If the Elsmar Cove Forums and Web Site was Yours, What would you do to Improve?

SteelMaiden

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
#11
Overall, I really think you've done a fantastic job. Of course, I've been a poster for a long time and I was a lurker for 5 years before I actually registered, so you get used to things....

I would be proud to be the owner of such a site.
 
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Marc

Hunkered Down for the Duration with a Mask on...
Staff member
Admin
#12
The only thing I would change is some of the layout. It could be a bit more appealing (read: easier to navigate). Other than that I like it :)
I am constantly thinking about layout.

I mainly use the "Post Last 24 Hour" page. It would be nice to be able to start a new thread directly form that page.
That would be difficult, but I'll look into it.

Something that could facilitate the new user... i.e. how to start a thread, how to take full benefit of this website.etc
Other than that it is good.:applause:
That exists. In fact there's a forum dedicated to How to Use the Forum Software. And, of course, there's also the FAQ.

If I would really want to change, probably I would prominently have "ELSMAR COVE" mentioned. In the current scenario, it is hidden between Solutions, Post Attachment List, Failure Modes etc. All these refernces could be mentioned seperately at the bottom of the page.
I'm afraid that few people would notice them if they are only at the bottom of the page.

Another suggestion would be the placement of advertisements. I feel instead of left side for ads, they could be made thinner and occupy both sides of the page view and the cove page could be in the middle.
That comes back to layout. The column width is relatively 'standard' for ads. And I've hit the limit of how many advertisements I want. I don't want to saturate the site with advertisements. Actually there are more that I rally want now, but.... As I mentioned above, I'm looking closely at layout.
 

michellemmm

Quest For Quality
#14
Originally Posted by Marc


If the Elsmar Cove Forums and Web Site was Yours, What would you do to Improve?



This forum is the best. If only we could put a dollar value on the benefits gained....

I would add more service/features such as Webinars. Since this is an international forum, a friendly translation enabler would help many. I am sure there are many who feel intimidated to post because of their English.

I would also put a Elsmar Cove online store, offering promotional items.
 

Brizilla

Quite Involved in Discussions
#15
Well, I think the site is wonderful. The layout doesn't really bother me that much, I manage. For me the only improvement that I would find wonderful is the organization of the data donated. As a paid member I've done a lot of downloading over a variety of subjects. Both from the theads, free files and premium files. It would be so much easier if those file were better organized so that if I was looking for lean information for example , I could find a menu with all the major lean tools in one place with the appropriate sub files underneath AND the ability to download the whole root file in one shot. Sometimes I have to do a bit of searching to find everything presented on a subject and it would be nice if it was tighter organized. Another question, is the free files on a subject tied into the premium files on the same subject? In other words am I sometimes duplicating my effort when I'm looking for information? Also since I'm speaking of information dispersal (this one probably would be pretty tough) There are a lot of times where really good info is given with a link to more. It would be nice to have a link library to special subjects that we could just go to. It could be checked out once a year to clear out any dead links. Otherwise the community and helpfulness of this site is awesome Thanks alot Marc! :thanks:

Briz
 

Marc

Hunkered Down for the Duration with a Mask on...
Staff member
Admin
#16
I mainly use the RSS feed which I love. The only drawback is it's a "New threads feed" only and not a "New posts feed" that would update with additions to threads.
You can try out This Monitor. I'll look into the 'New Posts' aspects of the RSS feed.

I have to go out for a bit and will get to the other replies as soon as I get back.
 

ScottK

Not out of the crisis
Staff member
Super Moderator
#17
Does the software allow "themes" to change the look of the page as far as colors and fonts and such? Maybe having a selection of themes available like I've seen in phpBB based forums.
 

BradM

Staff member
Admin
#18
OK, I stepped back and came into the site like I did my first time. The first thing that came to mind is reading/following the introduction box:

Welcome to the Elsmar Cove discussion forums! Registering to participate in the Elsmar Cove Forums is Free. You do have to Register for many features and functions such as E-Mail Digests, Notification of New Posts and/or Threads, Personal Messaging and downloading of Post Attachments to work. If your intent is to simply scan/search for information, there is no advantage to registering. If you would like to Register, click HERE. If you would like to just browse the message base without registering, feel free to do so. Many of the forum software features are disabled for Unregistered Guests for security reasons. See This Thread for more information. If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ and The Basic "How To's" in the Elsmar Cove Forums forum.By proceeding to browse these forums, you are expressing your interest in receiving information for research and/or educational purposes in accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107.

To browse without Registering, go to the forum or discussion thread that you want to view and click on it. A 'Lock' icon on a forum only means you are not Registered and therefore you can not Start a New thread or Reply to a Post in that forum.

This message and advertisement will not show after you register. Registration is FREE!
The font is pretty small and probably would be missed. Also, you are giving up valuable first appearance space to kind of repeat things. What about, within the same space, increasing font and add links? For example:

Welcome to the Elsmar Cove Discussion Forums?
(Hyperlinks):
Just want to explore?
About registering, click here
About the discussion board software
For first time visitors, click here
NOTE:
By proceeding to browse these forums, you are expressing your interest in receiving information for research and/or educational purposes in accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107.
I added the link about discussion board software. Hopefully, V bulletin has a well-developed FAQ/layout on the software that may be a good start.

I remember the first time I came to this site, I just started clicking threads in the middle of the page; I didn't know what else to do. Now, I'm a little slow anyway,:bonk:but maybe if we make the introduction portal more pronounced, people would not get so confused.
 

Sidney Vianna

Post Responsibly
Staff member
Admin
#19
I would have a version that can be easily accessed via smart-phones, PDA phones, blackberry-like devices...It is painful to navigate this site in a little screen...:cool:

I would make it mandatory the installation of grumpiness-meters or other types of grumpiness-deterrent devices to the keyboards of Covers. If anyone is suffering from excessive levels of grumpiness, the keyboard would lock up so they could not post. Just like an automotive breathalyzer prevents an inebriated person from driving. After all, Covers should not let Grumpy Covers post. Like MADD, we would have PAGC - People against Grumpy Covers.:tg:
 
T

Ted Schmitt

#20
Marc, I think this place is simply AWESOME !! But as everthing needs improvement, I would make it easier for people to post a new thread... the only way I have found to do this is by going into the correct forum and clicking on the New Thread option... if there is any easier way, I don´t know about it... but making the process inverted might make it easier... first click on NEW THREAD button somewhere obvious on the page and THEN choose the correct forum it should be in...

Just my :2cents: to try to make this forum even better !
 
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