Do you like the new format for WS?

[EllieBee]

I am on an ipad so it is a bit white, and glare-y. But I probably just need time to adjust.

 

[Laughing]

I'm quite content, I think the change in ads helps with loading speed?

(but what do I know....)

I do agree on the bright background & unusual contrast.

 

[Cracka*Jaxx]

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:

Hmmm ... On my desktop the only things I see underlined, besides member names, are the post numbers at the top, right of each post. Are you saying that EVERYTHING is underlined? Are you seeing that from a smart device?

 

[Cracka*Jaxx]

Someone mentioned ads in the right of the screen. The comment boxes fill my desktop all the way from left to right. There are no ads. Am I missing something? I'm using Windows 10 Edge, if that makes a difference.

 

[Cracka*Jaxx]

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!

The size and color you suggest are PERFECT! And possibly a very light gray background would help, too!

 

[LinasK]

Someone mentioned ads in the right of the screen. The comment boxes fill my desktop all the way from left to right. There are no ads. Am I missing something? I'm using Windows 10 Edge, if that makes a difference.

The side ad columns that used to be there have been taken out. This is a plus, but about the only one I can find with the new format.

 

[Momoffourboys]

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.

Thank you!! Much better for me.

 

[Spellbound]

Does that work for laptops too??

I don't know anything about settings on a laptop, sorry LinasK. I suppose there is a setting for contrast that would be similar, but I hate to send you anywhere that might mess things up worse for you.

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.

I like the size and darkness you chose! It doesn't blur when my eyes are tired ..... like now. The grayish font is getting harder to see tonight.

 

[Spellbound]

I'm not exactly sure what I just did, but my font is suddenly darker and more readable. I will try to remember.

I am on an iPad: I went to the bottom of the page where it says WS2015 at left corner. Clicked/check marked on Mobile Styles. It took me to a decent view, but I wanted the top links, which did not show. So.... scrolled to the bottom of the page and chose Full Site. Voila! My font appears darker. Fingers crossed with the hope this lasts for me.

(the box still says WS2015 so I don't really know what changed)

 

[Lilibet]

The side ad columns that used to be there have been taken out. This is a plus, but about the only one I can find with the new format.

Yes, you're right. The only thing I liked about the ads on the right side was that it allowed me to spread out the page on my iPad to make the font bigger. If we could just get bigger, darker font I'd be a happy camper.

And I do agree with those who don't like the pervasive underlining. But give me big, dark font and I won't beg to get rid of the underlining.

 

[Lilibet]

I'm not exactly sure what I just did, but my font is suddenly darker and more readable. I will try to remember.

I am on an iPad: I went to the bottom of the page where it says WS2015 at left corner. Clicked/check marked on Mobile Styles. It took me to a decent view, but I wanted the top links, which did not show. So.... scrolled to the bottom of the page and chose Full Site. Voila! My font appears darker. Fingers crossed with the hope this lasts for me.

(the box still says WS2015 so I don't really know what changed)

Yes, it does seem darker when I followed your directions. Thanks! :tyou: Now, if you can figure out how to make the font bigger you will be my hero!

 

[Tricia]

Hey marble,

Dave and I went over your post and we both agree you did an excellent job at offering constructive criticism. In fact don't be surprised if you notice your suggestions popping up on Websleuths

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!

 

[Tricia]

Lilibet,
You are absolutely right. The font was not a true black but, thanks to your sharp eye, it is now a true black.
The font size is actually a lot bigger than it was before. If you want your font to stand out even more then you click on the three lines in the upper right-hand corner of your page. You will get a drop down box. From there you can make your font size bigger.

If you make your font size 110 percent it actually bolds the words for you and makes it very easy to read. At the same time,i t doesn't mess up how the page is laid out.

The reason we changed the font size to something larger and put in the white background was to make it easier to read for our older members. Dave took a long time and researched the colors and the background.

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.

 

[Tricia]

Someone mentioned ads in the right of the screen. The comment boxes fill my desktop all the way from left to right. There are no ads. Am I missing something? I'm using Windows 10 Edge, if that makes a difference.

No you are not missing anything. The ads on the side of the page have been removed for members.

 

[Tulessa]

Yes, you're right. The only thing I liked about the ads on the right side was that it allowed me to spread out the page on my iPad to make the font bigger. If we could just get bigger, darker font I'd be a happy camper.

And I do agree with those who don't like the pervasive underlining. But give me big, dark font and I won't beg to get rid of the underlining.

Hey Lili! If you have chrome as a browser, you can click the 3 lines at the right hand side main top, and it gives you the option to make your fonts better.

 

[Tricia]

Dave is continuing to work on the "Quick Links" iPad issue.

Dave and I stayed on the phone for hours today going over and testing every possible issue it could be with the Quick Links problem.

You will see a few things being removed and coming back. That's all part of the testing that's going on.

Dave is going to work on the problem tonight and we will touch base in the morning.

Thank you for your constructive criticism and your patience.

Tricia

 

[JanetElaine]

Lilibet,
You are absolutely right. The font was not a true black but, thanks to your sharp eye, it is now a true black.
The font size is actually a lot bigger than it was before. If you want your font to stand out even more then you click on the three lines in the upper right-hand corner of your page. You will get a drop down box. From there you can make your font size bigger.

If you make your font size 110 percent it actually bolds the words for you and makes it very easy to read. At the same time,i t doesn't mess up how the page is laid out.

The reason we changed the font size to something larger and put in the white background was to make it easier to read for our older members. Dave took a long time and researched the colors and the background.

bbm

If I may comment on that, I'm not Lilibet, but for me it is not necessarily the actual size that's the problem, but the narrowness of the font (the letters being closer together). (Not being whiny, trying to be constructive).

 

[Lilibet]

Lilibet,
You are absolutely right. The font was not a true black but, thanks to your sharp eye, it is now a true black.
The font size is actually a lot bigger than it was before. If you want your font to stand out even more then you click on the three lines in the upper right-hand corner of your page. You will get a drop down box. From there you can make your font size bigger.

If you make your font size 110 percent it actually bolds the words for you and makes it very easy to read. At the same time,i t doesn't mess up how the page is laid out.

The reason we changed the font size to something larger and put in the white background was to make it easier to read for our older members. Dave took a long time and researched the colors and the background.

BBM

Thanks so much, Tricia, for changing the color to true black. I may have a sharp eye for color, but I guess I'm blind because I don't see three lines in the upper right corner. Once I find them I will follow your directions. I'm on an iPad using Safari, but I don't see them on Chrome (thank you Tulessa) either. Would some dear member like to post a screen shot pointing out where the three lines are. And I'm sure dumb and dumber will kick in when I see them right in front of me! :doh:

I appreciate all the work you and Dave put into this change and into the tweaking we are begging you to do. I never noticed the font size before because I always spread my page to enlarge it. So I will believe you when you say it's bigger. Many thanks!

 

[Treelights]

I am happy with it! No problems for me.

 

[musicaljoke]

...

We will be removing the word "Hot" and replace it with something more tasteful.

Tricia

I am so thankful for that. :loveyou: