Archived Boards and Threads... > SMF Feedback and Discussion
Slick but boring
KarterJK:
I learned how to create a BBS using the original Yabb... I just installed the YabbSE and now SMF seems to be the next generation. There are things I loved about YabbSE that out weighed the original Yabb. The database support was genius. but to be truely functional, you needed to understand MySQL (whiich is not SIMPLE). Plus encrypting everything and using TINYTEXT is a nightmare. I wished you had allowed two modes of installation via the database. straight text data, vs encryption.
As, it is now, I have to extensively learn not only YabbSE but how to convert encryption. God, one can only handle so much. I dont do this for a living as you do.
In the YabbSE forum, I have seen debates about supporting Netscape, differences over the name, charging for customer support, la, la, la, la the list goes ons.
Personally, I think the developers have done a great job. But I am not certain my needs, really need this slick, new, commercial look. Somethings are better left simple.
So, here is my wish list....
If its possible, retain the HTML coding for the templates, for the old style format. But encourage small changes to let people absorb the new information at a gradual pace.
SMF and or Yabb definately needs to still support Netscape. As much as I dislike Netscape and spent many an hour programming special routines for it. The point is! Different strokes, for different folks.
Do, I like the new look? It reminds me of every of website out there. (slick but boring). the nice little margin on the left, and ahhhh maybe one on the right and while I see this quite unique for SMF. I am not certain, I wish to conform to norm or the commercialized look. Thats why I liked YabbSE and Yabb, it allowed extensive changes.
As for charging for support. Absolutely!!!.... I think it is imperative that you be able to sustain your efforts. I have faith, that you will not forget your loyal members and retain an open forum.
Do I like the new?? Not sure yet, not seen the final product. I know I liked YabbSE and my heart still lies in Yabb for all it has taught me.
I am learning SWISH and Flash and have started adding buttons, etc. to my Yabb site that matches my over all site. Its easy to do with the current templates. My only hope is the new version will allow the same ease and functionality that past versions have. Just dont stray to far, or I know as one, I will abandon it, if it is truely not that SIMPLE any more.
Joshua Dickerson:
1.) there is only 1 encrypted thing in YSE/SMF, passwords.
2.) After getting past the initial block of the template system mentality (which will be EXTREMELY well documented and will be very easy for you to pick up once you look at it) templates turn out to be easier.
3.) what is wrong with using tinytext? Maybe you didn't upgrade to 1.5.3?
4.) using a flat text system at the start of YSE would have been exactly what they were trying to avoid.
Douglas:
--- Quote ---I learned how to create a BBS using the original Yabb... I just installed the YabbSE and now SMF seems to be the next generation. There are things I loved about YabbSE that out weighed the original Yabb. The database support was genius. but to be truely functional, you needed to understand MySQL (whiich is not SIMPLE). Plus encrypting everything and using TINYTEXT is a nightmare. I wished you had allowed two modes of installation via the database. straight text data, vs encryption.
As, it is now, I have to extensively learn not only YabbSE but how to convert encryption. God, one can only handle so much. I dont do this for a living as you do.
--- End quote ---
I'm not qualified enough to comment on the straight text vs. tiny text stuff, so I'll defer to the Devel team on that.
What I CAN say is that none of us do this site for a living. This has been a labor of love for several people for a few years. Before we switched over to SMF, I volunteered my time to help people out on YaBB SE. I still do. Why? Because since I cannot contribute financially right now, I can help support something that I truly enjoy by giving free support to help take the load off the Development and Mod teams. Even with paid support, this isn't my full time job, I support these guys because I believe in the product they're delivering to it's members.
--- Quote ---In the YabbSE forum, I have seen debates about supporting Netscape, differences over the name, charging for customer support, la, la, la, la the list goes ons.
--- End quote ---
Right now, we're having problems with Mozilla 1.4, HOWEVER, that's been attributed to the ads put out by one of the advertisers, and NOT the system itself. That's a far cry from it being a Netscape problem. We've got people using Opera, IE, Netscape, Mozilla, Firebird, Lynx and several other types. I have the first four browsers, and can view this site without problems. Call me a sellout, I don't care. I prefer to use IE.
--- Quote ---If its possible, retain the HTML coding for the templates, for the old style format. But encourage small changes to let people absorb the new information at a gradual pace.
--- End quote ---
Templates are going to be totally customizable on the new system, with improved handling and SO much more. It's 1,000% better than YSE's system, which was fair.
--- Quote ---SMF and or Yabb definately needs to still support Netscape. As much as I dislike Netscape and spent many an hour programming special routines for it. The point is! Different strokes, for different folks.
--- End quote ---
See my answer above my previous answer.
--- Quote ---Do, I like the new look? It reminds me of every of website out there. (slick but boring). the nice little margin on the left, and ahhhh maybe one on the right and while I see this quite unique for SMF. I am not certain, I wish to conform to norm or the commercialized look. Thats why I liked YabbSE and Yabb, it allowed extensive changes.
--- End quote ---
You're going to love SMF, then, cause it's even easier to customize your layout. I've never conformed to the norm (see http://forums.therealms.net/forums/ for an example). You'll be able to do your customizations and even MORE with SMF. Hands down, no questions asked.
--- Quote ---As for charging for support. Absolutely!!!.... I think it is imperative that you be able to sustain your efforts. I have faith, that you will not forget your loyal members and retain an open forum.
--- End quote ---
The only difference basically is that Charter Members get support on a one to one basis, and in a private area. Everyone else will still receive the same level of support they've come to know, expect and love on the YSE site. Being that I'm a proud member of the support team, I have full expectations of myself to support both Charter Members and regular members equally. My focus is Charter Members, however, I'll still give everyone the same top notch support that I can, as quickly as I can.
--- Quote ---Do I like the new?? Not sure yet, not seen the final product. I know I liked YabbSE and my heart still lies in Yabb for all it has taught me.
--- End quote ---
The Devel team is FAR from being done with adding features in and fixing bugs. Every time I come on (averaging once every two hours or less), I see a new bug reported and see that it's been noted, or in the process of being fixed. Features are being built in around the bug fixes. There's a LOT of activity going on, and the Devel Team is to absolutely be commended for the level of work they're doing.
--- Quote ---I am learning SWISH and Flash and have started adding buttons, etc. to my Yabb site that matches my over all site. Its easy to do with the current templates. My only hope is the new version will allow the same ease and functionality that past versions have. Just dont stray to far, or I know as one, I will abandon it, if it is truely not that SIMPLE any more.
--- End quote ---
Hey, if you can handle the variables that will be coming in the completely revamped SSI.php, you'll be just fine with adding in Swish and Flash menus. Looking forward to seeing what you can dish up!
[Unknown]:
A lot of poeple learned off YaBB, it was a great thing.
In my opinion, SQL is much simpler than Perl, PHP, or Spanish - all languages people manage to learn. I'm sorry if you find it difficult at first - perhaps you need a new perspective. I'm always willing to ask questions posed in Scripting Help.
A lot of people don't like having to support the fact that the old Netscrape didn't support CSS. I am one of them. No one uses it... :P.
If you are tlaking about the password encryption, that's done for the protection of users and I am MORE THAN for it. It is irreversable and you cannot get their old password back - just the way I like it. The forgot password tool is there for a reason.
TINYTEXT isn't that hard to understand/use. Basically, it's a lot of data.... and, in SMF a lot of column types are smaller... because TINYTEXT is usually too big. (it allows for 255 letters.)
Yes, all the templates are in the CVS with it still looking like YaBB SE. Blue, and all. It will be retained... and most likely released, but not as the default template.
A lot of people use Netscape 7.x, but hardly anyone uses Netscrape 4.x... support for that old browser has no reason as it's obselete and I've never seen anyone using it.
HA! YaBB SE let you make about as many changes as hitting a pellow changes your mother. SMF lets you change EVERYTHING. And yes, you could make it look exactly like YaBB SE - or phpBB, I did that once too.
I leave the moment it's not free. Period.
You will like SMF. Just look at it's new features... more over, look at just how fast it is.
It's easier and yes simpler with SMF...
-[Unknown]
KarterJK:
Ok, okay, okay
I wasnt bashing. I was just at the old forum. I heard so much chatter, about everything. I was just concerned. Some friends are trying to get me to switch a different forum format (XML).
I have been and hopefully always will be a Yabb/SMF supporter, excuse me SMF/Yabb supporter.
As I said, I thought YabbSE was genius. To me if it wasnt broke, why fix it. I have just upgraded in the last few months and walked into all these changes. And I was thinking, OH NO, now I will need to re-learn everything all over again and try to convince everyone else I know that it is still worthy.
Just nervous, I guess. I didnt mean to offend
As for the password encryption, I am still not familiar enough with MySQL to be comfortable with it. and I searched everywhere for answers on how to decode it. I was able to accomplish it. But I still dont understand it. and the TINYTEXT is fine except, every program i use seems to have problems with it. for instants ' apostrophes print out &c9 or whatever the hex value is, and trying to understand phpmyedit (I just shake my head) query, select, change use grrr. Thank goodness, I have another program that allows easier editing and viewing.
Its just alot to take in, in just a month or so....and support is not that great. It can take 3 days just trying to find the solution to one answer. As for the passwords, where is it documented that its password encrypted? and where is it documented how to deal with the issue? I spent hours just going through the forums, trying to see someone elses response. then another 2 days to 3 days with just trial and error programming to get it so I can read it it.
It works but, I still dont know why..
Yes, its frustrating. when you are learning Yabb(SMF) PHP and MySQL all at once, but I really want to use it....sometimes, I think I must be a masochist or something to endure it all.
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