Major Forum Upgrade: Please Read!

[Bozza]

We of FMFormation have upgraded our forum software to the latest version called vBulletin 3.7.1. This upgrade gives us more functionalities and a larger database of modifications and add-ons. Below, we will explain the things that have changed and things to keep in mind. Please take a couple of minutes to read it carefully to prevent any confusion.


New layout

Huh? A new layout? If that is your response, your next stop should be the eye specialist!

Because of the forum upgrade, our old green style wasn't working anymore. That is why we have chosen for a new clean look. Keeping it clean, refreshing and exciting.... that's the way we roll!

We hope you will like our new blue style. Have you seen the new banner and our official FMF logo on the homepage? There will be some changes in the future. Some minor, some a bit bigger. You will be notified of any changes and downtime will be limited.


Errors and mistakes

Because of the upgrade, it might be the case that some things aren't working anymore or just don't look as good as they use to look. If you run into something like that, please make a reply in this topic so we can work on a solution. We have tested the new design carefully and we only encountered some small issues. However, we wanted to limit the downtime as much as possible so we ask from you guys if you can keep your eyes open!


Location of the shoutbox

As you might have read from the notice above, the location of the shoutbox has changed. Lately, our mods have been often cranky because of the behavior by some people in the shoutbox. The first thing new members see is the shoutbox. When there is a hot discussion / argument in it, it might scare away the new member. To prevent this in the future, we have decided to move the shoutbox to the bottom of the page. It will all stay the same, it is just not that present anymore. You still have the option to open the chatbox in a full page mode. This way you can have FMF open and the chatbox at the same time.

Please respect our decision. We wouldn't have done it if we think there is another solution. Questions towards mods about this subject or discussions with members in unnecessary and might result in a temporary shoutbox ban.


Donations progress bar

A feature which is new is our Donations progress bar. This little add-on shows what our monthly goal is and how much we've collected so far. The monthly goal is based on our webhosting expenses and is the minimum we should collect every month. We ask everyone to consider donating as long as we haven't reached our goal... or even when we've reached it. Besides the webhosting, there are other costs and the more money we collect, the more add-ons we can install which makes your stay on FMF much more fun and exciting.

We encourage everyone to use the Donate function shown on several pages (e.a. under the banner, in the progress bar and in the navigation menu). If you make a donation through this system, the progress bar will automatically adjust and your name will be added to a list which will be visible in the near future (only the names of donators, no amounts). For FMF to stay up, we need to pay over € 1,500 worth of bills each year. We don't mind paying some of the costs out of our own pockets but you should know that we don't have a money-growing tree in our backyards.

We would like to thank everyone who has already been a donation (or multiple) and everyone who is considering to do so. A small donation from you could make a big difference for the future of this site!


Future plans

There are always future plans. We are full of ideas and are looking into several possibilities to make FMF bigger, better and an even more exciting place to spend your time. In the future, we will keep you notified of any changes. Some might not be visible but we can promise you that some are! This new forum version opens a lot of doors and some add-ons are simply amazing.

Like what you might ask? Well, you will see for yourself in the future!



Please use this thread to discuss the new look, report bugs or make suggestions.

Take care,

FMFormation Team

[kopking2006]

looks great mate good job =D

[liveru]

I've gotta agree with KK.

I love the new site.

It looks great.

I haven't yet seen any problems but I'll be sure to tell someone in power if I do and great idea with the shoutbox.

[Bfc-Fan]

Looks great guys, well done!!
i like the donation target bar!! :D
i would like to see how much Vbucks i have though :S

[abeatty2209]

I think it looks great. I havent came across any faults or problems yet.

Thanks again BOZZA

[John10]

looking good bozz :D, really like the new colour scheme mate and its great to finally off gotten rid of that steven gerrard banner :P hopefully we can get more forum activity with the shoutbox at the bottom

[Hartynips]

I personally think the forum activity was great before, but a change is as good as a holiday ect.

The new site looks fantastic and I havent spotted anything that doesnt work, or looks out of place.

[Master_Woodchuck]

Wow it looks a lot better now and its cleaner and loads quicker great job mate!