citizen4rmptown Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 And as long as were posting constructive criticism, we should be able to post some nicer things about the upgrade, as well. (I know some of us have, but for the ones that haven't.) Im sure we all appreciate it, but sometimes if all we point out is the negative things, we lose sight of the positive things.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travelguy_73 Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 I'm not the power user I used to be, but I think I will be fine with the changes if the HD logo is dramatically shrinked and the spacing is worked on so that there is more info on a screen. For example, on the View New Content page, there is just too much space, and the font too large, so that you can't fit as many posts on the screen. Everything just seems too large and too spread out. I could barely use the old HAIF on my Bold (fault of the Bold's small screen), and can't imagine how much scrolling I will have to do now, LOL. Under this same topic, I also notice that when I go to respond to a post, I have to scroll down to get to the reply box, and then again to get to the Add Reply. Just too much space/scrolling. My laptop screen resolution is 1440x900. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarahiki Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 As I mentioned before hopefully there will be an IP Board skin option to go back to the old forum style or continue to use the new updated style. http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haifnow.php This link is great yet it appears to only show the last 12 hours of new posts. If this could have a drop down of say last 24, 48, 72, last week etc it would make finding recent posts much easier.As an example, I am a member in another forum and I only need to click one link or bookmark and I can see all 50-200 posts on one page that were made in the last 24 hours whether I have been to that post or not. Even a thread that had 7 posts to it I will see all 7 of the new posts with a 6 line synopsis of that post to let me know if the post is even worth checking out.I like the new header graphics though I think it is taking way too much of the above the fold space. To me it just seems a bit more difficult to navigate around the forum than the old one. Keep the graphics, new headers, buttons, web 2.0 stuff but at least have an option to choose between new and old style navigation/preferences.Sometimes I upgrade programs automatically when "new functions" are released. What I have learned is that yes the new upgrades seem to add a bit but in many cases I lost functions that I had come to depend on.Just my 2 cents for what it's worth.This is what I have bookmarked. I check there, see what's new. I've never used the "new posts" or "new content" option. Haifnow is easy, and graphic-free, for those who don't like the new graphics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedScare Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 Weren't you the one stating that walking from the old Reliant Energy Plaza to HP isn't bad, and then thinking that we were complaining at the 4-block walk.... Yet, your complaining about having to do things online and how it takes longer and its harder. So, you have to do things that take up your precious time, big deal. Im sure you can spare a few seconds or minutes to find a post. That's quite the stretch, linking walking to lunch to surfing an intenet forum, but I suppose if you've been stewing over that post for nearly a week, this was as close as you were going to get (if you had waited until I posted the latest 100 degree records that Houston is setting in the 'DAMN, It's Hot!' thread, you could have nailed me there). To be honest, I debated not posting my thoughts, as I did not want to sound as if I were complaining. But, after deciding that the Editor would rather hear my thoughts than have me and other posters leave quietly, I decided to post, especially considering that the software probably allows the old listing format to be emulated. But, lucky you! Because I post here as a distraction, rather than a necessity (like eating lunch would be), it is very likely that my posting will diminish dramatically if the problem I noted is a permanent feature. Therefore, I won't be around to call out wimpy Houstonians who can't stand the heat. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BryanS Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 Where is the HD part of "HAIF HD?" HD frame size, for TVs, is 1280x720 or 1920x1080. My computer has been set to 1280x1024 for about 10 years now. Digital cameras have been taking high resolution well beyond 1920x1080 for years, even before "HD" as we know it today.Is there actual HD streaming content that I am missing, that warrants the "HD" designation? If not, does it really make sense having "HD" in the name? When I used to work in web design, the general rule was that the title/splash bar across the top of a site should be no more than 100 pixels in height, preferably 75 pixels or less... but that's minor...It appears the upgrade is in line with a newer version of the same message board software, whatever it is. So in a way, we are like a bunch of people complaining of wanting an older version MS Word in favor of the older version - because it is familiar. In general, I've always thought the newer versions were better than the previous versions... until this last version of Office, and the stupid "ribbon." Hopefully, this upgrade doesn't turn out to be like a ribbon upgrade... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SchwinnChopper68 Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 (edited) HD = Houston Dallas Houston Discussion Houston Dialog Houston DebateThere are many possibilities. Edited July 5, 2009 by SchwinnChopper68 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
20thStDad Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 I am guessing Ed is working on a few things while he takes in suggestions. or he's enjoying himself over the holiday weekend, which is even better. I'll get by, and I'm willing to bet the "mark all forums as read" reappears, and also some link to the latest posts instead of having to dive in at the beginning of a thread.I find the thread location under new content to be more subdued, it's not as obvious what forum a topic is from. I think I will get used to it. Usually I use that to avoid historic houston topics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highway6 Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 (edited) As one of those posters, I must admit that it is frustrating enough that I have walked away from the site several times already. Whereas in the old format I could almost feel the other posters in the room with me, now I feel like an outsider looking for unlocked doors in a very large building. It doesn't feel like anyone else is online.Bingo! Well said.One bug that I'm thankful... that new HD banner only takes up half my screen when i'm not logged in. Edited July 5, 2009 by Highway6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 5, 2009 Author Share Posted July 5, 2009 I hope everyone had a nice Independence Day. As you can tell, I didn't spend it in front of the computer making changes to HAIF. I went to a movie and then had a steak and corn on the cob from The Weber Grill, then went window shopping and read the entire Saturday New York Times in a squishy hotel lobby. I hope everyone else got a chance to spend some time with their loved ones yesterday, too.Why do you care? Well, it means I'm rested and ready to tackle the bugs and missing features left over from the HAIF upgrade. There are plenty of things to do, and many behind-the-scenes tweaks that must be taken care of. Just because you don't see changes, doesn't mean things aren't changing.I will also take the time to address each of your concerns one at a time in this thread as appropriate.All updates will be posted in this thread.So for now I have a bucket of Starbucks VIA, my feet on a comfy pillow and the 80's station on the radio. I'm ready to work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 5, 2009 Author Share Posted July 5, 2009 New Feature: Mobile HAIF If you have an iPhone, iPod Touch, or Blackberry you can simply point your browser to the regular HAIF address to get a version of the web site specially formatted for your device. No special URL. And threads you click in HAIF:Now on your mobile device will automagically open in the mobile version. This is more powerful than the former Diet HAIF. That was a read-only experience. With HAIF Mobile you can log in, start threads, post replies, and many other functions you'd expect from your computer. And yes, the bandwidth has been reduced for people on EDGE and GPRS connections. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 5, 2009 Author Share Posted July 5, 2009 Another new feature you may or may not have noticed.You can now attach images directly to your posts and have them display in your message. You no longer have to have a separate photo host. Your photos will appear as thumbnails (if necessary) that expand when clicked. It works pretty well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highway6 Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 (edited) So for now I have a bucket of Starbucks VIA, my feet on a comfy pillow and the 80's station on the radio. I'm ready to work.Godspeed sir, godspeed! Edited July 5, 2009 by Highway6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 5, 2009 Author Share Posted July 5, 2009 The "Back to top" button has been restored. It is now next to the "Report" button on the left side of each post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 5, 2009 Author Share Posted July 5, 2009 Find My Posts added to the user drop-down menu.Find My Topics added to the user drop-down menu. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Native Son Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 Wayne,I get this when i try to view the galleries [#1078] There are no categories that you have permission to view Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highway6 Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 (edited) The "Back to top" button has been restored. It is now next to the "Report" button on the left side of each post.Find My Posts added to the user drop-down menu.Find My Topics added to the user drop-down menu.Do we have to log in and log out for the changes to go into effect... I got none of the above.On a very bright note though, the "New Content" button seems to be working as we all know and love. I now see this thread on the list regardless if a new post is there or not. Bravo !! Edited July 5, 2009 by Highway6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 5, 2009 Author Share Posted July 5, 2009 View New Content link is now under the user drop-down box.View New Content now shows all content since the user's last visit, not just strictly new content. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marmer Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 I hope everyone had a nice Independence Day. As you can tell, I didn't spend it in front of the computer making changes to HAIF. I went to a movie and then had a steak and corn on the cob from The Weber Grill, then went window shopping and read the entire Saturday New York Times in a squishy hotel lobby. I hope everyone else got a chance to spend some time with their loved ones yesterday, too.Weber Grill = yum! For those of you who haven't been to Chicago, it's a restaurant where they cook your order on big, gas-fired Weber Grills, like the little, round charcoal one in your backyard. Very tasty.Thanks for all your hard work, Ed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 5, 2009 Author Share Posted July 5, 2009 Forum rules now available through the Guidelines link at the bottom of each page. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 5, 2009 Author Share Posted July 5, 2009 The calendar appears to be fixed. Please test this for me to make sure.The calendar now includes the ability to add recurring events. Also, note that "View New Content" is really about content, not just posts. If you're in the calendar and click "Find new content" it's going to try to show you new calendar events that have been added recently. If you're in the blog, it will try to show you new blog entries.Fortunately, you can just click the "Forums" tab to jump straight to the View New Content results for forum messages. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 Is there a way to see number of pages (for topics with more than one page) in the new content results? Before you could click on the link to the topic or the page number.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 5, 2009 Author Share Posted July 5, 2009 Blogs work now. Boy, that was a mess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 Is there a way to see number of pages (for topics with more than one page) in the new content results? Before you could click on the link to the topic or the page number..K - now I'm directed to the last page. Something changed for the better since last time I tried! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 5, 2009 Author Share Posted July 5, 2009 The Gallery should be fixed now. Please test this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 5, 2009 Author Share Posted July 5, 2009 Disabled the Recent Gallery Images on the front page. Will re-enable this when it's possible to move it to the bottom of the page. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 5, 2009 Author Share Posted July 5, 2009 Sidebar now shows the status updates of those HAIFers who have most recently updated their status in their profile, or in their linked Facebook account.Sidebar now shows the most recent blog entries.Sidebar now shows a mini-calendar that clicks through to events in the HAIF calendar.Sidebar now shows today's top posters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 5, 2009 Author Share Posted July 5, 2009 Fixed some character encoding conflicts between Windows and UTF-8. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 5, 2009 Author Share Posted July 5, 2009 Out of coffee. BRB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jm1fd Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 View New Content link is now under the user drop-down box.View New Content now shows all content since the user's last visit, not just strictly new content.I would suggest you put #1 back out in the open where it is obvious. Noticing that feature sitting out in the open one day made HAIF infinitely more useful and interactive for me.Thanks for fixing #2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 5, 2009 Author Share Posted July 5, 2009 Fixed the RSS feeds. For those of you into RSS, HAIF has five feeds:Houston Architecture Info Forum - http://feeds.feedburner.com/HAIFThe Houston Posts - http://feeds.feedburner.com/TheHoustonPostsCommunity Calendar - http://feeds.feedburner.com/HAIFCalendarFine Arts - http://feeds.feedburner.com/HAIFFineArtsCalendarHouston Music - http://feeds.feedburner.com/HAIFHoustonMusicCalendar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trae Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 After 24 hours of trying to use and become aclimated to the new format, I am frustrated and flat worn out. The biggest problem is the new content page. By dropping a topic off the page after it has been read, it discourages adding a reply. Many times, I will read topic and think about it before posting a reply. Other times, I may want to post an article, a photo or research in my post, meaning I leave HAIF to get that information. The new format causes the topic to disappear, meaning I have to search through HAIF to find it again. Needless to say, I won't do that often.The forum jump at the bottom of the page is nice, and the previous/next topic link is even better. However, if I am in New Content, I want to jump to the next new post, not the next topic in that section.The overall layout may be prettier, but it seems to have less information and fewer links to things I intuitively want to link to. The new format seems mostly to help the person looking for specific information, and punish the frequent poster who has already read much of the historical content, and wants mainly to read new content and contribute to it. As one of those posters, I must admit that it is frustrating enough that I have walked away from the site several times already. Whereas in the old format I could almost feel the other posters in the room with me, now I feel like an outsider looking for unlocked doors in a very large building. It doesn't feel like anyone else is online.Those have always been there. Even in the old format. I do agree about feeling alone. In the old HAIF, it felt much more active than in the new design. You feel like you're the only one here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 5, 2009 Author Share Posted July 5, 2009 HAIF:Now now has an iPhone/iPod Touch icon. If you've already put HAIF:Now on your iPhone or iPod Touch, the icon will automatically update itself the next time you touch it.A minor victory, but one more thing off the list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmat Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 Those have always been there. Even in the old format. I do agree about feeling alone. In the old HAIF, it felt much more active than in the new design. You feel like you're the only one here.I think part of the reason is b/c HAIF has been half-dead the past few days. But I sort of get that feeling too. Hopefully it will change once things ramp up again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Native Son Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 thanks for all your work Wayne 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 5, 2009 Author Share Posted July 5, 2009 Added proper Share this page buttons to topics.25 years ago today you would have found me on a pleasant July 5th sitting in my room tapping away at my Commodore 64, listening to Duran Duran on the radio, working on revisions to an online community called The Nowhere BBS.25 years later the only thing that's changed is the computer and the name of the community. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flipper Posted July 6, 2009 Share Posted July 6, 2009 25 years later the only thing that's changed is the computer and the name of the community....and the price of the coffee.flipper 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNiche Posted July 6, 2009 Share Posted July 6, 2009 I would suggest you put #1 back out in the open where it is obvious. Noticing that feature sitting out in the open one day made HAIF infinitely more useful and interactive for me.Thanks for fixing #2.I completely agree. In fact, it really needs to have its own "button" graphic. It's a very important link. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pumapayam Posted July 6, 2009 Share Posted July 6, 2009 (edited) HAIF:Now now has an iPhone/iPod Touch icon. If you've already put HAIF:Now on your iPhone or iPod Touch, the icon will automatically update itself the next time you touch it.A minor victory, but one more thing off the list.Just logging in after an eventful weekend.I am living all these little updates Wayne.It's been a long time coming.I am off to check out the new digs! Edited July 6, 2009 by Pumapayam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedScare Posted July 6, 2009 Share Posted July 6, 2009 The layout is much better now. I figured you were either taking a break or letting the comments accumulate before you changed things. I agree with Niche that the New Posts tab should be in a conspicuous place, but I can certainly live with it where it is currently.I look forward to trying out the HAIF on Blackberry. HAIF was a lifesaver during Ike, but going to the full version in order to post replies was burdensome. I cannot get a good signal where I am currently sitting, but I'll check it out later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted July 6, 2009 Share Posted July 6, 2009 I cannot get a good signal where I am currently sitting, but I'll check it out later. is porcelain involved? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 6, 2009 Author Share Posted July 6, 2009 Figured out how to move the user drop-down menu to the left side, freeing up space underneath the 300x250 ad. Moved the rest of the forum up 90 pixels, conserving space. After and before: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trae Posted July 6, 2009 Share Posted July 6, 2009 I'm getting this dark bar on top of the skyline picture. Right on top of my profile image and little drop down list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 6, 2009 Author Share Posted July 6, 2009 View New Content is now accessible from the New tab, next to Traffic. Please test this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highway6 Posted July 6, 2009 Share Posted July 6, 2009 (edited) Editor - All the changes you've mentioned involving the user pulldown menu, I'm still not seeing.Also.. my profile/pulldown is on the upper right still.. as well, I've never had the HAIF-HD banner at the top of my page.. only the IPboard banner. HAIF banner is only visible when I'm not signed in.. Edited July 6, 2009 by Highway6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 6, 2009 Author Share Posted July 6, 2009 Fixed several errors with the registration system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 6, 2009 Author Share Posted July 6, 2009 Fixed an error in user groups. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted July 6, 2009 Share Posted July 6, 2009 View New Content is now accessible from the New tab, next to Traffic. Please test this.Tested and it works. Figured I'd just click on the subject line and it would take me there, and it did!Thanks Ed!PS:how about an App for Android when you have time? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoolBuddy06 Posted July 6, 2009 Share Posted July 6, 2009 I will miss the old look. I don't know about this new one but you surely have put a lot into it. The old look with less razzmatazz makes it easy for me to HAIF at work without much attention. Can the HAIF|HD billboard be reduced a little? And can we get the Tahoma font back please? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJones Posted July 6, 2009 Share Posted July 6, 2009 Fixed an error in user groups.Did we have to lose the .ORG in order to get the .COM ? Can the site not function on BOTH webs? If it takes two servers then I understand. I was just wondering, since everyone seems to be so worried about traffic to the site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 6, 2009 Author Share Posted July 6, 2009 Reduced some font sizes ever-so-slightly to help people with smaller screens.Returned quotation boxes to HAIFy blue from green.Reduced the size of the author margin on the left of threads to conserve screen real estate.Added Twitter as a contact method in your user profile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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