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pdrg
Support Moderator
United Kingdom
2897 Posts |
 Posted - 21 September 2005 : 10:38:26
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| Sobrietyonline, Glad the community is working for you, please stick around and share ideas and fun :) |
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sobrietyonline
Starting Member
21 Posts |
Posted - 23 September 2005 : 17:59:23
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| ok you guys are being nice but seriously, what do you think I need to do to improve my forum (besides a new topic or getting rid of it ; ). Anon how did you get the curved horizontal separators... I need a more polished look. any suggestions? |
Sobriety Online Forums |
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AnonJr
Moderator
United States
5768 Posts |
Posted - 23 September 2005 : 20:59:57
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I'm using a css-based version of Snitz. Because of that I can set the row's background to a repeating gif. Its a small gradient (75 bytes) that I created in Macromedia's Fireworks MX. Using the style sheet I set it to repeat across the row.
As for the rest, the only thing that bugs me - and this is with the base design - is the alignment of the links in the upper-right. With the logo you're using I'd at least give everything a sharp left-alignment.... but that's me. You ask a design question to 12 designers and you'll get at least 24 different answers!
If you are looking for some good graphics design tips, I'd check out The Non-Designer's Design Book by Robin Williams (not the actor). I wouldn't recommend her stratagy for web programming as she will have you just creating tables to hold you PhotoShop art. That has its place, but not for every page. Her graphics design is another matter. |
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Etymon
Advanced Member
United States
2396 Posts |
Posted - 25 September 2005 : 17:39:23
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Hi sobriety,
I took a look at your forum. One thing I didn't do is research what other similar sites are offering. Two things that did come to mind off the bat was adding a forum for family, friends, and volunteers and another forum for folks who do not live in your area.
My step-father was a heavy drinker. As a teenager, I would have been troubled at home if he caught me posting help publicly online on how to deal with him or his addiction. So, keep in mind about younger audiences and those who fear reaching out for help.
Another thing that came to mind was links to other good supportive sites in your area such as local support groups (both online and offline). There is a Links Manager MOD available around here somewhere.
Lastly, what are the real things that those with addictions miss in life? How do they stay abreast on those important issues? My stepfather was a brilliant man, but his family went through hell over it. Maybe have a few fun things that aren't too deep emotionally for them to have for entertainment.
As far as over-modding a forum, what Roger Fredriksson said is basically correct according to my experiences. In trying to appeal vastly to a majority of users with cool tweaks, I think I missed the boat a time or two on hitting my target market. If your market is, by nature of their primary interests, technically-minded, then they will be self-competent to appreciate the tools. If you have to teach folks how to use the tools, then you have yet another job on your hands.
Make your forum easy-fun, easy-logic, and easy-cool. Beyond that, I think your are making more work for yourself and taking the fun out of your enjoyment of the site.
Cheers,
Etymon
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sobrietyonline
Starting Member
21 Posts |
Posted - 26 September 2005 : 18:20:22
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Anon, thanks... I got the gradient thing working (thanks to you). Now if I could only get the horizontal bars thinner! I have been learning css and I have incorporated it on my main site so I would be table-less, and I have moved on from frontpage to dreamweaver (but I'm still hooked on Access). That's my next goal. Thanks again on your suggestions.
Etymon, I appreciate your response (I actually had to sleep on it so I could try and come up with a thoughtful response). You are right on target.
I will add topics for friends and family.
I do have alot of links on my main site but I will try and incorporate them on the forum.
There is an embarrassment or fear factor about being on a web-site like mine. Unfortunately, you really don't want people to know that you are on the site. Of course I have the title in Big Bold Letters, maybe I should abbreviate the title. I was previously thinking of SOL (and I'm seriously still considering it). But I am still figuring out my target audience - at this point I'm happy if anybody comes across it.
My forum is new and I want it to look somewhat inviting. I definitely agree that it's content that matters and I will be thinking about that more as I become more comfortable with the look. There are so many sobriety sites out there I thought my niche could be the Philadelphia area and alcohol free activities.
I just want to thank you guys for your time and responses. This is definitely a community here.
sol
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