We're Getting a New Message Board

[Done Deal]

I wanted to let everyone know that we are working on a new message board for Done Deal. ezBoard simply charges too much each year and we'd like to try to save a little bit of money. Also, we thought a new board would be a nice change of pace, particularly since the new board will have vastly improved search capabilities along with better private messaging, etc.

Most likely we will lock up this (ez)board later next week, so the posts can be transferred to the new board. (Yes, we get to save all of our posts, I am told.) Once the posts have been moved we will provide a link to the new setup.

We cannot unfortunately move over the user names, etc. so everyone will have to "re-register" with the new board. We strongly suggest that you stick with your current name so as not to add to the confusion of it all.

I'll provide some more updates in the next day or so as we make progress with getting the new board ready.

[Ravenlocks01]

Really important question here. The new board will have a chatroom, won't it?

Please say yes!

:p

[Done Deal]

It will not actually. I think ezB is about the only board system that has chat built in.

We'll have some thoughts and comments on chat probably early next week as to what will officially happen, so be strong for now.

[PurpleCurtain]

If you guys are moving to vBulletin (sounds like you might be, given that you said you'll be able to transfer the posts), I have some experience with that, including integrating chat software...I'm not necessarily volunteering my services (it's pretty time-intensive, as I'm sure you know *only* too well :) ), but I'd be more than happy to give you some tips if you need some—so feel free to PM me.

The chat software I'm familiar with isn't free...that's the downside. The upside is that you can actually see who's in the chatroom *before* you go in. ;)

[cesahr]

no chance you wanted to go with the ads here? I did it on another board after being add free for jeez, like 3 years. It is annoying at first but I don't mind it now...any chance you can solicit donations to your community chest formally and see what kind of response you get? How much does it take for a year to be ad free? Just a suggestion; I like ezboard, because all my board are pretty much in the same space..but that's just me..and it's ALL ABOUT ME. Just kidding. Thanks

[Done Deal]

I'm not a big fan of ads. The only reasons I can stand the ones we have are 1) they do help pay for the site/boards a little bit and 2) they are screenwriting related so they do provide information on services, contests, etc. that could be of help or interest to writers.

Our board costs a lot of money to run due to the traffic and I don't think any community drive will raise that kind of dough. Plus, I think a change at this point might be nice. A lot of posters have asked for better search features and even private messaging. The new board should provide both nicely along with a few other features not found here.

It's a little bit of a trade off but in the long run the new board should work well for us.

[theturnaround]

One word: invisionpowerboards...

I belong to a couple other film related sites and they run a really nice board... I hope maybe if chat goes away, that 1 on 1 might be brought back.

Although, I get a lot more done by staying out of there.

Best,
theturnaround

[matrixchick]

I created a new chatroom for us here. (http://p097.ezboard.com/bscreenwriting84097)

You can use your same IDs as here. It's up and running. Have fun!