Posting this up here where everybody can see it. Bob raised some issues about the new Interchange in a post lower down.

We had similar teething problems with the Webbbs software when we switched from the original software 3-4 years ago.

A lot of the trouble we're having now is not with the software per se, but with my attempts to modify and learn how it works.

I have been trying to explain what's going on as things happen and we encounter probelms, or I hose something up. I understand this can be confusing.

We won't make the switch until we're sure it's all working and as maybe people as we can get registered are ready.

Once it's ready using will be simple. And, actually, it works pretty much this way now.

Basic Operation
1. You register one time.
2. You log on. (If you check the auto login box the first time you log on then you won't have to log on each time you visit. When you exit the forum don't log off, just close the window.)
3. Click on any link that says Interchange to get to the forum.
4. Or, alternately, find the link that says "View posts since last visit" and see them all in one place
5. Then you use it.

The interface is a little more cluttered and less intuitive than WeBBBS, but it's not rocket science. Each button has a purpose, which if you hold your cursor over the button for a second it'll tell you what its purpose is. If you push the wrong button it won't explode.

I agree the text interface with the fonts, colors, and other buttons is confusing. Ignore them for now. Type in the text like you normally would here. The Quote button will insert the text from a message you wish to respond to into the text of your message, which you can then edit.

If after you post your message you see an error or omission, you can use the Edit button to fix it.

Say something you wish you hadn't. Use the delete button to delete the post.

In a short period of time I have gone from skeptical myself to I really like some of the new sofware features. For example Bob, I'm (again) posting up here so everyone will see the response I made to a thread that started earlier down. With the new software it moves old threads up to the top when somebody makes and addition. The current threaded arrangement, much as many seem to like it, has its disavantages too.

Keep an open mind. Go practice the new software. Try it out. Send me a Personal Message (PM button) or an E-mail (button for that too) if you find a problem or have a suggestion.

New Interchange
hkading@rypn.org

One additional comment. I have frequently had to make changes to the WeBBBS Interchange to accomodate Netscape.

I'm not saying IE is better and you should use it instead. Use what you like. The point is, we have had Netscape issues with WeBBBS too, as aparently we are having with the phpbb.

New Interchange
hkading@rypn.org