be after the BAM!  OMG!<br /><br />So if you can do something to prevent that from happening again, I can only fully support you and tell me if you need any help!<br />I am grateful to you for this amazing forum, for all your efforts to maintain it clean and always in shape and up to date! I admire you for your dedication! You owe us nothing, really! And we don't help you with much, but our mere presence here! Yet you never let us down! Million thanks!!<br /><br />I also appreciate you for respecting the beLIEvers - fans! Indeed you noticed our need to discuss fan-base related subjects not only hoax-related subjects. And I am happy you do not exclude those threads from your future project! Because it really is difficult to be a beLIEver among non-believer forums out there!! I prefer to share my fan-thoughts (pics, links, videos, ideas) with other beLIEVer-fans than with non-believers! I would feel restricted there! That's why I never register on those forums! neither do I go on  FB pages of non-believers (only to "fish" rare photos :p  :lol: )<br />So you had a great idea to include an only fan-section in your Community site! also  very clever decision! as this would attract more people here, that are not necessarily hoax- beLIEVers! ;) but who will eventually be curious enough and tempted to "throw an eye" in the hoax-section, too , thus they will have their eyes opened!! ;)<br />I like your perspective and constructive thinking, Souza!! ;)<br /><br />And WOW!! I so LOVED you ideas of making this more like a TMZ site!! humm.... I'm so impatient to see what exactly you have in mind !! But I LOVE the idea!!<br /><br />You also said that we can give you suggestions and ideas.<br />Well for the beginning, I'll have one suggestion please! I hope it doesn't sound like a pretentious demand. I don't want to sound like I am asking!!<br />But I would be happy if you can do it. I am talking about gathering all Presely hoax-related threads in just ONE distinct section, because right now they are all pretty scattered in many places around the forum... Please Please Please!  bearhug elvis_/<br /><br /><br />KEEP UP the great job Souza!  respect/ bow/<br />
  • NovemberNovember Posts: 29
    Hi Souza,  <br /><br />Finally got on the forum.  Got nervous that the site was down/gone! <br /><br />I understand the need to separate and it is definately best for this forum.  You have never steered us wrong and I greatly appreciate your hard work and foresight with keeping this forum up and running. I have never gone on any other site for fear of being rejected, ridiculed or thrown off.  I found this site about a month after it went up and have always felt that you made us feel safe and we could express ourselves.<br /><br />God Bless you and whatever happens this year (BAM) we are with you and I approve any and all changes that you make - as it is for all of us.<br /><br />Thank you Souza for your perserverance and dedication.<br /> 
  • suspicious mindsuspicious mind Posts: 5,984
    [size=14pt]don't forget the site navigation for dummies section for me! and make the button really big so i can't miss it ! :-[[/size]
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