Ideas to improve AO

[Lohman446]

This is probably not my spot to ask. I am going to willingly acknowledge that and ask anyways. :D

I believe it would be in error to think that all of AOs issues are technical in nature and the "return the promised land" will happen as soon as the sight is updated with no further dicussion of other changes.

So I feel it appropriate to ask what changes others feel would help AO going forward.

[BTAutoMag]

I would like a archive of "how to" like for the pnuemag and such.

have a spot (like in the store) where all the manuals and diagrams are accessible

CHAT

[Ando]

have a spot (like in the store) where all the manuals and diagrams are accessible

CHAT
They have that already :rolleyes:

[knownothingmags]

sigs, :rofl:

[BTAutoMag]

They have that already :rolleyes:


we have chat? i thought it was down...



sigs, :rofl:


maybe we can get shartley to get us all sigs again :rofl:

[skipdogg]

Easy registration for new members

[RST]

Easy registration for new members

Yep!

It would be great if "the new AO" is accessible via Tapatalk and/or Forumrunner for all of our fancy tablets and smartphones. This would be a huge step.

And I'm sure we could need a few more MODs to support the Beemer.

[BigEvil]

Wouldn't this have been smarter to ask BEFORE everyone started throwing money at the project?

[BTAutoMag]

we can dream

[knownothingmags]

i say we close our eyes and see what happens,
since that is what everyone did who donated.

donating without knowing the end result.:D

ready 1... 2... 3... close em.

[luke]

I’ll be happy just being able to:
Open AO without having to sit and wait for it to respond if I have a new PM.
Send a PM without sitting and waiting for AO to respond.

[Mole1119]

I would like to see the official picture thread cleaned up of all the dead links and away to jump to different page numbers than having click back 4 pages at a time. I like to use that thread to get ideas and get inspired and it takes a bit a time to find the beginning of the functional pictures.

Also search function that doesn’t pop up behind ad banners.

[captian pinky]

strippers :wow:

id be happy with the new members being able to get in easier.and a place with all the DIY's...we could call it Hill's place. :cheers:

[hill160881]

LMAO.......
:cheers:

[BTAutoMag]

I have a small pet peev with the read receipt with PMs, either turn it on and dont give the receiver a choice or turn it off


strippers :wow:

we could have a gallery of half naked women holding mags... we'll call it "hill's place"


:rofl: JK

[knownothingmags]

Hill's place. :cheers:
:rofl: might as well call it "i can do what you can do"

lol

[Lohman446]

Wouldn't this have been smarter to ask BEFORE everyone started throwing money at the project?

Maybe.

However any support I gave was not conditional and I did not want to make it seem so. Nor did I want people to feel like their support was "buying" features not already implemented.

The sight could stand some improvements that are not just technical (I think). However I wanted to seperate that discussion from the technical and fiscal one.

[skipdogg]

I just wanted it to still exist. That will now happen. I have no expectations nor list of demands. Sometimes simple things can be just that....simple. No need to overthink or overcomplicate things for no reason :)

[AGD]

I am going to sticky this so we can get a list of "wants" I will try and make as many of them happen as possible. I think things like sigs are a no brainer. I don't know what taptalk is so if you request something popular please explain it.

Thanks

TK

[BigEvil]

Maybe.

However any support I gave was not conditional and I did not want to make it seem so. Nor did I want people to feel like their support was "buying" features not already implemented.

The sight could stand some improvements that are not just technical (I think). However I wanted to seperate that discussion from the technical and fiscal one.

Well, conditions aside, there are a ton of 'features' incorporated into the newer versions of VBulletin which require minimal effort and no additional cost.

Things like Sigs and Avatars are already in there. I would like to have known ahead of time if when all is said and done we will be able to have them or not. I think anyone who donated money and finds out that sigs and avatars are disabled will be upset. (and rightfully so)

I would also like to see some custom badges. In particular, an "AO SUPPORTER" badge for all of the people who helped to raise the $3k to do this.

There is also an "Ad management" module built in. Why not sell ad space for a small price? Guys like Tuna and Luke can for a minimum price get a banner ad, their own separate sub forum, and possibly a few other perks.



The list goes on and on.

[BTAutoMag]

I would also like to see some custom badges. In particular, an "AO SUPPORTER" badge for all of the people who helped to raise the $3k to do this.


Agreed, and I think there should be a donation button as well.

make 2 badges, for those of us who were part of this and a seperate on for donations after the fact.

[BTAutoMag]

oooo, a "project logs" forum :headbang:

[RST]

I am going to sticky this so we can get a list of "wants" I will try and make as many of them happen as possible. I think things like sigs are a no brainer. I don't know what taptalk is so if you request something popular please explain it.

Thanks

TK


No problem.

Tapatalk and Forumrunner are apps for smartphones and tablets that are running on iOS or android software. They make it easy to use a forum from mobile devices. No browser is needed.


http://www.tapatalk.com/

http://www.forumrunner.net/

[BTAutoMag]

tom can you put the remote operated webcam back in your office? :rofl:

[luke]

How about picture hosting?

[AGDRetro]

What about an official Cafe Press store with AO & AGD logo'd merchandise, the profits of which would go to help maintain the site? This constantly available "fundraiser" would help alleviate the costs of servers/bandwidth/software updates in the future...

[Lohman446]

I would like to see something done to rescue the friendly corner.

Personally I would like to see a politics and religion subforum (but only after the election) or easing of the rules in the friendly forum on discussion of such topics.

Do I realize these topics normally cause some issues? Sure I do. However the friendly corner is pretty well dead at this point anyways.

I would at least like to have a discussion about it.

[Tropical Life]

Hey...call me old fashion but this place is perfect the way it is, fix the stability and call it a wrap!

[skipdogg]

What about an official Cafe Press store with AO & AGD logo'd merchandise, the profits of which would go to help maintain the site? This constantly available "fundraiser" would help alleviate the costs of servers/bandwidth/software updates in the future...


Yes please.

[AGDRetro]

Yes please.

Glad to see somebody else thinks this is a decent idea. Once the storefront is setup it requires about ZERO maintenance from say Mr. Kaye or somebody else in the top tiers of the AGD/AO hierarchy. Cafe Press handles the fabrication & shipping, nothing has to be stocked and you don't have to pay anybody to manage the store!

[luke]

I would like to see something done to rescue the friendly corner.

Personally I would like to see a politics and religion subforum (but only after the election) or easing of the rules in the friendly forum on discussion of such topics.

Do I realize these topics normally cause some issues? Sure I do. However the friendly corner is pretty well dead at this point anyways.

I would at least like to have a discussion about it.

Ditto.

I don’t like the look of the newer forums, I mostly just want a functioning forum, picture hosting would be nice, but no big deal after all these years.

[Dayspring]

No problem.

Tapatalk and Forumrunner are apps for smartphones and tablets that are running on iOS or android software. They make it easy to use a forum from mobile devices. No browser is needed.


http://www.tapatalk.com/

http://www.forumrunner.net/


ForumRunner and VBulletin are now partnered. All the new VB software downloads come with ForumRunner. Just need to set it up and you can browse it through the smartphone app. Very easy to do.

Tom - I would be happy to help, I'm pretty fluent in the new VB software.

[Dayspring]

Easy registration for new members


This is easy to do. (And it would allow Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail addresses again.)

Have the admins or whomever follow the directions in the link below:

http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/showthread.php/205214-Add-an-extra-question-to-the-registration-to-prevent-bot-registrations

This works WONDERS on my site and I NEVER got a Spam email address.

[sQuidvision]

I like the idea of AGD merchandise for forum support... Other than that all I really want to see it the AGD store come back online w-everything working!

[going_home]

How about a shopping cart for the AGD store so you can click "buy" and pay immediately with Paypal ?

:ninja:

[Chrome]

Luke's comment about the look of new forums made me think of one request:

Please somehow avoid what seems to be the flavor of the month regarding look/style in having solid, bright white backgrounds with black text. The fact that AO has a grey background, colored text in many places, and light blue backgrounds in the text blocks means that I can comfortably read it. All of the "new" web forums I have encountered give me a headache after less than five minutes of struggling to look at them.

Thanks for listening, and thank you to everyone who contributed to keeping the lights on. :)

[WUNDERWAFFEN]

We have a 2006 calendar that goes up to Jan 2007. I say we add a 2013 calendar & maybe a 2014. I would also like pictures of scantily clad women straddling much larger than real life Automags, with big live lions on either side for each month.

[sQuidvision]

How about a shopping cart for the AGD store so you can click "buy" and pay immediately with Paypal ?

:ninja:
:wow: now we're talking!

[Lohman446]

Luke's comment about the look of new forums made me think of one request:

Please somehow avoid what seems to be the flavor of the month regarding look/style in having solid, bright white backgrounds with black text. The fact that AO has a grey background, colored text in many places, and light blue backgrounds in the text blocks means that I can comfortably read it. All of the "new" web forums I have encountered give me a headache after less than five minutes of struggling to look at them.

Thanks for listening, and thank you to everyone who contributed to keeping the lights on. :)

Thats a good point - lets keep AO AO while we are at it :)

[Lohman446]

The ban list - lets consider getting rid of it and "welcoming everyone back" so to speak. Wipe the slate clean and start over.

I know when it was decided to publically post the ban list it was needed. There were concerns about how it made people feel and if it was welcoming but it was needed. Now it is virtually unused. Its necessity is in question.

[AO Moderation Team]

The ban list - lets consider getting rid of it and "welcoming everyone back" so to speak. Wipe the slate clean and start over.

Its necessity is in question.


What ban list? We don't see a ban list any where. :ninja:

[Lohman446]

:) LOL - it was a pretty impressive and quick response. I was reading through it trying to figure out how many of the incidents I could even recall.

Thank you

[BigEvil]

What ban list? We don't see a ban list any where. :ninja:


Put it back put it back! :cuss: :p

[Chrome]

I know I don't chat much on the forums (spending most of the time either lurking or in the BST), but a couple more thoughts reading some of the replies:

"badges", "medals", "rep points", etc.: After browsing PBN for a few minutes to see what people were actually talking about regarding these items, they all just seem like a bunch of clutter that don't really mean anything. Folks time and thoughts, posted to the forum as well as playing/working with folks in the real world, do a pretty good job of teaching folks who is who and who the "good guys" are, I think? I feel that the lack of online things that either promote little cliques or try to segregate folks (in what appears to me to be an already pretty small community) really don't add anything positive, but rather promote an "insiders only" kind of face that isn't very welcoming to new people or casual readers. We do want to find more new, friendly, enthusiastic people to talk to, no?

Signature lines: I understand and respect the idea of these. What bothers me about them, and why I actually like that there are none here is twofold: One, not having every post add at least 2-3 lines of text (let alone graphics, animations, jarring text colors and font sizes. . .) means that I can read more posts per screen view on my monitor - meaning I can actually get to more of the CONTENT of the posts without having to wade through the window dressing. Two, correct me if I'm wrong, but generally all I see out of signature lines is one of two things - either some generally inappropriate/impolite/off-topic rant/shout that doesn't really add anything to whatever conversation is going on, or what effectively becomes a non-stop advertisement circumventing any sort of etiquette asking for business to be done solely in the BST section of a forum. Again, it may just be the sample set I looked through, but neither of these sounds like a good idea to have. Two additional thoughts on this - first, if these signature lines can be turned on/off in user preferences, no harm no foul - no reason for everyone to not do as they please. Secondly, I see the value to providing a quick link to folks' feedback threads in doing business. Maybe a more elegant solution would be to either add a link to these threads in the first post of a thread created in the BST when selling something, or alternately, maybe add the option for a shortcut to the feedback thread in the drop down box that comes up when clicking on a username in a thread/post?

Avatars: My feelings on these are pretty much the same as signature lines. Although some folks after a while (assuming they don't change them every other day) get to be recognized by their avatars, those few people aside, the rest of them are just not really relevant in contributing anything constructive to a conversation on the forum. There are plenty of places online to watch tiny flash animations, view pictures that are all but soft-core pornography (100 pixels big no less!), and have othersuch rotating/flashing/jarring graphics drive one to distraction. Now, I'm not suggesting that this place be all business, all the time, but it seems the flavor of the community created by those who are here quite often has a bit more refinement than that. . . a (little?) bit more grown-up, adult kind of vibe, if that makes sense?

Sorry for the long text blocks, just had a few minutes and thought I would put ideas out there while still fresh in mind.

[luke]

"badges, medals, rep points, signature lines, avatars">>
dont need them

Couldn't agree more.


"A bit more grown-up, adult kind of vibe"

:cheers:

[Justus]

"badges", "medals", "rep points", etc.
don't want them

I get your rant, and I'd agree with some of it. But it's centered around when people are just doing it wrong. The main reason I'd vote for signature lines is simply because most BST transactions go down via PM, and it's REALLY handy to have a link to your feedback in a sig line so that with each PM the recipient has an ability to just click on it and get there. It's much better than having to go back and search for the sale thread again, or searching through the feedback forum.

And the avatars... if we're grown up around here, then you could certainly expect the type of avatars that are not annoying, and that stay constant so that people are quickly and easily recognized by them. Avatars that I wouldn't want my kids to see or which induce epileptic seizures can simply be nuked by the mods/admins.

But my point is that if we start throwing cold water on every new thing simply because we can find one example of somebody making it annoying, we'll be left without any content whatsoever. Should we have to forego these conveniences simply because some people exploit them for annoyance? Or can we just clean up the annoyances without throwing out the conveniences? My thought is that if this is a mature forum, then the efforts required to police these kinds of things should be minimal.

[Chrome]

Justus, agreed that all these things SHOULD be able to be taken in and used as intended. . .

. . . and I hope I didn't come off as a rant, but rather just some (maybe long-winded) constructive input. :) I guess I just don't want a nice, suburban neighborhood to turn into the Las Vegas strip (not that the strip doesn't have its own unique charm for folks into that sort of thing :dance: ).

As the baby is placed gently into the bathwater. . . :cheers:

[zondo]

Most places have a way to disable sigs and avatars in your viewing (BEO and MCB, for example). Otherwise it takes forever to load in some locations and on my phone ;)

The choice should be offered, IMO.

I don't get "rep points," but a feedback rating system would be more appropriate for what we do here.

[knownothingmags]

I don't get "rep points," but a feedback rating system would be more appropriate for what we do here.
so are we going to be spotted our positive ratings?
or does everyone start fresh?

[BigEvil]

Bring back :

1)Triangle
2)Don Miguel


/Thread

[luke]

Bring back :

1)Triangle
2)Don Miguel


/Thread

I had to double check, but Don is the only one I have ever added to my ignore list. :shooting:

[zondo]

so are we going to be spotted our positive ratings?
or does everyone start fresh?

No... Feedback ratings like how eBay, BEO, PBN, etc. have for transactions. I don't like the rep ratings.

[Dayspring]

Most places have a way to disable sigs and avatars in your viewing (BEO and MCB, for example). Otherwise it takes forever to load in some locations and on my phone ;)

The choice should be offered, IMO.

I don't get "rep points," but a feedback rating system would be more appropriate for what we do here.


Once this site is on new software and new hardware, it'll load remarkably faster.

Secondly, once on new software, you can use Forumrunner to view the site on your phone. No sigs to be seen there. :)

[captian pinky]

sigs

i do like them mainly because of the links to sale threads aswell as feedback. sometimes its a pain to find especially when someone hasnt sold something in months or more.
not really crazy about the huge banners some people run in there sigs but im sure there will be a way to limit those.

feedback

i do like how pbn has the feedback rating posted in the top right of every post. it makes me feel more comfortable to know that someone has 0 negative feedback. that doesnt mean im not cautious still but knowing that 300 postive to 0 negative.is much faster than reading 8 pages of feedback to figure out if the person is going to possibly screw you.

[MANN]

Bring back :

1)Triangle
2)Don Miguel


/Thread

LOL. poor Don. He has to be an adult by now.

[sillypookie]

Rep points make my head hurt.. I frequent a few other forums and TBH I still don't get them and they seem like a bit of an epeen generator. I know some forums have a 'supporting member' tag that has some weefle benefits like oversize PM boxes and such and a little 'flag' under your name to indicate you contribute... but I don't think people need to be hit over the head.

I do think selling limited/tasteful ad space is not so bad an idea. I am sure there are manufacturers that would be happy to take a little space and help things sail along.

I've always liked the more mature vibe here... since I have come back it seems a bit 'colder' than I remember if that makes sense, but it still seems mature. I think capturing the essence of that is key.

I think just based on the number of people who stepped up for AGD themed merch to save the site, the CafePress idea is a no-brainer as well.

I'm glad the community came together to save this, and I think that's what is going to keep it strong.

Also hexagons. I like hexagons.

[BTAutoMag]

if we bring back sigs make the size a set size, on another site we are allowed a 75x500 and less then 25k in size.

[Lohman446]

Sigs: I like sigs within limits. I also like the idea of sigs being allowed once per user per thread to prevent their overuse.

I do not like the new "fancy" feedback systems like on PBN. I like the feedback program we have now. I would like to see a way of making the feedback threads easier - perhaps just the user name as the title.

[BTAutoMag]

maybe theres a way to put a built in feedback thread... instead of having to search for it you can get to it in the drop down menu from clicking the members name

[Lohman446]

maybe theres a way to put a built in feedback thread... instead of having to search for it you can get to it in the drop down menu from clicking the members name

That would be handy. I have never seen it but its a good idea

[Dayspring]

It may be something that a VBulletin plugin could accomplish. It's not something that is built in.

[BigEvil]

It may be something that a VBulletin plugin could accomplish. It's not something that is built in.


iTrader is a plug in that is basically what he is talking about. It is very similar to the way the feedback system on PBN works. BEO has been using it for a while.

[Justus]

iTrader is a plug in that is basically what he is talking about. It is very similar to the way the feedback system on PBN works. BEO has been using it for a while.
iTrader is used on X7OG and A5OG as well, and works really really well. It's basically an eBay-style feedback system.

I like it better than simply a feedback thread, because you can tell right from the start how much feedback a person has, and if there have been any negatives. With a standard feedback thread, you'd have to read every single post to determine that a person has no negatives.

[Carnage reigns]

iTrader is used on X7OG and A5OG as well, and works really really well. It's basically an eBay-style feedback system.

I like it better than simply a feedback thread, because you can tell right from the start how much feedback a person has, and if there have been any negatives. With a standard feedback thread, you'd have to read every single post to determine that a person has no negatives.

This would be an upgrade.

[BTAutoMag]

top ten vbulletin plugins (http://corpocrat.com/2008/03/07/top-10-vbulletin-pluginsmods/)

[BigEvil]

top ten vbulletin plugins (http://corpocrat.com/2008/03/07/top-10-vbulletin-pluginsmods/)

FYI - VbAdvanced is what MCB used as their homepage. I like it, I think it's a great idea for an active forum. The bad part is that if the forum is not very active then this doesn't seem like all that great an idea.

Also - has anyone mentioned getting some new hipper mods on board who can handle the back end stuff better? No offense to the Captain, but every forum needs someone who can do that stuff.

I nominate Dayspring, just cus I love him and I know his life is not complicated enough :D

[AGDRetro]

As far as avatars are concerned, if we want to keep it simple and classy, why not use the regional AO state badges/logos?

[knownothingmags]

i like the way Big Evil conducts his site in reference to sigs and avatars.

[going_home]

That would be handy. I have never seen it but its a good idea


PBN has it like that.
Top right of every post you make.

[BTAutoMag]

As far as avatars are concerned, if we want to keep it simple and classy, why not use the regional AO state badges/logos?
I like it :clap:

[Lohman446]

PBN has it like that.
Top right of every post you make.

Well... apparently I never actually clicked on those numbers now huh :)

If I could have my way I would prefer it be a pull down menu on the name like the one used for sending PMs and other things.

[Bunny]

Things off the top of my head....

Avatars: 96x96 is a good size. Give end-users the option to disable avatars if they do not like them.

Feedback Ratings: Something simple. I do like the way PBN does their rating system.

Groups: Moderators, Techs, Contributors, etc. Something to distingish certain users on the board. On other sites I would actively look for members that were specialized and were notated by a different color or badge.

Mod's: Make it a bit more cut and dry. Who is the AO Moderation Team? Add a few more senior members to tidy up the place.

Signatures: No pictures, just text. If it is a hassle only enable them when you click the persons profile. Like this... http://www.automags.org/forums/member.php?u=6593

AO Member Banner: The picture at the top right. Rework the code for it so it is less labor intensive. The background with the hexagon pattern could be a background and we could put a PNG on top. All we would need is a picture with the background removed to post.

[BTAutoMag]

i completly forgot about the member banner. yes, someone throw some more ideas about that :dance:

[Lohman446]

I would like AO to be AO but MCBs "point based" infraction system seems a reasonable way to allow moderators to give "meaningful warnings". That is users may receive infraction points but no action is taken unless X amount of points accumulate. Infractions expire.

I'm not familiar with the exact way the system works but it seems to work.

[BigEvil]

I would like AO to be AO but MCBs "point based" infraction system seems a reasonable way to allow moderators to give "meaningful warnings". That is users may receive infraction points but no action is taken unless X amount of points accumulate. Infractions expire.

I'm not familiar with the exact way the system works but it seems to work.


Thats built right in to VB.

[Lohman446]

Thats built right in to VB.

:) Oh when I throw up suggestions they are like a member of Congress doing it. I have no idea of the technicalities behind it or even if its possible I just think it sounds good.

[BTAutoMag]

:) Oh when I throw up suggestions they are like a member of Congress doing it. I have no idea of the technicalities behind it or even if its possible I just think it sounds good.

Useful posts: 7

[Carnage reigns]

It would also be nice to have the like button. I know that may be better served on a more opinionated site but I think it has a place here.

[Dayspring]

I nominate Dayspring, just cus I love him and I know his life is not complicated enough :D

Thanks Scott... :mad:

[luke]

It would also be nice to have the like button. I know that may be better served on a more opinionated site but I think it has a place here.

I thought “like” buttons were for advertisers, clicking on them builds your personal advertising database so they know what adds to put up for you.

Also, I dont see anything wrong with our current feedback system. If its not broke dont fix it.

[BTAutoMag]

we do have a like button... look at the bottom of the page. "rate this thread"

[Carnage reigns]

I thought “like” buttons were for advertisers, clicking on them builds your personal advertising database so they know what adds to put up for you.

Also, I dont see anything wrong with our current feedback system. If its not broke dont fix it.

It could be better. Having feedback right there on every post is much better. Innovation will never happen with that attitude.

[luke]

It could be better. Having feedback right there on every post is much better. Innovation will never happen with that attitude.

I timed it, it took exactly me exactly 22 seconds to find your feedback thread (from this post)
http://www.automags.org/forums/showthread.php?t=214170&highlight=Carnage+reigns
:D

[knownothingmags]

I timed it, it took exactly me exactly 22 seconds to find your feedback thread (from this post)
http://www.automags.org/forums/showthread.php?t=214170&highlight=Carnage+reigns
:D
but some times it takes people 30 seconds :rofl:
and remember thats too long :rolleyes:

[BTAutoMag]

is it possible to have a gallery that we can load pictures of our mags in that we can tag upgrade with.

for instance if I wanted to see some mags with warp feed then i'd search the gallery for warp feed and there they would be :D

[zondo]

Before we get burried in a committee of replies, what proposed upgrades do we have so far?

[Justus]

Also, I dont see anything wrong with our current feedback system. If its not broke dont fix it.

At one point in time the standard form of locomotion was to either walk or travel by horse. There was nothing wrong with that. But that didn't stop human innovation from developing the rail system, the automobile, or even flight.

IMO, iTrader isn't a "fix" to an "unbroken" feedback system. It's simply a long-overdue improvement. The technology already exists, we don't have to invent or repair anything. :D

[zondo]

At one point in time the standard form of locomotion was to either walk or travel by horse. There was nothing wrong with that. But that didn't stop human innovation from developing the rail system, the automobile, or even flight.

IMO, iTrader isn't a "fix" to an "unbroken" feedback system. It's simply a long-overdue improvement. The technology already exists, we don't have to invent or repair anything. :D

Where's that "Like" button?

[luke]

OK, I have 7 years worth of feedback, what happens to that?

[BigEvil]

OK, I have 7 years worth of feedback, what happens to that?


I imagine it gets archived like the way PBN handled their 'old' feedback.

[zondo]

I imagine it gets archived like the way PBN handled their 'old' feedback.

Maybe people with X amount of feedback get badges that say that, so they're identifiable off the bat.

[Justus]

OK, I have 7 years worth of feedback, what happens to that?


Luke, honestly I don't think you even need a feedback thread. :cheers:


For others like myself, though, I agree with BE that the feedback can simply be archived. We can start iTrader and also still keep the threads for posterity.

[BigEvil]

I like the idea of a "Trusted Dealer" tag or something similar for those who are worthy.

[knownothingmags]

I like the idea of a "Trusted Dealer" tag or something similar for those who are worthy.
+1

[Shane-O-Mac]

I like the idea of a "Trusted Dealer" tag or something similar for those who are worthy.

The idea is great in principle, but could seriously cause problems. First off a disclaimer, I am not saying anything bad about anyone directly or indirectly. There has been "trusted" dealers before who flaked out and went bad. All buyers should be encouraged to research the company/seller they are buying from. There is a possibility that if AO grants a "Trusted" badge that AO will be held responsible if that "trusted" dealer/person flakes out. Nothing should replace good old fashioned research, if you do not research the seller, then it is on you to a degree if they dont do as they should. In my opinion the feedback thread system is fine, and you can easily save the link and include it in your communications with the buyer or seller. Simple is many times the best.

[Justus]

The idea is great in principle, but could seriously cause problems. First off a disclaimer, I am not saying anything bad about anyone directly or indirectly. There has been "trusted" dealers before who flaked out and went bad. All buyers should be encouraged to research the company/seller they are buying from. There is a possibility that if AO grants a "Trusted" badge that AO will be held responsible if that "trusted" dealer/person flakes out. Nothing should replace good old fashioned research, if you do not research the seller, then it is on you to a degree if they dont do as they should. In my opinion the feedback thread system is fine, and you can easily save the link and include it in your communications with the buyer or seller. Simple is many times the best.

The feedback thread system is fine with the exception that there's no universal tag to denote good or bad feedback. Finding a particular feedback thread is only half the battle - to really know the feedback, a person has to read every single post in that thread once it's found.

The iTrader system uses a proven method very similar to eBay feedback, wherein people leaving feedback tag it as POSITIVE, NEUTRAL or NEGATIVE and the number of tags is very quickly known by glancing at the feedback rating. It's just a much improved method.

I do agree that the "Trusted Dealer" tag, specifically, is a bad idea. Trusted by who? But the concept of that kind of badge is a good one, it just needs refined. If there are going to be tags, they should simply be for total feedback rating. "+10 Feedback" or "+100 Feedback" is a factual, objective statement, whereas the word "trusted" is very subjective.

[Carnage reigns]

I feel like we can't be afraid to change and upgrade. I think we should have the appearance options that pbn has. I also think the iTrader system would be better than the feedback threads. The information would be available 1 click away from the post instead of having to search then make sure the name is spelled correctly. It's a much needed upgrade. Also there should be system to add to picture to the banner on a regular basis. All MotM should be added and some others should be able to be nominated.

[BTAutoMag]

I think we should have the appearance options that pbn has.
no :mad:

[Carnage reigns]

no :mad:

So options are a bad thing? When did that happen? Being able to change the color can go a long way towards engaging the younger crowd and it doesn't hurt anyone who wants to change it. I don't get why that would be a problem.

[BTAutoMag]

i just dont think we should "be like another site" when we already have our own look :p

[Carnage reigns]

i just dont think we should "be like another site" when we already have our own look :p

So why does it hurt if to you it looks like the site we have now and to me it looks like MCB? Can't be resistant to change when it does hurt/make things better.

[Dayspring]

It's about staying true to a "brand" identity.

AO has had this layout and color scheme for years. It's synonymous with AO (especially the hexagons, etc.). MCB has their scheme, so too does PBN. But each of those is their own brand.

What you're saying is that you want (as an example) Apple's brand design to look like Intel's.

I get where you're coming from - more is better and if the option is available then I want it. But from an identity and consistency standpoint, it ain't broke. So don't fix it.

[Lohman446]

I am all for adjustments. Wholesale changes that make AO into PBN or MCB - NO.

In business you learn that you cannot be better at being brand X than brand X already is. We cannot out PBN PBN or out MCB MCB. While we might look to make adjustments and improvements and even consider what they have done (as well as others such as BEO and Tech PB) it should not be our intent to be "just like them".

[BTAutoMag]

exactly, you cant just go hey a geo is better then an ion so lets just make an ion like a geo. you loose what just made the ion an ion and now you have a knock off that will be ridiculed. the ion is fine how it is and for what it needs to be.

/analogy over

[Carnage reigns]

The point of that comment wasn't we should brand ourselves like them, the point of that comment was that we should have more customization options. If we come up with 3-4 color swap palettes. I just want more than 1 option.

[BigEvil]

The idea is great in principle, but could seriously cause problems. First off a disclaimer, I am not saying anything bad about anyone directly or indirectly. There has been "trusted" dealers before who flaked out and went bad. All buyers should be encouraged to research the company/seller they are buying from. There is a possibility that if AO grants a "Trusted" badge that AO will be held responsible if that "trusted" dealer/person flakes out. Nothing should replace good old fashioned research, if you do not research the seller, then it is on you to a degree if they dont do as they should. In my opinion the feedback thread system is fine, and you can easily save the link and include it in your communications with the buyer or seller. Simple is many times the best.


Same thing can be said about an official feedback rating, which iTrader would be. Another idea would be to have the user's feedback numbers be listed automatically somewhere near their screen name, if that sort of thing is important to enough people.

I just like the idea of getting some flair going. :)

[Shane-O-Mac]

I think we have the required number of "Flair". ;)

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xRZs_6kUJag/RynpGqM9t3I/AAAAAAAABvU/6uWUG1zlkdo/s400/jennifer_aniston_flair.jpg

[BigEvil]

I think we have the required number of "Flair". ;)

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xRZs_6kUJag/RynpGqM9t3I/AAAAAAAABvU/6uWUG1zlkdo/s400/jennifer_aniston_flair.jpg


I really dont want to talk about my flair.. can we just order lunch ok?

[luke]

Yummy, I love flair. :D

[knownothingmags]

The information would be available 1 click away from the post instead of having to search.

you dont need to o into search you can always try the members list. :D

[dre1919]

Sigs. Oh, and SIGS. An artist and old school member like me, this cannot be understated. Anyway, other than that, I like the idea of the Tapatalk and Forumrunner app concept as well as branded merchandise. But, do not use Cafe Press...their product quality is crap. If you're going to do this, and I can help make it happen, use Zazzle. Their shirts are good as long as the design doesn't get too complicated...they print all the colors at once using a digital press and so some colors turn out crappy compared to normal screen printing. Of course, all of that is still better than Cafe Press's quality.

Oh, and if possible, I think we should have a better and more involved / used section dedicated to AO Meet & Greets. That was one of the cool things I experienced way back in the beginning...actually going to an event where other AO members were and meeting people that talk online. We here in MO met up at Battle Creek in Kingdom City and ShooterJM came all the way over from CO to meet up. That was cool, and he was a great guy. So, I think trying to bring in more brotherhood for being a member of something "elite" would be great. That's one of the things I always liked about shooting a Mag and being on AO. Outside people would say "How come you don't shoot an Angel?" (at the time) or something like that and "What's AO?" because they didn't understand the feeling of community.

I have always felt the people that shoot Mags do so because they are tinkerers by nature, since the marker can have so many things done to it unlike your carbon copy semi-plastic marker out there for $100. As such, they do not care what other markers or features come out on cheap, knock off guns made in Indonesia with customer service in India. AO members then, and I would hope still, don't worry about what's "cool" now...they know what they like and they use it.

[Dayspring]

Every donor should get a "Tom Kaye Starter Kit" as seen below...

http://www.nickpapandria.com/images/stache.jpg

[knownothingmags]

Every donor should get a "Tom Kay Starter Kit" as seen below...

http://www.nickpapandria.com/images/stache.jpg
that would be awsome, we all show up to Tunaball wearin them.
:rofl:

but serious lets do it., where do i get my moustache,

im to lazy to grow mine out.

[Beemer]

ForumRunner..............:clap:

Anybody using it????

[Dayspring]

I am now. :)

[Bunny]

AO: I need to action pictures to tinker with. If you have any cool action shots with mags feel free to post. Thanks

[BTAutoMag]

I'm still having issues with my sig. I cant even put one line of text below the picture:confused:

[Beemer]

I'm still having issues with my sig. I cant even put one line of text below the picture:confused:

Really? Any one else with issues?

There is only one sig per page now so see my post 114 above. I did an edit to my sig with two lines of text plus my image.

[captian pinky]

I just want a thing that tells me when my pm box is full miss the % thing right now. driving me nuts.
i do like the PBN feedback system. makes it easy to see negatives.

[Ando]

There is only one sig per page now
????

http://www.bigevilonline.com/images/smilies/bsflag.gif

[Redic]

let me get this right now you guys are limiting the amount of sigs we per page even after we paid the 3000 dollars to update the server

I call Bull

also from what I remember reading in that post about updateing AO part of that 3000 dollars was supposed to go to updateing the a AGD website, which just crashed last week and we were told was on the same serve as automags.org

so would someone in the know care to enlighten the Community on why the AGD site server was not updated


Because I have to pay guys to go pull the data off the server, setup the new one, buy the software etc. I will be transferring it to my current provider away from Delaware,net so that is two bills.

Then I still have to take care of Zupe because the store runs on that server on more old software. All the parts and products need to be transferred and setup on the new store with new software. Thats a job in itself. The agd website has to go over too. I am not going to do that, someone has to pay for it. Dave doesn't have the dough either.

So its more than just transferring a list of members and some posts.

TK

We.were told this by.TK. But then we find out Dave was running his own server at his house

So where did.that money for.Zupe go

[Beemer]

snip


even after we paid

I call Bull

Who's this we? You got a mouse in your pocket? DID YOU CONTRIBUTE??? Didnt think so.

If its that important to the folks THAT did I am sure it can be changed. Maybe WE should ask those folks.

We all know what the BEO sig looks like, do we really need to see it in EVERY post on a page.



Guess what I contributed and I could care less. I like it. It keeps AO classy.

Kinda sounds like you like to hear your self whine. :wow:

OH LOOKEY my sig showed up AGAIN..................

[Redic]

snip



Who's this we? You got a mouse in your pocket? DID YOU CONTRIBUTE??? Didnt think so.

If its that important to the folks THAT did I am sure it can be changed. Maybe WE should ask those folks.

We all know what the BEO sig looks like, do we really need to see it in EVERY post on a page.



Guess what I contributed and I could care less. I like it. It keeps AO classy.

Kinda sounds like you like to hear your self whine. :wow:

OH LOOKEY my sig showed up AGAIN..................

Well good to see you can still put your foot.into your mouth but now in a " CLASSY WAY "

I did donate money

[SoulCoffin]

as did i, and i wasn't expecting anything less than the other msg boards when it came to sigs... im fine with size restrictions within reason, but limiting how many times it shows? :confused: i wasn't expecting that

[AO Moderation Team]

as did i, and i wasn't expecting anything less than the other msg boards when it came to sigs... im fine with size restrictions within reason, but limiting how many times it shows? :confused: i wasn't expecting that

fixed

[AGD]

What makes you think this forum is running off a server in Zupe's basement?

I am hoping the guys come up with the updated look soon.

TK

[Redic]

What makes you think this forum is running off a server in Zupe's basement?

I am hoping the guys come up with the updated look soon.

TK

No said AO was running off a server in Zupe's basement


We were told by you that the AGD site was on the same server as AO and that was one of the reason the price tag was so high.

Then The AGD site crashes and we discover Zupe had his own server.

Which leaves me.very confused with the statement of yours that I quoted in a previous post

[Spider-TW]

No said AO was running off a server in Zupe's basement


We were told by you that the AGD site was on the same server as AO and that was one of the reason the price tag was so high.

Then The AGD site crashes and we discover Zupe had his own server.

Which leaves me.very confused with the statement of yours that I quoted in a previous post

I know what you are saying. However, I can think of a completely reasonable scenario.

[AGD]

No said AO was running off a server in Zupe's basement

Then The AGD site crashes and we discover Zupe had his own server.

I am not getting what your saying here. Because AO crashed how did that relate to Zupe's basement? Where did the basement come it?

TK

[Dayspring]

Here's what you stated:


Because I have to pay guys to go pull the data off the server, setup the new one, buy the software etc. I will be transferring it to my current provider away from Delaware,net so that is two bills.

Then I still have to take care of Zupe because the store runs on that server on more old software. All the parts and products need to be transferred and setup on the new store with new software. Thats a job in itself. The agd website has to go over too. I am not going to do that, someone has to pay for it. Dave doesn't have the dough either.

So its more than just transferring a list of members and some posts.

TK

Meaning, we thought that the AGD store was on the same server that housed AO and that the high price of the migration was to include the migration of the AGD site/store to new hardware.

Now we're hearing that AGD is on it's own hardware, not included with the Delaware.net server migration.

So that being said - if AGD wasn't a part of the migration, why did it cost $3k? The $3k estimate was for AO migration as well as AGD site/store.

[AGD]

Okayyyyy now I understand what your saying. That explanation still didn't say where Zupe's basement came in but I will explain.

When I made the above statement, I was thinking that the store, the forum and the AGD site were all on the same server and needed to be moved.
AFTER we got the money and I started looking into it, it turns out that the store was always running on Delaware servers, not on our box. I talked to Zupe about it and it made more sense since there was no danger of it evaporating to leave it as is. Its a great deal of effort to set up new accounts and credit card stuff on a new site etc.

This left AGD and the forum to move and update to the new server which was done.

Updating AO is first on the list and I am waiting patiently for the guys to finalize the new look. This is what I was worried about because when you ask people to do things for free it can take forever. Once AO is put to bed I will then proceed to AGD's site for finish up.

Yes there is a chunk of money left over at this point but we are not done. As I told you all when we started, if there was money left over it would go to the Paintball Scholarship Fund, which you all thought was great. If you want me to spend more money and pay people for the new look instead of waiting for the free help please say so.

If you have any more questions please post them here.

TK

[BigEvil]

This is where the "Server in Zupe's basement came from....


The AGD server at Daves house has crashed. Catastrophic hard drive failure. They are backing up now. Let me know if anyone needs any parts. If I have it...you got it.

[AGD]

Ok that explains it. There IS a server at Dave's house, its just that it has nothing to do AT ALL with the websites etc. Its the server for the internal network.

TK

[Bunny]

.....Anyways.... :D I'm not sure if i'm the only one leading the charge, but I still got a little bit more work to do. I would love to at least transfer the old AO theme back so it can give me some time to design some more ideas. For whatever reason, I really hate all of my new designs for the header. I don't really want to change it at all so it's hard for me to come up with an idea. If anyone else wants to take a stab, feel free to sign up in the dev forum Dayspring set up.

:headbang:

[Patron God of Pirates]

For what it's worth I like the current look sans the logo. Nice and clean, lets the content speak for itself.

[Bunny]

Here is an example of what i'm trying to go for....

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/6823946/AO/Idea.png

I still need to do quite a bit to finish it up....


Header: Create 5 examples for the header designer
Favicons: Rework Favicons to match header
Badges: Finish up the different types of badges, Admin, Owner, etc
Check CSS, make sure all of the CSS looks good to transfer to the new AO.
Rework the black theme. Just because I like it :D


My wishlist:
Enable CMS Tool for Automags.org. We need to build up a library of resources with the posts already made on AO.

[luke]

The background behind Steve is pretty cool.
:cool:

[BTAutoMag]

agreed, awesome work

[Bunny]

Idea #1:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/6823946/AO/AO%20Headers/header21.jpg

Idea #2:
Added a gradient, two tone, and changed the font to the same font as the badges i'm creating...
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/6823946/AO/AO%20Headers/header23.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/6823946/AO/AO%20Headers/header25.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/6823946/AO/AO%20Headers/header24.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/6823946/AO/AO%20Headers/header26.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/6823946/AO/AO%20Headers/header27.jpg

Ranks for AO:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/6823946/AO/Ranks/supermod.png
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/6823946/AO/Ranks/moderator.png
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/6823946/AO/Ranks/member.png
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/6823946/AO/Ranks/factoryteam.png

Check out the template on the Dev forum.... (http://dev.nickpapandria.com/forums/forum.php?styleid=5)

[BTAutoMag]

i like picture 1 with the font on picture 2;)

[Dark Side]

I really like both of those banners.

[BigEvil]

We need Tunamart Factory Team badges :D

[skipdogg]

Not a fan of sigs or badges

[Dark Side]

Each has a purpose.

[Bunny]

Here is my latest ideas about the ranking system. I don't think the "banned", "donor", or "member" ranks should carry over, but I made them anyway so.... :-p

Ranks



Admin
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/6823946/AO/Ranks/admin.png


Banned
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/6823946/AO/Ranks/banned.png


Content Manager
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/6823946/AO/Ranks/contentmanager.png


Tunamart
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/6823946/AO/Ranks/tunamart.png


Factory Team
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/6823946/AO/Ranks/factoryteam.png


Member
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/6823946/AO/Ranks/member.png


Moderator
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/6823946/AO/Ranks/moderator.png


Owner
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/6823946/AO/Ranks/owner.png


Donor
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/6823946/AO/Ranks/donor.png


SuperMod
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/6823946/AO/Ranks/supermod.png



DEV Forum: Click to view new AO template (http://dev.nickpapandria.com/forums/forum.php)

[Dayspring]

I think Donor should most CERTAINLY get a badge. They're the reason we're going through this exercise and they should be recognized as such.

[AGD]

Any idea when we will be able to go live on the new look?

Thanks

TK

[Dayspring]

Well, Bunny's fixing the header images now. I think the template setup itself is done, but I won't speak for Bunny - you know those creative types...

[Bunny]

Well, Bunny's fixing the header images now. I think the template setup itself is done, but I won't speak for Bunny - you know those creative types...

Lol. I think we are good to go! You will have to edit a few of the templates once we move all of the images over to the AO server. I can either help or walk someone else through it.

[AGD]

Bunny,

Email me and we will work it out.

Thanks for all your hard work!

Tom

[Bunny]

No problem. I'm working with your guy to get things rolling. :headbang:

[Bunny]

:D Let me know if you guys find any issues with the new template. :cheers:

[mpsd]

This is fantastic! After all these years, seeing my pic over there got me really proud. I can honestly say that I have visited this web site on a daily basis for almost 8 years already. Thanks soooo much, Bunny!!! :hail:

:cheers:

[Carnage reigns]

The buttons that used to be at the top right are covered. e.g. The "Notification" Button.

[skipdogg]

Like it. Great job!

[Dayspring]

The buttons that used to be at the top right are covered. e.g. The "Notification" Button.

What browser are you using? Are you using an ad-blocker type of application? We saw this issue on the dev forums too.

[Bunny]

The buttons that used to be at the top right are covered. e.g. The "Notification" Button.

What buttons are you talking about? Can you see the Welcome, Username Notifications My profile Settings Log Out

Also, what browser are you using? Thanks!

[Carnage reigns]

What buttons are you talking about? Can you see the Welcome, Username Notifications My profile Settings Log Out

Also, what browser are you using? Thanks!

No I can't. I am using Firefox 16.0.1 but it's updating now.

Edit: Now I'm up to 19.0.2 and I still can't see it all the way. I can see the tippy top behind the search bar.

http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss311/robinson819/AOProblem_zpsad2db829.jpg

Edit: It worked before the change this morning. Do I need to browse this site on IE? And I don't see a banner.

I can see the site fine in IE and Chrome though. IE is usually the problem browser. This is weird.

[mpsd]

No I can't. I am using Firefox 16.0.1 but it's updating now.

Edit: Now I'm up to 19.0.2 and I still can't see it all the way. I can see the tippy top behind the search bar.

I have IE 10 and it works perfectly here.

[Justus]

Your problem is that you're using a Duke theme on your Firefox browser. The AO banner is refusing to share screen space as a result, and is on strike.





No, really, the problem is your Adblock extension. I had this same problem on the Dev forum and here as well when it came live. Just whitelist the automags.org domain (i.e. don't run Adblock on this site) and you'll be fine.

It happened to me using both Firefox and Chrome.

[Carnage reigns]

Your problem is that you're using a Duke theme on your Firefox browser. The AO banner is refusing to share screen space as a result, and is on strike.





No, really, the problem is your Adblock extension. I had this same problem on the Dev forum and here as well when it came live. Just whitelist the automags.org domain (i.e. don't run Adblock on this site) and you'll be fine.

It happened to me using both Firefox and Chrome.

Thank you and that worked. If I had to choose between Duke and the browser not working or a working browser I can see AO it would be DUKE!!!! That's my squad in b-ball. :)

[Bunny]

Thanks Justus! I'm trying to figure which would be easier... Rename the CSS files to exclude the word banner... or force people not to block ads on automags.org :) I will downloading mozilla tonight to try and find a solution so people don't have to mess with their browsers at all.

Thanks for all the positive feedback so far, I worked really hard on this so i'm glad everyone likes it as much as I do.

Btw, if anyone missed out on the chance to be in the banner, I will post another thread in a few months so you can be on the top of the page as well. :headbang:

[Carnage reigns]

Thanks Justus! I'm trying to figure which would be easier... Rename the CSS files to exclude the word banner... or force people not to block ads on automags.org :) I will downloading mozilla tonight to try and find a solution so people don't have to mess with their browsers at all.

Thanks for all the positive feedback so far, I worked really hard on this so i'm glad everyone likes it as much as I do.

Btw, if anyone missed out on the chance to be in the banner, I will post another thread in a few months so you can be on the top of the page as well. :headbang:

This new site is AWESOME. It looks incredible and I am very happy you put in this work. Now if we do that front page... LOL. But from the bottom of my heart thank you for the site and justus thank you for helping with my problem.

[Laku]

http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss311/robinson819/AOProblem_zpsad2db829.jpg



Chrome is rendering like the picture above as well. (i.e. missing the banner) Chrome Version 26.0.1410.28

Also the border of the "headline" gif automags.org online is really jagged. Maybe .png would be better choice as it can handle larger color space and gradient opacity. In this case it would create better anti aliasing on the transparency edge.

Other than that, good work on the theme!:clap:

[Bunny]

Chrome is rendering like the picture above as well. (i.e. missing the banner) Chrome Version 26.0.1410.28

Also the border of the "headline" gif automags.org online is really jagged. Maybe .png would be better choice as it can handle larger color space and gradient opacity. In this case it would create better anti aliasing on the transparency edge.

Other than that, good work on the theme!:clap:


Laku: By any chance do you have any add-ons with chrome? Any type of ad blockers?

I may clean up the logo, a bit. Unfortunately I couldn't find the exact font for AO so I basically left it as is. I think I could make it a png though. :)

[Dayspring]

Chrome is rendering like the picture above as well. (i.e. missing the banner) Chrome Version 26.0.1410.28

Chrome's running fine here.


Version 25.0.1364.152 m & Version 25.0.1364.160 m

[Justus]

If the Adblock is turned off for the site, and the banners are placed correctly, the Automags.org/Online logo is pushed all the way up into the gray header and you never see the jagged edges.

By the way, the jagged edges are a product of the text using a drop shadow and a transparent background. Older "photoshop"-like programs didn't know how to handle opacity very well, and would fill in the transparency gradient of a shadow effect with a background color. In this case, that background color at least was a spot-on match for the color of the header. And that's why it will never be noticed if the header is placed properly by the browser. (i.e., simply whitelist the automags.org domain)

[Laku]

Yep, it was the Adblock. Forgot it as it rarely makes any trouble.:rolleyes:

[zondo]

Did I miss a data call for pictures for the photobanner?

[Dayspring]

Did I miss a data call for pictures for the photobanner?

Yup.

Stick around for a couple months - we'll do another round.

[zondo]

Yup.

Stick around for a couple months - we'll do another round.

I've been here since '06 so I guess a few more months won't kill me ;)

[Bunny]

Now that the design is out of the way and I have access to upload new headers.... I don't think there will be any problems adding AOers to the banner in the near future. The only real problem is to get people to take high quality pictures. At least get the camera guy to take a picture a little closer.... I think people want to see what kind of automag you are shooting!! lol

[Justus]

Now that the design is out of the way and I have access to upload new headers.... I don't think there will be any problems adding AOers to the banner in the near future. The only real problem is to get people to take high quality pictures. At least get the camera guy to take a picture a little closer.... I think people want to see what kind of automag you are shooting!! lol

That's true. When I realized that the photos we posted were going in the banner I started looking for a better one. Still can't find it, but when I do I'll send over a newly revised banner to upload/replace mine next time around. There are a few pics that show off those beautiful 'Mags, instead of just those ugly mugs. Those are the better ones.

[sQuidvision]

this is really looking great! i havent been around this neck of the interwebs as long as many of you, but i have to say its awesome to see my picture in the banner!

THANK YOU BUNNY for all your hard work! Dayspring as well, and anyone else who has been contributing!

[Mole1119]

Great Job! :dance::dance::dance:

[OPBN]

Used to be when you did a search you could pick which forums you wanted to search in, but that option doesnt seem avaiable now. Is there anyway to turn that back on? I.E. I want to search for "ULE" in the BST Misc parts thread. Or am I doinitrong?

[Bunny]

Used to be when you did a search you could pick which forums you wanted to search in, but that option doesnt seem avaiable now. Is there anyway to turn that back on? I.E. I want to search for "ULE" in the BST Misc parts thread. Or am I doinitrong?

Click Advanced Search on the top right. Click "Search Single Content Type" It is under Additional Options.

[OPBN]

Click Advanced Search on the top right. Click "Search Single Content Type" It is under Additional Options.

Hmm. Swear it wasnt there before....

[Bunny]

I'll take a closer look at this later today. I think we should have it defaulted back to the single search. I think it has something to do with the templates in vbulletin. :D

[OPBN]

I'll take a closer look at this later today. I think we should have it defaulted back to the single search. I think it has something to do with the templates in vbulletin. :D

Its definitely there now. Maybe I missed it. Its totally possible.

[luke]

Wow, thanks for the header link guys!

[Dayspring]

I was thinking - for a cleaner look, we can take all of the AGD links and the dealer links and instead of having them listed, have them in menus such as AGD and Dealer. The links would still be there, but in a menu format instead of all across the top.

Plus, it gives us some scalability in what we add, because at some point, we'd run out of room.

Thoughts?

[AO Moderation Team]

Wow, thanks for the header link guys!

;) You played a big part in the fund raise. :bounce:

[Beemer]

I was thinking - for a cleaner look...........

....................because at some point, we'd run out of room.

Thoughts?


Thoughts.................

Ya it can be cleaner. Look at the links across from Welcome. All of them plus the drop down.

Then look at all the links under the tabs plus the drop downs. Why do we need a notifications link when there is a PM link. Right below it. See what I mean? Redundent Links........:confused:

Move the search box down. More room. Loose the redundent links. More room.

Whats up with blogs, groups and calenders? The calender is broke and do we use the other stuff?

Obviously we need the FAQs link and others. Lots of grey space between the forums and the header that could be used for header space. (pic)

Thanks for all your hard work Bunny.:cheers:

[BTAutoMag]

;) You played a big part in the fund raise. :bounce:
and you're awesome

[Justus]

Wow, thanks for the header link guys!

Haha, funny thing is, it isn't for you. It's to make it easier on all of us who constantly direct people to go to you to get work done. Now we can just say "click Luke's link at the top". True story. :ninja:

[Dayspring]

Thoughts.................

Ya it can be cleaner. Look at the links across from Welcome. All of them plus the drop down.

Then look at all the links under the tabs plus the drop downs. Why do we need a notifications link when there is a PM link. Right below it. See what I mean? Redundent Links........:confused:

Move the search box down. More room. Loose the redundent links. More room.

Whats up with blogs, groups and calenders? The calender is broke and do we use the other stuff?

Obviously we need the FAQs link and others. Lots of grey space between the forums and the header that could be used for header space. (pic)

Thanks for all your hard work Bunny.:cheers:

Anything that is kinda design oriented is Bunny. (CSS, graphics, layout - that kind of stuff.)

Anything that's functional/modifications is me.


Keep in mind - alot of that stuff you mentioned is built into VBulletin and really can't get changed, or not changed without significant effort. As for the calendar, I can look into it. Blogs are up and running far as I know. What group things are wrong?

[Dayspring]

Calendar fixed.

[Justus]

There is only one sig per page now so see my post 114 above.


????


i wasn't expecting anything less than the other msg boards when it came to sigs... im fine with size restrictions within reason, but limiting how many times it shows? :confused: i wasn't expecting that


fixed

Did this get broken again? I've been finding that sigs are only showing up once per page again, and not on each post like was fixed before.

[OPBN]

Why do I have to put a link to the thread that we did business in in order to leave someone feedback? Typically, I delete my FS threads when I have sold what I need to out of it or feel like taking it down for a bit which makes it so that I can't link it. Other times I may do a transaction with someone that wasnt necessarily conducted publicly, but still want to leave feedback. Can this be disabled? Or do people really feel its necessary?

[steve_81]

Why do I have to put a link to the thread that we did business in in order to leave someone feedback? Typically, I delete my FS threads when I have sold what I need to out of it or feel like taking it down for a bit which makes it so that I can't link it. Other times I may do a transaction with someone that wasnt necessarily conducted publicly, but still want to leave feedback. Can this be disabled? Or do people really feel its necessary?

People need to start leaving feedback first, OPBN. 2 transactions with you and not a single piece of feedback on my end. :p

[OPBN]

People need to start leaving feedback first, OPBN. 2 transactions with you and not a single piece of feedback on my end. :p

Not sure exactly what you are getting at? Sorry if I didn't leave feedback. I rarely do for buyers unless they ask me to specifically or if there is a problem. Either way, this doesnt address the question I am asking or does it?

[steve_81]

Nothing negative meant by it. It was just a joke.

[Dayspring]

That feature CAN be disabled. It's there, however, to make sure that somebody can't artificially jack up somebody's reputation.

Consider it a safety feature. Secondly, we have no shortage of database space so don't worry about deleting threads.

[luke]

Is it possible to change the bottom of the page (when reading a thread)
from:
Quick Navigation - Forum ID drop down box - Top
To:
Quick Navigation - Forum ID drop down box - Go

Or is that a user setting?

[OPBN]

That feature CAN be disabled. It's there, however, to make sure that somebody can't artificially jack up somebody's reputation.

Consider it a safety feature. Secondly, we have no shortage of database space so don't worry about deleting threads.

OK. Wasnt really worried about storage space. I delete old threads to eliminate pricing confusion or someone PMing me on a year old thread. I'll work around it if it's felt to be necessary.

[Justus]

Did this get broken again? I've been finding that sigs are only showing up once per page again, and not on each post like was fixed before.

Anyone have any idea?

[BTAutoMag]

just a side note. the link on the top of the page to luke's customs doesnt lead to his homepage... leads to the automag specific page.

[Tropical Life]

Make a game room! We spend so much time here anyways..

[Bunny]

Is it possible to change the bottom of the page (when reading a thread)
from:
Quick Navigation - Forum ID drop down box - Top
To:
Quick Navigation - Forum ID drop down box - Go

Or is that a user setting?

Looks like we would need to perform a few modifications to make it work correctly. Looks like they changed it from VB3 to VB4. :( If you guys really want it modded let me know.

By the way, I also changed the "folder controls" to show up on the top of the screen when reading PMs. :)

[luke]

I vote "yes".
Please and thank you!
(Sorry I'm being a tad presumptuous) :D

[Justus]

Thought on the iTrader system: Since we are required to submit a link to a sale thread anyway, is there a way to make it work like on PbN (hate to say that) where there's a link for leaving feedback in each sale thread, that auto-fills-in the "link to sale thread" box for you?

The way it is now, it seems that in order to leave feedback for someone with iTrader you have to click their name, view their profile, click the "view feedback" tab and then click the "submit feedback for..." link. THEN you have to go back and find the sale thread to copy/paste the link into the feedback form. It's just kind of cumbersome.

[Dayspring]

Thought on the iTrader system: Since we are required to submit a link to a sale thread anyway, is there a way to make it work like on PbN (hate to say that) where there's a link for leaving feedback in each sale thread, that auto-fills-in the "link to sale thread" box for you?

The way it is now, it seems that in order to leave feedback for someone with iTrader you have to click their name, view their profile, click the "view feedback" tab and then click the "submit feedback for..." link. THEN you have to go back and find the sale thread to copy/paste the link into the feedback form. It's just kind of cumbersome.


I'll take a look at the PBN implementation and see if I can replicate what they're doing.

[Carnage reigns]

Thought on the iTrader system: Since we are required to submit a link to a sale thread anyway, is there a way to make it work like on PbN (hate to say that) where there's a link for leaving feedback in each sale thread, that auto-fills-in the "link to sale thread" box for you?

The way it is now, it seems that in order to leave feedback for someone with iTrader you have to click their name, view their profile, click the "view feedback" tab and then click the "submit feedback for..." link. THEN you have to go back and find the sale thread to copy/paste the link into the feedback form. It's just kind of cumbersome.

Very True, very good idea. Then LOCK the old feedback thread.

[DCx7]

Nvm, fixed what I was asking about. Don't mind this post. sorry.

[Bunny]

We should revamp security for "retired" moderators :D

[Carnage reigns]

we should be allowed to change the title of our post like on MCB. Lets say i sale an item I can just take it out the title and continue to use the same thread.

[going_home]

we should be allowed to change the title of our post like on MCB. Lets say i sale an item I can just take it out the title and continue to use the same thread.

Pretty sure you've been able to do that even before the forum update.

;)

[BTAutoMag]

I havnt been able to

[Carnage reigns]

Pretty sure you've been able to do that even before the forum update.

;)

I haven't. I'm talking about the thread title that displays forum. IE if I changed this thread title from "Ideas to improve AO" to "AO Improvement Box" that would be the phrase I click to see the thread.

[Bunny]

Carnage reigns: We will take a look at it for the next update. I don't think it should be a problem.

Keep the ideas coming.

[Carnage reigns]

A private message thread should look more like a text message or a message in bubbles than the multiple boxes that show the back and forth. After a while the first messages in the conversation get way too skinny to read.

[Dayspring]

A private message thread should look more like a text message or a message in bubbles than the multiple boxes that show the back and forth. After a while the first messages in the conversation get way too skinny to read.


I'll look at it - but not sure if a mod exists to handle this.

[AO Moderation Team]

we should be allowed to change the title of our THREAD like on MCB. Lets say i sale an item I can just take it out the title and continue to use the same thread.

edit^^^ word post changed to THREAD

Ok try it now. You will have to click Go Advanced to edit your THREAD Title.

[Carnage reigns]

edit^^^ word post changed to THREAD

Ok try it now. You will have to click Go Advanced to edit your THREAD Title.

That's what I'm talking about!!!!!!!!

[AO Moderation Team]

Avatar size limit modified. :clap: You will have to reload. :shooting:

[BTAutoMag]

link to the articles installed below top banner... and we're not doing chat?

[Frizzle Fry]

Ok, it's official, we need an "Automag Finds" subforum for ebay listings, craigslist ads, and markers listed on other sites...

Most forums have them and they're really helpful.

[BTAutoMag]

agreed

[Dayspring]

Done.

[Bunny]

Any other ideas?? I'm currently working on another update that should be ready by the end of the month.

[BTAutoMag]

chat?

[going_home]

chat?

x2

[Dayspring]

Yeah - I have a program to use for this purpose. I ended up moving several states away recently and it TOTALLY derailed any progress that I've been able to do here. With all of the "honey-do" projects, my time is limited.

Will try and get something up and working this weekend.

[going_home]

This could only mean one thing.


:ninja:

[BTAutoMag]

communists?

[Frizzle Fry]

How about separate "Automag Markers" and "Automag Parts" subforums in the B/S/T? It works over on Custom Cockers.

Just adjust the "Markers" section to "Other Markers" and you're all set... We are, after all, an Automag site, and this would make it easier for people to find the mags and mag parts that they've likely come here to look for. Perhaps the "Automag Parts" section could include other AGD products, or there could be an "AGD Products" section for Flatlines, Warpfeeds, MicroCAs, 6-Packs, etc.

[Dayspring]

How about separate "Automag Markers" and "Automag Parts" subforums in the B/S/T? It works over on Custom Cockers.

Just adjust the "Markers" section to "Other Markers" and you're all set... We are, after all, an Automag site, and this would make it easier for people to find the mags and mag parts that they've likely come here to look for. Perhaps the "Automag Parts" section could include other AGD products, or there could be an "AGD Products" section for Flatlines, Warpfeeds, MicroCAs, 6-Packs, etc.

The only problem with this is that we weren't set up that way, and with all of the history on the site, it'd be inconsistent when viewed by a newcomer and a PITA to try and filter by the user or Admin if we tried to migrate them to a different forum.

[Frizzle Fry]

True... It's be like moving a pile of sand with a pair of tweezers to move existing threads to the new forum. I guess you could start them up and let people slowly add threads, and let the automag threads in the "other markers" forums die, but that would take a while and leave some inconsistencies when searching through old B/S/T threads.

Anyhow, just a though I had kicked around. Thanks for looking into it.

[chasekt98]

:mad::wow::cry::clap::headbang::nono::rofl::shooti ng::sleeping::bounce:

[Dayspring]

More smilies?

[Bunny]

Small Update: Added AO logo for iPhone users.

Open Safari. Press the "share" button.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/6823946/AO/AO%20CMS/AO%20Forum/iphone.jpg

Press "Add to Home Screen"
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/6823946/AO/AO%20CMS/AO%20Forum/iphone2.jpg

Rename it if you would like.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/6823946/AO/AO%20CMS/AO%20Forum/iphone3.jpg

It made my iphone look like doo doo. :nono:

[Justus]

How about separate "Automag Markers" and "Automag Parts" subforums in the B/S/T? It works over on Custom Cockers.
IMHO, I don't like this idea. We don't have an extensive amount of activity in either subforum to warrant splitting them down even further. Doing so would just cause more of a hassle because both buyers and sellers would then have to check each new subforum for activity.

The fix for buyers looking for just AGD products is to simply search for those terms within the current Markers or Misc. subforums. That is, if those products aren't already showing up on the first page. Most anything that slips to the second page and beyond is sold anyway.

Just my opinion on the subject.

[Bunny]

IMHO, I don't like this idea. We don't have an extensive amount of activity in either subforum to warrant splitting them down even further. Doing so would just cause more of a hassle because both buyers and sellers would then have to check each new subforum for activity.

The fix for buyers looking for just AGD products is to simply search for those terms within the current Markers or Misc. subforums. That is, if those products aren't already showing up on the first page. Most anything that slips to the second page and beyond is sold anyway.

Just my opinion on the subject.


Agreed. What do you think about a WTB forum? We can at least filter out some of the threads without impacting AO too much.

[killzone]

I like this idea :dance:

[Justus]

A WTB forum could work. That's a little different, because it flips the roles. Buyers post, and people who may be lacking the motivation to post a sale thread can browse. Sounds good to me.

[OPBN]

Spelling error. It's "category", not "catagory". Misc FS forum description.

[Freedy500]

A WTB forum could work. That's a little different, because it flips the roles. Buyers post, and people who may be lacking the motivation to post a sale thread can browse. Sounds good to me.

Agreed

[Dayspring]

WTB forum set up.

[BigEvil]

I really like the Curators Corner on PBN. How about something like that here?

[Justus]

I really like the Curators Corner on PBN. How about something like that here?

Good idea. Browsing the 1st page of PbN's gallery I see a lot of pictures of various stock (maybe custom anodized) markers. With the Automag being the ultimate customizable marker, I'd expect a Curator's Corner on this forum to be much more pleasant and interesting.

[Dayspring]

I really like the Curators Corner on PBN. How about something like that here?

Not a bad idea. I'll get it set up today.

[Dayspring]

Not a bad idea. I'll get it set up today.

Done. Let's seem some guns!

[Bunny]

Nice! Should we move all of the MotM stuff and Picture Galleries over to the new forum?

Btw: If anyone is interested I created a "dark" version of the AO theme. Go to the bottom of the screen and select "AO: 2013 Dark." It is not 100% by any means, but I want people to test it out. A lot of the "blue" icons will have to be removed manually.

[OPBN]

Nice! Should we move all of the MotM stuff and Picture Galleries over to the new forum?

Btw: If anyone is interested I created a "dark" version of the AO theme. Go to the bottom of the screen and select "AO: 2013 Dark." It is not 100% by any means, but I want people to test it out. A lot of the "blue" icons will have to be removed manually.

I like it. Very Halloweeny. You should do one for all the seasons.. lol. Red/Green for Xmas. Pastels for Easter.

[Bunny]

I like it. Very Halloweeny. You should do one for all the seasons.. lol. Red/Green for Xmas. Pastels for Easter.

lol, how about I change the forum logo by adding reindeer or easter eggs. It would be way easier :D

[Beemer]

More smilies?

:dance::dance: :dance: :clap::

[going_home]

lol, how about I change the forum logo by adding reindeer or easter eggs. It would be way easier :D

Well at least on "dark" it doesnt look like the forum named after Bud Orrs creation.........

;)

[Dayspring]

More smilies added:


:confused:
:cuss:
:vomit:
:thefinger:
:stick:
:wave:
:razz:
:rtfm:
:spit:

(changed some of the older ones to updated models too)

[Dayspring]

:D
:eek: