Chat box - re-position test

admin

Hi guys - if you notice the chat box is gone above, don't panic... we're just testing a different position - i.e. down below, instead of above. Plan is to leave it there for a week or so, and then get feedback with respect to final positioning.

cheers
A

PS thanks to Tim for coding work involved

Rider

Like it. Forum matters matter...  Chatbox looks good right next door to latest forum topic updates. You have the choice of join chat or surf.... well done. Rider

galumay

I dont like it! It shits me to scroll down, I am a lazy prick. I think it looked better at the top too. Interestingly, its disappeared completely from IE8 or whatever version this briowser is at work.

beanflying

It works in some ways nicely as your down near the most recent posts and a refresh will reload them to see any new posts. Doesn't work in that it is down the bottom BUT if it is to stay there then a simple menu change up top (planned anyway) to add a site quick nav link to it is possible from anywhere in the forum then. On this Quick links to unread post, recent posts and chat on one pull down is what I am thinking along with some other changes. Not my favoured position either but to be fair will give it some time and see. On IExploder just checked on this laptop and it is working on version 9 but I don't have 8 installed to check.

galumay

I think I just caught it while it was switched off for a minute, after it was there again.

FreshCoffee2

well, I can give you my feedback right now. It didnt come off the top of the page quick enough, and it shouldnt be on the front page at all. My vote (again) is for it to be placed under a heading of its own where those that want to go there can, and others that dont like it are not forced to view it on the front page. The stuff written there is for the most part not coffee related, and its not a "good (professional) look" for newcomers coming into this site that could view it as a closed clique type of thing and get scared away. Gone gone gone please! Hope that helps.

beanflying

on 1343738714:

well, I can give you my feedback right now. It didnt come off the top of the page quick enough, and it shouldnt be on the front page at all. My vote (again) is for it to be placed under a heading of its own where those that want to go there can, and others that dont like it are not forced to view it on the front page. The stuff written there is for the most part not coffee related, and its not a "good (professional) look" for newcomers coming into this site that could view it as a closed clique type of thing and get scared away. Gone gone gone please! Hope that helps.

There is some technical reasons why it has to stay within the forum structure. Even if it were possible without a lot of work (most likely could be done) it would take people away from the forum and most likely see content reduced as the chat would be able to be opened without viewing the index at all. And just on the point of being forced to view it which hasn't been the case from about 2 weeks after it went up. To remind any new members or those who have haven't found it there is a simple opt out available here http://www.bestcafes.com.au/forum/profile/?area=groupmembership I am just in the throws of replacing the link on the chat bar top that was lost in a crash some time ago to make finding it easier again. NOW DONE Generally contributions in chat are light hearted and general to a bit of coffee related banter and add to the sense of community IMO rather than detract from it. And apart from one notable recent exception the tone to other members is friendly and welcoming.

galumay

More importantly it gives a point of difference to this forum, no other coffee forums have such a feature and it makes this site unique. I think thats the reason it has to be on the main page, anywhere else and it will wither and die. Personally it needs to go back to the top, even scrolling is upset by the new placement, I scroll down the page to get to it, then it hits the bottom and scrolls the chat to the bottom, which is annoying, then I have to scroll all the way up to see the other links I use. I get the desire to leave it for a week and see how it goes, but it grates with me from the get go.

askthecoffeeguy

personally I like it down the bottom as you have to scroll past the 'business end' of the forum first - which invites participation, before getting to the 'pleasure principle' - works for me! cheers, Pat

Intense Coffee

I prefer it down the bottom as well  :thumb: