Are You Happy With the Current Board?

[Don Wassall]

As the site is being rebuilt, I'd like to have some feedback from posters on the discussion board. Are you happy with it as it currently is? If not, why not? I'm thinking of switching to V-Bulletin for the rebuild, which is the most popular forum software, but if most like what we have now there's really no need to change it, just periodically upgrade it with the newest version of Webwiz, as was done a couple of years ago.
I like the style and feel of what we now have. V-Bulletin apparently has more bells and whistles, but I'm interested in knowing the opinion of others.

 

[jaxvid]

I like the way the board looks. My only issue is that the active area for posts is only about a third of the screen. All the rest is filler, with a good portion blank. This tends to compress things like video and picture attachments. Having said that, I like that it only takes up a small amount of screen when I read it on my itouch. So I guess maybe a little wider would be okay.

It would be nice to also be able to post pictures directly instead of having to link to an off site storage location. Maybe a temp storage capacity that could hold pictures for a week or so. I don't know how practical that is but it would be nice. I would post a lot more pictures if it wasn't a hassle downloading, saving, and then uploading to another server, then pasting the link here.

 

[Westside]

On a side note; what up the site's column writers? They quite talented but are they in hybernation or consi
ent work stoppage? LOL

 

[Highlander]

I'm curious as to what the new WW version is like...look-and-feel, features and functionality. I like the format of WW for the most part. I think it would be nice if the Admin (you, Don) could have the capability of creating stories on the front page (like it allows you to do now), but also have the ability to comment directly from those stories on the front page and see how many comments have been made on it (kind of like it does on The Spearhead), instead of having to find a separate "Discussion" link off of the left-hand side to comment on it...not very user-friendly. Hopefully the new WW version allows for something like that.

I agree with jaxvid that the spacing (screen real-estate) could be better utilized with some of the wasted space on the left and right. I kind of like that this site has a somewhat unique look-and-feel compared to other sites...but it also has a somewhat dated look-and-feel to it now and an upgrade to something that had more of a Web 2.0 look-and-feel and functionality would be nice. If V-Bulletin is the most popular type and looks the same from blog to blog, then CF may lose it's somewhat unique look-and-feel and get lost in an ocean full of the same type of fish. I don't have enough information to go on, but I'd stick with WW if the new version of it allows for some of these things. I'm sure after six years of additional development and upgrades, the new version can probably do most of these things.

 

[Westside]

Don, it would Be great to devise a front page similar to the Drudgereport or Dailycaller, where you title major sports stories or current events from a CF perspective. Also laced with wit or humor. What do you think about that format?

 

[Don Wassall]

I'm curious as to what the new WW version is like...look-and-feel, features and functionality. I like the format of WW for the most part. I think it would be nice if the Admin (you, Don) could have the capability of creating stories on the front page (like it allows you to do now), but also have the ability to comment directly from those stories on the front page and see how many comments have been made on it (kind of like it does on The Spearhead), instead of having to find a separate "Discussion" link off of the left-hand side to comment on it...not very user-friendly. Hopefully the new WW version allows for something like that.

I agree with jaxvid that the spacing (screen real-estate) could be better utilized with some of the wasted space on the left and right. I kind of like that this site has a somewhat unique look-and-feel compared to other sites...but it also has a somewhat dated look-and-feel to it now and an upgrade to something that had more of a Web 2.0 look-and-feel and functionality would be nice. If V-Bulletin is the most popular type and looks the same from blog to blog, then CF may lose it's somewhat unique look-and-feel and get lost in an ocean full of the same type of fish. I don't have enough information to go on, but I'd stick with WW if the new version of it allows for some of these things. I'm sure after six years of additional development and upgrades, the new version can probably do most of these things.

WW is only on the forum page, it doesn't have anything to do with the homepage and the rest of the site (if I'm reading your post correctly, Highlander). But the new site will have smaller margins than the large ones the current one has. And it will also have the ability to post comments after articles on the homepage. That will be limited to those who sign up with a username and password to do so, as many sites require. Otherwise we'd have too many trolls and opponents dominating the comments.

I'm also hoping that some posters here will volunteer to blog on the homepage on a regular or irregular basis. Articles or just short blurbs much like many posts on the board is what I'm looking for. The homepage is too inactive now, and I've gotten away from adding links to articles the way I used to so that area needs to be stepped up considerably. Someone emailed today and asked why we weren't updating the site; I emailed him back and told him the board is where most of the action is as he wasn't aware of the board, but ideally the homepage needs to be active and updated regularly, and the ability to write comments should help also.

 

[Don Wassall]

Don, it would Be great to devise a front page similar to the Drudgereport or Dailycaller, where you title major sports stories or current events from a CF perspective. Also laced with wit or humor. What do you think about that format?

Style-wise, I don't like Drudge at all. Looks like a websitemade using software from 1996.

The new site will look a fair amount like the current one. The first two-thirds of the homepage from left to rightwill be devoted to columns and other original material. The right hand column will have articles, banner ads, links, and anything else. The links currently in the far left column will be horizontal across the top (with drop-down menus), andabove the links will be the name of the sitein big letters. I like large headlines andfair-sized letteringand nice-sizedpictures over tons of small headlines and tiny size print, to me it's more of a cleaner look rather than lots of clutter. Edited by: Don Wassall

 

[Highlander]

I'm curious as to what the new WW version is like...look-and-feel, features and functionality. I like the format of WW for the most part. I think it would be nice if the Admin (you, Don) could have the capability of creating stories on the front page (like it allows you to do now), but also have the ability to comment directly from those stories on the front page and see how many comments have been made on it (kind of like it does on The Spearhead), instead of having to find a separate "Discussion" link off of the left-hand side to comment on it...not very user-friendly. Hopefully the new WW version allows for something like that.

I agree with jaxvid that the spacing (screen real-estate) could be better utilized with some of the wasted space on the left and right. I kind of like that this site has a somewhat unique look-and-feel compared to other sites...but it also has a somewhat dated look-and-feel to it now and an upgrade to something that had more of a Web 2.0 look-and-feel and functionality would be nice. If V-Bulletin is the most popular type and looks the same from blog to blog, then CF may lose it's somewhat unique look-and-feel and get lost in an ocean full of the same type of fish. I don't have enough information to go on, but I'd stick with WW if the new version of it allows for some of these things. I'm sure after six years of additional development and upgrades, the new version can probably do most of these things.

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<div>WW is only on the forum page, it doesn't have anything to do with the homepage and the rest of the site (if I'm reading your post correctly, Highlander). But the new site will have smaller margins than the large ones the current one has. And it will also have the ability to post comments after articles on the homepage. That will be limited to those who sign up with a username and password to do so, as many sites require. Otherwise we'd have too many trolls and opponents dominating the comments.</div>
<div></div>
<div>I'm also hoping that some posters here will volunteer to blog on the homepage on a regular or irregular basis. Articles or just short blurbs much like many posts on the board is what I'm looking for. The homepage is too inactive now, and I've gotten away from adding links to articles the way I used to so that area needs to be stepped up considerably. Someone emailed today and asked why we weren't updating the site; I emailed him back and told him the board is where most of the action is as he wasn't aware of the board, but ideally the homepage needs to be active and updated regularly, and the ability to write comments should help also. </div>

Ahhh, OK. I didn't know that. Some of the new capabilities you mention here to me and to Westside sound great, especially the more interactive homepage with articles, larger headlines, pictures and the ability to comment right then and there. I'm looking forward to it. I agree, Drudge's looks like right out of the mid 90's. I don't get it

 

[Don Wassall]

The traffic Drudge's site gets is phenomenal. If his figures are accurate, about 30 million people a day are visiting it. Since we've shown such admirable teamwork here in raising money for CF, I hope we can commit to doing what it takes to building traffic after the site re-build to 10,000 or 20,000 visitors a day or more within a year. Some homepage bloggers and lots of insightful comments after articles should boost traffic quite a bit.

 

[PhillyBirds]

I also think the added flexibility on the front page will do very well to attract more attention to important items of interest. Having regular updates from forum members / columnists would be neat as well, especially if it was still divided up by sport as it is now (except with more frequent updates).

In terms of the forum changes, I agree with all of the points made above. Personally, I don't mind using the current posting format, as it's already as customizable / more customizable as any other blog I've posted on. I do agree with jaxvid that the ability to upload pictures directly to the board without having to use a third-party upload would be a major boon. I think it would contribute a good deal of picture diversity (pardon the term) and added flexibility.

I like your ideas for the formatting changes for the front page as well. I think keeping the site looking clean and professional is a good plan for the remake, as I believe the more professional look definitely separates CF from some other, more cluttered or less elaborate blogs.

 

[Don Wassall]

Great feedback, guys. My preference right now is to pay to get the latest WW upgrade rather than switching the current software. Another new version came out recently. Doing that should also eliminate the possibility of losing any posts if we switched to V-Bulletin.

Thinking off the top of my head, it would be great if we could get one or two of the most knowledgeable posters here from each sport to do some blogging on the homepage; it could be as easy as writing short updates that would otherwise be posted on the board (and could still be posted on the board anyway).

 

[whiteathlete33]

Some great ideas by Don and the others. I hope Parody agrees to do some boxing blogs, JC and Tough J some college football blogs, and maybe J41181 basketball.

 

[Colonel_Reb]

I think the ideas already mentioned are good ones. It sounds like the Web Wiz format has changed enough to allow for more flexibility on the homepage and forum. I would add that (besides a comment feature) I hope the new homepage could include articles and/or blogs that can have multiple pictures or other images in them. This will add to the interest level and look, especially in longer articles. I would like to see a better functioning Search tool. I agree that it would help to be able to directly post pictures etc. on the board and I like that the new version will have more narrow side margins. Having a wider, frequently updated, more information filled home page would definitely help create more interest. I think it would be great to have a more prominent (or different looking) link to the discussion board from the homepage because as it is now, the discussion board link is the same size as the others and third from the top on the links bar.

 

[DixieDestroyer]

I love the site as is, but more "bell & whistles" would be cool. I'd agree w/ Don that DrudgeReport design is a little bush-league (in appearance). However, I like the fact that Drudge has been posting links to InfoWars.

As for CF, I'm all for attracting new members, etc.

 

[Electric Slide]

I agree with most others here that the message forum is good and that updating to the latest version is probably the best idea.

I'm glad that the articles on the front page will handle comments. I am right there with you Don in committing to getting 20,000 viewers a day to the site. We have to think big and long term. Eventually 20,000 will build to 100,000. With more mainstream mentions, the numbers will go up continuously. You never know, if this becomes big enough maybe someone will even copy this idea and make a knockoff site.

I for one will be a big fan of banner ads if this means more revenue for the site. I know there's some advertisers that won't go on a site like this, but things have become so competitive now a lot of companies are looking to get in front of whatever eyeballs they can. Obviously gold and silver companies would be willing to advertise here.

Lastly, and this is the easiest one, let's get a facebook fan page up and running and have it synced right to the homepage. That way people can "like" castefootball on facebook without leaving the homepage.

Thanks for all the great work Don! My last contribution for this particular effort (I will keep contributing in the future) will be coming in the next couple days!

 

[Westside]

Don, when I mentioned the frontpage of the Drudgereport, I meant maybe two or three current major sports stories or current serious news story could be posted with a photo and you or another witty poster place a caption underneath of it, with a CF point of view.

Great success with your rebuild.

 

[Don Wassall]

I hope we can keep the homepage fresh. Have to be careful about posting stories from other sites though as most are copyrighted. It would be great if we can have lots of our own original material to build up a following.

 

[Westside]

Understood.

 

[Toby Hillis]

I think Westside is talking about putting a main-headline-of-the-day kind of link on the front page that would change from day to day, much like you have "The Unbearable Whiteness of Duke" on the front page with a hyperlink to the story. I dont think hes talking about actually copy &amp; pasting stories from other websites. Do Ihave that right, Westside? Like, today for example the headline would say, "Vick gets key to the city" and would be linked to a story on ESPN or wherever. Would probably help with the search results too.

 

[Westside]

TobyHillis you hit the proverbial head of the nail. Precisely!!!

 

[Westside]

The example of "Vick gets key to the city" underneath a caption from CF would read: In America or in hell! or something not so brazen.

 

[Don Wassall]

Yeah, we can do a lot of things, but it will have to be a team effort. I used to write a ton of material for CF, but those days are over, don't have the time for it now. We have a lot of talented writers here so hopefully some will step up and contribute.

 

[Westside]

Don,

I know what you mean. I used to have parties at my house. Yeah, it was great and alot of laughs, but cleaning up afterward, became old. Bottom line, alot of time and effort I was not digging anymore. Better to rage at a another friend's house, then come back to a clean and organized home.

Yeah, I understand your point. You managing the site and its future vision is more than enough.

 

[WhiteWorld]

Yes I find the forums format very good.

 

[Deadlift]

Mr. Wassall,


I'm tired of meeting people that think Whites are "inferior" at basketball.

Maybe the new front page could have a piece titled -- "Rise of the White Forwards!!" -- with pictures of maybe 2 to 4 White college bigs -- and then a link to that very thread I started a few years back.

The beginning of the "article" (the teaser) could be the beginning of what I wrote in the first post of that thread. Importantly enough, not too long after that thread was created, Duke won the National Championship with the Plumlee's, Zoubek and Singler! This is just an idea I have.
Edited by: Deadlift