This discussion is locked.
You cannot post a reply to this discussion. If you have a question start a new discussion

Update on the old forum archive

Hi all


I have some news regarding the archive of the old posts in the previous forum (powered by Fusetalk)


The Fusetalk software will finally go offline permanently by the end of January 2020 meaning that it will no longer be available or searchable. As we’ve said previously the software is no longer supported and now poses a serious cybersecurity concern.


There will be a short length of time where discussions within the old forum will not be available while an archive is being prepared.  We suggest if there are any discussions you wish to keep for reference, that you save a copy of it before the end of January.


It has also been requested that we only archive the conversations posted on the old forum since the release of the 18th Edition Wiring regs (i.e. from July/August 2018) so that out-of-date regs information is not made available. So again, if there are any past conversations that you wish to keep a copy of then we’d recommend that you do so before the end of January.


Any questions please ask or email us at community-online@theiet.org

  • What a terrible loss of invaluable, essential, irreplaceable information. It's like burning the Encyclopaedia Britannica, or destroying Wikipedia. So sad.


    Z

  • It has also been requested that we only archive the conversations posted on the old forum since the release of the 18th Edition Wiring regs (i.e. from July/August 2018) so that out-of-date regs information is not made available.




    Presumably not requested by anyone who actually has read many of the threads, as a large chunk of it is completely regs agnostic.  - as despite the title is much of this forum as well, though I agree it is fading in popularity. Quite often we  are interested in why things are done, and how to do them in a well engineered way, and if they are not applicable then the UK regs can just play catch up.

    @LisaMiles

    How big is the whole archive, and if the IET does not want  to keep it, would they be amenable to someone else looking after it ?


    I know it says there are 45839  threads on the front page
    here

    but in reality I know it wrapped over 65536 (2^16)  at least once as thread nos started to repeat.



     


  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    There is always the Wayback Machine which archives pages, but usability isn’t guaranteed:

    https://web.archive.org/web/20190323061752/https://www2.theiet.org/forums/forum/categories.cfm?catid=205&entercat=y


    A flat HTML archive of the entire forum wouldn’t be too onerous to host, including a header disclaimer, while letting Google index it for searching.


    As a web developer I’d be happy to help, although you have a fine team in there that likely needs no assistance! ?
  • I agree with what others are saying - the title is "Wiring and the Regulations" ... many of the topics don't relate directly to BS 7671, or indeed other standards ... it's not the Wiring Regs Technical Helpline !


    It's also the case that answers which rely on science move far more slowly than conformity to standards, if at all.


    Further, many of our Forum users are likely to be carrying out work on existing installations ... and BS 7671 itself states it's not retrospective. The life of many installations often far exceeds 20 years, so "pre 2018" cuts out a lot of work.


    It also perhaps shows whoever is asking this question is unaware of the value of the contributions offered in the topics, and the time taken by volunteers to respond ...
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    LoL - the phrase "know the cost of everything, and the value of nothing" springs to mind


    As I mentioned at the time, they shut down the Axe and Cleaver in favour of a wine bar - now the Axe and Cleaver is getting demolished.


    Nothing left but memories.


    More seriously, the old Forum did have a proportion of dross in there - I contributed to some my self. But there is actually a wealth of Technical knowledge in that Forum that isn't directly related to BS 7671 and specifically pre or post a certain edition, but it would probably be shame to just skip it.


    But such is life


    Regards


    OMS
  • Madness. Utter madness. Such folly. Who decided this? To the Tower and off with his head

  • It has also been requested that we only archive the conversations posted on the old forum since the release of the 18th Edition Wiring regs (i.e. from July/August 2018) so that out-of-date regs information is not made available.



    +1 for the objections to that request. Many of the discussions are based not so much on the wording of specific regulations but on the underlying principles - and those discussions don't get repeated just because a new Ed of the regs is published. Cutting off from the start of the 18th would inevitably mean the loss of still useful information.

       - Andy.
  • Yes the old forum was very good, it discussed current and historical Electrical Engineering and Technology based around safety, reliability, methods, products, materials and regulations including B.S. 7671 and others. I thought that the I.E.T. was interested in promoting  Engineering and Technology. When forums become too clinical and restricting they can also become sterile, dry, uninteresting and uninviting. Forums should allow some slack. Contributors should be encouraged to participate with carrots and not discouraged with sticks. Moderators should be tolerant, accepting and not too dogmatic. Keep the old forum accessible I say, for what it's worth.


    Z.
  • I too would second the opinion that archiving only from the publication of the 18th edition to the date of migration to the new forum software is undesirable.


    Many a conversation on fire alarm systems or lighting to name but two examples pre-date the 18th edition of BS 7671, as do their own British Standards and guidance documents.

    There must surely be a way of throwing a splash screen or header on the pages to include a disclaimer stating the content is archived and may be superseded.


    Pete
  • Look what this popular forum encourages....

     

    Screwfix Community Forum



    The Screwfix Community Forum strives to be a friendly and supportive place, where you can share your expertise, ask others for theirs, and enjoy ‘socialising’ online with people who share a common interest. We encourage you to debate the topics and issues of the day, whether related to trade/DIY or not.


    Z.