Site news 23-09-2022

Hi All,

I thought it would be a good idea to let you all know what has been happening with the site regarding the update to Joomla 4.  I've been working on this for the last 5 months and most of my time has been working on getting the data from the current database exported to the new site, I never realised how big the DB is it's nearly 800MB in size and the main thrust of the work has been reducing the time it will take to move that data over, I've now got it down to 18 hours which is quite quick, the starting time was nearly 5 days.  Other changes to the site have been the theme, I've moved from Gantry to helix but this might change closer to the launch time.  Other changes have been the PM system, the system that we have in place has not been updated for Joomla 4 so that has taken some time to source a replacement, I have one in position but that also might change as new systems are developed, the comments and forum will be in place and looks better in Joomla 4, I was considering on reintroducing the old image library but as much of it is from a user who does not exist any more it would be wrong to use the images so what I will do is set up a new gallery system so that users can set up their gallery and we can promote them on the front page.

The front page in itself is something that I have worked on a lot, it's going to be more of a magazine style, with modules showcasing content from other sites as well as promoted stories and images from the new galleries, it's going to be a place where you can visit and see the most up to date stuff without having to hit multiple sites, if anyone has some suggestions as to sites that they would like to promote please let me know below. 

Other items that you should know, the biggest one is our discord server, it's taken on a life of its own and has become a true partner of this site, I would almost call it as important as the forum here (the library will always be out greatest part) if you are not a member please do join the link to that is in the menu.

On Monday I'm going to announce a compertation for a new site masthead, I want people to start thinking as to what it could be, and I'll post a dedicated forum topic with the details.

Lastly, I would like to thank all the members who continue to make this place their home in regards to what we all love, it's been a true comfort for me to know that you are all still with us and still post here, I know other sites have come to an end and we still keep on going, it shows the strength of the membership here.  And for that, I thank you all.

With that, I will now return to my dark hole in the ground and keep toiling away and try to make this place better than it currently is.

Fats