Forum Upgrade

[Avian]

No doubt by now, you've noticed that we've upgraded the forum to the latest and greatest software!

We're fixing the color scheme - so don't worry about that. Our old version was so old, it couldn't translate the old color scheme.

This has tons of new features, some of which you can explore - others will become available later. It looks like it runs slower than the old version on this web server - but I think it wil run faster on the new one.

If you have any problems post them here - I'd be happy to help! ALso post your new feature discoveries here too - I'm learning about this software, too!

Avian

[RogorMortis]

Much easier to read - stick to this color scheme - Please

[roger]

wow! cool. thanks for all the work, guys! :cool:

[Rick and Roll]

Me too. I'm learning. Good so far, but must wait til I get home...

[Avian]

I could keep this color scheme, or use one like it - what does everyone think of light vs. dark? I could probably find something in between.

[Yesspaz]

I could keep this color scheme, or use one like it - what does everyone think of light vs. dark? I could probably find something in between.
Ewww, as soon as I opened the new forums I thought, "Oh no they didn't!":doncab My first thought was "too bright." Make it dark again. I also had a lot of trouble finding my number 1 feature: "View New Posts." The number one thing I did not want to change for the new station was the forums! If you promise this will be better, ok, but already I don't like it. It's WAAAY to busy. The Private Message thing is a headache.

But, as long as we can get the color scheme back to something dark and therefore easy on the eyes, I'm cool.

[Avian]

Ewww, as soon as I opened the new forums I thought, "Oh no they didn't!":doncab My first thought was "too bright." Make it dark again. I also had a lot of trouble finding my number 1 feature: "View New Posts." The number one thing I did not want to change for the new station was the forums! If you promise this will be better, ok, but already I don't like it. It's WAAAY to busy. The Private Message thing is a headache.

But, as long as we can get the color scheme back to something dark and therefore easy on the eyes, I'm cool.

Well, again, we can move anything around wherever we want as far as where links and buttons appear, as well as colors. The "template" is completely configurable. The colors are temporary while we remake a new color scheme - the other one didn't transfer over. But we couldn't stay with 2+ year old version of this software, and not take advantage of this new version, since the integration of the forums and the website requires a newer version than we were running . We can make it look exactly like the old forum, if we want to. But I'll probably try some different things, so if you have any wants, let me know so I can incorporate them into the new forum layout.

[Rick and Roll]

My first reaction was visceral. But I like the new forum. As for the color...I'll adjust to the masses.

Questions:

It appears I have to log in each time I reply to an email (then a post). Is that just me (today I am remotely accessing email)?

Does the "vbulletin" logo need to be so prominent? If so, I understand.

What's wrong with the pm?

[Avian]

THe color will not stay - it is just temporary. The logo will go away - all teh stylings are just temprary vetiges from the upgrade. You'll see it looking better soon.

Are you having problems with teh private messages?

Rick: Do you have "remember me" set in the login box, or do you have cookies disabled? you might have to recheck that.

[Rick and Roll]

gotcha.........

[Avian]

One interesting feature of the new forums is that you can pick your OWN preferred colors and styles from a list. I'm making a few to choose from, including dark, light and even wild ones. They'll appear in a pull-down in the lower left.

[Avian]

Apparantly, the search function was broken after the upgrade. It should be fixed now. Let me know of any problems you encounter.

[lotus]

I like the new brightness of the forums. I agree with Rogor, much better to read. I would keep the colors as they are now

[RogorMortis]

But if there is a personal choice -Fine, Great - I can stay light and Spaz can remain in the Dark Ages:dogpile:

[roger]

I like the colors, but choices are good. the only thing I don't like is the vertical space taken up by the avatars. I liked the old avatar to the left, and the post next to it rather than under. lots more scrolling this way...

[Avian]

I like the colors, but choices are good. the only thing I don't like is the vertical space taken up by the avatars. I liked the old avatar to the left, and the post next to it rather than under. lots more scrolling this way...

We can rearrange that.

[Rick and Roll]

I feel like I'm in a da Vinci portrait...

[Steady Stan]

I prefer light to dark personally, & something that evokes the moon. This has the feel of the game "Jewel Quest".

[Avian]

I did a quick mod to this theme meant for a dungeons and dragon type board, but I was thinking that with a little work, redoing icons, some elements and the like, we could modify this into an Olias of Sunhillow meets Aural Moon kind of template. Again, it's something quick and dirty for you guys to get an idea of what this software can do. Just a little demo. Remember, you can always choose what template you want to use - so if you don't like one, or feel like a mood switch just use that menu down below. But I think we'll offer several that eople like.

BTW, I wanted to verify that you guys were seeing that Quick Style Chooser drop down menu at the bottom there. Let me know if you're not seeing it.

[Steady Stan]

I don't see it, but mebbe I'm not looking in the right place...

[Roger -Dot- Lee]

Are you having problems with teh private messages?


Yah, he tried to send me a couple of messages, but my already overflowing mailbox said 'no mas, por favor'.

I'm too much of a pack rat to get rid of any old messages (reference purposes, you see).

Roger -Dot- Lee, taking pack rat to new and exciting depths.

[Roger -Dot- Lee]

Oh, and incidentally, I'm liking this Olias skin. It woiks, mate!

[Yesspaz]

But we couldn't stay with 2+ year old version of this software, and not take advantage of this new version..., We can make it look exactly like the old forum,I totally understand techno upgrading, but I vote to keep the old look. In fact, I still use "classic skin" on WinAmp. Just my style.

But if we can personalize the look, excellent. I agree with the Avatar to the left/vertical space observation.

PS, where's the skin/look option?

[Roger -Dot- Lee]

I totally understand techno upgrading, but I vote to keep the old look. In fact, I still use "classic skin" on WinAmp. Just my style.


You're such a conservative boy, Spaz...;)


But if we can personalize the look, excellent. I agree with the Avatar to the left/vertical space observation.


Oh yeah. There's even a spot on the option box that has the old look (not perfect, mind, but the color scheme is still there)


PS, where's the skin/look option?

I found it on the personal configuration page on the bottom. And if you look at the bottom of the page you're reading, it should be there too.

[Avian]

I think it would be fun if we had several themes - an Olias theme with Olias artwork - it would be a dark theme. Maybe a Genesis theme, a King Crimson theme, etc. And you could pick your favorite. Post your ideas here!

[Roger -Dot- Lee]

I think it would be fun if we had several themes - an Olias theme with Olias artwork - it would be a dark theme. Maybe a Genesis theme, a King Crimson theme, etc. And you could pick your favorite. Post your ideas here!

There has GOT to be an Astronomical theme. Stars, nebulae, maybe a black hole or something.

Relativity, black hole grids, that sort of thing.

Roger -Dot- Lee, astrogeek and damn proud of it!

[teermin8r]

I like the lighter colors better. My 2 cents.

[roger]

I found it on the personal configuration page on the bottom. And if you look at the bottom of the page you're reading, it should be there too.

no can see. but I'm happy with the current look, so not a biggie. though we gotta get rid of that VBulletin logo!! :imp:

[Avian]

no can see. but I'm happy with the current look, so not a biggie. though we gotta get rid of that VBulletin logo!! :imp:

It's just temporary, folks!

You 'll also be able to choose between several light or dark. This board will be a bucket of friend chicken.

If you'd like to search the web for templates or styles, look for vBulletin 3.5 ones, and post links to them here!

[Wojtek]

One interesting feature of the new forums is that you can pick your OWN preferred colors and styles from a list. I'm making a few to choose from, including dark, light and even wild ones. They'll appear in a pull-down in the lower left.

I think that's great idea and solution of the problem light theme vs dark theme.

Band skins are also cool idea.

I prefer skins that remind of the moon, so darker ones. If it is to be one default my vote is for darker skin.

I agree with Yesspaz. Avatars and info on the left looks better.

[roger]

It's just temporary, folks!

You 'll also be able to choose between several light or dark. This board will be a bucket of friend chicken.

If you'd like to search the web for templates or styles, look for vBulletin 3.5 ones, and post links to them here!

thanks, Avian!

here's some themes, might be something, but I need to head to work..

http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=161

[Rick and Roll]

This board will be a bucket of friend chicken.

That might get a bit greasy. I already have a cat hair issue on my keyboard. maybe something that just tastes like chicken?

[Avian]

Everyone should now see the QUick Style Chooser drop down menu in the lower left of the screen. Enjoy!

[Avian]

thanks, Avian!

here's some themes, might be something, but I need to head to work..

http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=161

Yup - I've seen all of those - that's where I got the Olias theme that we'll continue to work with. But let me know if youguys like one of those.

The one style that I love is vbulletin.org's own Dark Blue style. But they're keeping it private!

[VAXman]

Avian, how about, just for the time being, you put a light and dark forum link on the main page. They let everyone see/experience both.

I like the color scheme in the thread blocks themselves. If the outside frame could be toned down from pure white ( a gray or steel blue) it might be easier on the eyes.

[Avian]

Avian, how about, just for the time being, you put a light and dark forum link on the main page. They let everyone see/experience both.

I like the color scheme in the thread blocks themselves. If the outside frame could be toned down from pure white ( a gray or steel blue) it might be easier on the eyes.

I don't think I can do that. It might take some research or even a hack. vbulletin has a default style for all users, and any style changes are saved in each user's profile. I'm not sure if I can override that with a parameter, but I'll look into that. If you can find anything in the vbulletin docs, let me know.

[yorksrvc]

I like the bright colors.........It is easier to read. It's the same color scheme as my MSN........

[VAXman]

I like the bright colors.........It is easier to read. It's the same color scheme as my MSN........
M$N...That's all the impetus I need to want to see it changed. :grump:

[Avian]

I'm going to switch the default back to the old Moon colors. If this switches things for you, you can always just choose your favorite in that menu below, and it will stick. SOme like it light, some like dark. Have it your way!

[VAXman]

I'm going to switch the default back to the old Moon colors. If this switches things for you, you can always just choose your favorite in that menu below, and it will stick. SOme like it light, some like dark. Have it your way!
If you plan to leave it this way, let me know and I will clean up the button icons so that they don't looks so ragged with the dark background.

[Avian]

If you plan to leave it this way, let me know and I will clean up the button icons so that they don't looks so ragged with the dark background.

Hey, that would be a great help! Thanks again VAX!

Avian

[KeithieW]

Loving this Olias theme page. Nice one Avian.

Although the text telling "New posts", "Sticky thread" etc. is too light to be easily read.

[Avian]

Loving this Olias theme page. Nice one Avian.

Although the text telling "New posts", "Sticky thread" etc. is too light to be easily read.

Yup - still working on the whole thing.

[Rick and Roll]

Somewhere in the middle would be nice..I prefer the dark, but this white when i post is too bright...however it shakes out..

Hey when is this thread going to turn into a King's X thread?:smirk:

[lotus]

This individual syle choosing thing is great.....

[Avian]

This individual syle choosing thing is great.....

The new website will probably have the same kind of options - a light skin and a dark skin.

[roger]

thanks, Avian! good choices!!

[sharcnorris]

...a popular saying, in this case I fail to see how to GO HOME from this page.
I can link to so much but the Home page, where is the link, What am I missing here? Not in Quick links either
Avian, I clicked on the type color link and Instead I was posted without me doing it, ( one way to edit me) Had to finish my post with edit
I like different looks VERY much, to each there own, OLIAS for me!!!
This page is Awesome

[Roger -Dot- Lee]

It's down at the very bottom, Sharc. Next to the theme switcher, you have the contact us tag, then the go home tag.

It's very hard to see with the Olias theme. Perhaps that's something that can be altered or something. I wouldn't know where to begin, so I'm just keeping my diddling fingers away and letting Avian do what he does best.

[Roger -Dot- Lee]

And have I mentioned how much I REALLY like this quick reply box? If I don't have the urge to quote someone, it Just Doesn't Suck. Not even a little bit.

Avian, I may have said this before, but I'm gonna say it again:

You rock. Period.

Roger -Dot- Lee, who's seen a lot of 'rock' in his years on this mudball, and you're right up there with flying an airplane over Yosemite in the spring and slam dunking a project under the wire and making one's director go "Damn, you're good. Now I see why everyone says you're one of the better scripters in greater Atlanta."

[sharcnorris]

It's down at the very bottom, Sharc. Next to the theme switcher, you have the contact us tag, then the go home tag.

It's very hard to see with the Olias theme. Perhaps that's something that can be altered or something. I wouldn't know where to begin, so I'm just keeping my diddling fingers away and letting Avian do what he does best.
Thanx DD, Frankly I can't see those green links at all, look like a color smudge.
Could the Type color of these links be changed? Only when they light-up by my cursor did I see them......Most Home buttons are on the upper left of pages
P.S. this is barely a hick-up! This is getting exciting!!

[Rick and Roll]

Just trying the quick reply. Dot I was waiting for the vodka to wear off before I told him...

[sharcnorris]

I have been surfing our New Forum design for a day now
It Works great! the editing tools for type have worked very well. I have Made 2 new threads and find the logic is very intuitive. Also After posting, edits are VERY easy!!! I love being able to Highlight sections and change there looks.

On another Tech issue
When I get e/m's of new posts, I click over to find JUST that new post, not its position in it's thread as before.
This makes it a pain to go back into Menus to that thread to even understand the context of the post.
Can we go back to the original system with this one area Love to edit- seems today I'm landing right on the Dot,....same as it ever was.,
I could just delete the paragraph but instead will bid you..Nevermind

[Roger -Dot- Lee]

Just trying the quick reply. Dot I was waiting for the vodka to wear off before I told him...


Been hitting the sauce again, Rick?

Just don't try making any promos until the next morning. :D

[Roger -Dot- Lee]

On another Tech issue
When I get e/m's of new posts, I click over to find JUST that new post, not its position in it's thread as before.


uhm...that's the way it works for me. It puts me at the bottom of the thread.

Maybe it's something in the settings? I dunno.

Roger -Dot- Lee, you're running windows, right? Have you tried rebooting? :D

[Rick and Roll]

Been hitting the sauce again, Rick?

Just don't try making any promos until the next morning. :D

I meant sharc, lol.

[Roger -Dot- Lee]

I meant sharc, lol.
Yes, I know. It's just me and my inability to pass up on a cheap shot.

You should know this by now. :D

[sharcnorris]

Thx DD today all is working as it was,I changed my post above. now trying Quick Reply !!

[sharcnorris]

Thx DD today all is working as it was,I changed my post above. now trying Quick Reply !! no sooner had I absolved the system I'm stuck on single post replys again. It seems My mode setting has to be set for each thread. Hence I was shuffled to Hybrid Mode and stuck, or Linear Mode and in the thread. so not so much a Nevermind as a ...Now I see!

[Avian]

One note -

your forum account will be the main basis for your account on the new website - so you should make sure you know your password, update any profiles, avatars, etc from your forum account. Your password, username and profile on the main website will not be used for the new website.

[Roger -Dot- Lee]

Hrm. I may want to change my login here to Roger -Dot- Lee then.

I also seem to recall that when I initially tried to log in on the test site, it wouldn't allow a dot in the name. And who am I without my precious dot? :D

Roger -Dot- Lee, gonna hang onto his identity for all he's worth. You might get it back, but there's gonna be deep rents in the sides....

[Roger -Dot- Lee]

Incidentally, does anyone remember who first gave me the Official Monicker of Dr. Dot? I don't remember if I ever got the chance to publicly thank them for that.

[lotus]

Incidentally, does anyone remember who first gave me the Official Monicker of Dr. Dot? I don't remember if I ever got the chance to publicly thank them for that.


Rogor, it was me, nearly one year ago, in white, when you were faffing about various variations of your nick...;)

[lotus]

Rogor, it was me, nearly one year ago, in white, when you were faffing about various variations of your nick...;)


Dr Dot, of course, not Rogor. It's late....

[Roger -Dot- Lee]

Dr Dot, of course, not Rogor. It's late....

Indeed it is, and indeed it was. You've done me a wonderful service by giving me that nickname. I'm gonna find some way of making it stick.

Roger -Dot- Lee, and damn proud of it!

[Avian]

New style! Check out "Wuthering Grey" in your pull down menu below!

[Roger -Dot- Lee]

New style! Check out "Wuthering Grey" in your pull down menu below!
Not half bad. Not half bad at all. A couple of comments from the peanut gallery:

upsides:

all the links are much more visible than under olias
it seems to handle the smilies and other such things much better than olias, though not perfectly.
not nearly as busy
interesting button look, at least under Safari


downsides:

it's awfully bland and colorless.
it clashes with a lot of the avatars in use (notably Sharc and Rick, especially Lotus)


Overall I'd say it's a good addition and could be definitely used by some of the folk that are looking for less busy.

Dr. Dot sez check it out.

[roger]

I like the Wuthering Grey. wouldn't say it reaches new heights, but...

and Roger, your name is great. :)

[Avian]

I like the Wuthering Grey. wouldn't say it reaches new heights, but...


You are a bad, bad man. :)

[Roger -Dot- Lee]

I like the Wuthering Grey. wouldn't say it reaches new heights, but...

and Roger, your name is great. :)


Holy Mother of Perl! The man got a double whammy in there!

Good show!

Roger -Dot- Lee, impressed, by gum!

[roger]

heh, thanks! of course, I'm no Brontésaurus at the pun game... :winkies:

[Wojtek]

We could modify a bit to make it Wind and Wuthering skin. :knowing:

So far I have been using AM default. :)

[roger]

We could modify a bit to make it Wind and Wuthering skin. :knowing:

sounds like the genesis of an idea, woj...
:rofl:

[Rick and Roll]

We could modify a bit to make it Wind and Wuthering skin. :knowing:

So far I have been using AM default. :)

So am I, though it's not default of anyone but me.:knowing:

[KeithieW]

One note -

your forum account will be the main basis for your account on the new website - so you should make sure you know your password, update any profiles, avatars, etc from your forum account. Your password, username and profile on the main website will not be used for the new website.
Shame!! I like being KeithieW :p

If there's a way to change my Forum id to KeithieW without losing all the posts tha'd be great. I know...I'm a pest.

[Avian]

Shame!! I like being KeithieW :p

If there's a way to change my Forum id to KeithieW without losing all the posts tha'd be great. I know...I'm a pest.

Like that?

[Roger -Dot- Lee]

Like that?
Ooh, can ya do that for me? I'd love to have my -Dot- in there where it belongs. :D

[sharcnorris]

Could I get a Pepperoni Pizza over here by the Second Half??

[KeithieW]

Like that?
Yes...............just like that.

Thank you so much Avian.:notworthy

[Roger -Dot- Lee]

Yes...............just like that.

Thank you so much Avian.:notworthy
AND I GOT ME MINE NOW TOO!

Whut Keithie sez, twice with a side of fries (chips to the brits).

Roger -Dot- Lee, and all is as it should be.