Do you like the new format for WS?

[Spellbound]

Thanks Lilibet, I fixed it to say contrast. I am sorry it didn't help you, but it did make a difference for me. Now if the print could be darker......

 

[Cracka*Jaxx]

So far, LOVE it! It's a lot easier to read this way. I'm using a desktop.

You can't imagine how much I hated that super large type above all the people who 'thanked' the poster. I took a few html classes, and I kept thinking that it would be so simple to fix.

 

[SweetT]

I like it very well. I go here on my laptop though so that may be why it seems better to me. Maybe if I was going to this on my phone it could be not as great but IDK. Im loving it now though.

 

[Cracka*Jaxx]

I believe that the underlining of members names is standard because it is a Link. If the underline is removed, the link wouldn't operate. This is my understanding. And I wouldn't want those names to be any larger because they are not as important as the comment itself.

Is Dave a younger guy? He may not realize that most members here are 'older', and not in the 30 year old range.The type size and background are harder on their eyes. Younger people would not have as many problems reading with the bright background. Maybe putting a light gray on the background and a type that is bolder would work for everyone.

 

[marble]

Hi!
thanks for updating the look of the site, I think it's headed in the right direction.
I have a few suggestions though, since I find it difficult to read (not once you are in a thread itself, but scrolling through the main forum page:

1. Regarding the white background: I think it's fine and a big improvement on the previous darker background. I think it is difficult on on the eyes though, and not because of the background being white, but because all of the blue text stands out way too much- it's too dark and too saturated for it to be used *everywhere*.

2. Which brings me to my next point: I'm finding skimming the topics extremely difficult, and that's because there is no distinct visual hierarchy between links and text elements: *everything* appears to carry roughly the same visual weight (note visual weight is different than font weight- I realize some things are bold and some are not but there isn't enough clear differences as one scans the page). I'd advise a greater variation in font size and color, (with all related elements like main links and children of those main links in the same color family but lighter/darker larger/smaller relationships to affirm hierarchal relationships. Elements such as user names should be given a much lower place in the order, meaning a smaller relative font size and a different color distinct from the blue used elsewhere (maybe a warm rust color or similar). Likewise in that right column, "last post" links are too similar in color and visual weight to the main topic links on the left.

3. Link legibility: underlining everything that's a hyperlink makes the links themselves very difficult to read once *everything* is underlined, especially if you are sticking with high-contrast text.

4. Responsiveness: the site is now "responsive" (kudos! That's a good direction to have decided to go in!) Resizing your browser resizes and reflows the columns and content, as a responsive site should. Unfortunately the adverts on the far right are *not* responsive, meaning they are retaining an absolute pixel width rather than resizing and wrapping as well- which is screwing up the main content at lower screen resolutions as text and other elements are being pushed over each other to accommodate the fixed size of those ads, making lots of the main content illegible when this happens.

These are some of my initial thoughts on trying to use the site today. I'm hoping this doesn't come across as critical in a bad way, just trying to share some input from my experience as an interface designer for web applications. None of these issues are difficult to fix and I'm sure can be implemented over time. Overall I think the design is an improvement over what came before and appreciate the updated version!

 

[marble]

i will say, however, that i'm not fond of the *hot!* label in front of thread links at the top of the page. The cases we discuss are usually serious cases and we are victim-friendly, and to label them *hot!* seems sensational and tabloid-like. The placement of the links at the top of the page is enough to label them as popular topics without the additional call-out.

quoted ft!

edit- sorry Tricia, saw this was going to be removed, should have read through before posting. Thanks for doing that!

 

[Spellbound]

I believe that the underlining of members names is standard because it is a Link. If the underline is removed, the link wouldn't operate. This is my understanding. And I wouldn't want those names to be any larger because they are not as important as the comment itself.

Is Dave a younger guy? He may not realize that most members here are 'older', and not in the 30 year old range.The type size and background are harder on their eyes. Younger people would not have as many problems reading with the bright background. Maybe putting a light gray on the background and a type that is bolder would work for everyone.

You are right, Cracka! Our eyes get harder to focus or see clearly and I could be happy with one-inch tall DARK font if I could choose it :giggle:

 

[Gigi-G]

(A great line from Bob Marley! ("Get up, stand up"))

Luvin' it! 😅

(Yeah, I don't really get those counting threads lol... :waitasec: )

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

 

[Gigi-G]

Thanks! I think you mean "Increase Contrast" not "content" although I'm sure Tricia would love to increase both the con'tent of WS and content'-ment of the members. After doing this through settings, I noticed that my brightness had been reduced on the control panel accessible at the bottom of the page, so I think this is just a roundabout way of darkening the background. Combined with the print that can't be enlarged, it hasn't helped me much. If anything, it's harder to read. But maybe it will help others. Again, thanks.

I find that having my screen on auto brightness helps some. Especially when going in and out of shops or different areas of work. Sometimes it can be sensitive enough to adjust itself as I touch the 'type' bar.

Or failing that. You can always adjust via yr screen settings. And set it to a comfortable level. I have one set up for bed time. As if yr brain is busy working on a bright page. It will take longer to de-stimulate 😊

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

 

[Lilibet]

I find that having my screen on auto brightness helps some. Especially when going in and out of shops or different areas of work. Sometimes it can be sensitive enough to adjust itself as I touch the 'type' bar.

Or failing that. You can always adjust via yr screen settings. And set it to a comfortable level. I have one set up for bed time. As if yr brain is busy working on a bright page. It will take longer to de-stimulate 

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

The main problem for me is the font size and font darkness. If that were fixed, I could darken my screen a little to tone down the screen brightness. In fact, it appears to me that the screen has been toned down by WS now. But darkening my screen fades out the font, which is too small because I can no longer spread out the page to make it bigger, as I could before with the vertical ads. I don't want to bring the ads back, but I really need bigger and darker font, as many of us do. Just bumping it up to this size (4) and a true black like this, rather than charcoal gray would help a lot. The current font is not a true black.

 

[Gigi-G]

On the ' web' browser version. (Where it says desktop version) I've clicked on that when I first joined here. It's a bit of a pain scrolling around but it's worth it because you can add a profile pic. Change font colours. And sizes. And type font. Can set yr background colours. Yr screen layout.. just an idea. 😊

Then save it. Come back out of desktop version. Shut it down then go back in on yr normal way

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

 

[Lilibet]

You are right, Cracka! Our eyes get harder to focus or see clearly and I could be happy with one-inch tall DARK font if I could choose it :giggle:

Yeah, one-inch tall and dark would work! Even the size and darkness I'm demonstrating here would help. This is a 4 And it's a true black, not the current muted dark charcoal. I've gone into "accessibility" on my iPad and changed some font settings, but it hasn't helped.

I hate to be so picky, but reducing the bright white hasn't helped because the font isn't black and it's too small. Sorry Tricia. I know you're trying. Hugs!

 

[Lilibet]

On the ' web' browser version. (Where it says desktop version) I've clicked on that when I first joined here. It's a bit of a pain scrolling around but it's worth it because you can add a profile pic. Change font colours. And sizes. And type font. Can set yr background colours. Yr screen layout.. just an idea. 

Then save it. Come back out of desktop version. Shut it down then go back in on yr normal way

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

Thanks for trying, Gigi. I don't see where it says web browser or desk top. I've looked in my settings and I don't see it. It sounds like a good idea, but I'm either blind or it's not there. Can you tell me where to look please? Many thanks! I'm sure I'll feel dumb and dumber when you point it out and it's right there in front of me! :doh:

 

[AmandaReckonwith]

No, I do not.

 

[JanetElaine]

I believe that the underlining of members names is standard because it is a Link. If the underline is removed, the link wouldn't operate. This is my understanding. And I wouldn't want those names to be any larger because they are not as important as the comment itself.

Is Dave a younger guy? He may not realize that most members here are 'older', and not in the 30 year old range.The type size and background are harder on their eyes. Younger people would not have as many problems reading with the bright background. Maybe putting a light gray on the background and a type that is bolder would work for everyone.

In the old format none of the links were underlined and they still worked, so hopefully there is a way to get rid of it here too. The whole site is basically a big link so there's a lot of lines to make it look messy. Obviously that's IMO. :cow:

 

[JanetElaine]

The main problem for me is the font size and font darkness. If that were fixed, I could darken my screen a little to tone down the screen brightness. In fact, it appears to me that the screen has been toned down by WS now. But darkening my screen fades out the font, which is too small because I can no longer spread out the page to make it bigger, as I could before with the vertical ads. I don't want to bring the ads back, but I really need bigger and darker font, as many of us do. Just bumping it up to this size (4) and a true black like this, rather than charcoal gray would help a lot. The current font is not a true black.

*applause*

 

[La Louve]

a p.s. to my earlier post about the bright white background

The quick links button is not working for me either.
I haven't found anywhere in the settings where I can change any of the display elements.

P.p.s. I am viewing the site either from my laptop or my android phone.

 

[LinasK]

As a Graphic Designer, I'm finding the new format less readable because it is too much contrast, and the massive bright white of the background can be migraine inducing. Also I think bolding the users and thank user names is easier to read than shrinking the font size and underlining them. It looks cheap. I'm also finding the site less and less user friendly starting with limiting us to 100 posts/page, and now only 5 smilies/post and limiting the editing time. I was much happier with the way things used to be.

 

[Lilibet]

a p.s. to my earlier post about the bright white background

The quick links button is not working for me either.
I haven't found anywhere in the settings where I can change any of the display elements.

P.p.s. I am viewing the site either from my laptop or my android phone.

They are working on quick links button AFAIK.

 

[LinasK]

If your screen is too "bright white" on an iPad, I found a setting that seems better.

Settings: General / Accessibility / Increase Contrast / Reduce White Point

It made a big difference for me, maybe it will help others. Let us know.

Does that work for laptops too??