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I've been working on the next version of Northwest Firearms for well over a year now, a huge update including a completely re-written front-end and redevelopment of many popular features (classifieds being the big one, finally!). I'm happy to report that we're very close to the update here. Early access to new features and additional input are a couple benefits of being a Supporting Member here, and thankfully those who've volunteered for beta testing have had mostly good things to say.
Every time we have a big update people complain about the necessity of it, so I'll mention the reasons again. In general, it's best to keep software up-to-date for security, regardless if it's website software, your home computer, or your phone. It's a constant back-and-forth between developers and those who wish to do you harm, with exploits being discovered and patch releases to fix them happening frequently. Those who run dated software by choice are assuming a risk larger than I'm willing to take. The other is that developers don't develop for outdated software (unless you pay them $$$$), so new features require the latest version. I know some of you are base model guys who don't care for options and features, and that's fine. Personally, I'm the opposite, you couldn't pay me enough to go back to vBulletin
Speaking to that point though, I admit I've made some mistakes with these big updates over the years. In the past I didn't fully grasp how annoying it is to have to learn a new version of a familiar system from the ground up. As I get closer to middle-age I'm now starting to see the light. One of the main goals of this update was to change as little as possible on the front-end, so as not to lose that familiarity you guys have gained over the years. I think I've done a pretty good job, but I won't know for sure until you guys weigh in.
Those who have been through these updates before know that our rollout plan usually consists of the initial development phase with input from staff, a beta period where we open it up to Supporting Members, the Southwest Firearms update and non-supporter input phase, and then the Northwest Firearms update a couple weeks later. I'm happy to report that, as of yesterday afternoon, Southwest Firearms is now running the new version. I still have a mile-long to-do list, but for the most part there haven't been too many issues. I'm posting this thread now that we're at the third step, to get your thoughts before we go live here. Head over, check it out, and let me know what you think
Please note that the new Classified System is not yet live, that will be coming at a later date (late spring, most likely). Supporting Members who want to check it out do still have access to the beta, see this thread for details
Every time we have a big update people complain about the necessity of it, so I'll mention the reasons again. In general, it's best to keep software up-to-date for security, regardless if it's website software, your home computer, or your phone. It's a constant back-and-forth between developers and those who wish to do you harm, with exploits being discovered and patch releases to fix them happening frequently. Those who run dated software by choice are assuming a risk larger than I'm willing to take. The other is that developers don't develop for outdated software (unless you pay them $$$$), so new features require the latest version. I know some of you are base model guys who don't care for options and features, and that's fine. Personally, I'm the opposite, you couldn't pay me enough to go back to vBulletin
Speaking to that point though, I admit I've made some mistakes with these big updates over the years. In the past I didn't fully grasp how annoying it is to have to learn a new version of a familiar system from the ground up. As I get closer to middle-age I'm now starting to see the light. One of the main goals of this update was to change as little as possible on the front-end, so as not to lose that familiarity you guys have gained over the years. I think I've done a pretty good job, but I won't know for sure until you guys weigh in.
Those who have been through these updates before know that our rollout plan usually consists of the initial development phase with input from staff, a beta period where we open it up to Supporting Members, the Southwest Firearms update and non-supporter input phase, and then the Northwest Firearms update a couple weeks later. I'm happy to report that, as of yesterday afternoon, Southwest Firearms is now running the new version. I still have a mile-long to-do list, but for the most part there haven't been too many issues. I'm posting this thread now that we're at the third step, to get your thoughts before we go live here. Head over, check it out, and let me know what you think
Southwest Firearms
A community for gun owners of Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. Free classified ads, forums, gun advice, maps, reviews, and much more.
www.southwestfirearms.com
Please note that the new Classified System is not yet live, that will be coming at a later date (late spring, most likely). Supporting Members who want to check it out do still have access to the beta, see this thread for details