Poll: Are you still using CC as often since the upgrade?

[Norm]

No for me, for a couple of reasons.

For me the thing I find an issue with is in the View New Content. The fact that it duplicates the the thread multiple times because more than one person has replied means that I try to skim down the list and then I find that I have missed threads whilst trying to ignore those threads. The other thing about VNC in comparision to the way it used to work was that at the end of the new content there would be the content that had been there the last time you looked but that you hadn't read. This meant that you then noticed something that you had missed the previous time and perhaps continued on a topic in the way I probably wouldn't. I don't seem to go looking beyond the VNC - I know I could go into the individual sub-forums.

This pretty much covers the first issue for me. This evening, the "I'm nearly famous" thread appeared on 6 of the 7 pages of "new content", which always leaves me wondering if there's another 5 threads which haven't appeared at all.

A similar issue arises because the threads re-organise themselves in the list, I can't be bothered to run through the list of 160 new threads today more than once on the off-chance that one of those which hasn't appeared is worth reading.

Another issue for me is the lack of social groups. There were a few regulars on here who kinda faded from the main forums but still appeared regularly in the groups, and I haven't seen them at all since the move.

On the other side, though, what about the benefits from the change? Well, it's easier to browse from a mobile, if almost impossible to post, but that's it for positives. The other stuff, the blogs, the subscriptions etc, they just take up screen space IMO.

Oh, and the other reason I'm not here as much is that I got a job.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Have to say that whilst I'm logged on here most evenings, I'm using the forum less.

Function and visualwise, I much preferred the old forum, it felt cosy, warm and simple, as described earlier it was a village not a town. It's simple clean village logo flew atop and all below was simplicity, it looked like... well... Cycle-chat. Now it just looks much like anyother forum you stumble across.
I'm using CycleChatLite which seems the easiest on the eye to me and most like the old version. But there's a lot of stuff I simply don't need.

As already mentioned the VNP is pretty horrible to use and as this is my most used function it's really really annoying. The old version was so much better in that respect. Often now I simply can't e bothered to work my way through the system... it's too confusing.

BUT, these possibly are not the main reason why I'm a less active poster... there certainly has been a shift in the atmosphere and there are less posts that I'm inclined to post on. P&L has certainly lost its spark and rancour. Part of this is due to the loss of many of the characters from the olden days that made the place fun and gave it it's distinctive character; yenrod, bonj, linfordlunchbox, simoncc. There are many others that also seemed to have disappeared, like andyoxon and I haven't seen Noodles for a while. Maybe it's the way of these things.

I sound like an ungrateful shoot... but you did ask!

That you've put heart and soul into this project is unmistakeable, I'm certainly thankful for what you've created... I still come back most nights.

 

[CharlesF]

Voted Yes. I visit as much as before and it was revelation to read the previous threads. I hadn't noticed most of the issues raised, but can see how they could affect someone who has developed a particular way of using the site. Work has blocked access, which was annoying until I found the mobile version is really good and I often use that even at home. I have never had a problem with the speed on my laptop unless the whole internet is slow, then I re-boot the modem and all is fine.

 

[SBaxter]

no more or less for me! sure thats a line from a song

 

[Headgardener]

I also voted yes, I find using the site no problem. Love the chat room, I pop into there quite regularly. If there is anything that you could change Shaun I would ask that the poll results be different colours like the old site. I find the plain blue not so easy to understand quickly. Other than that well done and keep up the good work .

 

[Bromptonaut]

I've said Yes but I'm not clear benefits what the upgrade has brought. Was quite happy with the status quo ante.

 

[Danny]

I like the new software - particularly the larger editing window for posts. Still trying to work out how to make best use of all the new features, and am pleased to keep finding new ones that I really like.

Inevitably there are a few niggles, but have reported these, and they are on Admin's lengthy to do list.

I suspect that any lull is usage is more to do with the summer holiday period, and the fact that at this time of year people prefer to be out riding their bikes rather than talking about riding their bikes.

 

[totallyfixed]

I personally prefer less clutter and more space for the posts, take a look at the time trialling forum, very simple and user friendly and a lot more posts on one page, on CC not enough posts on one page. I appreciate the work you are doing but are you sure you are not trying to be all things to all men? [and ladies].

 

[Shaun]

Thanks - keep it coming.

Why the change? Good question ...

My reasons for the change are simple enough: to expand the site beyond the forums (create some static content and offer some new features), and to develop a marketplace that is completely separate from the forums where I can offer advertising space and generate some revenue for the running of CC (without it directly impacting on you guys and girls ... ).

Doing this with the old software would have meant trying to cobble together different software packages from different developers that didn't really integrate with each other - a non-starter really. The software is also no longer supported at version 3, and the latest version was, and still is, buggy and doesn't offer the same core system and features that IPB does.

With hindsight, I realise that the change of "everything" all at once has probably been a bit too much, too quick. It might have been better to get the new site looking like the old site before the move, and then slowly introduced the new features and layout over time; give you all time to get used to it.

I have made a start on putting together a skin that will look similar to the old site. It won't mimic the old site fully, due to functionality differences, but I'll use the same colours and theme to get the simpler, cleaner look that will hopefully go some way towards making some of you feel more at home.

If enough people like it, I may make it the default skin and demote the current one to "optional" ...

I'm hopeful that in the longer term the software move will be a good thing for CC and we'll be able to turn it into an even greater resource for cyclists, but please continue to give me constructive feedback as we go along because it helps to make the site what it is.

Cheers,
Shaun

 

[Shaun]

I personally prefer less clutter and more space for the posts , take a look at the time trialling forum, very simple and user friendly and a lot more posts on one page, on CC not enough posts on one page. I appreciate the work you are doing but are you sure you are not trying to be all things to all men? [and ladies].

That's the main aim of the new skin ... a simpler, cleaner look.

Ultimately, I'm not looking to support dozens of skins or do tweaks to suit individuals ... I'd ideally like to reduce the skin pool to just 2 or 3 and then get on with the rest of the site development.

I think the problem is that everything has changed all at once, and combined with the very strong colours of the new skin it has had a much bigger impact on people than I'd reckoned for.

Hopefully, de-cluttering the layout and using the previous colour scheme will go a good way towards making the site "accessible" again for those who are struggling with the new blue and orange skin.

Cheers,
Shaun

 

[vernon]

With hindsight, I realise that the change of "everything" all at once has probably been a bit too much, too quick. It might have been better to get the new site looking like the old site before the move, and then slowly introduced the new features and layout over time; give you all time to get used to it.

I don't think you'll have the same level of grief from end users than what I had when I substituted one piece of software for another and the appearance and operation of both was very similar.......

No matter which path you chose to implement change, there will be a significant minority who will not find the change acceptable.

I was responsible for switching my school over from MS Office to StarOffice and, mindful of the conservative and reactionary nature of my colleagues:

• Gave six months notice of the the withdrawal of MSOffice a date dictated by the expiry of the £16k per annum license.
• Made StarOffice available for use six months before the withdrawal of MSOffice.
• Flagged up six months in advance the files that would no longer be readable i.e. Microsoft Publisher
• Made arrangements for the technicians to identify for my colleagues any files in their works paces that needed converting.
• Provided online training resources.
• Provided manuals that highlighted the few minor but significant differences between the equivalent applications.
• Ran an after school surgery for six moths to iron out any problems.

Staff grumbled continuously for five months, ranted for the next two weeks and then demanded assistance in the last two weeks of MSOffice availability and became hysterical when MSOffice was removed and they had files that were 'unuseable'. The unuseable files were usually ones that had been created years earlier and had not been used for several years but were suddenly needed 'just in case'.

Two and a half years after the switch, I still get staff grumbling about the impossibility of ever being able to use the StarOffice spreadsheet. I ask them to demonstrate what they want to do on a 'legacy' lap top with a licensed version of Excel on it and invariably they can't do what they wanted to do on that too but still insist that it's StarOffice that's causing the problems.

Compare and contrast with the 1400 pupils - They were told of the change they were encouraged to use the software. There were no issues pre or post withdrawal of MSOffice apart from the ocassional file that did not preserve its formating when moved between Office Suites.

Hang on in there Shaun. You won't be able to please everyone.

 

[PaulSB]

Well I'm just a casual user and doubt anyone would notice my presence or absence! I much prefer the new board and have no issues with it at all but then all I do is read and make the occasional post. A football forum I visit frequently uses the same board, and has used versions of it for some time, so I found the transition very easy.

One gripe would be the search facility which is poor on the football forum I visit so I guess is the same here?

The mobile set up is excellent and I read more because of this. I find it much simpler to browse with the iPhone than to fireup my laptop. Posting from the iPhone is a doodle though I find it impossible to edit afterwards. TBH I think that may be my problem.

I have to say I truly do not like the garish blue / orange scheme and this WOULD have driven me away completely if I had not found another skin. This may be the cause of any drop off in visitors - those colours are a very poor choice. I've found a nice simple blue / White skin which I'm very happy to use.

In recent months I have changed the sub forums I visit. Beginners just has too much of "which new bike" etc and I find this repetition in few other areas rather off putting. Having been an admin and mod elsewhere I appreciate the challenges this issue raises but think it would help if all the "which bike" stuff could be cleaned up in some way.

I suppose the "feel" has changed from village to town. It happens with all successful forums IME. I arrived here from Cycling+ or whatever it was called and seem to recall that imploded and more regular users than I were unhappy with necessary changes. At least cyclechat isn't evolving into an awful bikeradar style forum - now that is a bad place to be.

All from my iPhone - will it need an edit?????

 

[Shaun]

Replying from my iPhone - If you're using the mobile theme, just tap your post and (providing you are editing within the edit time window) you should see the edit button.

Cheers,
Shaun

 

[biking_fox]

Definetely very misleading poll because if people have left they won't be voting - but it might help you catch those who are frequent attenders.

Likes - the 'remember me' actually works.

Dislikes - the skin's still too brash
- can't find "goto last post" option which I'm sure used to be there.

 

[ColinJ]

 The CycleChatLight skin makes the site more acceptable to me, though I still prefer the appearance of the original forum.

I don't like the way View New Content works either.

I've had lots of annoying formatting issues when editing my posts. Blank lines getting inserted or removed where I don't want them to be. Sometimes I've had to have 5 or 6 attempts before I finally get a post to look the way I want it to (that's using the Opera browser).

I still like CC and you are gradually sorting out the post-change problems so I will continue to call in most days.