Forum Update

aaarrrggghhh

MSE_Martin wrote: »

The majority of forum users don't register. Of those who do, the majority post infrequently. The people on here are the hardcore regulars - we get that and we know we need to cater.

Its interesting to note that there's been no change to post frequence, traffic is up, and this thread isn't in the top 30 most viewed on the site (my stats only go that far) currently.

So we know that this is an issue, for those people it is an issue for and who come to complain. Yet there are other metrics - such as the bounce rate for new users, time in forum and other things we will look at to get the picture.

Forgive me but if I made a knee jerk decision based on posts about change of the site - it'd still look like the forum of 2003. So I need to give it time and see how it works - all I ask is you guys do too (but if you can't switch it).

Do remember all we've changed is the masthead and width. The next stage is to really work on a much cleaner easier look. That is actually what most of you are asking for. Yet you seem to want it all at once - this is a free site, no one pays to use it, but we do consider our users and want them to enjoy it

We have done back compatibility at every stage so those who don't like it can switch back. T

It is not wrong to go with something new, and its my call on what the default will be. Yet we're not imposing it, we're giving a choice.

I like it. I'm all for change in life, in general, anyway.

It looks cleaner. I've always thought the old forums must have been mind-boggling to navigate for someone who isn't internet savvy, hence why MSE has so many members stuck on 1 - 5 posts, maybe.

This is definitely an improvement in terms of usability. I know I'm not commenting on glitches per se, but I'd just like to say that, now the forum has entered the 21st century in style, the next major improvement would be the tidying up of the sub-forums. These, again, must make it awfully difficult for a newbie user.

Then again, the organisation for someone internet savvy is great. For someone not, they'll come from Google, post their complaint about a company or whatever, then never return. It's never been as bad here as CAG - their forum is awful - and, yes, they're stretchy!

Well done on the new design.

jeanmd

What have you done?

I hate it and wasted over half an hour trying to get the width back as I couldn't see it properly. (us oldies) I tried the 'old look' and it was awful, I eventually found I need 'new masthead, stretchy, less bright.' Before finding this I had pages opening up all over the place, and ended up very stressed and even had a little swear at mse. Not a happy bunny.

gjchester

Have to add on a 22'' widescreen monitor there is way too much waste either side. 30 seconds and it went back to streatched.

I supposed fixed width is fine on older shape monitors but as things go widescreen it a loss of screen estate.

jeanmd

MonkeySaving? wrote: »

Dear Martin, please let us have the Big Stretchy Forum back, PLEASE!

This is how it looks on my screen....

Mine looked like this too!

Edit: I've removed the photo as it stretches the page too much. :undecided

Shovel_Lad

MSE_Martin wrote: »

Hi folks

We are reading all your feedback.

I get the point some like stretchy, and will take on board the fact you want more 'readable width' within the fixed. We are going to have a look at some tweaks over the next month to do that on the fixed version (the stretchy will still be available mean time).

I hope you appreciate the choice we've given. Now we see that a decent chunk of people want stretchy I've tweaked the note at the top of every page so people realise they can get it.

<snip>

Whilst I'm firmly in the Ugh! camp with the blank margins, I think it is only fair to acknowledge the fact that the MSE team is willing to listen to its users and review the changes.

Too many organisations ride roughshod over their users displeasure of changes using "its a free site, like it or lump it" comments (eg the site that begins with F and ends in ook)

So credit where it is due. Thank you for at least agreeing to review your design.

Mikeyorks

I'll post this (say's he reaching across to the far side of the screen) to
try
and
get
us
on
to
the
next
page!

When stretchy ones go back to normal - and fixed ones stay very very cramped!

And - when we get there ........... PLEASE don't quote from Monkeysaving's post - otherwise it'll wrap around the whole of my monitor again!

custardy

Mikeyorks wrote: »

I'll post this (say's he reaching across to the far side of the screen) to
try
and
get
us
on
to
the
next
page!

When stretchy ones go back to normal - and fixed ones stay very very cramped!

indeed
a little thought from those posting pics please

DVardysShadow

Karmacat wrote: »

I'm staying with the fixed width for now, on firefox, and I'm making it fill more of the screen by pressing Control and Plus.

Nice idea, does 'work' , but it is always the same number of words along the line, so no real improvement.

arcon5

jeanmd wrote: »

Mine looked like this too!

I was hoping page 12 would be image free, therefore resorting back it 100% instead of 300% equivelent!!!!:D

hnscott

auto-man wrote: »

I think the logo looks a little cocky, pompous maybe.

A man smirking with arms crossed doesnt do it for me.

Well, typical of self-inflated ego of HIM at top of page. HATE FIXED WIDTH. Has the wide screen prevalence of most computers missed MSE by?