The Upgraded Software...Take Look

[Rick]

Would anyone like a sneak peak? http://www.centextalk.com/forum/

Your current login is the same.

Still a lot of work to do, especially on the Front Page, but I think they have FINALLY worked a lot of bugs out of it. I am starting to become very impressed.

P.S. The database is as it was this morning, so the latest messages here are not there.

Keep in mind, this is just a test preview. Anything posted on the new site will disappear.

Let me know what you think of it.

[Night Owl]

Looks great. I will have to learn more than I know now to get the full benefit.

[Rick]

So will I.

[cnjbond]

Doesn't seem to be too much different than this one...shouldn't be too hard for us to transition.

[kantwin]

In my opinion, switching over to the new software will take a little getting used to for the users, but it's really no different than getting used to different discussion boards (believe it or not, there's more than CenTexTalk out there!) From a user perspective, the same buttons / links / tools are there, just in different places.
I would like it if it were able to go full screen width. The current board does.
After I posted a test message, I don't understand what the little "piece of paper" icon is. Hover over it, it says "Default".

[Rick]

The screen width is an issue to me as well. On my phone and mini computer, it is full. On my desktop 21" screen it isn't.

The little page thing showed that it wad the default Post Icon. I turned that off.

The style I selected might be adding to some of the "confusion" I am sending Scarlett out shopping for a potential new one. :)

If anyone wants to add their opinion about what they'd like to see, feel free to do so. Just Google Vbulletin skins or styles then post the link here. It is version 4.1.

I am making the front page less busy as well. I was able to add a Weather widget and am playing with the layout.

I have not added that address to Tapatalk or Forumrunner yet. Will let you all know when I do.

Thanks for the input. Making changes like this is scary. I don't want to run people off, plus, I seem to remember being cussed out the first time we did it. :-s But it proved to have been a wise choice.

User input is very helpful.

[kantwin]

The screen width seems to be full screen, and scalable now. I can stretch my browser across both monitors, and it scales.

[kantwin]

Weather widget link (to take to your profile to enter your ZIP code) doesn't seem to work.
I added my ZIP code in my profile, and the weather widget showed correctly.

[Scarlett]

I am crawling out of bed to do my shopping part now darn it....last darn day of vaca and I am being put to work...*mumble curse mutter under breath*

[Rick]

I found and changed the page width variable.

Also, fixed the coding error in the Zip Code link.

Thanks.

[Rick]

I am crawling out of bed to do my shopping part now darn it....last darn day of vaca and I am being put to work...*mumble curse mutter under breath*
:bluerofl are you really complaining about shopping?

[Scarlett]

Ok...I shopped...and turns out I like the same one you like. How the hell did that happen?

[Rick]

I have good taste and it's contagious. What can I say?

[Night Owl]

Ok...I shopped...and turns out I like the same one you like. How the hell did that happen?

You just took the easy way out and are just stroking Rick's ego.8-;:))

[Scarlett]

Well hell, they all look a lot alike and none come in hot pink so what could I do?

[Rick]

And if they had a pink one it would be as if they didn't.

Here's where we were looking. Click on the Demo for each one and you'll see the style on a full forum.

http://www.vbstyles.com/

[Rick]

Here ya go Scarlett.

http://www.vbinspired.com/vb4test/forum.php?styleid=30

[Scarlett]

Yep. THAT'S the one. Perfect.

[Night Owl]

stroke, stroke, stroke!!! Good job!!!:)

[Rick]

LOL We'd all have to wear sunglasses.

[Night Owl]

Here ya go Scarlett.

http://www.vbinspired.com/vb4test/forum.php?styleid=30

Oh HELL NO!!!!!

[Scarlett]

Oh HELL NO!!!!!

Aww, what's wrong? Sucking the manhood outta ya? Can't handle it?

[Rick]

Suck, would be an appropriate description.

[Scarlett]

Oh COME ON already...it is pretty!
I like pink.
Can't y'all just go with it for a while? For me? Pllleeeaaazzzeeeee.

[cnjbond]

Oh wow, that's horrible!!! It's like looking at a crazy Hello Kitty themed Myspace page!

[Texas Immigrant]

It makes it look like my computer threw up Pepto-Bismal.

[Spartan]

I close my eyes and the image remains. I think I'm going to be sick. I have no objection to occasional pink but that is just too much.

[Rick]

It makes it look like my computer threw up Pepto-Bismal.
:bluerofl

[Night Owl]

Aww, what's wrong? Sucking the manhood outta ya? Can't handle it?
You hit the nail on the head!!!!!

[Night Owl]

Oh COME ON already...it is pretty!
I like pink.
Can't y'all just go with it for a while? For me? Pllleeeaaazzzeeeee.

Rick let me answer pleaseeeeee!!! Not no, but NO Flippin' way!!!!!:))

[Rick]

Ok, since she said "Pllleeeaaazzzeeeee"

I installed it, (the joys of having a test forum...haha) anyone wanting their retinas burnt out, can go to the bottom left corner of the page and select it.

Anyone who is interested, can also see what the default colors look like.

The pink only works on the forum, not the front content page.

[THEMEANOGRE]

From the commentary, I think I'm glad the test won't load on my computer.

[Rick]

What browser are you using? And what is the version?

[Scarlett]

From the commentary, I think I'm glad the test won't load on my computer.

Seems like a great reason to start it now. Hehe. ;)

[kantwin]

Seems like a great reason to start it now. Hehe. ;)

That's "mean". LOL.

[Rick]

Tapatalk and Forumrunner have been installed on Version 4. You should be able to find them easily.

[kantwin]

With forumrunner, I only saw the "production" site.

[Rick]

That's because the pain-killers hit before I actually published the site...should be good now.

[TheOldProgrammer]

Ok, since she said "Pllleeeaaazzzeeeee"

I installed it, (the joys of having a test forum...haha) anyone wanting their retinas burnt out, can go to the bottom left corner of the page and select it.

Anyone who is interested, can also see what the default colors look like.

The pink only works on the forum, not the front content page.

I can select "THE" color at the bottom left corner but then the page recycles to the original and when I select the forum, it's in the color as it is here... Guess that means it doesn't work for me either... I'm using Firefox 3.6.13 (the latest non-Version 4 (Beta)... Have you tested this on anything other than IE? :smoke

[Rick]

The color selector doesn't work on the front page. Click on Forum link and it works there. Both with IE 8 and Firefox 3.5.10.

[TheOldProgrammer]

The color selector doesn't work on the front page. Click on Forum link and it works there. Both with IE 8 and Firefox 3.5.10.

I realize that from what you previously posted but it doesn't work when I click on the "CentexTalk.com" link... Maybe you should install the latest non-Beta version of Firefox and try it... Unless I'm doing something wrong whick I don't think I am... Am I missing a step in the process? I do like the new front page though especially your addition of Kim Komando but I think Jayski's Silly Season Site would be better than "That's Racin'"... :smoke

[Rick]

Is this the address to the forum you are trying http://www.centextalk.com/forum/forum.php

Those links on the content page are old, I only use a couple of them. I'll add Jayski to the final version.

FF is downloading 3.5.13 now.

[kantwin]

That's because the pain-killers hit before I actually published the site...should be good now.
Yep. Shows up as a new arrival.
Works well. I don't use Tapatalk anymore, so I can't test that.

[Rick]

I may be giving up Tapatalk after using Forum runner on my phone the last few minutes.

This is nice.

[dawglover]

Impressive but it will take a little time to sort through it all and understand it - I think. Then again, technology has never been easy for me. It'll probably be a piece of cake for everyone else.

[TheOldProgrammer]

Is this the address to the forum you are trying http://www.centextalk.com/forum/forum.php

Those links on the content page are old, I only use a couple of them. I'll add Jayski to the final version.

FF is downloading 3.5.13 now.

No, I was using the link you provided in your original post; which apparently isn't the proper link...

This link works and I have now seen "THE" skin and certainly don't like it; sorry Scarlett...

I like the new look; seems 'cleaner'...

I hope that 3.5.13 was a typo... :smoke

[kantwin]

I may be giving up Tapatalk after using Forum runner on my phone the last few minutes.

This is nice.
I did the same thing. I used Tapatalk right after you first installed it on the board, and when I found Forumrunner, I installed it on a test board I had, and liked it much better. I think I asked you to install it here then.
I do like it much better than Tapatalk.

[Rick]

I hope that 3.5.13 was a typo... :smoke

Nope

It's downloading 3.6.13 now.

How many more are there? I don't use it very often. :))

[Rick]

I need someone from behind the Ft. Hood "wall of fire" to log on to the new software and make sure it works. I do plan to change the address from "VB" to "forum" and I want to make sure it isn't blocked.

Thanks.

[TheOldProgrammer]

Nope

It's downloading 3.6.13 now.

How many more are there? I don't use it very often. :))

Firefox 3.6.13 is the latest and greatest release version... Version 4 is in Beta and they have yet to release a "RC" (Release Candidate)... You only need the one version at this time, that version being 3.6.13... I'll try to remember to let you know when Version 4 becomes the end all, be all...

I should try this with Google Chrome and see how it works there... Maybe this afternoon I will... :smoke

[Night Owl]

I need someone from behind the Ft. Hood "wall of fire" to log on to the new software and make sure it works. I do plan to change the address from "VB" to "forum" and I want to make sure it isn't blocked.

Thanks.

Rick
I logged on without a problem.

[Rick]

Great, thanks. Once I work out the ads, I think I'll be all set.

[TheOldProgrammer]

It appears to be working fine in Version 8.0.552.224 which is the latest version... The 'pinklady' still looked like Pepto-Bismol... :smoke

[dawglover]

Yea Rick! Aren't you the clever lad. I could never do anything like what you are doing with this web site. I'm impressed.

[Rick]

Thanks, it really is just a matter of applying someone else's work to my needs and wants and then tweaking it a bit.

I just wish I could work on it more. But I can't sit at computer much. Still in a hell of a lot of pain and am not going to push it.

[Rick]

Well, I think I am as ready for the upgrade as I'm going to be. The content management page will need a complete rework, but that is not going to stop me. I don't even HAVE to use it.

I'll decide how the "Blog" feature will work later.

I have found a few nice additions such as adding links to popular sites in a dropdown menu in the top navigation bar. That will save space on the screen.

For now, I will probably go with the "Blue Senseless" style until I find something that I really like.

So, unless something unforseen comes up, one of these mornings, I will close this forum, then back everything up, then complete the upgrade.

[TheOldProgrammer]

You will advise us as to when this will take place? :smoke

[Rick]

Probably not. It depends how I feel when I wake up early in the morning. It won't be today though.

When I do it, I don't foresee the forum being down for more than an hour.

I'm thinking about making this forum "Read Only" while I do the work.

I might make another practice run today and see how long it'll take.

[Rick]

I have made some practice runs on the upgrade and got it down to 20 minutes or so.

The only thing I am wondering is about the directory change. I think I will keep it under the current structure. that way, no one has to change their bookmarks.

So one day, everyone will wake up and have the new software without any hassle.

Now I just need to get up the nerve to actually do it. That's the scary part.

[TheOldProgrammer]

Who are you kidding? Someone will have a problem with the new software... Most likely it'll be 'operator headspace'... :smoke

[Rick]

No way, we have the smartest users in all of the Internet.

[circle_c]

Who are you kidding? Someone will have a problem with the new software... Most likely it'll be 'operator headspace'... :smoke I resemble that remark...:))

[Rick]

Well, it is installed. If there is a general hatred for it, I can roll back to 4:00 am 1/15/2010.

I am still in the market for a style. I am not completely in love with this one. So if you find something, I'll consider it.

[TheOldProgrammer]

So far, so good though I don't see the smilies... :smoke

[Rick]

I see Brian tested the Blog feature. I can't say that that was unexpected...lol

I tested Tapatalk and ForumRunner, all seems to be working well.

[Rick]

Testing smilies :):busted:cowdungwitch:?:crying

They aren't in the Quick Reply box (Yet). You have to "Go Advanced" and they appear then.

[Brian McCall]

I like it. It seems to have a lot of functionality. I might have to check out vBulletin again. I've always been partial to Simple Machines because it uses php, but now I see this does too.

[TheOldProgrammer]

So I discovered... I just happened to remember the code for this one... :smoke

[Rick]

Two quick things, then I am going back to bed! :))

The ad block on the side menu is collapsible.

For now, I added two "Links" sections at the top menu bar. News Links and Education Links. I plan to add a Sports and other dropdowns for that. Please suggest links you use that others might find interesting.

[kantwin]

ForumRunner works well.
It even has a little "post count" when browsing the forum. Didn't used to have that.

[kantwin]

The "Default Post" icon is back.

[Rick]

I noticed the post count too. It had it before, but it was always a zero and I never could figure out what it was.

I'll remove the default image in a few.

[kantwin]

I hadn't noticed the post count.

[Rick]

I think it is also showing the blue bubble to indicate a forum with a new message.

[engteach64]

I like the new look, but have one question. Is there a way to make the font size a little larger? I haven't embraced the fact that I can't see as well as I used to yet, so is it possible to make the font a little larger?

[Rick]

I'm sure I can. I will add that to the "to-do" list...(I really do have one. ;) )

[circle_c]

I like the new look, but have one question. Is there a way to make the font size a little larger? I haven't embraced the fact that I can't see as well as I used to yet, so is it possible to make the font a little larger? Hope it's OK to butt in here, Some things you might try... hit the control and the =+ key on your keyboard. To reduce hit the control -_ key. that is if you are using a PC, or perhaps your keyboard has a zoom key

[kantwin]

Control + scroll the mouse wheel works, too.

[Texas Immigrant]

On the old format I could click CP (I think that's what it was) and it only showed me new posts in the threads I was subscribed to. Is there a way to do that with the new format? When I click What's New or New Posts, it shows me all new posts.

[Rick]

I'll look into it.

[Rick]

On the old format I could click CP (I think that's what it was) and it only showed me new posts in the threads I was subscribed to. Is there a way to do that with the new format? When I click What's New or New Posts, it shows me all new posts.
Do me a favor and try clicking on the "Quick Links" dropdown and select "Subscribed Threads". Does that do what you want it to do?

[Chief]

Don't like the new software. Liked the old one much better.

[Rick]

I hope I can improve it in order to make it to your liking. What don't you like about it?

[Texas Immigrant]

Do me a favor and try clicking on the "Quick Links" dropdown and select "Subscribed Threads". Does that do what you want it to do?

That gave me all threads that I'm subscribed to, whether they have new posts or not.

[finalbowser]

O_o

Whoa... The new look is odd... but I suppose I could get used to it. >_>

[Rick]

O_o

Whoa... The new look is odd... but I suppose I could get used to it. >_>

I am going to make changes to the style. I am not 100% happy with it.

[Rick]

That gave me all threads that I'm subscribed to, whether they have new posts or not.

I added a User CP dropdown to the Menu bar. I'm pretty sure thata's what you want. It's also in the top right there is a "Settings" link. That takes you to the User CP.

[kantwin]

Didn't that User CP button replace a button that would take you to new posts?
I found that convenient.
On another note - Is anyone seeing strange behavior with the ForumRunner app?
I read a post, refresh, and it shows as unread again. Does it for almost every post I read with ForumRunner.
I've rebooted the phone, and it still does it.
Didn't start happening until the update of this forum.

[Rick]

There is a "New Post" link on the second level menu. I took put the "What's New" because it was the same as the New Post. I can easily put it back.

Forum Runner is working perfectly for me. The blue bubbles change after I read a message. I haver the Android version.

[kantwin]

I think a "New Posts" link on the home page would be handy.
In Forum Runner, the bubble changes, and the font changes from bold to normal after I read a post.
But, if I refresh the page, it reverts to a blue bubble, and bold font, like I didn't read it.
I'm using the iPhone version.
Anyone else using the iPhone version, and seeing this?

[kantwin]

Also, I can't find the "Today's Posts" link.
I found that handy, too.

[Rick]

Ahh I see where you are looking. I added it back.

The Home page is going to get a complete workover when I get some of the other things done.

Over all, I am pleased so far.

[Rick]

Also, I can't find the "Today's Posts" link.
I found that handy, too.
I think I saw a modification for that.

[Spartan]

I can't figure out how to put smileys into my comments and this appears to run much slower on my system. Other than that, I'm OK with this new one... though I prefer the old.

[xzochye]

As of right now I really miss the old design. However, I am sure (hoping) that I once I learn everything about the new design I will like it just as much. I just don't handle change very well I guess....lol.

[Rick]

I just added an advanved "Quick Reply" modification. Smileys are now possible without going to the Advanced editor. 8-;:):chopwood

There is a dropdown menu when you click on the http://www.centextalk.com/vb/images/editor/smilie.png. Scroll all he way down and you can click on "Show All Smilies" to bring them all up.


As for the speed, I have noticed that some things are slower, some are faster. (Hard to tell with both kids home this weekend and they have their computers on my network too...LOL)

I will be adjusting some things to hopefully help with that.

[Rick]

As of right now I really miss the old design. However, I am sure (hoping) that I once I learn everything about the new design I will like it just as much. I just don't handle change very well I guess....lol.
The thing of it is, it may not be long before they stop supporting the old version. This one has been out for more than a year now, I actually bought it in November 2009, and waited until they finally got a lot of the issues solved.

[Mestral]

Like every thing else, the new version WILL eventually replace the old version. I dragged my feet on several older programs, but in the end I had to either change to a newer version, or a different program altogether. (Gave up on DOS last year :doh )

I logged on yesterday and saw some things I didn't really like, but you have already improved them. It may take me a while before I get used to the new design, but I think you have done a fantastic job of making the transition as smooth as possible for us users.

[Rick]

Thanks.

Eng64, I am still working on the font size. Finding it out of hundreds of style variables is a pain in the you know what.

[finalbowser]

Also, I can't find the "Today's Posts" link.
I found that handy, too.

I used the link that says "What's New?" Seems like the same thing. The "Today's Posts" was my favorite feature of the old style.

[finalbowser]

oh wow... I just now discovered the arrows that expand the threads horizontally and hides the sponsor ads. With the page extended and the ad(s) hidden, the page looks SO much better.

[Rick]

To view New Posts, I think this will work. I added a tab that says "New Posts?". The dropdown menu will give you a choice of "View All New Posts" which will be all the messages on the forum that you have not read. The "View New Posts for Today" will give you the new posts from the past 24 hours (I think) whether you have read them or not. The unread posts will be bold.

I will try to add "View Subscribed" and a "View New Since Last Visit" options to it once I find the correct urls.

Test them and let me know what you think.

[TheOldProgrammer]

I just noticed that the 'countdown' thingy isn't there anymore... :smoke

[Rick]

No, I might add it back if someone wrote it for this version. I will check on it.

[xzochye]

I am liking it more and more. Is there a way that you can put a top button at the end of each post by the reply or thanks button?

[Rick]

Ask and ye shall receive. I knew there was one at the bottom of each page. Just not each post...There is now!

[Rick]

The current style is the default style. I hate the color, but I am wondering if this style loads faster than the other one.

You can still select the the "Blue Senseless" style if you would like to compare the two. Both are up to date with the modifications.

I'd appreciate it if you let me know what you think about the page loading speed.

[TheOldProgrammer]

For me, the change to the style made no difference... The loading is still slow and 'jerky'... One thing of note is that when I move from thread to thread or press the 'forum' button; the refresh first shows the narrow forum with the adds and then acts on the fact that I have them closed... Another thing I've noted is that when you'd click 'Thanks' on the old version, it showed up right then, now sometimes it does but most of the time it doesn't... :smoke

[Rick]

I think it does the "Narrow to wide" thing because of the sidebar. I think it looks like it's there, then realizes that it's open. I am going to remove it. The "Thanks" thing works for me, I may install a different one and see how it works. I don't like how this one looks.

[TheOldProgrammer]

Doing that might speed the refresh/reload rate... :smoke

[kantwin]

Is the "The Following User Says Thank You to <insert username here> For This Useful Post:" a bit large, or is it just me?

[TheOldProgrammer]

Is the "The Following User Says Thank You to <insert username here> For This Useful Post:" a bit large, or is it just me?

Nope, it's not just you... That may be one of the things Rick dislikes about it... :smoke

[Rick]

Is the "The Following User Says Thank You to <insert username here> For This Useful Post:" a bit large, or is it just me?
I don't like how it is aligned or how there is not much visual separation between the post and the thanks block. It should not be that prominent.

[Rick]

Sidebar is disabled, let me know if that helps.

[Gramps]

It would be nice if the Quick Navigation popup would auto select the forum you are currently viewing (as displayed before you click on it) instead of taking you to the top of the popup list.

[Rick]

Ya Gramps, that would have made sense for them to have written it that way. I never use that, but can see what you are talking about.

[Scarlett]

I am not a fan of how separated the "signatures" seem to be from the poster's post. Some people have such long signatures they look like separate posts.

[finalbowser]

I'm not a fan of signatures in general. We have status messages now. Signatures can be removed altogether, in my opinion.

[Scarlett]

I agree. Adds to the clutter.

[Rick]

Good points about the signatures. Except that's where those of us who play the NASCAR contest show off our "trophy's". I'll look at a way to handle that.

I really like these suggestions and comments. Anything that makes this "OUR" site is good!

[finalbowser]

could you make little "badges" for winning games and contests and doing other site-related stuff (like topic/article of the month)? They could be displayed near the username.

[Rick]

I don't know. Have to look at options.

[finalbowser]

I was bored, so I made you a header logo. I thought a transparent background would look better. Use it if you wish.

http://img.imgcake.com/centexlogogifne.gif

[Scarlett]

I like!

[Texas Immigrant]

me, too

[Rick]

Thanks for the new header!

Signatures are now off.

[Rick]

It would be nice if the Quick Navigation popup would auto select the forum you are currently viewing (as displayed before you click on it) instead of taking you to the top of the popup list.
I asked about this on the vBulletin website. Will post their answers.

[finalbowser]

whoa... it doesn't quite mesh with the blue background. lemme fix it...

[finalbowser]

Well here I just cheated and filled in with the same background color. If you would like something different, let me know.

http://img.imgcake.com/centexlogo2pngra.png

EDIT: Here's another with a slight alteration (the border around the Texas logo). I dunno which one I like better. You can use whichever.

http://img.imgcake.com/centexlogo3pngmy.png

[Rick]

For the coffee cups, I used gold. Thought it looked good.

http://www.centextalk.com/banners/centextalklogowide3.gif

[finalbowser]

oh geez... now I noticed the header has a gradient background. I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me at first. >_<

The Gold/Yellow looks nice... As if you're emphasizing the Yellow Rose.

hmmm...

http://img.imgcake.com/centexlogo4pnghe.png

btw, I'm starting to really like all the changes being made to the site. Good job.

[Rick]

I think with the grey/blue default colors, the current one looks good. Don't spend too much time on it. There's a good possibility that I will be changing the colors in the near future.

I do appreciate the new logo's.

[Rick]

I like the new look, but have one question. Is there a way to make the font size a little larger? I haven't embraced the fact that I can't see as well as I used to yet, so is it possible to make the font a little larger?
Ok, I changed it from 13 px to 15px. On my mini computer, it looks just fine, on my desktop, it looks too big. What do you all think?

[finalbowser]

I preferred the 13px font, but it's not a big deal to me.

I know you said stop, but I just couldn't help myself to fix the gradient/shading issue. This one should align the current colors properly. This stuff doesn't take me a lot of time, so if you need a different graphic later on let me know.

http://img.imgcake.com/centexlogo5pngne.png

[Rick]

LOL ok, it's loaded.

Had some personal issues to deal with, so I kind of took a break tonight.

[Rick]

It would be nice if the Quick Navigation popup would auto select the forum you are currently viewing (as displayed before you click on it) instead of taking you to the top of the popup list.


I asked about this on the vBulletin website. Will post their answers.

Their answer:

You could modify the code to make it selected, but there is no option to set it that way. If you need help modifying the code, the place to ask for help is over on vbulletin.org, the modification site.
LOL, well duh! I thought their programmers would want to do something that makes sense.