topic Re: New Forum Layout in Community Site Feedback

New Forum Layout

Oldjim — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:03:15 GMT

After much discussion with compromise from both sides we have agreed on two basic layouts where the only difference is the location of the Chit Chat Section.
As you will see we have abolished sub forums and tried to keep things as tidy as possible.
This is a combined picture of the two basic options and I hope it is reasonably clear.
I have set a 28 day time limit on the vote but if the result becomes obvious earlier we may cut it short and get on with the changes.
In response to a couple of questions.
Archive Forums are at the bottom - unfortunately they were left off the mockup - picture of Archive Area added
There is no restriction on posting alternative suggestions or changes - the "None of the above" option covers that for a vote

Re: New Forum Layout

jelv — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:25:49 GMT

No archived forums?

Re: New Forum Layout

Midnight_Caller — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:34:04 GMT

As jelv sed where are the archive forums?

Re: New Forum Layout

Be3G — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:34:13 GMT

Jim: can you clarify, is this thread supposed to be inviting comments about all aspects of the redesign or is it a poll specifically for deciding what to do about Chit-Chat?

Re: New Forum Layout

Oldjim — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:46:47 GMT

Initial post modified to respond to the above questions
and I hate all the pink bars dividing the sections - but nobody agreed with me

Re: New Forum Layout

Midnight_Caller — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:59:16 GMT

@Oldjim, I hate pink nevamind all the pink bars dividing the sections.

Re: New Forum Layout

Mand — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:03:49 GMT

It is the brand colour though guys so somewhat unavoidable I'm afraid.

Re: New Forum Layout

Midnight_Caller — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:09:21 GMT

@Mand, I would pay good money to loos the new brand colour.

Re: New Forum Layout

MauriceC — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:48:34 GMT

It's only one of the accepted brand colours though Mand? The darker grey would be a more preferable colour?
M

Re: New Forum Layout

Mand — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:49:51 GMT

We can try darker grey if that's what the consensus is (it takes someone with more skills than I though, so I can't give you a mock up like that right now).

Re: New Forum Layout

Lurker — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:21:31 GMT

I don't understand the question really - I mean, why would anybody even consider putting the most popular board at the bottom of a list?

Re: New Forum Layout

Oldjim — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:23:22 GMT

Perhaps in your previous role as a mod you can help on that as guess where it is at the moment

Re: New Forum Layout

Mand — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:32:16 GMT

Quote from: James_G
I don't understand the question really - I mean, why would anybody even consider putting the most popular board at the bottom of a list?

That's the main reason we looked at changing it, but it's over to you lot to decide.

Re: New Forum Layout

Oldjim — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:34:07 GMT

However given the tone of Chit Chat as is being complained about here the more out of sight the better

Re: New Forum Layout

Lurker — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:37:29 GMT

I can guess.
PN don't want it at the top, as they believe it detracts from the useful and serious nature of the boards.
Whereas the Mods perhaps think that since it is so popular, it might as well be at the top - especially since its about as inclusive as you can get, and as "Community minded" as any board can really be.
TBH, I don't really have an opinion, since I tend to reply to topics rather than post them, and of course the OT ones are easiest to post to, since they are pretty irreverent and chatty at the best of times. (As intended obviously ;))
Trying to see if from the POV of somebody who isn't as familiar with the layout, and characters involved here, I think the GCC is the most likely place that peeps are going to find welcoming help, rather than what can seem like overbearing moderation if they happen to post in the wrong board.
I appreciate as an ex mod that moderation is more about consistency and fairness (and helpfulness), but we can also all see how having your first post to a board moderated in a way that seems negative can be offputting. (Nobody likes the feeling that when they have asked for help, they have been *corrected* on something or *pulled up* on their nettiquette)
If folks were more likely to post something serious in the GCC board, at least then the moderation exercise is about *promoting* the importance of their issue, rather than being a *corrective* seeming action.
The other inhabitants of the GCC board are more likely to offer helpful tips on forum use and netiquette, and can also outstretch a welcoming and OT response, which is harder in the other boards.
/rambling now I accept - its been a long few days...
To finish off - anything is better than nothing - a wrong choice is better than no choice.
I'd be happy to support the mods in whatever layout they go for.
If its only the placement of one board that is proving troublesome, just do one or the other, whichever *feels* right - if its wrong, we'll all support you in making the change to correct it - that one thing would only take a few seconds to reposition.
/Here endeth my Two Shillings (for now obviously...)

Re: New Forum Layout

Lurker — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:38:51 GMT

Quote from: Mand
Quote from: James_G
I don't understand the question really - I mean, why would anybody even consider putting the most popular board at the bottom of a list?

That's the main reason we looked at changing it, but it's over to you lot to decide.

Quote from: Oldjim
However given the tone of Chit Chat as is being complained about here the more out of sight the better

Looks like I guessed wrongly if I understand these two comments correctly.
Either way, I stand by my last statement, just make one of the options the one that is put in place.
Its easy to change if it turns out to be unpopular.

Re: New Forum Layout

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:14:50 GMT

Through force of habit, ChitChat at the bottom please.
Have had several looks because it does need a bit of consideration.
Pink section dividers I can live with although grey might have been a bit more tasteful. However, for the visually impaired probably pink is a good choice as it is nice and bright.
In my desire to see fewer sections overall I can see why the section on community feedback + support library contributions has been included, particularly as we are in it at the moment.
Just wonder if it will be as important when all this has died down. Was thinking that if this section is not well used, it could be integrated into Feedback at the top?
Otherwise, well done everyone - it looks as if it will be much easier to navigate and I for one will be glad of it.

Oh, and p-l-e-a-s-e can we have some more smilies?

Re: New Forum Layout

Oldjim — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:21:19 GMT

I seem to remember the question of more smilies coming up in the past and we asked why we couldn't steal the Usergroup ones - I think there was a question of copyright

Re: New Forum Layout

VileReynard — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:05:19 GMT

Whose idea was it to put Mac & Linux forums together?
I don't use Mac's software and they don't provide Linux software (except in a macerated form).
I prefer the present layout.
It will be at least 3 weeks before any changes are made.

Re: New Forum Layout

Midnight_Caller — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:04:40 GMT

Quote from: Mand
We can try darker grey if that's what the consensus is

Yes please, or can we have that nise blue color what is used for the quote box?
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