jdeveaux
Guest
This is a bit over due but I wanted to give everyone a status of what is in progress and what is to 'eventually' be setup 
Special Note 2: If you have not looked yet. Please take a look through the FAQ section as it covers most of the basic operational functions of the new software. http://www.marsh-reef.org/faq.php
As you've probably noticed there are a number of things showing up and in some cases going away as we work to tweak everything. Please be patient as it will take your feed-back and testing to get everything the way WE (as in you too) the way we want it. So please do not be afraid to post your opinions or requests on various features, or even to ask if we can add something you don't already see on the coming list. You can also PM me if you would rather not post it here.
So on to What has been done:
Now if you actually read this be sure and use the "Thanks" button
Regards,
Special Note 1: There are a ton of options and features that you can configure in your profile so please be sure to go through it to make sure you have the settings you prefer. We have defaults set for new accounts but everyone that was imported received the VB Defaults.
Special Note 2: If you have not looked yet. Please take a look through the FAQ section as it covers most of the basic operational functions of the new software. http://www.marsh-reef.org/faq.php
So on to What has been done:
- Obviously we decided to get the ball rolling by drawing the proverbial line in the sand and launched the site with just the bare minimum of the forums so we can all communicate.
- You will find some older threads that are 'wacky' - not much I can do about it short of going in and editing every old post, so lets just worry about all new threads. PLEASE
- The layout of the forums will change as we work on tweaking things. One of our big options now is that we can have 'sub-forums' So you will start to see some consolidation which will hopefully make it easier to find information.
- Now that the security has been cleaned up I will be setting the public forums back to read only for people that are not registered. Registration will always be required to use the site and that includes the annoying verification tools that are in place to try and block the spammers.
- You will find some older threads that are 'wacky' - not much I can do about it short of going in and editing every old post, so lets just worry about all new threads. PLEASE
- The new gadgets (Gallery, vbActivity, vbNotifications, vbPost Thanks) - Should all be considered as in development so expect to see things change every now and then but I will do my best to communicate what is changing.
- We decided to take all the fluff of the Activity tool out of the Postbit (the area under your name in posts) If you want to participate in the Activity ladders then you can just go to the NAV bar at the top and select 'Activity'
- User Accounts and Member Cards
- I am working on getting all of the membership accounts setup once the database is correct I will get a run of the new cards out.
- New cards will go out to all members that joined since October 1st, 2011.
- All members that joined prior to December 31st, 2011 (as promised) are being setup to run through December 31st, 2012
- All new members now have a true subscription membership that will run 1 year exactly to the day you subscribed. No more xxxx year members. You're either a Supporting Member or a Guest.
- Tapatalk App support - Is live and working great.
- Gallery - The Gallery has been setup as a separate section of the site but it leverages your existing ID and Membership. There are a ton of features with-in the Photopost application that are simply superior to the built in Album system.
- You can still attach pictures to the threads in the regular forum but they are not part of the gallery, they are treated as attachments.
- Anyone can view the Gallery but you must be a member to post in the gallery and have your own album(s)
- 'YES' it is still under development so it will get better too.
- Facebook integration - is optional but setup and working. The application to view the forums through Facebook is still in development and not working yet.
- Sponsors - I am still working on the banner system, Banners should be active by the end of the week.
- Home/Landing page - we do intend to have a true home page not just the forums. This was just set to lower priority so we could get the core and security done first.
- Blog section - We will be turning this on but it will be limited to those invited to keep a blog here at MARSH
- Content Management System - This is the supporting infrastructure to the previous two options so it will go live with those tools. Bottom line it is was enables easy management and modification of the content areas (non-forum)
- Enhanced Calender and Event tracking/registration - is a work in progress. We are playing with various options to find a balance between administrative overhead and keeping members informed of events.
- Custom apps for apple and android devices - I'm going to try and have these published before the end of the month. They will essentially be an alternative to Tapatalk that is customize to match our site. They will be free to all registered members.
- Site layout and themes - As new themes are developed we will be opening up the option for users to select various site themes. This will take time as each theme has to be tested with the layout.
- Thread and forum icons. The little images that tell you what is read or unread are going to enhanced. I don't even like the basic ones we have. Currently we have customized the Forum Read/unRead icon but the rest will come a little later.
Now if you actually read this be sure and use the "Thanks" button
Regards,
