Forum Software Converted

[bradl]

The forum software that runs Cairn Talk has been converted to an entirely new system. Existing memberships (registrations) were preserved. Existing messages were preserved. Polls did not convert well so old polls have been reset or deleted.

You may also notice some formatting oddities or broken links in converted messages. Unless these cause a severe problem, it is probably best to leave them unreported. If they do cause a problem, please let a moderator know.

We hope our existing Cairn Talk participants continue to enjoy the forums. We welcome new visitors and invite you to register and join in!

---

Since this is a system upgrade message, some of the changes are listed below. The new forum software offers many new features, including but not limited to the following:

• Help files for many topics, and help searching
  
• More comprehensive account management
  
• More forum and topic subscription options
  
• Live chat (one-year trial)
  
• Improved message searching
  
• New Fast Reply option for quick-and-easy simple replies to topics (where enabled)
  
• Optional "guided mode" simplifies creating links and formatting messages
  
• Private forums for CTCA members
  

Some technical issues you may not notice or care about:

• Improved bandwidth control to preserve performance as the board grows
  
• Remotely hosted Chat integrated with forum registrations
  
• Improved forum announcement and 'local rules' management
  
• Sophisticated permission management capability
  
• File attachment capability for administrators and moderators
  
• Enhanced moderator and admin control panels
  
• Improved IP logging and search engine interaction