Hello Guest!

Forum Update May 22nd @ 8am EST

  • 47 Replies
  • 23686 Views
*

Phoenix RV Web

  • *****
  • 4
    • View Profile
  • OwnPC: No
  • NewUsed: New
  • Model: 2100
  • Slide: Yes
Forum Update May 22nd @ 8am EST
« on: May 08, 2018, 04:56:01 pm »
To All Forum Members,

Just a quick heads up that we will be doing an update to the Forum on the  May 22nd @ 8am EST.  We expect that the update will be relatively quick, however you should plan on the forum not being available for approximately two hours.  The update will result in some added functionality, an updated look and feel, but still maintain all the same content and functionality that is currently there.  We wanted to give you a heads up that the change was coming, and when, so you can plan accordingly.  

All the best!

Jim Byrnes
« Last Edit: May 10, 2018, 08:25:46 am by RonFrenken »

*

jatrax

  • ******
  • 827
  • John and Carrie
    • View Profile
    • Zigzag Mountain Art
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: November 2016
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2017
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Graystone
  • ExtColor: Graystone
  • Location: Oregon Mountains
Re: Forum Update May 22nd @ 8am EST
« Reply #1 on: May 22, 2018, 10:43:44 am »
1) At least in my case the profile information has been lost.  Well some of it.  I did not look at everything but the model owned, location and some other fields are either blank or wrong.  For example it has me in a 2100 but the old forum showed 2552.

2) Was there not a way to change the color scheme on the forum with the old code?  I find the all white background too bright.

3) On the old forum the member box showed more info including what model they have.  I found that invaluable when answering questions.

*

Phoenix RV Web

  • *****
  • 4
    • View Profile
  • OwnPC: No
  • NewUsed: New
  • Model: 2100
  • Slide: Yes
Re: Forum Update May 22nd @ 8am EST
« Reply #2 on: May 22, 2018, 12:08:34 pm »
Hi,
1) At least in my case the profile information has been lost.  Well some of it.  I did not look at everything but the model owned, location and some other fields are either blank or wrong.  For example it has me in a 2100 but the old forum showed 2552.
Thank you for letting us know about this profile data.  This should be corrected now.  We missed a step in the data conversion process.

2) Was there not a way to change the color scheme on the forum with the old code?  I find the all white background too bright.
We may look at some other dark themes for the default theme in the near future.  I'm not sure if you could actually change the background color before.  This theme was selected because it was the most modern (and most popular) theme compatible with the software upgrade.  It is "responsive" meaning it should function much better on phones/tablets compared to the old theme.

3) On the old forum the member box showed more info including what model they have.  I found that invaluable when answering questions.
Thanks.  We will check into this.  Not sure if this was a custom modification that may have been overlooked.



*

jatrax

  • ******
  • 827
  • John and Carrie
    • View Profile
    • Zigzag Mountain Art
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: November 2016
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2017
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Graystone
  • ExtColor: Graystone
  • Location: Oregon Mountains
Re: Forum Update May 22nd @ 8am EST
« Reply #3 on: May 22, 2018, 01:01:39 pm »
Ok, you fixed those!

I note that you are listed as owning a 2100?  Is that correct or is that the default answer?  That was what my profile listed at first.  It has changed to be correct now.  If 2100 is the default you might consider having that 'none' or something.

The space used by the profile box, with the large amount of blank space on the right seems awkward.  Is it possible to move the profile to a sidebar like it was before so we do not have all of the blank space?  I'm not all that web design literate so 'side bar' might not be the right term.

*

donc13

  • *******
  • 1358
    • View Profile
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: 03/2015
  • Model: 2551
  • ModelYear: 2015
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Nightscape/Hickory
  • ExtColor: White/Nightscape
  • Location: Colorado
Re: Forum Update May 22nd @ 8am EST
« Reply #4 on: May 22, 2018, 08:14:17 pm »
Ok, I will be constructively honest.  The new software is worse, in my humble opinion, than the old forum software.  Way too much white space!  I am viewing this on my smartphone.  And the grey text on white background is difficult for us seniors (at least me and my wife) to read.  Most modern forum software gives each user the ability to modify the background/text to colors they like.   Most modern forum software also allows the user to selecr the font size also  I see no options for any of that in my profile options.

Every message now has the profile of the member who made that post at the top.  It used to be in a sidebar, thus making the actual messages spaced too far apart... with mostly white space inbetween messages.

My wife and I are just 2 voices, maybe the others here are happy, but maybe not.  How about Phoenix post a poll to see how folks like the new look?


---
Don and Patti

*

TzrNPeg

  • ****
  • 83
    • View Profile
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: 9/27/2018
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2019
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Greystone
  • ExtColor: Mostly grey (silver?) and white with swirls
  • Location: Brooksville, Florida
Re: Forum Update May 22nd @ 8am EST
« Reply #5 on: May 22, 2018, 08:27:03 pm »
I used to be able to click on the link that shows all the new messages/replies.  Is there still a way to do that?  How can I find the new stuff?  I can see the "NEW" link if I page down, but it was easier to just click on the link.
« Last Edit: May 22, 2018, 08:29:19 pm by TzrNPeg »

*

jatrax

  • ******
  • 827
  • John and Carrie
    • View Profile
    • Zigzag Mountain Art
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: November 2016
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2017
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Graystone
  • ExtColor: Graystone
  • Location: Oregon Mountains
Re: Forum Update May 22nd @ 8am EST
« Reply #6 on: May 22, 2018, 09:10:35 pm »
Profile is now back in the sidebar!!  2o2 Thank you so much, and I really appreciate the quick response. :)(:

Now about the background color..................

Us seniors have enough trouble reading computer screens, how about some options for different colors?  Or just allow customization in user's profile.

*

2 Frazzled

  • *******
  • 1434
    • View Profile
    • Spirit of the Woods
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: May 2013
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2013
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Sunlit & Cherry
  • ExtColor: Sunlit
  • Location: On the road full time (prev. Maryland)
Re: Forum Update May 22nd @ 8am EST
« Reply #7 on: May 23, 2018, 05:29:33 am »
I am also having trouble with the small grey print on white background and those oceans off empty space next to the profiles look unprofessional. If this is a canned design, it wasn't meant for more than a small snippet or image to show the poster.

I can zoom on my phone or tablet and that helps with the little print but scrolling the screen back and forth across every line as I read soon becomes tiresome.

Matrix says profile is back in the sidebar but I'm not seeing that.
John, Holly, and sometimes Chloe.
Travel Blog: Spiritofthewoods.net

*

2 Frazzled

  • *******
  • 1434
    • View Profile
    • Spirit of the Woods
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: May 2013
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2013
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Sunlit & Cherry
  • ExtColor: Sunlit
  • Location: On the road full time (prev. Maryland)
Re: Forum Update May 22nd @ 8am EST
« Reply #8 on: May 23, 2018, 05:43:46 am »
I used to be able to click on the link that shows all the new messages/replies.  Is there still a way to do that?  How can I find the new stuff?  I can see the "NEW" link if I page down, but it was easier to just click on the link.
I think I found your link - go to the top right of your screen where it shows your user name and a little people circle. Select that and a link for new postings is in the drop down menu.

I also quick browsed the help menu on the top bar. It tells which software is being used and explains some of the features. One option allows users to set their own theme. Since I find nowhere to do that, I'm assuming that is turned off either by administrator choice or perhaps it is a paid feature that was not purchased (if such a thing exists with this software).
John, Holly, and sometimes Chloe.
Travel Blog: Spiritofthewoods.net

*

2 Frazzled

  • *******
  • 1434
    • View Profile
    • Spirit of the Woods
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: May 2013
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2013
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Sunlit & Cherry
  • ExtColor: Sunlit
  • Location: On the road full time (prev. Maryland)
Re: Forum Update May 22nd @ 8am EST
« Reply #9 on: May 23, 2018, 05:46:21 am »
That " new postings" link is also in the " forum stats" box on the right. You select the sentence. It isn't obvious it's a link.
John, Holly, and sometimes Chloe.
Travel Blog: Spiritofthewoods.net

*

TzrNPeg

  • ****
  • 83
    • View Profile
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: 9/27/2018
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2019
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Greystone
  • ExtColor: Mostly grey (silver?) and white with swirls
  • Location: Brooksville, Florida
Re: Forum Update May 22nd @ 8am EST
« Reply #10 on: May 23, 2018, 08:14:23 am »
I used to be able to click on the link that shows all the new messages/replies.  Is there still a way to do that?  How can I find the new stuff?  I can see the "NEW" link if I page down, but it was easier to just click on the link.
I think I found your link - go to the top right of your screen where it shows your user name and a little people circle. Select that and a link for new postings is in the drop down menu.

Thanks!  Found that, but I believe it only shows Unread Topics, not Unread Messages. 

*

JackD

  • *****
  • 231
    • View Profile
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: 2017 (latest)
  • Model: 2350 Sprinter
  • ModelYear: 2017
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Cherry
  • ExtColor: Greystone
  • Location: Delaware
Re: Forum Update May 22nd @ 8am EST
« Reply #11 on: May 23, 2018, 09:48:50 am »
I am also having trouble with the grey format on he white background -  the old was MUCH easier to read.  Also, the profile IS on a sidebar, but the body of the message is below, and does create a lot of extra space.  If the message was beside the sidebar, it would take  less... In short, I don't like the change...FWIW,
Jack

*

Ron Dittmer

  • *******
  • 5647
  • Ron and Irene
    • View Profile
    • My 2007 2350 Phoenix Cruiser
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: June 2007
  • Model: 2350 Ford
  • ModelYear: 2007
  • Slide: No
  • IntColor: Cherry Green&Gray
  • ExtColor: Full Body Gray
  • Location: N/E Illinois
Re: Forum Update May 22nd @ 8am EST
« Reply #12 on: May 23, 2018, 09:59:01 am »
Also, the profile IS on a sidebar, but the body of the message is below, and does create a lot of extra space.  If the message was beside the sidebar, it would take  less.
Jack
They had the massive blank space issue resolved yesterday, but it is back today.  Hopefully they are reading through everyone's comments here and are implementing what they are able in permanent fashion.

FWIW, I agree with everyone's input here, but I am happy they didn't instead pull the plug on this forum.
Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

*

jatrax

  • ******
  • 827
  • John and Carrie
    • View Profile
    • Zigzag Mountain Art
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: November 2016
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2017
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Graystone
  • ExtColor: Graystone
  • Location: Oregon Mountains
Re: Forum Update May 22nd @ 8am EST
« Reply #13 on: May 23, 2018, 01:00:56 pm »
Quote
They had the massive blank space issue resolved yesterday, but it is back today.
Yep, was going to post that but Ron beat me to it.  It was fixed yesterday (well changed :) ) but now the white space is back. 

Quote
FWIW, I agree with everyone's input here, but I am happy they didn't instead pull the plug on this forum.
+100 on that.  I did get an email from Jim Brynes yesterday and he said they were watching the comments and would do their best to make things a good experience for forum members.  This seems to have been a big update, several versions on the forum software, as well as a move to a new server / hosting.  So keep making the comments and suggestions but have patience as they get things configured.  I took a look at the forum software manual and the config file is, extensive.  I'm sure it will take a bit to find all the quirks and settings.

*

gandalf42

  • *****
  • 221
    • View Profile
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: May.2017
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2017
  • Slide: No
  • IntColor: Hickory/Graystone
  • ExtColor: 2 Tone Graystone/Nightshade
  • Location: Colorado
Re: Forum Update May 22nd @ 8am EST
« Reply #14 on: May 23, 2018, 04:12:05 pm »
Getting the sidebar back to being a sidebar is important,

The current font/ bright white background quickly strains my eyes. Not sure which is the bigger contributor, It "would be nice" to have some options such as choice of font size or even background color..such as an off white that is easier on the eyes.

Kudos/thanks for all of the work being done. Changing over a large database can be full of "oh, sh*t" moments so the fact that it is up and running as well as it is, is appreciated.  2o2
Mike & Pat Astley,