I inherited an archive running v. 2.0.7, and I'm wondering if it's worth it to upgrade to the most current 3.5.3. There doesn't seem to be a list of changes in the newer version, so I'm not sure what benefits I'd be getting from the upgrade. Can anyone list the changes between versions? Also, since the wiki is down, I'm not sure if anyone has detailed instructions on how to upgrade skins. Thank you for any insight you can provide.
It's definitely worth the upgrade because of the security improvements alone. There are a number of differences in the functionality as well. I can't remember off the top of my head, not having touched a 2.0 site in years, but here are some of the things I blogged about at the time:
-Featured stories can now be removed completely from the list, in addition to merely being retired
-There as a field to enter comments when adding a favorite author or story, such as why that is your favorite or what is good about it
-There are now three types of author notes: one for the overall story, one for the beginning of the chapter, and one for the end of the chapter
-Page view counts is back
-The fic preview and submissions queue use the same file as the one accessed when viewing them normally (something that didn't happen in 2.x), which makes for a more uniform experience - and the author's notes appear in the queue
-Member accounts can be locked
-Ability to create custom pages through the admin area
-Can create infinite number of classifications, in addition to genre and rating
-Nifty archive maintenence features
-New profile fields, including livejournal and whatever other fields we turn on
There wasn't a ton of info on the wiki directly about upgrading skins; rather it was a lot about how to make 3.0 skins. You can find some tips if you search the forums; otherwise asking questions is the way to go. I personally know I spent a lot of time working on the 3.0 skinning pages, and I do check this forum regularly often. I may try to work on some posts about skinning as I have the time.
Hi Lyndsie,
Thanks for your reply. I duplicated my site/database and did the upgrade and am just playing around with it for now and upgrading the skins. I've had to do forum searches on a few issues, and many times, you are the one answering the questions. I know efiction has basically been abandoned, so thank you for sticking around here and helping others!
No worries! I disappear every now and then for a while but I always come back.
Watch out for the new method for adding favorites. A lot of people didn't get it at first - after clicking to add the favorite, you are directed to a box that gives you the option to describe why it's your favorite. The comment then appears associated with the story on the user's favorite list.
