You may or may not have noticed the new frontpage,
http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/index.php
Please update your bookmarks / links to point to the new page.
The old page will continue working for some time, but will be switched off in the end!
Feel free to comment (but be kind!)
Dan
Dan, well don, I think it is great everything there in full view, far less scrolling and clicking, however, have i missed something what are the ..clouds about?
I wondered that. ??? ;D ;D ;D
me too ???
The clouds are an experiment - not sure if I like them !
The words cloud shows the words used most frequently in the last 50 posts, and the user cloud shows the most frequent recent posters.
They are supposed to give you an idea of the recent activity on the site.
Cheers
Dan
Got yer, I thought you was going to break into a poem. I wandered lonely as a cloud ;D ;D ;D
Dan, I think it is too cluttered especially as the words are all different sizes, eyes dot to the biggest first then, it seems a bit like going onto a site with a sale on.
The clouds come accross as the priority but to me the messages underneath are more important. I wanted to wipe the clouds off.
After that I don't see a problem other than there is a bit too much blue for me. I like the white and 2 shades of blue ,but too much blue is hard on my eyes.
However I can clearly see you are working hard and I am grateful for that.
Thank you.
Quote from: Jeannine on June 24, 2007, 12:23:42
Dan, I think it is too cluttered especially as the words are all different sizes, eyes dot to the biggest first then, it seems a bit like going onto a site with a sale on.
The clouds come accross as the priority but to me the messages underneath are more important. I wanted to wipe the clouds off.
After that I don't see a problem other than there is a bit too much blue for me. I like the white and 2 shades of blue ,but too much blue is hard on my eyes.
However I can clearly see you are working hard and I am grateful for that.
Thank you.
That is the point of the clouds, the largest words are the most used!
I have taken off the word cloud, as the server was suffering performance problems with it.
Cheers
Dan
Three cheers for Dan as usual.
Dan is this a silly question from a silly girl, can we not just click FORUM as we used to, sorry if i am not seeing things that are already there. Buds
Dan, another daft question. With the people names being in different sizes it sort of suggets that some people are more important than others , somebody is bound to feel awkward with that
XX Jeannine
I have to admit that I had become very fond of the old frontpage, I knew where everything was and was just used to it I suppose.
Still times change as they say and I shall just have to work hard to become a cloud :)
Noticed another change though don't know how long it's been there. On our profiles we can now see how many people we are being ignored by. Do I want to know? Probably not :)
I think I am confused here, which is not unusual.
I do not see the point in the new front page, the original front page provided an informative snapshot of the site, and a newcomer rapidly became orientated on subject matter of choice. I accept that there may be technical reasons for changing, which would not bore me, but find nothing of value in the new page.
I have reset my link to the forum page, I guess this will operate as normal.
I hope my comments are not construed as negative, they are not meant to be ...
Quote from: rosebud on June 24, 2007, 12:38:57
Three cheers for Dan as usual.
Dan is this a silly question from a silly girl, can we not just click FORUM as we used to, sorry if i am not seeing things that are already there. Buds
At the top of the screen, there is a button maked forum - click that and you are in the forum!
Cheers
Dan
Quote from: Jeannine on June 24, 2007, 12:42:24
Dan, another daft question. With the people names being in different sizes it sort of suggets that some people are more important than others , somebody is bound to feel awkward with that
XX Jeannine
The bigger the name, the more recent posts. It changed all the time.
Dan
Quote from: Curry on June 24, 2007, 12:49:05
I think I am confused here, which is not unusual.
I do not see the point in the new front page, the original front page provided an informative snapshot of the site, and a newcomer rapidly became orientated on subject matter of choice. I accept that there may be technical reasons for changing, which would not bore me, but find nothing of value in the new page.
I have reset my link to the forum page, I guess this will operate as normal.
I hope my comments are not construed as negative, they are not meant to be ...
A frontpage gives new visitors to the site an opportunuty to see what is what and what is where.
Technically they also allow other functions (gallerys, the wiki, etc..) to be included in the site.
Cheers
Dan
I like the recent posts section and think that it is better placed now that is has moved up above the cloud
Thanks for all your work keeping the site running.
Dan, the name cloud at the bottom is much better. I still am not keen on it though. So to get my name smaller I have to post less , or is it being the most recent poster that keeps it big. XX Jeannine
I like it - not sure about the "cloud" business, though, I think a mixture of font sizes in one paragraph is visually confusing. Even though it is dynamic, when one is looking at the page it is static.
And I guess when it is no longer "new" the recent posts will move to the top.
And in any case, each block can be minimised by clicking on the arrow in the corner, so if you don't like the clouds - switch it off!! :) :) :)
I have to agree with Jeannine, I'm also finding the 'blue on blue' background/text more difficult to see...... :-\
Clouds?????
No clouds here, but then again, I am on Mac. I'm always left out of the fun bits >:(
cj :)
Hello
It's looking better with the "cloud" at the bottom not so confusing.
Cheers
Brogusblue
I've just noticed, three of us on the 'name cloud' have hatted capital A's (can't remember the proper name for them!) inserted in our names, ? why Dan?
Deb, I noticed that, I thought you had changed your name.
It looks as though it is appearing on people who have a space between two words in their name.... :-\
Why is the Front Page wider than my screen? Or is it just the way my computer's set up?
Now that is odd!
I'll look into it.
It should appear on a Mac, hmmm
Quote from: Trevor_D on June 24, 2007, 13:20:41
Why is the Front Page wider than my screen? Or is it just the way my computer's set up?
Not sure,
Can you tell me what computer / browser you use, and what your screen resolution is?
As you were - it's OK now! (Isn't this fun? Good on you, Dan, to choose a day to do this when it's falling down with rain and we can't go to the allotment!)
I'm using Firefox & Windows 98. Not sure of the screen resolution - I'd have to look that up.
My name is even bigger now, I am not comfortable with that. I am going to stop posting and be a watcher only. XX Jeannine
So if post another message, will my name get bigger? What larks!!
(Not sure it should be encouraged, though....)
LOL, I'm the complete opposite Jeannine, I'm tempted to keep on posting just to 'see how big it can get'!!! ;D ;D ;D
I wonder what that says about me.......... :-\ ;D
I like it Dan, but perhaps subjects more important than posters?
Quote from: Jeannine on June 24, 2007, 13:25:42
My name is even bigger now, I am not comfortable with that. I am going to stop posting and be a watcher only. XX Jeannine
You wouldn't be able to stop yourself from posting? I remember about 2-3 years ago trying to keep up with EJ's post count! but gave up.
That's a good idea Barnowl - would it be possible Dan?
Thanks
Just found a couple of buttons to the left of "Home" which shrink & expand the page. Were they there earlier? Clever....
I am confused - I dont have clouds on my front page - it just seems to list who has posted and what the topic is but without the helpful breakdown into categories (edible, recipes, drinks, basics, etc). Have I got a different version to everyone else?
Must say I preferred to old version but maybe my computer is giving me a third way.....
Quote from: gwynleg on June 24, 2007, 13:34:43
I am confused - I dont have clouds on my front page - it just seems to list who has posted and what the topic is but without the helpful breakdown into categories (edible, recipes, drinks, basics, etc). Have I got a different version to everyone else?
Must say I preferred to old version but maybe my computer is giving me a third way.....
The cloud has a title of,
Recent Posters
Can you not see that?
Through trial & error, I've discovered that whenever I click on "Refresh", the front page jumps to fit my screen; if I get to it through any other means, it's still too wide. (My screen resolution is 1024x768.)
have to say it is very rare that I use the front page ... only if I've accidentally closed my tab, so I'm not really perturbed by the change, but I did find the clouds a little confusing when I first looked. It's clearer now and I have minimised the poster cloud. I don't mind the colours, although blue text is the colour that I struggle to read generally - what colour was it before ?
I do not see the point in the new front page, the original front page provided an informative snapshot of the site, and a newcomer rapidly became orientated on subject matter of choice. I accept that there may be technical reasons for changing, which would not bore me, but find nothing of value in the new page.
I have reset my link to the forum page, I guess this will operate as normal.
[/quote]
Why mend something that is not broken. ???
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
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".
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!
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.
Great Dan - the white on the recent posts is better to see
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!!!.
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.
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
Quote from: gwynleg on June 24, 2007, 16:18:15
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.
My clouds have gone. :o
Let's hope that they take the rain with them
I try to hide my number from the family!!
All the clouds have gone for the time being, some issues with performance.
Dan
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
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
Fiddle with the + and - buttons, and minimisation - it's great!
Quote from: asbean on June 24, 2007, 19:07:32
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 :'(
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
Dan you know oldens don't like change. :o :-X :-X :-X :'( :'( :'( ;D ;D ;D
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
Thanks Dan! The sky's clearing. The rain's stopped... ;D :P
Well I am impressed. It is wonderful to see how the page has developed over such a short time, I presume a new user would find it a great 'home' page ...
I am finding it much more friendly , it has more options at the top left than before and I like it very much now. Thanks Dan, you did good!!
HI Dan,
If you click on the wiki you get the old template.
I was looking at the subscribing option ( not obvious that you need to subscribe to add images via the forum ) and the paypal button is missing.
It would be a good idea to had a new option at the top ( ie with the search, profile, member map etc ) that says about A4A.
I was also wondering about the chat room is the a maximum number of users?
Cambourne7
Hi,
The wiki is being worked on, rather than remove it for the time being, I've left it as was, all should be fixed this week.
I'll look into the paypal thing, thanks.
If you are a guest and visit the homepage there is a little welcome / about section.
And I think there is a maximum number of users in chat - for performance reasons, but would have to check!
Cheers
Dan
It's looking good. It's been great to see things change "on the hoof" - slightly different each time we log in! (It must have been interesting for you, Dan, to have all our comments live as things happened. Slightly safer than designing a logo that tens of millions of people loathed at first sight!!!)
And something must be looking right - there are 99 guests logged on at the moment!
Looks good..... wow have I really spent 7 1/2 days on here! :-[ ;D
I think it looks great too. Thanks Dan :D!
I'm glad it only shows days...God knows how many nights I've been here!
preferred the old front
David
ROFL @ Dan's poor fingers working overtime in this thread!!!
It's all good, Dan ;D
Love the random images - really good idea. Are they images from this site?
PS spell check doesn't seem to be working again.
Must be a full time job keeping this lot sorted but thank you very much for doing it.
Hello Dan,
any chance that Mac users will be able to use the chatroom now?
Thanks
cj :)
I think the photos are winning photos from the competition Mary.
I really like the new front page :) Are the random images a new thing?? and wots happened to the name cloud ?/
Thanks for all your hard work Dan :-*
Needs a bit of mental readjustment but then great!
Quote from: carolinej on June 25, 2007, 18:04:47
Hello Dan,
any chance that Mac users will be able to use the chatroom now?
Thanks
cj :)
I've used the chatroom on a mac - it works!
Do you have flash installed?
Go to http://www.adobe.com and check on the flash thing.
Dan
I like the random images too - thanks
I think it's great. Much improved. Thankyou Dan. Have some brownie points. ;D
Dan as usual you are doing a great job, I like the new front page..................but..........................I can't seem to find anywhere that tells me how many unread PMs there are on the front page - have I missed it, or has it gone?
Kathi
It is much easier to get around Dan, thank you, you got my vote XX Jeannine
And mine too, thank you Dan, you're doing a great job. xx :)
Quote from: prink13 on June 25, 2007, 23:38:17
Dan as usual you are doing a great job, I like the new front page..................but..........................I can't seem to find anywhere that tells me how many unread PMs there are on the front page - have I missed it, or has it gone?
Kathi
When you have new PM's a bold New x is displayed under your name on the left!
Cheers
Dan
:) I've got a new pm, and it's showing just where you said - Thanks Dan ;D
Of course!!
I've just noticed the 'view gallery' above our avatars - has this always been there ? does it link to the gallery, or is it a separate feature ?
where has the index gone?
sorry to be such a thicko but.....you say
'You may or may not have noticed the new frontpage,
http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/index.php
Please update your bookmarks / links to point to the new page.'
how do I do that please - at the moment, I get into the group by clicking on an Icon from my desktop (which my son put there for me).....don't want this to disappear and find I can't get into group....please explain step by step.....thanks :-[
btw - I always get into things by clicking onto 'forum'.....can't see any clouds or the - or + thingys
H.P.
You can access the 'groups' - Forum page by clicking 'forum' on the frontpage.
Do you want to go direct to the new frontpage or the forum from the icon on your desk top?
this is very difficult for me to explain because I'm not sure of correct words/terminology for these things and I'm not good or familiar with all the clever things you can do/alter on the computer.
At present I get into group from an icon on my desktop (put there by my son a couple of years ago probably) it says A4All Homepage and I'm quite happy with getting in that way and then finding my way around - I always go then into the forum and work my way thru it usually.
However, I thought from what Dan said in his message about change in the future....I might not be able to get into the group at all (because the website address might or has changed).......
It's just that bit I'm bothered about because he says somewhere that (I thought) the addy has changed and would we change our 'bookmarks' or something - I've no idea what a bookmark is Ken I'm afraid.
Sorry if this comes over as very muddled (I'm completely thrown by it)....but providing the website address isn't altering in anyway - I'm ok surely?
Maggie
Maggie, your bookmark of A4A is your icon on your desktop. Any time you look at something on the web and decide to save it for another look at a later date - it's a bookmark (literally like a real bookmark - saving your favourite page)
You are quite correct in thinking that if the A4A web address doesn't change you won't have to change anything, your bookmark/desktop link will be fine.
Which web browser are you using?
S.B. I've now managed to sort this out thanks so much (with help)
Thanks for explaining the 'bookmark' to me - I'm very ignorant of many things to do with the computer :-[
a lot of the things I want to look at again, I save and keep in 'favourites' and don't usually keep them on my desktop (unless I'm using them all the time of course)
You asked me about my browser - had to ask someone what that was - more :-[ from me here!.............that's been explained to me and I'm using IE version 6.0
That's what you mean isn't it.....anyway now have the new icon for A4All on my desktop thanks.
Maggie (H.P.)
You'll get advice about up-grading to IE7, HotPot....In your case, don't do it. It takes a bit of figuring in some cases and what you have is doing ok. |Leave it alone.
Why not use Firefox - I switched over to it over a year ago, and hate using IE now, it's so cumbersome.
Ken - I've already been 'pestered' to upgrade to IE7 and continue to ignore it - had heard about the problems (altho some of my friends in another group have no problems with it) I'm a bit of a coward and prefer to stick to what I know.
asbean - you might be right but am 'of a nervous disposition' (with puter) so will soldier on with what I've got for time being thanks :)
H.P.
How about putting members list at the top Dan with home, help, forum etc. Don't know the correct terminology.
You have the 'member map' up there but I find I use the other facility far more often. Just a thought.
Good idea, Cazy- I couldn't find the memners list yesterday.