Alternate Board Styles (templates)

azraelle · 12th April 2003, 00:44

I really wish you would install a few more board style templates, such as, for example "Black Soul".

Also, the annoying anomaly that takes you to "no posts exist for this topic" when you post something, has been fixed with phpBB-2.0.4. It actually sends you to your amended page (with your new message posted), like it's supposed to. The phpBB group also has advice and active forums on the subject of upgrading (hint, hint!). :D

To drum up interest from the rest of you out there you change the looks of this board by clicking on Profile (above), scroll down to where it says Board Style, click on the upside down arrow, and see a list of choices (currently 3). To see some examples (screenshots) of other styles that have been written that could be included here, go to:

http://www.vereor.com/templates/index.php?cat=3 for free vereor-created templates
http://styles.phpbb2.de/index.php?s=56 for "Black Soul", and about every other template that has been written (try "solaris" and "SpacePilot3K").

End of Soapbox.
:o

squirrelheels · 12th April 2003, 11:29

I agree, although the standard phpBB (subSilver) one works great. I also have messages displayed upside down in topics... i.e. the latest post is at the top on page one. This seems to resolve the "No posts exist for this topic" problem, for some bizarre reason.

I see no reason why alternate styles can't be offered, nor can I see a reason why we haven't upgraded, nor can I see a reason why subRed is the default template... Perhaps Jeff would like to shed some light!!

SH

Bubba136 · 12th April 2003, 15:26

First of all, let it be understood that this is just one registered users opinion and isn’t criticism of all those that have made suggestions for changes, improvements or use of alternative formats for the forum. Although I don’t understand how most the suggestions would change things, I believe they are constructive and show that our participants are serious subscribers and involved.

That being said, I think the Administrators and Moderators of this site are doing a superb job. I know that administering a site like this can turn into an “unintended career.” It takes time and determination to keep it going. I actually believe that Jenny found keeping her site current was consuming more and more of her time to the point that she "burned out" and made a conscientious decision to “back away” and let it free wheel as long as it retaines inertia to continue.

I also believe that, with as many registered users as there are here, there’s bound to be some that believe they can do a better job or suggest that the administrators should make one change or another to improve “site-sight.” And, I’m sure that the ones that cross the “T’s” and dot the “I’s” are abundantly grateful for all suggestions. But, while it’s only logical to assume that the people behind the board will absorb and evaluate suggestions, I think it only fair that they be permitted to make improvements, changes, and alterations at their own pace.

I’ve said before that I am computer illiterate in at least 23 different languages. And, as such, I’d never be so bold to so suggest improving conditions here until I learned how to drive the board properly (I’ve just recently learned how to start the engine.) So, let’s let what works work until such time as the “pit crew” can manage adjustments they perceive are needed.

That being said, I believe all of us owe a great “big thank you” to Jeff, Firefox, Laurie and all others that manage this board so efficiently. It’s time for all of us to express our thanks for a “job well done.”

Jeff · 14th April 2003, 21:48

Thanks Bubba136.. :)

I think I wrote some time ago in another topic that I know of the phpBB update and ofcourse at some time the board will be upgraded. But such an upgrade action takes time so I can't perform this kind of thing 'on demand'. Because time is now always on my side and I also have a life besides the Internet and the board. (Hard to believe, but true. ;))

As for the styles, I will consider some alternate styles that are out there.
As for the default style, it's not subRed, but subHeel. And for the very simple reason that it is a style tailored for the rest of the site. So the site and forum have a uniform look and feel.

squirrelheels · 17th April 2003, 02:33

I meant to say subHeel not subRed... slip of the fingers!

I appreciate that you do put a lot into the board Jeff, and that finding the time to upgrades isn't easy. I understand your reasons for the styles, although everyone has their preferences and tastes, so perhaps installing some more board styles when you have the time would be great!

Thanks for all you do.

SH

azraelle · 17th April 2003, 17:10

I also echo my thanks, Jeff. Its just that, having played around with phpbb2 for a php class, I found that installing a new style was an exercise in downloading and unzipping the file into the styles directory of phpbb2, and adding it in with the click of a button using the "administrator's" interface. With a high speed connection, I installed a dozen styles in a matter of minutes. So I figured it wouldn't take much of your time. I realize there may be major admin differences between phpbb 2.0.1 and 2.0.4, though, so I apologize if I offended--none was meant.

Jeff · 18th April 2003, 23:22

Well, just installing a new style isn't that much work indeed. But looking for them, making a selection for our board and changing the index logo to fit the style is most of the work.

I'm kind of precise in these things and always want to make a nice looking user interface. :) I'll consider adding templates without a modified index logo though. :)

squirrelheels · 19th April 2003, 01:15

Well as far as I can tell, the logo is the same for all of the style templates available here, and I think it fits no matter what style used, so I don't think it'd be a problem!

I understand that you like things to be precise! I'm exactly the same when I'm designing my own websites, so I know where you're coming from!

Do let us know when you've installed some more styles/templates :)

SH

jo · 19th April 2003, 19:50

Do you need any help getting this fixed:

link: stuff

azraelle · 20th April 2003, 12:08

Quote:

But looking for them, making a selection for our board . . .

That's why I suggested BlackSoul, Solaris, & SpacePilot as board styles, and included the links in my first post--they are available here:http://styles.phpbb2.de/index.php?s=56