New Website - Things that bug me

Sun, 19 Mar 2006, 12:41 pm

crgwllms12 posts in thread

Na started a thread to list any bugs or technical errors in the new website. THIS thread is more an opportunity to list things that bug YOU. Not for technical glitches and problems with access to functions, but for more conceptual gripes and suggestions. (I don't know that this belongs in Billboard Bulletins, but I wanted it alongside Na's other thread, where they can be seen together. Really they both ought to be in Tech Talk?) This thread is for you to say 'this thing works but I would prefer this', or 'I miss this thing', or 'why do we need this'..? The other thread is for specific, technical fixes. Use this one for more general, conceptual suggestions. This will A) draw it to Grant's attention for future design modifications, B) give feedback as to what users of the site prefer, and C) keep it from cluttering up the priority list of bug fixes. For example, to start with, I was going to suggest people might prefer the poll to appear on the front page, because unless it's in your face I doubt it would get many hits, hidden in submenus. Since sorting out my own problem with getting my posts to stick, I notice that's already been done. Any thing else that's bugging you..? Cheers, Craig

Thread (12 posts)

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crgwllmsSun, 19 Mar 2006, 12:41 pm

Grant MalcolmSun, 19 Mar 2006, 05:05 pm

Word limits

Hi Craig

I'm surprised you didn't mention the word limit issue that you raised in another message?

:-)

I've deliberately set a minimum number of words that must be included for new topics. It's very low, only ten words required. My (obviously flawed) rationale was that encouraging people to write more than ten words for a new topic would encourage more careful or considered writing.

It's important to note that the new site distinguishes between topics and their associated comments.

For example, topics can be voted onto or off the front page (if you're logged in) - and a topic less than ten words long on the home page would look silly!

Comments can be moderated up or down as well, so that depending on your preferences you really don't have to read all the trash and the very worst by default won't appear to casual visitors unless they ask to see it.

Of course, there is no minimum word count for comments. So your classic two, three and four word rebuttals can flourish in this environment.

:-)

Cheers
Grant

NaThu, 23 Mar 2006, 07:33 am

Re: Thing that bugs me

Is there any way to do a search for a member, company or link? Or any kind of search for that matter? The Prompt Copy Networking emerging theatre professionals www.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com

Grant MalcolmTue, 28 Mar 2006, 10:44 pm

Advanced searching

Hi Na > Is there any way to do a search for a member, company or link? > Or any kind of search for that matter? Not sure if you missed the search box, top right of every page? It's a little slow (what isn't at the moment) but produces some useful results. Or, you could try the advanced search link that will appear: http://www.theatre.asn.au/trip_search/advanced There's also a search tool for companies at the top of each list of companies; try the companies menu/view companies then optionally select by state. User search could use some work as there really isn't any way to currently search by name, but then there is the casting couch: http://www.theatre.asn.au/casting_couch Oh, and if all else fails, try browsing the site by categories http://www.theatre.asn.au/taxonomy_browser :-) Hope this helps! Although I expect it may leave people spoilt for choice! Cheers Grant

NaWed, 29 Mar 2006, 08:08 am

Where's my search?

I don't seem to have a search thing in the top right hand corner... It's not listed in my account settings either... The Prompt Copy Networking emerging theatre professionals www.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com

Grant MalcolmWed, 29 Mar 2006, 08:14 am

Searching for search

Hi Na > I don't seem to have a search thing in the top right hand > corner... Oooer that doesn't sound good! :? It wouldn't appear in your account settings, it should just appear in the very top banner to the right whether you're logged in or not. Hmmm.... what web browser/operating system are you using? Can you reach this address? http://www.theatre.asn.au/trip_search/ Cheers Grant

NaWed, 29 Mar 2006, 08:15 am

Site settings

I just had a thought - it would be nice (if possible) to change your settings for the 'blocks' that show on each page (eg. smileys, who's online, etc.), so that you could personalise where they appear on your browser. For instance, I might prefer the who's online bit to be beneath the block for my account, or for the popular content block to be above the featured event. I'm sure this is a lot of hassle, so I'm not sure if Grant would want to, or can, do it. Just a suggestion though :wink: The Prompt Copy Networking emerging theatre professionals www.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com

NaWed, 29 Mar 2006, 08:18 am

I'm using Windows 98,

I'm using Windows 98, Internet Explorer. And I can get to that link... Hmm.. something's not right! The Prompt Copy Networking emerging theatre professionals www.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com

Walter PlingeSat, 1 Apr 2006, 11:40 pm

Breaking in.

How can I break in to this tight circle of writers whose plays will be performed? For example one committee stated that no, mine could not be considered because I had no experience. Pretty please, isn't this the chicken and the egg situation? How can I gain experience if-----?

Grant MalcolmSun, 2 Apr 2006, 03:12 pm

Block settings

Hi Na Sorry, not ignoring you! > it would be nice (if possible) to change your settings for the > 'blocks' that show on each page (eg. smileys, who's online, etc.), > so that you could personalise where they appear on your browser. An excellent suggestion! Currently many of the blocks can be switched on and off in your account settings - allowing you to determine to some degree how rich or lean your experience is and perhaps how fast or slow the site loads. However there isn't currently any way to move the blocks that do dispay around the screen according to your personal preferences. Certainly if I haven't got them optimally positioned, please let me know and I'll have a look at moving them around a bit. I think your suggestion for moving the personal navigation block above the who's online, for example, makes excellent sense! But the change will impact on everyone using the site, and I'm cautious about making any more changes for a few more months. Sadly allowing the position to be determined on an individual, person by person basis, will take a fair amount of work and may need to wait for a while longer. :-) Cheers Grant ;-) Director, actor and administrator of this website

NaMon, 3 Apr 2006, 08:34 am

Breaking in or making it

I think in Australia, the trick to playwrighting is simply to produce the show yourself... unless you have a residency or some sort of financial backing (like funding), there's no easier way to get into playwrighting. Approach local theatre companies (especially the amateur ones), get your play read by a dramaturg, have it professionally workshopped, and/or get it put on by some friends. In my case I was lucky enough to find a sympathetic director who also runs an acting studio; otherwise I have been rejected time and time again by theatre companies (even by La Mama, the supposed house of all things playwright in Melbourne). Check out my recent article on Arts Hub if you can on the playwrighting complex of Australia. Na By the way... wrong thread! The Prompt Copy Networking emerging theatre professionals www.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com

NaMon, 3 Apr 2006, 08:44 am

To block or not to...

Hi Grant, No worries, I thought it might be a bit too much. I think personally I would rather have the 'latest posts' block above the featured event, and my account block above the smileys... and probably above the chatbox too. Of course, it depends on what blocks I have turned on, which is why I thought that individualised placement would be better. Obviously, I'm happy to deal with the blocks as they currently are if it's not possible to change. :) Thanks! Na The Prompt Copy Networking emerging theatre professionals www.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com

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