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Lately I've seen an increasing number of posts requesting changes or functionality on futures.io (formerly BMT).
I've posted some comments scattered throughout the forum, but I wanted to create a single thread to draw more attention and let more people know my intentions.
The intention is this: No more site changes to the current underlying software (vBulletin). At this time, I consider it more or less a dead product (vBulletin) and I refuse to "upgrade" to their new version because of the extreme negative feedback it has generated from admins and users alike.
So instead, I am intending to convert the backend of the site to IP Board 4.0. IPB or Invision has a thread on their site about the major changes they are introducing in version 4 of their product:
IPB is a competing product to vBulletin. The other option was XenForo, but I prefer IPB 4 at this time. I reserve the right to change my mind later.
What this means is that I am not going to continue spending time and money on the current software (vBulletin). Instead, all resources are being devoted to getting futures.io (formerly BMT) converted to IPB. I call this revision "futures.io (formerly BMT) 5.0" because 2014 is our fifth year in operation. Hopefully I can get it done before that turns to futures.io (formerly BMT) 6.0.
IPB 4.0 is expected to be released very soon. Once released, here is a very high level schedule of events:
- Install IPB
- Import the database from vBulletin to IPB
- Make a public facing beta test site which will be made available in the following order: First: Admins only, Second: Market Wizards, Third: Elite Members, Last: Everyone
- During the months of testing the public beta of futures.io (formerly BMT) on IPB, the process of converting the hundreds of customizations from vBulletin to IPB will be taking place
- This also includes a new up-to-date theme/template
The current futures.io (formerly BMT) site will be accessible during all of this. A second "beta" copy of futures.io (formerly BMT) will be on a separate URL and stand-alone. It will be restricted to admins only initially, then gradually will roll out to others as per the above. All of the existing posts and threads that are converted from the old site to the new site will be made read-only during this beta test. This will prevent split topics between the two separate databases. A new "testing only" subforum will be created on the beta test site for the function of testing out posting, it will be for tests only and nothing "serious" or "formal" -- all of which would still be posted exclusively on the primary futures.io (formerly BMT) site.
Now, let me also say the following very important things. All of this will be an extremely gradual transition. You will not wake up one day and have sweeping changes. I am all too familiar with how much people dislike change. I also realize I cannot please everyone. However, change will be coming. But it will be coming very slowly, so please do not worry too much over this.
Not every single piece of functionality on the current futures.io (formerly BMT) will be duplicated to the new IPB version of futures.io (formerly BMT). It just wouldn't be possible. But, at the same time, it will give me the opportunity to make some significant upgrades to the site that should more than make up for some loss of functionality that users my find as a "favorite" on futures.io (formerly BMT).
BTW, if you are asking "why change" the answer is simple. The current site is a nightmare to administer, especially from a security perspective. vBulletin has a terrible reputation over the last few years in this area. That, combined with the fact that vBulletin has end-of-lifed the product I am using, and my complete unwillingness to "upgrade" to their new product leaves us with just one choice - and that is to change products.
If you have questions let me know and I'll try to answer.
You might want to browse some other forums using IPB to get a feel for it. Keep in mind these are running v3. I would not want to run v3 (which is why we aren't, and instead are using vBulletin). But v4 is a ground up rewrite more or less and has fantastic features coming.
I realise it's all a personal thing, but compared to the forums you listed above the appearance/layout of futures.io (formerly BMT) was so much better. For me that is the critical component. I really like the blue/gray/white - and making use of the full screen - as it makes things very easy to read. I'm no graphic artist, but I don't think the appearance needs too much of an overhaul. Simplicity is the key IMO. Having said that - best of luck with the project. I look forward to seeing the new product.
The sites I listed are not an exact representation of what you can expect. First, they are on the old product. But second, futures.io (formerly BMT) will retain its unique footprint.
My intention with the template (GUI) is to just refine it to bring it more up to date. It will also be fully responsive, meaning it will work perfectly on mobile platforms.
+1 from Koepisch. Keep the layout simple to utilize the full screen (nothing to the left + nothing to the right). The colors are a trademark of futures.io (formerly BMT), so think about that if you want to switch them. Good luck and less trouble during the transition.