A full rebuild of APUG is in development. Help us fund the build and ensure we have the resources to make this a success!
We are looking to raise around $1,500 USD to cover 65-80% of the total build costs. So far we have spent around $600 on the build for software licensing and development. The server disk has also been upgraded.
REWARDS: To keep things simple we will have 3 rewards.
1) Your member name (optional member name + real name) will be added to this fundraising page soon after a donation is made.
2) Your member name will also be added to an "APUG 2015!" page which will be a permanent page on APUG to commemorate the most comprehensive site rebuild in APUG history. A "Fundraising" link will be added to the APUG footer which will always display that page.
3) Companies that contribute $25 or more will have a permanent logo that lives on the "APUG 2015!" page. We will also add it to this thread.
For member contributions use the "Buy Now" button below (whatever you can contribute is greatly appreciated, please reply to this thread if you contribute):
*for alternate payment methods other than paypal click here: (there was a url link here which no longer exists)
For company contributions use the "Buy Now" button below (for a permanent logo min contribution of $25):
*for alternate payment methods other than paypal click here: (there was a url link here which no longer exists)
F.A.Q.
Why Does APUG need a full rebuild? "If it ain't broke don't fix it!"
APUG has been running vBulletin software for over 10yrs and it has served us well. However, we run an older version 4.x vBulletin software which is in serious need of upgrading. Upgrades are necessary for security, stability and also allowing the core server software to be upgraded (how can we fully patch our server if the current forum software will not run under those patches? This is something we will eventually face). What we currently have is nearing end of life from a viable support standpoint. After reviewing vBulletin 5.x software (their next version ) it is clear that we should not migrate to this newer version of vBulletin. I am now following the lead of many "big board" owners who have left vBulletin and migrated to a newer player xenForo. vBulletin 5.x was a radical departure from 4.x and I find it convoluted, confusing, bloated, buggy and frustrating. There is no way I would push vBulletin 5.x on our community and we must do something, so the decision was made to change software companies. xenForo software on the other hand feels a more natural progression of the forum space. It's a refined software that keeps what makes forum communities great but has modernized the code. They are now regarded by most big board admins as the best community software in the industry. So far I am not only impressed with the software but extremely excited to move us to this system. I would have migrated us earlier, but I wanted xenForo to be a few years old first and well established as the best solution.
What is the time frame?
It's hard to give an exact date but I am pushing hard to get through this and we've made good progress already. My best guess would be near the end of July, give or take 2 weeks. Funding of course will speed things along.
Will any data be lost?
It is a top priority to ensure all data is protected and migrated to the new system. Initially we will migrate the core site (forums, gallery, articles, videos, social groups) and we will work on a port of the APUG Portfolios as well and anything else required. The migration will be thoroughly tested using development environments (already running). I am also bringing in 3rd party experts who have done several similar migrations of large vBulletin systems to xenForo.
You mentioned the new build is already in progress. How is that going?
It is going extremely well. Software licenses have been purchased and the initial development environment built. A professional "skinner" has already duplicated our current site style into the new xenForo software. If you would like full details on that and a sneak peek, feel free to visit the build progress thread here:
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)
What are some key improvements we will see?
Too many to list! I will not bore you with the benefits of security, maintenance, server, admin and moderation. Some of the larger improvements from your standpoint as an APUG member will be an improved and consistent interface throughout all areas which maintains the existing familiarity we know, but with reduced clutter and inconsistency. The media (gallery/videos) area will be far more functional, a new Resources area that will take over articles, attachments and a wiki function. Many long time annoyances with the current system will be resolved. We can also tailor the new system and customize it as we see fit. If it turns out a functionality is missing, we can add it and if there is a function that is problematic we can remove/change it. There will be 1-click account creation for new members via their existing social accounts and non-invasive ways to share your APUG content to other social media if you choose to. Personally, I have been highly annoyed with websites that suddenly upgrade and everything radically changes (usually for the worse). It is my intention to make it so you barely notice anything has changed and instead it feels more refined. You can check the build thread to see new screenshots and how they maintain the current feel of APUG.
What if you raise more funds than required?
If we raise over $1,500 this certainly gives us options for further custom development and much more. That development can be driven by the community, "What would you like to see or change?" and we make that happen. It is also my intention to migrate DPUG.ORG to the same system as well and linking both forums on the back end. This means both sites remain completely separate but share a single unified login/user profile between APUG & DPUG (something I have wanted to do for years). So, for example if someone posts a digital question on APUG, our moderators can simply move that thread to DPUG.ORG. No more shutting down threads and telling members to go elsewhere. No more arguments for adding digital to APUG when one forum account can use both sites seamlessly. Members can have one "new threads" view for both sites, one inbox, one search, etc. This will be a great addition for our moderators and bring DPUG.ORG to a far more usable level. Additional funds could also be put into advertising the new APUG build and encourage traditional photographers outside of APUG to come have a look.
Risks & Challenges
There is no risk to the current APUG system during the migration process. During the process, APUG will be locked and it's existing data imported to the new system. We will then spend 6-12 hours testing the final import and new system. If everything looks as planned, then the new system will go live. The old APUG will remain in a holding area for a while in case something unforeseen occurs and we need to revert back to the old site. I don't anticipate any issues here. The last challenge is being at the mercy of 3rd party contractors, there may be unforeseen delays or scheduling delays but most of them seem available and we're in touch. Finances could slow things down if we are underfunded but I plan to make this happen even if I have to pull out the plastic. The new build will happen regardless of your contributions, it will be a huge help to have some funding though.
Thanks for your support! It will be great to see you on the new APUG!
Sean
----------------------------------
(Current tally $4,955 USD)
Thanks to all who have contributed so far! We'll keep the campaign running because extra funds will certainly come in handy (as mentioned in the F.A.Q.).
CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY:
Richard Sintchak_____Ken Nadvornick_____toro_mike_____Henry Alive_____macfred
jonogmun_____Jim Jones_____jnanian_____Vincent Brady_____pentaxuser
Steve Goldstein_____NedL_____Thomas Bertilsson_____Hatchetman_____paul_c5x4
JonShiu_____Lanline_____AndrewMoxom_____PeterRockstroh01_____MattKing
wiltw_____vkokx_____bobwysiwyg_____TheFlyingCamera_____ishutteratthethought
Dali_____bdial_____rthollenbeck_____DWThomas_____wren
tih_____Oxleyroad_____winger_____TheToadMen_____rawhead
drpsilver_____eddie_____samcomet_____dasBlute_____Trond
mr rusty_____falotico_____Ian Grant_____Joachim
Ian Leake_____Lismore_____Bieling_____ajmiller_____ozphoto
Neal_____munz6869_____dpn_____p_bedfert_____frank
Dinesh_____sroberts_____JesperW_____K-G_____resummerfield
John Sexton_____Bob Curtis_____eggen_____Trask_____vdonovan
Whiteymorange_____JPJackson_____mike c_____floodcaseguitar_____grahamp
cindy_____Valerie_____captbrs_____vsyrek1945_____OptiKen
WHof_____rorye_____Bill Burke_____Molli_____Slixtiesix
SuzanneR_____CatLABS_____MLarsen_____ckagy_____Angelo di Mango
desertrat_____Raffles1_____mfohl_____MediaFix_____gleaf
gordrob_____HeikkiR_____mesantacruz_____papagene_____HarrisG
Umit_____Alan Varty_____The Photo Shop_____gphoto120_____BWalberg
wlodekmj_____airgunr_____Pioneer_____David William White_____rbender
pbromaghin_____Ulrich Drolshagen_____PCorner_____Oldwino_____Sirius Glass
dilgardr_____flatulent1_____Ole_____brt62us_____Gerry M
Francesco_from_Rome_____Zathras_____jleaming_____ebs2mikon_____Heinz
Marc Akemann_____jandcgp_____mrosenh_____Ersel_____Project Botticelli
JimO_____Jose A Martinez_____camclicker_____justpete_____bklemencz
filmguy628_____Two23_____tbihm_____barbara ann_____Martin Aislabie
davidjfthomas_____Guillaume Zuili_____promote systems_____Angus
dedhamvaleman_____Squidward_____jpcalman_____ecom_____sefj1961
Luis-F-S_____lem11913_____Martin Aislabie_____goran_____kurtwist
Olav Hope_____tony lockerbie_____Contact Photo Lab
Company Contributions:
http://www.nanettereid.com/
Dead Link Removed
http://www.mediafix.de/
http://www.catlabs.info/
Dead Link Removed
http://vcphoto.org/
Dead Link Removed
http://thephotoshop.ie/
Dead Link Removed
http://www.contactla.com/
We are looking to raise around $1,500 USD to cover 65-80% of the total build costs. So far we have spent around $600 on the build for software licensing and development. The server disk has also been upgraded.
REWARDS: To keep things simple we will have 3 rewards.
1) Your member name (optional member name + real name) will be added to this fundraising page soon after a donation is made.
2) Your member name will also be added to an "APUG 2015!" page which will be a permanent page on APUG to commemorate the most comprehensive site rebuild in APUG history. A "Fundraising" link will be added to the APUG footer which will always display that page.
3) Companies that contribute $25 or more will have a permanent logo that lives on the "APUG 2015!" page. We will also add it to this thread.
For member contributions use the "Buy Now" button below (whatever you can contribute is greatly appreciated, please reply to this thread if you contribute):
*for alternate payment methods other than paypal click here: (there was a url link here which no longer exists)
For company contributions use the "Buy Now" button below (for a permanent logo min contribution of $25):
*for alternate payment methods other than paypal click here: (there was a url link here which no longer exists)
F.A.Q.
Why Does APUG need a full rebuild? "If it ain't broke don't fix it!"
APUG has been running vBulletin software for over 10yrs and it has served us well. However, we run an older version 4.x vBulletin software which is in serious need of upgrading. Upgrades are necessary for security, stability and also allowing the core server software to be upgraded (how can we fully patch our server if the current forum software will not run under those patches? This is something we will eventually face). What we currently have is nearing end of life from a viable support standpoint. After reviewing vBulletin 5.x software (their next version ) it is clear that we should not migrate to this newer version of vBulletin. I am now following the lead of many "big board" owners who have left vBulletin and migrated to a newer player xenForo. vBulletin 5.x was a radical departure from 4.x and I find it convoluted, confusing, bloated, buggy and frustrating. There is no way I would push vBulletin 5.x on our community and we must do something, so the decision was made to change software companies. xenForo software on the other hand feels a more natural progression of the forum space. It's a refined software that keeps what makes forum communities great but has modernized the code. They are now regarded by most big board admins as the best community software in the industry. So far I am not only impressed with the software but extremely excited to move us to this system. I would have migrated us earlier, but I wanted xenForo to be a few years old first and well established as the best solution.
What is the time frame?
It's hard to give an exact date but I am pushing hard to get through this and we've made good progress already. My best guess would be near the end of July, give or take 2 weeks. Funding of course will speed things along.
Will any data be lost?
It is a top priority to ensure all data is protected and migrated to the new system. Initially we will migrate the core site (forums, gallery, articles, videos, social groups) and we will work on a port of the APUG Portfolios as well and anything else required. The migration will be thoroughly tested using development environments (already running). I am also bringing in 3rd party experts who have done several similar migrations of large vBulletin systems to xenForo.
You mentioned the new build is already in progress. How is that going?
It is going extremely well. Software licenses have been purchased and the initial development environment built. A professional "skinner" has already duplicated our current site style into the new xenForo software. If you would like full details on that and a sneak peek, feel free to visit the build progress thread here:
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)
What are some key improvements we will see?
Too many to list! I will not bore you with the benefits of security, maintenance, server, admin and moderation. Some of the larger improvements from your standpoint as an APUG member will be an improved and consistent interface throughout all areas which maintains the existing familiarity we know, but with reduced clutter and inconsistency. The media (gallery/videos) area will be far more functional, a new Resources area that will take over articles, attachments and a wiki function. Many long time annoyances with the current system will be resolved. We can also tailor the new system and customize it as we see fit. If it turns out a functionality is missing, we can add it and if there is a function that is problematic we can remove/change it. There will be 1-click account creation for new members via their existing social accounts and non-invasive ways to share your APUG content to other social media if you choose to. Personally, I have been highly annoyed with websites that suddenly upgrade and everything radically changes (usually for the worse). It is my intention to make it so you barely notice anything has changed and instead it feels more refined. You can check the build thread to see new screenshots and how they maintain the current feel of APUG.
What if you raise more funds than required?
If we raise over $1,500 this certainly gives us options for further custom development and much more. That development can be driven by the community, "What would you like to see or change?" and we make that happen. It is also my intention to migrate DPUG.ORG to the same system as well and linking both forums on the back end. This means both sites remain completely separate but share a single unified login/user profile between APUG & DPUG (something I have wanted to do for years). So, for example if someone posts a digital question on APUG, our moderators can simply move that thread to DPUG.ORG. No more shutting down threads and telling members to go elsewhere. No more arguments for adding digital to APUG when one forum account can use both sites seamlessly. Members can have one "new threads" view for both sites, one inbox, one search, etc. This will be a great addition for our moderators and bring DPUG.ORG to a far more usable level. Additional funds could also be put into advertising the new APUG build and encourage traditional photographers outside of APUG to come have a look.
Risks & Challenges
There is no risk to the current APUG system during the migration process. During the process, APUG will be locked and it's existing data imported to the new system. We will then spend 6-12 hours testing the final import and new system. If everything looks as planned, then the new system will go live. The old APUG will remain in a holding area for a while in case something unforeseen occurs and we need to revert back to the old site. I don't anticipate any issues here. The last challenge is being at the mercy of 3rd party contractors, there may be unforeseen delays or scheduling delays but most of them seem available and we're in touch. Finances could slow things down if we are underfunded but I plan to make this happen even if I have to pull out the plastic. The new build will happen regardless of your contributions, it will be a huge help to have some funding though.
Thanks for your support! It will be great to see you on the new APUG!
Sean
----------------------------------
(Current tally $4,955 USD)
Thanks to all who have contributed so far! We'll keep the campaign running because extra funds will certainly come in handy (as mentioned in the F.A.Q.).
CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY:
Richard Sintchak_____Ken Nadvornick_____toro_mike_____Henry Alive_____macfred
jonogmun_____Jim Jones_____jnanian_____Vincent Brady_____pentaxuser
Steve Goldstein_____NedL_____Thomas Bertilsson_____Hatchetman_____paul_c5x4
JonShiu_____Lanline_____AndrewMoxom_____PeterRockstroh01_____MattKing
wiltw_____vkokx_____bobwysiwyg_____TheFlyingCamera_____ishutteratthethought
Dali_____bdial_____rthollenbeck_____DWThomas_____wren
tih_____Oxleyroad_____winger_____TheToadMen_____rawhead
drpsilver_____eddie_____samcomet_____dasBlute_____Trond
mr rusty_____falotico_____Ian Grant_____Joachim
Ian Leake_____Lismore_____Bieling_____ajmiller_____ozphoto
Neal_____munz6869_____dpn_____p_bedfert_____frank
Dinesh_____sroberts_____JesperW_____K-G_____resummerfield
John Sexton_____Bob Curtis_____eggen_____Trask_____vdonovan
Whiteymorange_____JPJackson_____mike c_____floodcaseguitar_____grahamp
cindy_____Valerie_____captbrs_____vsyrek1945_____OptiKen
WHof_____rorye_____Bill Burke_____Molli_____Slixtiesix
SuzanneR_____CatLABS_____MLarsen_____ckagy_____Angelo di Mango
desertrat_____Raffles1_____mfohl_____MediaFix_____gleaf
gordrob_____HeikkiR_____mesantacruz_____papagene_____HarrisG
Umit_____Alan Varty_____The Photo Shop_____gphoto120_____BWalberg
wlodekmj_____airgunr_____Pioneer_____David William White_____rbender
pbromaghin_____Ulrich Drolshagen_____PCorner_____Oldwino_____Sirius Glass
dilgardr_____flatulent1_____Ole_____brt62us_____Gerry M
Francesco_from_Rome_____Zathras_____jleaming_____ebs2mikon_____Heinz
Marc Akemann_____jandcgp_____mrosenh_____Ersel_____Project Botticelli
JimO_____Jose A Martinez_____camclicker_____justpete_____bklemencz
filmguy628_____Two23_____tbihm_____barbara ann_____Martin Aislabie
davidjfthomas_____Guillaume Zuili_____promote systems_____Angus
dedhamvaleman_____Squidward_____jpcalman_____ecom_____sefj1961
Luis-F-S_____lem11913_____Martin Aislabie_____goran_____kurtwist
Olav Hope_____tony lockerbie_____Contact Photo Lab
Company Contributions:
http://www.nanettereid.com/
Dead Link Removed
http://www.mediafix.de/
http://www.catlabs.info/
Dead Link Removed
http://vcphoto.org/
Dead Link Removed
http://thephotoshop.ie/
Dead Link Removed
http://www.contactla.com/
