New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
DennisCTB
Join Date: Nov 1998 Posts: 2709 NorthWest NJ Pics |
2002-01-17 34641
A new look has been introduced for the Compact Tractor Board.
There were many things I wanted to accomplish with this version. In the first phase I wanted to:
1) Allow members to type less by using cookies to store your userid.
2) Allow non members or "cookie" challenged users to still post messages
3) Change the navigation to hopefully make it easier to use
4) Improve the logic of how Messages are organized so that new boards and forums can be more easily.
5) Increase the activity on the board
6) Improve the boards visual feel
Well we'll see how this works. Users of Internet Explorer will see how the application's look was designed. While those of you who are still using Netscape will see fonts and grids that are just not as nice as under IE. I may put a little more effort in on Netscape but it is so tiring to struggle with it, its such a painful browser. While I am not a fan of Gates, I think you'll enjoy the IE browser if you change at some point.. ..
I have alot of work yet to do in Phase 2:
1) Classified Ads
2) Dealer listings
3) User Profile displays
....
If you are having a problem let me know.
One common problem can occur if your cookies get out of sync. In IE you can go to the Tools / Internet Options / Settings and delete all the cookies. Then relogin to the CTB.
Please let me know your thoughts, and I will work to improve whatever I can.
Also thanks to those that volunteered to use the test site, your input was very valuable.
Dennis
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
Bird Senter
Join Date: Jun 1999 Posts: 962 |
2002-01-17 34642
Wow, Dennis, it's certainly different. I think I like it! ....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
tbarber
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 8 ct |
2002-01-17 34648
It seems to be working for me. I was one of your COOKIE
challenged ones, but you got it fixed for me.
Tom ....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
cutter
Join Date: Feb 2000 Posts: 1307 The South Shore of Lake Ontario, New York Pics |
2002-01-17 34650
I like the look Dennis. When the adds are positioned around in it, the appearance and "feel" will be further enhanced. In my opinion they tend to bring even more authenticity to something like this. I look forward to seeing more pictures from other members of the board, something else that bonds the common interest many of us have such as country living, love of machinery, an interest in helping other members and most importantly, patriotism and love of country. Thank you for this site. ....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
DennisCTB
Join Date: Nov 1998 Posts: 2709 NorthWest NJ Pics |
2002-01-18 34662
Thanks Bird,
If any one is having problems getting on the new board with their CTB userid please email me.
Please indicate what browser you are on and the userid and password you are using, and I will get back to you as soona s possible. ....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
Mrwurm
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 184 South East Michigan |
2002-01-18 34667
The new look is pretty slick. I have viewed it with
Netscape and Explorer. Both seem to work fine.
Oh yeah, thanks for the cookie. Anyone got milk?
....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
Gary in Indiana
Join Date: Posts: 1 |
2002-01-18 34670
Dennis, I really like the new look. The only thing I haven't found is the 'today's posts' and 'past 48 hours posts' sections. Have they gone by the wayside in the new format here? I hope not. I used those options quite a bit. I've probably just not found them yet on this format. Thanks for all of your work on the board. It's a real asset. ....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
TomG
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 5406 Upper Ottawa Valley |
2002-01-18 34672
I like it too, and if this post works, then I solved some early morning problems of my own making. Thanks for the reply Dennis.
I guess more activity is a good goal. However, I like to think of the present activity as of comparatively high substance. More of the same would be good, but I do like finding good answers without having to wade through long threads of 'stuff.' ....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
Depdog
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 20 myLocation |
2002-01-18 34686
Webmaster
The new setup is neat. I also liked the today and 48 hr. post sections.I will keep looking for them, but if they are gone I will adjust. Keep up the GREAT work that you do.
Thanks. John ....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
davidl
Join Date: Posts: 1 |
2002-01-19 34695
Like anything else, change is hard. I am sure I will come to like the new look as much as the old. I too, am looking for 'today's posts' and 'past 48 hours posts' sections.
David ....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
TomG
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 5406 Upper Ottawa Valley |
2002-01-19 34701
I still haven't quite figured out what I'll do the first time I'm away for a week or so to catch up. It seems like the discussion lists only go back a few days, and there are no latest message dates on the forum page. Maybe I'll just end up telling my wife we can't go anywhere--now that might be worth a forum of its own. ....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
DennisCTB
Join Date: Nov 1998 Posts: 2709 NorthWest NJ Pics |
2002-01-19 34707
The today and 48 hour views are now represented by the menu items below:
Discussion Boards > Messages as Posted > Active Subjects >
"Messages as posted" = Today
"Active Subjects" sorta = 48 hours
Tom I plan on making the "Messages as posted" a multi page view that will allow you to go back about a month, and ditto for "Active Subjects".
Remember on the "Messages as posted" page you can sort by "forum" or "time"
The "Discussion Board" page will also be modified to show the most recent post as well.
Thanks for the feedback guys! ....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
Gary in Indiana
Join Date: Posts: 1 |
2002-01-19 34709
Tom, you could always use that as a 'reason' that you 'need' a notebook PC. ;o) ....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
DennisCTB
Join Date: Nov 1998 Posts: 2709 NorthWest NJ Pics |
2002-01-19 34716
The "Discussion Borads" page now includes the date, name, and subject of the most recent post along with a link to the most recent message.
Also notice that you can preview the first line of the message by using your mouse to "mouse over" the icon in front of the link.
Just curious this icon and feature to preview the message without loading the page is on all the CTB message pages. Is anyone using this feature????
Dennis ....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
dsg
Join Date: Jun 1999 Posts: 528 Franklin, Maine Pics |
2002-01-19 34743
Dennis, I know you probably have spent a lot of time and hard work on this new site. I like the old site. Much easier to navigate, easier to recognize new threads and catch-up on threads missed over time. Maybe it's just me having a hard time with change.
David ....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
cutter
Join Date: Feb 2000 Posts: 1307 The South Shore of Lake Ontario, New York Pics |
2002-01-19 34753
The message preview feature is great, I use it frequently Dennis. ....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
ctbtest
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 11 |
2002-01-19 34754
dsg,
Sorry you are having a hard time. Let me know about anything specific I can do to help you. I am always looking to improve.
I have about 250 hours of work in the new version of the CTB now and I am continuing to add to that, so I have a vested interest or bias in the new version ;>), so it always helps to hear what you guys think.
Cutter,
Glad you are using that preview icon that is in front of every message subject list. I find it handy so I don't have to open a message unless the bi line gets my interest.
All,
I fixed some bugs I uncovered today, and added a feature that allows you to link directly to your post after your post succeeds. I like to see if my post took ok and I'm sure you guys do to.
Well keep the comments coming
Dennis ....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
6352
Join Date: Posts: 1 |
2002-01-19 34756
I'm not doing too good at this new setup.
Before I used to login as Bud, now with the new setup I don,t seem to be able to log in.
Just tried to post this and could not because I am registered, but can,t log in.
....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
ctbtest
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 11 |
2002-01-19 34758
Bud,
I also checked my logs, and I think you tried to log in using the "Anonymous" login screen for non Members because you had not logged into the system.
The anonymous screen appears for non members or members who have not logged into the CTB.
Logging into the CTB sets a cookie on your machine that tells the CTB what your user name is. After it is set you are automatically taken to the member post page.
If you are a non Member you type in any "non Member" name at the anonymous posting screen. If You type an existing member name you are told to pick another name that is not member so that no CTB member can be impersonated by someone else.
In addition on the Non Member screen I have explained some of this under the name input box, and there is a link there for member login.
Hope this long winded explanation helps
Dennis
....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
6352
Join Date: Posts: 1 |
2002-01-19 34759
Dennis,---Bud again. I tried to log in again. I need four letters in my user ID, but Bud only has three, Just a little short of logging in.
Bud
....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
dsg
Join Date: Jun 1999 Posts: 528 Franklin, Maine Pics |
2002-01-20 34796
Dennis,
I'm sure I'll get used to it after a while. I've been with ya since 98' and all the other changes, Just older and don't like change I guess.
David ....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
Peters
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 3034 Northern AL Pics |
2002-01-22 34852
Looks good Dennis have not found any problems yet. Was away in Ont. for a week and did not take long to catch up. Thanks for the time and effort. This was certainly less painful than the last rev's teething pains. I hope I did not speak too soon!!! ....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
Alan L
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 9 Texas |
2002-01-23 34876
Looks good. I wish I didn't have to do the "notify" and "my email" fields every time I post though. ....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
Mrwurm
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 184 South East Michigan |
2002-01-26 34952
Dennis,
Something has changed. Within the last two days I have found that I cannot get a post window with netscape. I know that you have optimized for explorer but netscape was working fine until about two days ago. I use several computers during my day and it's universal. I can view the site with netscape but I cannot post with it. Fortunately I have explorer also. Just thought I would let you know. ....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
DennisCTB
Join Date: Nov 1998 Posts: 2709 NorthWest NJ Pics |
2002-01-26 34954
I have been working on a Netscape version bug the last couple of days and its not complete yet. I assume you were talking about a followup message in Netscape? Right ....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
Mrwurm
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 184 South East Michigan |
2002-01-26 34955
The problem occurs when I use 'Reply' or 'Pop Up Window Reply'. I belive this is what you refer to as a followup.
Thank you. The board is great. My wife reports a 70% reduction in tractor talk directed at her since I joined the board. :) ....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
DennisCTB
Join Date: Nov 1998 Posts: 2709 NorthWest NJ Pics |
2002-01-27 35005
I think I have cured the posting problem with Netscape browsers.
Mrwurm please let me know if you have any problems with Netscape when you get a chance.
Thanks,
Dennis ....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
New Look to the Compact Tractor Board
Mrwurm
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 184 South East Michigan |
2002-01-27 35006
Posting from netscape is now back to normal. Thanks.
....
Reply to | Quote Reply | Add Photo
Go Top
Share This