Message from webmaster re: Problems with the message board

[Cathy Monaghan]

Bump — Please read the original posting in this message thread.

[John Stone]

Bump — Please read the original posting in this message thread.

I’m confused. The message board is not quite right that’s for sure. But it’s working better than it was over the last few weeks when it started to have trouble.

Cathy you bumped the message back up and said read it. Are you emphasizing something? You made a comment: “most likely we will remove the message board altogether.”. That’s pretty dramatic with significant consequences for all Cape Dory Owners.

Is that still the case? How does that decision get made? Who is involved in making that decision? What is the criteria? What options are available before the powers decide to delete the message board? Who are the “powers that be”?

Facebook does not replicate the message board. Not even close. The message board does not track us or collect our personal information or inundate us with political ads and other unwanted crap seeking to influence our political and social views. Nothing would make FB happier than for us to transition our information platform to them.

I remember when Spar Talk run by the late Brion Toss was shut down. Nothing has replaced it. Just a huge void where riggers and sailors needing rigging advice gathered to share info.

Let’s not let that happen to what is widely regarded as one of the best sailboat owners forums on the internet. In almost every article written about Cape Dory’s one thing mentioned is the superb owners forum. I also think it adds real monetary value to our boats. Sailors know they have a resource for problem solving and upgrading their boats.

Anyone else want to weigh in on this?

[mgphl52]

Anyone else want to weigh in on this?

John, I'm with you on this as well. I am also willing and able to volunteer assistance with the board. While I have very little php experience, I spent 45 years in software development across many platforms, including Unix/Linux (my favorite!).

[Sea Hunt Video]

There is not much John Stone and I agree on. As all know, I long believed it was (and is) ill advised to shove a smoky, loud diesel engine into a beautiful (and I mean beautiful) Cape Dory 36. Conversely, John's effort on the hull, deck, cabin, etc. are masterful, the work of an artisan. I have expressed my sadness on the engine issue many times as "John's Folly".

However, I am in 110% agreement with John's views about this board and the need to all that can be done to save it, protect it and let it live on for many years.

As I am sure is true with many on this board, one of the strong "buying points" for me in acquiring a Cape Dory Typhoon Weekender and then a Cape Dory 25D was the collective knowledge of this board and the ability to rely on its members to offer suggestions on care, maintenance, upgrades, etc. I know of no other such website focused on one particular mfg. of sailboats. The value of this is immeasurable.

As all know, I lack any skills or expertise at computers. A buddy of mine who still works in cyber stuff for one of those alphabet soup govt. agencies always told me my only solution to a computer issue would be a ball peen hammer. However, I can contribute funds towards an effort to fix the problem. Perhaps someone could set up a fund.

For me, the bottom line is a phrase I learned a long, long time ago. NEVER GIVE UP; NEVER QUIT; NEVER SURRENDER; NEVER, NEVER, NEVER.

We need and want this board to continue and prosper.

[jbenagh]

I agree with John, Robert & all. This board is a tremendous resource. I understand about our webmaster's availability due to his upcoming adventure. I'm not tech savvy in the way of web software but I'd be happy to contribute financially to upkeep if that's needed.
Jeff

[Jerry Hammernik]

I'm in agreement on the value of this board. If money is needed, count me in.

[billsimmeth]

I'm in agreement on the value of this board. If money is needed, count me in.

Ditto here! Happy to help fund the proper fixes. From what was posted earlier, sounds like a new host is the fix.

[J Stevenson]

I than think there is a "elephant in the room" situation here.
The lack of any request for help in solving this problem from those in charge of our web site and this forum
coupled with the recent posting from Steve Kuhar on the Masthead is indicitive.
Everyone should read it.

[Carl Thunberg]

Will you please stop it with the conspiracy theories? You're questioning the integrity of people most of us hold in high regard.

[Sea Hunt Video]

Will you please stop it with the conspiracy theories? You're questioning the integrity of people most of us hold in high regard.

I agree with Carl 110%. We just need to solve the problem and move (sail) forward.

[John Stone]

Will you please stop it with the conspiracy theories? You're questioning the integrity of people most of us hold in high regard.

I agree with Carl 110%. We just need to solve the problem and move (sail) forward.

I agree. Let’s not muddy the water and get distracted from the priority which is saving the message board/forum. The other issue raised by a Steve K is important but not here.

[Cathy Monaghan]

To all of the above comments, been there, done that, as far as the phpBB community and Inmotion Hosting are concerned. Bob and I have given up for now, and the message board will remain in it's current state until we return from our cruises. Bruce and I should be back in NJ by mid- to late September.

[jfischgrund]

I think I may have posted this thought before, but I can't find it, and since I am still following the discussion, I thought I would re-contribute.
First, thanks to Cathy and Bob and the others for their incredible work in keeping the forum afloat.
That being said, maybe it is time for us to turn the mechanical operation over to a small, inexpensive webmaster. (I was opposed to giving back dues or reducing them for just this sort of instance). I have administered non-profit organizations and worked with small web designers/administrators with very positive results at a very low cost. There might be an initial charge for them to take over and transfer the website, but after that, there are virtually no fees unless you need them to make significant changes (e.g. add a new discussion Board category/topic). We would still need to be the moderators and provide oversight, but situations like the one we are facing now could be resolved with ease (and probably for the cost of one or two hours of time).
Without this message board to hold us together, I think the issues Steve raised will be exacerbated.

[Jim Walsh]

I think I may have posted this thought before, but I can't find it, and since I am still following the discussion, I thought I would re-contribute.
First, thanks to Cathy and Bob and the others for their incredible work in keeping the forum afloat.
That being said, maybe it is time for us to turn the mechanical operation over to a small, inexpensive webmaster. (I was opposed to giving back dues or reducing them for just this sort of instance). I have administered non-profit organizations and worked with small web designers/administrators with very positive results at a very low cost. There might be an initial charge for them to take over and transfer the website, but after that, there are virtually no fees unless you need them to make significant changes (e.g. add a new discussion Board category/topic). We would still need to be the moderators and provide oversight, but situations like the one we are facing now could be resolved with ease (and probably for the cost of one or two hours of time).
Without this message board to hold us together, I think the issues Steve raised will be exacerbated.

This suggestion, based as it is on previous experience, sounds very reasonable. Our forum is a resource upon which I rely and I’m certain I am not alone. The current idiosyncrasies are something I could live with. Our web team always has our best interests at heart and I support them.

[jackb]

Kathrine,

Please provide me with a backup of the database and the phpbb directory.

John