New forum software?

[Gryzor]

So these past several days we're looking to move to a new server. This will not only be more powerful in general, allowing for fewer issues (like the one we've been experiencing these last few days), but for some goodies, like maybe game hosting, file hosting etc.

With regards to the site itself it will allow us to finally move to a modern version of Mediawiki (poor wiki has really fallen behind due to server versions), but I was thinking, once again, to look for a new forum platform to host our forum.

Last time I broached the issue there was, surprisingly, little interest from the users. So I'm hoping I can get some more feedback now.

Basically, anyone can recommend a nice, *modern* forum solution? I don't mind paying a fee, but we're not a corporation of course so a $200/mo fee is out of the question.

Bonus points if there's possibility of running it in a docker container. A clear migration path or tool from SMF is a *must*, but I can figure that out myself if someone has something to suggest. A self-hosted solution is, of course, preferable.

So... up to you. Anyone has something to suggest?

Thanks!

[sigh]

I know nothing about forum software/programs, but game hosting sounds interesting.

[Gryzor]

Well that was just an idea. There are other, better sites that host games for online emulation, but it was just something we were toying with...

[sigh]

Is there any chance of a forum software that could also play mkv (OBS) files? They're really small and can play sound as well.

[Gryzor]

Is there any chance of a forum software that could also play mkv (OBS) files? They're really small and can play sound as well.

Embedded you mean? What for? 

[sigh]

Yes embedded. Was thinking about having the option for people to post cpc software/demos with sound, but may not use or have a youtube channel.

[Gryzor]

Hmm I'm not sure about that due to space requirements... Sure, new server is a real upgrade, but you can see how it could build up pretty fast.

How many people would be interested in it though? 

[andycadley]

It's not really that hard to make a YouTube channel, even if you keep it mostly private. I've done it and used it for occasional videos. Makes more sense to me than adding extra load (and cost) to the wiki server.

[Gryzor]

That was my first question but I didn't type it... Why not use a public service? I mean yeah, ok, but unless we get a cloud storage service and a cdn and I don't know what else I don't see much benefit... Storage, bandwidth, backups getting huge... 

[Bread80]

I'd strongly recommend looking at Discourse. It's lovely software from an end user perspective - in a way that old school forum software most definitely isn't.

It looks liked hosting at Discourse would be outside budget but you can self host (I've no idea what would be involved).

I've also no idea how it stacks up to your other requirements either.

But it is the most user friendly forum software I've ever used.

I'd suggest https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group if you want to experience it.

[Gryzor]

I'd strongly recommend looking at Discourse. It's lovely software from an end user perspective - in a way that old school forum software most definitely isn't.

It looks liked hosting at Discourse would be outside budget but you can self host (I've no idea what would be involved).

I've also no idea how it stacks up to your other requirements either.

But it is the most user friendly forum software I've ever used.

I'd suggest https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group if you want to experience it.

Actually, I *have* been looking at it. I like it. But I don't know if I can import the current content to it... There's an importer but I have to set up a VM on the new server and try it to see what gets broken, as it's for an older version😐

[GUNHED]

Just my experience: During the last days there was a lack in reading pages of doing posts. Everything seems to run very slowly. Dunno if this is connected to forum software or not.

[Prodatron]

I'd strongly recommend looking at Discourse.

I know this from the german Tesla-Forum. It's fully state-of-the-art with everything you can imagine and dream off, and if your forum is REALLY BIG, then it could be fine.
But ours itsn't.
The issue is, that Discourse is deciding what topics/posts you have to read and which posts will be hidden from you, as the AI decides, that you are not interested in it, so you don't see it, even if you want to see it.
Ok, I am not sure, if you still can do a "show REALLY ALL unread posts sort by date DESC", but I had the feeling, this this isn't possible anymore in Discourse, as it tries to "save" you from reading too many different topics.
For me this would suck a lot.

[Gryzor]

This would be a deal breaker... I'll try to see if it's possible to disable it though.