What do you think of the AoS forum?

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Originally Posted by gninnam

Can't believe I have been a member of the forum since 2008 but only 700+ posts :doh:

I originally joined all those years ago as I found the HiFi and music sections interesting and vibrant.
Like most forum's now adays, they tend to drift off into areas that I do not find remotely interesting - hence why so few posts.

Also, not just AoS but many of the older HiFi forums, they can come across as very clique.

I do visit the site nearly everyday but the majority of the posts are not for me so I do not join in.
Do I plan to leave? Not really as every now and again something comes along that piques my interest :)

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No, it just looks like a clique because it's the same half a dozen or so who are bothering to post. I reckon if I browsed some of the other forums I would find similar. Just with different names.

Andy, looking at your signature, there's an awful lot of interesting kit there, and I'm betting there are some noteworthy stories, experiences, triumphs, mistakes, etc behind that little lot. I'm also betting that it is the kind of thing that would be of interest to you if only someone else had taken the trouble to write about it ;)

If you put into print whatever piques your interest, You might end up piquing others' interest, and so it goes around :)

Edit: forget about paragraph 2 - perhaps the issue is the sheer number of forums in existence, and I can quite understand if someone was reluctant to post in detail about their kit on more than one forum.

Morning all,

This thread got me thinking. I've seen the same thing happen in other forums I used to frequent – classic cars, woodworking, you name it. And I'm fairly convinced Facebook has played a big part in the decline.

The problem: Facebook groups are easy. You log in, you scroll, you ask a quick question, you get a quick answer. No registration, no learning the etiquette, no wondering if you're posting in the right sub-forum. It's instant gratification. The downside, of course, is that it's shallow. The advice is often questionable, there's no permanence (good luck searching for that thread a week later), and the sense of community is fleeting at best.

The opportunity: Forums do what Facebook can't. Depth. Archives. Genuine relationships built over years. When I joined here, I didn't just get an answer – I got a journey. People remembered my room, my budget, my tastes. That doesn't happen on Facebook.

So how do we compete?

1. Double down on what makes forums great. Encourage longer, thoughtful posts. Showcase the archive. When someone asks a question that's been answered brilliantly ten years ago, link to it. That's a superpower Facebook simply doesn't have.

2. Make the forum easier to find. When Google sends someone here with a question, we need to be visible. We need to be the place that turns up in search results. That's still how most people discover forums.

3. Lower the friction a little. A more modern interface would help. A shorter, simpler sign-up process. A clear "welcome" path that doesn't overwhelm.

4. Remind people that this is a community, not just a helpdesk. The off-topic stuff, the banter, the shared stories – that's what keeps people coming back long after their original question is answered.

Facebook won't go away. But we don't need to beat them. We just need to be better at being us.

Just a thought.

Alistair

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Originally Posted by Maelstrom

A more modern interface would help. A shorter, simpler sign-up process. A clear "welcome" path that doesn't overwhelm.

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Agree Alistair, I've never been a fan of the AoS look myself, its always had that old man look about it. I thought that 15 years ago, so today it looks really dated. But that’s subjective.

Pink Fish Media has a good look, smart, minimal and easy to navigate. Not being able to like a post by just clicking a thumbs up is quite limiting. It's very efficient, you can let people know you like or agree with something, without having to post a full reply - it encourages people to post. If you spend time answering someone's question and get met with tumbleweed, how likely are you to bother again? That can happen here and I find it quite rude, I know it doesn't bother others, but it's a feature on every other forum I visit. It makes you feel you are not wasting your time.

The issue here though, is transferring the forum to another platform or upgrading the look would need an investment in time and a degree of technical knowledge. So that's probably a bar too high.

I think that’s a great suggestion though :)

I don't mind the current layout of the site on a desktop/laptop but... on a mobile device it's horrible to use. If it was upgraded to VBulletin 6 it would be mobile optimised - as a lot (probably most) people view via their mobile devices nowadays I'm sure this would help.

https://www.vbulletin.com/en/overview

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Originally Posted by Tim

Not being able to like a post by just clicking a thumbs up is quite limiting. It's very efficient, you can let people know you like or agree with something, without having to post a full reply - it encourages people to post. If you spend time answering someone's question and get met with tumbleweed, how likely are you to bother again? That can happen here and I find it quite rude, I know it doesn't bother others, but it's a feature on every other forum I visit. It makes you feel you are not wasting your time.

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If this was a brainstorming workshop in an office the above would go straight onto the 'quick wins' list on a nice yellow sticky.

Of course, the technical IT issues of implementing it may be more complicated than I imagine, but I agree that it would be impactful.

Just had a look at PFM. Yes it looks modern, the 'avatars' are smaller, there is minimal information about the posters, but the text on a white background make it look quite ordinary, without any 'style'. I don't find it easier to read - quite the opposite in fact.

PFM doesn't seem to have a heading banner. I agree the AoS banner could do with a refresh, but I don't how this could be done here.

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Originally Posted by Tim

Agree Alistair, I've never been a fan of the AoS look myself, its always had that old man look about it. I thought that 15 years ago, so today it looks really dated. But that’s subjective.

Pink Fish Media has a good look, smart, minimal and easy to navigate. Not being able to like a post by just clicking a thumbs up is quite limiting. It's very efficient, you can let people know you like or agree with something, without having to post a full reply - it encourages people to post. If you spend time answering someone's question and get met with tumbleweed, how likely are you to bother again? That can happen here and I find it quite rude, I know it doesn't bother others, but it's a feature on every other forum I visit. It makes you feel you are not wasting your time.

The issue here though, is transferring the forum to another platform or upgrading the look would need an investment in time and a degree of technical knowledge. So that's probably a bar too high.

I think that’s a great suggestion though :)

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I believe that with any new thread there is an option to have a "like thumbs up" attached. Anyone who replies to the posts can avail themselves of that option. There is also an option to have rating option (displayed as 1 to 5 stars).

Have a look at the Maverick forum Barry.
Choice of views (dark theme etc.), mobile friendly and you can "like" posts.
Sure, it is not perfect, as unless you are careful, you get notified about all new posts for threads you have posted in.

The reason PFM looks how it does was due the way it was hosted not complying when the new GDPR rules that came in a while back, Tony had to update everything and it ended up how it is today.

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Originally Posted by CageyH

Have a look at the Maverick forum Barry.
Choice of views (dark theme etc.), mobile friendly and you can "like" posts.
Sure, it is not perfect, as unless you are careful, you get notified about all new posts for threads you have posted in.

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Hate the dark theme on the Mav and no option to change it :(

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Originally Posted by Pigmy Pony

No, it just looks like a clique because it's the same half a dozen or so who are bothering to post. I reckon if I browsed some of the other forums I would find similar. Just with different names.

Andy, looking at your signature, there's an awful lot of interesting kit there, and I'm betting there are some noteworthy stories, experiences, triumphs, mistakes, etc behind that little lot. I'm also betting that it is the kind of thing that would be of interest to you if only someone else had taken the trouble to write about it ;)

If you put into print whatever piques your interest, You might end up piquing others' interest, and so it goes around :)

Edit: forget about paragraph 2 - perhaps the issue is the sheer number of forums in existence, and I can quite understand if someone was reluctant to post in detail about their kit on more than one forum.

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Points taken - I will post some more over the next few weeks :)

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Originally Posted by mikeyb

The reason PFM looks how it does was due the way it was hosted not complying when the new GDPR rules that came in a while back, Tony had to update everything and it ended up how it is today.

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Tony did a good job, I like the xenForo format and because it's popular, people are familiar with it. If they pop onto another forum, there's no learning curve if it's another XF one. But again, that's subjective on what you prefer. vBulletin 4 is getting quite old now.

Probably needs a tech savvy admin to import the data from vBulletin, but vBulletin 3.6 to 5.3 are supported for data imports into XF in case anyone wonders?

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Originally Posted by Tim

Tony did a good job, I like the xenForo format and because it's popular, people are familiar with it. If they pop onto another forum, there's no learning curve if it's another XF one. But again, that's subjective on what you prefer. vBulletin 4 is getting quite old now.

Probably needs a tech savvy admin to import the data from vBulletin, but vBulletin 3.6 to 5.3 are supported for data imports into XF in case anyone wonders?

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I'm not a tech savvy - far from it. In fact I don't even know what the various techie terms mean: platforms; servers; etc. All I know is how to post, start and close threads, and edit the same. We do have a couple of tech savvy Members here, who help out when problems arise.

Can anyone tell me exactly what it is they like about the look and presentation of the PFM forum. To me it looks anodyne, perfunctory and lacking in style. So just me then?

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Originally Posted by mikeyb

Hate the dark theme on the Mav and no option to change it :(

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Not keen on it either. Looks like my car's sat nav at night.

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Originally Posted by Barry

Can anyone tell me exactly what it is they like about the look and presentation of the PFM forum.

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pfm [sic] is just an example Barry, many forums have a similar look these days. As to why people like it, well that would be like trying to explain why Tales from Topographic Oceans is a great album :)

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Originally Posted by Pigmy Pony

Not keen on it either. Looks like my car's sat nav at night.

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So is the "dark theme" white text on a dark background - or is it something entirely different?

I've been using Tapatalk for years to browse AoS, it makes it very nice to read and very simple to navigate. I believe quite a bit of work was put into the forum to make it work with Tapatalk (but I could be wrong). It seems a shame not to leverage off this and encourage people to use Tapatalk rather than invest money we don't have in a new format/hosting site.

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Originally Posted by Lawrence001

I've been using Tapatalk for years to browse AoS, it makes it very nice to read and very simple to navigate. I believe quite a bit of work was put into the forum to make it work with Tapatalk (but I could be wrong). It seems a shame not to leverage off this and encourage people to use Tapatalk rather than invest money we don't have in a new format/hosting site.

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I can’t remember now if it was a lot of work Lawrence, but I certainly agree it is the best way to view the forum - I probably use my iPad or iPhone 95% of the time, and no need to use an image hosting site as Tapatalk does all that for you. I can’t remember how much it was for a lifetime subscription but as you can use it for any compatible forum it is well worth it in my opinion, plus predictive text helps (though sometimes not!)


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

A couple of questions regarding Tapatalk:

Is Tapatalk only for iPhones/iPads? My phone is a six year old Huwawei with Google stuff on it. All of my photos are on there. And how much does it cost?

Looks like it is available on the Play store, and I think there is a free tier, but you will get ads I expect.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...hl=en_GB&pli=1


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Just read some of the reviews on that link…. Doesn’t read great to be honest! [emoji853]


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Tapatalk isn't great on Android, much better on an iPad - having said that, if you've never tried both you won't know that.

Same with JRemote for JRiver MC, much better on Apple than Android. I'm actually at the point where my Android tablet is about to die and I may replace it with an iPad. Never thought I'd do that, but then Android isn't what it used to be, Google are wringing the life out of it as an O/S.

Tapatalk seems to be hit and miss for me tonight, I think I jinxed it!

I guess give it a try and see how you get on with it, Steve, or anyone else curious.

Thanks guys, I'll look into it later when I get home.

But having slept on it I'm thinking it could be a bit tricky for me - my brother pays for my mobile phone use (sim only) as a perk of working for his company (which I left ten years ago ;)). I'd be reluctant to do anything that is going to remind him of this... in my defence he borrowed my £450 nail gun two years ago, and each time i need to use it I have to go and "borrow" it back, then return it when I'm done. Family, eh?

I only use Taptalk on my IPhone, when out and about, too be honest I tried it on my iPad but don’t like the look prefer to use the main site on my iPad, I must look into Taptalk a bit more as I only use it for AoS on my phone.

For Tapatalk, there is this thread. Old but might be helpful.

https://theartofsound.net/forum/show...alk-Compatible

Thanks Greg, that’s helpful!

Tapatalk makes it so much easier to browse the various Forums and it's also much easier to post images too.

Yo Timbo (and others),

Some good suggestions, particularly from Alastair, some of which we'll look into implementing. I agree that the forum is looking a little 'tired' now, and steps will be taken to address this.

However, there's no way we'll be turning AoS into some cold faceless clone of Facebook, or as much as I like pfm, the very much 'IT-led' style of how things are done there. Also, and this is something important to consider, AoS is a place for people who don't live on their mobile phones!

Nothing wrong with that of course, but to get the best experience, come here when you're not stressed out, you have some time on your hands, and can sit back on a comfy armchair with a glass of something nice, in front of a laptop, tablet or PC. That's my 'MO'.

AoS was always designed to be different and to shirk the norm, so the 'homely' feel we have here is a big part of that. Think of us as a comfy country pub, selling real ales, and very much socially distanced from the Wetherspoons lot!:cool:

We are an antidote to the rat race:)

Marco.

Good to see you back :)

Great to have you back mate!

Cheers, mate. Hope you're well:)

Marco.

Lovely to see you back Marco. (Knew there was a reason I shaved the Parmesan on to my pasta last night).

Lol, cheers, mate. Good seeing you on your travels again. You know how to enjoy yourself! :respect:

Marco.

Marco, it's good to see you back and hopefully OK.

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Originally Posted by Marco

Yo Timbo (and others),

Some good suggestions, particularly from Alastair, some of which we'll look into implementing. I agree that the forum is looking a little 'tired' now, and steps will be taken to address this.

However, there's no way we'll be turning AoS into some cold faceless clone of Facebook, or as much as I like pfm, the very much 'IT-led' style of how things are done there. Also, and this is something important to consider, AoS is a place for people who don't live on their mobile phones!

Nothing wrong with that of course, but to get the best experience, come here when you're not stressed out, you have some time on your hands, and can sit back on a comfy armchair with a glass of something nice, in front of a laptop, tablet or PC. That's my 'MO'.

AoS was always designed to be different and to shirk the norm, so the 'homely' feel we have here is a big part of that. Think of us as a comfy country pub, selling real ales, and very much socially distanced from the Wetherspoons lot!:cool:

We are an antidote to the rat race:)

Marco.

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Bloody hell is that really you Marco or some imposter that's hacked your account? If the latter they're doing a good impersonation but with AI it's quite possible these days.

The world seems to have changed so much while you've been away! Not necessarily for the better either.

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Originally Posted by Patrick Dixon

Marco, it's good to see you back and hopefully OK.

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Hi Patrick, thanks. I'm ok and doing much better now:)

I still have some mental health issues, resulting from the effects of long Covid, which need managed with meds.

Marco.

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Originally Posted by Lawrence001

Bloody hell is that really you Marco or some imposter that's hacked your account? If the latter they're doing a good impersonation but with AI it's quite possible these days.

The world seems to have changed so much while you've been away! Not necessarily for the better either.

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I'm curious to know in what way?

Yes, 'tis I. I've missed you guys:)

Marco.

I had to look twice at Marco's first return post because I could barely believe my eyes. Yes, he has returned and very welcome. Just hope he's not AI..:hmm:

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Originally Posted by Marco

I'm curious to know in what way?

Yes, 'tis I. I've missed you guys:)

Marco.

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The rant style is Marcosian. As an AI I fully confirm it.

:D

Dude. Greetings.

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Originally Posted by Marco

Hi Patrick, thanks. I'm ok and doing much better now:)

I still have some mental health issues, resulting from the effects of long Covid, which need managed with meds.

Marco.

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So glad you have come through, notwithstanding the issues stated.
It has been a while, my situation has changed dramatically, as has the stereo.

Welcome back.

Justers,

Yoo knowz da truth, dudekins:respect:

Marco.

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Originally Posted by Firebottle

So glad you have come through, notwithstanding the issues stated.
It has been a while, my situation has changed dramatically, as has the stereo.

Welcome back.

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Cheers, Alan. We'll need to have a catch up:cool:

Marco.

Welcome back!

Cheers, Andrew:thumbsup:

Marco.

Hey Mah, mannn, Marco.

Great to see you back my friend. Brilliant!

Sent from my moto g13 using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by The Black Adder

Hey Mah, mannn, Marco.

Great to see you back my friend. Brilliant!

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Cheers, Jo. It's good to be back:)

Marco.

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Originally Posted by Marco

I'm curious to know in what way?

Yes, 'tis I. I've missed you guys:)

Marco.

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I was thinking primarily of AI as I mentioned but there's Trump 2, Ukraine, the Middle East and several changes in PM to name a few more.

Oh and I forgot to say it's good to have you back in all my excitement [emoji23]

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Originally Posted by Marco

Justers,

Yoo knowz da truth, dudekins:respect:

Marco.

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I think I meant Marconian, not Marcosian.

Autocorrect shit almost got me posting the same mistake twice!

Whatever, bro.

Mental health issues?

Don't worry. We've all got them to a greater or lesser extent;)