this format seems better for my recent cataract surgery eyes than the old one.
What I think is happening is that we are no longer using Vanilla’s own webspace to host the forum, but we are still using the free version of their forum software and hosting the site elsewhere, thanks to the folks at Mr Snuff.
Most of the issues you raise concerning like/agree etc. should be solveable once Mr Snuff can get hold of someone who can do the necessary coding - what the mods can do is somewhat limited as we can only use the facilities that are currently contained in the software.
So - regarding the forum appearance - I was able to change from one preset theme to another, which is why the lights have suddenly gone on and the page now fits, but I can’t do anything to tweak it in terms of darkening the background slightly or whatever, and I can’t give members the option that exists on other platforms to pick a theme for themselves that works best for them.
I hope that makes sense - bear with us and there should be improvements, and if you do come up with further ideas then stick them up on the board or send a PM to me, miamimark or Skell18 (Moderators) or cstokes4 (Administrator).
I think the forum looks 100 x’s better! I can enlarge the text to where it readable without having to scroll sideways…
I do notice a couple members text looks smaller than the others. But not always!! I don’t know if it’s a bug or members trying to be fancy. On my personal set-up it’s not readable.
I personally don’t use the like / agree buttons very often but obviously we should get them back, so many members want them.
I dig it.
Looking better! I personally like darker themes, but I can always invert the colours at night.
One thing I noticed that using any “non-english” characters (German, Scands) in text cuts out all the following text when i post a comment.
HTML pages usually have a charset declaration in the header. This site doesn’t have anything declared.
\<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /\>
That’s the most common one. If there’s a option anywhere in the software to choose UTF-8 as charset or language, that would most likely remove the glitch.
Love the new look!
100% improvement
@Jari_T Agree hard. In fact, I’m waiting for the implementation of special characters to write my review of Driesener. I find it awkward not to write the names correctly, and will get a hard time adjusting to the routine of not doing so
The color scheme is neither right nor wrong for me, I guess I can get used to it, though I prefered the former, darker style. Perhaps we could vote or take a look to some alternatives so we get to one we can all agree on. Of course, I have to say it’s better than the malfunctioning dark theme of the last weeks that didn’t let me see the “edit” little cog on the side of my posts, among other inconveniences. Thanks for your care, this forums are great admin- and community-wise!
The like, agree and insightful buttons were great, because you were not forced to use them yet they were a useful tool to measure the impact of a post, but I guess they are in the works by now…
Thanks for that, @Jari_T - I don’t have access to the actual code, but hopefully someone who does will see your post and take note!
I’ve implemented and hosted a vanilla forums page on a website of mine. It was hosted with Godaddy.com. I’ve switched to a different forum software, but I know how to add things to the backend of the forum using premade additions that are available. If some help is needed, I’d be glad to help in the short term.
Mark
Like Mark I’d be willing to help too. I haven’ t worked with Vanilla, but I can make sites pretty via CSS and can help with graphics as well.
>-)
I don’t know why someone don’t notice there is talent here eager to help?
I have to assume the powers that be are busy with more pressing matters, and that they’ll possibly see this eventually. Hopefully.
Luckily, everyone is fairly polite and gentlemanly (or lady-like for the ladies), and there’s no real need for a moderator. Because it does feel sometimes like the board is on “auto-pilot” (I think you used that term once).
At least we have a place to talk though. I mean, this place is a strange singularity. Not many subject-matters or sub-cultures have only one active message board dedicated to them!
Mark
Hi! Just to be clear… as a moderator… I’m here “watching” all the time. Truthfully, at this exact moment in time there hasn’t been a lot of problem members to deal with. That hasn’t always been the case, by a long shot. Mostly I just approve new applications and keep the spammers at bay. Lots of fun! 
I have no access to (or knowledge of!) the things you speak off. I couldn’t make those changes if I had all the time in the world.
(other) Mark
Hey Mark! Well, you guys have done a good job of moderating. Over the couple of months I’ve been here, this is the nicest, most polite place I’ve ever visited on the internet. Thanks for what you guys do. I think that I know Justin is a moderator, and you are…how many of you guys are there? Just curious.
I really do appreciate this place. Glad you guys keep it cleaned up and running smooth.
So, who is the Administrator? The moderators have moderating powers (approving members, banning members, deleting spam, etc.) But, there must be an Administrator who has full access to the Vanilla message board dashboard, and can add plug-ins, etc. I just don’t even know who that is in order to contact them and offer advice on the “like button,” and other things that members have brought up on their various wish lists.
Thanks for any help you can offer. :-)
Mark
I’m not really sure who still here, on a regular basis, from the original “team”
I would recommend contacting Dave (Mr Snuff) directly.
Sorry I can’t be more helpful.
Nah…that was very helpful. Thanks!
Mark
I sent him a private message. I appreciate the help.
Mark
I also wanted to chime in with praises for f.lux anti-glare software. I’ve been using it for a few years and I don’t know how I did without. A little before dusk the color scheme subtly shifts from blue to yellow (and back at dawn) easing eye strain a lot! Plus it helps with circadian rhythms and sleep at night.
It’s free, updates automatically, and is super easy to use. There’s even a movie theater mode so you don’t sacrifice colors at night.
thanks, @Valiant, been wanting something like this for a long time. I downloaded g.lux for my chromebook from the google store since f.lux doesn’t run on the chrome os.