Out of the Blue

Some very preliminary talks have taken place about doing some tweaking to the design here, something I like to consider every ten years or so, whether it seems needed or not. Things I would like to accomplish include turning the rarely used side menu to drop-down top menu, consolidating all the other side-content and ads into a single side column, and getting the site to work a little better on smartphones. While change can be jarring, I think all that can be accomplished without significantly harming the look and feel of the site, while still making it a bit less clunky. History suggests that further progress on such an undertaking will be slow (if not nonexistent), so there should be adequate time to offer feedback on the plan. Feel free to chime in.

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57 Replies. 3 pages. Viewing page 1.
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57.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Aug 2, 2015, 11:07
57.
Re: Out of the Blue Aug 2, 2015, 11:07
Aug 2, 2015, 11:07
 
HorrorScope wrote on Aug 2, 2015, 00:34:
Stormsinger wrote on Aug 1, 2015, 23:27:
HorrorScope wrote on Aug 1, 2015, 19:19:
Blue wrote on Aug 1, 2015, 11:25:
HorrorScope wrote on Jul 31, 2015, 20:52:
Notify if a comment is added to a post you commented on. Keep the shit goin...


Already present.

Anyone, how does this work? Unaware.

Right next to the "Post Comment" button is a checkbox labeled "Email me when this topic is updated." Simple as that.

Sorry, got it. I'm talking about a message system within Blue's, emails being sent is messy.

Ah...that's a different matter. As far as I know, it doesn't exist. I suspect Blue was interpreting your suggestion the same way I did.

Personally, I much prefer email notification, although it would be nice to get just one email per day, no matter how many topics I've signed up for. Yet more evidence that there's more than one way to...do anything at all.
56.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Aug 2, 2015, 00:34
56.
Re: Out of the Blue Aug 2, 2015, 00:34
Aug 2, 2015, 00:34
 
Stormsinger wrote on Aug 1, 2015, 23:27:
HorrorScope wrote on Aug 1, 2015, 19:19:
Blue wrote on Aug 1, 2015, 11:25:
HorrorScope wrote on Jul 31, 2015, 20:52:
Notify if a comment is added to a post you commented on. Keep the shit goin...


Already present.

Anyone, how does this work? Unaware.

Right next to the "Post Comment" button is a checkbox labeled "Email me when this topic is updated." Simple as that.

Sorry, got it. I'm talking about a message system within Blue's, emails being sent is messy.
Avatar 17232
55.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Aug 1, 2015, 23:27
55.
Re: Out of the Blue Aug 1, 2015, 23:27
Aug 1, 2015, 23:27
 
HorrorScope wrote on Aug 1, 2015, 19:19:
Blue wrote on Aug 1, 2015, 11:25:
HorrorScope wrote on Jul 31, 2015, 20:52:
Notify if a comment is added to a post you commented on. Keep the shit goin...


Already present.

Anyone, how does this work? Unaware.

Right next to the "Post Comment" button is a checkbox labeled "Email me when this topic is updated." Simple as that.
54.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Aug 1, 2015, 22:58
54.
Re: Out of the Blue Aug 1, 2015, 22:58
Aug 1, 2015, 22:58
 
Kxmode wrote on Aug 1, 2015, 13:56:
Baristan wrote on Aug 1, 2015, 13:20:
New site layout wishes

Responsive! This site is a pain to read on my phone. Twitter's Bootstrap framework is an excellent way to convert existing sites into responsive sites.
You can do "responsive" and support no javascript at the same time.
"Unobtrusive JavaScript" is a good practice.
Too bad Bootstrap doesn't follow it.
53.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Aug 1, 2015, 19:19
53.
Re: Out of the Blue Aug 1, 2015, 19:19
Aug 1, 2015, 19:19
 
Blue wrote on Aug 1, 2015, 11:25:
HorrorScope wrote on Jul 31, 2015, 20:52:
Notify if a comment is added to a post you commented on. Keep the shit goin...


Already present.

Anyone, how does this work? Unaware.

For mobile, you need to make it narrow and have adds in that narrowness, the fatter you make the site the smaller the text is and then one is always resizing every page.
Avatar 17232
52.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Aug 1, 2015, 15:56
52.
Re: Out of the Blue Aug 1, 2015, 15:56
Aug 1, 2015, 15:56
 
Also, I suggest a KS or a Patreon for the site refresh.
If Russia stops fighting, the war ends. If Ukraine stops fighting, Ukraine ends. Slava Ukraini!
Avatar 22024
51.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Aug 1, 2015, 13:56
Kxmode
 
51.
Re: Out of the Blue Aug 1, 2015, 13:56
Aug 1, 2015, 13:56
 Kxmode
 
Baristan wrote on Aug 1, 2015, 13:20:
New site layout wishes

Responsive! This site is a pain to read on my phone. Twitter's Bootstrap framework is an excellent way to convert existing sites into responsive sites.
"...and in stonks, Fizzy Squeezy Stocklebocks leaped over Droopy Whoopy Bondfluffs, hitting 300-gigglebits to their 150-snorebucks. Meanwhile, in Whimsyland's market, the pancakes reached parity with pogo sticks."
Avatar 18786
50.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Aug 1, 2015, 13:50
50.
Re: Out of the Blue Aug 1, 2015, 13:50
Aug 1, 2015, 13:50
 
Blue wrote on Aug 1, 2015, 11:25:
HorrorScope wrote on Jul 31, 2015, 20:52:
A Like system. Fosters community and easy to do.

At this point I'm looking at changes to the main page, the forums are going to be a whole other sticky wicket. But I'll comment on these suggestions.

Increase URL length limits.

Long URLs break the forum format, so the URL code is to fix that... just that people have a hard time working it.

Notify if a comment is added to a post you commented on. Keep the shit goin...

Already present.

Secondary, embed photo's/movies. Adds spice.

And porn, and more moderation issues. May be a tough bridge to cross.

Otherwise look and feel is good.

Other than that, how did you enjoy the show, Mrs. Lincoln?

Blue yah just suggestions. I go to a lot of forums with pics/vids and porn isn't an issue. It is a strict ban, I have to assume all the posters here get around various places and act according to site rules. To me a lot of pics/vids add whit and humor. Thanks.
Avatar 17232
49.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Aug 1, 2015, 13:20
49.
Re: Out of the Blue Aug 1, 2015, 13:20
Aug 1, 2015, 13:20
 
New site layout wishes
  • Keep JavaScript free browsing. I have 10 BluesNews tabs open atm and 80+ others. noscript not only keeps my browser safer from malware, viri, and tracking, but also stable with low cpu usage.
  • Keep the color contrast between user comments. Makes skimming so much easier. Might want to add something similar to the main page. Some color makes visual parsing of a page much easier.
  • I don't see the Amazon link anymore. My firewall filters it out along with all the ads. Can it be a link on the page and not a frame redirecting traffic to amazon every time I view BluesNews. Us ad-blockers are the ones that need it to support the site through it.
  • Rarely use the sidebar, but if it becomes a drop down menu I'll never click on it and "STORIES OF NOTE" and "POPULAR THREADS" will become even less useful

If you want examples of what to/not to/ do, view Netflix and Videosift's new layouts. I don't like Videosift's layout, but it is nice enough to allow me to keep the old one(always a good idea when experimenting with a new design). While Netflix thinks it's users don't know what's good for them, and every part of their new design is more efficient and useful. It might be on a tablet, but definitely not on my desktop. With all tabs named "Netflix" and no longer containing the title name; Tree-tab browsing is difficult on their site. Why do they think only using the top half of the page to display the movie info is better than the whole page? Having to click on Overview/Episodes/More like this/Details is much less efficient that scrolling. Trying to read user reviews on their site is like using Metro on a desktop. If you can't tell I really hate Netflix's new layout. Every time I've seen someone try to make a single UI for all devices it ends up worse.
48.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Aug 1, 2015, 12:57
48.
Re: Out of the Blue Aug 1, 2015, 12:57
Aug 1, 2015, 12:57
 
oh, its that time of the decade again ?

I love the site. I think that some new technologies that popped up over the years can help, but keeping the minimal look is best. so:
- add auto loading of the next couple of stories
- do not limit 2 days and then a click to see previous days. make it load automagically
- return the classic white on black as default !! (just kidding)
- as for the side bar, I rarely use it anymore. its a good thing I can see the popular stuff but its not a must, search never worked for me, the discussion forum link can be more prominant and its time for the .plan to go :-(

I'll probably have more in the future, good luck!
47.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Aug 1, 2015, 11:25
47.
Re: Out of the Blue Aug 1, 2015, 11:25
Aug 1, 2015, 11:25
 
HorrorScope wrote on Jul 31, 2015, 20:52:
A Like system. Fosters community and easy to do.

At this point I'm looking at changes to the main page, the forums are going to be a whole other sticky wicket. But I'll comment on these suggestions.

Increase URL length limits.

Long URLs break the forum format, so the URL code is to fix that... just that people have a hard time working it.

Notify if a comment is added to a post you commented on. Keep the shit goin...

Already present.

Secondary, embed photo's/movies. Adds spice.

And porn, and more moderation issues. May be a tough bridge to cross.

Otherwise look and feel is good.

Other than that, how did you enjoy the show, Mrs. Lincoln?
Stephen "Blue" Heaslip
Blue's News Publisher, Editor-in-Chief, El Presidente for Life
Avatar 2
46.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Aug 1, 2015, 11:23
Jivaro
 
46.
Re: Out of the Blue Aug 1, 2015, 11:23
Aug 1, 2015, 11:23
 Jivaro
 
While that is the cynical look at it, it is also hard to dispute of course.
Avatar 55841
45.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Aug 1, 2015, 11:17
45.
Re: Out of the Blue Aug 1, 2015, 11:17
Aug 1, 2015, 11:17
 
Jivaro wrote on Aug 1, 2015, 10:01:
... That being said, this is a very successful campaign that, despite the negative picture one might draw from the comments here on Blues, has a huge and devoted fan base that is largely in support of the game design expansion. With all the millions that they have generated I think giving refunds to those that kicked money in based on the plan of the original Kickstarter is the right thing to do. I meant it when I said I didn't think he would get his refund though...I am used to companies doing the "legal" thing or the "business" thing, not the right thing.
In reverse order:
I'm pretty sure that's precisely what they did here, the "business" thing. He filed a BBB complaint, and they immediately reversed their stance on the possibility of a refund. Not because it was the "right" thing to do, but because a set of unsettled complaints with the BBB has a negative impact on their ability to continue getting more suckers funders.

While their funders may still be mostly on-board at this point, I believe a very large portion of those who are not funding it (and are still aware of it) see it as a long-running con. I find myself curious how many more years it will be before there is an actual game of any sort, and then how much longer it will take for the MMO. I'm expecting something on the order of DNF's development timeframe, as there appears to be zero incentive for them to actually produce anything but vaporware.
44.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Aug 1, 2015, 10:01
Jivaro
 
44.
Re: Out of the Blue Aug 1, 2015, 10:01
Aug 1, 2015, 10:01
 Jivaro
 
1badmf wrote on Jul 31, 2015, 23:25:
really? people are that pissed that it's been delayed? as far as i'm concerned it's right on track, taking into account the added features. might not see 1.0 till next year, but what AAA title hasn't been delayed. only diff is SC did it publicly.

I don't disagree with your points. I just think that if a project like this originally says it's going to do "X" thing in "Y" amount of time and it changes both the "X" and the "Y" than the folks supporting the original venture should be able to get their money back. I am keeping my money in the pot because A) It's only 35 bucks and B) Because I am fine with the explained changes and timeline. The fact that I am fine with it doesn't mean everybody has to be though.

I would point out that I say "should be able to get their money back". I mean that in a very idealist sort of way. I am not saying that I believe that should be a law or even a rule. I am just saying I think that it's the right thing to do in some cases, specifically those with such dramatic changes from the original sales pitch. Kickstarters and the various similar ways of crowdsourcing are a risk and nobody should throw their money in expecting to be able to get it back. People compare it to investing but I compare it to gambling. Don't put any money in the game that you can't afford to lose. That being said, this is a very successful campaign that, despite the negative picture one might draw from the comments here on Blues, has a huge and devoted fan base that is largely in support of the game design expansion. With all the millions that they have generated I think giving refunds to those that kicked money in based on the plan of the original Kickstarter is the right thing to do. I meant it when I said I didn't think he would get his refund though...I am used to companies doing the "legal" thing or the "business" thing, not the right thing.

edit: When I refer to things as a clusterfuck here what I meant is that I agree with him on his main points of frustration. You are right, delays happen and the main difference between this project and a normal "AAA publisher" project is that the public gets to see it all unfold publicly. That doesn't really change the fact that he donated based on one set of promises and now there is a totally different set of promises that are said to be fulfilled on a totally different time schedule. One could say "well, that's game development...suck it up buttercup" and not be wrong. I am impressed that wasn't what he was told. I am not sure I can think of any other development studio or publisher that would have given his money back, BBB report or no.

This comment was edited on Aug 1, 2015, 10:13.
Avatar 55841
43.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Aug 1, 2015, 05:44
43.
Re: Out of the Blue Aug 1, 2015, 05:44
Aug 1, 2015, 05:44
 
Kxmode wrote on Jul 31, 2015, 18:09:
I'm now no longer a backer of Star Citizen. My entire US$930 was returned.

Congrats, I would have thought getting money back from CIG would have been like blood from a stone. Hopefully you're paving the way for others to do the same.
42.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Jul 31, 2015, 23:25
42.
Re: Out of the Blue Jul 31, 2015, 23:25
Jul 31, 2015, 23:25
 
Jivaro wrote on Jul 31, 2015, 19:50:
Kxmode wrote on Jul 31, 2015, 18:09:
http://pastebin.com/mSM29KZs Here's the conclusion to my CIG refund request. Start at "UNEXPECTED REPLY FROM SANDI GARDINER (July 22, 2015)".

I'm now no longer a backer of Star Citizen. My entire US$930 was returned.

I have to admit man..I didn't think you would get any of it, let alone all of it. I am not at that point where I want a refund, but I am only in for 35 bucks so I can't really say our situations compare. Good job getting your money. I want to see the game finished and I think it will "eventually", but this whole thing has been such a clusterfuck and anybody who wants a refund really should get one.

really? people are that pissed that it's been delayed? as far as i'm concerned it's right on track, taking into account the added features. might not see 1.0 till next year, but what AAA title hasn't been delayed. only diff is SC did it publicly.
41.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Jul 31, 2015, 20:52
41.
Re: Out of the Blue Jul 31, 2015, 20:52
Jul 31, 2015, 20:52
 
A Like system. Fosters community and easy to do.

Increase URL length limits.

Notify if a comment is added to a post you commented on. Keep the shit goin...

Secondary, embed photo's/movies. Adds spice.

Otherwise look and feel is good.
Avatar 17232
40.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Jul 31, 2015, 20:50
40.
Re: Out of the Blue Jul 31, 2015, 20:50
Jul 31, 2015, 20:50
 
Kxmode wrote on Jul 31, 2015, 18:09:
http://pastebin.com/mSM29KZs Here's the conclusion to my CIG refund request. Start at "UNEXPECTED REPLY FROM SANDI GARDINER (July 22, 2015)".

I'm now no longer a backer of Star Citizen. My entire US$930 was returned.

Wow you and Derek are like blood bros now
Avatar 17249
39.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Jul 31, 2015, 20:02
Kxmode
 
39.
Re: Out of the Blue Jul 31, 2015, 20:02
Jul 31, 2015, 20:02
 Kxmode
 
Jivaro wrote on Jul 31, 2015, 19:50:
I have to admit man..I didn't think you would get any of it, let alone all of it. I am not at that point where I want a refund, but I am only in for 35 bucks so I can't really say our situations compare. Good job getting your money. I want to see the game finished and I think it will "eventually", but this whole thing has been such a clusterfuck and anybody who wants a refund really should get one.

The vitriol coming from others is pretty high. I guess they're very angry that someone had the audacity to leave the Church of Star Citizen with all their money.

This comment was edited on Jul 31, 2015, 20:29.
"...and in stonks, Fizzy Squeezy Stocklebocks leaped over Droopy Whoopy Bondfluffs, hitting 300-gigglebits to their 150-snorebucks. Meanwhile, in Whimsyland's market, the pancakes reached parity with pogo sticks."
Avatar 18786
38.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Jul 31, 2015, 19:50
Jivaro
 
38.
Re: Out of the Blue Jul 31, 2015, 19:50
Jul 31, 2015, 19:50
 Jivaro
 
Kxmode wrote on Jul 31, 2015, 18:09:
http://pastebin.com/mSM29KZs Here's the conclusion to my CIG refund request. Start at "UNEXPECTED REPLY FROM SANDI GARDINER (July 22, 2015)".

I'm now no longer a backer of Star Citizen. My entire US$930 was returned.

I have to admit man..I didn't think you would get any of it, let alone all of it. I am not at that point where I want a refund, but I am only in for 35 bucks so I can't really say our situations compare. Good job getting your money. I want to see the game finished and I think it will "eventually", but this whole thing has been such a clusterfuck and anybody who wants a refund really should get one.
Avatar 55841
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