Welcome to version 3 of FocusRSOC.com
This upgrade has been essential to address issues relating to speed and performance, as well as security and general improvement of the forum software.
Skin / Look:
The most obvious change is the new colour scheme and 'fixed width' style of the forums.
Please at least use the forums for a week or so, be open minded and THEN constructively feedback to me.
I took on board feedback of the last skin/colour scheme and this one has retained the general colour scheme, but this time used darker shades, so its more pleasing on the eye.
The decision to use a fixed width has come about as one of the measures to address page load times. It also helps to prevent some of the distortion caused by the old fluid width style.
The fixed width keeps your eye focused on the content, although it may involve a little more scrolling, I believe it is much more user friendly. AGAIN, please attempt to get used to it before feeding back to me.
I will try my utmost to take on board constructive feedback, but please understand there will be limitations of what can be changed or modified.
New Menu System:
The menu system has reverted to the old style drop down. The menu buttons have been divided into more relevant top and sub menus.
There is an upgraded quick search bar. This now has a drop down that allows you to search specific areas of the website. Clicking on the cog icon takes you to the advanced menu.
Next to your logged in username you have a drop down menu providing access to your website settings. I'd recommend you click on 'my settings' and spend some time choosing how you'd like the forums/site to work according to your requirements.
Next along is your 'messenger' icon, the number represents your unread messages. Clicking on this will take your to your message inbox.
Next is your 'notifications' icon. This is a new feature, providing you with a quick message, set via 'My Settings' as to what you are notified about. Clicking on this will show you the notifications.
Forum Signatures:
A decision I know will go down like a lead balloon... forum signatures have now been deactivated for everyone.
Anyone with existing signatures will see them go over the next few weeks.
As the club grows, so does the volume of posts, topics and traffic to the forums. You'll find many other large forums do the same, and whilst I've also tried my best not to be like other forums, some things have to give.
Upgraded / Reactivated Features:
Garage System -
The Garage has seen an upgrade, which offers an improved layout and some additional features, such as setting a default image. You will also find a button below each user's individual posts that will link directly to their garage.
Handbook System -
The Handbook System has been reactivated and upgraded. It lay dormant over the last year or so. This system is linked into the relevant forum sections, so as articles are created, it will post a link in the forums.
This system will be used to capture useful information, displaying it in a system free of comments and other information that may distract from the importance of finding the information you need.
Gallery System -
The Gallery has undergone a major upgrade. It is now what its meant to be... a quick and easy way of view images submitted by you all, along with some other useful tools.
Club Shop -
We've finally found a stable shop software, which offers you the ability to quickly purchase membership, merchandise and tickets. Further to this, there is now a 'client area' (found in the MY-RSOC menu) which provides you with purchase history, invoice, support and more.
Topic Hover -
You'll be pleased to know its made a return!
Reputation / Thanks -
You will now find the 'thanks' system has gone. It was a third party modification to the software, it had limitations and required me to manually edit software files... something that has the potential to cause issues and adds to page load times.
I've re-enabled the reputation system.
This now shows who, when and what post you were rep'd in. The function is just the same as 'thanks'. To view this, just click on your username and then the reputation tab.
As usual, we envision the system being abused... if it is... that person's rep will be zero'd and/or they will be blocked from using it. Rep will also be used to support the new classifieds system, explained below.
New Features:
Classifieds -
We've finally moved from using the forums for advertising. The classifieds system offer the ability to place 'for sale', 'wanted' and 'trade' items. Contact with the seller will be made via the forum's personal messenger or by other means as advertised by the seller.
The reputation system will play a key role, helping buyers identify trustworthy sellers... I'll repeat my last warning that if this system is abused, reputation will zero'd, so its in your interest to use the system fairly as intended.
Please understand this is an early release of the software, function and usability will be improved on over time.
We are looking to allow 'forum users' post for sale items in the near future for a nominal fee.
Facebook Like -
You will find at the bottom of every topic (not every individual post) the ability to 'like' a post... which will show up in your facebook if your account is linked to the forums.
Mobile Browsing -
I have now installed a feature which allows smart phone users to view a completely stripped down version of FocusRSOC.com.
This means browsing on 3G and even lower grade mobile-internet connections is much much faster. It is obviously there to quickly access the core content of the forums and not other features.
If you do not wish to use this, then once accessed, scroll to the bottom and you will see 'full version' click on this to view the site as you see it now.
iPhone users will notice accessing the site better than ever, as the look and feel is similar to the iPhone.
You can now effectively have a FocusRSOC.com App... here's how...
Open Safari, and access the club site as you usually would. This obviously now takes you to the mobile version of FocusRSOC.com.
Now scroll down and click on the + symbol on the bottom bar, which will give you the option to "Add to Homescreen", now rename this as "FocusRSOC"
In due course I will add an RS icon that will automatically show up on your home screen.
I've been learning how to create the App icon, so please bear with me, it will be updated for the Retina display eventually.
Regards
Jim
FocusRSOC.com Official Facebook Page -
At the bottom left of the forums you will find a quick link to the new FocusRSOC.com Facebook page. This is set up as we offer the ability to register/link forum accounts using your facebook account.
Feel free to visit us and post some comments.
Future Development:
FocusRSOC.com will be expanding from more than just the forums. You will have noticed we currently do not have a home page.
Over the course of 2010 I am learning how to use some new software which will enable me to create a complete website 100% integrated into the user database and forums.
I honestly have no idea how long it will take me to learn/understand or whether I'll have to draft in external help... however 2011 I do plan to create more content pages and a new home screen.
Please understand, both from my personal view and from the staff members that have supported me during the upgrade process... a ridiculous number of hours has been spent preparing for the upgrade.
I'm the first to welcome feedback, so long as it is constructive... please bear that in mind.
This upgrade has been essential to address issues relating to speed and performance, as well as security and general improvement of the forum software.
Skin / Look:
The most obvious change is the new colour scheme and 'fixed width' style of the forums.
Please at least use the forums for a week or so, be open minded and THEN constructively feedback to me.
I took on board feedback of the last skin/colour scheme and this one has retained the general colour scheme, but this time used darker shades, so its more pleasing on the eye.
The decision to use a fixed width has come about as one of the measures to address page load times. It also helps to prevent some of the distortion caused by the old fluid width style.
The fixed width keeps your eye focused on the content, although it may involve a little more scrolling, I believe it is much more user friendly. AGAIN, please attempt to get used to it before feeding back to me.
I will try my utmost to take on board constructive feedback, but please understand there will be limitations of what can be changed or modified.
New Menu System:
The menu system has reverted to the old style drop down. The menu buttons have been divided into more relevant top and sub menus.
There is an upgraded quick search bar. This now has a drop down that allows you to search specific areas of the website. Clicking on the cog icon takes you to the advanced menu.
Next to your logged in username you have a drop down menu providing access to your website settings. I'd recommend you click on 'my settings' and spend some time choosing how you'd like the forums/site to work according to your requirements.
Next along is your 'messenger' icon, the number represents your unread messages. Clicking on this will take your to your message inbox.
Next is your 'notifications' icon. This is a new feature, providing you with a quick message, set via 'My Settings' as to what you are notified about. Clicking on this will show you the notifications.
Forum Signatures:
A decision I know will go down like a lead balloon... forum signatures have now been deactivated for everyone.
Anyone with existing signatures will see them go over the next few weeks.
As the club grows, so does the volume of posts, topics and traffic to the forums. You'll find many other large forums do the same, and whilst I've also tried my best not to be like other forums, some things have to give.
Upgraded / Reactivated Features:
Garage System -
The Garage has seen an upgrade, which offers an improved layout and some additional features, such as setting a default image. You will also find a button below each user's individual posts that will link directly to their garage.
Handbook System -
The Handbook System has been reactivated and upgraded. It lay dormant over the last year or so. This system is linked into the relevant forum sections, so as articles are created, it will post a link in the forums.
This system will be used to capture useful information, displaying it in a system free of comments and other information that may distract from the importance of finding the information you need.
Gallery System -
The Gallery has undergone a major upgrade. It is now what its meant to be... a quick and easy way of view images submitted by you all, along with some other useful tools.
Club Shop -
We've finally found a stable shop software, which offers you the ability to quickly purchase membership, merchandise and tickets. Further to this, there is now a 'client area' (found in the MY-RSOC menu) which provides you with purchase history, invoice, support and more.
Topic Hover -
You'll be pleased to know its made a return!
Reputation / Thanks -
You will now find the 'thanks' system has gone. It was a third party modification to the software, it had limitations and required me to manually edit software files... something that has the potential to cause issues and adds to page load times.
I've re-enabled the reputation system.
This now shows who, when and what post you were rep'd in. The function is just the same as 'thanks'. To view this, just click on your username and then the reputation tab.
As usual, we envision the system being abused... if it is... that person's rep will be zero'd and/or they will be blocked from using it. Rep will also be used to support the new classifieds system, explained below.
New Features:
Classifieds -
We've finally moved from using the forums for advertising. The classifieds system offer the ability to place 'for sale', 'wanted' and 'trade' items. Contact with the seller will be made via the forum's personal messenger or by other means as advertised by the seller.
The reputation system will play a key role, helping buyers identify trustworthy sellers... I'll repeat my last warning that if this system is abused, reputation will zero'd, so its in your interest to use the system fairly as intended.
Please understand this is an early release of the software, function and usability will be improved on over time.
We are looking to allow 'forum users' post for sale items in the near future for a nominal fee.
Facebook Like -
You will find at the bottom of every topic (not every individual post) the ability to 'like' a post... which will show up in your facebook if your account is linked to the forums.
Mobile Browsing -
I have now installed a feature which allows smart phone users to view a completely stripped down version of FocusRSOC.com.
This means browsing on 3G and even lower grade mobile-internet connections is much much faster. It is obviously there to quickly access the core content of the forums and not other features.
If you do not wish to use this, then once accessed, scroll to the bottom and you will see 'full version' click on this to view the site as you see it now.
iPhone users will notice accessing the site better than ever, as the look and feel is similar to the iPhone.
You can now effectively have a FocusRSOC.com App... here's how...
Open Safari, and access the club site as you usually would. This obviously now takes you to the mobile version of FocusRSOC.com.
Now scroll down and click on the + symbol on the bottom bar, which will give you the option to "Add to Homescreen", now rename this as "FocusRSOC"
In due course I will add an RS icon that will automatically show up on your home screen.
I've been learning how to create the App icon, so please bear with me, it will be updated for the Retina display eventually.
Regards
Jim
FocusRSOC.com Official Facebook Page -
At the bottom left of the forums you will find a quick link to the new FocusRSOC.com Facebook page. This is set up as we offer the ability to register/link forum accounts using your facebook account.
Feel free to visit us and post some comments.
Future Development:
FocusRSOC.com will be expanding from more than just the forums. You will have noticed we currently do not have a home page.
Over the course of 2010 I am learning how to use some new software which will enable me to create a complete website 100% integrated into the user database and forums.
I honestly have no idea how long it will take me to learn/understand or whether I'll have to draft in external help... however 2011 I do plan to create more content pages and a new home screen.
Please understand, both from my personal view and from the staff members that have supported me during the upgrade process... a ridiculous number of hours has been spent preparing for the upgrade.
I'm the first to welcome feedback, so long as it is constructive... please bear that in mind.
