Posted by Dave Thewlis on October 30, 2013 at 06:33:08 user dthewlis.
In Reply to: Re: New TarBoard (was Spell Check) posted by Mike Dennis on October 30, 2013 at 00:52:37:
The core concern with the existing TarBoard is that it is an ancient, much-modified Perl script. We have had occasional problems in the past when an upgrade to the server, operating system, script processor, security interface, etc. causes problems because our version is so out of date. Our fear is that one of these days, it will simply break and won't be fixable.
At the same time, we are all very aware that the TarBoard community values the existing TarBoard user interface, functionality and experience, so a core goal is to retain those things with a new TarBoard (the American joke is to "jack up the hood (bonnet) ornament and replace the automobile").
We are not sure if we can successfully do that completely at this point. We may find that in building a new user interface for some other existing system that is sturdy and maintainable we might have to sacrifice something. Or we might wind up with being able to use a new system that either looks just like TarBoard - or one that looks like a "modern" comment board.
We do know we have to address the long-term problem before it becomes an immediate problem, and we're still struggling with coming to grips with it and finding a successful new base and way forward.