APUG V3.0 to launch weekend of April 17th (might be delayed)

[Sean]

The new site is nearing completion. The forums will convert without issue, but since we are moving to a more robust gallery system the old gallery will not convert. I'm giving everyone several weeks notice to save gallery images that you may want to upload to the new gallery. For example you may want to save all of your personal gallery images to your pc, so you can upload them to the new personal galleries. I find the easy way to do this in Internet Explorer is to view your image in the gallery, right mouse click on the image, then select "Save Picture As", title the image and save it to your hard drive. You may already have the images on your hard drive, in that case you can just use those. This will be our first "professional" gallery system so we shouldn't need to go through this again.

If I had to briefly describe the new site, I'd say it's like going from a Toyota Camry to a Mercedes-Benz

I'll post a few screenshots in about a week..

 

[Eric Rose]

Great stuff. Boy you must be working overtime for sure.

One thing that would be nice in the new system would be the IP number we are posting from displayed as part of the post. This would eliminate the practice of the same person having a "discussion" with themselves by utilizing multiple user names. Not that anyone is doing that here ..

 

[juan]

I hope it's not like my Mercedes-Benz - 25-years old and rusting out beneath the driver's seat supports. Still does 80mph on the way home, though.

juan

 

[Sean]

Great stuff. Boy you must be working overtime for sure.

One thing that would be nice in the new system would be the IP number we are posting from displayed as part of the post. This would eliminate the practice of the same person having a "discussion" with themselves by utilizing multiple user names. Not that anyone is doing that here ..

Hi Eric, I think a lot of people would consider that to be a big security risk. IP's have always been displayed in posts for me since I'm listed as an admin. I'm pretty sure the new software has an option for me to search all users who may be using multiple names from 1 ip. If someone is doing it to cause trouble we could track it down. I have seen some forum users on other sites with different user names such as (username at work) and (username athome), but they make themselves known..

 

[efikim]

Yes, I would prefer not to see IP adresses posted. For those that are using a fixed IP address (many broadband users) this is a security issue - though if you are using a fixed IP address you ought to also be using a firewall of some sort. For many users however the IP adress will be different every time (some broadband users, and most dial up users) so it wouldn't be a very effective trap anyway.

 

[Eric Rose]

Not to debate the issue, because I'm not going to, anyone who is on a fixed IP and doesn't have adequate protection is asking for it anyway. I get hundereds of scans a day from the "script kiddies" looking for open ports.

In so much as the multi-personality issue I think many of us know who is doing it, so I've made my point.

I must admit I've created an alter-ego called Batman. I use it only to torment Ian Greant tho LOL. It's an inside joke.

 

[Jeremy]

can't wait to see some screenshots!

 

[Jorge Oliveira]

Many broadband providers change IP addresses of user during low traffic hours, for two reasons:

- It avoids some traffic from home WEB sites;
- They can bill more for fixed IP...

Jorge O

 

[Jeremy]

Is it bad that upon reading Sean's post I was really excited. How do you know you're addicted APUG?

 

[Ka]

As much as I am looking forward to the new-improved apug site, I am so grateful in what I've been allowed to share, I should gladly accept it in any form.

Sean, your efforts are greatly appreciated. Thank you for bringing us all together.... (and markh for telling me you existed).

ka

 

[Aggie]

And Sean may not say it, but he does take donations for all his work on this free site. It's a good way to thank him for all of his efforts and help defray the costs of running the site.

 

[efikim]

Not to debate the issue, because I'm not going to, anyone who is on a fixed IP and doesn't have adequate protection is asking for it anyway.

Agreed, but given the number of people who don't apply security updates, or don't have anti-virus software installed (or haven't updated it since since buying the computer with it pre-installed) I wouldn't be surprised if many didn't.

 

[Ka]

I know, and will, gladly.
He certainly deserves it.

 

[Sean]

thanks all. Well the new site hasn't been cheap to create so with it's rollout there will be an optional subscription service (it's built into the software so I figured might as well use it). I'll have it setup for 3, 6 and 12 month subscribtions at $1 a month. In the forums you'll be listed as a "Member", if you decide to subscribe you click a link, subscribe, it automatically takes you to paypal, then brings you back to the site, and once back at the site your "member" designation changes to "Subscriber". When your subscription is almost up it will notify you. It's optional and I think a reasonable rate. It also keeps me from having to keep track of donations and all. Some may not like this idea but the new site's hitting the wallet pretty hard and as membership increases I find this has almost been a second job maintaining everything. I do enjoy it though, no doubt

 

[Bruce Osgood]

I'm assuming the Paypal is a 'secure' site? But won't there be an alternative method of subscribing that does not require innernet disclosure of bank information?

 

[Juraj Kovacik]

Sean, generally I don't have problem with paying for membership, this site is worth that money, but... I can´t use Paypal as a Slovak citizen. If there is another way of paying with card, it would be perfect. The last alternative is bank transfer to your bank account, but then I have to pay not small bank fees. I'm afraid that would be only way for all members from "non Paypal" countries

Yes, and thank you for to build up and maintenance this place... JK

 

[Jeremy]

Bruce,
to pay with paypal you do not need to disclose any bank information. All you need to input is a credit card number and expiration date same as if you were buying something online or over the phone. I use a citibank credit card which allows you to produce a one-time use "virtual card number" for your credit account (through citibank's website) so any hacking of a system where you purchased something won't have a record of a valid credit card number (if they hack the citibank website you're still screwed, though). My card also has a 0% liability for online transactions if someone is using my card online. Because of this I don't worry as much about online purchases anymore, but I am sure you could mail a check to Sean--it might just take a while. Count me as a subscriber!

 

[Eric Rose]

I'm all for that. I was just getting ready to send another donation anyway, so let us know which way you are heading with this. I just hope we don't get into the various levels of subscribership.

 

[Sean]

I'm assuming the Paypal is a 'secure' site? But won't there be an alternative method of subscribing that does not require innernet disclosure of bank information?

Paypal is very secure, but there will be alternate methods available for sure..

 

[Sean]

I'm all for that. I was just getting ready to send another donation anyway, so let us know which way you are heading with this. I just hope we don't get into the various levels of subscribership.

Don't worry Eric, I want it to be VERY low key and extremely cheap. There will not be any levels -But for you I can do a 1 off, if you'd like to donate $1,000 I can ad an image of a nuclear explosion to your name with the title of "Super Mega Ultra Subscriber!"

 

[Eric Rose]

Gee I can't tell if I've been insulted or not?

 

[Aggie]

Eric if he suggested lighting a match near you to simulate the explosion that would have been an insult. Maybe i shouldn't give Sean ideas

 

[Sean]

Gee I can't tell if I've been insulted or not?

No way, i was just being a bit silly because I've seen many sites go overboard with these levels..

 

[Annemarieke]

Sean, I think your subscription rate is very reasonable. Good luck with launching the new site and let us know how to pay.
Anne Marieke

 

[bmac]

Sean, I know the new site has cost you a pretty penny. Would some donations up front be more help, or should we wait until the new version is up and running?