We got a change in forums without a prior announcement. The arrangement looks good, and there seem to be a lot of bells and whistles. But I miss (or maybe I just missed) the ability to post in different typefaces, sizes, and colors.Why would I want to center my text?If somebody can show me how to get my posts in 14-point Georgia again, I'd appreciate it!
Carl
Railroader Emeritus (practiced railroading for 46 years--and in 2010 I finally got it right!)
CAACSCOCOM--I don't want to behave improperly, so I just won't behave at all. (SM)
My eyes hurt, not sure I like surprises
nuts to this change. Now I have to increase the size to read these posts. So now have to hit CTRL + twice
I recommend sending a PM to Steve or Ang with a detailed list of changes that should be made. The more specific the feedback, the easier it will be for the development people to make the 'right' changes.
That change was definitely Rude AND Unprofessional to make substantial changes Without Warning.
The existing posts that I see are in Slightly Larger or more Readable type font than previously, I'm OK with that.
Interesting, when typing a new post the font appears to be very small, say 8 or 9 point. That is Really Bad.
I see I'm not the only one bothered by the excessive white space without contrasting surrounds. I'm guessing this is more accomodation for the Mobile Device Hipsters.
Unlike the last software change, the forums seem to be as responsive as before. Scattered applause.
NOTE TO MODS - THE 'YOUR DISCUSSIONS' LINK FROM THE TRAINS MAG FORUM IS BROKEN. From the trains.com forum it works OK.
Removing the multiple font option seems rather arbitrary and pointless since the software still provides all of the others, like the rarely used 'bullet points' or indenting features. I really want to use a monospace font on some occasions like a simple track diagram. Oh, well, Google My Maps is going to take this away soon also .....
Just found the 'headers' option buried. I've never needed a 'header' but they appear to be different size fonts.
Also noticed, removing the multiple fonts may be saving Kalmbach some resource. The famous 'Sunset Route' post went from 381 pages to 191. Hmmm.
UPDATE - just noticed that this forum now has the same 'look and feel' as the Model Railroader forum. Time to research ....
Links to my Google Maps ---> Sunset Route overview, SoCal metro, Yuma sub, Gila sub, SR east of Tucson, BNSF Northern Transcon and Southern Transcon *** Why you should support Ukraine! ***
Overmod I recommend sending a PM to Steve or Ang with a detailed list of changes that should be made. The more specific the feedback, the easier it will be for the development people to make the 'right' changes.
[quote user="CShaveRR"]
Hello:
To be honest with you, we were told that the forums wouldn't change. Yes, the website changed in look and format. But it was my understanding that the forum experience would be the same. I have shared your comments with our online department. Please be patient with us. Yes, this is a big change for all of us. However, we'd like to think it's a good one. As I have worked here many years for Trains and its website, I am pleased with the new look and functionality. Many months of work went into the creation of your new experience on our website. I urge you to take ample time to look around. I apologize if changes were made to your forum experience, and we didn't provide advance notice. Like I said, I didn't know there would be any changes. Please allow me some time to look into it and I will get back to you. Fair enough?
Thanks,
Ang
Angela Pusztai-Pasternak, Production Editor, Trains Magazine
Ang,
As with all major changes, I'll have to scratch my head a bit. I'll let you know what I think in a day or two.
Yeah, there is far too much white space. Dancing girls in the margins would be nice.
Oh; and I don't see a direct link to the last post in a thread. Third edit: Found that elusive link.
Norm
Change it back, change it back NOW. My eyes hurt too. This probably won't get posted but you guys should have known better. Foamers are like Sheldon Cooper: we HATE change, and would probably all jump at the change to run away on a cross-country train journey of thought.
Is there a way to go back to the old look, like Slashdot's nobeta option? If so how do I find it. NOW!
Greetings from Alberta
-an Articulate Malcontent
23 17 46 11
Had a reply that went to that great rain cloud in the sky so this might be a repeat.
1. Correction -- News wire can be found but it is a different web address so the link will need to be added to your favorites list
2. If reply to a post is quote the whole quote has to remain. You cannot edit out items that you are replying to. That just adds unrelated portions of original post that need no reply.
3. Cursor sometimes gets lost especially on replys
4. Spell check is not working
5. Where is Fred ? Found it but takes extra steps as you have to scroll down under blogs header. Glad blogs now show last post first in line . Guess had to find something better.
Ang - Now you have learned your 1st lesson in dealing with Techie's. They cannot tell reality when talking about changes. Techies live for change - if they can't change things they aren't happy. Better or worse - they don't care - Change is the word.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
Here is the response I received from our online department:
MikeF90 Also noticed, removing the multiple fonts may be saving Kalmbach some resource. The famous 'Sunset Route' post went from 381 pages to 191. Hmmm.
This is a good thing. I was upset when each page of a thread had only 15 posts on it (down from 20 before the last revision). Now it's up to 30 per page. I don't think that's a function of the fonts or sizes.How many techies would it take to change a light bulb?Dunno...they're too busy redesigning the switch (including remote, dimmers, blinkers, color filters, whatever) to realize that it's out!
Sorry Angela some one is prevarcating. notice I delibertly misspelled.
I'll have to try it for a while before I pass judgement, but I'm an old codger who never likes change.
I noticed the web cam feature doesn't seem to be working. Does that have anything to do with the changes?
_____________
"A stranger's just a friend you ain't met yet." --- Dave Gardner
CShaveRR We got a change in forums without a prior announcement. The arrangement looks good, and there seem to be a lot of bells and whistles. But I miss (or maybe I just missed) the ability to post in different typefaces, sizes, and colors.Why would I want to center my text?If somebody can show me how to get my posts in 14-point Georgia again, I'd appreciate it!
Carl,
Here's the reply about fonts, etc.:
Text formatting for fonts and colors were removed to accommodate responsive design and to keep in line with the new art style sheet. Allowing fonts to be overwritten on posts overrides the site styles and can create issues when viewing on multiple devices. The standard font size for posts was increased to allow greater readability.
Why is there only one page of comments for Fred Frailey's blog today? There are 19 comments, but only 15 shown.
How do I find the other comments?Ed
what does subscribe to thread block mean ?
Alright, who moved my cheese- again?
Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.
Murphy Siding Alright, who moved my cheese- again?
Remember - only the 2nd mouse gets the cheese!
MP173 Why is there only one page of comments for Fred Frailey's blog today? There are 19 comments, but only 15 shown. How do I find the other comments?Ed
Hi, Ed:
Our online department is working to copy over all of the comments from our old site to this new one. They will be there soon.
Paul of Covington I'll have to try it for a while before I pass judgement, but I'm an old codger who never likes change. I noticed the web cam feature doesn't seem to be working. Does that have anything to do with the changes?
The Rochelle webcam is working. I don't see any problems.
Interesting new layout....It is very white....but none the less useable.
There aren't any 'bread crumbs' at the bottom of a thread page to navigate away from the thread. You have to return to the top of the page. When clicking the 'last post' from the thread menu screen - you are taken to the 1st post on the last page - not the last post.
Any one know how to get spell check working.? ? I make too many tpyos (typos )
As usual, the stuff I used is gone....
Test of Forum Code
If the above shows as a quote, you can still quote just a portion of a previous post, but you have to cut and paste it, and surround it with the "quote" tags.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
Seems to be the same as the MR forum, which has been different for a while.
I would like spell check back, though!
Edit: also, I'd like to set the time zone back to Pacific Time, but it seems stuck on Central Time. Can that be fixed?
BaltACD Murphy Siding Alright, who moved my cheese- again? Remember - only the 2nd mouse gets the cheese!
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