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Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2016 22:55
by candyjack
My gratitude and compliments also for hosting this forum all these years. There are few BBSes where I can have as much fun as I do here. Small BBSes like these are dying out, so it feels exclusive to be part of one.

You've mentioned an embarassment about this site's lack of maintenance. I, for one, do not mind that. With every webmaster jumping on the web 2.0, non-straightforward, javascript-ridden website bandwagon, there's something to having a safe haven that keeps it simple. I actually like this place not in spite of, but /for/ its faults. The outdated software, the spambots, the downtimes; they somehow just make me smile. I've grown fond of it. The point is that it works, and that it has kept this community alive for a decade. Regardless of what the future plans are, I'm going to miss this site as it exists in its current form.

But more about future plans. A couple of people have offered to help, but it's still been kept to vague future plans. Doesn't this demand immediate action?

I can help with a couple of things:
  • Deploying the new BBS and migrating the content (if applicable). I haven't done that before, but I am knowledgeable about GNU/Linux and have some experience with system administration. Things like deploying web applications is a hobby of mine. So I'm not sure if I could figure it all out by myself, but I sure wouldn't mind giving it a try.
  • possibly provide hosting as well, although I'm not sure if it can handle the traffic. I'd have to check.
  • choosing the forum software, if that's on the table. I've seen some shiny projects, like FUDForum.
Also, what about redirecting the domain name to the new host? Is anyone still in touch with VitaminZach?

Finally, the idea of being without a forum seems a bit scary, even if temporarily. I've created a Discord server so people can stay in touch in the meantime. I know there's an IRC channel, but while there's no forum, something with more features like multiple channels, offline messages, etc. might be more convenient.

Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2016 23:43
by K1n9_Duk3
You know, the German Keen community (Commander Keen Fan Site Celle) still has a forum. There's not much action over there, but it's better than nothing I guess.

Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2016 0:05
by Fleexy
Indeed, many thanks to Andy for hosting us all these years.

I believe a plan is made that should minimize disruption. We will survive!

Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2016 0:46
by Levellass
K1n9_Duk3 wrote:You know, the German Keen community (Commander Keen Fan Site Celle) still has a forum. There's not much action over there, but it's better than nothing I guess.
Let us swarm over there and convert it to English.

Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2016 2:02
by Bubzrulz
So has a new host come forward yet i hope so im new here and just started into modin and patch hope someone takes it over

Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2016 3:53
by Keening_Product
Fleexy wrote:I believe a plan is made that should minimize disruption. We will survive!
Good stuff, Fleex :)

Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2016 16:36
by Fleexy
To be less vague:

I am your new host. The handover of both sites will occur on December 28 at 18:00 UTC. [Edited to correct typo'd time.] Posts made slightly after that time may or may not be included when the database is exported and moved to the new server.

The DNS for keenmodding.org will be adjusted during the handover, but make sure to clear your DNS cache then so you get the new place. You'll know things are completely moved when you see an announcement posted from me or Andy.

pckf.com is a little more challenging. We've reached out to VitaminZach about DNS adjustment, but I don't know which e-mail he checks. If we don't hear from him soon, I'll post another URL at which the new PCKF will be available until we get the domain figured out. You'll know you're in the right place and ready to go when there's an announcement posted.

If the database transfer all goes well, we might run the upgrade to phpBB 3. In the upgrade, I'm pretty sure PCKF will lose its cool visual styling, but hopefully a similar phpBB 3 skin can be put together.

Best wishes, everyone!

Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2016 17:23
by Keening_Product
Excellent. Here's hoping it's all clean and easy for you!

And well done everyone for pulling together - it looks like we'll have very little downtime.

Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2016 19:56
by Benvolio
Thanks so much Fleexy as well as Adurdin as well as anyone else at all involved.

I can definitely send a little bit of financial assistance your way if that would help you get started hosting!

Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2016 20:24
by nanomekia
Much obliged, Fleexy! Well done, all.

Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2016 13:23
by Nisaba
Benvolio wrote:Thanks so much Fleexy as well as Adurdin as well as anyone else at all involved.

I can definitely send a little bit of financial assistance your way if that would help you get started hosting!
Thanks so much Fleexy as well as Adurdin as well as anyone else at all involved.

EDIT: What about an anonymized donation thingy to split the costs?

Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2016 17:14
by Nospike
Thanks so much for this, Fleexy. You're the hero we all need. :)

Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2016 6:33
by Ceilick
Big up, Fleexy, thanks for your initiative!

Andy, thank you for your years of service and not only providing the community with a place to grow, but with founding our modding scene which in many ways was our lifeblood.

Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2016 7:11
by KeenRush
candyjack wrote:There are few BBSes where I can have as much fun as I do here. Small BBSes like these are dying out, so it feels exclusive to be part of one.
Oh man, I so agree! I love these kinds of forums: the older look, no javascript garg everywhere, early CSS and table-based design. I hope we'll retain the emotikeens. I hate everything just going to Facebook or - :sick - Reddit. Those places just don't cut it. There's no comparing at all to a BBS system like this.

Anyway, looks like the forum will be in good hands and face practically no downtime. :) Thanks Fleexy, and good luck.

See you all on the flip side! :dopekeen Let's keep the community alive and produce mods and levels and cool tools and all that.

Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2016 9:31
by XkyRauh
Thanks for keeping this place going for all these years, Andrew! :) You're truly one of the pillars of the community, in one form or another.

Looking forward to whatever future the Keen Community has.