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Comments

  • #362
    Inviere
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,202 ✭✭✭Inviere


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123620382#Comment_123620382

    Wow, I didn't know it was literally dead:

    the last official prebuilt release from Vanilla HQ that was well-tested was 4.0 RC1 in Jan 2021. No active developer from Vanilla has communicated here since 2021, nor any other staff member since Feb 2023. I departed Vanilla in Feb 2020 and am no longer active here.

    A handful of community members periodically distribute newer builds using the raw source code. Those releases are in the Community Developer category and pinned at the top of main discussion list. Others have moved to Flarum.

    Please exercise caution downloading zip files from discussions on this site, as anyone has the ability to post them! Check their post histories first. Good luck!

    ^^ It's a bit mental to be asking people to pay money for such a product. Could we not have approached the community with an initiative to move away from Vanilla, back to a competent, suitable backend/frontend, where people would be a LOT more likely to contribute to? At least, I imagine many would feel the end result of throwing a few quid at Boards would actually be helping to reverse this whole mess, rather than as someone else perfectly put it, putting a plaster on a gunshot wound by staying with Vanilla.

    Retro Computers/Consoles Repair/Restoration List



  • #363
    Goldengirl
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 17,173 ✭✭✭✭Goldengirl


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123620376#Comment_123620376

    Not at all . A lot of us have been actively posting on the bug fix thread with Mike taking note and trying to get Vanilla to sort it. Some things have been sorted like the continuous scrolling , and ghost pages , but others have shown to be beyond Vanilla

    I think that there is a good cohort who thinks the site is worth it for what it gives us other than tech . But good software is a necessary function

    You have some good ideas here about culling old threads .

    And @Boards.ie: Mike I want an option broadcast to delete our data before the site closes please .

    Help keep Boards going , subscribe or donate if you can.

    https://subscriptions.boards.ie/



  • #364
    eightieschewbaccy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,812 ✭✭✭eightieschewbaccy


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123620382#Comment_123620382

    I don't think migrating away from vanilla would be the easiest to achieve on a shoestring budget either. Staying on vanilla reads like it'll pose a huge security risk TBH.



  • #365
    worded
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,884 ✭✭✭worded


    Hi,

    Happy to contribute.

    I owe boards.ie my life. Those handy DIY tips etc



  • #366
    eagle eye
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 41,777 ✭✭✭✭eagle eye


    Is there a way to pay the subscription available? I might have missed a post pointing it out.

    Like others I used to pay on the old site.



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  • #367
    hometruths
    Registered Users, Subscribers, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,788 ✭✭✭hometruths


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123620379#Comment_123620379

    Many feel the drop in traffic cited in the OP that has led to the current request for paying subscribers is largely caused by a shift in mod culture, and hence is very much on topic and is legitimate feedback from the community on the future of the site.

    Deleting posts here that are voicing concerns on the modding culture because mods think it is off topic in relation to traffic and engagement falling off a cliff is exactly why many will think there is no point in paying a sub.

    We are gathering feedback from the community on the future of this site, not feedback on peoples opinions of site moderation.

    If you genuinely believe people's opinions on current site moderation are irrelevant to the future of the site you might as well shut up shop now, and save yourself a load of hassle and many users €6 a month.



  • #368
    antimatterx
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 3,721 ✭✭✭antimatterx


    As well as the donations, subscriptions and ads what about exploring other revenue sources?

    Grok suggests the following.

    Job Board Expansion:

    •  The “Work & Jobs” category could be developed into a robust job board, charging employers for premium listings or featured posts. Given Ireland’s active job market, this could appeal to local businesses and recruitment agencies.

    •  Additional features like resume uploads or career advice sections could be monetized through partnerships with career platforms or educational institutions, similar to successful job board models.

    E-commerce and Merchandise:

    •  Selling Boards.ie-branded merchandise (e.g., mugs, t-shirts, or stickers) could generate revenue while fostering community pride. Limited-edition items tied to the platform’s 20-year history could appeal to long-time users.

    •  Digital products, such as premium content (e.g., guides, e-books, or templates relevant to forum topics), could also be sold to niche audiences within the community.

    Affiliate Marketing:

    •  Boards.ie could integrate affiliate links in relevant discussions (e.g., tech products, books, or services) to earn commissions. For example, linking to Amazon, local retailers, or career services in job-related threads could generate passive income.

    •  Careful implementation is needed to maintain trust, ensuring affiliate promotions align with user interests and forum rules

    Screenshot 2025-07-11 at 14.32.42.png

    Subscribe to keep boards.ie alive



  • #369
    pjohnson
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,427 ✭✭✭✭pjohnson


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123620436#Comment_123620436

    A vocal minority want to make everything a moderation issue.

    The vast majority agree vanilla is the clusterfúck that is hanging the place.



  • #370
    BATDIV
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 25 ✭BATDIV


    I have been back and forth with myself since yesterday - I deleted my account quite a while ago as the mods made it difficult to post etc. If anything I have seen it get worse here since then, including Vanilla… but I would miss my daily lurk and I probably have some advice to give in some forums, now that I am old and wise…

    First question - where do I click to pay my 50 Euro… maybe I am not as wise as I think, but I can't see a "pay now" Call to Action…



  • #371
    antimatterx
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 3,721 ✭✭✭antimatterx


    Yeah I'd not like a subscription. I'd rather donate. They set set a target per month and a nice UI to indicate how close they are to it to indicate urgency.

    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123617900#Comment_123617900
    Screenshot 2025-07-11 at 14.32.42.png

    Subscribe to keep boards.ie alive



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  • #372
    BATDIV
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 25 ✭BATDIV


    Also… When I clicked on the "Advertise" link I got

    Page Not Found

    The page you were looking for could not be found.

    So I guess that is broken?



  • #373
    Igotadose
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 15,044 ✭✭✭✭Igotadose


    How do you go from a non-subscription registration to a subscription registration? I can't 'sign up' with my existing id, which I'd like to keep.



  • #374
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Going by a lot of the feedback already posted, moderation has a lot to do with the current problems, and certainly it would stop me subscribing, as the current system allows certain mods to ban good posters merely because they disagree with them.

    There's a well-known Irish marketing company that uses boards extensively, maybe you should ask them to contribute? After all, they are charging their customers to post on here.

    From the posts I've read so far, the only people disagreeing with the general consensus on modding issues are, coincidentally, those who seem to get an easy ride from the mods, or are mods themselves - the issue with that is that the site will end up being even worse than it is already if a subscription model weeds out the few independent posters left. You'll end up with a site where a small group of people with exactly the same opinions are paying to agree with each other in complete safety!



  • #375
    Bass Reeves
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 21,027 ✭✭✭✭Bass Reeves


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123620459#Comment_123620459
    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123620455#Comment_123620455
    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123620449#Comment_123620449

    There is no link at present it will be put up next week

    Slava Ukrainii



  • #376
    BP_RS3813
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 805 ✭✭✭BP_RS3813


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123620428#Comment_123620428

    I'd echo the 'delete everything' sentiments before the lights are closed off!



  • #377
    Supercell
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,799 ✭✭✭✭Supercell


    Its been a large part of my life, started coming here during the"Surf No Limits" campaign/fight..another era.

    I dont like the idea of a sub, Boards merch (I still have a Cloud t-shirt from way back when, I wouldnt mind a coffee much or maybe a boards apron!) and a annual donation where its up to the individual to contribution whatever they feel the experience is worth to them might catch more fish.

    If it doesnt work out, it will leave a big online hole in my life but such is life, thanks for all the great years whatever happens.

    https://www.loughlinstown.ie/


  • #378
    SpoonyMcSpoon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 335 ✭✭SpoonyMcSpoon


    Boards needs another lockdown scenario! I thought the last one went very well!



  • #379
    Glaceon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 3,204 ✭✭✭Glaceon


    When it comes to moderation, Boards always had a left-wing bias. If anything, it has lessened now compared to how it was 15-20 years ago. So I wouldn’t blame a change in moderation on the decline of the site. I personally think it’s a mixture of the natural progression of users to social media platforms, as well as the whole Vanilla mess.



  • #380
    Xavi6
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 41,107 ✭✭✭✭Xavi6


    I’ve been here 23 years, same account for more than half my life and I posted way too much back in the day. It was once a great community and I made some friends who I’m still in daily contact with on another platform.

    However, decisions at the top table have, for want of a better term, f*cked it in recent years and I wouldn’t trust the regime with a cent if I’m honest. I get the sentiment attached to the site but messaging boards are archaic and all good things come to an end. And if we’re honest, Boards as a whole hasn’t been good for a long time.

    Post edited by Xavi6 on


  • #381
    SteM
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,524 ✭✭✭SteM


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123620292#Comment_123620292

    TBF, the OP says the subscription option will be available next week and no one apart from users here have mentioned a donation option.



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  • #382
    smacl
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators, Paid Member Posts: 16,101 Mod ✭✭✭✭smacl


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123620382#Comment_123620382

    Really interesting read, thanks for posting. Seems like a migration to another platform is altogether more sensible than returning to basic Vanilla at this point. Ideally one that supports migration from Vanilla. Only ones I have experience with are phpBB and SMF, for small sites in both cases.

    Boards.ie need your help to survive, subscribe here



  • #383
    odyssey06
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,312 ✭✭✭✭odyssey06


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123620434#Comment_123620434

    The details of how to pay haven't been announced yet, next week was mentioned iirc

    "To follow knowledge like a sinking star..." (Tennyson's Ulysses)



  • #384
    BATDIV
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 25 ✭BATDIV


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123620470#Comment_123620470

    Ah lads… you ask people to start paid subscriptions and the website isn't set up for it???



  • #385
    chopperbyrne
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,132 ✭✭✭✭chopperbyrne


    If you're planning to remove the customisations made that improved functionality, stay on a dead platform with increasing security risks in Vanilla, and ignore all feedback that the style of moderation is turning long time users away, then there's not a hope I'd pay a subscription. Just let the site die.

    As others have said, please provide an option to completely delete all user data.



  • #386
    ShagNastii
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,575 ✭✭✭ShagNastii


    I'm not joking for a second. Have the boards.ie crew tried flashing a leg at Elon Musk? He bought Twitter for a gatrillion dollars to "save free speech". I'd imagine giving boards.ie what it needed would be less than chump change to the bloke.



  • #387
    Sonic the Shaghog
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 713 ✭✭✭Sonic the Shaghog


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123620522#Comment_123620522

    Would be a total troll effort but someone should tag him in twitter for **** n giggles



  • #388
    SupaCat95
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,708 ✭✭✭SupaCat95


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123620528#Comment_123620528

    At least we would have free speech!!



  • #389
    Glaceon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 3,204 ✭✭✭Glaceon


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123620427#Comment_123620427

    I think that’s just the self-hosted open source version.



  • #390
    loyatemu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 16,052 ✭✭✭✭loyatemu


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123620427#Comment_123620427

    I think Boards is on a hosted Vanilla platform that includes software support, whereas that discussion is about the self-hosting Vanilla software.

    The reason Boards moved away from self-hosting (at the time using vBulletin) was because the cost of development resources was becoming prohibitive.

    Put your money where yer mouth is... Subscribe and Save Boards!

    https://subscriptions.boards.ie/



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  • #391
    Arghus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 15,555 ✭✭✭✭Arghus


    I don't know how moderation can be blamed for boards decline when I'd say 90% of the users - maybe more like 95% - have never had a disagreement or run in with a mod. And there's hundreds of sub forums in here with very light modding, if any at all.

    And the two most preceptious drop offs in activity line up perfectly with big drops in the standard of the overall experience: the migration and the emergence of the bouncing page bug.

    Not saying moderation is perfect: it's not. Not saying some people haven't been done dirty by it over the years: it's happened. Not saying that hasn't driven some people away: yes, it has, but I think that cohort isn't representative of the vast, vast majority of boards users. But threads like this eventually become dominated by those with a grievance.

    People who blame it all on moderation need to take the blinkers off. But, being honest, a lot of them - not all, but a lot- don't even know they have them on in the first place.



This discussion has been closed.
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