Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Carl2009 on March 16, 2015, 03:33:55 pm

Title: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Carl2009 on March 16, 2015, 03:33:55 pm
Well done, but about time. Let's see how it works and if it better than the old one.  ::)roll
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Walter Mitty on March 16, 2015, 04:40:01 pm
I am finding it awkward.  To use an internet forum with comfort, I need to zoom the text much larger than standard - even while wearing glasses.
Unfortunately, under this new layout, the ad at the top widens too.  This leaves me with quite a narrow (from top to bottom) reading pane.  I suppose I could waste a load of money on a massive monitor - or I could get my eyes re-tested - or just not bother with this forum very much.  I waste too much time on here anyhow.
EDIT:  Not the ad pane.  I should have said the CIU header pane.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Bungle on March 16, 2015, 04:48:48 pm
Yuk
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Nathanael Jones on March 16, 2015, 05:09:37 pm
Its definitely a lot faster - I'm not keen on the colour scheme though, its a bit harsh on the eyes. I'm sure it'll be sorted in due time though.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: ChumBucket on March 16, 2015, 05:12:37 pm
I hate the static banner, it reduces the viewable area too much. It's like trying to read in wide, wide, wide screen!! Remove please, there is absolutely no reason for it.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: rosskesava on March 16, 2015, 05:33:37 pm
It's not as easy to read what's posted.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Ian101 on March 16, 2015, 05:35:47 pm
Good to see someone listened ... ok layout not perfect yet but no hanging / waiting for site to load ... good so far  :)
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Dave Willis on March 16, 2015, 05:35:53 pm
Hey, it's got a calender  8)

What for  ???
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Dave Willis on March 16, 2015, 05:37:58 pm
post counts have gone - can't see how sad you are ......... unless you click on the name.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: mark m on March 16, 2015, 05:54:42 pm
sorry don't like the colour
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: PoleKing on March 16, 2015, 06:01:54 pm
I am finding it awkward.  To use an internet forum with comfort, I need to zoom the text much larger than standard - even while wearing glasses.
Unfortunately, under this new layout, the ad at the top widens too.  This leaves me with quite a narrow (from top to bottom) reading pane.  I suppose I could waste a load of money on a massive monitor - or I could get my eyes re-tested - or just not bother with this forum very much.  I waste too much time on here anyhow.
EDIT:  Not the ad pane.  I should have said the CIU header pane.

I'm reading on iPad and it's massive!
Could do with having a size option...
Also, where's the little folder thing so you can tell where you've posted?
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Carl2009 on March 16, 2015, 06:04:20 pm
Anything, ANYTHING, is better than that pooe that we have had for years IMO
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: SB Cleaning on March 16, 2015, 06:28:39 pm
I don't like this at all!!

It's a horrible layout...finding it hard to use ;D
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Walter Mitty on March 16, 2015, 06:36:11 pm
About the height of the reading area again - particularly with expanded text due to my eyesight.
I have checked on a couple of other (non cleaning) forums that I use and the top header does expand with the zoom feature.  However, it scrolls up out of the way with the rest of the page.  I will check in from time to time to see if it's been changed but won't waste my time trying to use this forum until it happens.  It's too awkward to use as it stands.
I see that others have mentioned it too so hopefully it will be resolved fairly soon.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: gary999 on March 16, 2015, 06:37:06 pm
Bloody awful...it was far better as it was, never had a problem using it.

This looks like it was designed at pre school >:(
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Tom White on March 16, 2015, 06:46:43 pm
I want the old one back. :'(
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: C o z y on March 16, 2015, 07:03:45 pm
Stop moaning ladies, it's got some great features. Like "ignore this mong" and stuff like that. All I need to know now is what Bateman's new ID is, and I can put him on the list  :D

You can bypass the swear filter too. Girl thingy. mammary glands dangly bits.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: rosskesava on March 16, 2015, 07:15:29 pm
This is horrible. My eyes hurt.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: SB Cleaning on March 16, 2015, 07:45:40 pm
I want the old one back. :'(
Me too....

I didn't have any problems with the old one why change ???
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: deeege on March 16, 2015, 08:06:05 pm
My word, what a complete mess this is. Unusable on my phone. Think there is going to be a significant drop in traffic over the coming weeks.  :(
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: sunshine windows on March 16, 2015, 08:15:35 pm
Viewing on iPhone 6 plus is dreadful. Everyone's logos are chopped in half on wide view, if I look in portrait view they disappear almost completely. The 'new' symbol is in the way of all the social media buttons. Everything is way too spaced out. 

What an absolute disaster!!!
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Dave Willis on March 16, 2015, 08:18:18 pm
I like it  :P
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: SeanK on March 16, 2015, 08:37:39 pm
I think they have scored an own goal with this one, horrendous.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: dazmond on March 16, 2015, 08:40:03 pm
I like it  :P

me too.its A LOT FASTER for a start!nice bright colours as well! 8)
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: DaveG on March 16, 2015, 08:53:33 pm
Like!
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Clever Forum Name on March 16, 2015, 09:00:31 pm
Viewing on iPhone 6 plus is dreadful. Everyone's logos are chopped in half on wide view, if I look in portrait view they disappear almost completely. The 'new' symbol is in the way of all the social media buttons. Everything is way too spaced out. 

What an absolute disaster!!!

Works fine on my 6+
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: dazmond on March 16, 2015, 09:02:51 pm
clocks wrong though!
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: dazmond on March 16, 2015, 09:04:17 pm
its reading 8am in the morning at 9pm! ;D
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Forum Admin on March 16, 2015, 09:17:53 pm
Hi guys,

Thanks for all the feedback so far, we are taking it all on board and changes will be made along the way making Clean It Up the best for you.

Thanks.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: PoleKing on March 16, 2015, 09:34:27 pm
While you're reading forum...

You can't pinch to zoom on iPad.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Walter Mitty on March 16, 2015, 09:43:24 pm
Hi guys,

Thanks for all the feedback so far, we are taking it all on board and changes will be made along the way making Clean It Up the best for you.

Thanks.

Good stuff Admin.  Hopefully the CTU header at the top will scroll up to give a decent viewable area.
Cheers :)
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Fin Clearview on March 16, 2015, 10:20:10 pm
have i just logged onto Manchester city's website?
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: rosskesava on March 16, 2015, 10:38:06 pm
have i just logged onto Manchester city's website?

No Fynn, you're on th eTesco website.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: DG Cleaning on March 16, 2015, 10:48:50 pm
Why not test it out before going live?
On mobile this is shocking.
On the main screen and you have to scroll down to see which section you want.
Before you could see it all.
Same goes for forums.
You could have a quick scan of all the topics now I have to laboriously scroll past each one.
This redesign is a real step back.
I've not been on any other forums but are there any a bit more user friendly till this one gets sorted?
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Fin Clearview on March 16, 2015, 11:12:16 pm
have i just logged onto Manchester city's website?



No Fynn, you're on th eTesco website.

looks rather suspect to me ;D
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: paulben on March 17, 2015, 06:28:27 am
Hate it
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: windowswashed on March 17, 2015, 07:17:19 am
Not everyone likes change, takes time. It's ok so far, easy on the eyes but miss the post counts.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Jay Le Huray on March 17, 2015, 07:26:28 am
sorry but I don't like it
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: oldman on March 17, 2015, 07:52:07 am
I like it  :P

Yup....me too  :).
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: sunshine windows on March 17, 2015, 07:52:53 am
Just viewed it on iMac and to be fair it looks great
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Clever Forum Name on March 17, 2015, 08:51:42 am
Viewing on iPhone 6 plus and it's hit and miss :(

Dunno what's up with that !!!!
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Forum Admin on March 17, 2015, 09:59:08 am
Hi Guys,

We are making a list of all the changes and requests that need to be done, so keep them coming and please bare with us, we want to make this perfect for all! We have tested this for months but as always once it goes live everyone uses different browsers, androids and devices and new issues come out. Thanks for your patience and please don't be afriad to let us know of any issues and we will look into them immediately.

Thanks.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: deeege on March 17, 2015, 10:42:26 am
May I suggest that you switch back to the old style and test the new format for a few months more because right now it is barely usable (on iPhone 6)

Avatars not correctly displayed
No post counts
Cannot pinch to zoom
Colour too bright
Difficult to distinguish what has been posted or quoted.

Could go on and on tbh.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Gmeister on March 17, 2015, 12:39:05 pm
Next and previous takes you from one thread to another instead of from one page to another whats up with that?
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: C o z y on March 17, 2015, 12:43:04 pm
I love it. Easy to put mongs on ignore list. Pics upload faster. Page load faster. Tosh posts less. What more do ya want??   ;D
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Joey Eastwood on March 17, 2015, 01:21:57 pm
better layout, however i agree static banner and colour scheme too much...
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Forum Admin on March 17, 2015, 03:10:49 pm
Hi Guys,

We are scheduling in some additional changes that have been mentioned such as the top CIU banner and colour scheme amongst others, please bare with us as we make CIU the best it can be, all your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: wfp master on March 17, 2015, 03:20:05 pm
not easy to use on phone cant expand  it. hard to go from page 1 to page 2 ect numbers to close .
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: wfp master on March 17, 2015, 03:23:48 pm
sore finger scrolling down on phone.  ;D
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: 8weekly on March 17, 2015, 04:21:33 pm
On a pc using Chrome it's fine.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Walter Mitty on March 17, 2015, 05:02:35 pm
Hi Guys,

We are scheduling in some additional changes that have been mentioned such as the top CIU banner and colour scheme amongst others, please bare with us as we make CIU the best it can be, all your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

I see the banner is now sorted.  Well done - IMO that was the most urgent issue.  There are others but they are more cosmetic in nature IMO.
The site is definitely much faster so well done on that.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Rich Wilts on March 17, 2015, 06:03:24 pm
I suppose if speed is required upgrading to a different server is a requirement but I do not know why the format had to be changed. The layout of how this place was before was fine, would I be right in thinking that most people had speed issues and not format issues?
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: duncan h on March 17, 2015, 09:43:31 pm
Hate it. Horrid. Bad setup...but it loads fantastic. Old one used to hang all the time
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: rosskesava on March 17, 2015, 10:13:08 pm
I suppose if speed is required upgrading to a different server is a requirement but I do not know why the format had to be changed. The layout of how this place was before was fine, would I be right in thinking that most people had speed issues and not format issues?

That's it isn't it. Why change a format and layout that works fine?

It loads quick but that's about it.

I feel like I'm now on some school kids forum with everything s-p-r-e-a-d out for easy reading.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Avo on March 17, 2015, 10:26:35 pm
Please change it back
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: C o z y on March 17, 2015, 10:28:39 pm
Well that's a good thing for the weaker brained members on here like Hummer. We should always try to move at the speed of the slowest members.  ;) Helps them keep up, without having to use too many buttons on their PC (with parental lock).  ;)
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: lal on March 18, 2015, 08:45:06 am

 Love it  :) much faster than the old one.
 Lal
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: duncan h on March 18, 2015, 12:45:58 pm
Cant see aviator bellow names..other than my picture
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: rosskesava on March 18, 2015, 11:13:26 pm
Hi Guys,

We are making a list of all the changes and requests that need to be done, so keep them coming and please bare with us, we want to make this perfect for all! We have tested this for months but as always once it goes live everyone uses different browsers, androids and devices and new issues come out. Thanks for your patience and please don't be afriad to let us know of any issues and we will look into them immediately.

Thanks.

You tested this for months? Yeah, sure, and I'm a mushroom.

Having a forum that is quick to use is sort of pretty much the normal in 2015. It's only taken years to get that sorted out. Maybe that's been on test as well?

Sorry to sound rude but while testing this for months, 24/7, didn't you consider how completely completely naff it is to look at and use.

Sorry mate but I don't think I'd want you choosing the colour scheme or layout for my house.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Positivity on March 19, 2015, 07:35:38 am
Anyone else find they have to login every time?
Even if you check the "Always keep logged in" and delete the 360 minutes time to stay logged in.
I have to login every time - or is it just my **** computer?
P.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: andyM on March 19, 2015, 08:02:22 am
Anyone else find they have to login every time?
Even if you check the "Always keep logged in" and delete the 360 minutes time to stay logged in.
I have to login every time - or is it just my **** computer?
P.

No.
Check your internet browser settings, you might have it set to delete browsing history on exit.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: G & M on March 19, 2015, 10:36:49 pm
A lot faster to load but the old layout was way better to look at.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: DaveG on March 20, 2015, 07:33:53 am


No.
Check your internet browser settings, you might have it set to delete browsing history on exit.
[/quote]

I thought we all did that anyway  ;)
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: ChumBucket on March 20, 2015, 08:14:04 am
Can't upload any avatar  ???

It just says-
The attachments upload directory is not writable. Your attachment or avatar cannot be saved.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: slap bash on March 20, 2015, 01:48:28 pm
Has this forum changed hands and has a new owner.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: duncan h on March 20, 2015, 09:53:56 pm
Can't upload any avatar  ???

It just says-
The attachments upload directory is not writable. Your attachment or avatar cannot be saved.
I cant view any, other than my own
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Soupy on March 21, 2015, 08:59:59 am
Window cleaners really are a funny bunch.

The old format of this forum was so outdated, stale and slow that most new users couldn't even work out how to do simple tasks like posting a picture. There was no mobile version and every now and again it would just hang, sometimes taking nearly a full minute to load a page, if it loaded at all. The search function was soooo slow that I reckon Tosh had it all on print outs and actually searched through the pages for you by hand.

Finally, after years of stagnation they've  done a proper upgrade, and what do you lot do? Moan about it. Sure, it's ugly as sin and there are some teething issues but this is how these things are done. It's  impossible to test websites on every browser on every setting on every device.

The blue and white looks a bit tesco value to me too but everything works so much better.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Soupy on March 21, 2015, 09:05:05 am
Here, I'm sure this is what you would all prefer:

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/17/TreeExample480px.jpg)
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: ChumBucket on March 21, 2015, 09:14:18 am
Avatar issue sorted, nice one. :)
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: rosskesava on March 21, 2015, 09:48:08 am
Here, I'm sure this is what you would all prefer:

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/17/TreeExample480px.jpg)

It's not as if the only choice is between what we have now and the one you posted a picture of. Other choices are available.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: duncan h on March 21, 2015, 09:58:54 am
Avatar issue sorted, nice one. :)
I can see your avatar now  ;) but still not anyone else.  :P minor problems and yes it runs 100% better
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: C o z y on March 21, 2015, 10:26:28 am


The layout on here is roughly the same as it is on Matt's forum. You get used to layouts after a few days though. Main thing is, it's faster now. Used to sometimes take ages for the page to load, if Mrs simpson was using her telephone connection in West Dungpatch, the whole forum came to a grinding halt. ::)roll

It's a shame that the PM function hasn't been enabled. One good thing is the "ignore this mong" facility on your profile settings. Means you don't see what idiots post on the board. I've got a few on there. One still hasn't worked out how it works yet, and is posting stalking posts on the chat section.  ;D
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Soupy on March 21, 2015, 11:52:20 am
It's not as if the only choice is between what we have now and the one you posted a picture of. Other choices are available.

'cmon Ross admit it, you are just afraid of the change.

I think what they have tried to do is match the new format as closely as possible to the old format so us dinosaurs weren't too alienated by the bright colours and fancy new pages that load before you can nip through and put the kettle on.

Personally I think anything is better than the old site.  It had gotten to the point where I was fed up using it. Every time I went on it would be running along fine then for no apparent reason just stop.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: rosskesava on March 21, 2015, 07:35:37 pm
It's not a question of afraid of change unless it requires me to wear women’s clothes. The last forum was easy to look at but the loading time.....etc.

For example, this forum:

http://www.ukweatherworld.co.uk/forum/index.php

Easy to find what you want, clear and simple layout along with a lot of info on the homepage.

My point is after waiting years for a forum that loads like most other forums we get a naff layout with a naff colour scheme.

Just found this which explains a lot:

http://new.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?action=help

'SMF® is the elegant, effective, powerful and free forum software solution that this site is running.'
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Soupy on March 21, 2015, 07:57:16 pm
Like I said, they've laid it out like they have to try and keep it like it was as much as possible IMO. Your weather site has a begging page asking for donations, how do you think that would go down on here? Not well would be my guess.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: rosskesava on March 21, 2015, 08:15:56 pm
That forum doesn't have a begging page at all. Begging has got nothing to do with it and it's not my website.

It is completely free to register and use but should anyone want to use further forum features and additional boards, then they are asked to donate a minimum of £5 which not only helps to fund the forum, it keeps the wanabee idiots and trolls out.

You are right though. I doubt any of the £200+ a day earners would pay a penny to use this forum.

My point is that it's not complex or hard to create a forum that is easy to use and highly functional and doesn't look like a cheap second hand copy of a bodged imitation of mumsnet.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Soupy on March 22, 2015, 08:50:07 am
Anyone else find they have to login every time?
Even if you check the "Always keep logged in" and delete the 360 minutes time to stay logged in.
I have to login every time - or is it just my **** computer?
P.

It's probably just redirecting you to that page. You're probably still logged in. Try not filling in the details and pressing log in....
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Soupy on March 22, 2015, 09:03:56 am
That forum doesn't have a begging page at all. Begging has got nothing to do with it and it's not my website.

It is completely free to register and use but should anyone want to use further forum features and additional boards, then they are asked to donate a minimum of £5 which not only helps to fund the forum, it keeps the wanabee idiots and trolls out.

You are right though. I doubt any of the £200+ a day earners would pay a penny to use this forum.

My point is that it's not complex or hard to create a forum that is easy to use and highly functional and doesn't look like a cheap second hand copy of a bodged imitation of mumsnet.

Are you finding it difficult to use? Cosmetically it's ugly as sin but as far as function goes I think it's fine.

It's a begging page. "we had to spend £1000 on this £1000 on that, please send us money blah blah". Most forums have them. It's ok if the subject matter is something good that people enjoy reading about and discussing like, say, Land Rovers or indeed, er, clouds. If clean it up started asking for money I think people would just go elsewhere, therefore I don't think you can blame forum admin (or whoever makes the decisions) for opting for a free platform.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: rosskesava on March 22, 2015, 09:05:11 pm
You use the term begging to imply something unwholesome like a street beggar in a third world country. Asking for a donation on an essentially free forum is hardly begging no more than a fair ground attraction asks, or begs, for money to go on the ride.

Anyway, it's strange. Cleaning supply companies have made god knows how much money over the years as a direct result of this free forum and members have made money from the free advice and knowledge on here yet paying for it is a dirty word.

I do know 100% full well that there are costs involved using free forum software but they are hardly extortionate.

The software for this forum is free which explains a lot. Admin never stated that. Come to that, Admin never state much really.

The problem is that the layout of a forum is what attracts new members and keeps existing ones.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: rosskesava on March 23, 2015, 12:51:03 am
Who are Admin, where do they live, and what is their purpose?

In the early days of this forum, it was sponsored by Cleaning Express Supplies (I think). Is it still the same?

I'll bet I get absolutely no answer.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Soupy on March 23, 2015, 11:19:12 am
You use the term begging to imply something unwholesome like a street beggar in a third world country. Asking for a donation on an essentially free forum is hardly begging no more than a fair ground attraction asks, or begs, for money to go on the ride.

I implied nothing. You decided to class it as that.

Begging is defined as:  to ask (someone) to give or do something.

It's a begging page.
Title: Re: At long last, a new Forum host
Post by: Mike_Boxall on March 23, 2015, 06:36:36 pm
Who are Admin, where do they live, and what is their purpose?

In the early days of this forum, it was sponsored by Cleaning Express Supplies (I think). Is it still the same?

I'll bet I get absolutely no answer.

Hi

Just saw this post and thought I ought to answer. The forum was indeed owned and operated by Express Cleaning Supplies but when that business was sold, the forum was kept because we felt there was more that could be done with it (in terms of adding value to members) Although I started the forum back in 2002 I've had very little time over the past few years to do anything with it directly. It's been Mitch Evans who has dealt with it on a day to day basis and he's maintained a large number of advertisers who have funded the site. We recognised that the site needs to move on and this change is part of that. I see that some people haven't taken to it as quickly as others but the intention really is to make it as functional as possible and hopefully you'll see more changes over time that supports this.

Kind regards

Mike

ps I live in Worcester and the new upgrade is possibly the digital equivalent of a mid-life crisis!