New look!

[Erin]

Knok, those are interesting points of view, especially since the old forum had the default colors and graphics, and those default colors and graphics are used on literally tens of thousands of forums around the world. I actually never liked the default graphics, to tell you the truth.

I'll consider re-enabling the old skin for longtime members, if it really makes a difference to you.

Michael, you do realize of course that your 'don't dislike it' counts for me as a thumbs-up, yes?

On the whys, give me some time to explain. But in a word, it's pretty much for appearances, for business, to 'grow' TM, and for me.

[Erin]

Oh, it seems Alan (the guy in the picture) is getting good reviews on his smile. You should meet him in person--he's very charismatic. I'll tell him the next time I see him.

[wasleys]

Originally Posted by Erin

Michael, you do realize of course that your 'don't dislike it' counts for me as a thumbs-up, yes?

Erin,

I'm not sure that 'don't dislike' can be regarded as a ringing paean.

I think your headline is probably more friendly than its predecessor. The use of people is probably a good move for newcomers (although the toothpaste smile is a bit OTT). I don't know if the TM logo on the shirt is your defined style, if it is I think that you need to carry it through to the TM at the page top, and the orbit device is not at all clearly visible there. I am a firm believer in using house style rigorously and consistently.

The old forum style was a bit hard in terms of colour but it was easily read because contrast was high. I find the new style, which is softer, slower to read because there is much less contrast. I suppose what I am saying is that the new may be easier on the eye but harder to use.

The change in graphics irked me because I have to learn the new ones. I will get used to them and the change won't bother newcomers, but that change seemed to be pointless.

Beyond the appearance I have noticed no change in functionality, but that may be because my use of the forums - which is hardly typical of your real target audience - has not yet led me to discover any such changes.

However closer inspection of the page top suddenly forced me into grump mode, or pedant mode, or both when I saw the grocer's apostrophe in FAQs.

Michael

[Erin]

I'll respond in more detail later, but for now, I do agree about the logo. This was the designer's choice. As for the smile, well, that's just Alan. I actually want to get a more mixed group, perhaps students and teachers, but for now, consider it a placeholder.

Okay, just for the old-timers, I'll allow you to use either skin. How's that?

Oh, there's no new functionality with this new look; it's all cosmetic.

Originally Posted by wasleys

However closer inspection of the page top suddenly forced me into grump mode, or pedant mode, or both when I saw the grocer's apostrophe in FAQs.

Saw what?

Trust me, I don't like those, either. That was the designer's doing. Fixed.

[Erin]

Okay, I've enbabled the skin chooser. It's a drop-down menu box near the bottom left corner. Here's an image:

[wasleys]

Originally Posted by Erin

Saw what?

Erin,

Grocer's apostrophe. So named because shopkeepers and market-traders in my fair country had (and still have) a habit of labelling produce with signs which read egg's, apple's, tomatoe's etc.

(Now how about a discussion on whether it should be grocer's apostrophe or grocers' apostrophe?)

Michael

[Erin]

Originally Posted by wasleys

Erin,

Grocer's apostrophe. So named because shopkeepers and market-traders in my fair country had (and still have) a habit of labelling produce with signs which read egg's, apple's, tomatoe's etc.

(Now how about a discussion on whether it should be grocer's apostrophe or grocers' apostrophe?)

Michael

Yeah, I was just kidding about that. I'd heard the term before and thought it appropriate. And it's been removed.

You seem to have posted right when I was uploading the image. You may now change your skin, sir.

[wasleys]

Originally Posted by Erin

You may now change your skin, sir.

Erin,

Thanks for the consideration but (seeing as it is the pantomime season) "Oh no I can't". I don't see the device.

Michael

[Erin]

Okay, try one more time. Oh, lordy, I'm just an English teacher! This coding stuff drives me batty.

[wasleys]

"Oh yes I can."

That's much better (so is the TM logo at the top).

(Interestingly I wondered if my browser (WaMCom) was playing up so tried IE and iCab as well with no luck. However in both those browsers I could see a display option for threaded/linear which WaMCom doesn't show. Strange. Can't say I'm bothered about not having it there.)

M