I'm currently working on upgrading a test copy of the forums to a recent version of the Invision software that we use. When we finally do the switch to the new version, the skin that you are currently looking at is going to go the way of the dodo and we'll be running a more mundane skin that looks a lot more like the default, at least for the beginning. It's tough to keep skins up to date when new releases come out, and this one is so far out of date that updating it is really not an option.

I'll post a test URL in this thread when I'm ready to open the doors for people to give it a beating, I just wanted to give everyone a heads-up about what we're working on.

So, I did a dry-run of the install of the latest version of Invision last night and it went quite well. I've decided to open the test forums up for people to play wit, but first a caveat: these forums are strictly for testing; content may be wiped at any time. Also keep in mind that right now they're 100% stock Invision default, the only thing that has been done is to import a snapshot of the live forum data to test against.

With that said, you can reach them at:
http://forums-beta.dumpshock.com/

Please reply in this thread with any comments or suggestions.

It would be much better to have the forum resize itself to the browser window. I'm not a big fan of fixed width forums.

I agree, I just downloaded that theme today to play with. It will not be fixed width when we launch. Thanks for the feedback though, I'm glad someone is looking.

Yeah, and while I like silver as a color, there isn't a whole lot fo contrast on that theme. Though, I'm guessing you already know that and plan to change things up a bit.

LOVE IT!!!

I like that you can change the theme, the blue one matched the Main DS page and was easy on the eyes.

When are we moving to it?

It'll probably be a couple of weeks before we try any kind of switch to the new version. I want to make sure that the server is r completely stable before I go mucking about with new versions.

I notice you removed the silver skin. While I didn't like it a few people I showed it to liked it a lot. Any chance we could have that back?

Good question. Technically, it's possible to have a number of skins that the users can select between. Practically, however, that's only viable if you don't do any mods that would have to be replicated across all skins since it becomes a maintenance nightmare.

I'll do my best to keep skin mods to a minimum, since it makes upgrades simpler for us if nothing else. If I manage to keep things fairly "stock" we should be able to have multiple skins for you to choose from.

How's that for a non-answer?

You're a lawyer right?

Lawyer? *splutter* How long did you say you wanted to be banned for, again?

15 to life?

Sorry, its just that lawyers and middle managers are the kings of 'non-answers'.

Any set date on the change over yet?

Nope, not yet. I'd like to have a logo chosen for the grand re-opening, and the contest for that doesn't end until 8/8.

Any update on the change over?

So its been 4 months, any word?

Not really. Life has a way of kicking me in the balls lately and I have had zero time to even think about Dumpshock, much less handle the forum upgrade. I'm taking some much need time off the week after Christmas and I might try to revisit this then, but I don't want to create any unrealistic expectations (again) ao I'm not going to promise anything this time. I'd definitely like to get it done since I feel like I've been neglecting things, but with everything that goes on in my house on a weekly basis with a job, wife, 4 kids, and just living in general, it's hard to find the time. No excuses, just reality.

Anyway, enough whining from me. I'll see what I can do.

Was the upgrade why the site was inaccessible for the past 4 days (at least from my end)?

No. Adam will be posting a short explanation and I'll try to follow it up later with more details.