"TMP 3.999..." Topic

We're almost there. TMP 4.0 is almost done, pending one or two more bug fixes.

"But – what's different?"

Yes, TMP doesn't look any different! And to understand why, let me remind you of the backstory…

The reason for developing TMP 4.0 was the buggy state of our databases, frequently timing out or giving lockfile error messages.

Based on my experience at that time, it was my conclusion that the best course was to move TMP to a new content-management system (CMS) with a more up-to-date database system.

Hiring of the four assistant editors took much of the day-to-day workload of TMP off my shoulders, allowing me to devote time for researching and experimenting with various CMS systems.

Unfortunately, none of the CMS systems worked out. They were either too expensive, poorly supported, or a poor fit for what was needed (requiring extensive customization).

So I decided to give one last stab at updating TMP with its current technology. I took the advice of some experts. I learned more about how to work around the technological limitations. Eventually, I put some of these theories to the test – and despite my doubts, everything worked excellently in my test cases.

Now I have to say that I was pretty skeptical of some of the advice I had been given. My expectation was that when I tested this code on the 'real' TMP, I'd start to see things unravel. Therefore, when I deployed the code onto TMP a few days ago, I didn't make a big announcement, and I was ready to dump the code as soon as the bugs began pouring in.

To my intense surprise, the upgrade has eliminated all of the forum/database bugs I was concerned about.

(Having said that, there is One Bug I am aware of and working on. Curiously, it duplicates one of our former bugs, but has a completely different mechanism.)

So that's how we get to being here, on the threshold of TMP 4.0 (as soon as I stomp this last bug).

"But… You Promised Us New Features!"

Well, as I said, my initial plan was to replace our current custom CMS with an off-the-shelf CMS. If that had worked out, we would have ended up with whatever extra features came with that system. So when I discussed new features previously, it was with that in mind.

But the truth is that if I had gone with an off-the-shelf CMS, we would have lost existing features too.

The important thing is to have TMP functioning well again.

"But we paid for a new TMP!"

First of all, thanks to all of our Supporting Members and advertisers who have supported TMP over the years. We wouldn't be here without you.

What your money did, besides keeping TMP operating, was to enable the expansion of TMP staff, which freed me up to research and implement the solution to our database problems. (It also paid for all the other things associated with software development, from books and software to giving me the opportunity to consult with other software engineers.)

"But… I want new features!"

Once that last bug is stomped, we can start to think together about which new features are desirable. I will probably take a little time to unwind and decompress from my recent work, but after that, I'm ready.

"But… I want a new look!"

If that's what enough of you desire, we can always put a new look on TMP.

"And beyond that?"

I would expect that TMP 4.1 will be an upgrade for speed, taking advantage of some new developments in the coding language. TMP 4.2 would probably be a major database upgrade (finally!). I've already run some experiments with both developments, and they'll take substantial work but I think they'll be worth it.

Now, all of this assumes that I have time to spend in the "programming cave"! So if you haven't done so yet, please purchase/renew that Supporting Membership or start/extend/expand that advertising. Let's keep the assistant editors working to run TMP day-to-day, so I can continue to make the future happen…

Thank You!

Almost forgot: I sat down tonight at my workbench, and for the first time in months, I painted some minis! YAY!

Well, that's good. Personally I've always just wanted it to work. And lose the breakfast time shutdown – I doubt I've ever get that though. It was slow loading up for me this morning though.

Later, I'll try iniating a post and see if it works for me without having to try a dozen times.

One non-TMP4 related suggestion. Keep up with paid subscriptions. Someone pays for a membership then process it within 24 hours – and if you can't, change the wording on the 'would you like to join today' message. Can't talk about advertisers, but also seems to be an issue there…

Part success. It started on 'connecting' for ages until I eventually gave up, but it appeared on the board… couldn't have crossposted it though. Current verdict: very slow, not right on this attempt, I'll try again later.

Bill I have no problem with you updating the current system, especially if you will be correcting things that donīt work (search function!) and getting rid of that down time in the morning, BUT you would have avoided controversy and the disappointment of some members if you had simply been honest with us from the start.

I think if you had explained the situation, much like you did here, and then said "ready or not, I will give it a try" then we would all have understood, even if the system went down in a mass of flames.

Transparency is something I find lacking round these parts. Of course, you donīt owe us anything, but it would have been nice of you to keep us in the know.

I didn't notice anything different and everything loads quickly. Not every website problem is due to a server side error.

--
Martin Stephenson
The Waving Flag | Twitter | eBay

It's been working fine for me for a couple of days.

Glad to hear it.

I like the current format now, by the way, so no need to change that on my account.

BUT you would have avoided controversy and the disappointment of some members if you had simply been honest with us from the start.

I think I've always been honest with you, Texas Jack.

And lose the breakfast time shutdown – I doubt I've ever get that though.

I can't eliminate it at this stage of development, but I have some further ideas on reducing the length of time.

"But… I want a new look!"

Better have a poll on that.
I don't.

I don't need a new look. I just want an end to the lockfile errors. They were so frequent I spent much less time here and posted a lot less.

New features? I do want the ability to edit my manufacturers profile just like my member profile.

Quite happy with the look as it is, but, like a lot of UK based readers, the breakfast shut- down is something I would like to see the back of. It's one time of day when I have some time to myself and am able to catch up on the previous evening's posts.

I am happy to hear this. I did notice the drop away of the maddening bugs on the forums.

GBS

I see a lot of sexier looking websites BUT are a pain to maneuver around. IMO I think the interface and layout here are very user friendly and I like them.

I personally took a long layoff from this site mainly due to the lock file errors that I found very frustrating when trying to post. (But also to the excessive amount of non-gaming dramas that in my opinion seemed to be encouraged here..it just lost its flavour for me at that time)

I haven't had any time-lock errors recently which I presume is down to Bill's hard work

I appreciate the work Bill seems to be doing to make this site a better place to visit and post (at least that's my perception)

The look of TMP as is works for me. I would like to see the old features (like the rules directory has been) brought up to speed.

Works for me.

Great to hear it.

I would suggest that paying advertising manufacturers get to edit their own profiles.

Renewing my membership never hinged on the arrival of TMP 4.0. It is more about the perceived advantages of a paid membership. It's about what I contribute and the ideas I take away from here. TMP costs money to run and I'm willing to contribute to it. There is also the TMP Market Place which I frequent and I have made some great deals offered by the TMP community.

Change does not necessarily equate to progress. I, for one, do not need or care about any "new look." Stick to making what is already here work.

How long until the complaints start for TMP 5.0?

Like it, as is, but without the bugs! No need to change the skin, so to speak. I only come here for mini's game related stuff. Don't care for drama, fights, etc. Keep it game-central, and I am happy. Will be contributing financially, later today.

Been coming here since the late 1990's. It has improved dramatically, since then. Don't need new features. Cheers!

I'd like a full BBCode editor for making posts. This is where TMP is sorely lagging behind the competition.

I like TMP as it is as well. I've rarely run into any problems and when I do I just logout, wait a bit, and log back in. I remember a time without personal computers, the internet, etc and am grateful to have a fun place like this to meet and 'talk' to other hobbyists. I've gotten a lot of enjoyment out of TMP and hope it's around for a long, long time.

Look, as long as TMP WORKS at all, I'm very pleased and privileged to come here for my business and the (most commonly) pleasure of seeing the evidence of other minds and all they have to contribute to my lifelong enjoyment of this maniac hobby.

If there are "improvements," well and good, but since this place cannot be--and should not try to be--all things to all people, let it continue just to be here and serve the needs of most of us, anyway.

Thank you, Mr. Armintrout, for creating the best single site in the hobby.

TVAG

I like the current look and when I look at other sites I'm either baffled as to how to navigate my way around. Or get blown away by the number of posts since last visit, which I get from Lead Adventure which is a great site but just to much to view in my lunchtime.

I've had no trouble at all posting for the last week which is a big improvement.

Another day,another dollar.

Another thread,another locked account.

YouTube link

Another thread, another locked account.

Just another troll account. The same few people, over and over and over…

Which corner of the screen will the Order Pizza Delivery button be installed in?

Next to the niche where you insert your figure to be painted professionally.

Don't need one – they never deliver where I live and the things would be cold anyway.

I don't care much about 4.0, 3.99 or whatever it ends up being called. For me, there are four things that are important.

1) That it works. That people can post when and what they want to and have it show up first time, that advertisers get good access; that kind of thing.

2) That people of all stripes are made comfortable here and are welcomed. This I think is still strong. There are lots of people who will offer tips or advice on 'please help' threads and I think this has been the best aspect of TMP all the way through.

3) That there are enough members willing and able to contribute to a conversation to make it worthwhile posting a topic.

Regarding this, I've been a member here for more than ten years but what I've noticed in the last two is that it has become embarrassing to post topics because of the lack of interest.

4) To be able to see my stifle count and realise in real time if I've irritated people.

I'd like to be able to see if I might have annoyed other users, and enable adjustment or regulation of my tone and content accordingly.

Cheers,
Aaron

I suggested number 4 once,and was informed that it was a "naughty" idea.

We used to be able to see our stifle count, but some people obsessed over it, some wore it as a badge of pride, and some would even go out of their way to garner more.

Eventually it was done away with, and though I was against it at the time, I must say that it is nice not having stifle posts anymore.

I had a small handful of stifles back when we could see it, though curiously any people I know I had butted heads with still reply to my posts, so apparently they weren't the ones :)

I like the look of TMP as it is. It's also one of the fastest sites to look at while on the phone. Very fast load speeds.