Dear Administrator - How do the changes work?

[Gimme]

Dear Administrator

The new changes look very swanky but how do they work?

For example, lost cat threads tended to go on the offered and wanted site. Do they still go in 'wanted' - as in 'wanted - lost cat' or do they go somewhere else.

One thing that was an excellent addition is the new Drawing Room! Looking forward to having a heated discussion in there.

You've done loads of work changing the site and it looks great. Maybe you should have a fanfare thread to introduce the changes... or did I just miss it?

One other thing I was wondering was - are the changes on trial or are they here to stay?

One thing I did think was good about the old look site was that when browsing to see what was on sale etc, I often saw requests for advice or recommendations and answered them. I probably won't bother going into the local businesses section unless I'm looking for a recommendation for me (and therefore won't contribute as many recommendations).

If you find that you aren't getting much being put on the local business site, will you revert?

Oh finally, should this have gone into 'About this forum'? On looking around that seems to be the place to ask questions about the forum... However, thought it was a valid point for the main thread. I'm sure you'll move it if you think otherwise.

Anyone else got any thoughts on the new look?

[Administrator]

Hi

Glad you like the changes.

If something is not and East Dulwich issue it does not go in the 'East Dulwich Issues' section

Lost cats go in the 'wanted' section

The changes are here to stay but if they do not work more changes may be made

Advice wanted should go in the 'wanted' section

Recommendations wanted go in the 'businesses' section (as they are recommendations for businesses and trades)

Separating the businesses from the 'For Sale' and 'Wanted' sections mean that the latter do not get full of people looking for builders. Hopefully it will encourage them to search for recommendations first.

I have moved this to the 'About this forum' section because it is about the forum.

Let us know if you have any other feedback.

[HAL9000]

Gimme Wrote:

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> lost cat threads

I didn't see an RFD about the changes; if I had I would have campaigned for a section exclusively for missing cats and dogs! Is the current epidemic a recent phenomenon or has it always been like this? I blame all those dodgy catflaps.

Otherwise, the changes are excellent - well done.

[Michael Palaeologus]

I dont like the changes. There are too man sections and it is impossible to keep a track of what is going on.

The drop down menu is just too long ...

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

I need a man section - where do I find it?

[Keef]

I definitely think the Family Room being split is a good thing. Despite being up for it initially, I'm now less sure about The Drawing Room. It needs time I guess, but I'm not sure it'll ever be a success, as sometimes discussions just naturally move on a bit from the initial topic, and to stop that stifles good debate IMO.

[????]

I don't think the Drawing Room is great at all - too worthy and dull we may have got a place for serious debate but it's reminded me how tedious serious debate can be without the occasional lighthearted interjection or meander

[Mark]

But isn't that the idea of it, the tedious debate happens elsewhere and you don't have to go in there. The Lounge is now free of things that are too worthy and dull, you should be happy about that.

[SeanMacGabhann]

F*** me the honeymoon didn't last long did it...

[????]

Mark, I like some serious debate but with some lightness in it- the Drawing Room is too straight - the few serious debaters will love that but many posters are like me, i suspect, so I think ultimately the debates will miss opinions of many decent contributors whilst meanwhile the lounge gets dumbed down...just my opinion, but I think it's a mistake.

[SeanMacGabhann]

Have to confess I don't love the Drawing Room myself - but nothing stopping a more light-hearted version in the lounge at the same time is there?

[????]

..ahhhh, but that's the frustration for me Sean. Some of the real intelects and heavyweights then don't feature in the loungelite version...and I love those guys, just couldn't eat a whole one if you see what I'm saying. I think the seperation fails both serious debate and some fun. Not easy I know and early days but this is my initial feeling.

[SeanMacGabhann]

no, no.. I hear you. Was just trying to suggest a compromise... but my leanings are more towards what you say re: the Drawing Room

As for all the other sections - I was worried at the beginning it would mean much more work but it's actually made things easier.

people complaining about too many sections - I'm guessing most people spent most of their time in the Lounge and ED Gossip sections - that's not changed. And the goods and family sections are more orderly.. can't see a problem

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

... meanwhile the lounge gets dumbed down...just my opinion, but I think it's a mistake.

Mr Miyagi v Chuck Norris? Are you mental [in the words of Ron Weasley].

A thread worthy of the Drawing Room in my opinion.

[SteveT]

I agree with Michael Palaeologus the drop down is too long, but the 2 family threads could possibly be merged to shorten it.

The drawing room, which was created without planning permission, is stuffy like quids says but I'm getting more used to it.

F*** me the honeymoon didn't last long did it... from SeanMcg made me LOL.