Forum headers . . . .

Posted by nsgarch (A) on February 1, 2012 at 19:25:13

In Reply to: Thanks, now..... posted by Rod M on February 1, 2012 at 18:10:35:

Well, first off, there are two kind of headers; the classic threads, and the eThreads. Also I'm not sure I'd want to see classified pics on every forum page , but I do like the idea someone had (if it's not too difficult codewise) of using an ad from the same category as the forum page (when you Do have an ad on a forum page, that is.)

So, here's a list of the forum pages that (I think) have a natural 'fit' for an ad pic:
Amp/pre
Speakers
Tubes
Cables
Those four have a clear and obvious connection to corresponding ads.
Then you could maybe do:
Vinyl (analog really) -- TT's, TA's. carts., phono amps, an album cover perhaps. or a tape deck ad.

But I don't think you have to do every single forum header. it could get distracting.
As for the layout of the headers themselves, let's take the eThreads first:
On the left, the forum name (font) could be a little larger, and then the description of the forum right underneath (in not more than two lines.) That gets the name right together with the description. And that frees up the right end of the header for a classified pic (and link to the classified page) which brings me to that little box of four items under the AA logo. We already dispensed with the "Classified" link, it goes with the pic on the right (and if there is no pic, then just a link that says AA Trader, or Audio Classifieds. You can dump 'search' and 'new topic' because those occur within, or on, each forum page anyway. And FAQ should be with the forum pages because it is a page of it own. So what would I put in the (now) empty box under the logo? Why the unsername (if logged in) or the login/register links -- which is where they usually occur on a majority of sites -- either under the site logo, or waaay over to the right. But top left is the place the eye goes to first.

OK, the 'classic' page header: Ya know, I kinda like the 'classic' page. It has 'balls" ;~) But it could use a few judicious touches ;~) First, I'd put the AA logo at the upper left if possible codewise (same place as on the eThread page) with the username/login/register links stacked underneath. (and the logo links to the home page as is customary.) Maybe group the logo and the three links in a square box or on a square gray field if possible codewise. Keep the forum name big and bold like it is, but slide it to the left (against the logo box) and up just a bit so you can (again) put the forum description under it. The news/FAQ/events links can be added to the forum titles, just before 'General' or slid waaay over to the right (as a stack) meaning even to the right of a classified pic, if one appears on that particular forum. Where classified pics don't appear (which is most forums) just a box with a "Visit our new Classifieds section!" is plenty, I think. One thing I would NOT do regarding the classified thumbs on the home page and forum pages: JUST SHOW THE PIC! -- i.e. no ad copy! Why? The copy never fits right, and it's distracting graphically. The pictures (on the forum and home pages) should be like little bon-bons, eye candy. They can still take people to that specific ad, if someone clicks on a pic, and that's OK. If it's not the item they're looking for, well they're still into the classified section by that point.

. . . . . the Oracle has spoken!! Ha ha! Well, give it a try and see what it looks like. It's like Chicken Soup: "It couldnt hurt!"

Neil

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - AudioAsylum Trader update.... - Rod M 14:44:00 02/1/12 (31)

Trader or Classifieds? - M3 lover 10:44:12 02/2/12 (0)

RE: AudioAsylum Trader update.... - mitch2 10:00:57 02/2/12 (0)

RE: AudioAsylum Trader update.... - middleground 07:08:48 02/2/12 (0)

Keep it simple for the occasional user - Audio Snob 06:09:12 02/2/12 (0)

I like the changes, Rod - reuben 05:47:03 02/2/12 (0)

RE: AudioAsylum Trader update.... - George3 22:50:07 02/1/12 (0)

WAY, WAY BIGGER, Please. - mbnx01 20:19:35 02/1/12 (0)

RE: AudioAsylum Trader update.... - ErikM 19:02:53 02/1/12 (3)

I'd like to see the default size of the text on the home screen increased a bit....me too - Rod M 19:25:37 02/1/12 (2)

RE: I'd like to see the default size of the text on the home screen increased a bit....me too - ronaldws 04:21:58 02/2/12 (0)

Works with Chrome, too. (nt) - Joe Appierto 03:58:53 02/2/12 (0)

RE: AudioAsylum Trader update.... - Arvind Kohli 18:37:30 02/1/12 (0)

make it searchable - bwb 18:12:48 02/1/12 (0)

RE: AudioAsylum Trader update.... - josh358 18:11:26 02/1/12 (0)

RE: AudioAsylum Trader update.... - jqunac 17:51:26 02/1/12 (0)

Soome tips . . . . ? OK - nsgarch 17:32:22 02/1/12 (6)

Thanks, like this better? - Rod M 17:46:54 02/1/12 (5)

Oh yes! much better. - nsgarch 18:02:49 02/1/12 (4)

Thanks, now..... - Rod M 18:10:35 02/1/12 (3)

RE: additional pics - nsgarch 19:36:27 02/1/12 (0)

Forum headers . . . . - nsgarch 02/1/1219:25:13 02/1/12 (1)

Thanks!. . - Rod M 19:35:32 02/1/12 (0)

Another thought . . . - M3 lover 17:01:00 02/1/12 (3)

RE: But first, thank you for improving the AA Classifieds - Cpk 09:40:56 02/3/12 (0)

RE: Another thought . . . - Rod M 17:23:57 02/1/12 (0)

That's a great idea ... - reelsmith. 17:23:57 02/1/12 (0)

RE: AudioAsylum Trader update.... - Mysterious Mose 16:58:27 02/1/12 (1)

Good point.... - Rod M 17:19:29 02/1/12 (0)

AudioAsylum Trader update.... - musetap 15:03:33 02/1/12 (0)

Hey Rod. That looks good. A quick question though... - Raiderman 15:01:54 02/1/12 (1)

RE: Hey Rod. That looks good. A quick question though... - Rod M 15:32:15 02/1/12 (0)

Follow Ups

Forum headers . . . . - nsgarch 02/1/1219:25:13 02/1/12 (1)

Thanks!. . - Rod M 19:35:32 02/1/12 (0)

Forum headers . . . .

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