New Forum VERSION.

[Spudnik]

At some point, the forum software MAY be updated to the version used on one our other foums:

Contractor Forum

Im sure Dan is already planning on using it anyways as it is more stable, but let us know what you think.

Ta!

 

[Phil]

seems ok i have had a good look around it, the one thing i would say though it has a 30 second pause in between being able to post . but i realise thats probably there to stop the spammers though.

 

[Sparky Ninja]

I prefer the layout of this forum, however I can appreciate the need to change and so will adapt when necessary.

 

[Guest123]

Prefer this one.

 

[Spudnik]

Prefer this one.

Bit like me and my bricks then

 

[High Tower]

Got to admit i really quite like this one! think never a truer word said than the "if it aint broke" addage, nowt wrong with the new one but i think this one is better on the eye

 

[Sintra]

Also have to admit i prefer this version.

 

[Guest123]

I think the CF is a tad slower than this one TBH.

 

[Dan]

Thanks for all your input guys. Keep the votes coming.

Just a couple of things to add to help assure you with the change though.

I know this place isn't broke, and I too take the view that if there's nothing to fix, then why bother?

But this software version we're using is out of date. It's features and advantages to keep ahead of the game are getting more and more limited now the developers (and thinkers of the add-ons that keep us popular) aren't furthering their own work on old model forums.

Whilst you'll still see loads of forums around running the older software (and even the new has been out 8 months now, never wanted to make the change before now due to testing it out fully)I just don't want to risk loosing the status we have with our few popular forums.

The small differences can be altered back into the newer version quite easily. So menu locations, logo's, general features you currently use, that sort of thing. However much has been added to the newer version to allow members tomuch more easily add dates to the calendar which is much more understandable, create and use social groups (which can cut down on forum categories which makes it easier for newer members, and even unregistered readers [our biggest users of our forum may I add?] to use). I see we have no used social groups here, nobody has ever added a single date to the calendar in 4 years, and I hope that using the FULL capability of the newer software will really help us as a forum grow closer together and become more useful to newer guys.

Now the main reason I want to change, is down to the fact that new members that have limited computer skills just can't use this forum version type well. I don't want to quote actual figures but more than a dozen per week I'm helping via email to even register properly, let alone the PM's on a weekly basis across all forums regarding "I can post a reply, I've worked that out, now how to I post a new thread?" - one latest member had 22 posts that asked me that. Imagine the discussion that member could have caused if he'd have been able to post a new thread much sooner, like, say, the very first time he logged in after registering, it was obvious how to both reply and post a new thread.

We have a large number of new registered accounts, the forum is rigged to attract that, but once they've registered on this version, it's hard to get them to be regular members.

I know you all prefer this version. And the forum how it stands now.

But I'm the guy that has to take the risk on the move. And I assure you for the last 18 months (we knew what the software could do whilst in development - 8 months since we've used and tested it personally though) I've done nothing but hope this can help make our forums work BETTER. And I really beleive now's the time.

I've given much thought into the transfer over. And having a few forums, I knew the really high risk of annoying the regular members.

But just this once, if you could just trust me, this is what I do, I'd really appreciate it.

And if there is a feature you know you don't like about the new software, the earlier you tell me, the sooner it will be rectified before the change, so it's ready for when this forum is transfered over, the day it's transfered. Sort of the reason I wanted you guys to get used to the new software now, so I know what I need to work on first.

The be all and end all of it is this though. I rate we could even double the regular members with our current member count (so, not counting all newer members) but I also think we could double the amount of newer members also. Sticking to that sort of model over 12 months could really bring in some impressive figures across the whole forum.

Work with me and I'll make sure I upset the least amount of people possible. (I can't guarantee everybody though now we're in such high member figures! - Sorry - it's just not possible).

Hope you understand that guys. Please give me the chance to make myself clear by asking any questions if anything isn't too clear though.


And... on a side note. If you can email me on dan [at] untoldmedia.com with anything that we currently have here that isn't on the newer software version rather than replying to this thread with a big list that takes me ages to collate if this thread gets big, that would speed things up. - I guess we'll see who reads long posts right to the end now though. :lol:

 

[Spudnik]

I think that must be the longest post in the forums history

 

[Guest123]

We all have faith in you mate, you have the best interests of the forums at heart, no doubt.

 

[High Tower]

Thanks for all your input guys. Keep the votes coming.

Just a couple of things to add to help assure you with the change though.

I know this place isn't broke, and I too take the view that if there's nothing to fix, then why bother?

But this software version we're using is out of date. It's features and advantages to keep ahead of the game are getting more and more limited now the developers (and thinkers of the add-ons that keep us popular) aren't furthering their own work on old model forums.

Whilst you'll still see loads of forums around running the older software (and even the new has been out 8 months now, never wanted to make the change before now due to testing it out fully)I just don't want to risk loosing the status we have with our few popular forums.

The small differences can be altered back into the newer version quite easily. So menu locations, logo's, general features you currently use, that sort of thing. However much has been added to the newer version to allow members tomuch more easily add dates to the calendar which is much more understandable, create and use social groups (which can cut down on forum categories which makes it easier for newer members, and even unregistered readers [our biggest users of our forum may I add?] to use). I see we have no used social groups here, nobody has ever added a single date to the calendar in 4 years, and I hope that using the FULL capability of the newer software will really help us as a forum grow closer together and become more useful to newer guys.

Now the main reason I want to change, is down to the fact that new members that have limited computer skills just can't use this forum version type well. I don't want to quote actual figures but more than a dozen per week I'm helping via email to even register properly, let alone the PM's on a weekly basis across all forums regarding "I can post a reply, I've worked that out, now how to I post a new thread?" - one latest member had 22 posts that asked me that. Imagine the discussion that member could have caused if he'd have been able to post a new thread much sooner, like, say, the very first time he logged in after registering, it was obvious how to both reply and post a new thread.

We have a large number of new registered accounts, the forum is rigged to attract that, but once they've registered on this version, it's hard to get them to be regular members.

I know you all prefer this version. And the forum how it stands now.

But I'm the guy that has to take the risk on the move. And I assure you for the last 18 months (we knew what the software could do whilst in development - 8 months since we've used and tested it personally though) I've done nothing but hope this can help make our forums work BETTER. And I really beleive now's the time.

I've given much thought into the transfer over. And having a few forums, I knew the really high risk of annoying the regular members.

But just this once, if you could just trust me, this is what I do, I'd really appreciate it.

And if there is a feature you know you don't like about the new software, the earlier you tell me, the sooner it will be rectified before the change, so it's ready for when this forum is transfered over, the day it's transfered. Sort of the reason I wanted you guys to get used to the new software now, so I know what I need to work on first.

The be all and end all of it is this though. I rate we could even double the regular members with our current member count (so, not counting all newer members) but I also think we could double the amount of newer members also. Sticking to that sort of model over 12 months could really bring in some impressive figures across the whole forum.

Work with me and I'll make sure I upset the least amount of people possible. (I can't guarantee everybody though now we're in such high member figures! - Sorry - it's just not possible).

Hope you understand that guys. Please give me the chance to make myself clear by asking any questions if anything isn't too clear though.


And... on a side note. If you can email me on dan [at] untoldmedia.com with anything that we currently have here that isn't on the newer software version rather than replying to this thread with a big list that takes me ages to collate if this thread gets big, that would speed things up. - I guess we'll see who reads long posts right to the end now though. :lol:

Cant be any more open and honnest and fair than that

 

[Dan]

I hate being a conversation / thread killer!

:lol:

Sorry! *blushes*

 

[Des 56]

Forum layout

I just had a look at the contractors forum which is going to replace this existing layout

I have seen this layout on other sites that I dont use, and find them lacking in what I can only describe as a" feel good factor"

I have enjoyed using this forum and hope that it remains largely unaltered,it suits me as is, and I dont look forward to what may be "perhaps" the necessary changes

It seems to be the No1 electricians site in its current layout, and being old school,I tend to lean towards,if it aint broke,dont fix it,

Any thoughts on this opinion ?

 

[a12jpm]

Re: Forum layout

Agree.