New Frontpage

[Admin aka Dan]

It may not be broken now, but will be within 3-6 months.

Parts of the software that the site runs on (Joomla / SMF and mediawiki) are always being changed, partly to fix security problems, partly to add functionality.

They need constant monitoring to ensure that a security problem once discovered is fixed ASAP.

However that is not the reason for upgradiong / changing the frontpage ...

The groups of coders who work on Joomla and SMF are moving in different directions, and it looks as though when the new version of Joomla is released (1.5) it will no longer work as well with SMF (the forum software).  This would not be a problem, apart from the security issue - once a new version of Joomla is released it is not unreasonable to expect security fixes for an old version to slow down, leaving any site using potentialy vulnerable!

So to answer the question,

It is sometimes wise to fix something before it actually breaks.

Cheers

Dan

[Admin aka Dan]

[caroline7758]

Thanks for all your hard work, Dan. I like the new box at top left with unread posts etc. I can see that the blueness may prove difficult for some readers, and I don't think I'd have much use for the "recent posters cloud",and since I have to scroll down to see it, it won't bother me, but I wouldn't like to think people aren't posting because they don't want their names "writ large".

[Admin aka Dan]

I am looking into the blue backgroud - it is quite a challenge to change!

As to the writ large problem, I am considering what to do, these 'features' are not uncommon on websites now, and most people seem to like them.

Indeed some people think it is a challenge to have the largest name!

[kenkew]

 No-one likes change, especially if people were happy enough with the old set-up, but every site visited has a different layout and most are quite easy to 'play with' in no time at all.
Best to use this new format and feel around a bit. I'm saying nowt until I've used it awhile.

[flossie]

Great Dan - the white on the recent posts is better to see

[rosebud]

Thanks Dan, Hehehehehe!!! i found it after i posted just being my usual thick self.
Good luck with the new stuff it looks great we shall all soon find our way around , you are here to help out nobody will worrry whos name is in lights EH!!!.

[Shirley]

Hi Dan

Like Gwynleg I cannot see "clouds".  Looked at the site with both Mozilla and IE.  Perhaps someone can do a screen dump so I can see what I am suppose to be looking at. Not over keen on the vary type sizes, thought there was something wrong with the screen at first.

[gwynleg]

Hi Dan - no I have the title 'recent posters' and underneath names in various sizes - but no clouds! I am happy now I know to click onto forum - to get what I used to get as a front page. Thanks

[Admin aka Dan]

Hi Dan - no I have the title 'recent posters' and underneath names in various sizes - but no clouds! I am happy now I know to click onto forum - to get what I used to get as a front page. Thanks

That is the cloud!

The various sizes represent how frequently a member has posted in the previous 250 posts.

[Marymary]

My clouds have gone.  :o

[flossie]

Let's hope that they take the rain with them

[tim]

I try to hide my number from the family!!

[Admin aka Dan]

All the clouds have gone for the time being, some issues with performance.

Dan

[cambourne7]

HI Dan,

I think that the new look is great!!

I love the plus and minus buttons to amend what i see.

Keep up the good work!

Cambourne7

[grawrc]

Dan now that I've worked out how it works and the clouds have passed
I LOVE IT!!!!!! :-* :-*[/size][/color][/b]

But please, since you have such power could you lift the clouds from Edinburgh so I can weed my garden? ;D
Thanks Dan!! :P

[asbean]

Fiddle with the + and - buttons, and minimisation - it's great!

[theothermarg]

Fiddle with the + and - buttons, and minimisation - it's great!

er um what plus and minus buttons i can,t find any and what clouds are we on the same forum?
marg in a cloud of her own making  :'(

[asbean]

Marg - the + and - buttons to the left of HOME (Underneath the A4A logo at the top of the screen).  Forget about clouds.  They're history, I think.  Dan's been working his magic and clouds became "recent posters".  If you really want clouds - look out of the window  :D :D :D :D :D :D

[cornykev]

Dan you know oldens don't like change.  :o :-X :-X :-X :'( :'( :'(                    ;D ;D ;D

[Jeannine]

Thank's Dan the colour seems better now, I don't have to wear 2 pairs of specs at once now, thought for a minute my eyes would go crossed, or I would have to find something else to do!!  I love blue  but too much is a bit hard on wrinkly old peepers..

I think as it stands at the moment is is good, reading the new posts is easy and it creates a good impression when it first pops up.

You are very much appreciated, thank you for all your hard work, it must be a tough job sometimes.

XX Jeannine