Community site finally going out of Beta?

[Steppenwulf]

I think I read that the forums were being replaced with a non-beta version, but I can't remember where. I tried digging through google to find out but came up nill. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

[Fredelas]

The community site is scheduled for a complete overhaul, tentatively in May (although it may happen later). I can't find the specific post where it's mentioned now either.

It seems likely, based on DDO's revamp, that most existing features (myLOTRO, character/kinship profiles, Lorebook, data.lotro.com services) will be removed and only the upgraded forums will remain. None of this is set in stone yet, though, as far as we've been told.

Edit: data.lotro.com might stick around after all.

[SabrielofLorien]

Also, we don't know if the new site will be <beta> or <not beta>. We could go from <current beta> to <new beta>. Just a different version of <beta>.

Anything, just about will be <mo' betta> than the <current beta>. [see Cajun Language]

[Valamar]

Sapience has indicated that the "new forums" will NOT contain a blogging feature, but will provide any current blog information in downloadable form. I don't recall if he indicated a date or not.

[TinDragon]

The community site is scheduled for a complete overhaul, tentatively in May (although it may happen later). I can't find the specific post where it's mentioned now either.

It seems likely, based on DDO's revamp, that most existing features (myLOTRO, character/kinship profiles, Lorebook, data.lotro.com services) will be removed and only the upgraded forums will remain. None of this is set in stone yet, though, as far as we've been told.

Well, pretty sure Sapience confirmed they were letting him keep the lotto around, so we know at least some of that stuff has to stay. We also know blogs are getting removed, which I think DDO has?

Basically, assuming based on DDO's forums is probably not a safe move at this point.

[Fredelas]

Well, pretty sure Sapience confirmed they were letting him keep the lotto around, so we know at least some of that stuff has to stay. We also know blogs are getting removed, which I think DDO has?

Basically, assuming based on DDO's forums is probably not a safe move at this point.

DDO is also losing its WordPress blogs. Sapience said he was taking the myLOTRO lotteries "to the bunker" with him, but that's no guarantee they will make the cut. (Especially since daily Hobbit Presents are being added directly to the game in Update 11.)

Trying to keep any of these features working reliably is probably like pouring money down a drain for Turbine. They made sense when everyone using them was paying $10-15 a month, but probably not so much now.

I see now that DDO is keeping its web data API, though. So if LOTRO does the same, theoretically any of these services that rely on it could be kept around, too.

[Nymphonic]

Also, we don't know if the new site will be <beta> or <not beta>. We could go from <current beta> to <new beta>. Just a different version of <beta>.

Anything, just about will be <mo' betta> than the <current beta>. [see Cajun Language]

Damn, I never considered the possibility that it just might be a new beta.

[TinDragon]

DDO is also losing its WordPress blogs. Sapience said he was taking the myLOTRO lotteries "to the bunker" with him, but that's no guarantee they will make the cut. (Especially since daily Hobbit Presents are being added directly to the game in Update 11.)

Trying to keep any of these features working reliably is probably like pouring money down a drain for Turbine. They made sense when everyone using them was paying $10-15 a month, but probably not so much now.

I see now that DDO is keeping its web data API, though. So if LOTRO does the same, theoretically any of these services that rely on it could be kept around, too.

I really need to start bookmarking posts that I need to quote later.

It's true that he said he was going to try to save them. Unless I'm mistaken, however, he came back a couple of posts later and confirmed that the lottos were indeed being carried over.

[Steppenwulf]

I did some digging around and found some of the info I remembered reading. If I find any more I'll add it later.

http://forums.lotro.com/showthread.p...-forums-are-we

[Graycient]

Bob: Hey let's stay in beta for 6 years! Brilliant idea, eh?

Josh: *fishslaps* -- *throws computer at Bob*

----

Want to stroke my beard? Sapience said its what the cool kids are doing.

[Zetsubousensei]

If that everything goes, I guess it puts to rest Turbine's "social experience" or whatever they were calling it (not that "it" seemed ever clearly defined).

Since I suspect all ingame-related data comes through the same tubes it might also mean an end to character signatures as the data won't be available. On the upside it might also sever the connect between forum accounts and characters, something that you couldn't conceal - which Turbine always insisted was a feature, not a bug.

[TinDragon]

If that everything goes, I guess it puts to rest Turbine's "social experience" or whatever they were calling it (not that "it" seemed ever clearly defined).

Since I suspect all ingame-related data comes through the same tubes it might also mean an end to character signatures as the data won't be available. On the upside it might also sever the connect between forum accounts and characters, something that you couldn't conceal - which Turbine always insisted was a feature, not a bug.

I do believe Sapience said the signatures were going away.

[Nymphonic]

On the upside it might also sever the connect between forum accounts and characters, something that you couldn't conceal - which Turbine always insisted was a feature, not a bug.

I hated this with an extreme passion. Someone that I really didn't want to talk to once tracked me down to another server because of this.

[LadyDena]

I hated this with an extreme passion. Someone that I really didn't want to talk to once tracked me down to another server because of this.

Agreed 100%. And it is telling of the level of professionalism and competency when their forum team has been hiding behind this "beta" thing for 6+ years. I can't even count how many posts I have "lost" after I clicked Submit.

[Sapience]

I really need to start bookmarking posts that I need to quote later.

It's true that he said he was going to try to save them. Unless I'm mistaken, however, he came back a couple of posts later and confirmed that the lottos were indeed being carried over.

Lotteries are being carried over, with some hoped for improvements.

Blogs, if you are using them, should be backed up ASAP. There is an XML export tool in your control panel. I'm trying to convince some folks that some form of blogging on the new site would be much appreciated, but I can say without a doubt that it will not be available at launch and is unlikely to be Wordpress based.

I'll have a post listing what is and isn't staying in the next day or two. We're currently targetting early to mid May for these changes.

[DelgonTheWise]

I'll have a post listing what is and isn't staying in the next day or two. We're currently targetting early to mid May for these changes.

Eagerly awaiting! Current forum performance is poor, and auto-logouts when posting messages is might irritating. Glad that Turbine has chosen to invest in fixing it

[Crell_1]

I'll have a post listing what is and isn't staying in the next day or two. We're currently targetting early to mid May for these changes.

I hope you'll be able to share some of the new features if any we're expecting

*hopes for mobile forum support*

[Sapience]

I hope you'll be able to share some of the new features if any we're expecting

*hopes for mobile forum support*

*Dashes hopes*

No mobile support. Though there is some dicussion about adding it in the future, it's not a priority at this time.

[Steppenwulf]

Lotteries are being carried over, with some hoped for improvements.

Blogs, if you are using them, should be backed up ASAP. There is an XML export tool in your control panel. I'm trying to convince some folks that some form of blogging on the new site would be much appreciated, but I can say without a doubt that it will not be available at launch and is unlikely to be Wordpress based.

I'll have a post listing what is and isn't staying in the next day or two. We're currently targetting early to mid May for these changes.

Amped that we're retaining the Lottos! Thanks for the reply and info, looking forward to see what changes will be made! On a side note is there a possibility that we'll be seeing those titles for testing Rohan anytime in the near future? I know it's not really a priority but if I'm being honest I got a little title envy going on right now!

[Maximilan]

Lotteries are being carried over, with some hoped for improvements.

Awesome, thank you Sapience! It's one of those little things that matter most

[Edrogar]

Sapience has indicated that the "new forums" will NOT contain a blogging feature, but will provide any current blog information in downloadable form. I don't recall if he indicated a date or not.

Actually Sapience has also said that the existing blog system will be going, BUT there's a module for VBulletin (the forum software they use) to add blogs to the forums, he promised he would try to push to get that added for us.

[GV-Tanith]

Blogs, if you are using them, should be backed up ASAP. There is an XML export tool in your control panel. I'm trying to convince some folks that some form of blogging on the new site would be much appreciated, but I can say without a doubt that it will not be available at launch and is unlikely to be Wordpress based.

Thanks for the heads-up...I'll try to help spread the word to the blogging community so everyone has a chance to save what they want. Should a new system be introduced eventually, a few might even come wandering back.