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I’m really excited about the new features in the next version of vBulletin — the software we use to power our forums. It’s still in beta right now, but I’m going to go through the upgrade process and start testing on another website: GetGamer
It’s a small, pretty inactive website (with lots stuff that’s currently broken), so I don’t have any qualms about downtime or experimenting with beta software. I mention this mainly to let you know that I AM getting ready to upgrade BigBlueBall as well, and also so if you’re interested in seeing what is new in the next version of vBulletin, you’ll be able to check it out at GetGamer.
I’m going to be working on it later today. I’ll post here again when I start the process, and let you know when it’s ready to check out.
Jeff, thanks for the heads-up, as always. May I make a few suggestions:
- I’ve never been fond of forum layouts which have one center column and plenty of blank space at the sides. It makes it difficult to read and everything appears squashed up. The current BBB format which fills the screen is much better.
- Yes, I know our forum is Big BLUE Ball, but is there a possibility for members to change the color layouts, something like what Neowin does? Also, I took a look at the Star Trek XI forums and I like the reverse/inverse look (white text on black or colored background).
- Gawd, I’ve said this too many times, but that BBB globe really has got to go! In fact, I hope you’re going to change that entire top part; it’s looking old.
I’m looking forward to the “new” BBB!
Philip wrote:I’ve never been fond of forum layouts which have one center column and plenty of blank space at the sides. It makes it difficult to read and everything appears squashed up. The current BBB format which fills the screen is much better.I agree, I think BBB really does need a stronger alignment.
MrOats. (An Excerpt from the Fixing BigBlueBall Post, originally posted by Dave). wrote:According to design C.R.A.P. (Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, and Proximity) center alignment is considered the weakest alignment, and I think it makes the homepage look sloppy.I think we should have the text from the news on left alignment, and all ads (if we still continue to have as many) as well as any graphics on right alignment. I think also, that BBB related links/graphics should be kept above other ads, if possible. Right now, we essentially have 4 alignments (Left, Middle, Middle-Right, Right)… Instead of the ideal 1-2 alignment ratio.
See these screen shot links, in order from “Current Alignments” to “Improvement 1-3”, to see what I mean: (It was done in paint, so I apologize for any sloppiness!)
Current Alignments
Improvement 1
Improvement 2
Improvement 3Note: These are just suggestions, and are my viewpoint on the issue of “fixing BBB”. Not all “steps” were mentioned because I am not sure as what to do about some of them, or I do not know enough about some of them. (Ex: I really don’t know what to do about the staff issue and do not know enough about traffic analysis or “FIXOR”). Please use constructive criticism if need-be, thank you.
(If you’d like to see the “Improvement” links with my suggestions, they are located within the original “Fixing BigBlueBall” post.)
It’s great to hear that you’re really going to upgrade Jeff. 🙂 I Thank you for your hard work so far, (The BigBlueBlog, the recent chat in the IRC, the staff changes, etc.) It’s all going to pay off.
And I, also, look forward to the BBB “revolution”. 😉
Philip;226503 wrote:Jeff, thanks for the heads-up, as always. May I make a few suggestions:I’ve never been fond of forum layouts which have one center column and plenty of blank space at the sides. It makes it difficult to read and everything appears squashed up. The current BBB format which fills the screen is much better.
I am going to design for optimal readability, which means a fixed width. Once I have that in place, I’ll create a fluid width style, just for people like you who like to move their eyes all the way from one edge of the screen to the other to read a paragraph. :p
Philip;226503 wrote:Yes, I know our forum is Big BLUE Ball, but is there a possibility for members to change the color layouts, something like what Neowin does? Also, I took a look at the Star Trek XI forums and I like the reverse/inverse look (white text on black or colored background).I’m cool with this idea, but it will take more time to implement. What color schemes would you like to see? Is there someone with graphic skills who would like to assist (and maybe speed this along)?
Philip;226503 wrote:Gawd, I’ve said this too many times, but that BBB globe really has got to go! In fact, I hope you’re going to change that entire top part; it’s looking old.It’s not officially part of the vBulletin upgrade, so I haven’t decided if I’ll be able to do them at the same time, but yes, the site design will get a long overdue update, including the logo.
Philip;226503 wrote:I’m looking forward to the “new” BBB!Me too! :woot:
Oh joy, means all of our current modifications that we’ve come accustomed to love are going to disappear. *tear*
Thanks for the feedback, MrOats.
And detn8r, what modifications are you worried about losing? Anything in particular? I wasn’t planning on losing functionality with this change.
BTW, if you’re interested in the process, you can follow my current activity on Twitter.
3 that come to mind are
– beloved legacy postbit
– the mod that took the signature to the bottom of a postbit rather than at the end of a post
– the divide line after sticky threadsI’ve updated GetGamer, but I don’t have the styles all finished. You can test the new functionality with the default style by going to http://www.getgamer.com/forum/index.php?styleid=1.
Graham: those are all pretty easy.
vBulletin 3.7.0 Beta 5 is out.
vBulletin 3.7.0 Beta 5 Released – vBulletin Community Forumdetn8r;226608 wrote:Jeff, to me the new vB looks like a rougher IBP. Looks like the same idea, just less attractive.Well, it can look like whatever I make it look like, so if you’ve got a link to something you think looks nicer, let me know. 😉
Has anyone checked out the new community features (at GetGamer)? You can create your own social groups with a message board. You can associate your friends and leave comments on each other profiles. And you have your own photo/image gallery so you can share images with others. Any suggestions or thoughts on how to implement these features?
I was just playing around a bit on my profile at GetGamer. Generally the new profiles are pretty neat, I would just recommend increasing the size allotment for the photos.
detn8r, what size do you think is “right” for pics in the profile. Also, are you using the default theme or the greenleaf? You’ll need to use the theme chooser and specify the default theme to see all of the features, as I still haven’t updated the greenleaf theme with all the new bells and whistles.
Anyone else have some feedback on some of the social features? Has anyone tested the “friends” or “social groups” features? If not, please give them a try and share your feedback here.
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