Feedback Thread

[Eric]

Please confine comments made here to feedback comments about the changes. Please read the main announcement thread post in this forum BEFORE posting here and keep your comments polite and constructive. Eric

[Dinky]

I like what I see so far:supergrin:

[Rabbit994]

I like the new theme, I do not like the new column width being fixed. I have 22 inch Wide Screen and about 4 inches on each side is being wasted.

[Eric]

I like the new theme, I do not like the new column width being fixed. I have 22 inch Wide Screen and about 4 inches on each side is being wasted.
Exactly as it is on just about every large site online. I have covered the reasons for this change a couple of times elsewhere. I link to that discussion here. Eric

[Eric]

Exactly as it is on just about every large site online. I have covered the reasons for this change a couple of times elsewhere. I link to that discussion here. Eric

Here, I copied one of the threads into this forum. Here is a link: http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=928458

[SFLglock]

The site gets better everyday. I think i need a membership :whistling:. Thanks for makeing a great site even greater! :wavey:

[MB-G26]

Edit/addition: Guess I'm typing slowly today. I was responding to Rabbit994's statement, "I have 22 inch Wide Screen and about 4 inches on each side is being wasted." During the time it took me to type and post, additional posts went up on this subject. I've now read this column width change is intentional and ostensibly permanent.

I seem to be having the opposite experience - I now have to scroll about 4" on every line, etc., in order to read/see the whole thing. Similar to when, previously, someone would post a HUGE picture in a post and the column width would 'expand' to accomodate the image, even tho the rest of a thread's posts would still be visible w/o scrolling.

Hopefully this is just a transitional thing, appearance-wise. I have a regular old monitor, 13" of actual screen. I have my resolution set where it is most comfortable for my sight w/o usually having to scroll left-right to see and entire page (and wear bi-focals), and do not have any need (or funds) to run out and buy a newer, bigger monitor to avoid having to left-right scroll.

I can't even imagine how much work must be involved in implementing and tweaking all the software bells and whistles :wow: 'Sure glad it's not me having to do it.

[Rabbit994]

None of those sites are forums or have only one column. If you plan on filling up the sides with stuff, all the better but if you don't then variable width is way to go.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/board.html?b=3
https://forums.softlayer.com/
http://forums.somethingawful.com/
http://ubuntuforums.org/
http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/

MySpace is only one with fixed width forums I found.

[Javelin]

The page layout is too wide IMO. I guess if I had a 22" screen I could make the print small enough to see the entire post withiout having to scroll side to side.

But I don't so I would recommend changing it back to where it was before.

:)

[packin23]

It's very easy to get used to. I was a little thrown off by the width at first but like Eric said, almost every site I go to is set up the same way. Rock on sandman!:rock:

[JimBianchi]

So far I'm underwhelmed.

[Glock 19 God]

None of those sites are forums or have only one column. If you plan on filling up the sides with stuff, all the better but if you don't then variable width is way to go.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/board.html?b=3
https://forums.softlayer.com/
http://forums.somethingawful.com/
http://ubuntuforums.org/
http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/

MySpace is only one with fixed width forums I found.

http://www.ebay.com/
https://www.paypal.com/
http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php
http://www.myspace.com/
http://www.msn.com/
http://www.yahoo.com/
http://www.youtube.com/
http://www.overclock.net/

[ax157]

http://www.ebay.com/
https://www.paypal.com/
http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php
http://www.myspace.com/
http://www.msn.com/
http://www.yahoo.com/
http://www.youtube.com/
http://www.overclock.net/

Only one of those links are actually a forum.

I gotta say in my experience, the vast majority of forums I've been too are in fact dynamic width.

[Glock 19 God]

Only one of those links are actually a forum.

I gotta say in my experience, the vast majority of forums I've been too are in fact dynamic width.

This has nothing to do with being a forum vs. a different type of website. There are at least a dozen (more like 2 dozen) good reasons to use this format. Eric has stated many of the important reasons in other threads. Like it or not, this format is what the most modern and up-to-date websites are using. And, like it or not, this format is here to stay for Glock Talk.

If you want a better explanation, maybe Eric will oblige you and take the time out of improving this free website and explain it to everyone, again.

[WellArmedSheep]

Does the sky scene in the graphic up top change with the time of day? I thought I saw it earlier and the sun was setting...now there are stars. Too cool! Keep up the good work, Eric!

[SomeDay]

Exactly as it is on just about every large site online. I have covered the reasons for this change a couple of times elsewhere. I link to that discussion here. Eric

It's funny. I run my screen at 1024 at night and 1152 during the day. Since I am on almost exclusively at night, I didn't even notice the change!

[mikeyU]

Thank You!:yourock:

[kirgi08]

Edit/addition: Guess I'm typing slowly today. I was responding to Rabbit994's statement, "I have 22 inch Wide Screen and about 4 inches on each side is being wasted." During the time it took me to type and post, additional posts went up on this subject. I've now read this column width change is intentional and ostensibly permanent.

I seem to be having the opposite experience - I now have to scroll about 4" on every line, etc., in order to read/see the whole thing. Similar to when, previously, someone would post a HUGE picture in a post and the column width would 'expand' to accomodate the image, even tho the rest of a thread's posts would still be visible w/o scrolling.

Hopefully this is just a transitional thing, appearance-wise. I have a regular old monitor, 13" of actual screen. I have my resolution set where it is most comfortable for my sight w/o usually having to scroll left-right to see and entire page (and wear bi-focals), and do not have any need (or funds) to run out and buy a newer, bigger monitor to avoid having to left-right scroll.

I can't even imagine how much work must be involved in implementing and tweaking all the software bells and whistles :wow: 'Sure glad it's not me having to do it.

Eric,That is my prob also.Thanks for hard work.'08.

[havensal]

I must be the only one who doesn't mind the fixed width. :dunno:

Heck, it's GT, I'd still be here if it was pink and purple. :wavey:

[c-mama]

I must be the only one who doesn't mind the fixed width. :dunno:

Heck, it's GT, I'd still be here if it was pink and purple. :wavey:

Nah. I think only a few very vocal members dislike it. The ones not saying anything have no problems with it. I don't have problems with it.

[sf3pox1]

Eric:

I wrote this in the "announcement" thread you had on the main page when you did the changes. I dont know if you saw it or not:

I was just curious about with all the new changes if we would be able to see all the good informative posts that were in the forums, or if they are long gone. My original post is below. Again, thank you in advance :hearts:

Thanks EriC! One question tho: Do all these new features take up alot of bandwidth and space you guys need for the forums?

In the last couple of weeks I have noticed alot of the threads in sections being deleted and cut back dramaticaly. I hope they weren't deleted period because alot of them had so much good information especially to new members and us who use the forums like a large book of knowledge.

Is there a way to see all the older threads that used to be in the regular sections? The forums were filled with many many awesome threads with great info but I have noticed lately all the forum sections olnly go back a few pages. Were all the old threads moved to a different section you can only see with a paid membership or a database?

One thread I was looking for was that great thread by J.P. about his wetpack testing and how he does it and his results. It wasnt too long ago, I need it! LOL :supergrin:

Thanks in advance! :wavey:

[Norman]

Not a topic directly regarding the site changes, but why is it that when I click the "Replies" link to see any new replies in threads I have previously posted in, does it not always bring up all of them? If I immediately go to Advanced Search and type in my username, it will bring up a few threads in which there have been replies after my post, but the "Replies" link didn't pick up on.

It has baffled me for some time. Why the advanced search gets them all while the replies link doesn't. Any ideas?

[Eric]

Eric:

I wrote this in the "announcement" thread you had on the main page when you did the changes. I dont know if you saw it or not:

I was just curious about with all the new changes if we would be able to see all the good informative posts that were in the forums, or if they are long gone. My original post is below. Again, thank you in advance :hearts:


I just addressed the issue of the pruned messages, in the suggestions thread here. Some of the features will use more resources, some are designed to streamline things are use less resources. It is a rough balance, but what the features will do is give the site wider appeal, driving new traffic to the place and increasing revenue, from sponsors and hopefully from membership purchases as well. Eric

[Rabbit994]

Nah. I think only a few very vocal members dislike it. The ones not saying anything have no problems with it. I don't have problems with it.

Meh, I'm ok with now after Greasemonkey + Platypus Extensions = Win.

I'll probably post the GreaseMonkey scripts later.

[Eric]

Meh, I'm ok with now after Greasemonkey + Platypus Extensions = Win.

I'll probably post the GreaseMonkey scripts later.

I wasn't aware that these extensions existed. Thanks for posting them. Eric

[GlockFish]

Meh, I'm ok with now after Greasemonkey + Platypus Extensions = Win.

I'll probably post the GreaseMonkey scripts later.

Yes, please post them. I have a wide screen monitor and really dislike the fixed width.

[Eric]

Guys, before you invest a lot of time in working around what I am doing here, give me a chance to finish it. The changes may accommodate you just fine, by the time I am done. Also, you may get the mod set up to view the site the way you like, only to have a subsequent change hose things. These look issues will be nailed down by the end of next week. Eric

[Rabbit994]

Alright, I'll wait till then Eric. Also I assume you know about it but a good one is "FireBug"

[orangedawg19]

Yeah, I like the new layout alot. Very good graphics up top that coordinate with time of day.

[spyd3r05]

I like it, Keep up the great work!

[GlockFish]

I like the new Front Page. It looks easier to find the sections of the forum that people tend to overlook or not even know are there (like the Rifle forum or Revolver forum).

[kenny31]

Eric,

I enjoyed the brief appearance of a more compact and viewable forum listing. I prefer something ala http://www.ubuntuforums.org to the current set up. Thanks for your time.

[Eric]

Eric,

I enjoyed the brief appearance of a more compact and viewable forum listing. I prefer something ala http://www.ubuntuforums.org to the current set up. Thanks for your time.

It hasn't gone away, it is just being worked on. The new main page, most of it, will be up tomorrow. Eric

[sf3pox1]

Eric,

I enjoyed the brief appearance of a more compact and viewable forum listing. I prefer something ala http://www.ubuntuforums.org to the current set up. Thanks for your time.


It is up now here on GT. It seems more confusing honestly. :dunno:

[SomeDay]

It hasn't gone away, it is just being worked on. The new main page, most of it, will be up tomorrow. Eric

So far I've liked all the changes that I've seen. The jury is still out on this one though. I can't wait to see what your plans are for the rest of the site. To be honest, though, I'm more worried about your health than the changes to the site. You do great work, but I hope you're not running faster than your ticker will allow!

[Reb 56]

Liked the old Format better was easier to find areas I was interested in such Gen Glocking,Non Glock Firearms,Carry Issues,Caliber Corner And so on. Maybe it's just me but the new format is confusing.

[FF Wife]

I don't mind the new index format. My only thing is the less than 10 pixels worth of horizontal play, requiring a scroll bar - but I have no doubt that's not a permanent fixture.

I also think as little as 40 more pixels added to the width of the forum list might look better and even out the side columns slightly more. Their combined width is darn close to the main forum list width.

Well aware it's much a work in progress and it's very appreciated. :wavey:

[spdski]

I don't like the frames or whatever the forums are in right now. I used to be able to scroll down the page using my spacebar, until I saw the forum I wanted. Now I have to use my mouse, which take far longer.

[RJ1670]

What happened to the non-glock firearms forum?

[Branspop]

Liked the old Format better was easier to find areas I was interested in such Gen Glocking,Non Glock Firearms,Carry Issues,Caliber Corner And so on. Maybe it's just me but the new format is confusing.

I don't care for the new front page at all. It is confusing and way too busy.

[G33]

This stuff is fun, Eric.
:supergrin::wavey:

[JASV.17]

I don't care for the new front page at all. It is confusing and way too busy.


I agree.

[mrnuke7571]

I agree.

Ditto. It plainly sux. :crying:

[DrMaxit]

I don't care for the new front page at all. It is confusing and way too busy.

Yeah I can't find anything.....

[Jim Watson]

Home page is very cluttered and hard to navigate.

The whole system has been very slow the last several days, even before that change.

I haven't tried to decipher the official reasons, but the result is not satisfactory.

[GlockFish]

The tabs on the front page are a really nice touch.

:thumbsup:

[HerrGlock]

ACCCKKKK!!! All times are GMT -4. The time now is 17:42. Please nooooooo!

[TMonroe]

I like it, comfortable to navigate, quick load time and it retains familiarity.No problem with my 19" widescreen. My first impression was whoa!

[brykelly]

I like the tabs at the top. it eliminates the need to scrolll down for days

[nhjsg]

Eric -

I like what I see so far. I like navigation headers a lot. If time permits, consider a dhtml dropdown (there are lots of great canned scripts that are very cross browser compatible) to allow with an OnMouseOver event an easy way to see the subforums below each tab. As a nod to folks that don't adapt quickly to change, consider generating a flat file link list (a la 'site map') that folks can use while things are in transition.

I understand things are in flux, so I'll offer my one feedback: I liked seeing the list at the bottom of the page of "members browsing this forum". If its due to return, consider this a gentle reminder, if its gone from the redesign, please consider it a request to return it.

Beyond that, I know from my past career doing web development (everyone here has seen my work, of that I have no doubt) that change sits well with some folks, and less so with others. Folks will settle into the design you choose. Keep up the great work!

[tbhracing]

Sorry- I posted this in the wrong place. I guess it belongs here.

Since its been asked, here is my feedback.

I write this with respect, but I have to state I do not like the new changes to the website. The casino was a nice change, but I dont see the need for social groups, an army war thing or woman's issues, etc.

I like things simple and easy and now there are more categories, sections and places. Sometimes more is better, but it is just too much for me.

I would rather like just a firearms area, non firearms and just a miscellaneous area. I would rather there be some consolidation, not more sections and areas. I come here for Glock information and some side stuff and that is all. I got other sites for the other the fluff stuff. Please bring back simple, bring back the basics.

Thank you for listening.

[DrMaxit]

Yeah I can't find anything.....


I'll change this, its starting to show up, I can tell its a little "rough around the edges" but its turning out very well in my opinion. I'll agree with "tbhracing" that its gotten a little but its your site Eric, run it like you want. Looks good thus far though..

[OXCOPS]

I have to say that I am not a fan of the sponsor ads in between individual posts in a thread.

[dave_pro2a]

How in the hell do I opt OUT of viewing all the new ads between posts?

[RobertI]

Yeah I have to agree about the ads everywhere. Not good. I understand the need to have revenue, but it's very irritating.

How about non-members see them but paying members don't?

[Ragnar]

The links that are in the middle of the threads are annoying. They DO NOT make me more likely to click on them. PLease lose them.

[kdcgrohl]

Over exposure on the ads. Is this just temporary to pay for upgrades?

[Eric]

Guys, don't get your undergarments in a twist quite yet. The system is still getting set up and the way it is implemented hasn't been decided yet. I don't think the ads are obtrusive as they stand though. This method of advertising on vBulletin message boards is becoming more and more prevalent. I didn't just modify the site to do this. It is an add-on module. Anyway, I'll post more about when I have worked out the details. Eric

[Rick C]

Guys, don't get your undergarments in a twist quite yet. Eric:rofl:

I like the new layout. The tabs are good.
The GlockTalk ad that appears in the body of the thread is a little weird.

Overall, it's very nice. Thanks.:cool:

[NYGunman]

The links that are in the middle of the threads are annoying. They DO NOT make me more likely to click on them. Please lose them.I agree. The ads are almost as bad as a union mandated Obama love fest.

[ricky]

Please put everything back, i can't find anything and i miss the way it was.

[novaDAK]

This method of advertising on vBulletin message boards is becoming more and more prevalent.

so, do you want to be just another gun forum, or do you want to stand above the rest? :wavey:

I picked glocktalk to participate on more than any other gun forum because it gave even non-paying members picture avatars, signatures, and unobtrusive advertising, along with an 'environment' I fit in with.

[SIGShooter]

I gotta say Eric, you had something with the old GT. It is way, way too busy now.

Ads in every place. The program has added way more steps than is needed to go from A to B. It's kind of like going from A to B by way of C,D,E,F,X,Z...

The old GT was much more simple. If I wanted to go to GG I scroll down the main page and click on GG. If I want CC I scroll down the page and click on it.

Now, I have to go to one location then to the other. It took me about a day to figure out where to find the area for my posts and threads.

GT is a great site. I've learned a lot from it. But it has become complicated. Of course, I'm no Tech weeny guy. I just like KISS.

[Cobra64]

Please put everything back, i can't find anything and i miss the way it was.

All the forums are gone except stuff no one goes to.

.

[andybob]

Eric, I would just like to say thanks a million for putting in the time an effort to make this site the way it is. You have done a heck of a job. If money wasn't so tight right now I would give back to the site but with gas and commuting to college I can't at the moment. As for the new layout, I really like it, I actually find it easier to navigate with the tabs. The only thing I don't like is the ads, and yes, I understand they are a necessary evil. Thanks for all your hard work,


Andybob

[JBnTX]

Please put everything back, i can't find anything and i miss the way it was.

Eric Sir,

I'm lost. The old way was much better. You just needed a better
separation between the gun stuff and the nonsense. That's all.

I DON'T like those big Billboard advertizements right in the
middle of the the road. What's next a million pop up adds?

Viagra cheap, click here?
You just won a prize, click here?

Recommendation: Put all the adds in one place. Let us know where
that place is and encourage us to patronize your sponsors.

Adds are like TV commercials-I change channels.

[phorvick]

My undies are not in a wad, but, with all due respect for the hundreds of hours you spend on this.... I hate it. It is cold, unfriendly and ad heavy.

[Zogan]

The ads are overkill. I come here to read about guns and whatnot, not to see ads every other post.

[Epic Ed]

That new ads are intrusive and annoying from my experience. Whether other sites are doing similar isn't relevant to my annoyance of having to navigate through them.

Ed

[Xrunner]

To echo what others are saying the ads are the deal breaker for me. The rest of the features I've seen I can get used to, but ads posted to a post? No thanks.

Maybe have three ads up top? On big one next to the GT stuff and another line with two smaller ones that aren't very tall (like the current post ads) right next to each other?

[Glock 19 God]

I don't think the ads are obtrusive as they stand though.


Eric,

I like almost all of the changes that have seen on Glock Talk recently. You are doing an amazing job upgrading this website. I have to politely disagree with your statement that is quoted, though. They are extremely obtrusive to the viewing of both the forums and individual threads. I have to sign my name on the list of people that are not happy about those ads. But, I also add that I understand this website is not a democracy. I understand that all decisions are solely yours to make. But, those ads are just plain in the way of everything.

[RobertI]

Eric,

I like almost all of the changes that have seen on Glock Talk recently. You are doing an amazing job upgrading this website. I have to politely disagree with your statement that is quoted, though. They are extremely obtrusive to the viewing of both the forums and individual threads. I have to sign my name on the list of people that are not happy about those ads. But, I also add that I understand this website is not a democracy. I understand that all decisions are solely yours to make. But, those ads are just plain in the way of everything.

Here here!

I already posted my objections, but as I look around the great site that used to be GlockTalk, I wonder...AR15.com has a massive following and I don't see ads everywhere. Why here? It must be due to that site having corporate sponsors, but they have their own forum in which to post, which I like. Their advertisements do not encroach on threads.

To give my previous post a twist: I will pay even more on top of my 'paid membership fee' NOT to see the ads!

[xcop]

Please go back to the prior setup.

[Eric]

Here here!

I already posted my objections, but as I look around the great site that used to be GlockTalk, I wonder...AR15.com has a massive following and I don't see ads everywhere. Why here? It must be due to that site having corporate sponsors, but they have their own forum in which to post, which I like. Their advertisements do not encroach on threads.

To give my previous post a twist: I will pay even more on top of my 'paid membership fee' NOT to see the ads!


Ummm, the ads in the thread listings and posts DO NOT show up for paid members. As far as AR15.com is concerned, they have 25 ads on the top of every page of the site and quite a few more on the home page.

Look, it costs a lot to run this place, in time and money, and time costs money. I need to be able to support this place. Only a fraction of the active membership here has purchased a paid membership or ever contributed any money, outside of the contests we used to do.

The current ad structure does not come close to paying the bills. The sporadic and occasional donations made are much appreciated, but they don't pay the bills either. Less than 3% of the active readership has participated at any level of the paid tier system. I am having to work side jobs to finance this place and make up the slack. I am spread too thin and under a lot of stress. Something has to give.

At any rate, I don't have the time or energy to debate this further right now. Everyone's objections are noted. I will say for the seven or eighth time that things are changing and nothing is now how it will be when I am done. Once things are done THEN I will be happy to discuss all of the changes and if anything needs to be adjusted, I will do so. Having to continually defend the changes I am making with everyone is frustrating and it is wasting my time. Let me finish things and then we will talk. OK? Eric

[Jefs]

One update to this site I'd like to see is the upgrade of my contributor icon since I donated again today :supergrin:

Eric, you've done and do a great job with GT. Hope you get an admin in for the daily stuff - so you can step back and get more R&R in. Oh yeah, I think things are looking good.

[gtmtnbiker98]

The advertisements are too distracting!!!!!

[Eric]

The advertisements are too distracting!!!!!

So are the ****ing bills. Eric

[Narkcop]

New Site is difficult to navigate and I dont like it.:shakehead:

[GotGlock1917]

Well, it took me all of about 5 minutes of poking around to learn the new layout and I have no problem with it.

Yes, it is different. That does not make it difficult.
The problem is that you guys aren't used to something lasting this long. It couldn't stay exactly the same forever.

I like it.
Well done Eric.

John

[MasterShake]

Eric Sir,

I'm lost. The old way was much better. You just needed a better
separation between the gun stuff and the nonsense. That's all.

I DON'T like those big Billboard advertizements right in the
middle of the the road. What's next a million pop up adds?

Viagra cheap, click here?
You just won a prize, click here?

Recommendation: Put all the adds in one place. Let us know where
that place is and encourage us to patronize your sponsors.

Adds are like TV commercials-I change channels.

Agreed. Overkill. Awesome suggestion.





They weren't before, but I honest to God do not know why some of you think that having the ad between posts is such a big deal. How much effort does it take to scroll an extra inch down? - Eric




I simply don't agree with the new placement of ad's in between posts. It is not a matter of having to muster up the strength(obviously effortless)to scrool an inch down more down, it is just a plain nuisance.



In many instances, the people are *****ing about transitional changes - Eric


Nobody here including me is "B**ching" about anything. It's feed back. :headscratch:

[gsarg]

Perhaps much frustration could be mitigated if all of the upgrades/testing were done in a test instance, instead of the production environment. It doesn't cost much/any money to put the development area in a separate instance without a login module. My $0.02

[BlackPaladin]

I am finally figuring out how to navigate through the site, so yay! I just want to say, I really do miss last week's layout. GT was great beacuse it was always a familiar and open site. All ads aside, I just felt more at home with the old format. I do understand though, that it is surly difficult to maintain an entire website, so maybe these changes were unavoidable? Either way, thanks Eric for GT, it is my favorite website on the net.

[crimsonaudio]

New Site is difficult to navigate and I dont like it.:shakehead:
Yah, I don't care for the ads, but I can live with them - I mainly miss the easy navigation from before. If we could end up going back to that layout, that would be great...

[Mrs. Tink]

The casino was a nice change, but I dont see the need for social groups, an army war thing or woman's issues, etc.


Women's Issues has been on GT for at least as long as I have been registered here. It is not new. :wavey: If you don't see the need for it, don't visit us.

Eric, I have been on other sites that have the ads in the middle of threads. It is distracting but I understand you have to pay the bills. We all sincerely appreciate your efforts!

[trackeryak]

I'm sorry but I am not a fan of all these changes. I understand it is a big site to run and costs money. I'm a member of many message boards and this is now the worst as far as being member friendly.

I don't like the ads and the layout is not the easiest to navigate. Maybe I'll get used to it in time but I'll probably be visiting a lot less now.

[Eric]

Guys, every time I make a series of upgrades, I have to put up with what I am having to put up with now. I don't seem to learn my lesson. I have said on at least a dozen occasions, that you guys are seeing a work-in-progress ad to withhold judgment until everything is done. Some people do insist though on commenting on every stage of every change though and most people are not reading what I have written about something, before posting. This is not working out.

I am going to close this thread and close this forum to new threads. I will post announcements here and I will leave a bug thread open, for the report of suspected bugs. I would appreciate it though if everyone could withhold any other comments about the changes until they are done. Thanks. Eric