Status Thread For NamePros Forum Upgrade

[RJ]

Hey everyone!

Work is already underway on a major upgrade to our forum, centered on an upgrade to the vBulletin software version from 3.0.6 to the newest 3.8 version. This will be the first full site update our site has had in the last four years.

Our NamePros Dev Team (which is just me at the moment) is working on the software on a separate development server from a comprehensive list of 22 unique features of NamePros that would need to be rebuilt to work on the new platform. There will be some features changed, some removed, and a few new ones added when the changeover is made.

I'm starting this thread now to keep the community updated with the progress of the upgrade and to discuss what changes there may be in the site design and layout. My goals with this update is to keep the "feel" of the site as close as possible to what it is now, while bringing new features online to provide a better experience for our members.

As always, suggestions are welcome and appreciated.

RJ

 

[whitebark]

Suggestion - especially since it's just you - remember to take a break now and then as such large upgrades can drive you into the ground if you let them! And don't be afraid to ask for help - there are many great people who would surely donate some time to help out.

Thanks for all the hard work on the forum.

 

[RJ]

Good advice, Roy. I've had a couple members volunteer already to help and I will be accepting some this time around.

 

[mis_chiff]

Thanks for keeping us informed RJ
and be sure to do what Roy says and
take a break once in a while - we can't have you burning out :bah:

 

[James]

Will we be seeing a new RJ created design? :]

- Thanks for keeping this such a great community :tu:

 

[Jack]

Concept looks good, I can't wait to see the new version of NamePros and the new features.

If you need anything, just ask.

Also, how are we going to make sure everyone knows? Not everyone reads this forum.

:kickass:

 

[NPQueen]

There will be notice sent out to the entire user base before the new version is launched

 

[RJ]

The NamePros domain name system will be changing how it is setup.

Here is the plan for the domain name system transition:

1. Create eNom accounts for all users of the NP$ domain system.

2. Link these accounts to NamePros user accounts. If you've already created a sub account through our eNom account creator there will be an option to link the existing account.

3. Existing domain names in the NP$ Domain System will be pushed into the linked eNom accounts.

4. The actual domain names will be managed at enom.com (directions will be made available in the new NP$ domain system)

5. You will still be able to use NP$ to register new domains and to renew domain names in your linked eNom account.

 

[RegFee]

Suggestion:
Disable all avatars and sigs, and change all usernames to:
Member #0249243
Member #3920532
etc.



Thanks for keeping the forum updated. Be sure to make beer an integral component of the process and you'll be fine.

-J

 

[NPQueen]

Suggestion:
Disable all avatars and sigs, and change all usernames to:
Member #0249243
Member #3920532
etc.

Great suggestion, that way it allows for more privacy. Legal will love it!! :tu:

 

[Eric]

SCHWEET!!! :kickass: :tu:

 

[Sameh]

Good Luck Ron. Wish you the best in NamePros upgrade. :tu:

 

[Blake]

Great to hear...can we hear about any possible updates and give feedback on them? Perhaps a listing of possibly upgrades etc?

Thanks rj

 

[DN BROKER]

If you need any help, send me a PM

 

[RegFee]

Ok, for a few REAL suggestions:

Web2.0-ify the logo/theme, but keep the colors, otherwise people would riot. Not just online, they would actually spend money to travel to the sunshine golden state and protest.

"Featured domain name for sale" across the top of the screen in a thin rectangular box.

Rearrange ribbons capability

Some new smiley things. This forum's got the best, but Jeff uses them so much that they just aren't funny anymore. Maybe one of a monkey throwing poo.

Make no limit on rep squares. I'll be maxed out eventually and I don't think I'll be able to handle it.

 

[RickM]

If you need any design, php or Javascript/Ajax work I can help out with tidbits. Wish I could offer more help but I'm snowed under a bit at the moment!

I would say (as a suggestion) a new layout, however I've grown very fond of the simplistic nature of the NP skin

 

[Kate]

Thanks for the good work :loveyou:
I would review the thread icons perhaps, the old ones were easier to distinguish

 

[Ross]

Awesome that the upgrade is coming ! Let us know if you need any help!

 

[briman1970]

I'd love to see a new/larger smiley set and some updated icons. Adding "THANKS!" to the icon set would be nice. I also think a "featured domain(s) of the day" section near the top of the homepage would be great and probably bring in some extra revenue for you.

 

[.Andy]

I'd like to see an NP iPhone site. The mobi version loads fast but its kind of odd sometimes. I'd also like the option to view images or not to (for images in the thread not avatars