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Why I Hate the New Software

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Posted by tstage on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 7:54 AM

9 minutes after Jeffrey posted, Rich...You're gettin' slow. Smile, Wink & Grin

Tom

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Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 7:54 AM

richhotrain

 

 
jeffrey-wimberly

 

 
richhotrain
I should mention that I am using Windows XP and Internet Explorer 8. I have all kinds of issues. When I switch to Chrome, I have fewer problems but I still have problems even with Chrome. And, I am not fond of Chrome.

 

I also use Windows XP but my browser is Firefox. I had some very minor issues at first but I quickly found workarounds for them. It may take me ten or twenty seconds longer to post than it did before but I'm not in a race to get my post out there first. This isn't a horse race you know.

 

 

 

 

It's not?   Black Eye

Rich

 

No. It's an armidillo race.

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Posted by richhotrain on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 7:51 AM

jeffrey-wimberly

 

 
richhotrain
I should mention that I am using Windows XP and Internet Explorer 8. I have all kinds of issues. When I switch to Chrome, I have fewer problems but I still have problems even with Chrome. And, I am not fond of Chrome.

 

I also use Windows XP but my browser is Firefox. I had some very minor issues at first but I quickly found workarounds for them. It may take me ten or twenty seconds longer to post than it did before but I'm not in a race to get my post out there first. This isn't a horse race you know.

 

 

It's not?   Black Eye

Rich

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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 7:42 AM

richhotrain
I should mention that I am using Windows XP and Internet Explorer 8. I have all kinds of issues. When I switch to Chrome, I have fewer problems but I still have problems even with Chrome. And, I am not fond of Chrome.

I also use Windows XP but my browser is Firefox. I had some very minor issues at first but I quickly found workarounds for them. It may take me ten or twenty seconds longer to post than it did before but I'm not in a race to get my post out there first. This isn't a horse race you know.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
15 year veteran fire fighter
Collector of Apple //e's
Running Bear Enterprises
History Channel Club life member.
beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


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Posted by tstage on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 7:41 AM

richhotrain
I joined the forums in 2004, and my recollection is that they were just fine back then.

That's the same year I became a "regular" around here, Rich.

EVERY upgrade that has happened since then folks have complained about.  IIRC, the last upgrade was late Aug '10 and forum members were upset at the change then, too.  Over time we all got used to it - just like we will with this version.  And, mark my words: When the next upgrade happens, folks will long for this verson. Confused

The one major difference then was that we were informed ahead of time (via a "sticky") about the impending forum software upgrade.  This time around we were all blindsided.  It would have been nice if some regular users could have been chosen by Kalmbach as beta testers to help work out most of the bugs with the new software.  I guess Kalmbach thought they could do that on their own...or just didn't bother. Sad

Tom

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Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

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Posted by richhotrain on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 7:29 AM

Dunno about that, Tom.

I joined the forums in 2004, and my recollection is that they were just fine back then.

Each new version of the software seems to be a downgrade from what we had before.

Rich

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Posted by tstage on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 7:27 AM

Kyle
Maybe ifenough of us request the old software back they might listen and bring it back, it worth a shot.

It ain't gonna happen.  Kalmbach didn't announce ahead of time that they were making the upgrade; they're NOT going to go back to the old software.  When the last software upgrade came out 3 or so years ago, folks on here were chewing glass about that version, too - even more so.  With some tweaking from the IT department, the improvements/corrections were made and everyone eventually got used to the now "so much better" ex-version.

Have you tried contacting Kalmbach Customer Service yet???  I'm guessing not...

Tom

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

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Posted by richhotrain on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 7:25 AM

I should mention that I am using Windows XP and Internet Explorer 8.

I have all kinds of issues.

When I switch to Chrome, I have fewer problems but I still have problems even with Chrome.  And, I am not fond of Chrome.

I realize that Kalmbach hosts the forum and we are merely guests, but why treat your guests so miserably?

Plus, why the Silent Treatment?  I don't recall anyone from Kalmbach even bothering to explain the situation to us or what, if anything, they are doing about it.

Rich

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Posted by tstage on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 7:16 AM

rrinker

I must be the only one where everything is working fine.

        --Randy

Nope.  It's been working fine for me, Randy - minus the helpful functions we lost with the upgrade.  I use Windows 8.1 and Firefox 25.0.1 @ home and Windows XP and Firefox 25.0.1 @ work.

Tom

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

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Posted by richhotrain on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 7:12 AM

Randy, what type of operating system and what type of browser?

Since all works fine for you, you are one of the few lucky ones who match all of the default options in this off the shelf software fiasco.

The great irony, of course, is that the most recent software was working fine until Kalmbach suddenly replaced it with this crappy version.

Rich

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Posted by dominic c on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 7:05 AM

What has always bothered me was MRR's search engine. It's Horrible!

Joe C

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Posted by rrinker on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 7:00 AM

I must be the only one where everything is working fine.

        --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

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Posted by richhotrain on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 4:22 AM

The issue that Kyle raises has merit.

Kalmbach has tried to turn the forum into a social media site, yet it won't work with an iPhone.

Why will new software only work with Windows 98 and Internet Explorer 3?

I will second Kyle's suggestion.   Scrap this new software and go back to the old software.

Rich

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Posted by "JaBear" on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 3:22 AM

Gidday kyle, I was going to suggest to you the dangers of the impatience of youth!! but after just trying to insert a clickable link into another post, (preyiously a simple task) half a dozen times and FAILING, I will join you in Howling at the Moon. ( though Bears don't so much as howl as growl).Wink

From what I've seen over the years those, whose business it is to sell computer updates, are a kin to the snake-oil salesmen and like the ones on the old black and white Westerns, should be frog marched out of town before the lynch mob gets to them.

However we should remember that this forum is FREE to use, and therefore a privilege, and whle they won't go back , a BIG Please fix it might be better received than a Rant. Now please excuse me while I wipe the foam from my mouth.

Cheers, the Bear 

"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."

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Posted by Kyle on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 3:04 AM

The I-phone isn't the problem, I pretty sure it is the mobile site for all mobile devices.  Or there isn't a mobile site which would be half the problem, but the full site worked even better than the mobile site with the oldsoftware, and on the other kalmbach forums.  Maybe ifenough of us request the old software back they might listen and bring it back, it worth a shot.

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Posted by gmpullman on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 11:11 PM

Its not just the smartphones. I have IE8 on a Win7 desktop and much of the interface here does not work for me.

If I post a photo I can not edit that post, the buttons at the bottom right just aren't there, same for other posts. I wanted to reply to Broadway Lion's post about signals but I had NO reply button either. Any post with a photo link does not have a reply and quick reply button anywhere.

I can not quote a prior post, I get a yellow triangle with "Done but with errors" in my taskbar. (minor) but the little blue triangle that says "back to top" does not work. I have no spell check, have to copy/paste into a dictionary to correct spelling.

I tried on this forum and Trains and Classic Trains to upload a new avatar... no dice. I get a green success symbol but still no avatar change. Anytime I use an emoticon it ALWAYS places it at the very beginning of the text.

I have tried resizing screen ratio and resolution to no avail. I'm not complaining just pointing out new hurdles that I have to work around. I thought these were glitches that would have been repaired by now but I guess this is the new norm. Guess I'll try making that phone call too!

Be Happy, Ed

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Posted by NorthWest on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 11:01 PM

Kyle, at least you can get to the forum. For several months now, I haven't been able to log into the forum or go from the mobile version to the full version on my Ipod Touch. Running IE11 without compatability mode on causes no problems. But can we at least have spell check back?Bang Head

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Posted by andrechapelon on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 10:43 PM

for you tech guys, I am using a I-phone 4 with IOS 6. But my suggestion is to justscrap thissoftware and go back to the old software.

I'm an Apple shareholder, so it would be a conflict of interest to suggest you upgrade to a 5C or (better yet) a 5S.

No, what I would suggest is that you use a real computer. You know, one with a keyboard and a good sized monitor. I've used an iPhone (both 4 & 5)  to read the forum casually, but I'll be hogtied and boiled in oil if I would want to try get the full forum experience with either one judging from the run together words I'm seeing in your post. I don't watch videos on devices with teeny tiny screens. I remember teeny tiny screens on TV's from the 50's.

I'm on a computer my stepson built from parts and running Windows 7.  I'm not even sure which version of IE. I can see everything and so far everything seems to be working OK. I can't say I'm ecstatic about the "upgrade" to the site. OTOH, I'm old and of the opinion "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", meaning "it worked quite well before, damnit, don't pfutz around with it in an ego driven attempt to convince yourself you've actually improved it because you didn't. Changed it, yes. Improved it, no".

I'm a retired IT guy. Despite the fact that I was in IT, I actually know the difference between mere change and actual improvement. I'd offer my services to Kalmbach as a consultant, but they'd gag at my hourly rate. They'd also get mightily upset at my attempts to make manifest the differences between mere change and actual improvement to the powers that be.

That being said, I'm sorry I can't be of more service. I guess I'm analogous to the doctor in the old joke where the patient raises his arm and says "Doctor, it hurts when I do that"...........

Incidentally, they won't go back to the old software. I was in IT for the better part of 30 years. They NEVER go back. You can try customer service. That may actually help. Hoping for a return to the status quo ante, however, is whistling into an F5 hurricane.

Andre

 

 

It's really kind of hard to support your local hobby shop when the nearest hobby shop that's worth the name is a 150 mile roundtrip.
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Posted by bolter9 on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 10:39 PM

You can't please everyone with a new design, but if there are any admins reading this, please fix the forum post width on smart phones.  

The responsive layout is nice, but not when it cuts off the content.

Thanks!

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Posted by tstage on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 9:21 PM

I agree with Frank.  Be proactive, call Customer Service, and ask them for their assistance with your issues.  Venting is only a temporary solution.  Besides, you have to inhale again at some point...but the problem still hasn't gone away.

The old software ain't comin' back so it's your choice: Complain...or do something to remedy the problems you're experiencing.

Tom

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

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Posted by kbkchooch on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 9:17 PM

ConfusedIts been what 2 weeks, and the threads just keep on comin!! I cant see this, I cant do that.  Guys, at some point you have to adapt & overcome 

Honestly, If I had something causing this much of a bellyache I would be calling a gastroenterologist!Ick!

besides, beggers can't be choosers, just thank your lucky stars that this isnt a Yahoo group!! Stick out tongue

Karl

NCE über alles! Thumbs Up

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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 9:16 PM

Phoebe Vet
Yet another reason why I wouldn't buy an I-Phone.

Amen!

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
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Collector of Apple //e's
Running Bear Enterprises
History Channel Club life member.
beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


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Posted by Phoebe Vet on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 9:06 PM

Yet another reason why I wouldn't buy an I-Phone.

I don't have any of those problems.

Dave

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Posted by zstripe on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 8:56 PM

Kyle,

My suggestion, to you, is to give, The Customer Service Center a call at 1-800-533-6644 and ask to speak with, Laurie B. About your problem, if anyone one could help, they surely will be the one's. It is a free call.

Cheers, Drinks

Frank

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Why I Hate the New Software
Posted by Kyle on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 8:36 PM

On the MRR site I can't find anything,especially videos.  I got email news letter and it had a user submitt video of a wreck train, and Iclicked on it and it sent me to the videos page on the MRR site, but the video doesn't show up, it just leaves a white space.

the Forums are far from user friendly, it is a pain to navigate , and trying to post anything is a nightmare.  When Itook at big post or some posts with pictures, the right side of the post and/or photo is cut off, so I can notsee the whole thing.  As I was typing this post I  figured out I cannot click on part of my post to move my cursor, so to fix things in the first part of my post I would have to delete everything I typed past that point.

 

for you tech guys, I am using a I-phone 4 with IOS 6.  But my suggestion is to justscrap thissoftware and go back to the old software.

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