Alternate Discussion Forum Options?

Also to throw another suggestion out to those considering making one that they maybe go for a free-to-use site first for a sort of proof-of-concept / to make sure you aren't out of pocket if Dovetail see sense.
Sidenote - I'll throw my name in the hat to be involved with running it. I have plenty of experience running (albeit non-TSW) communities online.

 

I’d definitely be interested, I kinda miss the wider scope the the ukts forum had for different games, so would be great to try and create something along those lines. Would be happy to chip in a sub to help with costs if needed

 

Ever since I saw a few posts I wonder, why doesn't everyone just move over to the TSC general discussion and carry on as normal posting about TSW.

 

There are a lot of interested people here in setting up a forum.
I have the willingness but not the expertise, there are people here with the expertise.
Could I suggest the next step would be to set up an email group or similar, so the willing people could continue communicating and work on a way forward?

 

Third Rail… that sounds familiar.

Maybe the future isn’t another traditional forum at all, but a community built around actual rides. It’s an idea I’ve been exploring with ThirdRails⁠, and it feels like a natural direction.

Just thinking out loud.

 

Because that'll just get the TSC discussion closed down as well.

 

I think back in the day I used ProBoards.

I believe it is free to use and fairly easy to set up?

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**Ignore me - there are so many "free" forums hanging around**

Just need to find a way to nominate someone to start the journey in setting one up and go from there.

 

i doubt dtg would do that, unlike the tsw discord there's no official alternative

 

Hello to all the users who have posted here.

All your suggestions sound good, and I’m sure some of them will be useful. However, I definitely won’t be using a free forum, as most of them always have some sort of restrictions.

I’ll be buying web hosting for the forum, just as I’ll be buying the forum software.
I’ve already got the web hosting, and as for the forums, I’m still looking into which forum software to go for.

But here’s something you can all make a note of for now.

www.third-rail-depot.com
What do you think of this domain name? I can still change it at this stage.
Should we keep this name, or go for something else?
If the domain is OK, please make a note of it, as that’s how the forum will be accessible.

I’ve set up an email address specifically so that you can get in touch with me.
Here’s the email address: newrailforum@gmail.com

As for the features in the new forum, we’ll have to see what’s possible once the forum has been set up.
After all, as far as I know, there are loads of plugins available for every forum.
That’s why I want to have a look at and compare a few forum software options today as well.

Regarding the question Operator#7940 asked about whether, once the forum is up and running, it can be expanded and modified.
Yes, that’s exactly how it works. I can set up the basic framework of a forum so that you can register there, and then we can discuss in the new forum any further ideas you have that could be incorporated, expanded upon, and so on.

 

Creative names and all, but I'd prefer something descriptive and simple, like 'TSW community'. I know, not creative, but I think it'll be easier to find in the future.

 

Anything TSW named could easily become defunct if DTG bring out a new game, plus it’s probably a trade mark and they could issue a strike down etc.

I like the name suggested

 

We need something that is still relevant for when JT decide they can do better, as a completely random example, and that needs covering too.

 

Because they'd immediately be tossed out as "off topic"

 

I'll help however I can, money, moderation, etc.
I think it's a great idea to have even if DTG do come to their senses.
Emmy_MAN, what do you need from us to start this project?

 

Something along these lines, yes!

 

How about www.Rail-Sim-Community.com??

Sorting out the domain is really the very first thing I need to do. Because once you’ve bought a domain like that, it can take up to 48 hours for certain parts of the world to be redirected to the forum.

That’s why what I want to do today is buy the domain.

So which one should we go for?
www.third-rail-depot.com, or www.Rail-Sim-Depot.com, or www.Rail-Sim-Community.com ???

 

I'm leaning towards the former, but I'll take the latter if that's what people want.
Which is it folks, Third Rail Depot or Rail Sim Community?

 

I really like Third Rail Depot

 

I put up a poll for people to give their choice.

 

Rail Sim Community could be confused with Train Sim Community (the modding site / discord) so I'd lean towards Third Rail.

 

Third Rail Sim Community is unique and descriptive but kind of long =-)

 

"Rail sim depot" could be confused with "rail-sim.de" as well