Damn updates

[cognaccola]

Hi,

As a webmaster running a site with photopost for a few years it's amazing how you guys keep mockin' up things every time you release a new update.

Isn't it better to stop releasing updates untill
A/ your update at least is 99,99% secure. And stop updating every damn week (ok it's a bit exagerated but lets say once every 6 months) And I cannot imagine, that every update needs to be a full upload of all files. PP has thousands of files but you are not telling me that every file has been updated on every new release)

B/ Better documentation on every new update explaining which exact file has been updated, why and a detailed explanation what the new update looks like.
Maybe some of us do not like some of the new features and can only curse what's been uploaded after seeing the new mock up turns out to be uggly, or not functional or just not wanted. Like too much information on index which should have an on/off switch in the admin panel. (or that will done in the next version?)

In my case I mod about 15 files (70% templates) to ensure I like the layout and site functions. Mostly I need to delete all kinds of crappy stuff (tastes are different) like the commenting or the last post feature. I use fixed width, so next time you do layout think of us too, luckily one can set off that side bar thing.

Anyway can you imagine redoing 15 files every time there is a new release telling that this release is eve more secure or handles all the issues from the last one?
And as is the case with update 5.11 to 5.12 within almost 4 weeks time, Geez! why not produce an test for at least a month before releasing,
Or release 3 versions. Stable (basic version) , one beta (all the latest stuff) and an upgrade version with only the different file from last version to newest, so we can see what files have been modified and don't spend hours messing around adjusting every line of code that is not within our liking.

PP is great but don't deviate from the creators ideas on features, looks and security updates.

What you can do is ask a non-too-technical skilled person to setup a photopost site and adjust it to his/her liking.

Then wait a couple of months and have him/her do an update to latest version, do not assist them, but watch them suffer.

Best to film it, and replay the tape next time you are planning to bring out a release. For sure it must give you an idea of how some of your customers experience this.

[Chuck S]

5.12 was released to honestly tell people we had a security company independently audit our software and make sure it is 100% safe which is a first and something no other competitor that I know of has done. It has been months in the working and an exact date the company would finish was not known. We did not hold off 5.1 for this announcement. Remember VB 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 within what a month?? Software companies try to do whats best for all there customers and we know not everyone is going to be happy.

Now the changelog.txt and upgrade.txt documents in the documentation folders have a complete list of the changed files on every version. It has been this way since version 4.1.

According to your post there is only one template that changed and you could according to the changelog and upgrade scripts only needed to upload that one template file if most of your mods are template oriented.

http://www.photopost.com/members/for...19#post1103919

File modifications are totally up to the customer and no software company supports these things. In fact most companies will make you put up completely clean files before they will assist you. Vbulletin is one that totally comes to mind on this one. I know this for a fact since I run it. I think you can understand why companies do not support hacking.

I think our upgrade install procedure has gotten alot easier for people and our upgrade and changelog text files are very well documented. Can't comment too much on your adjustments for the above stated reasons. If you have any suggestions on the changelog or upgrade text you think is not clear let us know so we can make it even clearer?

[Michael P]

It's okay to vent, I'm sorry that the process is so cumbersome for you; but we have a responsibility to our customers to provide timely updates and respond to potential security issues uncovered after a release. Every company has to deal with it and we are no exception - we work hard to make the process as painless as possible, but no amount of BETA testing would have uncovered these issues.

[cognaccola]

Yeah I know, I understand security updates but how about vb, they develop a layout and stick with it during the entire update procedure. For example vb3 has had the same layout since it first came on, and after 7 updates still has. That's what I mean, they do not reroute every bloody template or do much changes on the interface as it is the case with photopost. Since 4.82 I've seen numerous addons that (I personally do not need). Behind the curtains (Admin area) great but not on stage. Or build something in that sets these things on/off like with the sidebar. Muchas gracias

[Chuck S]

Photopost has had the same layout forever that I see. Any additions are turnable on and off so.

VB is the same way there have been many additions to there layouts but like us you can turn things on and off and the core product looks the same it always has.

Any addition to templates since 4.8.2 has an off switch and the core templated product of 5.1.2 still remains the same as 4.5/4.6 and so on.

[cognaccola]

Then I'm probably blind not noticing the switches. Anyway is it possible to release updated files only in zip instead of a complete new version? So we immediately can see what files needed to be updated. Works better for those who love PP but apply their own hacks. Much appreciated.

[Michael P]

My concern would be that people would mix files from versions out of confusion and end up with a mixture of files from different releases. At least with one build file people have all the files they need in one place.

We do document which files have changed and if you do mod your files alot, I highly recommend Beyond Compare to see file changes between versions. I use it on all my modded sites extensively.

[Chuck S]

In 4.8 the addition was the sidebar etc. These all have switches to turn off in your admin section. If you switch off your sidebar the base product to me still looks like 4.5 etc.

[Wild Texas]

While I've been known to roll my eyes over the frequency of updates, I'd take that any day over no updates. Website owners need to make an educated decision on when the best times to apply updates are. Those with heavily modified installations may choose to forego some new features and wait to upgrade 'til a later date. No one said every update had to be installed... it's sort of like maintaining your car. The auto company and service shops want you to change your oil every 3 months or 3000 miles, but you have to gauge if that's practical or even needed based on your driving habits, vehicle, time constraints, etc. Same thing for updates to software... If updates are absolutely a hassle, then wait and only apply those that are noted as being SECURITY updates. Photopost has always been good about noting when security issues are invovled in an update, as near as I can recall.

I second the recommendation to use Beyond Compare, btw. It'll save your bacon if you're modding stuff for a living.

[mjm]

Yepper ditto - what Wild Texas said.
Much appreciate the rate of improvements and new features!
Yeah, sometimes it's hard to keep up with beta / bug fixes -that's to be expected.
Adding text (fixed) to bug thread titles has been a great help.

A suggestion ...
This is especially in reference to betas, which we look forward to being part of...

Create a sticky thread called Fixes or whatever, and whenever a bug is found or build is made, and paste the info/link-to into this thread.
Ver#/Date/Fix/Build Title

Making it easier to find fixes and builds will keep me on the sweet side of my partner, whom I need to notify to implement the changes, hehe.

Mark

Time to revisit the Suggestions forum

[DJT]

I second the use of Beyone Compare, helps keep updates to a 30 minute process.

Thanks Mike for the continued work and frequent updates. Been running PP for over 2 years now and am very happy with it.

Derek