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Forum Updates + New Look

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 12:09 am
by NOLABigSteve
Posters of GOTULA,

For a couple of months now, the software that runs our forum has been out of date and running on an older version. With regards to security and bug fixes, I could not wait anymore, and I had to pull the trigger and perform the updates. With that being said, the updated forum was NOT compatible with the old styling. That is why we now have a new look. I am still tweaking settings, and I welcome any feedback you may have. It may take some getting used to, but I am confident you will do so. The one thing I'd like to know is if you like the dark or light theme. This is obviously the dark theme. The light theme can be found at http://dev.gotula.net. Take a look and let me know.

DO NOT POST ON THE DEV SITE!!! KEEP DISCUSSION HERE.

And if you visit this site on your phones, tablets, etc., you will notice that the forum IS optimized for mobile devices.

Thanks,
Stephen

New forum look

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 5:52 am
by msdos
Steve, I couldn't reply to your main message so I made this topic.

New look is decent, not 100% in love with it, but between the 2, I prefer the dark.

And even though you said it isn't optimized for mobile, it looks so much better than the old site on my phone.

Re: New forum look

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 6:33 am
by NOLABigSteve
msdos wrote:Steve, I couldn't reply to your main message so I made this topic.

New look is decent, not 100% in love with it, but between the 2, I prefer the dark.

And even though you said it isn't optimized for mobile, it looks so much better than the old site on my phone.
That was a typo. I meant to say it IS mobile optimized. As far as the style, I agree it will take some getting used to. There currently aren't many themes to pick from/purchase that are compatible with the updated software.

Re: Forum Updates + New Look

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 6:50 am
by winwave
I prefer the light. Overall I'm not a fan of the new format.

Re: Forum Updates + New Look

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 6:51 am
by Bigschtick
I prefer the light. I agree with Winwave, not a big fan of this format.

Re: Forum Updates + New Look

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 6:54 am
by NOLABigSteve
winwave wrote:I prefer the light. Overall I'm not a fan of the new format.
Thanks for the input. Like I said, I think it will take some getting used to. But I also plan to keep looking every few days for other options. Please make sure and vote as well.

Re: Forum Updates + New Look

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 7:15 am
by tpstulane
At first it was confusing but after using it I like it much better. It is great on mobile devices. The colors look like our football uni's. I think people will at first be confused but will figure it out and get used to it after awhile. I'm on a few forums that use this look now so it's not as big of an adjustment for me.

Re: Forum Updates + New Look

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 7:20 am
by RobertM320
There needs to be more contrast between the text and the background. If you go dark format, text needs to be white, or a lighter gray. If you go light format, text needs to be black. Make it as easy to read as possible, especially for older eyes.

Re: Forum Updates + New Look

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 7:25 am
by IM42lane
Like anything else in life, this will take some adjustment, but it looks very workable.

Re: Forum Updates + New Look

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 7:28 am
by tpstulane
My local time is 7:28am but my post shows 6:28am. Where can I find a clock adjustment to sync it to CST. :mrgreen:
Never mind I found it in the User Control Panel and synced it.

Re: Forum Updates + New Look

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 7:38 am
by tpstulane
After looking at both themes the dark is a lot easier on the eyes. Thanks. I really think once people get used to it they will like it better. It has a modern feel to it.

Re: Forum Updates + New Look

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 7:47 am
by tpstulane
Would it be possible to let the user select the theme under the User Control Panel? That way those that prefer dark could use that theme and those that prefer light could go with that theme.

Re: Forum Updates + New Look

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 9:09 am
by MicMan
Dark's too dark, light's too light. Here is a compromise that is readable:
http://sportsjournalists.com/forum/

Re: Forum Updates + New Look

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 9:13 am
by cajunfanatico
MicMan wrote:Dark's too dark, light's too light. Here is a compromise that is readable:
http://sportsjournalists.com/forum/
Thumbs up on that compromise. I have never been a fan of the dark background format. Having said that, still appreciate the site!

Re: Forum Updates + New Look

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 9:31 am
by golfnut69
Steve.... Good morning.... If the "light" background was not sooooo bright I would vote for that one..that said, U do what is best for you and the fine forum you founded !!!!

Thanks for your hard work, and putting up with all of those other jack rabbits, myself included !!!!

Re: Forum Updates + New Look

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 9:36 am
by NOLABigSteve
golfnut69 wrote:If the "light" background was not sooooo bright I would vote for that one..
I agree. That's why I favored and voted for the dark. Bare with me while I try to find a good compromise of font/background color, etc.

Re: Forum Updates + New Look

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 9:43 am
by Bigschtick
On second look, white is too bright whereas dark is too dark.

Re: Forum Updates + New Look

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 9:51 am
by NOLABigSteve
tpstulane wrote:Would it be possible to let the user select the theme under the User Control Panel? That way those that prefer dark could use that theme and those that prefer light could go with that theme.
No, unfortunately. I could set it up where the user could pick their own theme, but not variations of the same theme. Unless I can figure out a way to basically make a copy of the dark theme, and configure it as a light theme. I'll look into it, but not sure how feasible that is.

Re: Forum Updates + New Look

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 10:13 am
by NOLABigSteve
RobertM320 wrote:There needs to be more contrast between the text and the background. If you go dark format, text needs to be white, or a lighter gray. If you go light format, text needs to be black. Make it as easy to read as possible, especially for older eyes.
The text has now been lightened some.

Re: Forum Updates + New Look

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 10:43 am
by jonathanjoseph
I wasn't able to vote, but would vote for the lighter background.

Also, almost every UI update in the history of UI updates has been "hated" by a majority of the community at first, then accepted or even loved after the fact. If you find yourself not liking it, give it a few days.

Re: Forum Updates + New Look

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 10:54 am
by NOLABigSteve
jonathanjoseph wrote:I wasn't able to vote, but would vote for the lighter background.

Is anyone else having problems voting? The majority is most likely going to win on this one.

Re: Forum Updates + New Look

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 10:55 am
by NOLABigSteve
jonathanjoseph wrote:Also, almost every UI update in the history of UI updates has been "hated" by a majority of the community at first, then accepted or even loved after the fact. If you find yourself not liking it, give it a few days.
Good point. Thanks for bringing that up jj. Y'all use the forum for a couple of days, see if you get used to it. There are always going to be changes we don't like or aren't used to. Thanks to everyone for the input so far.

Re: Forum Updates + New Look

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 10:57 am
by tpstulane
NOLABigSteve wrote:
jonathanjoseph wrote:I wasn't able to vote, but would vote for the lighter background.

Is anyone else having problems voting? The majority is most likely going to win on this one.
No problem for me.

Re: Forum Updates + New Look

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 11:18 am
by jonathanjoseph
I was able to vote now, not sure why it wasn't an option before.

Re: Forum Updates + New Look

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 1:10 pm
by GreenLantern
The new skin is very dark, but it will work fine. I took a peek at the lighter palette and agree with others that it is too bright. I will abstain and go with the majority.

FWIW, the dark palette is very clear and readable on an IPad.