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Post by cannyfradock on Feb 12, 2012 11:41:55 GMT
Hello
I am trying to build up the Index page on this forum so it is crammed with info, but still easy to navigate.
Members of the old forum may agree that it had a load of info but was sometimes difficult to navigate. I need help to configure the Index page(and the forum in general) into a forum which can be used as an interactive forum AND be a good source of reference.
Here are a couple of things I'm working on....
Events Calendar (from Calaf)....ongoing event in our field.
WFO free plans.....there's lots out there. I need permission to post these.
Sourcing refractory materials....links. locations
Modular oven suppliers....should we have a list.....and show prices?
Oven management....lighting and maintaining heat...temp guide?
Calculation guide....how many bricks, thermal blanket etc
Wood suppliers in the UK
These are just a few idea's, but there's lots more that can be added. Please post anything that we could use.
The other headache is.....where to put these (and hopefully other suggestions) ....in in which heading. Our options are....
New board ...The main heading. This will contain any Sub-boards and Categories.
Sub-board..A board within a main board topic which can have it's own Categories.
Category...A general subject within a board.
Thread....A place to create your own heading, and post anything, or a place to reply to any new post post.
Sticky....A thread that will always appear at the top of a list of threads within a Category.
Please feel free to help us build up our forum. Any member can even write-up their own text they want to appear on the forum.
These idea's shall be reviewed regularly and will be proposed to Staff for implementing on the board.
Many thanks
Terry
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Post by Fat Bob on Feb 12, 2012 11:54:17 GMT
Main thing that bugs me is the typography, at the top of the screen the "Home, New Topic, Help, Search etc" is very difficult to read as it is outlined and is all splodgy. Can't you change it for a clear san-seriph typeface?
At the moment you have no branding in the header which is good as it keeps the header small.
Keep up the good work.
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Post by cannyfradock on Feb 12, 2012 12:05:34 GMT
Bob
You may have surmised that I'm always playing catch-up when it comes to computer literacy....what's san-seriph typeface?
I've changed the top headers......I prefer the other version, but if this is more clear....then we'll leave it.
Terry
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Post by Fat Bob on Feb 12, 2012 13:19:22 GMT
Well done FC - you have triumphed without knowing what a sans-seriph typeface is!
It is clearer and easier to read.
In simple terms sans-seriph typefaces don't have the twiddly blobs on the end of the strokes of the letters.
You have changed the text at the top but I notice "search, bookmark, reply, share, print at the bottom haven't been changed. Also see "quote" in the post top right is also blobbly type.
Good typography is very important - for many reasons.
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Post by Turandot on Feb 12, 2012 14:31:19 GMT
This forum is better with fewer boards that make it more concise. The old one was difficult to navigate having too many categories. I think it needs a logo at the top and better colours.
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Post by Calaf on Feb 12, 2012 14:37:50 GMT
I agree with Bob, those icons were blotchy. The fault is with proboards and unfortunately they can't be changed, only switched to text.
If there is to be a logo at the top it should not be too high. 150 pixels max.
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Post by cannyfradock on Feb 12, 2012 19:00:46 GMT
Calaf
As you agree with Bob on the text thing then I can change the rest of the headers ...top and bottom etc, although I would prefer to get a bit more feedback on this. The Logo will soon be placed on the top of our index board.....I quite liked the old one, but our options on this board are many fold, so I'll be asking Turkey for advice on this.
All these latest posts are truly appreciated and come under settings, which will be changed/amended/added to suit our members. Thank-you for starting the ball to roll. I am still looking for idea's on general set-up of the forum.
Terry
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Post by Fat Bob on Feb 12, 2012 19:48:38 GMT
Canny trust me I am a typographer - you know about bricks and when and where to use a particular sort - I sadly know about typefaces - trust me dump the bloated unreadable typeface it is not easy to read or professional,
Keep up the good work... I will sort you a logo if you would like one.
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Sherlock
valid member
Elementary
Posts: 46
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Post by Sherlock on Feb 23, 2012 9:44:50 GMT
Not sure how it might be laid out, but a list of links to use when researching/ planning with comments might be useful. Some really good sites out there eg Pizza oven projectdeltabluesfestival.net/pizza_oven.htmLots of detailed photos and some good links ! Mainly vault ovens. Simon |
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Post by cannyfradock on Feb 23, 2012 17:24:46 GMT
Bob Canny trust me I am a typographer - you know about bricks and when and where to use a particular sort - I sadly know about typefaces - trust me dump the bloated unreadable typeface it is not easy to read or professional, Keep up the good work... I will sort you a logo if you would like one. The typeface has now been changed (thanks Calaf). I appreciate the offer of the logo, but I had already asked Turkey if he would do that for me.....thanks anyway for the offer of help. Any suggestions are always welcome....keep em comin. Terry |
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Post by cannyfradock on Feb 23, 2012 17:41:44 GMT
Not sure how it might be laid out, but a list of links to use when researching/ planning with comments might be useful. Some really good sites out there eg Pizza oven projectdeltabluesfestival.net/pizza_oven.htmLots of detailed photos and some good links ! Mainly vault ovens. Simon Simon This is something I would like to have on the forum. I am also not sure how it should be laid out. Perhaps in it's own section, with categories for different stages of a build...base, slab, setting out a dome and vault, Calculations for bricks, lighting the fire, building a door etc, etc.. That's a brilliant link to Frankie G's site. His name is renowned in oven building and worked with the great Alan Scott. It would be nice if we could use his link for our members. Hopefully in the near future we shall also have our own detailed plans. So...you've set the wheels in motion for a new section. I'll post your post to the mods for consideration. In the meanwhile if you can elaborate a bit on how this new section should look...it would help us piece it together. Terry |
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Post by Fat Bob on Feb 24, 2012 0:24:03 GMT
I refrained earlier from posting but on a second look at the new logo/header the typestyle does not do the site justice. The designer did an amazing job to integrate so many elements but the typestyle is wrong and perhaps too small. The thin strokes get lost and make the image weak. It is, may I say old fashioned and stuck in the prewar years... The text needs to be stronger and bolder to get immediate effect.
The brick work looks like a wall, is no picture available of a well contructed interior dome?
Despite my criticism I think it was well thought out as a build your own oven logo.
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Post by Calaf on Feb 24, 2012 9:10:51 GMT
Hi Bob, thanks for the input. None of us are graphics geeks but I think Turkey did a good job in such a short time. I particularly like his trowel and peel.
What typeface, weight, anti-alias type and colour or effect would you suggest?
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Post by bookemdanno on Feb 24, 2012 18:44:36 GMT
all i'd say guys is, please do not create too much of a beast. We're all extremely grateful for you to start and maintain this forum, and i for one wouldn't want it to become to high-a-maintenance to take all the fun out of it for you. keep up the good work guys, just not too much!  |
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Post by Fat Bob on Feb 24, 2012 19:28:40 GMT
Cal - easiest would be times bold. (I have no idea what fonts are available.) Just anything without the thin bits. Turkey did very well - it sometimes just helps to have someone else look at something that the creator has become perhaps too familar with. I sent you a private message this morning but my postbox still says I haven't read or responded to you?
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