Seibertron Redesign In Progress -- Help Shape the Future of Your Planet

Your Planet. Your Voice. Help Shape the Next Evolution of Seibertron.com!
Seibertron.com turns 25 this year — a milestone few fan communities ever reach. With the Silver Age of Seibertron upon us, this isn’t just a celebration — it’s a full-scale evolution, and you’re invited to help shape what comes next.
Seibertron.com has been a destination for everything Transformers for fans around the world — and with the new redesign underway, it’s time to double down on that promise. The new tagline says it all:
“Your planet for everything Transformers.”
Now we’re building the tools, features, and experience to actually deliver on it.
This isn't just a fresh coat of digital paint — it’s a complete overhaul. And we want you to help guide the future.
Think of this like a brainstorm with Vector Sigma:
• What should life on your planet look like?
• What interactive features do YOU want to see?
• What would make Seibertron your daily digital home again?
Here are just a few areas we’re opening up for ideas:
🧰 Seibertron Store Features
Pre-orders? Wishlist systems? A “Cargo Container” to hold items and ship them when you're ready (like BBTS’ Pile of Loot)? Loyalty points? Personal storage bays? If you’ve seen it elsewhere and wish it were here — tell us.
💬 Forums, Rebooted
Let’s bring the Energon Pub into the modern era. Nested replies? Upvotes? Visual threads? Better mobile layouts without losing any of the 20+ years of data? You tell us what would keep you talking.
📱 Social Meets Cybertron
What features from Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Reddit, or YouTube would make this place more dynamic and fun? Notifications? Reactions? Personal profiles? We’re open to hybrid ideas — if it works, it’s on the table.
🎠 YouTube Reboot
We’re bringing back the Seibertron YouTube hub — a curated space to showcase the best Transformers-related videos, creators, toy reviews, retrospectives, lore deep-dives, and fan-made content. No algorithms. Just a clean, quality-controlled feed of videos that matter to Transformers fans.
🚀 Feature Resurrections + Upgrades
Remember Character of the Month? Picture of the Month? Screen Capture Galleries? What about expanding the comics hub or finally giving Captain Contest the energon it deserves? What should return? What should evolve?
🔥 This is your planet.
So speak up. Drop your ideas below. Message me directly. Start a thread. Shout it from Metroplex’s rooftop. No idea is too small or too ambitious. The more interactive, rewarding, and fun this site becomes, the more it belongs to the fans who power it.
Let’s build the next era of Seibertron.com together.
Your planet. Your rules. Your future.
Let’s roll.
---
Seibertron.com Transformation Progress Report
Here’s what’s already been accomplished on the road to this epic transformation:
## INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVER SYSTEMS
• Resolved Apache conflicts and Plesk default domain issues
• Reviewed and cleaned up deprecated virtual host configurations
• Corrected SSL and permissions in server domain settings
• Verified OpenDKIM configuration with Postfix
• Received and tested new dedicated IP for email
• Microsoft email error still needs to be resolved despite perfect rating being achieved with email repuation.
• Defined logging paths for CLI/cron security and scan scripts
• Standardized folder structure for non-public areas of site
• Implemented version control tracking using SITE_VERSION which allows different versions of site to run simultaneously
• Resolved domain-level DNS issues affecting mail routing and external verification services
• Updated nameserver and DNS record configurations to support improved email deliverability and subdomain control
• Strengthened DNS security and administrative controls to prevent unauthorized changes and third-party interference
• Cleaned up and consolidated .htaccess rules to eliminate legacy redirects, duplicate rewrites, and conflicting conditions
• Improved site performance and SEO by removing outdated rewrite chains and streamlining canonical URL handling
• Ensured compatibility with updated Plesk/Apache environment and future PHP version upgrades
• Filed trademark application for SEIBERTRON™ with the USPTO.
• Updated sitewide logo from “Seibertron.com” to “SEIBERTRON™” to reflect trademark status and strengthen brand identity
• Applied trademark symbol in visual branding to help protect against misuse by infringing entities and unauthorized third-party sellers
• Investigated and resolved firewall-related issues affecting server performance, cloud-based access rules, and external service communication
• Adjusted configurations both at the operating system level and within cloud management settings (Plesk, hosting provider) to prevent blocked services and improve stability
• Began auditing firewall rules across layers (OS, hosting panel, cloud provider) to better understand overlaps and eliminate conflicts
## DATABASE & SYSTEMS BACKEND
• Audited, improved and modernized database connection logic
• Created fallback structure for legacy database compatibility
• Centralized database credentials
• Re-wrote and re-structured entire database backup process
• Enhanced automated tasks stability and isolated failing Seibertron Store (ebay) import scripts
• Implemented dynamic structured data framework
• Implemented new `SITE_ID` system for cross-site content sharing (laying the foundation down for the Seibertron Network I first discussed back in 2010 that includes sites like Eternians.com and GIcobra.com)
• Converted hardcoded structured data into dynamic JSON-LD blocks for better SEO and schema compliance
• Enabled dynamic population of JSON structured data (e.g., author, images) based on page type
• Implemented future-ready support for search engines, rich results, and social media previews
## MARKETPLACE INTEGRATION & FULFILLMENT
• Successfully pulled live eBay listings using Trading API
• Implemented item image extraction from eBay listing HTML
• Stored full taxonomy data from eBay's Category and Store APIs
• Implemented an automated cron task to retrieve and archive eBay buyer feedback for ongoing performance analysis.
• Began work on Amazon SP-API app with working token and redirect flow
• Planned transition to eBay Sell Feed and Inventory APIs for inventory sync
• Long story short: Seibertron.com is now officially "talking" with ebay and Amazon using official APIs for both platforms
• Currently working on building out the admin section to manage Seibertron Store inventory
• Still need to get ebay and amazon to talk to each other in order to maintain inventory levels so that it doesn't need to be manually updated.
• Updated affiliate code
• Overhauled eBay order import system to support batch processing and file-specific tracking
• Built internal order pull list view with filters and pagination for faster warehouse processing
• Linked imported orders to item-level metadata (e.g., folder, image, SKU) for accuracy and fulfillment speed
• Improved shipping workflow by relocating “Fragile / Do Not Bend” stickers for faster, more consistent usage
• Streamlined packing and labeling processes, boosting fulfillment rate from ~20 to 25 packages per hour
• Made small but impactful layout and process changes that increased overall warehouse efficiency
• Reorganized eBay categories to better feature clearance items and promotional deals
• Researched, analyzed, and updated sales scheduling to optimize visibility and sustained momentum during promotions
## CODE & PLATFORM DEVELOPMENT
• Started PSR-12-compliant PHP cleanup following modern coding standards
• Standardized use of constants in shared core files
• Planned Bootstrap redesign using `SITE_VERSION` toggle logic
• Refactored admin dashboard layout and breadcrumbs. Work continues on this.
• Restructured entire error handling process including everyone's favorite Kremzeek error pages (notice how little we see him now)
• Improved integration between phpBB and Seibertron's global shell by stabilizing session handling across shared headers and footers
• Fixed phpBB redirect loop by updating legacy redirect code
• Investigated and resolved phpBB user session issues that were preventing proper login/logout behavior in the admin control panel
• Created new BBCode tag for expandable spoiler-style content
• Created G1-style "step" buttons complete with arrowheads (way more complicated than it should have been)
• Converted G1-style "step" buttons into Bootstrap tab functionality
• Updated Google AdSense code. I know many of you are unhappy with how the auto-ads are currently working. I'm not happy either. I think this will improve once the new modern site rolls out. I don't think the auto-ads play nice with Seibertron.com's outdated layout.
## CONTENT, DESIGN & PRESENTATION
• Updated Seibertron tagline options and legal display guidelines. New tagline: "Your planet for everything Transformers"
• Standardized use of Gunship logo font in lowercase for visual clarity
• Refined Seibertron Store newsletter with updated promo messaging
• Restructured category descriptions for all news categories
• Standardized condition formats and SKU structure for Seibertron Store comic listings
• Introduced Windows EXE tool to auto-folderize comic covers into hyphenated titles, but was not satisfied with the result
• Began work on "Project SC 2.0", which was stalled after a couple of weeks due to other pressing matters
• Updated pages for Translate, About Us, Contact Us and Privacy Policy
• Refined global CSS for cleaner layout spacing, button alignment, and responsive tweaks
• Updated browser tab icons (favicon and touch icons) for all major platforms
• Revised footer verbiage for accuracy, copyright clarity, and brand consistency
• Removed deprecated visual elements and legacy styling no longer in use
• Standardized heading and font sizing across pages to prepare for Bootstrap transition
• Updated admin and public-facing meta titles and descriptions to reflect current branding
• Worked on modernizing header to begin transition to Bootstrap layout
• Updated and modernized RSS feeds for Seibertron.com’s news and podcast distribution
• Resolved persistent 503 error that was blocking our news feed from syncing with Facebook
• Fixed podcast configuration issues that were preventing Seibertron’s podcast from appearing on Spotify
I've done more than this. As things come to mind, I will continue to update this list. More upgrades are coming soon. Really going to play with the "your planet" aspect of everything with the redesign to provide more interactivity and control for the SEIBERTRON community.
Thank you for continuing to support Seibertron.com!
Seibertron.com turns 25 this year — a milestone few fan communities ever reach. With the Silver Age of Seibertron upon us, this isn’t just a celebration — it’s a full-scale evolution, and you’re invited to help shape what comes next.
Seibertron.com has been a destination for everything Transformers for fans around the world — and with the new redesign underway, it’s time to double down on that promise. The new tagline says it all:
“Your planet for everything Transformers.”
Now we’re building the tools, features, and experience to actually deliver on it.
This isn't just a fresh coat of digital paint — it’s a complete overhaul. And we want you to help guide the future.
Think of this like a brainstorm with Vector Sigma:
• What should life on your planet look like?
• What interactive features do YOU want to see?
• What would make Seibertron your daily digital home again?
Here are just a few areas we’re opening up for ideas:
🧰 Seibertron Store Features
Pre-orders? Wishlist systems? A “Cargo Container” to hold items and ship them when you're ready (like BBTS’ Pile of Loot)? Loyalty points? Personal storage bays? If you’ve seen it elsewhere and wish it were here — tell us.
💬 Forums, Rebooted
Let’s bring the Energon Pub into the modern era. Nested replies? Upvotes? Visual threads? Better mobile layouts without losing any of the 20+ years of data? You tell us what would keep you talking.
📱 Social Meets Cybertron
What features from Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Reddit, or YouTube would make this place more dynamic and fun? Notifications? Reactions? Personal profiles? We’re open to hybrid ideas — if it works, it’s on the table.
🎠 YouTube Reboot
We’re bringing back the Seibertron YouTube hub — a curated space to showcase the best Transformers-related videos, creators, toy reviews, retrospectives, lore deep-dives, and fan-made content. No algorithms. Just a clean, quality-controlled feed of videos that matter to Transformers fans.
🚀 Feature Resurrections + Upgrades
Remember Character of the Month? Picture of the Month? Screen Capture Galleries? What about expanding the comics hub or finally giving Captain Contest the energon it deserves? What should return? What should evolve?
🔥 This is your planet.
So speak up. Drop your ideas below. Message me directly. Start a thread. Shout it from Metroplex’s rooftop. No idea is too small or too ambitious. The more interactive, rewarding, and fun this site becomes, the more it belongs to the fans who power it.
Let’s build the next era of Seibertron.com together.
Your planet. Your rules. Your future.
Let’s roll.
---
Seibertron.com Transformation Progress Report
Here’s what’s already been accomplished on the road to this epic transformation:
## INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVER SYSTEMS
• Resolved Apache conflicts and Plesk default domain issues
• Reviewed and cleaned up deprecated virtual host configurations
• Corrected SSL and permissions in server domain settings
• Verified OpenDKIM configuration with Postfix
• Received and tested new dedicated IP for email
• Microsoft email error still needs to be resolved despite perfect rating being achieved with email repuation.
• Defined logging paths for CLI/cron security and scan scripts
• Standardized folder structure for non-public areas of site
• Implemented version control tracking using SITE_VERSION which allows different versions of site to run simultaneously
• Resolved domain-level DNS issues affecting mail routing and external verification services
• Updated nameserver and DNS record configurations to support improved email deliverability and subdomain control
• Strengthened DNS security and administrative controls to prevent unauthorized changes and third-party interference
• Cleaned up and consolidated .htaccess rules to eliminate legacy redirects, duplicate rewrites, and conflicting conditions
• Improved site performance and SEO by removing outdated rewrite chains and streamlining canonical URL handling
• Ensured compatibility with updated Plesk/Apache environment and future PHP version upgrades
• Filed trademark application for SEIBERTRON™ with the USPTO.
• Updated sitewide logo from “Seibertron.com” to “SEIBERTRON™” to reflect trademark status and strengthen brand identity
• Applied trademark symbol in visual branding to help protect against misuse by infringing entities and unauthorized third-party sellers
• Investigated and resolved firewall-related issues affecting server performance, cloud-based access rules, and external service communication
• Adjusted configurations both at the operating system level and within cloud management settings (Plesk, hosting provider) to prevent blocked services and improve stability
• Began auditing firewall rules across layers (OS, hosting panel, cloud provider) to better understand overlaps and eliminate conflicts
## DATABASE & SYSTEMS BACKEND
• Audited, improved and modernized database connection logic
• Created fallback structure for legacy database compatibility
• Centralized database credentials
• Re-wrote and re-structured entire database backup process
• Enhanced automated tasks stability and isolated failing Seibertron Store (ebay) import scripts
• Implemented dynamic structured data framework
• Implemented new `SITE_ID` system for cross-site content sharing (laying the foundation down for the Seibertron Network I first discussed back in 2010 that includes sites like Eternians.com and GIcobra.com)
• Converted hardcoded structured data into dynamic JSON-LD blocks for better SEO and schema compliance
• Enabled dynamic population of JSON structured data (e.g., author, images) based on page type
• Implemented future-ready support for search engines, rich results, and social media previews
## MARKETPLACE INTEGRATION & FULFILLMENT
• Successfully pulled live eBay listings using Trading API
• Implemented item image extraction from eBay listing HTML
• Stored full taxonomy data from eBay's Category and Store APIs
• Implemented an automated cron task to retrieve and archive eBay buyer feedback for ongoing performance analysis.
• Began work on Amazon SP-API app with working token and redirect flow
• Planned transition to eBay Sell Feed and Inventory APIs for inventory sync
• Long story short: Seibertron.com is now officially "talking" with ebay and Amazon using official APIs for both platforms
• Currently working on building out the admin section to manage Seibertron Store inventory
• Still need to get ebay and amazon to talk to each other in order to maintain inventory levels so that it doesn't need to be manually updated.
• Updated affiliate code
• Overhauled eBay order import system to support batch processing and file-specific tracking
• Built internal order pull list view with filters and pagination for faster warehouse processing
• Linked imported orders to item-level metadata (e.g., folder, image, SKU) for accuracy and fulfillment speed
• Improved shipping workflow by relocating “Fragile / Do Not Bend” stickers for faster, more consistent usage
• Streamlined packing and labeling processes, boosting fulfillment rate from ~20 to 25 packages per hour
• Made small but impactful layout and process changes that increased overall warehouse efficiency
• Reorganized eBay categories to better feature clearance items and promotional deals
• Researched, analyzed, and updated sales scheduling to optimize visibility and sustained momentum during promotions
## CODE & PLATFORM DEVELOPMENT
• Started PSR-12-compliant PHP cleanup following modern coding standards
• Standardized use of constants in shared core files
• Planned Bootstrap redesign using `SITE_VERSION` toggle logic
• Refactored admin dashboard layout and breadcrumbs. Work continues on this.
• Restructured entire error handling process including everyone's favorite Kremzeek error pages (notice how little we see him now)
• Improved integration between phpBB and Seibertron's global shell by stabilizing session handling across shared headers and footers
• Fixed phpBB redirect loop by updating legacy redirect code
• Investigated and resolved phpBB user session issues that were preventing proper login/logout behavior in the admin control panel
• Created new BBCode tag for expandable spoiler-style content
• Created G1-style "step" buttons complete with arrowheads (way more complicated than it should have been)
• Converted G1-style "step" buttons into Bootstrap tab functionality
• Updated Google AdSense code. I know many of you are unhappy with how the auto-ads are currently working. I'm not happy either. I think this will improve once the new modern site rolls out. I don't think the auto-ads play nice with Seibertron.com's outdated layout.
## CONTENT, DESIGN & PRESENTATION
• Updated Seibertron tagline options and legal display guidelines. New tagline: "Your planet for everything Transformers"
• Standardized use of Gunship logo font in lowercase for visual clarity
• Refined Seibertron Store newsletter with updated promo messaging
• Restructured category descriptions for all news categories
• Standardized condition formats and SKU structure for Seibertron Store comic listings
• Introduced Windows EXE tool to auto-folderize comic covers into hyphenated titles, but was not satisfied with the result
• Began work on "Project SC 2.0", which was stalled after a couple of weeks due to other pressing matters
• Updated pages for Translate, About Us, Contact Us and Privacy Policy
• Refined global CSS for cleaner layout spacing, button alignment, and responsive tweaks
• Updated browser tab icons (favicon and touch icons) for all major platforms
• Revised footer verbiage for accuracy, copyright clarity, and brand consistency
• Removed deprecated visual elements and legacy styling no longer in use
• Standardized heading and font sizing across pages to prepare for Bootstrap transition
• Updated admin and public-facing meta titles and descriptions to reflect current branding
• Worked on modernizing header to begin transition to Bootstrap layout
• Updated and modernized RSS feeds for Seibertron.com’s news and podcast distribution
• Resolved persistent 503 error that was blocking our news feed from syncing with Facebook
• Fixed podcast configuration issues that were preventing Seibertron’s podcast from appearing on Spotify
I've done more than this. As things come to mind, I will continue to update this list. More upgrades are coming soon. Really going to play with the "your planet" aspect of everything with the redesign to provide more interactivity and control for the SEIBERTRON community.
Thank you for continuing to support Seibertron.com!