Sidebars are the columns to the left and right of the main forum posting section.

They contain such things as...

Top Posters
Who's Online
Chat Box
Calendar
Recent Posts
Recent Topics
Newest Members
Popular Topics

etc. etc.

Do you read them?
Would you miss them if they were gone?

I'd appreciate comments

Continuing on from Huw's announcement ...

The "look and feel" of pages remains much the same, despite many subtle changes over time. I believe that this is a good thing, especially as the forum is widely used worldwide. Those who use these pages only occasionally don't want to waste time hunting for stuff.

However, to get rid of some of the clutter, I would delete the following sidebars:-

1) Top Posters (at top left, this "prime position" could be put to far better use)

2) Recent Topics (you can always use the Active Topics menu bar)

3) Popular Topics (-ditto-)

4) Jobs (you can always use the Jobs menu bar at the front page if you are interested)

On the other hand, I would definitely retain:-

1) Who's Online

2) Newest Members

3) The Calendar

Personally, I am indifferent about these (but can imagine how they may appeal to others):-

1) Press Releases

2) NHS Orders

3) Manuals Wanted (it seems that, in the main, only "regular users" respond to these requests ... that is, those who would generally notice it within a day or two of it being posted)

And surely the Newsletter subscription box can be safely placed in users Profile pages?

Meanwhile, the Chat Box is (becoming) handy to fire off a quick "off topic" message!

On a related note (and one that has been mentioned before), maybe we need another poll, this time about whether it would be worthwhile having a "place" where members can introduce themselves, should they so wish. Many will know that other forums often include such a feature.

More comments please!!!

or.......

would it be possible to have them as options (ie include or exclude) as part of your login profile?

I think I may be able to preempt an answer to that one ...

Possible, yes (more work for Huw) ... but how could you refer to them (eg, in a post) if everyone's configuration is likely to be different?

Well, I suppose people could go "oh! that looks interesting, perhaps I'll turn that bit on in my profile for a wee bit and see what is being talked about.....)

However, I do admit that the set up to do this could be more trouble than it's (ie, Huw's time) is worth.

Dave, what if? you could leave them on your profile but open and close them either as tabs or bookmarks, would that help?

Dave, what if? you could leave them on your profile but open and close them either as tabs, bookmarks or pull down menus, would that help?

That would be quite neat Neal, yes

In most cases the information shown in sidebars is already available via various menu bars elsewhere within the site.

In my opinion, Huw should be encouraged to simplify, rather than complicate. It's all too easy to add "features" that can end up being detrimental to ease of use.

Huw needs to ask questions like ... what is the site for, who does it serve, what are their needs ... and stuff like that.

Huw might also want to look at why stuff doesn't always get refreshed (eg, Recent Posts on the front page, the Who's Online sidebar and the Chat Box), the Search facility doesn't always work (as is the case - for me at least - right now) and (more importantly) the difficulties we face trying to get a new post accepted - especially first thing in the morning (that is, without having to persevere with multiple attempts, clearing cookies, closing down and starting again ... and other such "dodges")!

Stuff like that often goes on before Huw "comes on duty" and clears the cache (or whatever else it is he does).

And (lastly) Huw might want to poll again, this time enquiring which web browser folk are using (eg, Firefox 3.6).

We need to keep the Top Posters section in the sidebar, got to keep an eye on who is leading the monthly chart. Maybe we should allow some bookmakers to publish some odds and we all bet on who will win it.

Slightly off topic (but in response to the above comment) ... although the site now receives more "hits" (or visits) then ever before, I believe that what we need are fresh, rejuvenating posts and comments, rather than the simple regurgitation of the same tired old stuff.

In short, we need to hear more from those who (up until now) prefer to simply lurk, without making much by way of contribution. All opinions are welcome ... so let's hear them. That way the forum would be a much more lively place.

Folk who don't feel inclined to open up new threads, or post comments in response to others can always make contributions to the site by submitting articles, photos, software, offering manuals ... or some other such thing worth sharing. But (as I have said before), regrettedly, some prefer just to take, but never give.

One other forum that I know sends out "reminders" to user members who are considered "inactive" (in that case, those who haven't posted in six months). If Huw was to start doing that, my guess is that he would be very busy indeed!

Meanwhile, Huw has asked for feedback regarding the layout of pages, so let's hear about that, please. The site has a lot of competition for folk's attention (and time), so let's liven it up a bit!

I wouldn't mind getting rid of the Top Posters box, just in case my boss stumbles upon it. Forunately I've managed to jeep just off the radar recently.

That's another nice thing about being on the Dark Side, Bill. Some of us realise the value (PR, spreading the word, appreciating the "bigger picture" etc.) in having posts broadcast to the World (as it were)!

But yes, let's get rid of the Top Posters box!

Like the new "simplified" style Huw (sidebar right side only). Cleans thing up quite nicely.

I noticed it as well. But to be honest, I was wondering whether it was some sort of "fault"!

Naturally, I don't much go for it myself ... for my tastes it makes the forum posts too wide (and therefore not so easy to read quickly)!

But (like everything else) I guess I'll soon get used to it.

Sorry, Huw.

Looking at the new layout a bit more, I believe that the whole thing would end up looking better if the side-bar stack (now on the right of the page) was re-positioned at the left!

Oooooh!!! Now we can't see how much time Geoff has spent in the last month on posts!!??

Well I definitely miss the the Top Posters Box... It used to remind me of my (in)activity in the forum.. But overall the forums looks much more pleasant now..
I would prefer that the Sidebar remain on the right..

It was voted out. And quite rightly, too.

And i humbly accept that decision...

That's very gracious of you.

Huw is to be commended for his efforts in maintaining a democratic forum, much appreciated by most (if not all).

Geoff, your so easily wound up !!?? By the way, you're post on 5th April suggests that you are not entirely happy with the new layout, why so?

Did you mean:- "How so"?

Wasn't that post clear enough for you, then, Kawa?

Huw has tidied up some of the clutter, having sought out opinion and listened to the (limited number of) responses. There's nothing at all wrong with that.

Meanwhile, I have no further comments or suggestions to add on this issue, apart from any that I may make to Huw "behind the scenes".

I'm sure you can agree that happiness is subjective, but personally I find joy in (what to others might be) the most unlikely of places.

Not to mention your "your" and your "you're" ... try swapping them over!

As you can see here Kawasaki, bad grammar or spelling is another "button".

4 myselve Im no so bovvered

But only when they were educated in England, and hold management positions.

All others get cut a little slack!

Thank goodness, being educated in Northern Ireland, I am let off the hook.

As usual, I was just trying to be kind.

and a big good night from down-under ........