Some Forum Suggestions, Part 2

[Open Source]

Re: Some Forum Suggestions, Part 2

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I am still working on the Bookmark feature for posts, but it will take some coding and for some reason where I live, the days are getting shorter so finding the time to do it is difficult. I think our earth is spinning faster, or I am just getting busier.

[kubicle]

Re: Some Forum Suggestions, Part 2

No worries, the modifications you've done on the last few days should keep me happy for a few weeks...the new start page is way better

btw, what did you think about the white text versions I posted...I'm sure you can use them to test out the color scheme changes (when you have the time of course)

Anyway before committing any changes you should wait and see what ericesque comes up with first, he did a smashing job last time

[Open Source]

Re: Some Forum Suggestions, Part 2

I am not sure which one I like better. Possibly the one with an outline around the white letters. Do you know what color that blue is? Let me know and I will change the theme to try it out.

[Fenyx]

Re: Some Forum Suggestions, Part 2

@kubicle, you could probably post or give Open Source the (HTML-safe?) color codes of the colors you used in the header to make it easier for him to change the forum theme. At least until ericesque comes up with something.

[kubicle]

Re: Some Forum Suggestions, Part 2

(Tip: KColorChooser is a nice tool for color-picking, it will also show the html codes )

The colors from the header (from kubuntu.org):

Background gradient from: #CBDCFF to #246BFF
Logo Colors: #3385FF, #0029FF and #0000C7
Kubuntu text: #0029FF

The Kubuntu.org site uses these colors in their style:
Headers: #98AFD3
Links: #5500FF

[Open Source]

Re: Some Forum Suggestions, Part 2

I started changing the logo and background colors, but got stuck, because I had no idea what colors to use. If one of you artists out there would like to write down what color each item should be, that would be great. If I do it, it will be a nonmatching colorful mess. Thanks.

[kubicle]

Re: Some Forum Suggestions, Part 2

I started changing the logo and background colors, but got stuck, because I had no idea what colors to use.  If one of you artists out there would like to write down what color each item should be, that would be great.  If I do it, it will be a nonmatching colorful mess.  Thanks.

Here are some suggestions (I included a preview with bg colors):

A. For different background colors use:
1. #246BFF (Dark background, matching the darker end of the header gradient)
2. #CBDCFF (Light background, matching the lighter end of the header gradient)
3. #FFFFFF (Pure white...alternatively with a slight blue tint)

B. Background gradients (The gradient is visible in forum sections, like under 'Important Information'...in the preview I've used it in the main menu and the forum buttonbar)
1. Gradient image created from the midtones of the header bar

C. Frame lines (the lines separating different objects)
1. #0000C7 (darkest logo color)

D. Text
1. #FFFFFF (pure white, used on darkest background)
2. #000000 (pure black)
3. #0000C7 (darkest logo color)
4. #0029FF (midtone logo color, used for links)

Once again, just a suggestion, feel free to edit as needed

[Open Source]

Re: Some Forum Suggestions, Part 2

Thank you for that wonderful model kubicle. I am heading out of town tomorrow, but will hopefully work on it while I am away. It might just be a week though. Sorry about all this travel, but my in-laws are visiting all the way from Africa so we have to take advantage of this time that we get to see them. I know it probably sounds really wierd (but it's true).

[Fenyx]

Re: Some Forum Suggestions, Part 2

@kubicle: nice color scheme! I like it. But the Forum software is vBulletin, if I'm not mistaken? I don't know if Open Source has any plans of migrating to a different software.

@Open Source: Is it just me or is there a new behavior for the main/front page (the portal)? If I hide the side panels, the next time I return to the front page, they remain hidden. If I show them, the next time I return, they're shown. I'm seeing this from Firefox in Windows XP. I was wondering if that behavior could be applied throughout the site? I like the side panels, but I don't want to impose my own preferences on others, so I would prefer if the settings of the side panels are customizable per user.

Last suggestion: Is it possible to relocate Google's Ad Sense somewhere? Anywhere except the header/banner. It looks a bit... unprofessional? Anywhere would do, just not in the header/banner.

[Open Source]

Re: Some Forum Suggestions, Part 2

I am not sure if the sidebars are configureable throughout the site. I could look into it, but as of right now everyone seems to be more concerned with the look. So, unfortunately the sidebars will be on the back burner. I took the ads off, and it looks a lot better.

[Fenyx]

Re: Some Forum Suggestions, Part 2

Yes, it looks a lot better now.
Are you sure you don't mind having the ads off? If it's going to help you keep the forums running, I don't mind having one, just not in the most critical places (like the top banner).

Yeah, the side panels are not that important.

Has ericsque replied already, regarding a possible new KFN banner?

Anyway, have fun with your in-laws!

[Open Source]

Re: Some Forum Suggestions, Part 2

He has not replied yet, but is in the middle of working on one. I will see how it goes with the ads. Just need to generate enough to make ends meet (cover server costs) so hopefully I still will. I don't think it will be an issue.

[Fenyx]

Re: Some Forum Suggestions, Part 2

While we're still on the subject...

Open Source, have you taken a look at the new MEPISlovers forums? It's using SMF and has some of the features that have been requested like a quick search bar and "show topics" made by a person (besides "show stats" and "show posts").

Here's the link: http://www.mepislovers.com/forums/index.php

Just to give you some ideas/inspiration.

[Open Source]

Re: Some Forum Suggestions, Part 2

Thanks for the info; I will look into it.

[Fenyx]

Re: Some Forum Suggestions, Part 2

I forgot to mention that the mepislovers forum has both a "Show Topics" feature (I'm not sure if this is only for topics where you posted in or for topics that you started) and that Bookmark plugin that you mentioned.

Just tell me if you need screenshots, as I'm registered there, so some options/features might not be immediately visible for non-members.