Noooooooooooooo! Stop messing with the forums......

DorsetDude said:
You'd think they would have sorted out an unanswered posts link as a priority first...

(someones going to tell me they have now arent they)
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if you mean unanswered threads, yes, a few weeks ago now. drop down menu under 'new posts' in the top menu bar [not the secondary one underneath]


Edit to add link to announcement thread ;) HERE
 
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It's so rare i make comments about changes, as a website owner myself I know how difficult they can be to put into place but the new TP layout is just puzzling. I couldn't find the general Talk Photography section on the app at all last night, and has Talk Basics been done away with? I can't find it anywhere.
 
RBaker said:
If the slight re-jigging of an Internet forum is the biggest problem in someone's life, I'd reckon their life must be pretty good. Might be best if we kept our moans for something which actually matters.
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Really?

bit like if you have nothing nice to say......
 
PMN said:
It's so rare i make comments about changes, as a website owner myself I know how difficult they can be to put into place but the new TP layout is just puzzling. I couldn't find the general Talk Photography section on the app at all last night, and has Talk Basics been done away with? I can't find it anywhere.
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Have to agree. Everyone knew where everything was before, it worked, why such massive changes? Hey ho.
 
DorsetDude said:
Have to agree. Everyone knew where everything was before, it worked, why such massive changes? Hey ho.
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I don't mind changes but when people find it impossible to find some of the most popular and useful parts of the entire forum I think it's extremely counter-productive. I've had another hunt around and I literally can't find Talk Basics anywhere.

On the app the general Talk Photography forum is in Photo Feedback, Critique and Discussion. The word "Discussion" doesn't show on the menu page due to the edge of the screen and personally I'd never even consider looking for a general photography discussion forum under feedback and critique, I had to ask another member where it was.

As I say, I don't mind change but I can't help thinking this particular rejig hasn't been altogether well thought out. I can see the logic in the grouping (things like the two film forums being together makes perfect sense), but that doesn't necessarily equate to it being good from a general user's point of view.
 
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Im not saying that change is bad, up until the change were the sections in feedback and critique were put together in its current format i was adapting quite well, but this was a change too far for me. plus theres others now that i see that seem odd, like seperating the projects and themes section from competitions, challenges and inspiration?

Further on from that the sub forums for the 12s 52s and 356s have dissappeared completely so it's not easy now to find my fellow 365ers to leave them feedback on thier pictures as they do on mine :-/
 
I wonder what brought about the desire for the massive change in the first place?
 
I like the new changes - when you think about it theres a lot makes sense (or maybe my mind works in odd ways)
 
PMN said:
Just found out from a fellow member that Talk Basics has indeed gone, at least that's cleared that up!
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Its madness I tell you. Who's decision were all these changes and why? Or was it a case of "Im bored today, I'll have a tinker"
 
DorsetDude said:
Its madness I tell you. Who's decision were all these changes and why? Or was it a case of "Im bored today, I'll have a tinker"
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I don't necessarily mind the change itself, but why not do something like for a week beforehand put a sticky in Talk Basics saying 'Forum Changes - Please Read' so people are at least aware that things are happening? Simple things like that really help people at least know what's going on and saves infuriatingly clicking on every single forum trying to find stuff!
 
I know that change happens but I do genuinely believe that it was better keeping all the critique forums together and all the talk forums together and all the speciality forums together, this is just too jumbled.

Lots aren't interested in the critique sections at all, and vice versa, I'm convinced there will be a drop in posts with the current changes, definitely in the 365s 12s and 52 challenge sections, makes it hard to find the threads.
 
Donnie said:
I know that change happens but I do genuinely believe that it was better keeping all the critique forums together and all the talk forums together and all the speciality forums together, this is just too jumbled.

Lots aren't interested in the critique sections at all, and vice versa, I'm convinced there will be a drop in posts with the current changes, definitely in the 365s 12s and 52 challenge sections, makes it hard to find the threads.
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It's incredibly easy to separate 365/12/52 threads, just click on a prefix and it will filter so just threads with that prefix shows :thumbs:

Have you any idea how sad it sounds that a member of a photography forum isn't interested in the photos posted :eek:
 
MWHCVT said:
Have you any idea how sad it sounds that a member of a photography forum isn't interested in the photos posted :eek:
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Matt, people use forums in whatever way they wish, if someone wants to come here and purely use the technical bits and not look at a single photo thread ever that's their choice. What right do you have to say what is and isn't "sad"?
 
MWHCVT said:
It's incredibly easy to separate 365/12/52 threads, just click on a prefix and it will filter so just threads with that prefix shows (y)

Have you any idea how sad it sounds that a member of a photography forum isn't interested in the photos posted :eek:
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PMN said:
Matt, people use forums in whatever way they wish, if someone wants to come here and purely use the technical bits and not look at a single photo thread ever that's their choice. What right do you have to say what is and isn't "sad"?
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Lets not start a row chaps, that's not what anyone wants.

Matt you are right indeed but as PMN says there are probably many on here that only come on for the professional / business side and they provide invaluable information and advice to many in their chosen section, just as those in the critique sections do. It's very much each to their own, but some of these changes have meshed these together in a way that I dont think works to be honest.

Taking the 365/12/52 suggestion you make of clicking the prefix?

Im assuming you mean the one that says daily / weekly / monthly? Just as an example, I've had to scroll to a second page just to get to the monthly one, perfect example of how this change has made a section of the forum less accessible, plus on a personal note my 365 had a prefix of critique on it specifically as thats what I wanted more of but the changes have now made that daily so I dont feel im going to get as much out of the 365 as I might have got. Again, I doubt im alone in this but I could be wrong and thats fair enough.
 
Nod said:
Don't bet on it!
Hell, I've got fat fingers (when my wife had a ring made for me a few years ago, the jeweller told her the napkin ring was ready for collection - Z+6...) and I can manage on my 'phone's virtual keyboard!
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When the future Mrs Donkey got her engagment ring it had to be enlarged somewhat.... Cost me £500 for just enlarging it...

From now on she has been known richmond fingers....
 
PMN said:
Matt, people use forums in whatever way they wish, if someone wants to come here and purely use the technical bits and not look at a single photo thread ever that's their choice. What right do you have to say what is and isn't "sad"?
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Wind you neck in a little old boy, I have as much right to say I find it a little bit sad I would have imagined everyone on a photography forum would have had a interest in seeing photos, as you have the right to say people use the forum in different ways

Donnie said:
Lets not start a row chaps, that's not what anyone wants.

Matt you are right indeed but as PMN says there are probably many on here that only come on for the professional / business side and they provide invaluable information and advice to many in their chosen section, just as those in the critique sections do. It's very much each to their own, but some of these changes have meshed these together in a way that I dont think works to be honest.

Taking the 365/12/52 suggestion you make of clicking the prefix?

Im assuming you mean the one that says daily / weekly / monthly? Just as an example, I've had to scroll to a second page just to get to the monthly one, perfect example of how this change has made a section of the forum less accessible, plus on a personal note my 365 had a prefix of critique on it specifically as thats what I wanted more of but the changes have now made that daily so I dont feel im going to get as much out of the 365 as I might have got. Again, I doubt im alone in this but I could be wrong and thats fair enough.
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If I'm not mistaken the critique tag appears to be being phased out so it's my guess that we are loosing it I hope this is an indication of a move towards ensuring people are aware any thread except those posted in photos for pleasure are there for critique
 
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If my wife constantly leaves the car keys in the washing machine i'll eventually get used to looking for them there first.....logic aside obviously ;)
 
MWHCVT said:
If I'm not mistaken the critique tag appears to be being phased out so it's my guess that we are loosing it I hope this is an indication of a move towards ensuring people are aware any thread except those posted in photos for pleasure are there for critique
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First I've heard of this, so now you will have to opt out of critique instead of actively seeking it?
 
If I had to choose, then I would choose the previous layout, as I much preferred it.

That said, its still the same forum, and if the forum providers want to change it, that's their prerogative, we either have to 'like it or lump it'.

Dave
 
Donnie said:
First I've heard of this, so now you will have to opt out of critique instead of actively seeking it?
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to be honest, thats how it should be. IMHO any image posted is open for crit and as i've said before, posting an image and not wanting crit is pretty pointless....unless its the best photo in the world, ever.
 
Donnie said:
First I've heard of this, so now you will have to opt out of critique instead of actively seeking it?
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Actually it looks like I maybe wrong on that front, but I swear I couldn't see the tag last night when starting a thread as I've nearly always used the critique tag...to be honest though I'll always be of the option that critique should always be given unless specifically not asked for that's just me
 
problem with like it lump it though is
a) some will lump it and post less, this diminishes the forum ultimately
b) members wont feel listened to, this diminishes the forum ultimately
 
I do agree that if you post a photo then critique is expected but most new photographers and even those just new to forums as opposed to photography may not see critique as how it's meant ie supportive etc.

This is what leads to problems to be honest with how people interpret critique as criticism. Hence the most flexible system is still to have an opt in system as opposed to opt out, or even provide both tags, it's better to give people choices than to remove them.
 
I'm not against change, hope I never will be, heck it's my job to cause change! I can see the logic in some of the changes, but I think the changes are not quite there. The changes have the feel of change for change sake to me, which is a dreadful perception to give, they have also been dreadfully communicated (xenforo has a very powerful and flexible notices system). Good communication about change, the reasons (if appropriate), impacts and the benefits get far more people to buy in to it rather than feel it has been foisted on them.

Losing Talk Basics seems to be counter productive, hopefully I'll be proven wrong. Merging all of the challenges into one long mega thread seems silly, I really can't see the benefits only the drawbacks - and I don't have a 52/365 or whatever ... likewise having the "Photographer of the Year" forum in Community whilst the challenge threads are in Photo Feedback/discussion/critique seems at odds. And in that same section we have "Photo: Transport" under the General section and "Talk Motorsport and Transport" in the Sport section ... seems a tad weird. Having OOF in Community is understandable, but it does rather give the wrong message imo ...

The problem with amalgamating some of the forums into larger forums is that much of the content will disappear off the front page and finding it again becomes more difficult, and yes I am aware that you can watch threads etc, but if you watch all the thread that you follow you can end up with a rather long watch list, which in itself defeats the purpose, ultimately you end up spending more time managing lists instead of taking part. With the current rate of new content on this board, making it easier to find the relevant new content should be a priority, these changes appear to be counter productive in that area.

I know it is difficult making changes such as these, I've owned and run forums (still admin on a couple too), so I've seen it from the other side as well. This change needs a bit more work imo.
 
Donnie said:
problem with like it lump it though is
a) some will lump it and post less, this diminishes the forum ultimately
b) members wont feel listened to, this diminishes the forum ultimately
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That is a possibility Paul, and only time will tell if that is the case.

I have to say that the layout of my own forum (astro-imaging) hasn't changed in the five years it has been running. It has been added to yes, but the layout remains the same.

The members like it. We know this because we have asked them, so we see no reason to change it.

I'm sure the admin here, see some constructive advantage in making the change.

Dave
 
What a splendid idea it was to rearrange the layout of the fora. Having never previously bothered looking at the Out of Focus/General Discussion forum, may I say how pleased I am to have found it.
I can now view what others think on topics as diverse as E Cigarettes, being afraid of the dentist and an actor being found not guilty in a court of law.
Why, I even found a thread where some misguided contributors thought that changing things slightly was a bad idea. Can you believe THAT?

While it may take some older participants a few minutes to familiarise themselves with the new layout, it's a situation analogus to visiting my favourite wine store, reaching for the Chateau Mouton Rothschild, only to find the Quinta do Noval is occupying the place on the shelf where I would normally expect it to be.
No problem: in less than a minute I have located my preferred tipple. I wouldn't dream of pestering Guillaume with my minor problem - after all, he's a partner in the business and can put things where he likes.
He can even stock Australian Sunny Blossom, or whatever it's called, though personally I'd rather sup from my duck pond than suffer the indignity of drinking a product clearly aimed at poor people.

My admiration goes to whoever had the foresight to come up with such a jolly good idea. Horizons will be expanded at the click of a mouse, debate will prosper and all of us will be the better for it. Indeed, this is a move I feel will be welcomed by all but the closed of mind.
 
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RBaker said:
What a splendid idea it was to rearrange the layout of the fora. Having never previously bothered looking at the Out of Focus/General Discussion forum, may I say how pleased I am to have found it.
I can now view what others think on topics as diverse as E Cigarettes, being afraid of the dentist and an actor being found not guilty in a court of law.
Why, I even found a thread where some misguided contributors thought that changing things slightly was a bad idea. Can you believe THAT?

While it may take some older participants a few minutes to familiarise themselves with the new layout, it's a situation analogus to visiting my favourite wine store, reaching for the Chateau Mouton Rothschild, only to find the Quinta do Noval is occupying the place on the shelf where I would normally expect it to be.
No problem: in less than a minute I have located my preferred tipple. I wouldn't dream of pestering Guillaume with my minor problem - after all, he's a partner in the business and can put things where he likes.
He can even stock Australian Sunny Blossom, or whatever it's called, though personally I'd rather sup from my duck pond than suffer the indignity of drinking a product clearly aimed at poor people.

My admiration goes to whoever had the foresight to come up with such a jolly good idea. Horizons will be expanded at the click of a mouse, debate will prosper and all of us will be the better for it. Indeed, this is a move I feel will be welcomed by all but the closed of mind.
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What on Earth are you talking about?
 
RBaker said:
What a splendid idea it was to rearrange the layout of the fora. Having never previously bothered looking at the Out of Focus/General Discussion forum, may I say how pleased I am to have found it.
I can now view what others think on topics as diverse as E Cigarettes, being afraid of the dentist and an actor being found not guilty in a court of law.
Why, I even found a thread where some misguided contributors thought that changing things slightly was a bad idea. Can you believe THAT?

While it may take some older participants a few minutes to familiarise themselves with the new layout, it's a situation analogus to visiting my favourite wine store, reaching for the Chateau Mouton Rothschild, only to find the Quinta do Noval is occupying the place on the shelf where I would normally expect it to be.
No problem: in less than a minute I have located my preferred tipple. I wouldn't dream of pestering Guillaume with my minor problem - after all, he's a partner in the business and can put things where he likes.
He can even stock Australian Sunny Blossom, or whatever it's called, though personally I'd rather sup from my duck pond than suffer the indignity of drinking a product clearly aimed at poor people.

My admiration goes to whoever had the foresight to come up with such a jolly good idea. Horizons will be expanded at the click of a mouse, debate will prosper and all of us will be the better for it. Indeed, this is a move I feel will be welcomed by all but the closed of mind.
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Jolly hockey sticks old chap!

I would be quite happy to see the end of OOF, despite what Yv says, it's placing makes it more important than the pretty pictures.
 
Donnie said:
Trying to use humour to hide insults doesn't really work very well, nor does patronising the poor o_O
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I find the little people are often the most vociferous, but let me assure you, we're all in this together.
 
Mikesphotaes said:
One thinks he was extracting the urine!
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If he is hes making a cock of it as I feel it to be quite patronising and disrespectful to be honest. And calling me one of the the little people is particularly derogatory
 
Donnie said:
If he is hes making a cock of it as I feel it to be quite patronising and disrespectful to be honest. And calling me one of the the little people is particularly derogatory
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I dont think its directed solely at you Donnie/Paul.

We'll just have to let Master Baker have his fun and hope the tablets wear off.
 
PMN said:
If you don't like how someone uses the forums don't comment. It's their decision, not yours, and has absolutely nothing to do with you.
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May I be the first to congratulate you on your elevation to moderator, i'm sure you will be a great asset to the team
 
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