The Tulsa Forum by TulsaNow

TulsaNow is considering a change to a different forum software package.  The goal would be to 1) make the forum easier to use, 2) provide better tools (such as photo uploading), 3) make it easier to eliminate/prevent offensive language, and 4) create a more professional looking site.  (And don't worry, we will be sure to import the existing data...so you won't lose any of your favorite TN content/threads.)

At this time, one package we are considering is called "VBulletin."  

Question 1: What features would you like to see on this forum that would make it easier to use?

Question 2: What other online forums have you seen/used that you would recommend based on their terrific user interface?

I'm very accustomed to vbulletin because another forum I frequent uses it.  I'm not neccesarily saying it is the best, merely that I have become accustomed to its interface via habit.

Goodie! Easy photo uploading! Posties don't know what they've been missing.

I like vBulletin pretty well -- easy to use, looks nice, good search features. Definitely a step up from Snitz. Snitz can be a little wonky sometimes on Mac.

I would really like to see the subscription feature implemented.

i want the ability to permanently delete an account from th system.  not just disable or deactivate an account.  all these forum softwares retain user information even after you leave.

Absolutely the pic uploading is important. I don't know whether this forum has a way of collecting all topics that a member has posted under but that would be important to me. For instance I would like to be able to pull all posts I made in regards to river development topics.

vbulletin is great would like to see that here.
Heres an example....http://www.edtoonsboard.com/index.php

FYI: Snitz has a subscription feature but was turned off due to the fact some users would subscribe and then either have invalid email or otherwise. It was causing an enormous amount of overhead and back end issues. Also, snitz can completely remove any trace of a user (name, old posts, etc) but we choose not to because of the fact it would make a lot of posts make no sense. However these features are very "yes or no" and not a lot of control in between.

This one really isn't that bad. I guess the easy photo uploading would be good, but I haven't had much trouble posting pictures on this one. Maybe an upgrade to post videos? Will posters re-register or are their profiles just transferred?

only problem I have with this is I am constantly reloading the page,the auto reload doesnt seem to work no matter what I set it at,if I login the next day it starts at page I left off previous day.Other forums I use do not have this problem.

All desired features are present on the current boards.  I've been geeking on message boards for way too long and this package is just fine. Its not as snazy as some, but it gets the job done.

Though they could use an aesthetic overhaul.   They run smooth, are never down, and serve my needs here well.

Thank you.

I lied:

1) Ability to edit posts.
While I realize this gives people the chance to change history, it is ncie from time to time. Say... when you want to add something but dont want to post twice in a row.

Then again, for the purpose of debate I guess it would be annoying if someone went in and changed their posts.  Since too many people dont bother with the [edit]this is what I changed[/edit] formability. So never mind.

2) I would like to see an easy way to tell what posts you have viewed.  Currently (in Firefox 2)  there is no way to tell if something has been changed in a post since you last view.  Other forums have unread items highlighted in a different color.  Very helpful for those of us who check in a couple times a day.

vbulletin is pretty good...

It would be sweet if you guys can add a gallery for pictures, that way everyone can view...

I want the feature that serves me coffee and french toast in the morning.

IMO, switching to VB should be easy enough for most of the users here. And the challengend well, tough beans.

Can I post my Britney photo on the new software?
jdb

quote:

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Originally posted by Rage

vbulletin is pretty good...

It would be sweet if you guys can add a gallery for pictures, that way everyone can view...

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There may not be enough server space for TulsaNow to host a gallery. You can always use flickr if you want to share pics.