FYI: Expect changes to the Latest Page and Greatest Page this week

[Skinner]

As promised, we've got a lot of plans to update and improve the website.

Early this week, we will be unveiling redesigned Latest and Greatest pages, which we hope will make both of these pages more user-friendly and visually pleasing.

Our goal is to use the space available on each of these pages more efficiently. The most obvious change is that the "My Forums" section will be moved toward the top of both pages, so you can access all of your favorite forums without scrolling. Some of the other items on each page will be presented differently as well.

Another goal of these changes is to make the two designs of the Latest page and the Greatest page different enough so that visitors can tell at a glance which page they are looking at. At the moment, we believe that these two pages are too visually similar, which may confuse many members.

We understand that changes often cause some confusion and consternation when they are first introduced. We apologize in advance for any short-term problems caused by these changes. But despite these problems, we believe that members will quickly get used to the new look of the latest and greatest pages, and will soon find that the improved pages are more useful.

Skinner, EarlG, Elad
DU Administrators

[NMDemDist2]

1. kicked and nominated, excited to see what the changes look like

Admins rock!! :yourock:

[Skinner]

3. Don't get too excited.

Neither page is going to be radically different. This is more like a minor tweaking.

[NMDemDist2]

4. thasss OK, it's a start and the whole plan is gonna be cool IMO n/t

[frankly_fedup2]

21. Good! Sometimes change is not always good. (nt)

[eleny]

2. Thanks Skinner

I'm looking forward to the unveiling!

[annabanana]

5. will the "greatest" page get, like, fireworks and stuff?. . n/t

[Skinner]

6. Unfortunately, no.

But it might get some stars.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

7. Stars! Nice.

Thanks for all ya do, Skinner.

;) ;)

WIMR

[ginnyinWI]

8. a suggestion

It seems kind of wasteful to have two columns on the Greatest page--one for the most recently nominated, and one for the ones with the most votes. Why not combine them? It would be fairly easy to just rank them by votes, and then a person just scroll down to the newest ones. The links change color when you once read them, so it wouldn't be difficult to find the newest. I always wonder if I've missed any, between scrolling down one list and then back up the other. I usually want to read the ones with the most votes before they disappear, and then go on to the newer ones--that's the order I view them in.

[Skinner]

9. Because we think it is useful to have both.

Both columns have the identical information. The only difference is the order they are sorted. We think that both of the columns are useful in their own way. If you check the greatest page frequently, I think it is helpful to easily find what is new to the page so you can check it out.

[terrya]

10. No changes in the number of votes for the Greatest Page?

Just format changes, right?

[Skinner]

12. Right. Just format changes. (nt)

[cry baby]

11. Thank you for making DU so user friendly...

I am a middle age, computer illiterate stay at home mom. You make it possible for me to find out waht is really going on in the world. This site helps me quench my thirst for knowledge and helps me find the truth. You are helping change the world one little stay at home mom at a time!

[Up2Late]

13. I've never actually figured out how to set-up the "My Forums" feature

Any chance you could include some easy to follow instructions in a future post?:shrug:

[Skinner]

14. At some point we are going to try to make the process easier.

Are you able to see the instructions on the Lobby, Latest, & Greatest pages? They should say this:

To add forums to your "My Forums" list, click to enter any of the Category Folders listed above and select a forum by clicking the link that says "Add to My Forums."

[NMDemDist2]

15. kicking just for kicks n/t

[Red State Lib]

16. Reply

Skinner,
Apropos of nothing, thanks for you and Admin getting me into this site where I might join the dialogue. Getting in here was like birthing a baby, haha!
Thanks again, Hello DU.....

[Red State Lib]

17. By the way....

cute dog...my Mom has its twin!

[northamericancitizen]

19. Welcome to DU. A great place to hang out...nt

[proud patriot]

18. Check out the latest page

It looks great :thumbsup:

[Richard Steele]

20. I fear change.....

But this is looking good so far!:thumbsup:

[muriel_volestrangler]

22. New threads in the State/Country forums don't seem to show on Latest

under "Latest Discussion Threads" - though my preferences still say "show them". Is that on purpose?