Hello All

 

We have decided to go with Xenforo Forum Software for the new look of BigD Gaming. Xenforo is relatively new forum software but the features and sites that are using it look fantastic and work fantastic.

 

Here are a few features which have drawn us to our decision:

-Integrated Website Alerts and Full Social Media functionality (Facebook , Google+ & Twitter)

-Full native smart phone and tablet support

-Full steam integration

-Easy/better media hosting for things like Youtube videos and Pictures

-Allows video streams to be posted on main page / in threads for game nights

-Private Messaging system allows group conversations to update in real time

-Chat box for all members

-Powerful and fast core software allowing easy expansion in the future

-Events Manager, no more needing to wait for admins to put you on a list, you click and you're signed up to the event (Can Set Multiple Options Like Yes, No, Maybe).

-Search Engine features, especially Human-readable URLs gives the website a greater ability to rank up its content on Google and other search engines

 

There is a lot of backend stuff that is going to make it hell easy for us admins to manage everything.

Bringing clans to our site and being able to give them their own sections and management structure will be a winner in going forward.

 

The Cost and what we get for our money:

$140 US is the base cost of the license. This will give us the software with 1 Year of updates and support. Additionally in the future we can extend the updates and support for another $40 (adds another year) but that is for the future.

 

Additionally changing the forum style from the default would be great, the cost associated with almost all styles is $30 US. This will change the face of the site to something we're more familiar with, Here is a Link to one of the styles we're looking at:

 

http://xenforo.com/community/resources/snapshot-xenfocus.2787/

 

Our Goal:

1st To raise $190 AU For The New Site And Features

and

2nd To raise $250 AU Before April 10th For Forum Hosting

 

How You can help:

If you have any spare change or notes lying around throw them in the tin for BigD, any little bit will help out in a big way.

 

http://philhallmonics.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/paypal-donate-button11.png

(Links To BigD Donations Page)

 

Our Next Mission:

Looking into forum hosting and bringing our costs down, if any assistance/suggestions can be given please post below or send a PM to Uncle Darth, Bahlye, Buzzard, Holzy or Diabolical

 

Thank You All For Reading and Thanks In Advance To All Who Donate, It Means A Lot For The Future Of BigD.

BigD Admin Team

 

 

 

Thanks for the Donations so far, much appreciated and yes, things cost money .

This is good to hear! Can't wait!

$40 off getting the new site software guys.

 

Keep them donations flowing

I'm a tad low on cash, but if you need a hand/advice setting up anything Xenforo related ,give me a yell. I've been actively running a website with it for a couple years now.

I'm a tad low on cash, but if you need a hand/advice setting up anything Xenforo related ,give me a yell. I've been actively running a website with it for a couple years now.

 

Madhouse has volunteered to make the site for us and is doing a great job so far.

I will check with him if there is anything you could possibly help with but im pretty sure his got it all settled nicely.

 

As for the donations, we have reached our first goal and will be buying the website software very soon and once we get the site to preview status we will be sure to show it off a bit

 

Still aiming for "Goal 2: Web Hosting" though so keep them donations flowing

Edited March 1, 201412 yr by vishvutson

Did someone say Shoutbox...?

I haven't had a game on Big D for a least a year but have a tenner on me anyway gents.

Thanks Vis , how have you been mate ?.

Good mate good the 2nd little one was born on Valentines day so I've now a little girl around 26 months old and a little boy a little over a couple weeks old.

 

Haven't much time for anything like PC FPS Gaming or Combat Simulations these days although I do get the odd day off to play some tabletop wargaming.

Used to be a semi-regular here, and even though I've drifted away I lurk quite regularly So happy to help when I can.

 

Good to see the community still going well after all these years.

 

Cheers.

Update

 

Thanks Everyone, So Far We're Raised $315Au Towards Both Goals.

 

The New Forum Software Has Already Been Purchased And Is Currently Being Worked On In The Background. We Are Already Browsing And Trialling Styles Within The Site And Starting To Line Up The Add Ons For Installation.

nice work guys!

Did someone say Shoutbox...?

 

yes!

Keen as

Looking forward to it.

Any idea as to when we'll see this baby up and running?

http://weknowmemes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/patient-bear-will-be-ready-when-you-are.jpg

"Genius by Birth, Slacker by Choice"

 

:animal_rooster:

http://dev.madhouseau.com/poop/bigdfuturesite01.jpg

 

I must say the new site looks amazing. See for yourself.

Top secret stuff.

Is that a drawing of a mongoose?

Its clearly a T-Rex.

Doing great with Donations guys but we still have not reached our final goal for Web Hosting.

 

We are also happy to say Madhouse has been doing a great job with the new site, all our current forums will be ported over including users, so no need to start new profiles.

 

So remember every donation counts whether it be $5 or even $10 its always much appreciated.

how much is left to donate?

how much is left to donate?

 

$90 till we reach our goal for a years worth of web hosting and domain hosting.

Good news to hear - can't wait to see the new site

Well I can't show you the site, but here is a sneak preview of the layout for the home page ..