Poll on possible forum change

Post by **AmBraCol** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 9:06 am

Please take a look at the Pump Rifle forum and then answer the poll. Comments or questions can be made in this thread.

http://forum.pumprifle.org

awp101 · Post by **awp101** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 9:38 am

Are you asking about the actual layout or just the color scheme? I don't see much difference but then again, I've only had two cups of coffee...

Post by **AmBraCol** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 9:43 am

awp101 wrote:Are you asking about the actual layout or just the color scheme? I don't see much difference but then again, I've only had two cups of coffee...

Mostly layout. The colors can be tweaked a bit if one finds or builds the right template. Being a lazy type I'd rather tweak an existing template than build one from scratch.

There's a few changes, some have to do with the newer software, some to do with the template. I'm not sure how to explain them at this time (still digging, experimenting, learning) but most of what you see different is due to the template.

stretch · Post by **stretch** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:09 am

It looks fine as we are, methinks.

-Stretch

mikld · Post by **mikld** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:10 am

Only change I'd like to see is perhaps if one could title their post "Adult Content" the prudes won't determine/decide if the content is acceptable...

Post by **AmBraCol** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:23 am

mikld wrote:Only change I'd like to see is perhaps if one could title their post "Adult Content" the prudes won't determine/decide if the content is acceptable...

There's no need to take this thread that direction. Labeling folks does not contribute to honest discussion but only to creating divisions and hostilities. Setting up an "anything goes" site and forum is easy enough. There are plenty of domains out there and hosting is easily found. Go to godaddy.com and search for "levergunsandnakedwomen.com" or even "levergunsandnakedwomen.xxx" I'm pretty sure that they are available.

Set up your forum with your rules and be happy. You're still welcome here, as we welcome anyone and everyone who agrees to abide by the rules. It's not like we've not had this discussion before on this forum.

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:34 am

The only thing I'd like to see changed is that the Paco Kelly's Leverguns.com logo in the top left actually link to www.leverguns.com

alnitak · Post by **alnitak** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:38 am

So, before I give an answer, I'd like to know the problems we are addressing. Are the changes proposed for better performance or better use of server resources? Is it change for change sake, just to spiff up the site/colors? Does it allow easier searches? Provide better management of user CP, like messaging, post history, etc.? Is this in response to user complaints about certain aspects of the forum? Is it cheaper? Does it allow for more subforums or better thread management? Does it allow more ad space? Better security? Etc.?

Without understanding the motivation, I can't really provide an answer. Also, if we change, what are the impacts (besides cosmetics) to what we are used to here?

For example, here's a site I don't necessarily like:

http://www.vaguntrader.com/forums/ubbthreads.php

I have to scroll down two pages to get to anything I'm interested in. I do like the live chat to the right...might be nice to have. But all of the "wasted" space at the top is annoying.

We should change for good reasons -- lower costs, enhanced functionality, easier readability, etc. -- not because it's just time for a change.

Post by **AmBraCol** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:39 am

Tycer wrote:The only thing I'd like to see changed is that the Paco Kelly's Leverguns.com logo in the top left actually link to http://www.leverguns.com

I need to poke around the template a bit and see if I can find that portion... all it takes is time and effort... of which time tends to be the limiting factor. Thanks for the reminder.

Post by **AmBraCol** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:45 am

alnitak wrote:So, before I give an answer, I'd like to know the problems we are addressing. Are the changes proposed for better performance or better use of server resources? Is it change for change sake, just to spiff up the site/colors? Does it allow easier searches? Provide better management of user CP, like messaging, post history, etc.? Is this in response to user complaints about certain aspects of the forum? Is it cheaper? Does it allow for more subforums or better thread management?

Without understanding the motivation, I can't really provide an answer. Also, if we change, what are the impacts (besides cosmetics) to what we are used to here?

The template question is mostly cosmetics. PHPBoard's pro-silver template is common to a million other forums. The idea would be to put in place a uniquely "Our Place" template that doesn't look like every other PHPBoard forum on the 'net.

The performance, etc update is non-negotiable as it also has to do with security and it will take place. Most will never notice it once it is in place. These forums/sites work with a back end where the work is done and a front end where the public interfaces with them. The question is regarding the interface portion of the site.

Folks are funny. It's interesting to see the way the numbers are running for "keeping it the way it is". That's fine and dandy and I don't mind much one way or the other. Since we were setting up Bruce's forum and used a different template there the idea popped up that perhaps we should paint the old home place as well - or not.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:48 am

I like the layout and colors....gentle on the eyes, they are.

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:52 am

All I would change is:

I wish the "search" function would search for things like "32-20" more reliably; I doubt that's changeable though, and it is just unfortunate that many of the things on a firearms forum one would search for include just a few digits and a hyphen (the hyphen seems to really mess things up!

). I've tried using the 'quote' symbol and all sorts of things, but sometimes it just won't work...

Post by **AmBraCol** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:53 am

alnitak wrote:For example, here's a site I don't necessarily like:

http://www.vaguntrader.com/forums/ubbthreads.php

I have to scroll down two pages to get to anything I'm interested in. I do like the live chat to the right...might be nice to have. But all of the "wasted" space at the top is annoying.

We should change for good reasons -- lower costs, enhanced functionality, easier readability, etc. -- not because it's just time for a change.

Different forum software, not just cosmetics. We're pretty much tied into the PHPBoard system as that is the one we've been using since we left the old sixgunner.com hosted site and its windows based system. The idea of a different interface has been around a while but never gone anywhere with it and lo and behold it's four years since we put this place up and we're still running the default template. And that's not a big deal unless someone cracks some template code and finds a way to hack such sites.

alnitak · Post by **alnitak** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:55 am

BlaineG wrote:I like the layout and colors....gentle on the eyes, they are.

Interesting. I find it tougher on the eyes...for me, the colors seem to run together without enough distinction in the text. Tires my eyes quickly.

alnitak · Post by **alnitak** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:56 am

AmBraCol wrote:
alnitak wrote:For example, here's a site I don't necessarily like:

http://www.vaguntrader.com/forums/ubbthreads.php

I have to scroll down two pages to get to anything I'm interested in. I do like the live chat to the right...might be nice to have. But all of the "wasted" space at the top is annoying.

We should change for good reasons -- lower costs, enhanced functionality, easier readability, etc. -- not because it's just time for a change.
Different forum software, not just cosmetics. We're pretty much tied into the PHPBoard system as that is the one we've been using since we left the old sixgunner.com hosted site and its windows based system. The idea of a different interface has been around a while but never gone anywhere with it and lo and behold it's four years since we put this place up and we're still running the default template. And that's not a big deal unless someone cracks some template code and finds a way to hack such sites.

Thanks Paul. the additional information helps. I'll vote now...

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 11:07 am

I voted to leave it as is. I like things to stay the same unless it actually improves the function. If it's just cosmetic then I see no real purpose to it.
This forum, with it's one main general chat section is the one I spend most of my time at. We've had that set up from the beginning if I remember right and the only changes I'd like to see would be to make the forum function easier with dial ups. It's not bad now, but occasionally a thread with lots of pics in it will bring my computer to a dead stop.
What, if anything, could be done about that I have no idea.

And yes I know, dial up is obsolete, but it's all we can afford right now.

Joe

Pitchy · Post by **Pitchy** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 11:21 am

J Miller wrote:I voted to leave it as is. I like things to stay the same unless it actually improves the function. If it's just cosmetic then I see no real purpose to it.

Joe

+ 1

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 11:22 am

The ONLY change I'd like to see is to allow font changes.

And, while I'm on that... what do the three boxes, "Code", "List", and "List=" actually do?

Code: Select all

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Grizz · Post by **Grizz** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 12:00 pm

gray on gray? I'd have to turn off the site's colors in order to read anything on it. I think this site is about perfect. kinda conservative that way...

Grizz

Malamute · Post by **Malamute** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 12:32 pm

I find our current look easier on the eyes than the pump forums look.

If that was the question,.....

damienph · Post by **damienph** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 1:08 pm

I like the format and color scheme just the way it is. The format at the new pump rifle forum is ok, but I prefer the way that leverguns is set up. Easy to navigate.

El Chivo · Post by **El Chivo** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 1:52 pm

I liked having the option to create your own poll, which we had for a short while. Other than that I'm happy with the format.

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 2:08 pm

I like our current format, except for the size/extent of the "stickies" - but WOULD like to see a separate ID/SN Search front page section, as on the Pump Gun Forum, since newbies have to know where to search for ours.

.

RIHMFIRE · Post by **RIHMFIRE** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 2:27 pm

i like ours better

Otto · Post by **Otto** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 2:29 pm

AmBraCol wrote:
alnitak wrote:So, before I give an answer, I'd like to know the problems we are addressing. Are the changes proposed for better performance or better use of server resources? Is it change for change sake, just to spiff up the site/colors? Does it allow easier searches? Provide better management of user CP, like messaging, post history, etc.? Is this in response to user complaints about certain aspects of the forum? Is it cheaper? Does it allow for more subforums or better thread management?

Without understanding the motivation, I can't really provide an answer. Also, if we change, what are the impacts (besides cosmetics) to what we are used to here?
The template question is mostly cosmetics. PHPBoard's pro-silver template is common to a million other forums. The idea would be to put in place a uniquely "Our Place" template that doesn't look like every other PHPBoard forum on the 'net.

The performance, etc update is non-negotiable as it also has to do with security and it will take place. Most will never notice it once it is in place. These forums/sites work with a back end where the work is done and a front end where the public interfaces with them. The question is regarding the interface portion of the site.

Folks are funny. It's interesting to see the way the numbers are running for "keeping it the way it is". That's fine and dandy and I don't mind much one way or the other. Since we were setting up Bruce's forum and used a different template there the idea popped up that perhaps we should paint the old home place as well - or not.

"Cuz it works? Just sayin'.

But I have always been resistant to change.

jeepnik · Post by **jeepnik** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 4:56 pm

Silly question to ask a bunch of folks stuck in the 1800's what with our leverguns and single action revolvers. We obvioulsy resist change.

olyinaz · Post by **olyinaz** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 6:12 pm

Change is bad. All change. Always.

Oly

Bogie35 · Post by **Bogie35** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 6:12 pm

I like ours the way it is. However, we sure could use a better search engine. The one we currently have is very "hit or miss" and doesn't accept Boolean Logic. Aside from that, our current layout is near perfect!

bogie

claybob86 · Post by **claybob86** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 6:20 pm

This one's fine the way it is. I see no reason to tamper with it.

Cimarron · Post by **Cimarron** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 6:33 pm

Change for change sake is why things are screwed up now.

Old Time Hunter · Post by **Old Time Hunter** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 7:08 pm

J Miller wrote:I voted to leave it as is. I like things to stay the same unless it actually improves the function. If it's just cosmetic then I see no real purpose to it.
This forum, with it's one main general chat section is the one I spend most of my time at.

I agree totally

JerryB · Post by **JerryB** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:47 pm

IF IT AIN'T BROKE DON'T FIX IT. I am old and still carry a Colt SAA .45 for CCW. Itook a look at the Pump forum and really don't care for it. I like this one the way it is now.
Thank you for the great job you and Hobie do keeping this site going and puttin' up with this bunch.

Mac in Mo · Post by **Mac in Mo** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 12:17 am

I voted to keep it the way it is. My close vision is starting to go ( age 46) and I have not yet learned to keep reading glasses handy. This format is still very easy to read without the cheaters. Thanks.

Kevin

Post by **AmBraCol** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 8:09 am

Otto wrote:
AmBraCol wrote:The template question is mostly cosmetics. PHPBoard's pro-silver template is common to a million other forums.
"Cuz it works? Just sayin'.

But I have always been resistant to change.

Actually, the correct answer is "Because it's the default on installation and most folks don't know how to set up, let alone build, a new template."

rbertalotto · Post by **rbertalotto** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 8:37 am

I think its real interesting that you ask a bunch of folks that like to shoot rifles designed over 100 years ago that mostly shoot cast bullets if they want something to change...............

Amazing that 90% want things to stay the same...................

GonnePhishin · Post by **GonnePhishin** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 9:34 am

I vote to PLEASE LEAVE IT ALONE. It is easy to navigate and find what you are looking for.

Aussie Chris · Post by **Aussie Chris** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 10:03 am

''If it aint broke dont fix it'' comes to mind

Chris

gamekeeper · Post by **gamekeeper** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 10:24 am

olyinaz wrote:Change is bad. All change. Always.

Oly

+ 1

Cruise · Post by **Cruise** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 10:56 am

J Miller wrote:I voted to leave it as is. I like things to stay the same unless it actually improves the function. If it's just cosmetic then I see no real purpose to it.

My sentiments as well. If the back end provides an improvement that is transparent to us and makes it easier for you, go for it! I guess what applies is:

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

txpete · Post by **txpete** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 11:04 am

leave it alone...BUT...GET RID OF THOSE STICKEYS.make a stickey section

CowboyTutt · Post by **CowboyTutt** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 11:04 am

I like our format better after comparing them. -Tutt

Old Time Hunter · Post by **Old Time Hunter** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 4:32 pm

Only 88% want to keep it the way it is...guess some liberal judge will step in and demand a change!

Jeff H · Post by **Jeff H** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 6:52 pm

Pete44ru wrote:I like our current format, except for the size/extent of the "stickies" - but WOULD like to see a separate ID/SN Search front page section, as on the Pump Gun Forum, since newbies have to know where to search for ours.

.

I'ver read far enough.

Good as-is: easy on the eyes, easy to navigate, no need for goo gaw

Would change what Pete44ru said if it didn't mean making other changes.

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 7:04 pm

Malamute wrote:I find our current look easier on the eyes than the pump forums look.

+1 The way the posts in a thread alternate colors here makes threads a lot easier to read

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 7:32 pm

The older I get the less I like change.

COSteve · Post by **COSteve** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 10:58 pm

It seems to me that on a site that celebrates the past and looks to it with admiration, the % of answers your poll shows to 'leave it alone' are laughingly predictable. Many of us here are of the 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' mindset.

In addition, I agree with many who don't like things to change just for change itself. Besides, I've got a 24 and 26 year old who lust after the 'new' just for new's sake and that's plenty for one family. Like most, I voted to leave it alone.

Dave B · Post by **Dave B** » Sat Apr 02, 2011 1:08 am

I vote for no change. I find the current set up easy to read and navigate as I am getting older.

Dave B

Would you like to see a different layout/template on the Leverguns Community Forum?