Testing New Forum Design Here

 

Moderator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 7437
Registered: Dec-03
This section shows the new forum design.

Smileys should work again.

Let me know what you think.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Finish22

Post Number: 89
Registered: Mar-10
Was it just for the looks ( much cleaner) or was there other purpose (bandwidth savings) for the change?
Anyway, the white background doesn't make it easier on the eye, nor does the letter size.
But it looks "nicer".
 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4257
Registered: Dec-06
I don't like it Upload

You need better smileys... here is a link with HTML codes and forum codes etc.. to get new smileys ... Admin I would suggest grabbing some off that site and posting them here for all the members to vote on if they like or dislike them .. only use to ones that member like the most.

http://www.freesmileys.org/


http://www.freesmileys.org/
here is your choices.... click on the PINK options and scroll down the lists once the page is loaded pick the ones you think are appropriate for this site.

Upload
 

Silver Member
Username: Tiki89

Post Number: 371
Registered: Oct-06
hate it its better how it was before.
 

Moderator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 7440
Registered: Dec-03
What do you hate about it?
 

Diamond Member
Username: Wingmanalive

Www.stainles... .ecrater.com

Post Number: 22568
Registered: Jun-06
I agree. The new look is colder feeling. Smaller thinner lines make it less appealing to the eyes. Why the move to change forum appearance anyways? There haven't been any complaints other than the smiley issue and the gross mismanagement of the sat section, but we all know what's up with that, huh?

I say keep it as it was. Change for no reason is a reason unknown.
 

Moderator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 7443
Registered: Dec-03
I appreciate the feedback.

I may still tweak the colors to resemble the older design.

The main reason for the design changes are:
1) Faster page loading
2) Cleaner look
3) Standardize fonts across the site
4) Improve back-end code, making future upgrades/changes easier
 

Gold Member
Username: Wolf_hound

Phoenix, AZ

Post Number: 1161
Registered: Sep-05
the forum needs a huge makeover with this new look it makes it look even more antique....
 

Moderator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 7444
Registered: Dec-03
Do you have any suggestions to improve the look of the forum? Or can you point to other forums/sites where you like the look?
 

Moderator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 7445
Registered: Dec-03
I just noticed the alternating light gray color scheme between each post are not working in Internet Explorer. Also, I have been trying to test on every browser and have discovered that older versions may not display all colors and graphics. The latest versions of Firefox, Chrome, Safari or Opera should work fine.

I am still tweaking the design, so please continue to report any complaints or issues?
 

Gold Member
Username: Wolf_hound

Phoenix, AZ

Post Number: 1164
Registered: Sep-05
Looks a little better with the gray color scheme in between before it was just all white.

http://www.stevemeadedesigns.com/board/forum/1-off-topic/?s=abd60e0ac83568ed2a83 b71877e00f17

Check out the layout on that forum almost every forum has that type of layout. But i think other people should voice their opinion on how the want the forum to look.
 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4277
Registered: Dec-06
http://www.grsites.com/textures/

website design tools free codes
 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4278
Registered: Dec-06
you should also make it so we can personalizes it to our own liking by changing the backgrounds etc...


http://www.freewebtemplates.com/graphics/backgrounds
 

Bronze Member
Username: James_millard

Post Number: 98
Registered: Jan-10
After years of being their "Home forum",
people get used to its friendly familiar design
and would show their resistance to major overhauls.

Flashy, trendy & cool forum designs are all over the place.
It would be so easy just copying any one of them, ....but,
it would be such an enormous task trying to please everyone.

What's really important is to preserve Ecoustics own recognizable unique style.
that has been built over the years.
I bet most members here are fond of it and feel comfortable
with it.
So probably slight minimum changes would be the best way to go.

 

Moderator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 7448
Registered: Dec-03
Agreed. My intention is to preserve the "eCoustics" style with this refreshed update.

Are the changes you've seen in this testing section too much of a stray from the old design?
 

Platinum Member
Username: Plymouth

Canada

Post Number: 13574
Registered: Jan-08
Admin

Why not keep the Grey font, this white font is too much bright!

Thanks!
 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4291
Registered: Dec-06
Well to be honest with you... I am using a 22 in. monator and it looks rather bare, a waist of space. I realize you want to make it faster to load and stick to the unique style but maybe with a background filling in the sides might look nice too. Plus not so bright on the eyes.

Upload
 

Moderator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 7450
Registered: Dec-03
A page background could be added later. It would be easy to add down the road. I just want to get everything else working first.
 

Bronze Member
Username: James_millard

Post Number: 99
Registered: Jan-10
BTW.... changes for the better are always welcome
and, of course, high-end electronics sites like this one
require constant updating to offer a vanguardist techie image.

IMO only things I dislike of new design are: its a bit too clean (almost minimalist)
and the new font is a bit too small.
Other than that, it looks streamlined & "ecoustics" enough.

 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4292
Registered: Dec-06
wider lines between posts might look nicer too and make the text darker/bolderUpload
 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4293
Registered: Dec-06
BTW... when editing the post, all the text is on one line. You have to keep scolling to the right to read it all. . Its kind of annoying when you have to check for spelling mistakes.
 

Moderator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 7452
Registered: Dec-03
The post editing problem in IE8 has just been fixed.
 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4298
Registered: Dec-06
I am posting these pix so you can compare between the two what one looks better and i think i like the old one better. It seems warmer friendlier to look at, more up to date.

The new site looks old fashioned and colder not as friendly.
what do you think?

Upload Upload
 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4299
Registered: Dec-06
The "log in" button is not centered...
the user name and password could be bigger and darker.

I also noticed there isn't any search bar
Upload
 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4300
Registered: Dec-06
Upload

I like the look of the old one plus it has more options
 

Moderator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 7458
Registered: Dec-03
The forum search box is at the top of the page.

Agreed, the "Log In" button needs to be aligned.
 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4301
Registered: Dec-06
I see that but its not the same as in the pix

Upload
 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4302
Registered: Dec-06
Upload

I never noticed it there ... maybe moving "todays posts and 3 days" should go back to where the log in is ? I find things hard to find now... the page looks to busy.
 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4303
Registered: Dec-06
I have looked all over this new site and can't find "Main Topics" did I over look it? I liked that feature because it took you right the the page.
 

Moderator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 7459
Registered: Dec-03
The "Message Board" link above the username login box goes to the same page as the "Main Topics".
 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4304
Registered: Dec-06
Upload

this is on the "EDIT" page the buttons are off centered. as well as in this page. Maybe its not a big deal but on the old page its all centered.
 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4308
Registered: Dec-06
I made this just now ... thought with a new look we need a new logo
Upload
I tried to stick with the theme of the site for the back ground (its sound waves but could mean electricity).
What do you think Admin?
 

Platinum Member
Username: Basshead86

Steady as she goes

Post Number: 11092
Registered: Aug-05
Personally, I think the grey you are using is perfect.
But, i think you should use this grey and a darker grey, instead of this grey and white. Too hard on the eyes.

Alternating light grey and regular grey would look much better.


Or EVEN the offwhite/yellow in the post preview window with the light grey
 

Moderator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 7460
Registered: Dec-03
I agree, alternating shades of gray posts might look better. I will plan to test in this section shortly.
 

Moderator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 7478
Registered: Dec-03
Alternating gray post colors should now be working in this thread.
 

Silver Member
Username: Finish22

Post Number: 105
Registered: Mar-10
yes, looks much better
 

Platinum Member
Username: Basshead86

Steady as she goes

Post Number: 11094
Registered: Aug-05
WAYYYYYY BETTER
 

Diamond Member
Username: Wingmanalive

Www.stainles... .ecrater.com

Post Number: 22595
Registered: Jun-06
This sh1t rocks.


Now how about easing up/redefining the language filter?

After all we are in the 21st century.
 

Moderator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 7479
Registered: Dec-03
Provide me the words to remove from the language filter, and I will take care of it.
 

Gold Member
Username: Wolf_hound

Phoenix, AZ

Post Number: 1167
Registered: Sep-05
I say remove all the words from the language filter lol.


Are we gonna get better avatars anytime soon? other than the small one we get when we click our profile.... how bout one were we can put right under our name. thanks.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Lklives

Post Number: 16279
Registered: Jan-06
I'm using Firefox and IE8, and all I see is a very boring white background and a light gray wording text with a thin small font, thats not eye appealing...not much character and more like an old college term paper comes to mind....or the very old days when internet forums first come out...

a lil color would be nice here and there too, along with options to change backgrounds style, skins...

another thing is how ya bold, change color and size, and italics etc currently is a pain and antiquated...why not hilight by a drag, instead of 2 format commands required at beginning and end of every simple thing ya want to do..

hmmmm, now I see a nice light yellow/cream background once I select "preview/post"...now that should be there all the time..
 

Moderator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 7480
Registered: Dec-03
Responding to the last two posts.

Avatar images could be made larger. The current max size is 50x50. I could make it 100x100? I am hesitant to add avatars next to posts because adding up them is certain to slow down page load times. However, I might try to make them appear on mouseover of each member profile link.

Fonts and colors will always be a personal issue. I will investigate a way make them user selectable and customizable.

The bold, italics, etc. posting options should be the easiest to fix. I believe you'd like to be able to highlight a block of text then make it bold, etc?

Also, glad you like the new preview posting background.
 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4310
Registered: Dec-06
OK I have a 22 " monitor, most of the screen is wasted when I put it at 100% or even 125% its not so bad on 150% but why put it at that? it kind of defeats the purpose of having a 22" monitor then.
 

Gold Member
Username: Wolf_hound

Phoenix, AZ

Post Number: 1170
Registered: Sep-05
Regarding the avatars can we try it for one day and see how people like it and how page loads are. If no one likes it you can just take it off .
 

Platinum Member
Username: Basshead86

Steady as she goes

Post Number: 11099
Registered: Aug-05
Remove the language filter completely. Having words filtered doesn't slow down anyone from using them with other symbols and it also doesn't stem the user on user violence at any rate. Allow adults to converse like adults. If the words are used in a hateful manner and not just colloquial talk, then delete the posts. That is my $.02
 

Platinum Member
Username: Basshead86

Steady as she goes

Post Number: 11100
Registered: Aug-05
Also, i like the idea of seeing our avatar as you mouse over our name. That is a terrific idea to save page load times, but gives each of us a little more individuality with our profiles.


Furthermore, i agree with LK on the formatting issues. They need a revamp BAD. Having to use HTML code to bold and italicize, and even quote people is antique.

Thanks!
 

Platinum Member
Username: Basshead86

Steady as she goes

Post Number: 11101
Registered: Aug-05
ALSO!!!!!!!!


This is quite possibly my biggest pet peeve.
When you make a post, and it brings you back to the thread, it loads you at the TOP of the page!!! WHY?

When i post, and it loads the thread again, take me to the bottom of the page where my post is. Every other forum in existence has this as a basic feature. PLEASE FIX THIS!


Could you edit the page load code to load the page at the last post or the second or third to last post so it is at least at or near the bottom?
 

Platinum Member
Username: Lklives

Post Number: 16293
Registered: Jan-06
I say ya got much more serious problems than how the page looks...ya got a trigger happy admin who DELETES American and Canadian threads but leaves all the haji's threads...thats called DISCRIMINATION!!!!
 

Moderator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 7486
Registered: Dec-03
Working to get the last message posted to reload at the bottom of the page.
 

Gold Member
Username: Mrskullz1

New York

Post Number: 1522
Registered: Feb-07
I like the new design.

Also, I'm not sure if this happens only for Google Chrome, but in some threads the ad covers up part of the text.

Heres a ss:

Upload
 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4337
Registered: Dec-06
it does that with IE 8 as well but only when you're in EDIT
 

Moderator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 7489
Registered: Dec-03
That page should be fixed now. Are there any others?
 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4341
Registered: Dec-06
well when in Edit.... I can't replace any uploads . today I uploaded a pic. but after posting it I ealized it was the wrong one and I wanted to load the right one but couldn't fine the " upload Image" in Edit
 

Moderator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 7490
Registered: Dec-03
I am aware of that issue. You can only upload images with your initial post.

Posting editing does not allow additional uploads. However, you can remove the uploaded images by deleting the placeholder image tags.

To upload additional images you'll need to create a new message. If the incorrect post needs removal, please notify us for deletion.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Basshead86

Steady as she goes

Post Number: 11107
Registered: Aug-05
testing the post load.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Basshead86

Steady as she goes

Post Number: 11108
Registered: Aug-05
i got nothing....

loaded me right back up to the top of the page
 

Silver Member
Username: Finish22

Post Number: 108
Registered: Mar-10
dude, give him a break.....
Upload
 

Moderator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 7494
Registered: Dec-03
Haven't got the page to return to the bottom after posting to work yet. Still investigating...

One quick note, you can click the right-most down arrow in any post to jump to the last post.
 

Gold Member
Username: Mrskullz1

New York

Post Number: 1528
Registered: Feb-07
O wow. I never knew those buttons did anything lol. Thought it was just a design.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Lklives

Post Number: 16294
Registered: Jan-06
IMO..the text is now smaller, lighter, thinner and worse than before this "upgrade"...I really see no improvements in anything...
 

Platinum Member
Username: Jan_b_vigne

Dallas, TX

Post Number: 14763
Registered: May-04
.

I certainly do not care for this change. My intial reaction was you are clearing space from the actual content of the forums to make way for more adds to come which will eventually crowd out even more of this forum content.

The text size and font are very unappealing, too small and too light. As I get older this will be a strong disinsentive to vists ecoustics on a regular basis. I've adjusted my computer and screen to accommodate the new format but it is simply not going to work for my near six decades old eyes.


Please take into consideration not all of us are interested in squinting just to be a part of this forum. I can feel the headache starting already.


Overall score: -5 You could have done worse but I don't know how at this point.



.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Jan_b_vigne

Dallas, TX

Post Number: 14766
Registered: May-04
.




The "edit" function doesn't seem to be working in the Home Audio section.








.
 

Gold Member
Username: Big_edge_head

Milwaukee, WI

Post Number: 4312
Registered: Mar-07
forum looks really bad... change it back to how it was.
 

Moderator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 7497
Registered: Dec-03
I hope you'll give the new look a chance. I realize the font size is slightly smaller, but the goal was to standardize font sizes across the entire site.

I know all browsers and monitors do not display fonts exactly the same, which is why I am going to work on a user customized solution for anyone to be able to increase font sizes or change background colors.
 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4346
Registered: Dec-06
i dont think the link or youtube button is working when in "EDIT". It could be just on my end I got an ERROR ON PAGE message on IE 8 last time I tried it
 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4347
Registered: Dec-06
BTW can you please make the whole thing wider

I can't show the whole screen but on my end it looks like a waste of space. ( 22" monitor)Upload
 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4348
Registered: Dec-06
check it out doesn't look goodUpload
 

Gold Member
Username: Mrskullz1

New York

Post Number: 1532
Registered: Feb-07
^^ yep....something went terribly wrong there lol
 

Gold Member
Username: Mrskullz1

New York

Post Number: 1533
Registered: Feb-07
and personally, I like this new look. Although Admin, can you integrate the white/grey theme to the rest of the forum as well? I think the rest of the threads have only white post backgrounds while this thread has the white/grey theme. This looks good.
 

Diamond Member
Username: Wingmanalive

Www.stainles... .ecrater.com

Post Number: 22614
Registered: Jun-06
I'm using Google Chrome and I still get ad banners overlapping and hiding the close box. Not to mention covering thread text from time to time.
 

Moderator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 7498
Registered: Dec-03
Very strange alignment issue on the forum homepage. Can you tell me if it's fixed now?
 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4350
Registered: Dec-06
Upload
much better
 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4351
Registered: Dec-06
the HOME PAGE looks ok to me
 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4352
Registered: Dec-06
OH BTW LK and others .... you can change the "TEXT" size using the "PAGE" option

Upload
 

Silver Member
Username: Finish22

Post Number: 109
Registered: Mar-10
Upload
 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4359
Registered: Dec-06
Upload
 

New member
Username: Greaser

Post Number: 2
Registered: Apr-10
Doreen You and the Admin should get a room
 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4362
Registered: Dec-06
LOL... its the only place I can post now without him deleting all my posts. ( and I think he's starting to like me ) Upload

Upload
Just JOKING!!!!


BTW why use the fake Nalin Nyda name?
 

Moderator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 7499
Registered: Dec-03
Doreen, the text should not misalign like that. Did you increase your browser text size or zoom level?
 

Platinum Member
Username: Lklives

Post Number: 16296
Registered: Jan-06
The whole new concept and alleged "upgrade" is an abortion with all kinds of problems everywhere...back to the future style....

BTW...I have no toolbar with "page"...and ya shouldn't have to customize yer computer just fer this site...take a look around at other sites and they don't have any of these issues and had enough sense to make the text eye appealing, along with some colors...and not spam and banners covering forums, and crap only works in "edit" except if its a Tuesday before noon, it may work, and ya "may" see the forums....what a joke this upgrade is..I been doing admin stuff at many sites for lots of years and never seen anything this bad...looks like a 1988 upgrade...
 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4372
Registered: Dec-06
Admin yes I did and I moved it back to normal now it looks ok Thanks.

But now I can't read it very well with out my reading glasses on.

BTW admin.... the link button doesn't work in edit , hasn't all day
 

Platinum Member
Username: Plymouth

Canada

Post Number: 13654
Registered: Jan-08
Doreen

You make waste time of Admin with your idioties, reset your broser to default and stop your non sense reply!
 

Gold Member
Username: Doreenakadj

Canada

Post Number: 4375
Registered: Dec-06
Plymouth what part of my last post didn't you understand?

Admin yes I did and I moved it back to normal now it looks OKThanks}.


will you please stop harassing me every where I go.
Admin check out the computer forum and the off topic forum . Plymouth wont leave me a lone.and now he starts in this thread to. Please do something about his behavior
 

Gold Member
Username: Van_man

Boston South, MA

Post Number: 5257
Registered: Mar-06
I dont mind the format. I wouldnt mind the font a little bolder, kinda skinny right now, like Nicole Richie.....

And anyway to get a thread starter thing so I dont waste time reading threads started by Snow?
 

Platinum Member
Username: Basshead86

Steady as she goes

Post Number: 11112
Registered: Aug-05
If you don't mind, can you change the white background outside the posts to something less....BRIGHT. Like maybe light grey or dark grey?


Yes, that would be veddy nice.
 

Gold Member
Username: Big_edge_head

Milwaukee, WI

Post Number: 4314
Registered: Mar-07
x2^^
 

Bronze Member
Username: Lacaliboy

Post Number: 73
Registered: Sep-09
Im gonna have to agree with the blinding with background on the sides. It needs to change!
 

Platinum Member
Username: Basshead86

Steady as she goes

Post Number: 11151
Registered: Aug-05
please admin, do this now.
 

Silver Member
Username: Jcash

Post Number: 203
Registered: Dec-05
Looks like the admin ignored your request.
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