Valamir, if i would answer you i would only repeat myself.
I already said that i respect and appreciate the efforts per se, and that only the 'how' is not right in my opinion as AJ simply deserves better for his efforts than doing something like this right over his head even though 'VPForums', the name and the place, are clearly his baby and even though it is not even clear yet whether or not it will be coming back online.
I mean if AJ would give the vpforums domain to you, out of free will, that would be an entirely different story. But from what i can see you are just taking it without even asking. And as a matter of fact you are not only just taking it, you actually intend to replace the original! And that is just not right, it is exactly the same, though on a much bigger scale, as if someone changes the ball image on a table that someone spent several years on to create and then presents the entire thing as his own creation without the consent of the original creator. And that is being considered wrong too around here, not? Even if the one who changed the ball image acted in perfectly good faith, and even if they just intended to do something good for the community. Its a principle thing simply, is it not?
I mean be honest for a minute, how would you feel if somebody did the same to you? Wouldnt you too think "what a bunch of ingrates, gladly used my forum for years and i payed, and now they steal my name and pretend to be my site?". Be honest...
See if you can find a translation for 'leichenfledderei', thats what this is usually being referred to. It is considered very bad conduct, and that is really the only problem i have with this as this is considered to be disrespect de-luxe. And must it really be that way? If you would at least call it 'NewVPForums' or whatever, that would make perfectly clear that it is a new site not related to (or officially meant to replace) the original VPForums. You would loose nothing but gain immense respect, (quite certainly from me although that might not be important), for being respectful towards AJ and his real VPForums, and of course simply for doing things the right way. Otherwise you might shoot yourselves in the foot,...of course im not wishing that on you but it might happen. And what does it gain you then? A lot of work for nothing.
Look, i can perfectly understand your enthusiasm about the project, and that you are acting in perfectly good will is pretty much understood. But you just shouldnt let this enthusiasm blind you so much that you cannot longer distinct between a right way and a wrong way of doing something. Thats really all im trying to say. It is still only my personal opinion though, so if yours is a different one, who am i to argue. Im in no place to tell you what to do or how to do it as it is ultimately simply not my business and you are old enough to make your own decisions. And thats the bottomline, too,...
P.S.: If you want to talk to me about this in private rather than here in public, feel free to contact me via PM. I have nothing at all against you personally so you can be sure i will be talking to you in a civilized manner as long as you do so as well,...