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 The outdated software, the spambots, the downtimes; they somehow just make me smile.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.
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.