Active topics

[ilovedmymantas]

I was looking for the Robsey post about the forum layout ( I know I didn't imagine it ) and something doesn't seem quite right.

When I click to read more of the latest posts at the bottom of the page it takes me to unread posts dating back to before I joined.
I clicked on active topics but it only gave me nine. Is there a way to increase the pages available, unread posts has loads?

[Robsey]

You are not going mad.

I wrote a thread about forum layout following a few requests to go back to the old CavMk3OC layout as a long term / permanent prospect.

But after a few days without answers / and a few thoughts of my own, I deleted the topic.

I thought that I was simply digging up "another old chestnut",
so I had a change of heart and decided that I should just leave stuff alone whilst they are working.

As for Active Topics - the proper title should be topics with posts posted in the last seven days.

Older than that, and the forum configuration decides that the topic is no longer active.

I will have a look to see if I can change the settings to "within 14 days" or even "within the last month".
Although this may not be until tomorrow evening - it is van night tonight.

[ilovedmymantas]

Thanks, I sometimes wonder

I think the old layout was easier to navigate but I'm used to the new one now. I imagine it looks less daunting to newcomers.

I now like the newer logo. I didn't at first but CavMk3OC seems "of it's time", a lot for people to take in verbally. There doesn't seem to be any point to flyers nowadays either.

Vauxhallcavalier.com is more descriptive and suits these simpler times. If there were window stickers, a subtle uniform grey would be my ideal.

overall it's fine.
Unfortunately new cavalier owners can't be conjured up

[Robsey]

I was discussing it with Troy last night.

Many of the older members prefer the visual of the old layout.
And as you say, it is far easier to navigate.

Unfortunately, at this time, there are not many of the "early members" left anymore.

Apologies if I offend and miss out anyone, but I think Myself, James and Andrei (Cavalier342) are the only "active" members that were here 12 years ago.

Occasionaly the odd early member may pop in and dip their toes into the forum, before disappearing again.
(EnvoyCDX, btccTroy etc).

The term vauxhall cavalier is very vague - we only cover the mk3 really, so do not receive traffic for the two earlier models.
(Although my old mk2 will always be my favourite car ever).

As for the current forum banner -
It is very plain and "corporate".
Dare I say it is a tad boring?.
It does not give a warm and friendly welcome.

As for new members...
We do get a few new sign-ups every week.
But many stay in the background looking for free information.

A bit like me and facebook.
I have an account, but never really post.

[btcctroy]

CAVMK3OC.com, do it, do it, do it now!
this layout is a load of sh*te, and should of never changed! thats what happens when the forum police take over!

[ilovedmymantas]

Many of the older members prefer the visual of the old layout.
And as you say, it is far easier to navigate.

As for the current forum banner -
It is very plain and "corporate".
Dare I say it is a tad boring?.
It does not give a warm and friendly welcome.

I agree about the banner style, I think my niggle with it is that the font is more mk1 than mk3.

Just a thought.
CavMk3OC layout...VAUXHALLCAVALIER name in a nicer font.

I was thinking the pre-facelift sticker style might suit, if that's possible to do.
It's softer and the infill could be a colour to match any changed www and com ones?

[Robsey]

Unforunately neither James or myself have enough admin rights to change some settings.

So it would be either one or the other as a whole.

Both Cavmk3oc.com and vauxhallcavalier.com will bring you to the forum.
Dan (Humbucker) did put a redirect code in to reach the correct forum database from either address.

If I knew more about code, then I would consider what you suggest.

[James McGrath]

I think we've all had gripes about the current layout at some stage.
I wanted to make a logo way back in 2016. I even came up with a few designs of my own.
It boiled down to the fact that none of us were very good artists or very good with Photoshop.

To be honest I've got used to the current layout and the old one does look very dated in comparison.
I'd love to have another go at redesigning the forum and inject more character into it.
There are so many obstacles to overcome though. Not least of all the fact that Dan (Humbucker) owns the site.
We also have no expertise or money.

[btcctroy]

good job im here then! lol

[Robsey]

We could do with putting together a few draft layouts, and see if we can create a new one.
We can load up a new format.
We just cannot edit the existing formats.

So, we could get the CavMk3OC format.
Copy it with a new name,
edit it.
And then upload it to the url database.

That should work.

[Robsey]

I have found the banner, which is sized as follows: -
30.89 kb
809x182 pixels
It is in ".jpg" format.



So it "should" be possible to change the main banner, and re-insert it into the main theme / style folder.

I notice that the colour scheme isn't far different from the Vauxhallcavalier.com banner.

So maybe we could change the wording and letter colouring a little...
And what about a nice well known Cavalier image.
Such as a btcc picture or a nicely presented GSi or SRi with contrasting colour tones.

I recall from day one, the virtually black cavalier turbo picture was thought to be too dark.

[ilovedmymantas]

Err, I hope I've not stirred something up here

I also thought the image was too dark and lacked detail. It did contrast well with the red logo, although that should have been black surely?

for my tuppence worth....

a gleaming red sri with the black emblem background.Or, a gif showing the range of cavaliers, if you feel like a challenge

Site wise, if you have control (I'm clueless ), add insert buttons for popular picture and video sharing (why is youtube exclusive)?
Postimages would be a good example, at least until they get full of themselves like photobucket

For me, meet & helpwise, it would be useful to know roughly where a member is from.

[Robsey]

No worries - the whole idea of a forum is to discuss, ask questions and share friendly banter.
----------------------------
The limitation is the level of "Admin Rights" that the current team have.
Probably just as well, as it reduces the carnage that could result from my messing about.

Neither James nor myself have ftp access, which reduces the potential for storage of pdfs or other useful info.
And it means that we cannot update or tidy up the database.
--------------------------------

As for locations...

That depends on two things.
1 - whether using a computer (pc / laptop) or a smart phone / mobile device
More information is shown on a computer.

Due to screen size, mobile devices lack space to show all information.

2 - whether the member fills in the location in their profile.

[btcctroy]

i have an idea that you guys might like! what file formats does the header allow.
i can make something in coreldraw you see

[btcctroy]

why don't you get Dan Humbucker just right the rights over to you Rob.
Ruined the forum then did one, just great that.....
So the plan would be to get in touch with the humbucker forum police and try to get the keys to the site . i know your more than capable of managing the forum, and keeping the likes of me under control

[Robsey]

i have an idea that you guys might like! what file formats does the header allow.
i can make something in coreldraw you see

I have found the banner, which is sized as follows: -
30.89 kb
809x182 pixels
It is in ".jpg" format.

That would be the easiest to crow-bar into the replacement forum upload.

[Robsey]

as for getting in touch...
I have tried a few times to no avail.

[btcctroy]

as for getting in touch...
I have tried a few times to no avail.

i hate that. lack of respect to other owners and the forum

[Robsey]

Okay, steady on Troy.

As with a lot of past members, things have changed for Dan. (Humbucker).
His family and work life have moved him away from the Cavalier scene.

And you have to remember that "I am the forum police now".

I am aware of your feelings and opinions, and it is good to know that the forum is very important to you.
As sad as it may sound, the forum is a major component in my day time activities too. I probably visit at least ten times per day.

As for me managing the forum,
day to day running, minor tweaks and the like... anyone can do that.

If anything major happens? I would have no clue.
By that I mean hacking, virus attack or server failure.

And running costs?
I can barely afford to work on the van in your unit.
Site running costs, especially with support can be quite expensive.
Had you asked me 18 months ago, then money was no object.

Who knows? Even I may have to part with our beloved Cavalier, just to afford the day to day costs of living. But hopefully things will improve before I have to do that.

I have "been here before", and I have managed to muddle through.

------------------

I am not quite sure where that ramble was heading, but I suppose I am saying that things happen for a reason, so lets keep an open mind and we can work together as a cohesive team to develop and build upon this great forum.

[3cav3]

Hopefully you won't have to part with your cav. I know how gutted I was at the thought of selling mine, and I've had it a lot less time than you've had yours.
As for the forum, so long as there is a forum I'm not really bothered about how it looks. To many forums that I used to frequent have gone over to Facebook, something which I will not use, ever.

[Robsey]

I have found a way to allow both types of forum.

The default is the vauxhallcavalier.com style.
But individuals can have their own preferences changed to select the CavMk3OC style if they prefer.

[Robsey]

Coming back to the original question...

There is a setting on the bottom of the old forum that allows you to see posts from the last :-
7 days,
2 weeks,
1 month,
3 months,
6 months or
1 year.

Cool!!

[btcctroy]

i love it!

[Cavalier342]

That's a nice option, It's the board style setting, BBoots or Cavmk3oc in the User Control Panel.

[Robsey]

i love it!

Glad to be able to help.
Don't know about you, but it gives me the option to use tapatalk.

That's a nice option, It's the board style setting, BBoots or Cavmk3oc in the User Control Panel.

Exactly -
BBoots for Vauxhallcavalier.com

Need I say what CavMk3OC does?

I simply had to turn off the setting - "Over-ride setting to default" for all regular users.

Newbies, or those with less than 50 post count do not get the option.