The forum needs a major overhaul and update, the backend is older than Maz, otherwise you will continue to have issues. It also need all the holes patching in it, to limit the chances of being hacked (again) To do this the newest version of the phpBB forum engine needs installing and configuring, along with a database update. After that a lot needs unpicking, repairing and putting back together.
This upgrade comes with a newer visual style, essentially the forum will look a bit different. I am unsure yet if the current default style (SubSilver) is available for the newer forum software. Personally I think the darker ProSilver looks better and it looks cleaner anyway, but its your forum, not mine.
See the pole below and let me know which style you use. I can see the following info based on EVERY member we have (active or otherwise)
ProSilver 3137 Members
SubSilver 1532 members.
This will help me gauge what sort of time frame I need to give, for you all to swap over. Or I can just blanket change everyone and ignore the moans and groans about change ...!
I need a good run up to do the work and a week when I have a whole day free to do it
You might also lose some of the custom smilies, you might not. It will be what it will be. I will 'TRY' to fix the links above in the header to. They are based on modular php files that point at broken bits or bits that don't exist in databases that are long gone. That being the case I may just try to remove the header all together. If it's a ball ache it can stay as it is.
The poll will run for 30 days to capture those that dip in occasionally. I have attached screenshots of the two styles so that you can tell which is which before voting.
Your understanding and patience is appreciated. Happy to answer any questions...