Sneak Preview of the new MSE Blog Discussion

wolfman

We always use this site for checking colours and how they look when greyed etc...
http://colorfilter.wickline.org/

Very handy when choosing colour schemes etc...

MSE_Martin

albertross wrote:

If you really want to invite comment before the new site is set in stone, then put up a link to a few dummy webpages, so that we can have a play and assess it properly.

That wasn't my aim at all - my aim was a sneak preview and that's what you've got. There are many more changes to come. Much of what's above is exactly what was expected. Yet many things are done for a reason, often some which those who use the site in one way (ie the forum regulars) might miss due to their usage pattern.

For example, when people come direct to the forums from google, one of the comments I get is about how they're lost, don't understand it, can't use it, don't get it. Hence incorporating the main site menu and logos is crucially important.

I do read your feedback, and look at it, but much of what is said goes against the years I've been running the site and the things I've learnt. You also must remember, you've got a piece of screen grabbed, half drafted image, not a fully working site, with the new logistical navigation, and buttons. It will look and feel a lot different when its done.

Im afraid it is impossible to do a new site via committee, someone will always disagree. When we're ready for testing, then a group of volunteers will be looked for - half newbies, half regulars. Yet we're not there now, as pointed out, this was to keep people in touch - let you know we're working on the new site - and give you a wee image.

If you read the blog you'll see 'shapes, and proportions are to be moved', one is the warning bar - already shrunk in the next phase. So please take a look, but remember this is a draft not a final, and we're still in process.

Martin

Edinburghlass_2

I don't know why you put yourself up for this every time you make a change Martin, its always the same :rotfl:

I think it might have been better had you put a screen shot of the current Main Site along side the new then people can see how much simpler it should be to find the various articles which after all are the important things.

I could do my usual bit here about how the Main Site powers the Forums etc....;)

viktory

Personally, I like it so well done to all at MSE Towers. :j :beer: I think an overhaul is well overdue,I have recommended this site to many people and more than one have found it hard to navigate (although must admit I just thought they were thick ). Hopefully this will ease this problem for newbies.

SimplyAUser

Hideous...

$17mma

Looks busy just as, if not more busy than first glimpse of this site too many colours, does not look uniformed (which was one of the things that put me off it for so long before I finally delved in) but I suppose that is all just personal preference....Think I have heard others say it doesnt look professional.. it almost looks like one of those cheap adds selling terrible products and get rich quick schemes... sorry to knock it but think it could be better.......OK OK I will be honest it is tacky!

Triker

Well it looks like an easier to navigate site. I must admit I had got to your site many times in the past via google and enquiries and I was a bit put off because I thought it was very busy and quite technical. However have obviously seen the light and now am fairly confident how to navigate.A clearer search button will help and also any chance of the 'Feed The Hungry' click through being put in a prominent place on the front as I try to do this every day but sometimes forget. Just a thought. Cheers.

Dora_the_Explorer_5

When we're ready for testing, then a group of volunteers will be looked for - half newbies, half regulars. Yet we're not there now, as pointed out, this was to keep people in touch - let you know we're working on the new site - and give you a wee image.

Hope you get a good cross section of volunteers in terms of age, race, culture etc etc.
I'm standing by to offer alternatives to Silver Savers - some of us are quite blonde

savvy

MSE_Martin wrote:

For example, when people come direct to the forums from google, one of the comments I get is about how they're lost, don't understand it, can't use it, don't get it.

LMAO.....................that's what I'm like when I dare venture on the real site!! :o:o:o:o

Edinburghlass_2

I sometimes think it depends on where you start off reading. Can I ask if you started in the Main Site and then came to the forums? Obviously some users spend most time in the forums but Martin's point is that more people in fact use the Main Site for the information they want and don't ever sign up for the forum as can be seen by the statistics.

This does mean that the Main Site has to be easily navigated and viewed as a separate entity from the Forum