H5 Times - Edition #1 - November. 1 to 15, 2008

[rickace]

The H5 Times

"Proboards first and only weekly updater" Edition #1 - November. 1 to 15, 2008

Sections of Interest 100% News of Proboards Proboards Version 5 Talk Interviews Latest Signature & Avatar Fads Advertising Index Technology Update

Wowposter? Spam bot? Or Spam-mer? Last week C forums claimed to be spammed spammed by a spam bot. There has been said that h5 images and my [Rick Ace] signature was also posted. It sent angry members into H5, which spammed its boards out of anger. The H5 Staff meanwhile went crazy not knowing what caused angry members to arrive. Immediately after short looks around, H5 was put into maintenance mode and certain accounts were deleted. C forums also attempted to find out the answer who this person or bot was. {See for continuation:100% News of Proboards}

[rickace]

Wowposter? Spam bot? Or Spam-mer? {Continued from Front Post}

The user name was "Wowposterbot" so it was decided the well-known spam-bot wow-poster caused this mess. Then Candy or Anne in PBS [Both names were confused and we are not sure which one] brought up a serious point. Wow poster always never registered as "wowposterbot". So it could have been a spam-mer trying to get revenge on C forums, using h5 name. There is another twist however.Hawk, a member at C forums said that the posts were made at speeds of 20 - 100 posts per minute. It is clear a normal computer directed by a human cannot keep up at those speeds. H5 Network had brought its own conclusions. And C forums most likely has theirs. H5 Network and C forums says they are doing their own investigations.

[rickace]

The H5 Times has put up a quick review of details on Proboards release of Version 5.

Here is the Latest Demo Video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAOId9Q-ZGQ

Saturday, April 19, 2008
Future upgrade discussion :
There has been a bit of talk on the blog lately from some who would rather have the option to upgrade or not to version 5 when it becomes available due to some concerns they have. I would like to address those concerns.

Planned v5 Upgrade Process

First, I'd like to talk about the v5 upgrade process and what our plans are at this time.

Before v5 is released we will re-open our BetaZone which allows you to make a copy of your forum to test with before your real forum goes live with v5. This will allow you to play with all the new settings, update your layout, etc. Essentially you will have a "test" forum that you can play with.

One of the great (until now, unannounced) features of version 5 is the ability to export many of the settings on your forum to import them on another forum. This means you can set everything up on your test forum, export your settings (for things such as your skins, headers and footers, etc), and then save them into your forum once you upgrade to v5.

When version 5 is ready to be released, we are going to give all board owners a period of 2-3 months with an option to upgrade to v5. This way you can take all the time you need to make get your changes ready for the upgrade. After this period of time we will then force-upgrade the rest of the forums that have not opted to upgrade ahead of time.

We feel this is the best approach to give all forum admins the time they need to make sure their forum upgrade goes smoothly.

Templates in v5

As was documented earlier, version 5 is implementing a new templating system. This gives you full control over the HTML of your forum. This also allows you to change or even remove some things that you don't want them.

For example, some have expressed a desire to not have the "last 24 hours users" box. In version 5 you can simply remove the HTML code for this from the Info Center template. Further to this, in v5 there will be a simple option in the settings area to remove this box as well. This is just an example of how you can customize the HTML code in your v5 forum.

Headers/Footers Codes in v5

Some have said that they are worried that the future v5 upgrade (because of the size of the upgrade) will mess with their layouts.

We are overhauling all the HTML for version 5. Many of our coders have requested that we add new features to the code such as using id="[name]" on any elements that would be useful for coders to access. Other changes include naming of all forms. As a result of the major HTML changes, the majority of JavaScript codes that are in use today will not work in version 5.

Further to that, the new codes that will be developed to be compatible with v5 will be much easier for our coders to create.

Another important thing to note is that many, many of the codes in use today are designed to manipulate the HTML of the layout. These codes will not even be needed any more in v5 because we let you edit the HTML code yourself!

So, what is going to happen?

First off, our code database will be upgraded to have all new codes that will work with version 5. Again, we are giving 2-3 month grace period before the upgrade so that you can prepare your forum upgrade. If you have header/footer codes that you need to be updated we will make sure those new codes are provided in our code database.

Now, instead of simply upgrading your forums and keeping all the header/footer codes in which will not work, we will provide a copy of your headers/footers in your admin area and you will need to add in the new JavaScript codes which work with v5. Again, the majority of codes from v4 / v4.5 will not even be needed since you have direct access to the HTML.

We understand that for some forums which have extensive headers and footers this may be a fair amount of work, but the end benefit will be tremendous because of the amount of control that we are putting into your hands.

Last Thoughts

We will take your suggestions to heart in regards to this upgrade. I appreciate your constructive criticism and hope that this discussion will help alleviate some concerns you may have about this future upgrade.

It is important to note that if our members feel that they need more time to prepare their forums, we will give you that time. We would like nothing more than for this to be a smooth upgrade for all of our members and will provide you the support and assistance you require in this process.

Inside Version 5: Avatars :
We wanted to show you a taste of what is in development for v5. In the next release of the ProBoards® message board software we have a whole new avatar system. This system will let you design your own custom avatar -- face, eyes, hair, etc, and automatically add it to your profile. There are literally hundreds of thousands of possible combinations. What exactly are we talking about?

Well, see it for yourself in our online demo! This demo shows a few of the options which will be available when version 5 is released.

Check it out and play with it, enjoy!

New Proboards Image:

Saturday, March 15, 2008
New Version 5 Features:
Today I'm going to introduce some more new features that you can look forward to in Version 5.

With the introduction of Version 4.5, all forums can already expect an update letting them restrict categories based on a member's post count rank. We've taken this a step further in V5.

In addition to having this capability for every category, every board will also have the option to be restricted to certain member groups and post count ranks.

This means that you won't have to create a new category specific for each member group (or post count) that you want to make boards for. Just go straight to making a board, throw it in whatever category you want, and only those with the correct permissions will be able to see and access it.

Another new feature we plan to add is a "name history" in each member's profile. Sometimes people get confused who a member is because they changed their display name. Now you will be able to see a list of names that any user has been known as in the last 30 days just by viewing their profile.

More updates soon!

Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Answering some questions.. :
I have had a few questions come out recently regarding the new icons (in the blog post below), so this entry is to address those questions along with one other frequently asked question.

Is this the actual size of the buttons?
Yes, this is the real size. All icons in v5 will be slightly larger than before and much more readable.

Am I stuck with the blue color?
No, you aren't. We will have many colors of icons to choose from available for every board so that you can pick what matches best. We'll also have one neutral gray set available that can work with any color board.

What if I want to resize the images down?
That is your option. The ability to change any image you want via the admin area will still be there waiting for you

Besides these questions about the menu buttons, we have one question that is consistently coming up:

When will v5 be released?
This is a tricky question. I know many of you are waiting on your server to receive version 4.5 still. We are working on that roll-out, but wanted to make sure we had every bug smashed first.

In terms of a planned roll-out for version 5, no date is set in stone. It is hard with such a large release to put a date out there. Knowing our members, if I set a date people will be hounding me to release on that exact date regardless of any bugs that may still exist in the system.

The fact is this is a major project, we are actively developing it and working hard to get it done. It is a ways off, and we are updating you about our progress on this blog to keep you informed. When an estimate does get announced, it will be simply a date that is the earliest possible release date. It will not be a planned release date. Please take it as just that - an estimate, not a solid release date. Everything from new features to unforseen events can all delay a release.

That being said, our very-rough-earliest-possible-estimated-release-date will be announced in the next issue of the ProVision: Vision Press due for around April 1st.

As we move down the road, the best I can do for you is to keep this blog updated with as much information as I can publicly reveal. We will keep you informed as to when things are in the final stages and at that time we will announce a better estimated release date.

Default Menu Buttons:
blog.proboards.com/v5/images/menu_home.png
blog.proboards.com/v5/images/menu_help.png
blog.proboards.com/v5/images/menu_search.png
blog.proboards.com/v5/images/menu_members.png
blog.proboards.com/v5/images/menu_calendar.png
blog.proboards.com/v5/images/menu_admin.png
blog.proboards.com/v5/images/menu_profile.png
blog.proboards.com/v5/images/menu_chat.png
blog.proboards.com/v5/images/menu_login.png
blog.proboards.com/v5/images/menu_register.png

[shadow=red,left,300]Thats the review. Next Week, we will get into other features and explainations.[/shadow]

[rickace]

I interviewed "Magic Mist", a young woman that arrived in Proboards in 2004. I learned a lot about her. As many of you may have heard/seen of her, but not many have actually learned about her. So the following is a pure dialog type interview. It has been edited for her, and to fcus on the information.

Rick Ace: Hi
Magic Mist: hey
Rick Ace: I'm Rick Ace
Magic Mist: i can see that
Rick Ace: May I do a small interview of you to be published?
Magic Mist: ON what
Rick Ace: On your days on proboards
Magic Mist: shoot
Rick Ace: When did you first find proboards?
Rick Ace: And do you remember how?
Magic Mist: let me check
Magic Mist: yup, found it, early 2004 it was
Rick Ace: Do you rember how you found proboards?
Magic Mist: my friend and I got annyoed by one official forum of one band and created our own hideway from all the evil mods with all the cool people from that board. I liked how proboards worked and created my own forums with PB through the years since then
Rick Ace: When you first arrived in proboards, what was your first impression?
Rick Ace: The main page
Magic Mist: I'm old, you know, I do not remember trivial things like that years after they happened
Rick Ace: When did you arrive at proboards support?
Magic Mist: t'was a glorious day October the 26th in 2004
Rick Ace: And what was your impression, if you remember?
Magic Mist: I would assume it was good, otherwise I wouldn't have joined, I'm picky like that. Not that I can remember what on earth did I register on there for, but I must have had a reason to
Rick Ace: So which would you say is the best board you have ever come on?
Magic Mist: On PBS? Or a forum hosted by PB?
Rick Ace: Hosted by PB
Magic Mist: Oh, my own, of course, there's no doubt it that whatsoever *ego kicked in*
Rick Ace: Have you created more?
Magic Mist: There have been more during the years, but I don't tend to cling on them if they become redundant
Magic Mist: I sometimes help people with their skins if i feel creative enough though
Rick Ace: What is your greatest achivment on proboards?
Magic Mist: I wish I knew, if you find out, be sure to inform me about that
Magic Mist: I guess I'm pretty happy about that I figured out how to create attractive skins, use the codes provided and have forums with good content, or so I'd like to think
Rick Ace: What are your future projects and future goals?
Magic Mist: I don't have plans on creating any more forums any time soon, I'll be trying to improve the one I have and lure as many people to join it and participate there as possible. I will use cookies with milk and blackmail, if needed
Rick Ace: How has proboards made a affect on your life?
Rick Ace: Take your time on this one
Magic Mist: Oh blimey, can you ask something less obscure I think it's because of Proboards I learnt how to use Photoshop. I've always wanted to make graphics that look good and make the forum stand out, so there I was.
Magic Mist: yes, I might be old, but I'm still alive
Rick Ace: Would you mind saying how old you are? Respectivly
Magic Mist: You cannot ask a woman about her age, haven't you learnt any decency at school!
Magic Mist: I'm 26
Rick Ace: Seriously?
Magic Mist: yeah, do I sound older/younger than that?
Rick Ace: You sounded older than that.
Rick Ace: Your young
Magic Mist: I'm no grandma yet!
Rick Ace: I thought you were 50 or something
Magic Mist: *slap*
Rick Ace: Would you like to say anything out of your personal life
Rick Ace: Anything like I have a good dad or anything
Magic Mist: I hope everyone has a good dad anyway
Magic Mist:
Rick Ace: I do Mostly
Magic Mist: Oh yes, I do though, we have cookies, come join the forum! ANd have a good day, yes, that too. Good days are important
Magic Mist: Shameless advertising this is called
Rick Ace: How did you choose the name Magic Mist?
Magic Mist: It's my character name on Guild Wars, she's an elementalist, so I was thinking of something magical but not gliterry pink fluffy bunny girly stuff, so there came Magic Mist and then it just kind of stuck.
Rick Ace: Would you like to include anything in your interview?
Rick Ace: Anything that I should add?
Magic Mist: Should I add the line about good dad's? If it sounds stupid I can just say it was your fault anyway.
Magic Mist: dads*
Rick Ace: Can I ask you another question?
Magic Mist: why, yes.
Rick Ace: Do you have any call-outs Thank Yous or to anyone. Any thank yous His, Hellos, or call outs?
Magic Mist: Not really no, I could thank god if I was a believer, but I'm not, so that totally ruins the whole thing
Magic Mist: no problems
Rick Ace: But if you have anything to add please tell me
Magic Mist: Unfortunately, my muse is not with me tonight, so I don't have any creative things to add
Rick Ace: Where do you live?
Magic Mist: The ole land of England, at the moment
Rick Ace: But overall its a nice place to live, New York
Rick Ace: And its safer than before.
Magic Mist: I'd get annoyed by all the skyscrapers
Rick Ace: What are your favorites? Shows, colors, food, etc
Magic Mist: I d on't watch TV so I don't really have a favourite show, colours would be deep red and black and food is I dunno, pasta. singing, reading and writing

[rickace]

After a over look of Fads around Proboards, its very hard to tell. The "say no to size 1" Fad is over. And the "orange elephant" fad is over. What interests us now? PM me for your opions. I'll try my best to put all your ideas in the next edition of "The H5 Times".

[rickace]

Would you like your ad to be here for free? Very easy, PM me.

We will not acept Advertisments until a SOB Staff approves me to do so.

[rickace]

We are currently looking for a technical expert to fill this section.

[rickace]

You may comment about this week's edition here.