Forum Upgraded

[Nathvaan]

We have upgraded the forum and I set the default to a little newer looking theme.  It looks like the old 'Armageddon' theme still works if you want to keep things old school. 

Also, if you have suggestions of themes you would like available please feel free to let us know and we will look in them!

[Iiyola]

Yaaaaaaaaaas! I've been rooting for these boards! So glad you guys took this in consideration!

[Dunetrade55]

Liking it so far, wonder what all's new?

[BadSkeelz]

I switched back to the "old" Armageddon theme (which appears to be a little busted - missing lines and texts, blank fields, etc.). The new one looked alright but I would have preferred darker text.

[Barsook]

Yeah, the old one has missing things...

[TheWanderer]

Be swept up in the current of change, old people.

Viva la revolución.

[Nathvaan]

Yeah, the old one has missing things...

It's unfortunate but I don't think we will be looking at debugging the old theme.  I suggest using this new one and/or finding one you like and suggesting that we add it as an option.

[LauraMars]

Fancy!

[Armaddict]

I'm bad at this shit.

I no longer have neat and easy quote buttons and things.  How I fix?

[Reiloth]

Yeah i'm confused. It looks the same as before except it's missing lots of words and doesn't look as good. Is there a way to change the theme somewhere?

EDIT:

Oh I found it. I like it! Kind of. I'll get used to it, like I got used to the new GDB

[Synthesis]

Yeah, I'm using one of the old themes, and I'm missing nearly all of the buttons.

I can't even switch to the new theme because I'm missing the link/button that goes to my profile settings.

[Armaddict]

Lizzie, they messed with your GDB.   CUT THEM!

[Insigne]

Yeah, I'm using one of the old themes, and I'm missing nearly all of the buttons.

I can't even switch to the new theme because I'm missing the link/button that goes to my profile settings.

Try this?

[Nathvaan]

I suspect I will need to force everyone to this new theme and remove all the older themes because they are not compatible.  Feel free to suggest themes that are SMF 2.0 compatible and we will make them available (within reason).

[Dunetrade55]

I like it, the color scheme is somewhat relaxing, but again, haven't had much need to fiddle with it, we'll see, if I have any issues with the /new/ theme, I will bring them up here.

[BadSkeelz]

I would be completely fine with the new theme if the Hpyerlinks were a darker color. Pale brown on white is annoying to read. If hyperlinekd matched all the other dark text it'd be swell.

[Armaddict]

I resist change.  *thrashes*

Give me my comfort theme!  *THRASHES!*

Edit <This is a joke post.  I'm in no way actually making the demand stated here.>

[Armaddict]

As a note...for those of us who are less forum-savvy...what benefits did this upgrade bring?  Any increased functionality or anything that the user would be aware of/be able to use?

[Synthesis]

Need a theme that's sand-and-brown, without all this powder-blue stuff.

[manipura]

As a note...for those of us who are less forum-savvy...what benefits did this upgrade bring?  Any increased functionality or anything that the user would be aware of/be able to use?

When I look at someone's profile, I see an option [Add To My Buddy List].  Is that a new thing?  I don't think that was a thing before?  I don't even know.


Arcane Magic, we had good times. 
This new default theme is so different and I miss you already.

[BadSkeelz]

While poking around I noticed a "Automatically block posts by users on your Ignore list" function. Not sure how you would add someone to that list, but there are apparently a couple of new features.

[Armaddict]

You can be my buddy.  I'm sure it means it will spam you with messages whenever I post very interesting things.

This is so strange and foreign that I'm clicking on things to see if jack-in-the-boxes pop out or something.  The buttons all look weird.

[Insigne]

Feel free to suggest themes that are SMF 2.0 compatible and we will make them available (within reason).

DS-Natural, maybe?

[valeria]

I understand the need for tech updates. But man do I hate change.

Things I liked about my old theme:
Dark text on light background.
Higher color contrast between alternating posts.

All of this light brown text on white (the links section at the top of the page) and yellow text on a pale blue background (the main forum page) is next to impossible for me to read on my phone. I'm not good with tech and don't really know where I'd even start looking for themes.

But are there handicap accessibility plugins that could be installed? I think that could fix my issue with not enough contrast.

[Jihelu]

I think this new layout looks like butt.
But reading that buttons are gone on the older themes..

Looks like it's home now.

[Ath]

As the old one is dead, we're going to be making sure the default is a similar looking theme, but we are welcome to any suggestions if people find themes that they'd' like to use.  Also if anyone wants to take the Arm Icon and make it into a smaller icon for the upper right hand corner, we can see about using that also.  Once we get a bunch of suggestions, we'll pick the ones we like and put it to a vote.

[Hauwke]

Oh god my eyes. This looks real funny on my phone. Everything is there but it looks funny since my profile pic is apparently bugged or doesnt like the new theme. Otherwise looks like I will have to get used to it. Thanks guys.

[LauraMars]

Here's some themes...

http://www.dzinerstudio.com/index.php?action=downloads;cat=1

[LauraMars]

Here's a theme that is actually called ARMAGEDDON! http://www.awesomestyles.com/smf-themes/view/armageddon

But it has a bit more of an urban/sci fi feel than a desert feel.

[Malifaxis]

There will be a period of adjustment in which I will fucking wet myself every time my GDB looks funny.

However, I trust in you, like that fucking snake from The Jungle Book, and I know this will be all for the better when it finishes.

[LauraMars]

Oh, and I like this one: http://www.awesomestyles.com/smf-themes/view/ambassador

[Ath]

Yeah, I will admit, when we finished the test upgrade and we saw it... it was a bit off.  This theme we have is better than the default IMO.  Make sure when posting theme options, please post direct links or at least a name we can find it under.

[Nathvaan]

Oh, and I like this one: http://www.awesomestyles.com/smf-themes/view/ambassador

I added this one as a higher contrast option.  We will add more later as we get some more suggestions.  Please keep them coming!

[evilcabbage]

AMBASSADOR THEME IS GOOD THEME

whoops cabbage caps.l

[LauraMars]

Feel free to suggest themes that are SMF 2.0 compatible and we will make them available (within reason).

DS-Natural, maybe?

I like this one too.

[BadSkeelz]

Ambassador is definitely more legible than the current standard, although it's impossible to make out the names of online Staff (in blue). I'll stick with this one for a little while and see how it does.

[Reiloth]

Oh, and I like this one: http://www.awesomestyles.com/smf-themes/view/ambassador

I like this one or something like this one.

[Reiloth]

The Forum now appears to be faster. Faster loading, faster posting.

Change the Forum all you like, Staff. It's your thang, do what you wanna do.

[Lizzie]

Someone get me a butcher knife. I got some cutting to do.

Hate it.

[Samoa]

I'm using the ambassador theme right now as it's the best of the available options, but I'm still not really feeling it, stylistically.

The closer we can get to plain white text on a black background in a monospaced font the better. Everything is cartoonishly enormous -- the buttons, the space, the text, everything. I would love a completely stripped barebones theme.

[WanderingOoze]

[LauraMars]

Some more themes I like or other people might like:

https://smftricks.com/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=61
https://smftricks.com/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=59
https://smftricks.com/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=39
https://smftricks.com/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=32
https://smftricks.com/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=18

http://www.themesbase.com/preview/?preview=7382

[Samoa]

http://custom.simplemachines.org/themes/index.php?lemma=2382 ?

[Lizzie]

This one LauraMars added: http://www.themesbase.com/preview/?preview=7382 seems the least offensive at the moment. I'd much prefer very-dark text on very-light background, with alternating shaded thread lines.

Also, I prefer the buttons on that one.

Also, if I have new messages, will I see a "1 New Message" next to my name like I used to, or will I not even know I have new messages without clicking on "My Messages?" Because - I don't click shit unless I have a reason to click it. If I don't KNOW there's a new message, I'm not likely to ever click that button.

[The Warshaper]

I like it! Looks sharp. Not the dirty thieving elf kind either!

[Raptor_Dan]

I'm freaking out, man. I'm trying to be okay with this, but, I think I need to take a break from looking at the gdb. I do not like change of this order of magnitude, it's too much.

I feel like I've had a stroke, I smell toast.

[Reiloth]

I like Ambassador, and:

https://smftricks.com/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=61

https://smftricks.com/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=18

Also guys, think how gracious Staff is in upgrading our Forum, taking the time to do so, and asking us the playerbase for options of themes and what we like. The forum update has lead to faster speeds, increased protection from spam and malicious dinks, and a heap of upgraded features (And from what I gather, increased features/useability in the future) Pretty much a win/win. Let's be celebratory! Change is hard but on the even of Election Day, I gotta say, this was a welcome one.

[mansa]

does my signature work?

[BadSkeelz]

It appears, your quote is there, and the link to your Newbie guide still works. If that's what you're asking about.

[Feco]

I like the current default theme...

[Toofie]

I like it. Wish there was a like button.

[meep79a]

Only first impressions:
I like the old version better. This seems a bit too bulky.

Im open to new things though, maybe it will grow on me.

[Gravity]

Guys.

We have found an interim theme that looks pretty good, but we'd enjoy suggestions from you all on themes you like.

Take a breath. It's temporary.

[Barzalene]

I like this theme we're currently using.

I also like these:
http://www.themesbase.com/SMF-Themes/7413_Class-Red.html
http://www.smfpacks.com/themedemo/?theme=4
http://custom.simplemachines.org/themes/index.php?lemma=1311

[Jihelu]

I will admit that I like the new layout on the top, though.
The 'home help search' etc bar.

[bardlyone]

I'll second the wish for a like button.
I wasn't initially into the new forum look because I thought someone hacked my profile or something went screwy. Not a fan of the new default theme, but I really dig the ambassador theme, the sand and obsidian palette is nice.

[Molten Heart]

.

[Sedora]

Okay, chiming in! I actually love that the forums were upgraded. I used to admin boards under this codebase before I got into text RPG games, hah. Glad you guys got us updated so that you can better service the boards and keep things safe for all of us bystanders.

That said, I'm not going to be able to use the boards with their current theme. It isn't because I don't want to, cause I love the way they're organized. There is just something about the level of contrast/color coordination with this color scheme that's causing actual irl-physical stress on my eyes, and I can't look at it for more than a few minutes at a time without having to close my eyes and let them relax. Typing this message up was a fun adventure, to be sure.

I would beg, plead, implore and humbly suggest something along the lines of these two themes, as a plain, greyscale option, which would be easier for me to physically deal with:

This one is called Apple: http://custom.simplemachines.org/themes/index.php?lemma=2790
This one is called tabs dark side: http://custom.simplemachines.org/themes/index.php?lemma=1451

There is also this one called Presence that is more colorful-greyscale and isn't hurty to look at: http://custom.simplemachines.org/themes/index.php?lemma=2284


I felt really bad complaining, but once I confirmed that the colors on the current theme were actually affecting my eye-health, I figured staff wouldn't feel slighted if I spoke up about it. I really really love what you guys did, I just can't handle the colors.

[whitt]

I think.... the link to the Armageddon.org page is missing?  It would be nice to have that back.

[Lizzie]

I really REALLY like that tabs dark side, Sedora. I agree - the lights are too bright, the darks aren't sharp enough. I don't read in color. I don't have highlighted text or colored text on my game client either, for the same reason. My text is a navy-dark-grayish color, and my background is a near-white grey.

[azuriolinist]

...
This one is called Apple: http://custom.simplemachines.org/themes/index.php?lemma=2790
This one is called tabs dark side: http://custom.simplemachines.org/themes/index.php?lemma=1451

There is also this one called Presence that is more colorful-greyscale and isn't hurty to look at: http://custom.simplemachines.org/themes/index.php?lemma=2284
...

I like these choices! Also, if you're having trouble with the default theme, you can change it in your settings to one of the other options.

I know there are a ton of theme suggestions already, but here are some others that I thought might have some colors of Arm:
Red Sample
Simple

So many choices. Eheh.

[Nathvaan]

I felt really bad complaining, but once I confirmed that the colors on the current theme were actually affecting my eye-health, I figured staff wouldn't feel slighted if I spoke up about it. I really really love what you guys did, I just can't handle the colors.

No need to feel bad.  This is exactly the kind of reason we are asking for options.  We aren't set on branding the GDB in any particular way.  We would much rather have it be usable, comfortable and capable to be customized.  That said, I won't be looking at uploading themes that would be more or less specific to one person because they only want neon pink text.  But I have no issue getting a nice amount of choices available.

Please just be patient with us as we let everyone make suggestions.  Rest assured we will get this all settled and a reasonable amount of options available soon!

[BrokenRomance]

I'd be interested in a dark themed sort of thing. Like, black backgrounds, white text. I've become a habitual user of them because they lessen the amount of light my laptop uses when I have guests and I'm doing my stay up way later thing and don't want to disturb them.

They also put way less strain on my eyes usually, although I don't tend to mind that as much as long as the background isn't #00000. I've edited my ebook program to colour white to parchment instead, for lesser strain on the eyes with prolonged reading, so if not something dark, maybe something just not outright white would be nice.

[Ath]

Okay, chiming in! I actually love that the forums were upgraded. I used to admin boards under this codebase before I got into text RPG games, hah. Glad you guys got us updated so that you can better service the boards and keep things safe for all of us bystanders.

That said, I'm not going to be able to use the boards with their current theme. It isn't because I don't want to, cause I love the way they're organized. There is just something about the level of contrast/color coordination with this color scheme that's causing actual irl-physical stress on my eyes, and I can't look at it for more than a few minutes at a time without having to close my eyes and let them relax. Typing this message up was a fun adventure, to be sure.

I would beg, plead, implore and humbly suggest something along the lines of these two themes, as a plain, greyscale option, which would be easier for me to physically deal with:

This one is called Apple: http://custom.simplemachines.org/themes/index.php?lemma=2790
This one is called tabs dark side: http://custom.simplemachines.org/themes/index.php?lemma=1451

There is also this one called Presence that is more colorful-greyscale and isn't hurty to look at: http://custom.simplemachines.org/themes/index.php?lemma=2284


I felt really bad complaining, but once I confirmed that the colors on the current theme were actually affecting my eye-health, I figured staff wouldn't feel slighted if I spoke up about it. I really really love what you guys did, I just can't handle the colors.

If you go under your Profile under Look and Layout, we've added an "Ambassador" theme that is more high contrast that will help with that.  I'm actually giving it a try myself now.

[Insigne]

Feel free to suggest themes that are SMF 2.0 compatible and we will make them available (within reason).

DS-Natural, maybe?

I like this one too.

I like to think the logo wouldn't look terrible on it, either.


What I find iffy are the grey-on-orange menu items and orange code background.

[SuchDragonWow]

Ambassador is good, better than the default, I think.  Kudos on the upgrade!

[Reiloth]

Yeah, i'm really digging Ambassador. Kudos!

[Delirium]

Ambassador hurts my eyes! I like the default theme well enough now that I'm used to it.

[valeria]

I appreciate the addition of the higher contrast, light text on dark background option.  It's working for me so far.

[Dunetrade55]

Thanks for fixing up the forums! I have no criticism of the default, myself, so I really have no horse in this race, other than to say, it is appreciated. Also, what Lizzie said about PMs, if there's a way to have new messages show up under new replies, that would be preferable.

[Sedora]

If you go under your Profile under Look and Layout, we've added an "Ambassador" theme that is more high contrast that will help with that.  I'm actually giving it a try myself now.

I CAN SEE! This theme is glorious, thank you guys so very much. My eyes don't hurt when I browse anymore.

[James de Monet]

Rather than pick an existing theme, I decided to experiment with creating one specifically for the forum.  Still kind of a WIP, but initial results are below.  Any feedback would be welcome.  (Click, then magnify for full size)

[Hauwke]

Dude I would use that shit. I would love to use it.

[manipura]

That looks really good.  I wasn't sure I would like the colours very much, but they seem to work.  I am a fan of the dark background and lighter text too.  And the left side where the buttons for new/unread posts are eclipsing suns (or maybe moons?  But I think suns...)  ...that's pretty cool.  Nicely done.

[RogueGunslinger]

I like that look a lot. Like, a lot a lot.

[Ath]

Very nice.  We can definitely take custom submissions also, and if you put in the logo and what not along with it, awesome!  This looks really good so far.  If you can send an email to mud@armageddon.org with the package for the theme, we can toss it on there and test it out.

[Lizzie]

Though I'm a fan of reading things as if they were actual books (light background, dark text, limited graphics), that one from James was definitely readable. It's missing the voting buttons, but otherwise I like it!

[Reiloth]

Yeah, I think if you add the voting buttons it's perfect.

[Iiyola]

I'd also love the option of actually seeing my post after i posted it.

[Insigne]

While we're on the topic, I took a readily-made theme and more or less did a lot of copy-pasting.

[BadSkeelz]

While we're on the topic, I took a readily-made theme and more or less did a lot of copy-pasting.

I'd be interested in giving this a spin

[TheWanderer]

They're both sexy. Devote ALL the resources.

[Insigne]

Already on it!

What I've got so far:


And a... cleaner version? I dunno. It's an option.


Besides that, better mobile support is in the works, thanks to my sister. If I manage to figure it out, I'll be moving the hard-to-read text blurbs out of the header and giving them a space of their own. There are a few more pictures in here, if anyone wants to offer feedback. I've been using a little online tool in terms of readability but if something doesn't sit right, let me know and I'll adjust it.

[Ath]

Sheesh, just might have to see about making a contest for who can make the most awesome custom theme if others start joining in. I mean, if there was interest that is.  I'm loving the fact you all are working to try to make these.  It's very much appreciated!

[James de Monet]

If you can send an email to mud@armageddon.org with the package for the theme, we can toss it on there and test it out.

Can do.  One or two things I want to clean up first.  Do you know if anyone has a high res version of the logo, especially one with layers for the text, etc?

[Nathvaan]

If you can send an email to mud@armageddon.org with the package for the theme, we can toss it on there and test it out.

Can do.  One or two things I want to clean up first.  Do you know if anyone has a high res version of the logo, especially one with layers for the text, etc?

I don't know if this image is available but I will look around and see if one is hiding somewhere.  I wouldn't think it is terribly likely but I will let you know if I come across one.

[Lizzie]

I just realized something very important is missing from the new forums: a link to the main Armageddon website. It used to be right under the vote buttons in the upper right corner. I don't see it anywhere now.

[Nathvaan]

I just realized something very important is missing from the new forums: a link to the main Armageddon website. It used to be right under the vote buttons in the upper right corner. I don't see it anywhere now.

Seems that it was on one theme but not the default.  Thanks for pointing it out!

[Lizzie]

Errsome, tankx!    <3 <3 <3 <3

[Raptor_Dan]

Yeah, James, it looks awesome.


...but it needs to be grittier, harsher. Maybe make the preview harder to view, with a 20% chance to crash my browser.

(edited to add the only criticism I could think off)

[evilcabbage]

15% chance to cause your computer to transform into a shaped-charge explosive directed straight at your chest.

[Hauwke]

And a whopping 30% chance for:Uber scrab to be rl summoned.

[Sedora]

I'd also love the option of actually seeing my post after i posted it.

Just to chime in on this, this is a general forum setting, and seems to be unrelated to themes. You can go to your profile settings, under Look and Layout, and tick off a box that automatically returns you to topics after you post in them.

[Barzalene]

I just  wish this theme featured the logo.