Shout screen

I have just realised there are no Shout Screens at the top of the Forum Threads.

Anyone know where they may have gone, or is it a problem that I alone have?

Rog

no mate your not alone, unless we both have the same problem.

I switched it off to see how many members missed it enough to post a comment.

The Shout box

offered an enhanced, more interactive way to interact with each other; unfortunately, very few members use it for that purpose!

I can reactivate it, but is it something you want?

Yes, i liked and want it back

K.I.S.S !!!

To my mind there are too many bells and whistles here, the amount of forums and sub-forums plus all the activated features the server has as options versus the actual activity, is overkill.

Google this site and you'll see it described as a 'discussion forum' - but there's not much discussion going on - the site itself is actually more busy than the discussion within it. Not a jibe, just an observation.

John,

I completely disagree with you at there are to many 'bells and whistles'

The dedicated (free time) that Bob has put in, to get the Forum where it is now is outstanding. The 'sub forums' are a must, some member come on just to look for info on their departmental reunion/get together, so as the lay-out as it is now is perfect for them

The way the 'shout box' is set up is an easy way for members to look at it and then go straight to that post rather than searching/scrolling down, you have to remember John, that there are members on the Forum that are in their 70's and 80's and are not PC literate like others, so the easier it is for them the better

Having looked at other web sites/Forums, our Forum looks better my a long way and i would not want to see it change to a dull and dreary format

I agree with Lofty though not necessarily about the age aspect. I know some members, who try as they might find it difficult to navigate their way around the forum though do admit they tend to give up a little too easily. They do not fall into the category.....senior citizens. I like the shout box myself, it is a handy quick reference and I enjoy the odd quip that some (particularly Bob) put in from time to time.

As John says, there is little discussion going on but that reflects the membership participation and is not a reflection of what the Forum is all about, in my opinion.

Yippee, thge shout screens are back. Mazny thanks Bob

For those of you that are interested, you can set various options for the Shoutbox through your Settings menu.

To go directly to the Shoutbox settings, click here

Through this menu you can also change the Shout Area Location, should you wish - it only changes it for you and not the whole forum!

Display Settings

<label for="sel_shoutarea" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 2px; width: 212px; float: left; ">Shout Area Location:</label><select class="primary" name="shoutarea" id="sel_shoutarea" tabindex="1" style="font-size: 11px; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-color: rgb(107, 145, 171); border-right-color: rgb(107, 145, 171); border-bottom-color: rgb(107, 145, 171); border-left-color: rgb(107, 145, 171); padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; width: 248px; "> <option value="default" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; ">Use Forum Default</option> <option value="left" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; ">Left of Shouts</option> <option value="right" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; ">Right of Shouts</option> <option value="above" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; ">Above Shouts</option> <option value="below" selected="selected" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; ">Below Shouts</option> </select>You can change the location of the Shout Input area here.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lofty-23

you have to remember John, that there are members on the Forum that are in their 70's and 80's and are not PC literate like others, so the easier it is for them the better

---

That's one of many things I do remember - I'm no spring chicken either and am also two rungs down from a techno-phobe (I'm a techno-notice) but one thing I am good on is forums, I have over 7000 posts (each) on two, one of which uses this server - V-Bulletin - and utilises nothing like the amount of add-ons and has nothing like the amount of forums that this site does/has. It's not a problem for me personally, I know the place and my way around it, but to a newbie, especailly a plodder, it's bewildering IMHO.

I've just replied to a post to a member that didn't know how to embed a video, and I know that many more members, young or old, do not know how to insert links, images, use the quote facility .............. much much more, basic stuff to do with actually communicating, which is what a forum is about. I'm sure many cannot see the woods for the trees

Keep It Simple, Stupid (KISS) is something that was always hammered in to MOI etc courses - apply it, it works, the forum is not simple ..... simple!

I must admit that I dont have a clue how to "embed a video" but then again I have never yet had the desire to so. I do however know how to send a PM to Bob or Al to ask their advice or assistance so if ever I need that knowledge I can get it. As you say JT it is about commmunication, so communicate. Seek and ye shall find, if you are not sure ask and somebody will help you out.

I find that the Sub-Forums are easy enough. They are headed with an explanation of what can be found under each heading to give the reader/poster an idea of where to go and what should be posted there. I have to admit however that when you talk add-ons, I am probably not using the Forum to its maximum effect but for someone like me, if I dont know it exists, I dont miss it. Sometimes we all have to go the extra mile and help ourselves even if it is asking the questions, HOW DO I etc etc. That would come under Post your QUESTIONS here . (TIC)