Neater… although the original was just fine. Would be nice to have an opposite option rather than white text on a dark background which is proven bad for eyes and harder to read, (even though it may look more stylish)

Function wise does it mean no more images in topics? if so that is a bad move imo, also some of my images before were image links and they no longer function (all images showing as url links now)

Thanks for the feedback. Actually, the forum should be allowing images directly but it’s not working for some reason so I’m looking into that today.

As for the color scheme, I agree that people should have an option and I will be making an alternative color scheme (closer to the original) as an option.

So, expect ongoing changes as I try to refine the site.

-gr00vy0ne

[UPDATE]

Image hotlinks now working in the forums. If certain links aren’t working it probably means they’re dead links or there’s a referencing issue.

As a reminder, to create direct links to images you simply do the following:

Please try to keep the max width no bigger than 600px for the sake of your fellow forum members.

The new forum has a dark looking and its smileys are not that high resolution as before ..
But It got a new wonderful properties ..

Hope to see the forum in a better style ..

I love the new forums but can we see a “classic version theme” that’s like the old one?

Why did we move from the other one?

Thanks haiku.

Yes, I will work on a switchable theme that has the classic mode with black on white text since it’s more usable for some people. I will get to that once I finish tweaking the design and theme for the current “default” site.

Regarding the move, it was necessary for a variety of reasons.

1. Security - As the admin and trusty moderators can attest, the spam problem was getting extremely bad. While I like phpBB (the bulletin board software), it is very prone to being spam attacked and requires a lot of modifications in order to prevent/fight spam. Every time a new version is released, the modifications need to be re-applied and it’s a somewhat time consuming process.

The new forum software integrates tightly with the content management system I’m using and is inherently much more secure. Also, it’s much more modular so upgrades and modifications are easier to implement.

2. Integration - The Sony TR World forum was originally supposed to be part of my main site; however, trying to integrate two disparate systems was extremely difficult and because each system used completely architecture, it was extremely tedious to create separate design templates for each. Additionally, trying to maintain two sets of member lists was not easy and further complicated matters.

Also, a good number of people visit the main siliconpopculture.com site and leave comments. The new system allows all registered forum members to more easily leave comments without the hassle of captchas and filling in information.

3. Design - If you’ve been with the forums a long time, you’ll know that I’ve been meaning to update the look of the site for about 2 YEARS! Unfortunately, work and classes got in the way and I had absolutely no time to do this. So, consider this change a promise to myself for getting off my butt and actually implementing it.

Ultimately, the change allows me to be more responsive to the needs of the site, make changes faster, and be a better administrator.

-gr00vy0ne

nice, hope will get to used to this new interface soon

best regards

First off kudos to gr00vy.
I like our new site forum,
very cool.

Is there a way I can retrieve my
avatar? No rush, anytime is fine. 

Thumbs up to you Gr00vy!

Much better after the updates. Thanks for adding the PM’s on the front.

Erik

Good Lord,
crazy. Everytime I come back it’s something different

Going to explore…..but if i find and spam or dodgy members still here: look out! Actually I have my own opinion on dodgy members so I better settle down.

I think this theme is horrible. It’s boxy, and takes up too much space.
For a Halo forum, it would work fine, though but not for an IT boad.