Should we switch the forum software?

[Schnoff]

We are on phpBB, which is in "maintenance mode". It works about as well as it's going to. Now and then a plugin breaks. Mobile experience can be challenging.

We could migrate the whole thing to Discourse, self-hosted. Discourse is a very different layout and experience. It's mobile-first, but there'll be a learning curve for both users and admins as to "how this thing drives".

Here's an example of what a Discourse forum looks like: https://forums.truenas.com/

[KnownAsHerbert]

If migration will solve the "bad gateway" and "gateway timeout" problem, then probably yes.

But somehow I doubt that this issue is related to what software is in use. Anyone got a more expert view than my "hunch" ?

[Schnoff]

It may or may not. That’s the software not responding - by switching entirely, we might resolve it. Discourse at least is actively developed.

I don’t have a good read on what’s happening when the forum doesn’t respond.

[Schnoff]

There is one advantage to Discourse that is strictly admin-facing: It’s easier to maintain. That might matter next year. I aim to step away for a year.

[Tongue+groove]

I’m not sure if my thoughts matter since I have yet to financially support this site. A pm discussion I probably need to have with admin on another day.

However, I’m all for making things easier for admin. I’m also for getting the best bang for the buck. The bad gateway can be frustrating and does seem to be getting worse. So after providing a straddling the fence response I say whatever the site administrators think is best.

You all do a great job with providing an appropriate and engaging place to be. I for one appreciate that and can trust you to make the best decision. Learning a new software seems to be the norm anymore.

Thanks for all you do.

[Tom Allen]

Ugh, I hate Discord. Maybe it was too early along for me, but I did not like navigating a group with a bunch of different channels. And it's not great for searching old information that was posted ages ago.

An alternative could be setting up a dedicated Reddit sub. You can use it with a PC or their fairly decent mobile app. Information is archived. They handle the maintenance. We could not create dedicated "rooms" for keyholders or private journals, but we could create private subs.

I have a couple of subs already created in case we needed to move.

Edit: oh, you meant Discourse, not Discord. I'm off to learn more.

[Schnoff]

Yeah, Discourse. This is entirely different from Discord. Discord is indeed not well-suited for what we are.

Discourse is forum software: Just, newer forum software. There are ofc other options around. In my corner of the world, I see a lot of orgs choosing Discourse, and I think they must have a reason for it.

[Tom Allen]

I've been looking at it, and it seems pretty decent. The basic pricing does not look too bad, and would be more than enough to meet our needs.

[Chosen_Jackal]

I will give what I can to support the forum if it means a more stable platform.

[Nick0965]

I will give what I can to support the forum if it means a more stable platform.

I’ve not donated yet, but also more than willing to, especially for the stable platform