I'm looking to launch Airsoft Pacific v5.0 before Shot Show. The show starts on January 17th so that launch date is coming very soon. I decided to go ahead and post this because I need some accountability to get things done! Here's some things you should know about AP 5.0;
FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANTLY: All accounts, forum posts, private messages and topics will be migrated and moved to the new system. We'll have an interruption in service for a few hours when we switch over and copy data. If you are attending events on the weekend of the 14th and 15th - make sure to get your directions and make your arrangements ahead of time in case you cannot get to the website.
(Don't read too much into the dummy content)
FEATURE LIST:
General Forum Features
Friends/Foes; block posts you don't want to see
Subforums; for branching out event forums, off topic, teams, etc
Image Uploads, no more Image Hosts needed
Improved search; forums, classified ads, videos all from 1 place
Albums/Pictures
Sub-Albums in your user gallery
BBcode button to paste your album images into posts
More public albums
Everyone can upload, comment, rate, and share event photos
Team Database
Roster Builder allows people to join your team like a usergroup
Team moderator approves/denies membership
Add a description, avatar, URL, location and establish date
Team affiliation shown in user's posts and profile
Classified Ads Engine
Rules reminders for sellers, buyers at different phases
Requirement of a Location for posting (other profile fields can be required too)
We can exclude specific users from Classified Ads use
We can enforce a minimum number of posts
BBcodes allowed
Expiration timeout settings
Better search options
Better visibility on ads; homepage, profiles, other ads from seller
Easier image uploads
Direct paypal link
Events Calendar
RSVP List on topic (not buried in 200 replies)
+1 is not allowed, each account is an individual
Private Events allow invite of specific users and groups
Export to external calendars
YouTube API
Search and browse AP YouTube videos from AP
Or search and browse other user's YouTube vids from AP
Video reviews collection by category
Better embed options for HD
AND COMING SOON... (but not before this launch)
AP store - yes it's coming back
Feedback system for a user's reputation (useful for Classified Ads too)
The AP WIKI (need more time for planning and setup)
Google Maps API for playfields & stores
Mobile Theme - faster navigation, mobile friendly layout
Event payment status and online registration
Electronic Waiver Signing (It's possible and it's cheaper than I thought)
Event microsites - some events need more than just a forum post
SOME DATA WILL BE GONE...
1. Profiles. Custom profile fields like your profile photo, replicas owned, and real name will not map to the new website. So if you have a big fat list of AEGs with BBcodes and pictures in replicas owned - you may wish to save that out somewhere in a text file so you can repost it later.
2. Classified Ads. These will not be migrated. We'll have a bigger and better new classified ads engine, you'll need to re-enter your ads... But you will want to, because there's new features you may wish to take advantage of. If you have any info there that you want to keep, you may wish to cut and paste that into a local file for now.
3. Teams. We may relocate the existing team list to a forum, but we'll primarily be using the team list database to list teams. A team leader or representative of your team will be your moderator to approve/deny membership to your team's roster. Think about who that's going to be and add your team when the new site is live.
4. Playfields. This is going bye bye, in it's place will be a forum with information on each playfield. Playfield owners (or responsible parties) will be able to add and update their own field's info, add pictures, rules, prices etc.
5. Events Existing events will still be on the forums, but you will need to do the "add to calendar" bit again.