AWS with minimal file edits?

John,

Do you think you could also package AWS with just the bare minimum vB file/template edits needed to function? I find that many of the edits like that display warning information in the postbit and on the profile page are not needed and would much prefer a simpler install/upgrade process.

[beano33]

Is a modular design feasable? An AWS Basic with optional modules to add enchanced features would be ideal.

[sv1cec]

Gentlemen,

I understand your issues, and I would be willing to split down AWS in modules, with edit instructions grouped per module. Unfortunatelly, there are two issues which do not allow me this luxury.

1) As you know, vB 3.5 is approaching the final release, and I need to re-write the hack for that version. That is not as simple as it sounds. The new way vB works is a pain, expecially for someone like me, who is not in his teens, and learning new things can be a real task. It took me some time to get to understand how vB works and to learn php, now I have to re-learn things. Not easy, I assure you. Also, since my personal forums site is very heavily hacked, I sincerely doubt if it will ever be moved to vB 3.5, so I have less incentive to work on the new code, but I have to do it, because I am sure others will upgrade.

2) During August, the nursery school is closed, so my twins will be at home. Now whoever has/had two 3 1/2 year-old kids at home, can understand what that means. No free time, even to get some rest. So, it is rather unlikely than any work will be done on the 3.5 version during this month.

With the above in mind, you understand that re-writing the instructions for AWS 3.4.x is also not going to happen, even though I would personally prefer to do that, than trying to figure out the new vB environment and try to cope with it.

Sorry for that folks, but maybe after I familiarize myself with vB 3.5, I can break AWS down to modules. However, keep in mind that with the new vB environment, several of the changes you had to apply manually in the php files, will now come as hooks, so things will be easier.

Finally, as a "where are we standing today" report, AWS 3.5 is ready by maybe 50%. The standard warning procedures are all there, and you can warn some one, check his warnings etc. Also, all the admin things work. What remains to be done, is the part which deals with the automatic warnings from posts and pms. Oh yes, also I have to add that late Notes thing I did a couple of days ago, but that's easy.

Rgds

[beano33]

John,

Please don't take this the wrong way, but I think you've "over supported" this hack by accomodating too many requests for features. I use it because it saves a lot of time managing my forums. If I have to constantly keep updating, it defeats the purpose. As it is, I'm numerous versions behind because I don't have the time and it would be quite a chore to update to the latest version. It must be a huge burden on you to keep releasing new versions. Since a modular approach isn't feasable perhaps it would be easiest to release a somewhat basic version for 3.5. If users want more features they can add them themselves instead of having it incorporated into the hack and releasing new versions all the time. Maybe a "how do I add this feature?" thread where you can help other users and other users can help each other do this would be useful. You could use that information to conduct a poll 3-4x/year to determine which of those features are "must have" improvements for future versions.

[sv1cec]

No, I am not taking it the wrong way, you are right. This started as a simple project and has become a monster. At least, the vB 3.5 version should be much easier to install, but indeed, a break-down by modules would be a good thing.

The question is: Do you folks want me to spend time doing this, or to finalize 3.5? And how do you want it broken down? Which functionality you want to see in separate modules?

[Michael-DLR]

Originally Posted by sv1cec

No, I am not taking it the wrong way, you are right. This started as a simple project and has become a monster. At least, the vB 3.5 version should be much easier to install, but indeed, a break-down by modules would be a good thing.

The question is: Do you folks want me to spend time doing this, or to finalize 3.5? And how do you want it broken down? Which functionality you want to see in separate modules?

Hi there,

My Mod Team loves AWS and are missing it since we did the upgrade to 3.5. I am all what would be the fastests way on getting our hands on this hack. Thank you for such a great hack!

Michael

[beano33]

Originally Posted by sv1cec

The question is: Do you folks want me to spend time doing this, or to finalize 3.5? And how do you want it broken down? Which functionality you want to see in separate modules?

If it was me, I wouldn't do any further work on it for 3.0.x other than support and bug fixes. My preference would be to spend the time on 3.5 and make that one the modular design. If you've already got it half done for 3.5 with all the features you might as well finish it that way and use a modular system for anything that gets added to it in the future.

[TosaInu]

Hello,

I used Zero Toleranes hack and modified the template a bit in 3.03. After upgrading to 3.07 I needed to reinstall a warning system. I was very happy with Zero Tolerances groundwork, it was well thought out, worked neat and was having a lot of potential for new features. AWS is a very worthy successor, so that was what I used on 3.07.

I did install 3.2 on a testboard and could easily modify some bits in the template (I'm not a coder, nor comfortable yet with the ins and outs of vb). Before I could install to the production board, there was a new version. I installed that one, and updated it with some others releases (I believe I'm using 3.4.2 now). I did some tweaks, not only template but also some PHP files (I threw away what I don't use, added a warning related flood).

Our board has some moderators, lately the language and attitude decreased a bit and we were pondering again to use the automated censor thing (we personally are also a bit scary about such stuff). Quite possible that I broke it by omitting bits of code, but it didn't work properly. We also ran into something else: a user who was banned for the first time, immediatly got banned again after receiving a zero point warning. Odd. It took some hours to upgrade to the latest version (3.4.13 it was back then). The censor thing worked correctly, but the ban feature/bug was still there. I realize what a huge hack it is and constantly updating it must be a pain for you. But also for guys like me who modify it a bit.

I'm biased as we'll upgrade to 3.5. So, AWS for 3.5 is what I really want. And actually, a basic one would be great for us. Say 3.4.2 without the automated censor stuff.

I'ld like some pointers (forum, comments in code and/or readme), so I know which file to go to if I want to tweak something myself.

Thanks for making this great hack sv1cec.

[Tom1234]

Originally Posted by beano33

If it was me, I wouldn't do any further work on it for 3.0.x other than support and bug fixes. My preference would be to spend the time on 3.5 and make that one the modular design. If you've already got it half done for 3.5 with all the features you might as well finish it that way and use a modular system for anything that gets added to it in the future.

I agree with this. Putting the priority on 3.5 is the best use of your limited time - although I understand your reluctance since you don't plan to upgrade your own board to 3.5 anytime soon. Then again, the sooner everyone starts using the 3.5 hacking hooks, the easier future upgrades (including hacks) will be.

Please consider releasing the 3.5 hack as a beta without the automatic warnings and notes features. Allowing some people to test it out can't hurt if it's in pretty good shape.

[TosaInu]

Originally Posted by Tom1234

Please consider releasing the 3.5 hack as a beta without the automatic warnings and notes features. Allowing some people to test it out can't hurt if it's in pretty good shape.

Beta beta :jumping:

I will be very happy with any basic core plugin.