Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption
 


       Downsizer Forum Index -> IT Matters
Hairyloon

Merging forums

Speaking hypothetically, if there was another forum with broad similarities and compatibilities, and the relevant parties wanted to, would it be possible to import their database of users and posts, and absorb their forum into ours?

NB: hypothetical, for illustration of the possible. I don't imagine it would be desirable for us, but I have in mind two other fora where it would almost certainly be the best thing.
jema

Very hard to do.
Hairyloon

Very hard to do.

While I don't doubt you in the slightest, I must say that I am a little surprised: it doesn't look like something that ought to be difficult.

Would it be easier if you'd planned for it in the first place? Two groups that, on inception recognise that they may one day want to merge.
jema

It's a matter of software, to merge two forums means renumbering all id numbers in the databases to avoid clashes.
Not impossible of course, but if no one has written it, it means a lot of hours of programming and testing to develop.
Hairyloon

It's a matter of software, to merge two forums means renumbering all id numbers in the databases to avoid clashes...

Is that not a similar problem to Hilbert's hotel?

Sorry, this is clearly one of those things that looks very simple to someone who doesn't know what is involved... jema

No, its just software. Not even especially hard, but its a lot of work. Hairyloon

No, its just software. Not even especially hard, but its a lot of work.

Quite possibly work that someone has already done, but probably as much work again to find it?
       Downsizer Forum Index -> IT Matters
Page 1 of 1
Home Home Home Home Home