ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area *** New ECN Forum ***

Bill,

It looks a lot like that other BB I was talking about. It looks real busy, and the other BB had way too many catagories. No one is using right now. Do you know which BB I am refering to? This board looks less cluttered if you ask me.

Harold,

Yes, I know what you are talking about. I used to frequent that board too. I noticed a sharp decrease in participation when they changed from this type of format. I certainly do not want to have that happen here.

Bill

Sounds reasonably OK, Bill.
Bring it on!

I kinda like it as it is. It's (IMHO) easier to read than the other format, and I don't care much for all the extra graphics.
The other BB that now has red and yellow print went from being pretty active to having only a post every couple of days or so.

That other BB looks "TOO BUSY" for me.

I prefer this format.

I find the actual format way much better! Much cleare to read, each users reply distinguished by dark or light grey background, less cluttered. To my opinion it would be a pity to change for a few extras.

Bill,

A number of the reservations members have stated above seem to do with the screen appearance (as I see it on my monitor as I write this).

I'm guessing that the page I am writing on can be, essentially, duplicated in the upgraded BBS if you keep the ECN banner items at the top of each page and at the left hand column. This "loss of screen space", especially on the left side of the screen, makes for a shorter sentence (for those viewing at "full screen" or at higher monitor resolutions), and, IMHO, contributes to the lower clutter-factor.

I note that the current BBS we are using has the alternating grey and light grey that the updated software displays at your link to UBBCentral.

I wonder if the format concerns arise from the not quite apple to apple comparison on the UBBCentral demo to what we are currently conversing on?

Al

P.S. I like the additional features that I've seen at UBBCentral, and I feel that the tech section capability is compelling.

Haven't seen what the Version 6.xx UBB looks like (anyone have links?), but like many others, I have grown use to the current Version 5.7xx appearance and functions.

I would guess a simple method of getting the user settings issue at the Tech Reference section could be a "Disclaimer Message" embedded on that forum's main page - similar to what Joe has embedded to the uppermost part of the "Violations Photos Forum".
The message could explain view settings and such to the users.

Along with that, maybe another "Notes Link", like the one which opens the users settings thread, could be placed on the tech reference main page. This could open the "Menu For Technical Reference Section" thread.

Best work-arounds I can come up with so far!

After trolling the UBB forum (which is linked in this thread), it seems like an upgrade to version 6.xx will require quite some effort by Bill. Also, it appears to be close to impossible to downgrade back to the original version.

Must say, I am in favor of remaining with this version until an upgrade is absolutely required all around (function wise and support wise).

P.S. as to that "Other Forum" mentioned by a few, can someone send me a link to this forum, or E-mail me the forum's name???

TIA

Scott s.e.t.

Scott,

The latest version can be seen and tried at: http://www.ubbcentral.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?category=1

As far as the effort involved goes, that's not the issue. Just trying to do what is best. Did you look at the Tech. Ref area? It's default is set to show all topics.

Can everyone, Anyone see that?

Bill

Bill,

I see two pages displayed in the Tech Section. The oldest entry is 7/15/01