I like it.
im just not impressed at all....
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While this is still a beta, and I don't want to give an opinion about certain areas of the forum software until an RC, I do still have a few opinions on what we see so far:
As I can not actually see the code behind the beta, this will be based on the view aspect of the software, along with how it feels.
Definitely a lot of work has gone into the redesigned skin for VB. While it looks a lot more up to date than the VB3 branch, I feel there could still be some improvements before a release candidate is launched.
The overall contrast of the pages is a bit too muddled in some areas. For instance, at a quick glance the gray body background, the blue gradient of the blockhead and the gray and blue buttons all have the same "feel". That is, there is nothing really that sets them apart from each other. There needs to be a little more contrast with the colors used, in my opinion.
The bottom-left corner in the thread control div also has a weird alpha transparency problem. I'm not sure if that's a rendering problem on my end (Firefox 3.5.5 on GNU/Linux), or the actual image, but it's something I noticed for me, at least.
Overall, while I can tell a lot of work has been done in bringing the graphics up to date, the actual style and layout is pretty much the same—as far as editing and location for many items. For example, I'm not sure that it's really necessary to have Post Icons shown with its inventory of icons below the reply editor; or perhaps just removing the radio box selection and using CSS to "border" around the chosen one. This is just a personal preference, but it does seem to take up quite a bit of space that could be used better.
As well as using space better, I would actually recommend the Poll options block div to be located below the Thread Tools div. Seeing as how the Poll div is actually related to the postbit, I feel they should share proximity, rather than being separated by such unrelated items as the threat tools div. As it is, the current poll options block looks more akin to an advertisement space you would see, rather than a related item. This runs the risk of it being overlooked.
For this very page I'm on (newreply.php) there are a few things to point out, as well.
The spacing of "Post a reply to the thread: im just not impressed at all...." to that of the vbform editor below it should be increased a little (perhaps another pixel or two, so as not to jut into the top of the "Your Message").
Speaking of "Your Message", that blockhead—while I can see why it's there—seems a bit unnecessary. While I know it gives a title the same as the Additional Options below, it just seems a bit... I'm not sure: unneeded?
It just seems like perhaps there is a bit too much space wasted, or at least not organized in a way that is as appealing to the eye as it could be.
For my UI design class we had to learn 4 principles to keep in mind when creating a layout (pardon the acronym):
Contrast - items that do not share a mental relation should be differentiated by the user with ease. Use of tones, colors, hues, etc. should tell the user what is separate from the other items/objects being presented on the page.
Repetition - important ideas, information, links (in this case, navigation) should be located on the same areas of the page for every page. This also extends to language used; make sure that the same words are used when describing the same ideas, and that a sort of naming convention is followed not only for the back end, but for the end users, as well.
Alignment - The way the elements on the page flow greatly affects the feel of the page. This is not only true for the items being displayed, but the white space that forms around the page's items, and creates its own invisible borders that we see.
Proximity - Crampedness and an abundance of white space are both equally bad if not pulled off right. Make sure that there is a comfortable medium to let the eye flow from one part of the page to another. The devs and designer/s need to talk about this, so they can work out where to place related information on the page and still allow it to look good.
There's a lot more, but each one of those 4 could have a few pages worth of posts regarding the style of the beta (both to show what is being done right, but to also show what can use work, still).
The Tango/Famfam looking icons are a nice touch, though. So props, lol.
-- Edit --
One big thing I find annoying, however... where is the link at the top for the User CP? I have 2 links to my profile right next to each other (Welcome, NAME and My Profile) but the User CP is now renamed Settings, while still linking to the usercp. Will this be changed at all?Last edited by Chousho; Mon 16 Nov '09, 7:11pm.Comment
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The design is ssitll not final. Keep giving feedback, I promise Sophie is listining.Comment
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Welll then, it off to firebug... I will do up some more forumhome, forumdisplay, postbits and profile mockups with new image and see what responce I will get. Is Freddie in control of the blogs look or does 'sophie' have it all.
i really want to buy this software, infact i did try yesterday only to run into probs with paypoint. however, after reading the forum i am somewhat glad i didnt have success.
i still have a burning interest despite being strong advised to stay away from the admin team of a big forum that i am on. they have themselves just gone from vb to ipb. i'm hearing lots of bad things about vb atm and i'm hoping they change soon. apparently members and old timers are flocking away from here which can only be bad news.
more worryingly is the extension of the offer - while this is great news for me and many others, it also raises the question why now keep it open without an end date - surely its not been as much of a success as vb anticipated.
i am not trying to be negative but after reading forum i feel i am realising this is not what i'd hoped and had been expecting.
for instance, some of the graphics/skin is utter crap, horrid grey colours too square in shape, it looks like we gone back in time. yet within this 'reply to thread' box its refreshingly light and bright, the two dont mix, its like two different systems mangled together. at the very top of the page with all the very square out of date style, you have a 'remember me?' radio button but even this is sitting in the middle of no mans land.
even the cms, it seems its trying to mimic a newspaper, especially with that terrible front 'news page' old style font, well newspapers are old technology now, even the content boxes down the side are too square, would be nice to see roundness - think sports cars - u dont see a square ferrari. rise above it and do something better, something original, set a new precedence.
i'm looking for something smooth and light and easy to read and write, i'm looking at something spacious yet clear. also something major i was hoping for, epecially with it being web 2.0, i was hoping for some www.bbc.co.uk style site interactivity and on the spot configuration and managibility and and changeable preferences per user, like drag and drop style sections - this is the future and this is what i want. same things going on here www.virginmedia.com these sites have that customisation i'm hoping for. are these features being looked into, will they be introduced?
i am dreadfully disappointed. i want this software but i know if i buy it i'll be feeling let down. i reckon vb and the community need to patch things up and work together on this to ensure vbulletin doesnt go down the pan.
imho, vb need to sort this stupid attitude to banning people off the forums if they not like what they hear, they need to sort out the crazy licencing for the poor buggers who gotta pay again to upgrade to version 4, and then further the company behind vb should drop beta prices further on the understanding that these beta users are infact helping them to further develop a currently disappointing beta release. only then can i see everyone pulling together and making vb exceed its potential - i'll deffo buy into it.
ps. the scroll bar in the reply section doesnt work with mouse click movement, only mouse wheel scroll.
regards,
buzzinLast edited by BUZZIN_NICE; Tue 17 Nov '09, 5:15pm.Comment
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I am hoping you guys can pull something special out of the bag.Comment
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Behavior modification is necessary on forums, but there are other ways of handling things than permanent bans, then retracting some of them. Those people become martyrs and that does not bode well for vb. The success of my forums depends on vb being successful and that is why I am typing this. Temp bans, moderating their posts (even if they are never approved), tachy are all better options. I'm quite aware these things are probably out of your control.Comment
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It's really minor, but I keep thinking there's dust on my screen.Comment
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So my two cents is that while I'm not "blown away" yet - I definitely like where this product is going. Since it's a beta - I don't see the issue. And especially since it's a 1-time purchase as opposed to a recurring annual fee - I don't feel like I've been cheated. When the beta is over, I think this will be a good product. My suggestion - do what I do - set up daily backups for your database and pray!Comment
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by christ2000I have several software i and i never see a beta 21, i question my self what we will see in may 2013, beta 123??? this is crazy pretty sure could be more professional remove V5 and comeback to V4 so when...
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