View Full Version : AOS is back!
icehockeyboy
04-06-2013, 09:54
A I the first to write something since it came back on?
Do I get a prize??? :)
No prize, but well done!
Smileys not working? :)
no shame in coming third !
Yup, there are a few issues still needing sorted out, including the final colour scheme finalised, but those can be sorted out when Nick gets a chance. The main thing is that we're back on! :)
Marco.
kenworthy100
04-06-2013, 10:05
BRILLIANT!!!!, it has been missed, I even mowed my lawn and washed my car, how bad is that !!!!
It looks so different, I do like it though
Well done everyone involved
southall-1998
04-06-2013, 10:14
Have to get used to this new AOS makeover!!
Login box where? I had to try to post then get asked for username/password to login
walpurgis
04-06-2013, 10:24
A day late!!!! I've got no fingernails left.......AAAAAGH :eek:
Seriously......Welcome back
twickers
04-06-2013, 10:24
Yup, there are a few issues still needing sorted out, including the final colour scheme finalised, but those can be sorted out when Nick gets a chance. The main thing is that we're back on! :)
Marco.
Is it just the colour scheme to be changed or the logo aswell?
For me personally i rather like the AOS logo and the banner showing different bits of kit.
Frankyc2003
04-06-2013, 10:29
Welcome back!
Loving the new look and navigation of the forum!
:hifive::hifive::yay:
Hi Paul,
The banner is as it was (at least on my computer it is). The AoS logo will be returned in due course, when Nick gets onto it.
As an aside, are other people able to post a 'full reply' (showing a bigger reply box and smilies), as opposed to a 'Quick Reply' (showing a smaller reply box and no smilies)?
At the moment, I'm only able to do the latter, by simply clicking on the main 'Reply to Thread' box (not the 'Reply with Quote 'box). I just want to check that this is a universal system issue, rather than specific to my computer.
Churz!
Marco.
Welcome back!
Loving the new look and navigation of the forum!
:hifive::hifive::yay:
Glad you like it, dude. There are still a few gremlins to iron out, but overall, we think there are some significant improvements, some of which you'll only discover if you play around with the new buttons, so get playing! :)
Marco.
prestonchipfryer
04-06-2013, 10:33
Just got home, glad AoS is back and WOW doesn't it look cool.
John
Beechwoods
04-06-2013, 10:35
There are a few icons that need sorting because for some reason the customised ones aren't pulling through...
twickers
04-06-2013, 10:49
Hi Paul,
The banner is as it was (at least on my computer it is). The AoS logo will be returned in due course, when Nick gets onto it.
As an aside, are other people able to post a 'full reply' (showing a bigger reply box and smilies), as opposed to a 'Quick Reply' (showing a smaller reply box and no smilies)?
At the moment, I'm only able to do the former, by simply clicking on the main 'Reply to Thread' box (not the 'Reply with Quote 'box). I just want to check that this is a universal system issue, rather than specific to my computer.
Churz!
Marco.
I'm able to quick reply, reply with quote and also use the new ' Go Advanced ' feature, although no smilies.
Frankyc2003
04-06-2013, 10:59
yes true, some little icons display as 'missing' link page.
Tapatalk not working. Need to change anything my end?
Audioman
04-06-2013, 11:09
I'm able to quick reply, reply with quote and also use the new ' Go Advanced ' feature, although no smilies.
:doh: :mental::D:lol::ner:
Love it, I really like the Activity Stream too, that's really clever and it needed the little green arrow to signify posts you participate in too, that was long overdue.
Good job guys, I expect a bit of tinkering will occur after such a major upgrade, but it gets a big thumbs up from me.
http://s3.amazonaws.com/rapgenius/1291131680_two-thumbs-up.jpg
:)
Paul,
It's the customised smilies that aren't working, daftee! The generic vBulletin 4 ones, you've just posted, are fine :)
Marco.
Audioman
04-06-2013, 11:57
Paul,
It's the customised smilies that aren't working, daftee! The generic vBulletin 4 ones, you've just posted, are fine :)
Marco.
Point taken (twickers wasn't specific) but 'big grin' was working now it's not.
Beechwoods
04-06-2013, 12:12
I've fixed most of the smilies now. There are a couple that I need to sort when I'm back on my main machine. I only have iPhone access to the forum at the mo.
I'm glad that most people like how it's turned out. I think it's a nice facelift but still fundamentally 'AOS' and that was the balance we were looking for.
Beechwoods
04-06-2013, 12:14
Tapatalk is currently disabled. I will get that installed tonight. I needed to upgrade it as well, to work with the new forum version.
Tapatalk is currently disabled. I will get that installed tonight. I needed to upgrade it as well, to work with the new forum version.
Thanks for the advisory
Well struggled last 36 hrs
Good to see the forum back up, thanks to everyone involved in the improvements.
twickers
04-06-2013, 13:42
Point taken (twickers wasn't specific) but 'big grin' was working now it's not.
I knew what i meant. :scratch: :)
Audio Al
04-06-2013, 13:42
How long for this time :scratch:
Getting a bit tedious not knowing if it will work or for how long
Still think positive " HOPEFULLY " it will work now :)
How long for this time :scratch:
Getting a bit tedious not knowing if it will work or for how long
Still think positive " HOPEFULLY " it will work now :)
Hi Al,
If it is any consolation, it has been for a different reason each time, and with the upgrade now behind us we should be in a better place - have some faith, my good man! ;)
(If you see anything better at the boot sales than the 386 we're running the forum on, pick it up cheap for us will you? :eyebrows:)
Hi Al,
If it is any consolation, it has been for a different reason each time, and with the upgrade now behind us we should be in a better place...
Indeed. This time, the downtime was largely self-inflicted, due to us wanting (and indeed soon needing) to upgrade to vB4, as it's hit a point now where vB3 no longer supports key elements required for our servers to operate correctly.
Nick did a marvellous job, all on his own, 'rehousing' the forum onto the new vB4 software (let's remember that he has a full-time job of his own to deal with, and also a life outside of AoS ;)), but hit a small snag that only our server hosts, Global Gold, could fix, which despite Nick's best efforts to avoid, left the forum down overnight.
The issue concerned occurred yesterday, and was only resolved this morning, due to some previously unforeseen circumstances.
Therefore, now that we've made the switch to vB4, there should be no further prolonged downtime, save the occurrence of a massive network outage, which would affect not only us, but also every other site connected to the same server. Fortunately, those instances are rare. Database errors may occur, from time to time, such is the nature of the beast, but those can usually be fixed pretty quickly, either internally ourselves, or via assistance from Global Gold.
So, Ally baby, just get on with what you do best: posting about PISHANTO!! :D
Marco.
Audio Al
04-06-2013, 14:50
I'm not having a POP at anyone , and will openly admit I am a DUNCE around puters so I have a high respect for Nick being able to do these mods and updates ;)
Its just I look forward to the daily banter on the forum with the regulars , and when I cant get may daily fix I miss it BIG TIME
Then I have my followers to think of , missing out on my hot topic " Boot Sale Hi-Fi " :D
As normal service is resumed , look out for the Pishanto my friends :lol:
Not a problem, dude. I simply used your post as a platform to explain the bigger picture. Don't worry your little woollen mittens over it! :eyebrows:
Marco.
BRILLIANT!!!!, it has been missed, I even mowed my lawn and washed my car, how bad is that !!!!
:lol:
Beechwoods
04-06-2013, 16:11
And if they're a Linux user they're too busy tweaking their OS to bother themselves with answering!
hifi_dave
04-06-2013, 16:18
Is there a way to get the 'Forum' setting, permanent ? Each time I log on I have to click 'Forum' to get the familiar layout I like.:scratch:
Don't ask which computer someone is using, if they're a Mac user they'll tell you, if they're a PC user, why embarrass them.
And if they're a Linux user they're too busy tweaking their OS to bother themselves with answering!
Indeed Nick, I'm getting a bit bored with reading Paul's strapline. Time to put it to bed, Paul?
Gordon Steadman
04-06-2013, 16:56
Indeed Nick, I'm getting a bit bored with reading Paul's strapline. Time to put it to bed, Paul?
Now come on, we Mac users have always done this sort of stuff to make you lot annoyed with us for choosing the better option. Must admit though, I gave up bothering a long time ago as I decided a tool is a tool and it will always suit some and not others, a bit like hi-fi really:eyebrows:
A whole new home to go to... Nice!!! Now, just need to get used to the layout of the new house... :cool:
Welcome back guys :D
to make you lot annoyed with us for choosing the better option
Why should I be annoyed with you for my choosing the better option? :lol:
Must admit though, I gave up bothering a long time ago as I decided a tool is a tool...
Indeed, and unfortunately there are plenty of 'tools' around who insist on arguing over such yawn-inducing banality!! ;)
Marco.
Metaphorically speaking we all need vitamin C in our lives so whichever fruits or veggies one may choose to deliver it is entirely up to the taste of the individual. The end result is the same however :)
hifi_dave
04-06-2013, 17:18
Is there an answer to my question - post 34 ?
wiicrackpot
04-06-2013, 18:20
Is there an answer to my question - post 34 ?
Ditto Dave.
Bump.....bump!..Marco !!, is this the final version??,
to think i kicked off to have a revamp of all revamps and then end up with the same. :scratch:
Is there an answer to my question - post 34 ?
Dave - are you saying you want to go straight to the Forum view? If so, the best way would be for you to create a browser shortcut to http://theartofsound.net/forum/forum.php
Is there a way to get the 'Forum' setting, permanent ? Each time I log on I have to click 'Forum' to get the familiar layout I like.:scratch:
Nick will have to answer this, Dave (and all other technical-related queries), but he's busy at the moment fixing other reported 'anomalies'! ;)
As an aside, I'm not noticing that issue. Every time I log onto the forum, it always looks the same (the way it should do from the default setting), so I've no idea what you mean? :scratch:
Marco.
hifi_dave
04-06-2013, 18:38
Oh dear, that's a bit beyond my computer skills. I liked it the way it was - going straight to the Forum. After all, that's why we go to a 'Forum'.
Dave - are you saying you want to go straight to the Forum view? If so, the best way would be for you to create a browser shortcut to http://theartofsound.net/forum/forum.php
For me, that happens automatically! You shouldn't have to 'create' anything...
Marco.
Gordon Steadman
04-06-2013, 18:48
The first time I logged on after 'the return' I also got an unfamiliar screen. However once I got to the forum I just bookmarked that page and it now opens as standard. Maybe its just easier er.................on a Mac:eyebrows:
What I think Dave is saying is that if you go to http://www.theartofsound.net and click on the "click here" link it takes you to the new Activity Stream view rather than the Forum index. Same with a direct link to http://theartofsound.net/forum/
Dave - I think you are using Internet Explorer? If so, go to the forum index (that page you want to see straight away when you visit the forum) and click the RIGHT mouse button. Now (left) click on "Create shortcut" in the menu that appears. You get an alert asking you if you want to put a shortcut on your desktop. Click on "Yes". You should now see a new shortcut on your Windows desktop - you can now double-click this to start Internet Explorer and go straight to the forum index.
What I think Dave is saying is that if you go to http://www.theartofsound.net and click on the "click here" link it takes you to the new Activity Stream view rather than the Forum index. Same with a direct link to http://theartofsound.net/forum/
Ah, I see what you mean! We'll defo fix that... I don't get that problem because I always access the forum from this address: http://theartofsound.net/forum/forum.php
Dave, (and others), that's what you should do (what Keith has explained) until we fix things properly :)
Marco.
Beechwoods
04-06-2013, 19:06
It's not something 'fix' because that's how VB4 is designed to work, but it can be configured to work the way you want, and you know... your wish is my command :ner: :D
Beechwoods
04-06-2013, 19:11
This has been done now.
Nice one. While you're at it (if the following issue is also connected), when you search on Google for 'The Art of Sound' (as an example, see here: http://search.aol.com/aol/search?enabled_terms=&q=the+art+of+sound&s_it=client97_searchbox), our entry is listed and accessed via 'Activity Stream - The Art of Sound Forum', which Dave has mentioned, rather than simply taking you directly to http://theartofsound.net/forum/forum.php
Can that be changed, too? :)
Marco.
Beechwoods
04-06-2013, 19:20
I'm guessing that is because the default was set to Activity Stream until I changed it just now - my bet is that now having changed the default, Google will update the next time they come crawling the site. Could be a day before that happens though.
No worries... Regardless of the naming, when you click on the link now on a Google search, it takes you to the 'correct' AoS homepage, as we've just been discussing, so that's the important thing. What you did, essentially, has worked! :)
Marco.
Nice new look on the forum guys, let's hope it solves the issues which caused the downtime recently. Nice to have yous back.
hifi_dave
04-06-2013, 21:26
It's back to normal for me now - straight to the Forum.
Well done. I'm in awe at your computer skills.
Stratmangler
04-06-2013, 22:09
A day late!!!! I've got no fingernails left.......AAAAAGH :eek:
Sounds like you need to get out a bit more Geoff :eyebrows:
He's got no fingernails left, but plenty of calluses on his hands now from spankin' his monkey, while we were off-line! Eh, Geoffster - need some NIVEA? :eyebrows:
Marco.
Stratmangler
04-06-2013, 22:30
He's got no fingernails left, but plenty of calluses on his hands now from spankin' his monkey, while we were off-line! Eh, Geoffster - need some NIVEA? :eyebrows:
Marco.
I'd never have thought of Simian flagellation :eek:
I was going to suggest going darn the caff for a cuppa and a natter.
What a sheltered life I must lead :eyebrows:
walpurgis
04-06-2013, 23:22
He's got no fingernails left, but plenty of calluses on his hands now from spankin' his monkey, while we were off-line! Eh, Geoffster - need some NIVEA? :eyebrows:
Marco.
Weep, weep! Ran out of Nivea, raided the fridge for the Flora. AAAAH. ;)
Ah, the classic 'buttered dome'? :D
Marco.
I love it but its a real shame it now goes to Forum by default, the What's New feature is so much better - he ho, I am surprised that anyone would think Forum was a better option :scratch:
It is much better on a tablet too, I don't mean Tapatalk, just a mobile web browser. When viewing on a hand held device it is much improved, so vB4 is clearly designed with mobile devices in mind.
So all in all I love it, the only thing I don't like is the change away from What's New which IMO is a backward step . . . but then this is a pipe and slippers forum and not a tech one and you old fuddies don't like change :lol:
walpurgis
05-06-2013, 09:11
I'm getting used to the revamp now. The old configuration will be forgotten soon. I guess that is likely to be the same for other AOS users.
Beechwoods
05-06-2013, 10:13
Tim - the Lower Banner takes you straight to the Activity Stream if that helps!
SHOUTS
Where are the login /password boxes hiding now? I had to do something needing membership to bring a login to the screen
twickers
05-06-2013, 11:01
SHOUTS
Where are the login /password boxes hiding now? I had to do something needing membership to bring a login to the screen
On my other laptop using XP it aint there! I just select default mobile style at the bottom and use that log in.
Beechwoods
05-06-2013, 11:06
It appears fine when I view the forum as a Guest. What OS / browser are you using and can you post a screenshot?
I've tested it on Chrome, Safari on OSX and everyone else seems to have logged in ok :confused:
It should be just under the banner whether you are logged in or not.
It appears fine when I view the forum as a Guest. What OS / browser are you using and can you post a screenshot?
I've tested it on Chrome, Safari on OSX and everyone else seems to have logged in ok :confused:
It should be just under the banner whether you are logged in or not.
I am using IE7 on XP Pro (work machine). On my mobile using Opera Mini it floats on top of the main page. Chrome on iPhone is OK.
Sorry not up to screenshot posting
twickers
05-06-2013, 13:25
Seems to be a problem with IE8. Between Forum link and the search bar to the right, there are no options.
However, using google chrome everything is displaying correctly. :)
Beechwoods
05-06-2013, 13:50
I'll see if I can do something to force those options to come to the front on IE8 - it's likely they are there but IE8 is presenting the background bar with the search box in front of the bit that's missing...
Damn non-standards compliant browsers!
I'll see if I can do something to force those options to come to the front on IE8 - it's likely they are there but IE8 is presenting the background bar with the search box in front of the bit that's missing...
Damn non-standards compliant browsers!
If you can great.
Thanks Work won't upgrade me.
Beechwoods
05-06-2013, 14:23
I know the feeling. I can't even access the forum from my work machine because all access to non-work related and approved newsgroups / forums is blocked!
No problem here with seeing the login boxes on a test IE8 machine running on XP. Both are obsolete, of course.
Spectral Morn
05-06-2013, 14:39
I'm getting used to the revamp now. The old configuration will be forgotten soon. I guess that is likely to be the same for other AOS users.
However I don't think I will ever get used to the thin, cold, angular look. The text particularly is smaller than before and thinner.
Edit Cold's the wrong word it just feels less..... friendly, comfy.
Regards Neil
walpurgis
05-06-2013, 14:39
If anybody is having issues with IE8, try downloading 'Lataza Browser', it's free and seems to avoid the IE8 snags, but it's derived from Internet Explorer and works very similarly, so it doesn't take much getting used to. It also looks a damn sight nicer. I gave it a try recently and was pleasantly surprised.
Hi Neil,
The text particularly is smaller than before and thinner.
Factually, I'm not sure if that's true... Perhaps Nick would confirm? If so, it's probably easily remedied.
Cold's the wrong word it just feels less..... friendly, comfy.
I shall fly a furry (Dalek) hot water bottle and a pair of fleecy slippers over to NI, toute-suite! :eyebrows:
Marco.
Tim - the Lower Banner takes you straight to the Activity Stream if that helps!
Thanks Nick, not a problem at all, as its only a mouse click away in all reality, but I thought it was a great feature and a shame to hide it away - a synopsis of what's going on, all on one page as soon as you log in.
The work you have done is sterling too, a big thank-you from me as I know what it has involved - no small task at all.
Top man.
:cool:
No problem here with seeing the login boxes on a test IE8 machine running on XP. Both are obsolete, of course.
No problem here on a perfectly adequate XP/IE8 box either
http://www.simister.com/public/forum.jpg
Beechwoods
05-06-2013, 16:00
Hi Neil,
Factually, I'm not sure if that's true... Perhaps Nick would confirm? If so, it's probably easily remedied.
There is something slightly different about the way text is rendered in VB4 versus VB3 but I have checked the font families and sizes in the config and they are the same. I even increased some of them because I thought they were too small. On some I decided to increase the space between letters because while the size of the letters was the same they were closer together in VB4. The fonts in VB3 were rendered in a 'rougher' way rather than antialiased (smoothed) and I think this is giving rise on the most part to the impression Neil is describing.
I'd rather not spend significant amounts of time tweaking based upon individual feedback though. If a significant number of users highlight an issue or it is self evident and not subjective I'm happy to spend time digging into the guts of the system to resolve them, and if there are quick wins to be had, I will take advantage of them... But I do need to make sure I'm prioritising my time effectively on the things that make the most difference to the most people.
I hope that everyone realises the number of hours put into getting the forum sorted this far - it may not suit everyone, but its a damn-sight better than many out there and my time comes for free so...!
Indeed! However, this nails it:
There is something slightly different about the way text is rendered in VB4 versus VB3 but I have checked the font families and sizes in the config and they are the same. I even increased some of them because I thought they were too small. The fonts in VB3 were rendered in a 'rougher' way rather than antialiased (smoothed) and I think this is giving rise on the most part to the impression Neil is describing.
Therefore, it's an appearance thing, rather than something genuinely different :)
Marco.
Trumpton_Rioter
05-06-2013, 16:13
The one thing I do like is that the "mark forums read" button is 1 click less - yes I know it sad but 1 click is 1 click :lol:
Beechwoods
07-06-2013, 22:12
If you can great.
Thanks Work won't upgrade me.
Alan, while I can't replicate this on my system, I have enabled display of the 'Reply To Thread' buttons for Guests. Someone else was asking about this as well.
If you hit that button, you will be prompted to enter your Username and Password at that point, on a proper page for the purpose. Hopefully this will get you back in properly when you're at your work machine. And it'll help those people who don't remain logged in as a matter of course and think about replying to something without realising they're actually just a 'Guest' at that point.
Nick
Thanks for your efforts. Ill try as soon as.
Alan
Been away from the forum for a while and now it's all changed!
It's funny how long it takes to get used to something that's been such a way for so long.
Edit: sorry, haven't read through the whole thread, but some bits look a bit squiffy on the iPad, nothing major, just little details. Haven't checked it on the desktop mac yet.
Welcome back, Lee. Let us know what you think of our redecorating! :)
Marco.
Welcome back, Lee. Let us know what you think of our redecorating! :)
Marco.
Thanks. Yeah, it looks good. It's similar now to another VB forum that I use. Not hifi, football :)
I just viewed the 'today's posts' link and you can see that longer thread titles are word wrapped but you can only see a tiny sliver of the top edge of the words. Just FYI.
Edit: the above was on the iPad. It looks fine on the desktop where there is more space, but even if I narrow the window, the titles are simply cut off rather than word wrapped.
I hope that everyone realises the number of hours put into getting the forum sorted this far - it may not suit everyone, but its a damn-sight better than many out there and my time comes for free so...!
I think we should have a whip round for Nick - I can guess how many hours it has taken him to get this done - is there any way we can do this?
I think we should have a whip round for Nick - I can guess how many hours it has taken him to get this done - is there any way we can do this?
Agreed! I hope I can meet Nick at the forthcoming AoS show, and perhaps buy him a drink or two to thank him for all the hard work he does behind he scenes.
Beechwoods
08-06-2013, 18:36
I think we should have a whip round for Nick - I can guess how many hours it has taken him to get this done - is there any way we can do this?
Thank you Macca for your kind suggestion - and Barry too! It's really not necessary though (though a pint when we meet would be gladly accepted!). Seeing the forum looking good and giving people enjoyment is reward enough.
Lee - I've seen the slight truncation on my iPhone too. It's difficult optimising the forum for all devices and some of it I have to rely upon the base VB4 CSS to do the right job. I'll keep it on my list though and see if I can do anything about it. To be honest though VB4 formats better than VB3 in a lot of cases, so we're going in the right direction!
Audio Al
08-06-2013, 18:52
Nick
You will end up pished
I'll buy you a pint too :cool:
Lee - I've seen the slight truncation on my iPhone too. It's difficult optimising the forum for all devices and some of it I have to rely upon the base VB4 CSS to do the right job. I'll keep it on my list though and see if I can do anything about it. To be honest though VB4 formats better than VB3 in a lot of cases, so we're going in the right direction!
I understand. Sorry to come in after being away and then criticise but obviously the forum style change was the first thing I noticed, and I do spot fine details. Just offering feedback.
Cracking job.
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