HaleyFans 2.0

[Tusk]

Having some kind of 'chat' functionality was something of interest when we were using Stageit. Not sure if that's something people are still interested in, or whether it would even work in a 'blog' format ( if you're posting on chat, it's not going into the threads :p ).... I just thought I'd bring it up since we're talking about site possibilities

[Haleylvr4evr]

Having some kind of 'chat' functionality was something of interest when we were using Stageit. Not sure if that's something people are still interested in, or whether it would even work in a 'blog' format ( if you're posting on chat, it's not going into the threads :p ).... I just thought I'd bring it up since we're talking about site possibilities

That was my idea!

[Zem]

As a rather infrequent poster but a rather tech-savy guy I am willing to pitch in and help in any way I can. There has been raised a few things that is in my opinion very important to be discussed before any major changes are made, and of what I gather form Miguel it seems to be time to do something.

- What is the main focus of HF?
- How to keep the dynamics and the soul of this fantastic site
- How to keep the non-techy people
- How to bring in new people in a pace that don't overtax Miguel and helpers
- Finding a technical solution that benefits all
- How and if this, the existing forum, should be migrated to the new.
- Providing a responsive theme is a rather important point in bringing in younglings
- Adding functionality is always a risk as it usually increase moderating/administrating and where to draw the line is a very difficult job

As a professional web developer I have come in contact with and developed sites with several different CMS's and won't have any problem to set one or several different ones up for testing. Unfortunately my main experience with forum sites is as user.

I'm also the main manager of the company web hosting service so I can probably provide a full featured development account for free. We are located in sweden, and some other issues makes it unwise to offer any permanent solution. But as far as testing and development I can't se any big technical problems.

[Tusk]

I understand the hosting situation seems to be something that can be improved upon.

I have a very limited understanding of web works, mostly as a user, took some classes but no experience in blog management, so if this seems like a stupid question, that's my defense.

Is there any way of keeping the 'core' of HF, the way we interact with it, and build around it? Like keeping the solid frame and engine of a car then upgrading the body and usability? It seems that, so far, the sentiment seems to be leaning towards keeping things 'as is' but then that comes back around to "Mission Statement", the main focus.

Maybe our opinions are based upon what our understanding of what the change will mean. We each have our own vision of what is being laid out in these discussions. To what extent the growth/change?

Some are imagining 'big changes' while I think it would be better to 'enhance' rather than 'renovate'. When we start boiling down some key features, so we can have a shared idea/vision, we can find a majority consensus since we will be talking about the same thing.

I think any input from those in that field would be immensely helpful and maybe assuage some doubts about the particulars of the proposed changes/upgrades.

[jjames865]

Miguel, as others have voiced I greatly appreciate your immense efforts on this site. I understand the potential for renovation and am on board with what you feel is best for the site, for Haley and for you personally.

[My Alter Ego]

There's been a lot of good, honest discussion taking place on this thread since it began today. I've been struck by the many fine points that everyone has contributed particularly Miguel, Tusk, Himm2 and Zem.

But the point that stood out the most was that of "mission statement." All along, I had just thought of this as a "fun hang" kind of a cyber version of my favorite grad school hangout place (way back when -- I have very fond memories of those days). The concept of "mission" had never entered my thoughts.

However, if there's going to be a metamorphosis of some type or sort, no matter what, it does seem like a good idea to figure out what the intent/purpose of the site is so that the wheel doesn't keep being re-invented. Yes, technology changes constantly and there will always be the need to keep upgrading/adjusting/etc., but if the purpose is clear or at least, fairly clear, the rest can be worked out.

[blue22HR]

if there's anything i can do let me know, just took a web development class

[NUG]

I don't know anything about anything computerwise, but I can cut and paste or if the way you move posts to the new site isn't hard, I can do it. As far as cost goes, how would it happen? Donations? Advertisements on the new site?

[midnightblues]

I have bin on this forum for some time and it works for me I say keep it the way it is . IMO

[riley]

A lot of discussions here and with my limited understanding of web development it seems like a lot of work to me. I love the site and am very appreciative of what Miquel does for all of us to view and post. That being said if you make the decision and need help testing I am willing - I have been involved with testing web based tools for work and I am good at breaking things (or should I say doing things developers didn't consider anyone would do)...... :-)