I only do put Drupal, and phpBB3 in offline/maintenance mode before I update it. I also disable all my modules and plugins for Drupal. I just don't want to screw up Drupal since it took me a long time to install on 1and1 and I would hate to reinstall it.
But, for Joomla and Wordpress. I just update it without puting my websites in Offline mode because I'm lazy or I forgot.
I really should backup my Database and files, disable all my plugins, use the default theme, and put my website in offline mode before I upgrade just in case something goes wrong.
It is recommended that you take the forum offline before making upgrades or repairs because it does prevent everyone from seeing a page full of errors, also it makes sure users are logged out before performing any backups.
when I back up GF I will quickly put the forum offline line for a minute so it can get all the current data without causing errors. But the only reason to put a forum offline is if:
1. your forum was hacked and it has things on it members should not see
2. the clean up or upgrading your doing might cause errors that might scare away members
3. backing up your forum so no one comes on and makes a post while the back up is happening.
4. your putting up a new skin (this is for forums that only have one skin option.)
Nope.. I don't have to turn my forum offline to change the skin.. I have a LOT of test boards, and even then, I can hide the skin I am working on from the members, so that I set my profile to use that skin via ACP so that I can continue working on it.
