Board skins causing problems

[Phoenix]

Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve noticed an increase in small problems with some of the board skins. The main offenders seem to be the four “glossy” skins, (blue, green, purple, and red). Unfortunately, they are not available to upgrade, since they are exclusive to the FreeForum Company, (the original hosts of MLA).

For those who do use the glossy skins, may I ask what you like about them, specifically? Colour? Design? Ease of use? Something else altogether? If I know what the main appeal is, it will help narrow down the search for similar skins that are compatible with our current board software. Also, the phpBB tech-people are constantly working to upgrade the software, so sooner or later the glossy skins will probably simply stop working.

Our most current skins are listed here.

If glossy skin users could either reply in this thread, or via PM, it would be much appreciated. Also, if you have any requests for a certain type of skin, please put your in, and I'll see what I can do.

Your MLA admin / mod team.

[cassysj]

Hi Phoenix. I use Glossy Blue. The biggest thing is the font for the forum names is in black as opposed to blue. That makes it really easy for me to read. I've tried a couple of the current skins and have noticed the forum font color is blue or orange, if there is a current skin that has the forums in black font please let me know.

Thanks.

[wollstonecraft61]

Phee, it is the ease of reading and the way the board is formatted that appeals to me. I use Glossy Green. I have tried others, but for some reason, I am not as happy with them as with the green. It may be totally a mental thing, but unless I am in that skin, I just am not happy with the format of the board.

[cassysj]

Interesting thing I just noticed, maybe it's just my machine. I tried the Glossy Green and Glossy Red and the View Your Posts (My favorite tool) is on the left side and on Glossy Blue it's on the right. I checked the subsilver and it's on the right side there but on prosilver the left. It's fascinating all the subtle differences in skins

[GuardianAngel]

I use the GlossyBlue. For me, the appeal is the black font against a white background and the larger font up on top. The layout seems more intuitive. So anyone reading does not have to search to see what I mean, I'll attach a pic.



ETA: Forgot to mention that I've had no problems with the GlossyBlue.

[VAsusieQ18]

I'm using subsilver2 now, but I was using GlossyPurple. I don't know why. I guess it was just I liked the setup and coloring. I'm also a creature of habit and the Glossy skins were just something I was used too. But I started having so much trouble with the GlossyPurple that I switched. And now that I've gotten used to subsliver2, I'm a-okay.

[librarian_7]

I'm another glossy blue user. I think part of it is simply familiarity...it's what I'm used to, and I like it. The only real problem I've noticed is inability to vote in polls.

Have to say, I like the black text on white background...I find it more readable. And the layout of the page seems intuitively right to me.

I adore that we have various skins available, to match different folks' preferences.

Lucky

[francis]

I used glossy blue all the time since I came to this board. It was just familiar. After the last time when I encountered problems with voting I finally changed to subsilver2, and I got used to it. Main problem is that now I have the same skin on this board and VLF and sometimes I get confused about where I am. But other than that, I really got used to it.

I like the skin to have an "active topics" button and to have the avatars to the left. I like to have easily accessible buttons to send a reply or a pm. I like to see easily which threads I answered to and which ones are new. All of this applies to subsilver and to the glossy skins. But most importantly I need a dark script on light background and a good contrast or I won't see anything.

But I'm fine with subsilver2 now, got used to it, so whatever you find would just be a bonus.
Thank you for taking such good care of this board.

[darkstarrising]

Yet another glossy blue user weighing in. Reasons are similar to what's already been stated - black print on white background easy to read, the organization seems easer to follow as well. Blue vs the rest of the colors is just a preference (soothing).

Whatever you come up with, I'm sure we'll be able to adjust.

[wpgrace]

This is actually interesting... I use the subsilver 'cause I think the Glossies look stark. I like the shading of greys.

We ARE all so different, aren't we? And yet Phee accommodates us all.

[Phoenix]

Thanks for the input, ladies. I've made notes and will keep them handy when I go "shopping" for skins.

~ I'll look for white skins with black text. (It's more common to find coloured backgrounds.)

~ I've searched far and wide for a nice purple skin, (as a member previously commented on liking that colour), and purple skins are as rare as hens teeth. (I'll keep looking though.)

~ Oddly enough, perhaps half the skins don't have an active topics button on every page. (Even though they seem to be a popular feature.)

How big an issue is it if the avatars are on the right? Most people seem to prefer them on the left, but I have found some lovely skins with the avatars on the right. I think it depends on the "basic" skin that is used to create the "pretty" skin; they mostly seem to be based on either prosilver or subsilver.

One last thing - we have no plans to remove the glossy skins from the board. The concern is that they will simply get so outdated as to be useless after another upgrade or two.

[GuardianAngel]

Personally I have no real issue with avatars on the right. That's only a matter of habit and I'm sure that after a couple days I'd adjust.

Thanks for keeping our preferences in mind, Phee, when you go 'shopping'.

[Phoenix]

Thanks for keeping our preferences in mind, Phee, when you go 'shopping'.

It's my pleasure, GA.

[librarian_7]

I love the active topics button. I'd be thrilled if there were an active topics button at the bottom as well as the top of the page. (Have I mentioned I'm really lazy?)

Lucky

[Phoenix]

I love the active topics button. I'd be thrilled if there were an active topics button at the bottom as well as the top of the page. (Have I mentioned I'm really lazy?)

Lucky

Lucky, I don't recall ever seeing a skin like that - although it would be handy. I'll add it to the list, though.