FC app / Tapatalk
- Thread starter hogleg
- Start date
VapeNStone
Mark
I could also benefit from this as I'm always out and about
stickstones
Vapor concierge
rock on, venomous!
It's not a technical or financial problem. Personally I'm just not comfortable with the security and performance concerns that come with giving third party software complete access to the forum database. The XenForo developers are working on a mobile skin that will provide similar functionality for all mobile devices- free to all, and no plugin or app required for anyone. The last I heard it will be in the next release which shouldn't be too far off. 
Edit: More info:
Edit: More info:
http://xenforo.com/community/threads/development-update.25726/ said:
Venomous
Well-Known Member
It's not a technical or financial problem. Personally I'm just not comfortable with the security and performance concerns that come with giving third party software complete access to the forum database. The XenForo developers are working on a mobile skin that will provide similar functionality for all mobile devices- free to all, and no plugin or app required for anyone. The last I heard it will be in the next release which shouldn't be too far off.
Edit: More info:
Mmmm I've been working with this stuff for awhile. Neither system places a load on the server. If anything, you will notice less load actually the more the people use the app. That's the beauty of it, plus it parses much much quick and won't use as mny SQL queries. It also won't pose any security risks for you.
However I respect all views from admins on the subject or security. I also wouldn't put to much faith in the mobile skin. It won't be as refined as tapatalk and responses will be much slower.
darco
Well-Known Member
I totally agree with venom about this. A mobile web view will be good but not close to the functionality that an app provides. I have interacted with the guys at tapatalk and can say this that they are a great company with a vision, and they would surely take security seriously as their primary business depends upon maintaining good relationships with forum owners.
With full respect to what you are doing with the FC forums, I'd request you to reconsider this vtac
stickstones
Vapor concierge
I think security should get double the consideration around here given the nature of our forum.
placetime
Well-Known Member
more than double, imho. there are no "take backs" once you release data. for example, even if the guys at tapatalk are the most super-cool hyper-ethical people around, if someone buys out tapatalk (it could easily happen), then we're relying on the ethics of whoever wrote the check to the tapatalk folks. i'm not trying to start a big discussion about data security, but it's really not as simple as trusting the guys who currently run tapatalk.
vtac runs this forum out of the goodness of his heart and the depths of his pockets--at least as far as I know, I've never seen an appeal for funds. Maybe the advertisers pay something? Anyway, it's his baby, he wants to wait for the Xenforo solution, so this should be the end of it until that release comes out. At that point, the inevitable comparisons to tapatalk can begin.
Venomous
Well-Known Member
I do this for a living. The XF mobile skin cannot compete with either forum runner or tapatalk. These apps are designed to be used on smart phones. There's already a number of us who run their mobile skin as a test bed group. You're just waiting for nothing at this point. A lot of people already have these apps installed on their phones and use them on other forums.
If you want to see an increase in activity and membership, why not support it? There's no security risks...
Vicki
Herbal Alchemist
You know, with 100% absolute certainty that there are no security risks? I don't believe that is possible with anything. As it was stated before, security is MORE important here because of the nature of the forum. vtac has already stated his feelings on the matter, so arguing further is futile.
more than double, imho. there are no "take backs" once you release data. for example, even if the guys at tapatalk are the most super-cool hyper-ethical people around, if someone buys out tapatalk (it could easily happen), then we're relying on the ethics of whoever wrote the check to the tapatalk folks. i'm not trying to start a big discussion about data security, but it's really not as simple as trusting the guys who currently run tapatalk.
^^^^This! You cannot guarantee anything!
Venomous
Well-Known Member
Absolutely... The apps work no differently then how you access this forum with your browser on your pc/tablet or phone. It doesn't require any MySQL database logins or passwords. The difference is the apps only call for the thread/post data to be parsed through php from its installed configuration within the root of the forum. It doesn't load all of the time consuming non sense like the browser does, which gives you much faster speed on 3G viewing the forum via either app.
I specialize in server security and use these apps on my own systems. There's more risks using bulletin board software with third party modifications made by users then there is using apps designed to use forum software on smart phones by these two companies.
Thank you all for the thoughtful replies. I'll admit that I'm probably being overly cautious—that's usually my approach with these things—and I agree that it's in the best interests of Tapatalk's authors to ensure their offerings are secure. Indeed, most of the vulnerabilities (server plugin and app) I've been basing my objections on are relatively old, and Tapatalk's authors seem to be quick at fixing bugs. Another objection is that the apps will cost members money, but I suppose it's a personal choice and some have already purchased them.
Despite my objections, mobile use is up and the trend doesn't appear to be fading any time soon. Looking at the statistics from last month, almost 25% of our visitors were here via a mobile device. This forum is here to facilitate discussion among vapor enthusiasts and perhaps it's time to make that easier for a large group of people. It's tough to make any concessions when it comes to security, but looking at things logically I think the benefit outweighs the potential risk here.
Let's test out Tapatalk. You can find us by searching for "FC Vaporizer Forum"
Sent from my Computer using a Keyboard™
Despite my objections, mobile use is up and the trend doesn't appear to be fading any time soon. Looking at the statistics from last month, almost 25% of our visitors were here via a mobile device. This forum is here to facilitate discussion among vapor enthusiasts and perhaps it's time to make that easier for a large group of people. It's tough to make any concessions when it comes to security, but looking at things logically I think the benefit outweighs the potential risk here.
Let's test out Tapatalk. You can find us by searching for "FC Vaporizer Forum"
Sent from my Computer using a Keyboard™
VapeNStone
Mark
Hell yea this is nice.
Vicki
Herbal Alchemist
I too would love an app - FC would be an app I use everyday. I will say, I have an app on my droid that I do love and its forums have introduced me to some great people as well. Its called "join Together", it has a strain identifier, strain reviews, and offers 3D images on particular strains. Check it out - very cool.
I went to "Play Store" on my Android phone, and it said "not found."
It's here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.quoord.tapatalkpro.activity&hl=en
