Author Topic: Seeking your feedback - forum performance & update (Read 69054 times)

ethan · « **on:** Jul 24, 2009, 02:09 PM »

The forum would like to upgrade to a later version of software. The purpose of upgrade is to better service your forum activities and reduce potential security risk.

Before any progress can be made, the forum is seeking your feedback on the features and functions which the forum current provides.

Based on your experiences, is there anything that you wish the forum could provide or should improve?

Your inputs are very important to us and it is our goal to accommodate your suggestions as much as possible. The forum will announce any changes or upgrade when it is ready.

Thank you very much for your help and your continuous support to ennisjack!!

If you have any difficulty or encounter any technical problem with the forum, please post it in the following thread.

http://ennisjack.com/index.php?topic=8710.0

NoReins · « **Reply #1 on:** Jul 27, 2009, 04:14 AM »

I think the forum is pretty perfect as it is, Ethan. I can't think of anything that's missing (except maybe a wee Scottish flag that I could have under my name instead of a Union Jack!!!)

Keep up the good work

chameau · « **Reply #2 on:** Jul 27, 2009, 05:33 PM »

Talking about flags, it seems almost certain now that the latest version we would update to won't have the flags anymore.

ethan · « **Reply #3 on:** Jul 27, 2009, 09:09 PM »

Quote from: NoReins on Jul 27, 2009, 04:14 AM

I think the forum is pretty perfect as it is, Ethan. I can't think of anything that's missing (except maybe a wee Scottish flag that I could have under my name instead of a Union Jack!!!)

Keep up the good work

NoReins, thanks so much for your feedback.

Quote from: chameau on Jul 27, 2009, 05:33 PM

Talking about flags, it seems almost certain now that the latest version we would update to won't have the flags anymore.

Yes it is quite possible and please let me explain a bit more.

The flags feature as well as the member map are add-on developed by others than those developing SMF (the forum software we are using). It hasn't been officially updated to be compatible with the later version of SMF (1.1.10 is the version we will be upgrading to).

Before we do any upgrading, the forum will do a few test runs to ensure that everything is intact and working perfectly. We will also try to minimize any changes but enhance forum functionality. That is why we need your feedback how we can better enhance the functionality.

During the test runs, I will try to install the flag feature and see if there will be any errors.

Kemmer · « **Reply #4 on:** Jul 27, 2009, 11:43 PM »

I'm satified with the current set-up. Can't think of anything I could want extra, except of course more frequent updates to the Can't Stand It vignettes, and new canon-type stories with Ennis and Jack. But of course I'm not a techie and have no idea of what new is available.

vedrana · « **Reply #5 on:** Jul 28, 2009, 01:52 AM »

This is the first forum I've ever been a member of and it took me a long time before I learned to use most of the features.

I am now so used to it, that I wouldn't change anything else. Yet I am sure when some new things arrive, I'll find them very handy.

Thank you for this lovely place that we already have!

hpv · « **Reply #6 on:** Jul 28, 2009, 01:59 AM »

I could only ditto that!!!
But of course I'll wait for the tests and then maybe there will some more feedback......

Thank you Ethan and all the mods for the wonderful job you all doing,
contributing your minds and time for us brokies....

we're not worthy... (

(

...

lancecowboy · « **Reply #7 on:** Jul 28, 2009, 02:07 AM »

I echo what Loreen said. This has been my first long-term membership in a forum. I've tried other places, mostly with temporary ids that I soon forget. I thought it was a one-shot deal when I first signed up almost two years ago.

It took me a short time to get used to the layout, and the navigation. It's been great.

Can't think of anything to change.

I feel like Ennis sitting on a lawn chair by the river, next to the fire.

Thanks for everything, Ethan, Cham, all the moderators, fellow brokies.

vedrana · « **Reply #8 on:** Jul 28, 2009, 02:18 AM »

Oh, only one thing!

Please, don't take away these emoticons. I love them so much and they help me express myself sometimes when I have no proper English word. I know that it's silly, but

(oh, here I go again!)

ethan · « **Reply #9 on:** Jul 28, 2009, 08:10 AM »

Thank you very much for all your feedback. It is wonderful to have you all sitting by the fire and feeling right at home. We will keep all we have as much as possible. With the upgrade, we will be able to add even more.

One feature I really would love to have and will have after we upgrade is to embed youtube video in the post instead of just a link.

If there is anything, please do let us know. When we are ready to do the upgrade, an announcement will be made in advance.

Quote from: loreen on Jul 28, 2009, 02:18 AM

Please, don't take away these emoticons. I love them so much and they help me express myself sometimes when I have no proper English word. I know that it's silly, but (oh, here I go again!)

Not silly at all. I think they are important.

again!!

lancecowboy · « **Reply #10 on:** Jul 28, 2009, 08:17 AM »

Quote from: ethan on Jul 28, 2009, 08:10 AM

Thank you very much for all your feedback. It is wonderful to have you all sitting by the fire and feeling right at home. We will keep all we have as much as possible. With the upgrade, we will be able to add even more.

One feature I really would love to have and will have after we upgrade is to embed youtube video in the post instead of just a link.

If there is anything, please do let us know. When we are ready to do the upgrade, an announcement will be made in advance.

Not silly at all. I think they are important.

again!!

I love that! A certain someone will have to upgrade his bandwidth.

I recently started watching all these videos at high speed, and it's so much fun.

The movies to recommend thread will never be the same again.

trekfan · « **Reply #11 on:** Jul 28, 2009, 08:26 AM »

Hey Ethan,

I can't think of anything. But I do hope you will be able to keep the flag feature. It's nice to know where everyone is from (we are literally a WORLD wide web after all

)

I think it would be great to be able to put a youtube video directly on the forum.

you do such a good job with this forum already

JT · « **Reply #12 on:** Jul 28, 2009, 08:39 AM »

Hello Ethan,

I really like the flags and smileys also. I hope they will all still be here afther the upgrade. I would like to know where everyone is from and the smileys are just too cute.

One thing I would like to be able to do though is to jump to any page in a huge thread. Let say we have a 300-page thread and I want to see page 150. It would be nice to be able to hop there in one screen instead of scrolling five pages at a time. Otherwise, everything is just perfect.

You've done such a great job already and I want to thank you and all the mods for everything!

ethan · « **Reply #13 on:** Jul 28, 2009, 09:00 AM »

Thank you very much, trekfan and JT.

We are hoping that we will be able to keep the flags feature. If not, we will figure out an similar alternative which allows us to know where everyone is from.

Quote from: JT on Jul 28, 2009, 08:39 AM

One thing I would like to be able to do though is to jump to any page in a huge thread. Let say we have a 300-page thread and I want to see page 150. It would be nice to be able to hop there in one screen instead of scrolling five pages at a time. Otherwise, everything is just perfect.

JT, that is a great suggestion. Thanks!

At the moment, the forum is set to jump to pages +/- 10 on top of the thread.

Suppose you are on page 11 - you should be able to see direct links from 1 - 10, 12 - 21 and last page.

We can set the number higher but it probably would clutter the space on top. Let's see what I can do to include the "Quick Jump" and not having to set a higher number.

jesseanne21 · « **Reply #14 on:** Jul 28, 2009, 11:07 AM »

Quote from: lancecowboy on Jul 28, 2009, 02:07 AM

I echo what Loreen said. This has been my first long-term membership in a forum. I've tried other places, mostly with temporary ids that I soon forget. I thought it was a one-shot deal when I first signed up almost two years ago.

It took me a short time to get used to the layout, and the navigation. It's been great.

Can't think of anything to change.

I feel like Ennis sitting on a lawn chair by the river, next to the fire.

Thanks for everything, Ethan, Cham, all the moderators, fellow brokies.

DITTO!

I think the forum is pretty perfect. But, I understand that you just want to keep the software and applications up-to-date and compatible.

Thanks for everything, Ethan, Cham, all the moderators, fellow brokies.

froggy · « **Reply #15 on:** Jul 28, 2009, 12:35 PM »

Thanks everyone for the feedback. It is much easier when everyone says what they need

x

chameau · « **Reply #16 on:** Jul 28, 2009, 07:17 PM »

I don't know about you guys but for month the search engine has been acting up for me I get either no results at all or very few when I know there are many, I just tried a search for threads tittles with "Jack" in them and it came with three results only... come on!

Hoping the new sw would resolve the issue and I find the quick jump for a specific page an excellent idea.

ethan · « **Reply #17 on:** Jul 28, 2009, 08:01 PM »

Yes the search feature is not optimal. To search effectively, the forum needs to generate indexes and they take up server space. It also slows down the speed when multiple searches are performed.

Hopefully with the upgrade, the search will be improved.

pattyjean · « **Reply #18 on:** Jul 28, 2009, 08:59 PM »

Ethan: You and your cohorts have done an amazing job with this website: Whatever new program you want to utilize will be accepted by me with open arms! I haven't been a dedicated Brokie of late, but I am still totally mesmerized and forever changed by Ennis & Jack. I enjoy all the features and options we have now at this site: Anything you want to spring on us will be new and exciting! Mucho amor to all of you...

ethan · « **Reply #19 on:** Jul 28, 2009, 11:14 PM »

pattyjean,

Thank you very much for your encouragement and feedback. Dedicated brokie or not - you know we are all here for you when you need it.

The layout and structure change will be minimal. The upgrade will focus on later version of SMF and new features.

Yes it is indeed exciting.

canmore · « **Reply #20 on:** Jul 29, 2009, 03:47 AM »

Hi, I think the forum is good like it is now. Thank you very much for the time you pass on this forum.

Maybe the only thing that you can approve is the support of mobile devices. I don't know how much people use mobile devices that can access to internet here so i don't know if it is really useful.

lancecowboy · « **Reply #21 on:** Jul 29, 2009, 04:57 AM »

Quote from: canmore on Jul 29, 2009, 03:47 AM

Hi, I think the forum is good like it is now. Thank you very much for the time you pass on this forum.

Maybe the only thing that you can approve is the support of mobile devices. I don't know how much people use mobile devices that can access to internet here so i don't know if it is really useful.

That's a great idea. I don't have a smart phone, but I assume if they can browse the web, they can access the site. I guess it is a matter of formatting...a smaller screen, etc.

thelastaerie · « **Reply #22 on:** Jul 29, 2009, 06:16 AM »

I don't have any problem or complaint with the current set-up! But I've heard a couple of BBM fanfic writers mentioned that they have problem accessing ennisjack at work. I don't know their work office's internet set up or what browser they are using.

I think if the new software can provide faster or better access, it's always good.

Alexa · « **Reply #23 on:** Jul 29, 2009, 07:43 AM »

For me, the forum is just perfect

ethan · « **Reply #24 on:** Jul 29, 2009, 09:03 AM »

Quote from: canmore on Jul 29, 2009, 03:47 AM

Hi, I think the forum is good like it is now. Thank you very much for the time you pass on this forum.

Maybe the only thing that you can approve is the support of mobile devices. I don't know how much people use mobile devices that can access to internet here so i don't know if it is really useful.

Thanks, canmore. The idea of mobile access is interesting. I know if the mobile devices have the Internet access, one can access the forum.

Do you mean a different or simplified version of the forum?

Alexa and thelastaerie, thank you for your feedback.

Quote from: thelastaerie on Jul 29, 2009, 06:16 AM

I don't have any problem or complaint with the current set-up! But I've heard a couple of BBM fanfic writers mentioned that they have problem accessing ennisjack at work. I don't know their work office's internet set up or what browser they are using.

I think if the new software can provide faster or better access, it's always good.

Thanks for letting us know about problem accessing ennisjack at work. Without much details, we can't really diagnose the causes of the problem. Like you said, it could be the office network set up or many other factors.

arizonamman · « **Reply #25 on:** Jul 29, 2009, 12:25 PM »

Ethan,
I 2nd the request for a "Go To" or "Jump To" page. Clicking on your past posts from your profile, for example, shows you have 270 pages but I would have to navigate through the dots between pages 11-269. The alternative of course, is to do an advanced search for specific users but it has only days minimum 1 to maximum 9999. A specific date there would help, perhaps a pop-up calendar? Also, I know we have "Show unread posts since last visit" but if I know the last time I was online and want to search only *your* posts since that date, a "Since Date" feature instead of between certain days that fall between 1-9999 would help. Perhaps a pop up calendar there as well?

Finally, currently a mouse-over of a user name next to their post, shows "View the profile of "user"" after a mouse click. How about a mouse-over producing more options like "Send PM," "View More posts," "View Public Profile," "Add user to friends," or even "Ignore User" if (God forbid but it happens), we no longer want to see their posts?

Other than that,

very much for all your and other mods hard work to keep this the best place to hang our hats!

canmore · « **Reply #26 on:** Jul 29, 2009, 01:25 PM »

Quote from: ethan on Jul 29, 2009, 09:03 AM

Thanks, canmore. The idea of mobile access is interesting. I know if the mobile devices have the Internet access, one can access the forum.
Do you mean a different or simplified version of the forum?

I search in the SMF documentation and normally, the mobile devices are recognized since smf v1.0:
http://docs.simplemachines.org/index.php?topic=401.msg530#msg530
but it's not working well with ennisjack because of the welcome page and its big image (http://ennisjack.com/index.php?wap2). It works only with the main page of the forum : http://ennisjack.com/index.php?wap2&action=forum

I guess that the only thing to do is to redirect the forum on the main page of the forum when it is connected from a mobile devise. For example when i connect internet with my iPod some site ask me if i want to use the mobile version, so i guess it send a signal saying it is a mobile devise. Maybe the next version detects it automatically

It is a simplified version that is optimised for small screen like smartphone, pda...

BBBOY · « **Reply #27 on:** Jul 29, 2009, 02:21 PM »

Ethan and other mods
I think the forum is fine as it is but I'm sure that your judgements will see to it that any upgrade will be a service to the forum. Thanks to all of you for all your hard work.
Wolf Nasty

chameau · « **Reply #28 on:** Jul 29, 2009, 04:45 PM »

About accessing the forum with mobile devices, it works, I tested it several times from work with many different smart phones ex: Blackberry, iPhone, HTC Android... As long you have a 3G high speed connection you're fine and also as long you could live with a small screen but some smart phones have a zoom in feature so to make it simple it works as long you have a good wireless high speed connection.

lancecowboy · « **Reply #29 on:** Jul 29, 2009, 07:14 PM »

Quote from: canmore on Jul 29, 2009, 01:25 PM

I search in the SMF documentation and normally, the mobile devices are recognized since smf v1.0:
http://docs.simplemachines.org/index.php?topic=401.msg530#msg530
but it's not working well with ennisjack because of the welcome page and its big image (http://ennisjack.com/index.php?wap2). It works only with the main page of the forum : http://ennisjack.com/index.php?wap2&action=forum

I guess that the only thing to do is to redirect the forum on the main page of the forum when it is connected from a mobile devise. For example when i connect internet with my iPod some site ask me if i want to use the mobile version, so i guess it send a signal saying it is a mobile devise. Maybe the next version detects it automatically

It is a simplified version that is optimised for small screen like smartphone, pda...

The redirect can be done fairly simply using JavaScript, like the popup that tells me when I have messages. If SMF doesn't have it already, please let me know. I'd be happy to submit the code for them. Great ideas, canmore!

Author Topic: Seeking your feedback - forum performance & update (Read 69054 times)

vedrana

vedrana