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#1

Ellis Walentine

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Hi folks,

Bill Blasic, a longtime member here, recently expressed his dismay with the recent changes that are going on here at WoodCentral. Despite the messy appearance and unfamiliar workings of the software we're testing, please take my word that our web guru Peter is a programming genius and the direction he's trying to take us is really a lifeline for WoodCentral -- the best if not the only lifeline. Left to my devices, there's really nothing I could have done to keep the forum going for much longer. Our servers don't support our old messageboard software anymore, so the look and feel of the WoodCentral we've known and loved for 25 years is/was about to end for good. And, because of the way our legacy software works, there's no way at all that we could ever make our entire archive of literally well over a million messages searchable.

I'm at a loss as to how to properly encourage all of you to bear with us, other than to say, it's the best -- if not the only -- way Peter and I have figured to peacefully transition us from our Perl-based system to a robust, cutting-edge application that preserves *all* our messages, delivers them blazingly fast, and offers other advantages that we've never even had with our old boards. All I can say as the instigator of this forum and its most ardent advocate is that better days lie ahead. We're doing our best to make the transition transparent and painless; although, as we all know, change itself is upsetting, to say the least.

There are bound to be hiccups, as there are with any significant change, especially one done in real time on a major forum. If there's one thing I'll ask you after all these years it would be to play along and give us a chance. Keep posting. Kick the tires. Be free with your feedback. Be assured that you're going to like the changes, or at least appreciate the reasons why we're doing this. We'll do our best to communicate proposed changes and anticipate your concerns. We're depending on your support. We can't do it without you.

Ellis Walentine, Host


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#3

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Thank you for keeping us in the loop. You can count on my support, Ellis.


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#4

No problem! - similar to summer roadwork to make things better


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Edited #5

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You have my support, Ellis (and Peter). I learned long ago in my work-life that the only constant is change. It's not much different in real life, in my experience. Soldier on!!!

Brad, who's trying to learn new skills for retirement with a CNC router, and a guitar (there's that change thing, again)🤓


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#6

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Thanks for all your work, Ellis.

A recent post lamented that Bill Tindall hasn't been around for a while. That's bad enough but I'd hate to lose access to all the great build posts he contributed over the decades, and Bill is just one of many valuable members who have made WoodCentral so good.

Compared to losing WoodCentral a few software changes are like nothing.


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#7

All these changes are like going to the dentist........

you dread going......the process is uncomfortable......everyone tells you it's for your own good.......and, when it's over, you feel relief and want to resume normal......


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#8

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I for one would be bereft without WoodCentral; it more or less keeps me going. Whatever technical changes are required simply have to be done to keep it going. The site works; what do people want?


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#9

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I am excited about the evolving program efforts. It's a lot like my introduction to DOS 6.11. After that learning new things became wearisome. I wish I had the patience to deal with this maze.

I will stop by while I am automatically logged in. Too bad the trial service is unavailable--might include"let me see/read my passwords'' so I know what I typed in the first place. Also, probably, will leave when irritating emails become too intrusive.


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#10

Been Here

since the Pond drained.

Not going anywhere.

Sometimes, you just gotta change to stay the same.

m


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#11

Re: Been Here

WoodCentral is like an old pair of slippers, frayed for being chewed on by dogs long gone, a bit smelly.

But you hate to throw them away.


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#12

Ellis Walentine

Egad! Faint praise...

Whatever works for you. :)

Cheers,

Ellis


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#13

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Wouldn't think of leaving, I check new posts every evening.  Keep up the great work Ellis and Peter.


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#14

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Please, carry on!


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#15

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The new Recent Site Comments is a daily feature most FOG (Festool) members use to read and respond. Smart addition. The default collapsing of the posts also makes reading on my cell easier.


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#16

johannaj

I don't want to think about life without WoodCentral!

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#18

I too, have been an infrequent contributor and a twice a day lurker since the Pond dried and will continue, no matter what the screen looks like.

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#19

Thanks for all the hard work Ellis and Peter.  Technology changes and we have to adapt.  You've got my support!!

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#20

Question: How do you jump to the end of the thread or to the newest post? Scrolling is slow and tedious.

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Edited #21

I have arrows in a black box bottom right of the page, takes you to bottom or top. I don't about a new post in mid thread, or if that's even possible.

Added later 02 min 57 s:

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#23

Oh.....you have to sign in.

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#24

Sometimes you have to ride on a bumpy road to get where you are going.

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#25

admin

@Onemanband, Don't HAVE to sign in, but once you identify yourself to the system, it can provide personalized navigation based on what is new, unread, etc.

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