What if we built a separate that had a copy of the database as it stood after the first year of the ToO, and then displayed the forum, in a read-only state, as it appeared on request? So...
If you visited the new website on the date corresponding to the date the ToO was first launched, you would see it as it was at that time, with just a handful of the first posts ever created.
If you visited a few months later, you'd see it as it was at that date during the forum's first year.
You could even refresh threads and see "new posts" appear, as your time in 2018 rolls over the time those posts were made in 2005.
We could even simulate the "who's on right now" based on who posted within the last half-hour (or whatever) that first year.
It'd be like visiting a ghost town, except all the ghosts are visible.
What do you think?
Crazy Idea
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NatetheGreat
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"This day in history" mode 
High wellborn Lady shnoodlec Knight of the Order of Augustine, formally known as Queen of the Monkeys. now enjoying an era of peace between the Monkeys and Vampires. permanent n00b. Q&A thread HERE. come find me on the ToO chat if you dare.
There's no way that's feasible, but it's an interesting concept.
You can take a limited look through time via the Wayback Machine, but only the index is archived for most dates.
It's great to see you around again by the way Nate!
You can take a limited look through time via the Wayback Machine, but only the index is archived for most dates.
It's great to see you around again by the way Nate!
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NatetheGreat
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Thanks, Bookworm! Good to be back. 
I agree, it's probably not going to happen. But it's interesting to think about, nonetheless.
What are the obstacles you see to it ever happening?
I agree, it's probably not going to happen. But it's interesting to think about, nonetheless.
What are the obstacles you see to it ever happening?
Other than the logistic issues of setting up a duplicate database, it would be an sql/php query tangled nightmare figuring out getting it set up to serve real time results from an alternate timeline. At least as far as I can envision with my experience in those subjects (which is certainly not extensive, but is more than introductory.)
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NatetheGreat
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Right. Of course, you could just create a very basic frontend and not worry about using the same forum software the live site uses...
Does the database still go back all the way to the beginning? I know admins have cleaned house at times when the software started getting buggy. Were backups kept?
Does the database still go back all the way to the beginning? I know admins have cleaned house at times when the software started getting buggy. Were backups kept?