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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by btnd on April 3, 2003, at 6:08:21
I don't know if this has been talked before, but wouldn't it be better if the forums could be PHP based? The threads could be easily seen and it would be much much easier to move around the posts. What do you think Dr.Bob?
Posted by beardedlady on April 3, 2003, at 7:41:02
In reply to Q to Dr.Bob - PHP based forum?, posted by btnd on April 3, 2003, at 6:08:21
Frankly, although I often have qualms with the moderation of this site, I think it's the best format I've ever seen--the easiest to navigate, post, and view all the threads at once.
beardy
Posted by NikkiT2 on April 3, 2003, at 8:53:27
In reply to Q to Dr.Bob - PHP based forum?, posted by btnd on April 3, 2003, at 6:08:21
I have to agree with Beardy.. I've been online for 10 years, and have used one hell of alot of message boards, and this is one of the easiest to use that I've found.
Making it ASP based would probably help speed it up a little, and make storage alot easier for Dr Bob, but I like the format the way it is!!
Nikki
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 3, 2003, at 9:16:20
In reply to Q to Dr.Bob - PHP based forum?, posted by btnd on April 3, 2003, at 6:08:21
> I don't know if this has been talked before, but wouldn't it be better if the forums could be PHP based? The threads could be easily seen and it would be much much easier to move around the posts. What do you think Dr.Bob?
PHP is just a programming language. What programs do (display threads, etc.) is a separate issue...
FYI, I've been thinking about moving to a database system, which might mean moving to a new message board system, but I think I'd rather stick with Perl.
Bob
Posted by baracuda on April 7, 2003, at 11:27:03
In reply to Re: PHP based forum?, posted by Dr. Bob on April 3, 2003, at 9:16:20
i LOVE this board - ive been here a couple of months now and it is one of the most useful sites to me online! thank you dr. bob - for real!
i do agree that a php based board would be a more fluid way to keep informed and interact - you can get a free board at http://www.phpbb.com/ and transfer all the database over so that the conversations will remain constant - i use these boards continuously and all my clients/members love them alot!
they are way easier than perl boards from both the administrative level and user levelhope that info was useful -
sylvia
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 7, 2003, at 21:28:24
In reply to Re: PHP based forum? - i agree!!, posted by baracuda on April 7, 2003, at 11:27:03
> i LOVE this board - ive been here a couple of months now and it is one of the most useful sites to me online! thank you dr. bob - for real!
Thanks!
> they are way easier than perl boards from both the administrative level and user level
Does one tend to be faster, PHP or Perl?
Bob
Posted by baracuda on April 9, 2003, at 14:32:15
In reply to Re: PHP based forum?, posted by Dr. Bob on April 7, 2003, at 21:28:24
php is alot faster than perl! and much easier for everyone involved...
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 9, 2003, at 20:25:54
In reply to Re: PHP based forum?, posted by baracuda on April 9, 2003, at 14:32:15
> php is alot faster than perl!
Really? Is there something like mod_perl for PHP? mod_php? I guess I could do a search...
Bob
Posted by btnd on April 12, 2003, at 21:33:58
In reply to Re: PHP based forum?, posted by Dr. Bob on April 3, 2003, at 9:16:20
Yes I know very well that PHP is a programming language as I run my own ISP service.
By "PHP-based forum" I meant something like free http://www.phpbb.com. This helps a lot with storing the data and moving around the threads.I would love to see your site (because of all the helpful people here) in a format that would resemble for example this site:
http://www.healthboards.com/cgi/forumdisplay.cgi?action=topics&number=40
Think about it dr.Bob. If you need any help with setting it up - let me know, I'd be glad to help:)
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 14, 2003, at 12:17:33
In reply to Re: PHP based forum?, posted by btnd on April 12, 2003, at 21:33:58
> Yes I know very well that PHP is a programming language as I run my own ISP service.
> By "PHP-based forum" I meant something like free http://www.phpbb.com. This helps a lot with storing the data and moving around the threads.But how the data is stored and how you move around doesn't depend on the language, does it?
Is it also your understanding that PHP is faster than Perl?
Bob
Posted by btnd on April 18, 2003, at 4:16:12
In reply to Re: PHP based forum?, posted by Dr. Bob on April 14, 2003, at 12:17:33
> > Yes I know very well that PHP is a programming language as I run my own ISP service.
> > By "PHP-based forum" I meant something like free http://www.phpbb.com. This helps a lot with storing the data and moving around the threads.
>
> But how the data is stored and how you move around doesn't depend on the language, does it?I store the data on MySQL database server (although other servers can be used as well), use latest PHP (4.3.0 or newer from php.net). BUT if you are capable of installing perl-based forum, then installing phpbb.com forum or phpnuke.com forum should be a piece of cake. It is really easy to setup, nice-looking ;) and easy to navigate.
I don't know if I understand your question correctly, but it is possible to change the PHP-based forums interfaces (messages,signs,registration,information tags) to different languages. If by language you meant "Perl/PHP" then I must say that perl is actually "dying" language in a "scripting community". PHP is simply faster and more efficient. (charts show how fast PHP is becoming popular: http://www.php.net/usage.php). And SQL+PHP based forums are easier to administer for the creator and also easier for the end-user to post and read threads.
IMHO the best way to change your forums into php based would be to setup a phpbb.com/phpnuke.com forum and customize it so it would be all working fine. During that time still use the perl based. When the PHP based forums would be working fine and customized properly - try to move the old perl messages to mysql+php - although I've never done that part before, so can;t really say if it's possible or how to do it, but even if it wouldn't be possible - you could still make an "Archive page" with all perl based forums and the new posts would be sql+php. That would be the best I think, but it;s your decision Dr.Bob ;)
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 19, 2003, at 8:39:17
In reply to Re: PHP based forum?, posted by btnd on April 18, 2003, at 4:16:12
> If by language you meant "Perl/PHP" then I must say that perl is actually "dying" language in a "scripting community". PHP is simply faster and more efficient. (charts show how fast PHP is becoming popular: http://www.php.net/usage.php).
I know PHP is really becoming popular. But can you point me to any speed comparisons?
> IMHO the best way to change your forums into php based would be to setup a phpbb.com/phpnuke.com forum and customize it so it would be all working fine. During that time still use the perl based. When the PHP based forums would be working fine and customized properly - try to move the old perl messages to mysql+php
I agree, that would be the way to do it. Unless I just converted the current system to MySQL...
Bob
Posted by btnd on April 19, 2003, at 22:44:05
In reply to Re: PHP based forum?, posted by Dr. Bob on April 19, 2003, at 8:39:17
> I know PHP is really becoming popular. But can you point me to any speed comparisons?
>Hmm I tried to find some graphs/comparisons via search engines but couldn't find any(although I definitely *seen* one, so I'll keep looking and if I find anything I will post). But there is much better test to compare perl/php: people's opinion :) Ask anyone who has used both and I'm 95% sure that they will say php is definitely superior.
(you've already have 2 votes for php: me and the other poster in this thread :) groups.google.com would probably show up some statistics showing that php is faster and better.>IMHO the best way to change your forums into php >based would be to setup a phpbb.com/phpnuke.com >forum and customize it so it would be all working >fine. During that time still use the perl based. >When the PHP based forums would be working fine >and customized properly - try to move the old >perl messages to mysql+php
>
> I agree, that would be the way to do it. Unless I just converted the current system to MySQL...
>
> BobIf you are able to convert current form to MySQL - setting up a phpbased forum using MySQL database is just the finishing process and is very easy. Like I said before, I can help you out with setting up the forum, because as I see you've never done it before, although you seem to have extensive knowledge on perl, so probably with very little reading about PHP forums - you could create it yourself alone:) If not, then I can definitely help - this site,people helping one another,the whole board is worth turning it into PHP forum because it will DEFINITELY bring more people to this site and will help current users to read threads and it will also be easier for you to moderate/administer.
Regards,
Brad
Posted by Dinah on April 19, 2003, at 22:47:44
In reply to Re: PHP based forum?, posted by Dr. Bob on April 19, 2003, at 8:39:17
Posted by btnd on April 19, 2003, at 23:17:07
In reply to Would this change the way the site is laid out? (nm) » Dr. Bob, posted by Dinah on April 19, 2003, at 22:47:44
I'm not Dr.Bob :) but can answer your post: yes it would, but for the better. An example of such forum (although with way too many ads at the top :) is:
http://www.healthboards.com/cgi/forumdisplay.cgi?action=topics&number=40&SUBMIT=Go
Posted by shar on April 20, 2003, at 1:15:28
In reply to Re: Would this change the way the site is laid out?, posted by btnd on April 19, 2003, at 23:17:07
I went to the example of the new, improved version of a forum for PB, and it is exactly the type of site that I find extremely not user friendly. There are lots more bells and whistles, and a lack of common sense in the way it is set up and used. To paraphrase Frank, in the case of the recommended site, function follows form and not vice versa.
This site is laid out in a simple, understandable, easy to access format that even a geek-wannabe such as myself can use very easily. It is not only the posting that's easy to follow (following a thread, for example, only takes eyes and not a lot of clicking and mousing), and to see the next thread, it's eyes-only again. The lack of division into different sections allows one at a glance to see a thread and see where it's going--at least if people use descriptive subject lines.
And, responding is easy as pie.
Please let's leave it the same. I belong to other forums and consistently have problems figuring out their navigation; I don't have problems with PB navigation. And, I think our bells and whistles are just fine as is. I don't personally want to be identified as a junior member (or queen, for that matter) based on the number of posts I submit.
I could go on, but I think I've said what I came to say.
Shar
> I'm not Dr.Bob :) but can answer your post: yes it would, but for the better. An example of such forum (although with way too many ads at the top :) is:
>
> http://www.healthboards.com/cgi/forumdisplay.cgi?action=topics&number=40&SUBMIT=Go
>
>
Posted by Dinah on April 20, 2003, at 2:48:18
In reply to Thumbs down on changing the format, posted by shar on April 20, 2003, at 1:15:28
Posted by NikkiT2 on April 20, 2003, at 10:02:52
In reply to Thumbs down on changing the format, posted by shar on April 20, 2003, at 1:15:28
I'm with the other two.. I personally don't like the layout of the PHP forum.
I *am* a geek, through and through, and have been on the Net since 1991, so have alot fo experience of message boards and the like. This one is by far the easiest to use in my opinion.
I hate hvaing to go into a thread just to see what the replies are, and having to go through a million replies to get to the most recent. I love the way the replies are all on the screen here, so you can just select one reply, instead of the whole damned thread (can you imagine what the effexor thread would be like on a format like that??).
My husband and I have recently prgrammed a message board for all our friends to stay in touch through.. we used a MySQL and PHP, but had it set up very similar to this one.
This is just a personal opinion, but I *do* have experience in this field.
Nikki
Posted by mashogr8 on April 21, 2003, at 15:21:02
In reply to Re: Thumbs down on changing the format, posted by NikkiT2 on April 20, 2003, at 10:02:52
I personally do NOT have any expertise in developing any type of format/program. BUT, I have tried to follow one of those PHP formats as you refer to them. I get extremely frustrated as I do not have a clue how to actually use them. I have tried to glean information re professional ideas/problem solving without success from such "Chat/messages" and with much frustration. Sometimes I felt like I was reading the same point/question over and over and never finding any answer. The idea of smiley faces and flaming fires do not do anything to help me figure out whether I want to read the lines. Why would we want to lock up a topic? They usually die a death of their own.The flexibility to post here is something I treasure with little censorship except for civility. a BIG :)!!!!!!!
Change is hard for me. I was thrown for a loop when the registration format was introduced in 2000. I actually stayed away for some time before I tried to register. When I did, I must have done something wrong 'cause it never worked. I dropped out again until I was desperate and needed to figure it out - a very unhappy me :(
To change the ease of reading and posting messages that is currently in use and working well in my opinion is a bit mindboggling (Ithink I'm overreacting a bit, but why change somthing that does work?). It took me a long time to get to know the current posters when I was so familiar with those of '98,'99 era. The new ideas seem to indicate that I would feel like I would have to start learning something new again.:( Another change requires way too much of my energy :(
I have tried to use the Webmded depression forum (Ithink that's the name). I can't becuase I can't follow the threads. It's a very frustrating site. Maybe useful, but not for me -way too complicated. Psycho Babble, on the other hand, while tropics can be wild, woolly, scary, silly, sad, knowledge-laden and sometimes even happy often provides a sense of serenity and comfort just because of the way it has been programmed(? if that's the right word) :)!!!!!!!!!!
It's probably frustrating for those in the "know" to feel that there is a better way so why not use it, but this way does work already. Please, don't rock my boat. It tips over way too easily and way too often.
Just my thought on this topic...
MA
Posted by noa on April 22, 2003, at 9:23:04
In reply to Re:changing the format/i vote no, posted by mashogr8 on April 21, 2003, at 15:21:02
Me too. This doesn't seem broke, so why change it?
Posted by Ron Hill on April 23, 2003, at 3:03:12
In reply to Re:changing the format/i vote no, posted by noa on April 22, 2003, at 9:23:04
It's hard to teach old dogs new tricks, and this old hound ain't gettin' any younger.
-- Ron
P.S. I may be wrong on this one. The new and improved deluxe model might be better, for all I know. I'm right about the dog part of the story, however.
This is the end of the thread.
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