In mid to late August we are going to be upgrading to the next major release of the forums and gallery. This is a big update promising more speed, be easier to use and offer more options all around.

Here is a snapshot of some of the new stuff coming:

* Rich Text (WYSIWYG) Editor
Allow your members to easily format their posts, signatures and personal messages.
* RSS (Really Simple Syndication) Import
Import RSS content from all over the 'net as new topics in any forum you choose.
* RSS (Really Simple Syndication) Export
Allow others to syndicate your content by setting up exclusive RSS export streams from forums of your choice.
* Multiple Question Polls
Create new polls in our easy to use interface. Set different questions for multiple question polls.
* Member's Display Name
Optionally allow your members to choose thier own display name which is separate from their log-in username, and change it as often as you allow.
* Improved Forum and Topic Marking
Forum are topic markers are now stored in the database. Our comprehensive system accurately tracks all your unread topics regardless of which computer you use to access your account.
* Concurrent Post Capture
Optionally merge concurrent posts within a settable time-limit. Prevent "And another thing..." from creating a new post!
* In-line Topic Editing
Edit topics from the forum listing without a need to refresh your page!
* In-line Post Editing
Edit posts quickly from the topic view page without reloading the topic!
* Member Name Suggest
When composing a new PM or pruning a forum, enter part of a member's name and IPB will bring up a list of suggested matches, instantly!
* MyAssistant Re-Designed
A combined floating palette comprising of instant notification of new PMs with the ability to
cycle through recent PMs. Instant "new posts" listing, and quick search - all used without a single page refresh! There will be a Mac "Widget" version of My Assistant available as well.

This is only a small sample. Also included are much needed improvements to memberships including renewal notices :dance: and more payment options. Changes to the Gallery are as yet unknown. Chat gets a whole new look and feel.

It's a pretty comprehensive upgrade but unlike the v3 to v4 transition doesn't involve a major architectural change (in v4 we moved to an entirely new software package).

Work on the existing v4 software is winding down. I have one gallery update to make which should improve thing enough to get us through the v5 upgrade. In addition I have a number of "components" that need to be ported to the new software (like club badges) so I'll be spending my time on that mainly. Search is a lost cause so you shouldn't expect much change there. I'll try again with the new software version.