Feedback

[DavidH]

If you have questions about the forum, or suggestions for its improvement, please let us know here.

[shanel23]

Hi David,

One suggestion

when you follow a link ( in a post ) could it open another web session rather than the current way ?

[John]

David,

Firstly credit where it's due - a lot of work has been done on this so fair play to those involved.

I would sugest however that the old system was much clearer. Each topic was clearly defined and the general layout offered a broad spectrum of headings which could be used to good effect in finding specific information. Under the current layout, the topics are more vague and you have to go trawling for specific topics.

John.

[DavidH]

when you follow a link ( in a post ) could it open another web session rather than the current way ?

It probably could but it's not regarded as good practice. At the moment, it's under the user's control - you can hold the Ctrl button while clicking the link and it opens in a new window/tab. The other way, control is taken away from the user and everyone sees new windows whether they want to or not.

[DavidH]

I would sugest however that the old system was much clearer. Each topic was clearly defined and the general layout offered a broad spectrum of headings which could be used to good effect in finding specific information. Under the current layout, the topics are more vague and you have to go trawling for specific topics.

Thank you for that. You are not the only one to feel that way. I can offer some justifications for trying this new, simpler structure:

• We have not managed to attract a critical mass of users. While quite a few IWS members signed up, many never returned. One complaint was that it was too hard to figure out what was going on, where the conversations were. It's telling that there is no discussion here after our monthly tastings. The complexity has now been addressed. We shall see if members are enticed back.
• More generally, forum software is designed to show current conversations at the top and let older topics fade away. It's not meant as a static repository of information that can be browsed through in a hierarchical fashion. There should be very few "stickies" and plenty of conversations that are "of the moment".
• For the most part, old threads should be hidden but there is a powerful search function for finding information in those threads should the need arise.
• In the old structure, even experienced forum users were posting threads in the wrong places. I used to move threads but I don't want spend time on this. The new structure is self-maintaining to a greater degree.
• I am one of those forum users who always accesses the forum via the "View New Posts" link. I don't even see a difference between the old and new structures. I suggest people make more use of this feature.

[IrishWhiskeyChaser]

when you follow a link ( in a post ) could it open another web session rather than the current way ?

It probably could but it's not regarded as good practice. At the moment, it's under the user's control - you can hold the Ctrl button while clicking the link and it opens in a new window/tab. The other way, control is taken away from the user and everyone sees new windows whether they want to or not.

I would have thought the opposite ... the opening of a new window does not take the user away from the original site which is what most sites strive for and especially on a Forum it is handy to be able to read a link in a seperate window and be able to swap over to make a post about it. Most people I know use multiple windows rather than even the tabs feature as it is easier to use and navigate so I cannot see this as a negative.

Further you'd be amazed at the number of people who are not savy with key short cuts like how to launch a link in a new window.

At the end of the day you want people to remain on your site for as long as possible but if they launch a link and it opens in the current window and then close out of it instead or going back a page we may potentially loose any further interaction if they decide to call it a day rather that going to the bother of signing back in. The majority of sites I know use auto launch for links.

[DavidH]

Any respectable book or site dedicated to web usability will explain the very good reasons to leave the choice with the user (example). It's the spammy websites that try to keep their page open at all costs.

As I said, this way the user has the choice (they can right-click on a link and open in a new tab or window if they don't know the Ctrl-click trick). What you want is supported by your browser.

I'll add it as a "tip".

[varizoltan]

Happy Birthday to the new looking forum!

it is really better looking

[TheWhiskeyBro]

HI David,

New forum looks great, well done for all the hard work... and my favourite 'view active topics' is working again,


Many thanks

[John]

Hi All,

The new (40 shades of green )look is good and brings some consistency to the overall website which is great. It might be a good idea to put a 'Home' button on the main forum page, don't see one there at the moment?

Cheers,
J.

[DavidH]

You can click on the logo to go "Home", but ideally we will have the same left-column menu on the forum pages as there is on the rest of the website. It's on the to do list.

[Mothrae]

Looks great with the new paint job.

[Mothrae]

Just a post to get me to #50, to get me out of "New Spirit" into "Quarter Cask" LOL

I'm so proud of myself. Time for a taste!

[GSC]

The green trim is more than appropriate. Nice format.

[IainB]

How do I make my name turn green? I fancy a change.

[IrishWhiskeyChaser]

How do I make my name turn green? I fancy a change.

Hi Iain, go into User Control Panel on the top left hand corner of the page and then these will be under usergroups ... Ive now created few colours you can play with. Have fun They come under Non-memberships but you can just ignore that.

ANy issues letf me know

[bredman]

IWC, i just changed usergroup, but the colour hasn't altered. Can you make me pink please.

[IrishWhiskeyChaser]

Not sure why it did not take effect ... I think I did not set up the groups properly but Now sorted ...


... and I have also greened you Iain .

If people want to play around and see if it works let me know how it goes

[bredman]

Thats great, i really look good in pink....did i say that out loud ?

IWC, for what it's worth i tried to change usergroup ( just to see if it worked ), and it didn't work. I've noticed on other forums that the Admin always has to change the colours for some reason.

[IainB]

Not sure why it did not take effect ... I think I did not set up the groups properly but Now sorted ...


... and I have also greened you Iain .

If people want to play around and see if it works let me know how it goes

Thanks IWC.

[Dec]

Well after a year or so being involved in the society (by that I mean drinking at the events) I have just started posting comments today ..

So I guess I must have sub-consciously liked the difference

[GSC]

Last few times I logged in, after one try, I'm sent to a page that says I've used too many attempts to log in. I have to put in my name, my password, and the number-letter combo in the box.

One attempt is too many? The admins might want to check this out.

[bredman]

I heard on another forum that this is spammers attempting to get in through guessing your password. Just make sure your password isn't easy to guess.

[TheWhiskeyBro]

The number letter code combo is to prove your human , that extra layer of security is their to prevent webcrawlers accessing the forum features.

Only registered members can post on the forum and this is to prevent spammers and trollers.

[IrishWhiskeyChaser]

I heard on another forum that this is spammers attempting to get in through guessing your password. Just make sure your password isn't easy to guess.

Spot on, this has been happening regularly to our member and so far no one has had their accounts hacked.

I had to delete an account yesterday as they had spammed a dating site here which could as easily be a dodgy site. If people see anything other than links to whiskey related sites please treat with caution.

Please review your passwords if you feel they are light.

Best to at least have a mix of letters and numerals but try not to use obvious dates.

Strong passwords should contain at least 3 different character types with at least 8 characters of either letters, capital letters, numbers and other characters (i.e.hash marks, cash symbols etc)