standardization

[erikharrison]

I think every page should be standardized. I work on computers all day, and I am on the web ALOT. I can say that this site is great, but it needs to look the same, except for content on every page. There is alot of digging involved to find things. I have already posted about the member gallery and an actual search bar, but it has fallen on deaf ears. It's not a major revamping of the site, just making it easier to navigate. I can tell you, it's frustrating trying to remember what page has what feature, and it shouldn't be that way. I know that if I uilt a network and each server didn't have some kind of structured file system, you would get lost in your own domain all day digging away for things lost, misplaced, or other. Also I noticed that not all of the forums on here are alike in all having a "delete this post" box to check or uncheck. I know this org is doing well enough to fix these things that are really minor, and I am sure you could ask some MAASTARDS to help with revisions, so please do. I am knew to this site, and I had some trouble figuring out some of the ins and outs. I think the actual organization of the forums is great, there are not a TON of choices for forums like RC. They have way too many topic forums! MAAST is simple in that respect, and simple is good.

[captexas]

I'm sure a moderator can fill you in better, but I believe there is a reason why some posts can't be deleted and others can. As to the other issues you mention, it's not that it falls on deaf ears, it's just unless many other people complain about the same things, it's one of those don't fix what ain't broken situations. And with all the IT people around here, there is always someone who thinks thier ideas are better, just a matter of filtering through it all and seeing what is worth doing.

Also remember that we don't have people sitting around full-time working on this site so things are done when they have time and usually only after it is discussed amongst the BOD, of course when they have the time.

Hope that helps.

[caferacermike]

And from a non techie, I don't understand anything you just said. I mean I've grown accustomed to MAAST and it's layout. Sure it's not the one you work with at work, it's different. yep, just like you and I, different. If you go about changing it now, think about those of us that have not dedicated our lives to computer mumbo jumbo and how it will, can, affect us. I'd have to learn the site all over again. ARC recently revamped their forums and I left. It's way to complicated now. It was supposed to be exactly what you just said it would be. Now it takes forever to figure out how to post a reply. It's not the same ol simple ARC from when I joined, it got to fancy.

I kinda like being me, I'm unique. Imagine a world where we were all the same. Oh wait you don't have to, there has been hundreds of movies along those lines already.

really I'm just giving you hard time for no reason Eric, but those are my thoughts about it. This is fun, not standardized testing.

As Bush would say, "No MAASTARD left behind".

[Bill S]

Erick... All I can think of to say is "chill". There ARE plans to upgrade the software to vBulletin. You sound like my wife. If I make the bed and ONE pillow is backwards, she fixes it... All I can think of to say is "chill". :lol

[caferacermike]

Uh oh, please nothing like ARC.....

[jroescher]

Uh-oh. I don't like change. I learned on this forum and every other forum out there is just wrong. I'm like Mike, in that when ARC changed it got really difficult for me to use.

It's all good for me as long as the "view posts since last visit" link always works. That's pretty much the only way I use the forum.

[erikharrison]

I am not talking about an entire revamp, just make each sidebar with all of the links look the same, that way there is less confusion. EG... You login to MAAST, and on the right you see different links than when you click the forums link. THEN everything looks the same. Most websites suck, and this one is really well thought out, but there are just a few minor tweaks.
Brian, I feel ya on the scripts being hidden, as you can imagine, I have walked into places that want to redo their entire network, and those hidden scripts and little intricacies (sp?) can wear you down!
Bill, lol I am totally chillin. I love this site, and I want to make it a little easier for all of us newbs. I was uber suprised at the ease of use, just little minor things that need a fixin.
Mike, this website's layout is really great, don't get me wrong. I just don't want people to have to get used to it. I know that if a website is frustrating to navigate, most people will leave it. This site is EASY to navigate, just as time goes on, there will be modifications, and no matter how set in our ways we are, those ways will undoubtedly change. I rarely go on RC due to the fact of "over-organizaton" I am a firm believer in Keep It Simple Sam (KISS).
Capt, I know there is a process for everything, glad you all responded, I am just trying to get the creative juices flowing, and I know you all have been on here for some time, so since I am new, I thought I would share the things that I found difficult in the beginning.
Thanks for responding, I hope my little info helps see things from a newbie perspective, as far as the people and idea that MAAST shares, its beautiful. It's nice to see people that care for others in this world of "me me me". To end the suspense, YES I will be paying my dues, thank God for my new jobby job.
Peace!