Our vBulletin is expiring - Subaru Enthusiasts Car Club of the Sierras

sperry · 2010-01-28, 09:51 AM

There's a similar thread going on over at RenoSCCA in the board member's forum because we're in the same boat over there too, but I figured we have to have this conversation here as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sperry on RenoSCCA

So, here's the skinny on our licensing for the forum software:

Apparently vBulletin has dropped their previous support scheme. In the past, they simply charged $40/year to keep your license active, and as long as it was active, you were eligible to download the latest version of the software.

But now, there is a new major revision of the software (4.0) and with it they're changing the licensing fees. They are no longer continuing the $40/year licenses. We will have to purchase a 4.0 license at the upgrade price of $175. However, this license will allow us to download the latest 4.x.x versions of the software without paying a yearly recurring fee.

The confusing part is that in order to continue to have access to the latest 3.x.x version of the software as patches are released, you must purchase a 4.0 license!

In the long run, it's simpler, but likely a little more expensive than the old licensing scheme.

We are currently running version 3.8.2. Version 3.8.4 is the latest version, which I have downloaded, but not installed. I have no immediate plans to upgrade to 4.0, but if we want to keep up with the latest patches, we will need to purchase the 4.0 upgrade license before Mar 1. If we're happy running the current stuff without patches, we can delay purchasing the 4.0 license until we do need a patch, but we will not get the upgrade price and will instead have to pay $195 for the full 4.0 license.

The only reason to consider not upgrading eventually is because the 3.x.x version of the software is nearing its end of life. The only patches coming out will likely be for bug fixes and security patches. And the good news is that they will release critical security patches free of charge as long as we're on the last version of the 3.x.x branch when our current license expires.

So, SECCS is looking at around a $200 cost to continue with an active vB license. Dean pointed out on the RenoSCCA that the alternatives are getting better (like phpBB, which we used to run here before upgrading to bB), but I immensely prefer the vBulletin forum software over the alternatives, if for nothing but it's familiarity and similarity to all the other boards I frequent, so I'm not really keen on switching to something else.

Currently, my plan is to let our current license expire, and simply grab the latest version of the software available just before it does. We should have access to any critical security patches, but if they roll a minor revision out we may not have access to it, or to the security patches that come out for it. At that point, we will likely have to make a decision about buying a 4.0 license. But hopefully vB's final 3.x version will be 3.8.4 and we won't need to upgrade for a long while.

Thoughts?

Kevin M · 2010-01-28, 10:18 AM

Personally, I'd much rather keep vB. But if you don't see a pressing need to move to 4.0, I think you should go with what we have until that changes.

sybir · 2010-01-28, 11:42 AM

I'm with Scott's plan on this. I'd cover the eventual $20 difference, just to keep from having to purchase until we need it.

cody · 2010-01-28, 03:05 PM

Waiting sounds smart.

100_Percent_Juice · 2010-01-28, 03:37 PM

Lets just move the forum to facebook. Everyone else is doing it.

ScottyS · 2010-01-29, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sybir

I'm with Scott's plan on this. I'd cover the eventual $20 difference, just to keep from having to purchase until we need it.

Yep. The money shouldn't be a problem when the time comes. I mean, how much time do you put into installing a new version? A lot.

100_Percent_Juice · 2010-01-29, 11:04 AM

Maybe this is a good chance to organize a huge BBQ with the Reno SCCA and SECCS to pay for both upgrades and be done with it. It would be much more fun than people just paying the money.

sperry · 2010-01-29, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 100_Percent_Juice

Maybe this is a good chance to organize a huge BBQ with the Reno SCCA and SECCS to pay for both upgrades and be done with it. It would be much more fun than people just paying the money.

Well, RenoSCCA kinda has it's own mechanism for paying for stuff... namely the thousands of dollars made running autocross events.

As far as a SECCS BBQ... we used to do that sort of stuff frequently, but the guys that organized them (me, MattR, TysonK, Eric, etc.) just haven't had the time to run extracurricular club events the last few years. I'd love to see people organize this sort of stuff again... we just need people able to step up and get it rolling.

MattR · 2010-01-29, 04:38 PM

Scott, i'll help however I can, For me though, financial help is easier than time, but I would love to see a benefit BBQ or something...We used to have a great time with those.

Kevin M · 2010-01-29, 04:40 PM

I was thinking of hosting a pre-autocross season BBQ get together thing anyway. I'll keep you guys posted on if that can happen.

MikeK · 2010-02-01, 03:42 PM

I think Tyson is getting the new "benefit concert hero" game.

tysonK · 2010-02-03, 07:43 PM

we a little contemplating music..

This calls for PM Dawn extended remix...

YouTube- PM Dawn - Set Adrift on Memories Bliss ( Extended Remix Video ) feat Spandau Ballet

2010-01-28, 10:18 AM	#2
Kevin M EJ22T Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Reno Posts: 9,445 Car: '93/'01 GF6, mostly red Class: 19 FP	Personally, I'd much rather keep vB. But if you don't see a pressing need to move to 4.0, I think you should go with what we have until that changes. __________________ FWD is the new AWD

2010-01-28, 11:42 AM	#3
sybir The Don Real Name: Aaron Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,097 Car: '97 Legacy / '05 FXT Class: low	I'm with Scott's plan on this. I'd cover the eventual $20 difference, just to keep from having to purchase until we need it. __________________ Tact is for people who aren't witty enough to be sarcastic.

2010-01-28, 03:05 PM	#4
cody Candy Mountain Real Name: Cody Join Date: May 2005 Location: Californication Posts: 7,751 Car: 03 Pussy Wagon, now with more pink! Class: TESP OMG Internet!	Waiting sounds smart. __________________ Slow and low, that is the tempo.

2010-01-28, 03:37 PM	#5
100_Percent_Juice (40 percent vodka) Real Name: Joel Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 4,446 Car: 2004WRX Class: Baby-Hauler/GroceryGetter	Lets just move the forum to facebook. Everyone else is doing it. __________________ "A power nap is when you sleep on someone who is weaker than you." - Dimitri Martin

2010-01-29, 11:04 AM	#7
100_Percent_Juice (40 percent vodka) Real Name: Joel Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 4,446 Car: 2004WRX Class: Baby-Hauler/GroceryGetter	Maybe this is a good chance to organize a huge BBQ with the Reno SCCA and SECCS to pay for both upgrades and be done with it. It would be much more fun than people just paying the money. __________________ "A power nap is when you sleep on someone who is weaker than you." - Dimitri Martin

2010-01-29, 04:38 PM	#9
MattR El Matador Real Name: Matt Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 10,660 Car: 2012 Toyota Tacoma Class: ?	Scott, i'll help however I can, For me though, financial help is easier than time, but I would love to see a benefit BBQ or something...We used to have a great time with those. __________________ "Dallas..We have a problem.”

2010-01-29, 04:40 PM	#10
Kevin M EJ22T Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Reno Posts: 9,445 Car: '93/'01 GF6, mostly red Class: 19 FP	I was thinking of hosting a pre-autocross season BBQ get together thing anyway. I'll keep you guys posted on if that can happen. __________________ FWD is the new AWD

2010-02-01, 03:42 PM	#11
MikeK Captain Turbo Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Reno Posts: 3,318 Car: 05 STi	I think Tyson is getting the new "benefit concert hero" game.

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