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Fewer threads per page = Less Content

Old 11-24-09, 10:18 AM
  #1  
merlinextraligh
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Fewer threads per page = Less Content

The real problem I see with the new forum is with the new graphics and more white space, there definitely appear to be fewer threads on the first page.

Given that people often don't scroll past the first page, that equals fewer active topics, which anectdotally appears to be decreasing participation.

Bike forums certainly doesn't need less meaningful content.
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Old 11-24-09, 10:34 AM
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I had the same thoughts...this means that threads will die faster. For me, "death" means 2nd page. I never go there. Too bad, I really loved the old style. I just don't come here as much since the change.

I also don't understand the value of locking these kinds of threads. So we want to whine about the new interface, big deal. Controlling this kind of content just makes people less likely to feel like they are part of the community. It also give the impression that our thoughts on the interface are not considered to be important.

I suppose we could get two threads back on the front page by deleting the two locked Interface complaint threads in the sticky area that just take up space. There is no value in having those two threads sit locked in what is now (sadly) prime real estate.

Last edited by Sawtooth; 11-24-09 at 10:39 AM.
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Old 11-24-09, 10:44 AM
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For those of us old enough to remember the 80's...."NEW COKE."
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Old 11-24-09, 10:54 AM
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This is the only thread I felt like clicking that was on the firs page. I don't go to page 2.
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Old 11-24-09, 10:56 AM
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the layout definately needs to be fixed somehow. the real killer are those stupid huge envelopes next to all the threads. just shrink those down a little.
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Old 11-24-09, 10:57 AM
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Huh, I click through the pages until I stop seeing bold thread titles, but I have noticed a decline in content.
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Old 11-24-09, 11:02 AM
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I've been having a hell of a time trying to post without a timeout. Is anyone else having this problem?

(edit)This took three tries...
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Old 11-24-09, 11:07 AM
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I did the first day, but have not had that problem since.
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Old 11-24-09, 11:18 AM
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Like I mentioned in another thread - I have gotten to know Facebook a WHOLE lot better lately. Unfortunately. I kind of want to talk about bikes. All out of topics though. Someone else start something interesting...
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Old 11-24-09, 11:32 AM
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Somehow the forum listing page don't seem to convey as much information as they did before (thread starter, last poster, etc?). Or, maybe the same information is there but the visual style and layout is so low on contrast and high on big gray UI elements that it's hard to read. I've noticed that the first page seems to have a lot less topic churn since the forum change. Is this my imagination or because less people are posting?

It's a shame because it seems there's no going back. I doubt the old visual theme is compatible with the NEW vBulletin 4 (aka obnoxious ad on the lower right).
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Old 11-24-09, 11:41 AM
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I think it's growing on me. Is it just me, or did they increase the contrast of the topic titles on front page? Seems to be easier to read.

Some of the buttons still don't work as advertised (like "last page"), and I would really like a real navigation button on the bottom of the page which takes me back to the forum I was just in with one click. Right now I either have to scroll down the menu of "Quick Navigation" (not terribly quick) or hit "Top" and then the link at the top of the page. But the format itself is growing on me. Definitely.
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Old 11-24-09, 11:44 AM
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Originally Posted by Sawtooth
I had the same thoughts...this means that threads will die faster. For me, "death" means 2nd page. I never go there. Too bad, I really loved the old style. I just don't come here as much since the change.

I also don't understand the value of locking these kinds of threads. So we want to whine about the new interface, big deal. Controlling this kind of content just makes people less likely to feel like they are part of the community. It also give the impression that our thoughts on the interface are not considered to be important.

I suppose we could get two threads back on the front page by deleting the two locked Interface complaint threads in the sticky area that just take up space. There is no value in having those two threads sit locked in what is now (sadly) prime real estate.
Agree. 2nd page I rarely go to unless I'm looking for a thread that was previously on the first page.
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Old 11-24-09, 11:46 AM
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The new layout looks like it was designed by fisher price, meant for kids. Tho sometimes people on here act like kids.
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Old 11-24-09, 11:51 AM
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Originally Posted by WCroadie
The new layout looks like it was designed by fisher price, meant for kids. Tho sometimes people on here act like kids.
Do not! Nyaah!!

BTW do you ride with the WCCC?
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Old 11-24-09, 01:24 PM
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The more clicks you have to do to get to where you want to go, the more ads load. That's the point.
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Old 11-24-09, 01:29 PM
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Give this view a try:
https://www.bikeforums.net/archive/in.../t-604890.html
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Old 11-24-09, 01:32 PM
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Originally Posted by eschew
How did you do that?
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Old 11-24-09, 01:33 PM
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That and I'm not so much a fan of the new color scheme. Everything looks so washed out, it's a lot harder to read.
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Old 11-24-09, 01:33 PM
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I understand the need for revenue. I appreciate that it helps keep the forums up and running.

But I would think that decision makers would want to hear user's opinions...not silence them (or at least that is how it looks from the outside).

I work in IT so I understand how there is a point at which users must simply learn to work with a new tool. But I also know the value of requirements analysis, User Acceptance Testing, Useability testing, etc.

I know I am a peon here, but I don't see much evidence of any of the above from the user's perspective.
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Old 11-24-09, 01:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Brian Ratliff
But the format itself is growing on me. Definitely.
It shouldn't have to grow on you. The user interface is counter intuitive compared to most layouts out there. They need to fix this.
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Old 11-24-09, 01:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Sawtooth
How did you do that?
I use the archive links to view all the threads.
https://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/f-41

I really didn't know what everyone was complaining about until I switched to the full-version and saw all the destruction... I mean improvements.
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Old 11-24-09, 01:37 PM
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sometimes i pop into bf to see what is new with threads i have participated in. now i find there are often no threads i had posted in on page 1 and i can't be bothered to open new threads.
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Old 11-24-09, 01:41 PM
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Can't we just vote with our feet and go out on a general strike, for say, a week or two? That might get the attention of the administrators....or maybe just get this thread locked and deleted....grrr.

I am starting...no more BF for a week for me.
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Old 11-24-09, 01:43 PM
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I would be OK with the new forum if there was an option to show more threads on the first page.
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Old 11-24-09, 01:43 PM
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Perhaps when they romve that big yellow banner on top (I am assuming they will eventually?) it will open up a little more room for more first page topics.
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