Project Gforum Version 3 (codename “Project Orange”) has resumed development after a slight hiatus and this has allowed me to pinpoint a release day for you all:

May 1st, 2010

I already have all the private beta testers I need, so this entry is nothing more than announcing the release. However, before Version 3 debuts there will still be some enhancements made to the current version, which include:

• Registrations being re-opened (with added CAPTCHA)
• Gamer98’s user-reviews and user-articles idea (will expand on this later)
• Podcast resuming (obviously)

However, to be sure Version 3 will be a relaunch of this site in every way possible. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting launch.
-Andrex

The GCast returns in full force. With a new, community-chosen format and new features like background music, this GCast will be a cornerstone for future episode. The GCast is reborn.

Bold new format. Bold new Andrew. Bold new topics. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the greatest episode yet. The one where Chris stalks Steph, Rob doesn’t wet his pants, and we finally reveal what we say behind Chris’s back.

It’s an all new GCast.

The one where Sal wets his pants.

First off, I have implemented the feedback from several Project Gforum members’ valuable opinions about the Halloween 2009 Theme, and brightened it some more, (some might even say it looks like a pumpkin!) This is now site-wide and should be easier on the eyes, especially to read. Static images using the old colors, the banner and “New Thread” images for instance, will not be updated, but I think they give the theme a dynamic look. For those of you sickened by orange in general, you will just have to wait until November 1, I suppose. Any future Gforum themes will allow the option to switch between the special theme and the regular one, at least on the forum, (getting it to work site-wide will be a bit of a stretch.)

The second alteration I made tonight involved the “top bar,” that is, the Google-esque links at the top of every Project Gforum page. This has been updated to provide quick access to key forum functions. Firstly, I had noticed that not only do new PMs appear on the standard User CP page, but so do new profile messages and thread subscription updates. Therefore, this is the new link for “Alerts,” as regardless of which type of alert, they’re all aggregated here. Because of this, I had to remove the “My Account” link which previously pointed to the User CP. However, now you can access all the key forum functions to very quickly update how your posts appear on the forum; avatar, signature, and custom title (among other details) editing is now directly at your fingertips.

Something small, but I also updated the Opera icon on the front page for Opera 10. Keep in mind Opera is still the preferred browser of Project Gforum.

I hope these somewhat-small changes still increase your enjoyability when using Project Gforum, as I am still committed to bringing updates to Version 2. Polls will eventually be completely fixed, the Expand link beneath the shoutbox will keep track of what you pressed, and Project Gforum Mobile should all be going live before the next version hits, in addition to the regular Podcast, Editorial, and special theme updates. Please continue to enjoy your stay at Project Gforum.

This is just a quick update to reiterate what all of you visiting the front page have known for about four days: polls are finally active! Well, “poll” I suppose, only one will be displayed at a time. It’s not 100% yet, something is blocking the Javascript, which means it can’t use its pretty “fade out, fade in” results animation, so just click on the address in your title bar and hit enter to see the results after you’ve voted. I hope to eliminate this glitch eventually. I will also be focusing on getting the polls archive to display properly, and will commit to updating the poll every Sunday (or thereabout.)

Though light on topics and podcast members, famous Internet celebrity spooie, famous on the G4 Forums for his meticulous X-Play episode chronicling (he even got on the TV!), joins us to make this one of the most enjoyable GCasts in years.

As you can plainly see, Project Gforum has once again swapped its color scheme in celebration of the year’s spookiest holiday! If you don’t like it… tough!

Just kidding. This change will only last until October is over, then it’s back to good old dependable blue. Until then, I will still be listening to feedback and making tweaks to the festive design when I can.

Now, I have a question for you Gforum users: Trick, or treat?

Will the next feature I roll out this month be a trick, as this design was, or a long-awaited treat? As always, you’ll have to wait to find out.

Our march back into the hearts and ears of our listeners begins with this super special awesome podcast! Striking the perfect balance between the number of podcasters, topics, and time, this could be our best one yet. And I actually talk this time!

Unfortunately, over the past two days Project Gforum was offline due to insufficient funds. While I would normally point to the fact that I host this site out of my own pocket (you lazy good-for-nothings!), there truly is no excuse for this massive lapse in my better judgment. Therefore, I promise Project Gforum will stay online as long as people use it, barring a hacker attack (which I am trying to prepare for, as well.) I welcome back the Gforum fans who were unable to access this website and hope they can forgive me.
-Andrex