Testing a new forum theme

**Tullia** · 01-Oct-2010, 15:54

Originally Posted by BobK

I've seen the non-linear argument before, and can't say I'm convinced. Surely it's a Simple Matter of Programming for VB to detect whether you're in Linear mode, and default to the only sensible setting (given that context)? I know SMOPs are seldom simple, though, and am resigned to all the redundant clicking - a bit like when you click to delete a post and it doesn't work unless you tick the 'Delete this Post' box.

b

Ah but the problem with your SMOP is that not everyone is in linear mode. If us linear-lovers don't click *somewhere*, then those threaded-tootsies will be stuck as they won't know who we were supposed to be replying to.

Sadly, I find I never click anywhere but the most recent post, as I like to read a whole thread then comment in case I'm going to say something already said. Then, even if replying to an earlier point, I really can't be bothered scrolling up to click the actual post and just click the nearest one, the most recent one. So in fact the threading isn't necessarily representative of my actual intent, and therfore becomes pointless anyway.

Were I working for VB, which I'm not and neither is my friend anymore (she used to) I'd suggest that they looked into how common that behavioural pattern was, and if I am representative of a significant majority, then I'd be tempted to build something in to take that into account and remove the need to click on a quick reply button for people in linear mode, defaulting the "hidden click" to the most recent post, but as far as I'm aware there hasn't been any research into the topic and I don't know any existing hacks to solve the issue.

I don't like threading, in case you hadn't realised

EDIT: oh and re XenForo, it's actually being made by some of the original VB guys; I wouldn't want to try it on a forum of this scale myself - it's too untested - but it's certainly fun to play with and makes you realise just how VB hasn't improved over the years.

**Hortence** · 01-Oct-2010, 17:29

I like the new forum! It's clear and clean, much better than the old one!

Thank you!

**BobK** · 01-Oct-2010, 17:46

Originally Posted by Tullia

Ah but the problem with your SMOP is that not everyone is in linear mode.
Yes - but the user interface can tell what you're doing can't it? Surely it can...Red5?
if us linear-lovers don't click *somewhere*, then those threaded-tootsies will be stuck as they won't know who we were supposed to be replying to.

Sadly, I find I never click anywhere but the most recent post, as I like to read a whole thread then comment in case I'm going to say something already said. Then, even if replying to an earlier point, I really can't be bothered scrolling up to click the actual post and just click the nearest one, the most recent one. So in fact the threading isn't necessarily representative of my actual intent, and therfore becomes pointless anyway.

Were I working for VB, which I'm not and neither is my friend anymore (she used to) I'd suggest that they looked into how common that behavioural pattern was, and if I am representative of a significant majority, then I'd be tempted to build something in to take that into account and remove the need to click on a quick reply button for people in linear mode,
That's what I'm suggesting.
defaulting the "hidden click" to the most recent post, but as far as I'm aware there hasn't been any research into the topic and I don't know any existing hacks to solve the issue.

I don't like threading, in case you hadn't realised

Nor do I; nor do many people.

EDIT: oh and re XenForo, it's actually being made by some of the original VB guys; I wouldn't want to try it on a forum of this scale myself - it's too untested - but it's certainly fun to play with and makes you realise just how VB hasn't improved over the years.

b

**Atchan** · 01-Oct-2010, 18:01

I prefer the old one because the blue color was magnificence for humans' eyes. Now after the color was changed to white maybe I would not endure to see or look to white color for a long time, because humans' eyes cannot endure to see white color for long time specially when they are tired. And most of the members have been logging in when they are free and completed their chores or jobs.

My opinion is to let the two themes available for everyone as long as possible I mean "forever" not to delete the old one. There is no problem to keep the old one available for the people who need it.

**Red5** · 01-Oct-2010, 19:40

@BobK
Your suggestions are sensible, but are actually more like mod requests and need to be dealt with by someone who knows how to program for vB. I, sadly, don't.

@All
I was really only asking about the design (for design read layout) and colours of the forum pages as these can be controlled easily by changing the forum theme. Significant functionality requires the installation of custom modifications to the forum (meaning custom programming), which are not necessarily going to be compatible with future forum software upgrades (because they are not part of the official package). As I don't program for vB or know their code, I can't implement many of the more significant changes (such as those that are being requested by BobK).

As an example, you can see some sample 3rd-party forum themes at the following links:

**Red5** · 02-Oct-2010, 15:55

Originally Posted by BobK

...I don't like having to scroll down through adverts before I get to the English...