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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ The Road Ahead - Upcoming changes to 914World.com
Posted by: SirAndy Nov 8 2015, 09:37 PM
There are several changes and improvements coming to 914world over the next few months.
The move to a new server this weekend was the first step in that process. By moving the site to a new server, we can now take advantage of better hardware and more storage space.
Our old server was running close to its capacity both in terms of processing power and file storage.
Here are some of the upcoming changes:
- Refactor the current codebase for the forums
The forum software was written almost 15 years ago and it is starting to become more and more of a problem. I'll be spending some time doing a major cleanup while adding some of the new features listed below.
- Create a mobile friendly skin for the forums
As more and more people move towards mobile devices it's time that we have a usable interface that works well in that environment.
- Upgrade the database to a newer format
Our current database is getting HUGE and it's time to move it to a newer format that can take advantage of the better hardware we now run on. This should drastically improve the loading speed on the site.
- Restructure the image file storage
The way the forum software currently stores uploaded images was never meant to be used for large amounts of files. We're now at over 700,000+ uploaded images taking up some 150GB of disk space and they're all stored in the same folder on the server (!). The new codebase will use a different approach for file storage that will improve access times to those images as well as categorizing them in a more meaningful manner.
- Allow members to tag images and threads
Being able to tag posted images and threads with keywords would allow for much easier searching. This could include both predefined tags and member defined tags.
- Update the VIN pages to be part of the forum
Change the pages for the VIN database to be integrated into the forum software. This would allow for better searching as well as attaching multiple images per VIN.
- Update the "914 Info" section to be part of the forum
Many of the current pages in the 914 info section need to be integrated into the forum software.
- Clean up the current forum skins
The current HTML for the forum skins is not compliant with the latest standards and needs to be reworked to work better with all modern browsers. At the same time, i'd like to add more color options to the skin selection.
- Add search function to your PMs
Allow members to search through their PMs easily.
- Add a "reply all" option to multiple recipient PMs
Adding this option will aid group conversations utilizing the PM system.
- Members map
We used to have a members map using frappr which was based on Google maps. I'd like to resurrect that idea and have a integrated map where members can enter their (approximate) location and add additional info, like a picture of their car.- Add member tagging using @Username
Tagging a member by using their username in a post with the @ prefix will send them a notification with a link to the post where they were tagged.
This is a simple and easy way to get someone's attention to a post or topic.
Done ...
Posted by: Dtjaden Nov 8 2015, 09:52 PM
Great stuff Andy 
Posted by: timothy_nd28 Nov 8 2015, 09:56 PM
Great news! Seems like a ton of work, can I help in any way?
Posted by: bcheney Nov 8 2015, 10:11 PM
Great stuff Andy
All of us are extremely grateful for all the work you do with our site and community. Thank you!
Posted by: Zimms Nov 8 2015, 10:21 PM
Awesome stuff! THANK YOU!
Posted by: scotty b Nov 8 2015, 10:31 PM
- Add a "reply all" option to multiple recipient PMs
Adding this option will aid group conversations utilizing the PM system.
Your the bestest Andy
Posted by: Jett Nov 8 2015, 10:48 PM
Thanks for all the effort. The site is Fast 
Posted by: 914bub Nov 8 2015, 10:57 PM
Thanks for all the effort. The site is Fast
I am super grateful as well, Andy, for all you do for us.
Can you include clickable links to other 914 enthusiast sites where I can still buy the shoes I need?
TIA,.... Bub
Posted by: veekry9 Nov 8 2015, 11:20 PM
Are you shitting me?
Truly?
This tiny 'cellphone' has 1 Terabyte and has a camera.
This Collossus has 256k!It has to warm up the tubes.
Tell me futureman,has mankind reached the stars.
Is the future a time of peace?
Gripes:
01) Display color formatting---------(the snow-blindness effect of a bright screen)-------A choice of colors and contrasts suitable to the users preference.A palette of versions.
02) A highlighted cursor-------------(a return to the previous page(backpaging))------------To see where in the list you were before,a contrasting highlite.Flaming pink if you choose.
03) Large Icon View-----------------(Other than a list format)-------------------------------A glance of the subject's topic and first few lines and or pix by mousing or other interface.
04) Icon gif panel--------------------(I don't use a gif all the time)--------------------But when I do,a pop-up or dropdown works for me.May I minimize the gif panel?
05) Edtor panel----------------------(A window in the corner sucks)----------------------A normal window,min/max/drag/pop and a line length limit to display and wrap.
06) Autosave-------------------------(Lose your editor input?)---------------------------Autosave,you know,autosave,for those neanderthals who use thumbs to type.
07) Page of thread-------------------(Want page 6?)--------------------------------------Pulldown and enter #in field,mouse LB,(not enter/return))Pita.A string of page # icons.
08) Thinking of somethin..Oh Yeah,a googlemap address for the sites and /found vehicles/photo'd 914s/vendors references and other utility.(Pix of a 914,the other side of the hill.)
09) Tailending the editor string-----(Adding attachment to input,cursor is ignored)---Saving,then reopening,placing the cursor with a leading and trailing space works though.
(edit:11/13/15)
10)Tagging----------------------------(Where was I?searching the page)---------------------------------------A highlited icon to map interesting subjects,at a glance
An interesting tangent of the transistors. 
http://www.scientificamerican.com/magazine/sa/1969/09-01/
http://www.joeydevilla.com/2010/01/15/multitasking-in-the-mad-men-era/
Posted by: 914-300Hemi Nov 8 2015, 11:23 PM
Thank you for all your hard work. It is greatly appreciated.
Posted by: r_towle Nov 8 2015, 11:27 PM
You are a great and dedicated guy!
Posted by: Krieger Nov 8 2015, 11:58 PM
Thanks for all your work! 
Posted by: Mikey914 Nov 9 2015, 12:59 AM
Thanks Andy,
Let me know if you need anything. Your dedication to the forum is what truly makes world what it is.
Posted by: bfrymire Nov 9 2015, 01:02 AM
Great work Andy!
-- brett
Posted by: mbseto Nov 9 2015, 08:34 AM
Thanks for your efforts!
Posted by: Gambusia Nov 9 2015, 08:42 AM
Thank you
Posted by: infraredcalvin Nov 9 2015, 09:08 AM
Thank you!
Posted by: bob Nov 9 2015, 09:26 AM
thanks!!!
-bob
Posted by: Andyrew Nov 9 2015, 09:40 AM
Good news! Thanks for everything Andy! Let us knoe if there is anything we can do to help!
Posted by: 76-914 Nov 9 2015, 09:50 AM
Thx Andy. Is it a pain to add the ability to send pic's via pm, while your in there?
Posted by: arsprod Nov 9 2015, 10:13 AM
As a fairly new teener owner I can't imagine life without this site - thanks so much for your hard work!
Aaron
Posted by: wes Nov 9 2015, 10:29 AM
We are very lucky to have such a dedicated one at the wheel or should I say keyboard. Thanks much Andy! You have made it so much more likely to keep or cars running happily down the road.
Posted by: Larmo63 Nov 9 2015, 10:42 AM
Thanks Sir Andy!!!!
Posted by: 914dave Nov 9 2015, 10:42 AM
Andy
Thanks for all your efforts! It is greatly appreciated by those of us who live on this site.
Dave
Posted by: SirAndy Nov 9 2015, 11:47 AM
And keep the suggestions coming, i'm taking notes ...
Posted by: LowBridge Nov 9 2015, 12:06 PM
super news and thank you for the hard work
Posted by: Beakster Nov 9 2015, 12:29 PM
YES I agree too this sight has help me connect with more experienced owners to help me along the way of learning more about the 914World .. I just ASSumed that owning a few 911's you would make you a pro at a 914 ... WRONG I was soon thought different 
So Sir Andy Thanks for the hard work in keeping this site up and strong .. 
Posted by: bandjoey Nov 9 2015, 03:59 PM
Yes. It's an awesome site and Thanks for taking care of if.
Posted by: DavidSweden Nov 9 2015, 04:13 PM
Good job, thanks for taking the time not everone would be prepared to do it
Posted by: jor Nov 9 2015, 04:23 PM
I echo the comments above. This is a fantastic site and owning a 914 without it would be a lot more difficult. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. You can certainly see how many of us are truly appreciative.
Posted by: Vysoc Nov 9 2015, 04:35 PM
Andy, you are the man, thank you so much for everything that you do for this great community.
Just glad to be a part of this great group!!!
Vysoc 
Posted by: rgalla9146 Nov 9 2015, 05:03 PM
Not sure what all that interweb jargon means.......but the last couple days without the site was not good.
Andy, thank you for all the hard work you do for all of us.
Rory
Posted by: stevegm Nov 9 2015, 05:06 PM
A big thank you. The weekend wasn't the same without the world. 
Posted by: brooks944 Nov 9 2015, 05:14 PM
Glad 914World is back! Already asked my latest dumb question....
Posted by: rktmn247 Nov 9 2015, 05:41 PM
Andy,
Thanks for all you do to keep this site up and running! I was having small kind withdrawals over here. It was good though, forced me to catch up on some tail dragger threads over on the bird.
Posted by: trojanhorsepower Nov 9 2015, 07:34 PM
Posted by: bigkensteele Nov 9 2015, 11:40 PM
Unless I missed it above, is there any way that we can help defray the cost of this upgrade? I will gladly throw some coin your way (again) for all that you do. Please tell me how to send you some money. I know that you love this place as much or more than we all do, but you shouldn't spend a dime of your own money to keep it up. Please tell us how we can help.
Again.
for keeping this board alive. I can't tell you how much this place means to me, but I would be happy to keep it afloat with a donation. Please let me know how I can.
Ken
Posted by: mankowski Nov 9 2015, 11:46 PM
I've learned so much and enjoyed so much this wonderful site. Many thanks to you and everyone for making ownership of a 45 year old car possible.
Posted by: Krieger Nov 9 2015, 11:48 PM
I have been wondering the same thing.
Posted by: Blue6 Nov 9 2015, 11:51 PM
Unless I missed it above, is there any way that we can help defray the cost of this upgrade? I will gladly throw some coin your way (again) for all that you do. Please tell me how to send you some money. I know that you love this place as much or more than we all do, but you shouldn't spend a dime of your own money to keep it up. Please tell us how we can help.
Again.
for keeping this board alive. I can't tell you how much this place means to me, but I would be happy to keep it afloat with a donation. Please let me know how I can.
Ken
DITTO!!! I would think it not free, so let us contribute...
Posted by: ConeDodger Nov 9 2015, 11:54 PM
And keep the suggestions coming, i'm taking notes ...
I'd be happy if you'd just get a new battery for your car!
Posted by: SirAndy Nov 10 2015, 12:40 AM
Way ahead of you, got one for free under warranty ...
Posted by: PlantMan Nov 10 2015, 01:00 AM
Thanks Andy from one German to another!
I look forward to this site everyday when I get a few minutes to relax.
Posted by: somd914 Nov 10 2015, 04:52 AM
I appreciate all your efforts in maintaining and improving the World!
Posted by: carr914 Nov 10 2015, 05:09 AM
- Restructure the image file storage
The way the forum software currently stores uploaded images was never meant to be used for large amounts of file. We're now at over 700,000+ uploaded images taking up some 150GB of disk space and they're all stored in the same folder on the server (!). The new codebase will use a different approach for file storage that will improve access times to those images as well as categorizing them in a more meaningful manner.
URY & I almost killed the World!
Thanks Andy!
Posted by: sb914 Nov 10 2015, 07:20 AM
Using wife's phone, my I phone won't work on the world. after it was down now won't work .POS phone!
Posted by: budk Nov 10 2015, 07:38 AM
Using wife's phone, my I phone won't work on the world
after it was down now won't workclear the cache on your phone.
Posted by: Dtjaden Nov 10 2015, 04:49 PM
Andy,
It just seems too fast now
Posted by: Garold Shaffer Nov 10 2015, 05:12 PM
possible to upload more than one picture at a time. I know you can have multiple pictures in one post, but to be able to browse and select more than one picture at a time would be nice.
Posted by: sfrenck Nov 10 2015, 05:17 PM
Thanks for the efforts. I go to this site multiple times a day and the proposed improvements sound like great upgrades.
Posted by: Montreal914 Nov 10 2015, 11:41 PM
Thank you for this dedication.
Agreed with what was mentioned earlier, this past WE was not the same... But well worth it
Posted by: RobW Nov 10 2015, 11:56 PM
Thanks Andy. You rock!
Posted by: Marty Yeoman Nov 11 2015, 12:10 AM
Thx Andy. Is it a pain to add the ability to send pic's via pm, while your in there?
Andy,
You are a cornerstone!! Thanks for your efforts here.
Marty
Posted by: ConeDodger Nov 11 2015, 01:12 AM
Way ahead of you, got one for free under warranty ...
Free???
Posted by: ruby914 Nov 11 2015, 01:59 AM
+1 Thanks Andy 
You Rock!
Posted by: Ian Stott Nov 11 2015, 04:57 AM
When you come to Moncton I am taking you for the best lobster you have ever had!
Ian Stott
Moncton
Canada
Like that the map will be back.
Posted by: RobW Nov 11 2015, 09:24 AM
- Restructure the image file storage
The way the forum software currently stores uploaded images was never meant to be used for large amounts of file. We're now at over 700,000+ uploaded images taking up some 150GB of disk space and they're all stored in the same folder on the server (!). The new codebase will use a different approach for file storage that will improve access times to those images as well as categorizing them in a more meaningful manner.
URY & I almost killed the World!
Thanks Andy!
You got that right! Great pictures though. One of my favorites spots on the site to see the ponies (and the riders)...
Posted by: aufgates Nov 11 2015, 09:34 AM
Great, many thanks and good luck with updates...
Posted by: Maltese Falcon Nov 11 2015, 10:03 AM
Thanks Andy for making this site the Best !
Marty
Posted by: AndyB Nov 11 2015, 10:13 AM
Umm, Uhhhhhh, 
I will take your word for it since you are speaking computerese, and I am not fluent in that stuff. Great job though.
Posted by: malcolm2 Nov 11 2015, 10:20 AM
Great stuff....
If you are taking notes, what about a "like" button for each post or my boat forum has a "THANKS" button right next to each post #.
Might save on lots of Thank you posts??? Not sure how else it might be helpful, but I do like to say Thanks sometimes.
Oh yeah, one more thing.... can you automatically re-orient sideways and upside-down photos and videos? Pipe dream I know, but someone had to say it.
Posted by: wndsnd Nov 11 2015, 01:47 PM
Andy, I know nothing about the tech side, can barely use the stuff sometimes, but everything you do is appreciated. I would be another willing to chip something in.
This site is such a part of many lives, we are grateful.
Posted by: johannes Nov 11 2015, 02:16 PM
Thank you for all the time you work for the community.
...
Posted by: RickS Nov 12 2015, 12:18 AM
Andy you are credit to the interwebs and an outstanding citizen. Great work.
Posted by: SirAndy Aug 21 2018, 07:15 PM
...
- Add member tagging using @Username
Tagging a member by using their username in a post with the @ prefix will send them a notification with a link to the post where they were tagged.
This is a simple and easy way to get someone's attention to a post or topic.
...
Well, after 3 years, i got one of them things done ...
Use as such:
This is some text that simulates a post. In this text you can "tag" other members by adding an @ in front of their user name.
Like @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=1 for example, which will create a notification for that member and they will see it when they login or refresh the site.
The user you tagged will see that they have been tagged and can go to their user CP and find a link to the post where you tagged them.
Attached image(s)
Posted by: effutuo101 Aug 21 2018, 07:18 PM
Nice!
Thank you for all you do!
Posted by: carking1996 Aug 21 2018, 07:25 PM
Epic stuff!
Posted by: r_towle Aug 21 2018, 07:59 PM
Thank you @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=179
Posted by: Dion Aug 21 2018, 09:04 PM
Thanks SirAndy. We would certainly not be running without you!
Posted by: mtndawg Aug 21 2018, 09:36 PM
This site is awesome, without it I would not have a rebuilt engine, transmission and body waiting for assembly in my garage.
Posted by: 914 7T3 Aug 21 2018, 11:37 PM
So now I can @mention the likes of @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=16669 @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=17068 and the rest of the SoCal crew? This is going to be way more fun now.
Posted by: SirAndy Aug 22 2018, 09:21 AM
Looks like there is a problem with usernames that have spaces *and* the first part before the space is also someone else's valid username.
Case in point, "914 7T3" above will notify user "914" since that is indeed a valid username here.
I'm thinking about adding some extra smarts where you can wrap a username in quotes to indicate that you want the whole name evaluated as one.
Posted by: jim_hoyland Aug 22 2018, 10:01 AM
? Not sure how this is gonna work ? 
Posted by: bernbomb914 Aug 22 2018, 11:00 AM
Thanks Andy its been a very long road for you. I know every one is very luckey to have you in charge.
Posted by: SirAndy Aug 22 2018, 11:29 AM
Ok, this should work now ...
For usernames that include spaces, please wrap them in quotes as shown below.
Posted by: SirAndy Aug 22 2018, 11:31 AM
@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=20991 see post above ...
Posted by: 914 7T3 Aug 22 2018, 12:45 PM
@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=20991 see post above ...
Thanks @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=179 but please see my PM as some may miss this nugget long after this thread is no longer current. Thanks.
Posted by: Toast Aug 22 2018, 03:28 PM
Will old private messages, pictures and threads still be intact and accessible? 
When Club NARP switched servers, a lot of my oldest private messages, including those from members no longer with us, disappeared. And some of the thread pictures disappeared as well.
Posted by: SirAndy Aug 22 2018, 03:33 PM
When Club NARP switched servers, a lot of my oldest private messages, including those from members no longer with us, disappeared. And some of the thread pictures disappeared as well.
Yes, we're keeping everything and we already switched servers ...
Posted by: jfort Aug 22 2018, 05:27 PM
Don’t know what I’d do without this site. Thanks!!
Posted by: SirAndy Aug 23 2018, 09:37 PM
Just making sure this gets some exposure ...
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?act=UserCP&CODE=60
Posted by: 76-914 Aug 24 2018, 08:53 AM
Just making sure this gets some exposure ...
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?act=UserCP&CODE=60
I used that feature this AM thereby proving anyone can use it.
Posted by: 914werke Aug 25 2018, 10:56 AM
So Andy can this same technique or code snippet be applied to thread topics?
IE tagging @WidestTire @BestOil @SixVsFour ?
Posted by: North Coast Jim Aug 26 2018, 07:37 AM
There are several changes and improvements coming to 914world over the next few months.
The move to a new server this weekend was the first step in that process. By moving the site to a new server, we can now take advantage of better hardware and more storage space.
Our old server was running close to its capacity both in terms of processing power and file storage.
Here are some of the upcoming changes:
- Refactor the current codebase for the forums
The forum software was written almost 15 years ago and it is starting to become more and more of a problem. I'll be spending some time doing a major cleanup while adding some of the new features listed below.
- Create a mobile friendly skin for the forums
As more and more people move towards mobile devices it's time that we have a usable interface that works well in that environment.
- Upgrade the database to a newer format
Our current database is getting HUGE and it's time to move it to a newer format that can take advantage of the better hardware we now run on. This should drastically improve the loading speed on the site.
- Restructure the image file storage
The way the forum software currently stores uploaded images was never meant to be used for large amounts of files. We're now at over 700,000+ uploaded images taking up some 150GB of disk space and they're all stored in the same folder on the server (!). The new codebase will use a different approach for file storage that will improve access times to those images as well as categorizing them in a more meaningful manner.
- Allow members to tag images and threads
Being able to tag posted images and threads with keywords would allow for much easier searching. This could include both predefined tags and member defined tags.
- Update the VIN pages to be part of the forum
Change the pages for the VIN database to be integrated into the forum software. This would allow for better searching as well as attaching multiple images per VIN.
- Update the "914 Info" section to be part of the forum
Many of the current pages in the 914 info section need to be integrated into the forum software.
- Clean up the current forum skins
The current HTML for the forum skins is not compliant with the latest standards and needs to be reworked to work better with all modern browsers. At the same time, i'd like to add more color options to the skin selection.
- Add search function to your PMs
Allow members to search through their PMs easily.
- Add a "reply all" option to multiple recipient PMs
Adding this option will aid group conversations utilizing the PM system.
- Members map
We used to have a members map using frappr which was based on Google maps. I'd like to resurrect that idea and have a integrated map where members can enter their (approximate) location and add additional info, like a picture of their car.
Tagging a member by using their username in a post with the @ prefix will send them a notification with a link to the post where they were tagged.
This is a simple and easy way to get someone's attention to a post or topic.
Done ...
None of this is cheap, especially your time. While apppreciated by all how can we help to offset some of your costs. Let us know and and I know the world will help $$$
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