Forum Skin Feedback

Omni · 07-09-2007, 05:42 PM

Hey guys, i've adjusted EAUK_Insignia's announcement to include a screenshot of the new forum. You can find it here.

Your feedback would be most appreciated.

*Edit*
This is the alternative idea we've come up with:

We've also had a skin designed by Aaron which can be seen here:
http://www.aaroncorby.com/ts2uk_idea.html

Your feedback on both of these would be greatly appreciated.

Becky · 07-09-2007, 05:43 PM

It looks nice.

I was expecting something horrible.

Speshal Crayon · 07-09-2007, 05:46 PM

I'm not keen on the background. It's too complicated. A simple colour would look nicer. If it goes ahead though, I guess I'll at least have Ad-Block.

Apart from that it's great.

Ayeffen · 07-09-2007, 05:46 PM

Not sure about the background.

Everything else looks lovely.

flagenno · 07-09-2007, 05:47 PM

I hate it. I much prefer the current version, simple & clean.

Kaeroll · 07-09-2007, 05:49 PM

Not a fan of the background - though it is a nice idea - it's quite distracting. Looks good otherwise though.

Maus652 · 07-09-2007, 05:49 PM

Hm...the forums are in the wrong order!

It's nice, not sure on the background.

Will avatars etc be abolished then? or just being able to see them in the banner?

Rohannnn · 07-09-2007, 05:55 PM

Looks good. And if it is vBulletin, yay!

If I had to say one thing, I think that the background fits with the colour scheme nicely, although I'm not sure "Loading Pleasantview" looks like it belongs there.

Also, it looks from the screenshot like these forums are going to be merged into subforums inside a big UK forum for all EA titles? Is that true, or is it just to do with branding or something?

Graeme · 07-09-2007, 05:59 PM

The EA logo is huge making the gap between the top and the content huge (and it's pretty blank, so a bit annoying).

The background is nice..ish, i like the idea but couldn't you find the backgroundd without loading pleasentview on it? It does kind of dull the theme too, usually the sims is brightly themed... though i think i could live with it if there wasn't that huge gap at the top.

The colour of the links at the top is too close to the background making it hard to read, the position seems....un-controlled if you see what i mean. Why not make the ea logo smaller and put that in line with the forum body on the right with the links aliging to the left of the forum body... again, if you know what i mean (I'm a bad explainer)

The gradients on the bars are a bit ugly, i'd say simple would be fine there with just a block colour... or subtle like the bars we currently have.

The grey works on an EA forum, but not a Sims forum... they are seperate brands, so really should be treated that way.

The transparency makes it a bit hard to read the text with the background behind it, but maybe less transparency would help... or just a block of colour.

It would also appear your merging all the forums into a big one with subforums for each game... like atari have done. From my first visit to the atari forums i found them really confusing and hard to figure out where i was going... So i'm probably against that idea too.

And bring back the sim city 4/societies forum!

bunnii0 · 07-09-2007, 06:05 PM

Looks nice.

However, as many of the others say, Im not completely sure on the background.

Rohannnn · 07-09-2007, 06:13 PM

The main thing I don't like about merged forums is that it makes searching really difficult - for example clicking "New Posts" would presumably retrieve all new posts for all EA games that have forums there, unless it was configured to work with a certain set of subforums only.

Nicospoon · 07-09-2007, 06:15 PM

Too fussy

It needs to be simplier and brighter.

Aaron · 07-09-2007, 06:21 PM

Rather unimpressed for three reasons (which have already been mentioned):

The background is too busy and would be far too distracting. Something subtle would be nice, please?

Overall, I feel it's a little too ... coloured. Some white is always a good thing.

The merging of forums, if it is the case, I don't like the idea of. I'm a member of a The Sims 2 community to be around like-minded people, I don't want the Medal of Honor and EA Sports folk marching in and being a nuisance, which they will.

"OMGZ THE SIMZ IS TEH SUCK!" etc ... you can be sure it'll happen because people can be idiots.

If the merger isn't happening, fine ... that's good.

Beffi · 07-09-2007, 06:24 PM

I personally think it's a bit too dark, it'd be nice to see some lighter colours in it.

But I also agree with everyone else on the background - a bit too busy, I think a block colour would be nice.

Would this 'update' to the forum mean all the threads were deleted?

bunnii0 · 07-09-2007, 06:28 PM

*is wondering*

Is it like that when you write out a post as well??

Aaron · 07-09-2007, 06:29 PM

I just said the same thing to someone - if it is, well, God help partially sighted users.

Graeme · 07-09-2007, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nyaren

I just said the same thing to someone - if it is, well, God help partially sighted users.

he said it too me

!!

It's a good point though, it's hard to read a few words on it, nevermind a full post.

Jessie · 07-09-2007, 06:36 PM

um...the forums are in the wrong order and there isnt a creators or voting forum...

I dont like the loading pleasent view background...also what will happen to all our details. I like this one really why cant we just keep it.

bunnii0 · 07-09-2007, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jessieloo232

um...the forums are in the wrong order and there isnt a creators or voting forum...

I dont like the loading pleasent view background...also what will happen to all our details. I like this one really why cant we just keep it.

If you notice you can see the start of another topic to the end of the page.

Insignia · 07-09-2007, 06:44 PM

The move to vbulletin is essential if the community is to expand. It will provide us and essentially you - fantastic new features that we can introduce in the future.

Your feedback on the skin is valued and we have tried various styles so far.

The order of the forums isnt final - so please ignore that.

Aaron · 07-09-2007, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EAUK_Insignia

The move to vbulletin is essential if the community is to expand. It will provide us and essentially you - fantastic new features that we can introduce in the future.

I do like the move to vBulletin, but are all EA communities merging into one?

FluffySim92 · 07-09-2007, 06:47 PM

vBulletin is good

I won't bother retyping the stuff about the background, it's already been said anyway.

Please don't merge it with all EA games? I like it being a Sims 2 community... the atmosphere is friendly and I think if there's loads of other people that might go. I don't know though, but I would like it to stay as a Sims 2 community.

And suggestion(/demand lol :P):
Please bring back the diary forum?! And a games forum?

That would be swell. ;D

Aaron · 07-09-2007, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FluffySim92

And suggestion(/demand lol :P):
Please bring back the diary forum?! And a games forum?

Now Fluffy-Face, I love you, but I'm going to have to remove a limb of yours for that one. :P

AmandaonMon · 07-09-2007, 06:50 PM

Like everyone else, the background puts me off. Plain and simple is definitely the way to go. That's why I like the white background on the current forums.

Nicospoon · 07-09-2007, 07:05 PM

I've heard that there's another version you could consider....

07-09-2007, 05:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
Omni Forum Junkie Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: The Institute Gender: Male Posts: 3,395 Blog Entries: 7	Forum Skin Feedback Hey guys, i've adjusted EAUK_Insignia's announcement to include a screenshot of the new forum. You can find it here. Your feedback would be most appreciated. Edit This is the alternative idea we've come up with: We've also had a skin designed by Aaron which can be seen here: http://www.aaroncorby.com/ts2uk_idea.html Your feedback on both of these would be greatly appreciated. __________________ Recently played: Need for Speed: Undercover Have you Met your match? Electronic Arts[/size]

07-09-2007, 05:43 PM	#2 (permalink)
Becky EA Veteran Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Birmingham Age: 18 Gender: Female Posts: 30,674	It looks nice. I was expecting something horrible. __________________ last.fm twitter

07-09-2007, 05:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
Ayeffen EA Veteran Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: London, England Age: 19 Gender: Male Posts: 19,795 Blog Entries: 2	Not sure about the background. Everything else looks lovely. __________________ A y e f f e n

07-09-2007, 05:47 PM	#5 (permalink)
flagenno Forum Guru Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Tokyo, Japan Posts: 1,601	I hate it. I much prefer the current version, simple & clean. __________________

07-09-2007, 05:49 PM	#6 (permalink)
Kaeroll Elite Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: The North Posts: 5,531	Not a fan of the background - though it is a nice idea - it's quite distracting. Looks good otherwise though. __________________ You know you want to.

07-09-2007, 05:46 PM	#3 (permalink)
Speshal Crayon Elite Join Date: Feb 2007 Age: 17 Gender: Female Posts: 9,770	I'm not keen on the background. It's too complicated. A simple colour would look nicer. If it goes ahead though, I guess I'll at least have Ad-Block. Apart from that it's great.

07-09-2007, 05:55 PM	#8 (permalink)
Rohannnn Forum Junkie Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Surrey UK Posts: 4,021	Looks good. And if it is vBulletin, yay! If I had to say one thing, I think that the background fits with the colour scheme nicely, although I'm not sure "Loading Pleasantview" looks like it belongs there. Also, it looks from the screenshot like these forums are going to be merged into subforums inside a big UK forum for all EA titles? Is that true, or is it just to do with branding or something?

07-09-2007, 05:59 PM	#9 (permalink)
Graeme Forum Junkie Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Boring Land Posts: 3,947	The EA logo is huge making the gap between the top and the content huge (and it's pretty blank, so a bit annoying). The background is nice..ish, i like the idea but couldn't you find the backgroundd without loading pleasentview on it? It does kind of dull the theme too, usually the sims is brightly themed... though i think i could live with it if there wasn't that huge gap at the top. The colour of the links at the top is too close to the background making it hard to read, the position seems....un-controlled if you see what i mean. Why not make the ea logo smaller and put that in line with the forum body on the right with the links aliging to the left of the forum body... again, if you know what i mean (I'm a bad explainer) The gradients on the bars are a bit ugly, i'd say simple would be fine there with just a block colour... or subtle like the bars we currently have. The grey works on an EA forum, but not a Sims forum... they are seperate brands, so really should be treated that way. The transparency makes it a bit hard to read the text with the background behind it, but maybe less transparency would help... or just a block of colour. It would also appear your merging all the forums into a big one with subforums for each game... like atari have done. From my first visit to the atari forums i found them really confusing and hard to figure out where i was going... So i'm probably against that idea too. And bring back the sim city 4/societies forum! __________________ MyRoundBox

07-09-2007, 06:05 PM	#10 (permalink)
bunnii0 EA Veteran Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: In the corner. On a squishy cushion, surrounded by skittles. Posts: 11,351	Looks nice. However, as many of the others say, Im not completely sure on the background. __________________

07-09-2007, 06:13 PM	#11 (permalink)
Rohannnn Forum Junkie Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Surrey UK Posts: 4,021	The main thing I don't like about merged forums is that it makes searching really difficult - for example clicking "New Posts" would presumably retrieve all new posts for all EA games that have forums there, unless it was configured to work with a certain set of subforums only.

07-09-2007, 06:15 PM	#12 (permalink)
Nicospoon Forum Guru Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Scotland! Posts: 2,366	Too fussy It needs to be simplier and brighter. __________________

07-09-2007, 06:21 PM	#13 (permalink)
Aaron EA Veteran Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 27,982	Rather unimpressed for three reasons (which have already been mentioned): The background is too busy and would be far too distracting. Something subtle would be nice, please? Overall, I feel it's a little too ... coloured. Some white is always a good thing. The merging of forums, if it is the case, I don't like the idea of. I'm a member of a The Sims 2 community to be around like-minded people, I don't want the Medal of Honor and EA Sports folk marching in and being a nuisance, which they will. "OMGZ THE SIMZ IS TEH SUCK!" etc ... you can be sure it'll happen because people can be idiots. If the merger isn't happening, fine ... that's good.

07-09-2007, 06:24 PM	#14 (permalink)
Beffi EA Veteran Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: South Yorkshire, bleh. Gender: Female Posts: 15,943	I personally think it's a bit too dark, it'd be nice to see some lighter colours in it. But I also agree with everyone else on the background - a bit too busy, I think a block colour would be nice. Would this 'update' to the forum mean all the threads were deleted? __________________ [♪ Half psychotic, sick, hypnotic. ♪] \|\| [♪ Got my blueprint electronic ♪]

07-09-2007, 06:28 PM	#15 (permalink)
bunnii0 EA Veteran Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: In the corner. On a squishy cushion, surrounded by skittles. Posts: 11,351	is wondering Is it like that when you write out a post as well?? __________________

07-09-2007, 06:29 PM	#16 (permalink)
Aaron EA Veteran Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 27,982	I just said the same thing to someone - if it is, well, God help partially sighted users.

07-09-2007, 06:36 PM	#18 (permalink)
Jessie Elite Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: At my desk silly Age: 18 Posts: 8,050 Blog Entries: 3	um...the forums are in the wrong order and there isnt a creators or voting forum... I dont like the loading pleasent view background...also what will happen to all our details. I like this one really why cant we just keep it.

07-09-2007, 06:44 PM	#20 (permalink)
Insignia Retired Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 611	The move to vbulletin is essential if the community is to expand. It will provide us and essentially you - fantastic new features that we can introduce in the future. Your feedback on the skin is valued and we have tried various styles so far. The order of the forums isnt final - so please ignore that.

07-09-2007, 06:47 PM	#22 (permalink)
FluffySim92 Forum Guru Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: At my desk drinking a cuppa :) Age: 17 Posts: 2,312	vBulletin is good I won't bother retyping the stuff about the background, it's already been said anyway. Please don't merge it with all EA games? I like it being a Sims 2 community... the atmosphere is friendly and I think if there's loads of other people that might go. I don't know though, but I would like it to stay as a Sims 2 community. And suggestion(/demand lol :P): Please bring back the diary forum?! And a games forum? That would be swell. ;D __________________

07-09-2007, 06:50 PM	#24 (permalink)
AmandaonMon Forum Junkie Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Inside Rufus Shinra's head Posts: 3,057	Like everyone else, the background puts me off. Plain and simple is definitely the way to go. That's why I like the white background on the current forums. __________________ Amanda

07-09-2007, 07:05 PM	#25 (permalink)
Nicospoon Forum Guru Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Scotland! Posts: 2,366	I've heard that there's another version you could consider.... __________________