SaintsWeb Offline from approx 7pm - now back online!

[Gorgiesaint]

There are a few things I'll try tonight if I get time - the main page content is compressed with gzip, so on subsequent page loads it should be quite quick, but the various JavaScript files (one of which is quite large - uses the Yahoo UI library) aren't compressed, so that'll probably be the first port of call.

 

Have to agree with saintjay77, it takes an absolute age to catch up with typing so anything you can do to help with that with be much appreciated.

[saintjay77]

still turd...im sure most of you will be happy, I wont be renewing my £5 in a hurry when my subscription runs out in august

 

looks awful

slow

cant go back to the forum you were viewing from the bottom of the page

looks awful

banner is poor

looks awful

 

as said before, how anyone could go from the previous look/layout to this is funny

 

Im pretty sure the techy probs will get sorted in time and some of the new features actually seem like they will be better once the probs are ironed out.

 

Think most agree on the new layout not looking as good as the old layout though. Maybe it will change and maybe it wont. Will have to wait and see I suppose.

[saintjay77]

Have to agree with saintjay77, it takes an absolute age to catch up with typing so anything you can do to help with that with be much appreciated.

 

Dont know if this helps or not but the type doesnt show up while your typing. when you stop typing the text takes about 1 second per letter before it shows up.

[$$$]

The standard BlackBerry browser is proper turd.

 

I'm using Opera Mini 5 very successfully on my phone and I've seen good reports for Bolt browser as well. Both are free and can be installed via the standard browser...

[InvictaSaint]

Apologies if posted elsewhere (am in a hurry tonight!), but has the Tapatalk issue been solved yet? I tried today on my iphone and it still doesn't work. Any advice gratefully received!

[Dark Munster]

Is there any way of finding posts prior to the change? When doing a "find all posts" by a user it only shows the handful made after the change.

[ChudSaint]

Apologies if posted elsewhere (am in a hurry tonight!), but has the Tapatalk issue been solved yet? I tried today on my iphone and it still doesn't work. Any advice gratefully received!

 

Same thing, wasn't sure about Tapatalk at first but now realise how much better it is for a quick view...

[stevegrant]

Is there any way of finding posts prior to the change? When doing a "find all posts" by a user it only shows the handful made after the change.

That should be fixed tomorrow, the database search index needs to be rebuilt but it'll take all night to do.

[Dark Munster]

That should be fixed tomorrow, the database search index needs to be rebuilt but it'll take all night to do.

Ta. Sleep well.

[saintkiptanui]

I don't like, it's rubbish, probably Baj's fault.

[brmbrm]

Too much white. Looks crap. Gives me a migraine.

 

Apart from that its not so good, really

[brmbrm]

Too much white. Looks crap. Gives me a migraine.

 

Apart from that its not so good, really

 

oh, and i don't like it imho

[wild-saint]

Works fine on the 9700, I've got one.

on my 9700 on the main forum there are some words on top of each other when there are multiple pages on a thread title.

[dune]

I don't like, it's rubbish, probably Baj's fault.

 

99.9999% is steve's fault. This place reminds me of junior apprentice. ;-)

[dune]

On a serious note get rid of all the user sh1t that goes horizontally between posts and put it vertically down the left hand side and it'll be a big improvement.

[mcjwills]

The standard BlackBerry browser is proper turd.

 

I'm using Opera Mini 5 very successfully on my phone and I've seen good reports for Bolt browser as well. Both are free and can be installed via the standard browser...

 

Just loaded bolt on the blackberry and am well impressed may not even bother with tapatalk any more this is really speedy compared to blackberrys standard browser

[once_bitterne]

Any chance of another display style for those who access at 'work'? The default one is a tad loud!

[for_heaven's_Saint]

I'm not sure if this has already been mentioned but the 'remember me' function isn't working for me and I'm having to login every time I return to the site. Also, when I login the 'subscribe now' thing is there in place of the saints forum and I have to click on the 'forum' tab at the top before I can access the main board. Any ideas?

[sandwichsaint]

Any chance of another display style for those who access at 'work'? The default one is a tad loud!

 

Great minds! Trying to get my head around it all and (still) reeling from the oceans of white space! Didn't the 'old' site have some sort of preference ('office?') that toned things down somewhat? No way am I going to be easily able to disguise this at work... sorry, but not growing on me at all yet!!

[Danbert]

Weird things happen when I log in, and, like for_heavens_Saint, it forgets me.

[Dark Munster]

Too much white. Looks crap. Gives me a migraine.

 

Apart from that its not so good, really

Currently it reminds me of P*****'s (and other) amateur forums.

 

But be patient, they are working on improving it, so if they can make it just like it used to be, it will be perfect.

[JustMike]

yep, still not grown on me. Way to bright and the banner is too big and..well..wrong. Have had no problems with functionality

[saint lard]

I have given it a couple of days to grow on me...it has'nt at all.

 

Sorry but really don't like it one iota.

 

It just seems like a generic message board whereas the old one appeared more unique,easier to use and not so damn garish and in 'in yer face'

 

Banner i can just about live with as it is not the overiding factor for me,although that is pretty attrocious too,but otherwise this is horrid.

I appreciate the effort that goes in to this site but i fear a mistake has been made via these changes.

[trousers]

Steve - out of sheer idle curiosity, did you plan to change the basic colour scheme as part of the software upgrade as a conscious decision to make it look 'new' or is this just how it comes 'out of the box' when one upgrades the vbulletin software?

 

At the end of the day it's "only a forum" so the colour scheme is largely irrelevant but I do sense a consensus that something closer to the previous less garish style would be well received.

 

Not a whinge, just an observation.

 

Cheers

Edited 16 June, 2010 by trousers

[dubai_phil]

OK getting used to the technical functionality side of the forum now and can see that it is an improvement on what we had before and is a good job.

 

The only issue I now see is in the colour choices and text sizes.

 

The Red on white is simply muddly, especially when vieiwing the thread titles, either the title fonts need to be a tad larger or the background less darned white.

 

So technically yes, can see why and well done, but from a colour and layout perspective visually meh yuk.

 

Remionds me of the first Ford Sierras when they were launched. Lots of clever new technical features, just not right in the looks stakes

[stevegrant]

Steve - out of sheer idle curiosity, did you plan to change the basic colour scheme as part of the software upgrade as a conscious decision to make it look 'new' or is this just how it comes 'out of the box' when one upgrades the vbulletin software?

 

At the end of the day it's "only a forum" so the colour scheme is largely irrelevant but I do sense a consensus that something closer to the previous less garish style would be well received.

 

Not a whinge, just an observation.

 

Cheers

Well I knew that the old style wouldn't be compatible with the new version of the software right from the off so a change in the look and feel was inevitable. The layout is pretty much as per the default style that the software comes with, which I have customised in terms of the colour scheme.

 

I am genuinely baffled by the suggestion that it's less "work-safe" than the previous design - generally the more white/light colours, the better, in that sense, and the old layout didn't have many of those at all!

 

Ultimately, experience has told me that people will always resist change when it first happens but will gradually come around to appreciate the reasons for the change over time. There might be some subtle changes just to tweak things (I can see the potential benefit of moving all of the user information to the left rather than above each post, for example), but I did ask at least 15 people to have a look at the site over the last couple of weeks when it was in a test environment and the overriding feeling was that the look and feel was an improvement and made it look more modern.

[trousers]

Well I knew that the old style wouldn't be compatible with the new version of the software right from the off so a change in the look and feel was inevitable. The layout is pretty much as per the default style that the software comes with, which I have customised in terms of the colour scheme.

 

I am genuinely baffled by the suggestion that it's less "work-safe" than the previous design - generally the more white/light colours, the better, in that sense, and the old layout didn't have many of those at all!

 

Ultimately, experience has told me that people will always resist change when it first happens but will gradually come around to appreciate the reasons for the change over time. There might be some subtle changes just to tweak things (I can see the potential benefit of moving all of the user information to the left rather than above each post, for example), but I did ask at least 15 people to have a look at the site over the last couple of weeks when it was in a test environment and the overriding feeling was that the look and feel was an improvement and made it look more modern.

 

Cheers for the reply Steve. I agree with you that there will always be people that "resist change" and I don't usually fall into that camp.

 

The only thing I would change personally is the 'harsh' white background. On my monitor the 'blanket' whiteness has a tendancy to exentuate any flicker in my monitor (yes, perhaps I should get a new one!) and, even as I'm typing this I'm having to blink more rapidly and look away as the blast of whiteness is discomforting on the eye.

 

As I say, 100% not a "change resisting" moan from me. Just an obersvation that, from my persepctive, the glare from the expanse of white is a little discomforting.

 

How about trying, for say one day, swapping the main text window and quote window background colours around (i.e. use the grey for the quotes as the main background) and see how it looks. I'm assuming this should be quite easy to flip round just so people can see if it looks and feels any better.

 

I like the changes in general, I just think there's a valid point people are making with regards the 'harsh on the eye' white background.

 

Cheers

[saintjay77]

Not sure if anything about the type was done last night or not but today it seems to be better. Not perfect but the text is trying to keep up with fingers.

 

Still going on the 1st impressions but I think the last site did look more modern than this one. Looking more closley the features look a little more modern but the overall look and feel of the site does look dated and a little more ameture than before. Maybe its just the use of Solid colours everywhere rather than the more toned faded look? The bar going accross above this text box for instance saying Quick Reply. The colour seems to be faded from Dark to light and makes it look smooth. Where as the +Reply to Thread box above the Quick Reply seems to be basic Red and its the same with all the buttons and bars going across the screen.

 

Seems to me that its only small alterations that might make it all look allot better overall?

[Ken Tone]

I've now finally managed to log in on my blackberry ..just repeated attempts finally succeeded.. but it now refuses to get any further than the index list of posts. When I try to view any actual thread it says 'file too large to download'. This is a real downer Steve. The forum used to fill boring train journeys to and from London. So the fancy new look is actually a reduction in functional service.

 

K.

 

Well if this appears then I've finally managed to access the new forum via my blackberry. If anyone else is having problems switching off java in the blackberry browser settings seem to make the difference. Will also look at the alternative browsers others suggest. Thanks k.

 

K.

[saintjay77]

Also just noticed that when you Reply with Quote the cursor is right at the beginning of the quote where as it used to be automattically at the end with a couple of line spaces.

 

Is this a change to get used to or will that be changed back to the old way? Out of habbit I guess I and others look to type below the quote but not fussed either way.

[once_bitterne]

Well I knew that the old style wouldn't be compatible with the new version of the software right from the off so a change in the look and feel was inevitable. The layout is pretty much as per the default style that the software comes with, which I have customised in terms of the colour scheme.

 

I am genuinely baffled by the suggestion that it's less "work-safe" than the previous design - generally the more white/light colours, the better, in that sense, and the old layout didn't have many of those at all!

 

Ultimately, experience has told me that people will always resist change when it first happens but will gradually come around to appreciate the reasons for the change over time. There might be some subtle changes just to tweak things (I can see the potential benefit of moving all of the user information to the left rather than above each post, for example), but I did ask at least 15 people to have a look at the site over the last couple of weeks when it was in a test environment and the overriding feeling was that the look and feel was an improvement and made it look more modern.

 

Steve, Personally I wasn't saying the new default colour scheme is less "work safe" than the current default one. However, on the 'old' forum there was an option to change the display format to one that was light/ble grey and removed all avatars, this was very work safe indeed but there is no option to change the display type at all on the new forum.

[stevegrant]

Steve, Personally I wasn't saying the new default colour scheme is less "work safe" than the current default one. However, on the 'old' forum there was an option to change the display format to one that was light/ble grey and removed all avatars, this was very work safe indeed but there is no option to change the display type at all on the new forum.

You can remove avatars (and images that are displayed within posts) in your user settings: http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/profile.php?do=editoptions

 

As I said earlier, we might tweak the colours a little bit.

[nickfinks]

Ummmm I don;t like it at all, to bright and in your face for us that sneek a peek at work, perhaps an alternative setting coiuld be offered in greys or something.

 

It also seems a bit on the slow side compared with before.

 

I have to say I preffered the old one in every way but I guess I'll have to live with it.

[once_bitterne]

You can remove avatars (and images that are displayed within posts) in your user settings: http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/profile.php?do=editoptions

 

As I said earlier, we might tweak the colours a little bit.

 

As the poster said above, I've no problems with the colours of the forum but providing a monocromatic type of display option for worksafe mode would probably be used by a great many posters!

[saintjay77]

Not sure if anything about the type was done last night or not but today it seems to be better. Not perfect but the text is trying to keep up with fingers.

 

 

I spoke to soon. It seems the text still takes an age to appear after typeing. More so in the poopy take over thread than this one but still takes a while on this one. Dont see how the 2 can be different but that info may help????

[RonManager]

Any chance we could have a standalone link button to 'New Posts' after the latest post on a thread? When I've been away and am trying to catch up, using the 'new post' facility is a great way to be selective and my preferred method of navigation. Perhaps it could replace the 'Top' button?

 

Agree that the background would be less taxing on the old peepers if greyed or toned down in some way. Also there does seem to be a delay when migrating to another thread/page, almost as if it's building up enough pressure to open a virtual release valve or somehting - it's about 3-4 seconds with me.

 

Also I'm not a fan of the typeface or default point size so will be taking advantage of the advanced options available. This is Garamond, an old favourite of mine, point size 4 - classic and stylish, just like me.

 

Any road up, thanks for the effort - appreciated.

Edited 16 June, 2010 by RonManager

[wightman35]

I have to agree with the sentiments of Saint Lard; post173 and TDD earlier. Preferred the look of the site before Sunday's reforms (Sorry to those who have obviously worked hard to upgrade/modernise or whatever) and don't think the site now has the same ambience! Above all, had to enter my password and had it rejected. I was sure I knew the right one, but being a dinosaur, I expect that it was my fault not the system. Any rate after 24 hrs of trying to enter a new one, I can now relax and browse my favourite website (albeit with a need for sunglasses I think). Oh, now Ill have to change my gobbledigook password for one I might remember. Now to the OS to see the latest signings!

[Scudamore]

Any chance we could have a standalone link button to 'New Posts' after the latest post on a thread? When I've been away and am trying to catch up, using the 'new post' facility is a great way to be selective and my preferred method of navigation. Perhaps it could replace the 'Top' button?

 

Agree that the background would be less taxing on the old peepers if greyed or toned down in some way. Also there does seem to be a delay when migrating to another thread/page, almost as if it's building up enough pressure to open a virtual release valve or somehting - it's about 3-4 seconds with me.

 

Also I'm not a fan of the typeface or default point size so will be taking advantage of the advanced options available. This is Garamond, an old favourite of mine, point size 4 - classic and stylish, just like me.

 

Any road up, thanks for the effort - appreciated.

 

Point size 4? O RLY? It's massive.

 

Oo-er missus.

[sandwichsaint]

Any chance we could have a standalone link button to 'New Posts' after the latest post on a thread? When I've been away and am trying to catch up, using the 'new post' facility is a great way to be selective and my preferred method of navigation. Perhaps it could replace the 'Top' button?

 

Agree that the background would be less taxing on the old peepers if greyed or toned down in some way. Also there does seem to be a delay when migrating to another thread/page, almost as if it's building up enough pressure to open a virtual release valve or somehting - it's about 3-4 seconds with me.

 

Also I'm not a fan of the typeface or default point size so will be taking advantage of the advanced options available. This is Garamond, an old favourite of mine, point size 4 - classic and stylish, just like me.

 

Any road up, thanks for the effort - appreciated.

 

Thicko alert! Where are the 'advanced options' (?), sorry, looked all over but they appear to be well hidden on mine (told you I was thick).

[trousers]

Any chance we could have a standalone link button to 'New Posts' after the latest post on a thread? When I've been away and am trying to catch up, using the 'new post' facility is a great way to be selective and my preferred method of navigation. Perhaps it could replace the 'Top' button?

 

Agree that the background would be less taxing on the old peepers if greyed or toned down in some way. Also there does seem to be a delay when migrating to another thread/page, almost as if it's building up enough pressure to open a virtual release valve or somehting - it's about 3-4 seconds with me.

 

Also I'm not a fan of the typeface or default point size so will be taking advantage of the advanced options available. This is Garamond, an old favourite of mine, point size 4 - classic and stylish, just like me.

 

Any road up, thanks for the effort - appreciated.

 

Was there a default font setting or do you have to change the font for each reply? ta

[RonManager]

Was there a default font setting or do you have to change the font for each reply? ta

 

 

Not sure, maybe, so far I've changed it each time.

[trousers]

Not sure, maybe, so far I've changed it each time.

 

Cheers. Have had a butcher's for a default setting but, alas, to no avail

[RonManager]

Cheers. Have had a butcher's for a default setting but, alas, to no avail

 

Noah Vale - who tf is Noah Vale?

[trousers]

Noah Vale - who tf is Noah Vale?

 

http://www.facebook.com/noah.vale

[Saint_Donovan]

TapaTalk still isnt working, can an administrator please advise me if it will ever work or am i wasting my time it?

[mcjwills]

TapaTalk still isnt working, can an administrator please advise me if it will ever work or am i wasting my time it?

 

Try downloading Bolt to your phone, if it can be used as a browser, on my blackberry where the blackberry browser was slow and carp, bolt has speeded it up and made it easy to use.

[Ponty]

Any chance we could have a standalone link button to 'New Posts' after the latest post on a thread? When I've been away and am trying to catch up, using the 'new post' facility is a great way to be selective and my preferred method of navigation. Perhaps it could replace the 'Top' button?

 

Agree that the background would be less taxing on the old peepers if greyed or toned down in some way. Also there does seem to be a delay when migrating to another thread/page, almost as if it's building up enough pressure to open a virtual release valve or somehting - it's about 3-4 seconds with me.

 

Also I'm not a fan of the typeface or default point size so will be taking advantage of the advanced options available. This is Garamond, an old favourite of mine, point size 4 - classic and stylish, just like me.

 

Any road up, thanks for the effort - appreciated.

I don't know if this helps you, RM, but clicking "What's New?" on the banner (under Keegan on my screen) brings up a list solely of threads with posts you haven't read, defaulted to newest at the top. It's what I do to save me clicking in and out of the main page to see where I need to go and read posts for moderation purposes.

[NickG]

it is painfully slow to react to typing in fact as I am typing this the screen is only showing up to the word slow!

[Ponty]

it is painfully slow to react to typing in fact as I am typing this the screen is only showing up to the word slow!

 

Try 'one-finger' typing.

[NickG]

if the site can't keep with me -its slow!