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Jay

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Join date
22-Feb-2003
Last activity
29-Jun-2025
Posts
2,437

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Post
#111129
Topic
IMPORTANT: Forum software upgrade FAQs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/111129/action/topic#111129
Time
I'm going to compile the various issues that will arise with the launch of the new forum software into this single thread. If you have a specific question, please post it here and I'll add my response to the list of FAQs.

Please keep feature requests out of this thread. When the new forum software goes live, I'll start a thread for that purpose. Restrict your questions to current forum features and how they may or may not change in the new software. Some functionality will be missing at first so we can get the forum up quickly, and new features will be added on a running basis.

You'll notice while looking at these FAQs that a lot of data won't be carrying over to the new software. This is because the software isn't a simple version upgrade, but an entirely new custom application with a unique database structure. Some data is best carried over, while other data is best thrown away and re-entered to avoid trouble down the road.

When the new software is ready, you'll be given ample warning of the planned launch time. Please check back here daily for updates.

The List:

1. Will my username/password carry over to the new forum software?
All usernames will remain intact. However, it's likely your password will be reset. The exact mechanism for resetting passwords hasn't been finalized, but you'll most likely receive a new password via e-mail. It's vital you have a valid e-mail address on file with us so we can send you your new login instructions. If your e-mail address isn't valid, you'll be locked out of your account.

2. Will my personal information (name, location, forum settings, etc.) carry over?
No. You'll need to enter this information again.

3. Will my signature carry over?
No. Since many of your signatures contain the special forum script for formatting, images, and links, and this script is being changed in the new software, the majority of signatures will need to be retyped anyway.

4. Will my avatar carry over?
No. Those of you who were fortunate enough to upload a custom avatar before the tool broke will lose your avatar. The default in the new software will be no avatar. If you have a custom avatar, please save it so you can upload it using the new forum software (which will be fully functional for avatar uploads).

5. Will my PMs carry over?
No. All PMs will be deleted. If you have anything important in any existing PMs, make sure you back it up.

6. Will my buddy/ignore lists carry over?
No. You will have to rebuild your buddy and ignore lists, so please save the usernames on these lists.

7. Will my post count remain intact?
The new software will perform a count of your total posts and generate an accurate post count. Since a large amount of threads dating back to the launch of the site were supposedly lost, you might think this new post count would be wrong. A recent discovery within the database may reveal that these posts were not lost after all. However, if these posts are truly irrecoverable, I'll do my best to keep your current post count intact. No promises. Worst case, your signup date will be intact, so even if your post count gets nuked, people will know you're old school. Given the prolific posting nature of some members here, those of you lamenting the possible loss of your post count shouldn't take too long to recover.

8. Will it cost anything to join the new forum?
No. Forum membership will remain free.

9. Will we be able to specify color schemes, threads displayed per page, messages displayed per page, etc.?
You'll be able to adjust the number of threads and messages that appear, either by absolute numbers ("Show me 100 threads.") or by date ("Show me threads from the last 2 days."). Color customization probably won't be ready for launch, but it will be implemented soon after. It'll actually be a site-wide setting.

10. Will all threads and posts carry over?
Yes. All threads and posts will be moved over to the new forum.

11. Will links to individual threads still work?
Unknown. I'm considering a script that scans all forum posts as the data is moved to the new database and rewrites links automatically so manual updates won't be necessary.
Post
#110334
Topic
Make sure your e-mail address is valid for the forum software switch, or you'll be locked out.
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/110334/action/topic#110334
Time
As I develop the new forum software, I'll carry over as much account data as possible.

Please note that your password most likely WILL NOT be carried over. If this ends up being the case, you'll be sent a new password via e-mail.

It is essential you have a valid e-mail account on file with us.

Please check your profile now and make sure your e-mail address is current. Otherwise, you'll be locked out of your account.

Those of you with spam blockers must permit e-mail from forum@originaltrilogy.com to receive your new password. If I get a flood of notifications asking me to click links and type in codes so you can receive messages, I'm just going to delete them.

Thanks for you help.
Post
#110329
Topic
Avatar situation (old news for new members)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/110329/action/topic#110329
Time
User accounts and as much associated data as possible will be moved.

However, passwords will not be carried over. A new password will be generated and sent to the e-mail address you have on file. You'll then be able to change your password after you login.

Obviously, it's essential you have a valid e-mail address on file or you'll be locked out of your account.
Post
#110302
Topic
Avatar situation (old news for new members)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/110302/action/topic#110302
Time
The avatar upload is broken. While I was previously accepting avatars via e-mail for manual upload, a basic version of the new forum software will probably go live sometime in the next two weeks, so manual uploads have been halted.

The new forum software will have a functional avatar upload. It will also feature truly unique avatars; images you upload won't be shared with other members (unless they steal it, which will be against the rules).
Post
#109618
Topic
Banner ads
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/109618/action/topic#109618
Time
Quote
Originally posted by: Bossk
LLC? Fancy shmancy! Trying to avoid liability in case of a lawsuit, eh, Jay?

For profit streams, just remember the Cafepress.com link I sent you before. Have you found out anything about it yet?


The liability thing, as well as the tax benefits.

I did remember your recommendation of cafepress.com and have kept them in mind. I'm investigating local vendors also. Cafepress.com handles pretty much everything, which is their primary benefit. If I go through a local vendor, I might save on production costs, but I'd have to order merchandise in advance and handle order processing/shipping myself.
Post
#109599
Topic
Banner ads
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/109599/action/topic#109599
Time
Quote
Originally posted by: greencapt
Other than just click-thru traffic and flat-out donations, is there anything else any of us can do to help fund the site?


I considered donations at one point, but now that the site is a registered LLC with the goal of profitability, asking for handouts doesn't sit well with me.

I'm trying to develop other revenue streams. One area I'm exploring is branded merchandise like t-shirts, hats, etc.
Post
#109498
Topic
Banner ads
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/109498/action/topic#109498
Time
Originaltrilogy.com started as a labor of love on my part. It was a fun thing to do, and I'm glad we've developed a nice little community here that seems to be doing quite well.

As my previous post in this section indicates, it's now time to take a leap and turn originaltrilogy.com into something more. I'll be expanding the site in the near future and incorporating new content and features. This will hopefully result in more traffic, drawing more returning users and increasing the activity here on the forum and in other planned sections of the site.

The addition of banner ads is the first step in turning originaltrilogy.com into a profitable venture. I know how some people feel about banner ads, but the truth is they do actually work and they do make money.

Originaltrilogy.com is still a labor of love, but it's now also a business, and I need to run it as such.

If you see an ad that interests you, click on it. If not, then don't.

Please don't go click-crazy with the banner ads. Google supposedly has monitoring algorithms, as well as actual people, that review click patterns to prevent fraud. If every member here starts clicking on ads at random, it'll result in an unheard-of click-through rate and I'll lose my Google AdSense membership.

I'm looking forward to this weekend. Lots of .NET learning and coding. Expect something soon.
Post
#109497
Topic
Scam download sites from Google ads
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/109497/action/topic#109497
Time
I noticed this also.

I don't think Google does a very good job of policing their ads. Or they don't care.

Please refrain from going click-crazy. Google supposedly has sophisticated algorithms (as well as actual people) that keep track of such things. If a forum with ~1800 members gets as many ad clicks in one day, it's going to look fishy. That would be an unheard-of click through rate and very suspicious.

If you see an ad for something that interests you, click it. If not, then don't. Simple enough.