What do you think of the site so far?

[Kingster]

We've (JohnnySix and I) been hard at work the last couple of days. After a few fits and starts, it looks like we're sailing fairly smoothly. Need some sleep, but what do you all think so far?

[Kingster]

I see that people don't like the site so far...

Want to explain why? Or are you just giving us crap?

[Eddie]

HI Guys
Where is the button for the Maps Downloads????
Allways hidden again???

[{RA}SKYFURNACE]

I like it, is going with the white and gray to separate it from the old site? or is it just temp?

I like it so far. :) keep it up. cool banner and motto too. :)

[Lunarbunny]

Well, most of the parts I always use are here (forums and related), but I did notice that single-image attachments are no longer automatically posted as visible images instead of links to files.

Is the merging of the front page and vBulletin final or is that just what you have so far?

[{RA}SKYFURNACE]

id also like to say i wont judge until most of the site is back up and normal. But i am liking what i am seeing so far.

[Scourgem]

:rockon:

That is all. ;)

[DagnyTaggart]

I voted for not liking it. I thought it was easier to navigate through all of the forums before and the old site looked really good but the new one seems dumpy to me.

[ATPro-oO]

best site===> stupid forums (((((((( very bad

[Eira]

I think the new design is pretty neat. The navigation seems to be similar to before...well all that I've seen has been pretty similar. The 'my maps' button is gone!! and now all the smileys look like communists...


:rockon: <-- also, he has a mono-brow.

All in all, good job!

[Flying_Killer]

Don't like it either. It's just the usual vBulletin community homepage and quite frankly a site like UP can do better, no? It's not finished yet, I know, but going with these colors for the Unreal-series? Don't like it.

Plus the forums.. I don't know if these are complete yet but there is no order whatsoever. I can't find anything anymore, and the boxes per board are huge.

[Ultimate_Weasel]

I can't really say I like the new color scheme, seems like standard vBulletin. Moreover, it's a lot like the BU color scheme :p. And where's the My-Maps button?

Also, the ridicilously big icons don't make navigation any easier :p

Of course the page is a beta, so I'll see how it works out.

[Aalexanderrr]

My eyes hurt!!! :(

Could you please also setup old UP Black theme so user can pick either of those ? :p

[JohnnySix]

It's not gone, I found one right here. :D

http://www.unrealplayground.com/forums/upskin3/images/buttons/mymaps.gif


At lot of the elements from the old site need making from the ground UP, and is currently being done in the spare time of people who both have pretty busy schedules in RL, with work/family etc., but things are getting improved slowly but surely. :)

[Kingster]

Well, most of the parts I always use are here (forums and related), but I did notice that single-image attachments are no longer automatically posted as visible images instead of links to files.

Is the merging of the front page and vBulletin final or is that just what you have so far?I wanted to get the forums back open ASAP, so everyone could bitch about how awful everything is. Images should be working, can you point me to where you had a problem? Nothing is final yet. I've attached an image to this post... I may have to rebuild thumbnails...

best site===> stupid forums (((((((( very badFirst post? :spank:

My eyes hurt!!! :(

Could you please also setup old UP Black theme so user can pick either of those ? :pThat could happen. We'll look at it. But just because you asked so nicely. :loopy:

[Aalexanderrr]

That could happen. We'll look at it. But just because you asked so nicely.

That was just an idea by the way :p No offence ;)

[share_the_pain]

Some parts I like, some parts I don't. Haven't decided which yet.

I think I preferred the old colour system. Haven't looked at the rest of the site yet.

At least the calendar is fixed. :p

[Mathlete]

i like it, it's the prefect timing too, now that i have a new comp everything looks different:D

[Flying_Killer]

It's not gone, I found one right here. :D

http://www.unrealplayground.com/forums/upskin3/images/buttons/mymaps.gif


At lot of the elements from the old site need making from the ground UP, and is currently being done in the spare time of people who both have pretty busy schedules in RL, with work/family etc., but things are getting improved slowly but surely. :)

Well then imo a new site should only be introduced when everything is ready, not rush it out to have something new to talk about..

[Kingster]

Well then imo a new site should only be introduced when everything is ready, not rush it out to have something new to talk about..

Volunteering for something?

You playing UT3? You're playing an unfinished game, rushed out to have something to talk about, right?

And lastly, I wanted feedback. I needed to know if I'm taking this place in the right direction. I know people are used to the "old" UP, but that doesn't make it better than this one. There is a lot on the new site that people will benefit from, both on the staff side and the user side.

So... To everyone... Please provide constructive criticism. It helps me far more than just just saying "I want the old UP back!" or "this sucks!" or "waaaahhh! I want my mommy!"... If there's something you see or think is wrong with whats in place so far, then say so, but give thoughts on what could be done to fix it, in your opinion. Things like "big icons don't make navigation any easier" or "I think I preferred the old colour system" are good comments, as they help.

We'll honestly have a look at making those available for those that are interested.

[overrandom]

I honestly don't see the point. Here's what I gathered about what the pluses were:

Redesigned smilies.

While the smilies are great, it just doesn't balance out the new site redesign. There's something missing, but I can't put my finger on it. Also, the title image at the top 99% does NOT blend with the rest of the theme (especially that black side on the right). I can easily tell when the image stops. Collage of UT images isn't always the best.

There's nothing really "new". It's just a UP redesign, and I'm not sure I like it. It's actually looking a tiny bit like BuF. This could be just because I didn't see it coming, just suddenly BOOM, here's a redesign. Maybe I can learn to like it, but I don't yet. I'll let you know.

(On the smilie note, I like the new Hammer smilie :hammer: )

[Kingster]

but I did notice that single-image attachments are no longer automatically posted as visible images instead of links to files.
So, I'm running a thumbnailer process for the forums that is going through and fixing all the images that are attached. You'll note that all get resized now to a 200x200 space (largest dimension is set to 200, other is variable to keep perspective). Additionally, this allows you view more thumbnails than before (previously, you saw only one - if you had more than one attachment, then all were links)...

[niX]

i like the bright site better, easier to read eyes dont get tired! :D
sure ill miss the old one, but hey its time to move on... :/

[Crusha_aa]

I preferred the old colour scheme, i find darker schemes are usually easier on the eyes.

White and gray forum = :blah:

Im liking all the new features, kinda miss some of the old smilies though. (Even though they all look similar, kinda like you recast the actors for series 2 :p)

[share_the_pain]

One problem I can see with giving the choice of colour scheme is that someone on this one might make text dark so that it's easy to read, while someone using the original will have a tough time reading it.

[Flying_Killer]

The header is inconsistent with the rest of the layout. In some way it doesn't fit. The tab saying Unreal Playground it nice, but I'd say it needs some AA rendering on the text, or just don't make the text italic.

I'd also make the upper corners of the images round, and instead of going with the 3 blended screenshots go with 3 seperate screenshots but make the header random. However, with the whole christmas thing coming up I'd just take a screenshot from UT2004 where you can see the christmas tree flag and one or more players wearing a christmas hat.

And Kingster, don't ask me if I'm volunteering because I would have a go at making a header :p

Edit: I do agree with most users that I do not like the current colourscheme. It seems way too bright to sport the Unreal series. I'm not saying it should be black, just something darker.

And about the new buttons. The quote and edit button for example. Their text seems bold, and the letters appear to stick together. Why not go with a less bold lettering?

Edit2: Something like this?

[Kingster]

Here's some other things that posters will probably like...

General Forum Usage

WYSIWYG editor
In-line editing with option to go advanced
Multi-quoting (click the ""x, it turns into ""+, on as many posts as you like, then click quote on the last one to quote - VERY HANDY!)
Private Messages

Nick suggestions in address fields

[Shockwave]

WHERE THE HELL ARE THE MAPS? :evil:

[Milkshakes]

CORRECT prediction, almost everyone who comes here is going to whine and complain about the new site!! :D Place does look nice tho, I browse around and watch the comedy that goes on here.

The color scheme hurts my eyes, FIX, please, please, please, please, PLEASE!! It's hard to get around, and where are the downloads? I understand they're down, but exactly why? :loopy:

By the way, i'm looking at all of these smilies and im just seeing StonedVision :weird:.

EDIT: Aha, I KNEW this place looks familiar, the main site looks halfway like my blog! :hammer: (<= By the way, LOVE the hammer smiley!)u

[cUnNiNg_StUnTs]

I like it so far. :rockon:

The emoticons went grayscale. :D

[Kirreak]

I think its great, could use some fine tuning

and i thought there was a way for a forum to have more then one skin, a user could change their preferences under options. know what i mean?

[Ultimate_Weasel]

Ooh look at all the changes since this afternoon!:D (<- is this guy wearing braces or something? love the rest of the smilies tho)

Forums are much easier to navigate now. That's great! I voted to keep it UP, all the changes the site has undergone so far kinda grew on me.

Yet again, I love the new smilies, 'specially this bunch::hammer::rockon::moon:

[timegetkilled]

Sorry but the old site is much better and everything is sorted this site is just a maze right now ....

[Swanky]

The site is ultimately too bright. I guess you used multiple light sources with brightness and radius 255. Make it darker to make it look good again.

Also, the smileys don't look good, and as a couple of guys said, you need to refind everything that was well placed before... The only thing that could have been done to the old site was a color change, but it was good nonetheless. :dunno:

EDIT: Also, my Avatar has been gone. :/

[milb]

Uhm...is this the "Way back mashine"? The old theme looked much newer to me.

The structure of the forums is...uhm...where is the structure? OMG! I can't even find the mapping section.

Edit: Ok, now it's there...but I'm still dissapointed. It looks more like a step backwards then a step forward.

[Lenvris]

Well, it's white ... and a bit grey ... but it's better than black.

[fragnbrag]

Good so far, things seem to be coming along - i got the gist - i find the background wayyy too bright - greys a few notches darker (in general) would be nice...

[siavash1989]

WHERE IS THE MAPS SECTION AHHHHH!!! :mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::confused::confused::confused:

[fragnbrag]

that would be "guys", not "guyd" :loopy:

[siavash1989]

and the search is not working :(. this site used to OWN but now it sucks man, change it back

[Kingster]

and the search is not working :(. this site used to OWN but now it sucks man, change it back

WHERE IS THE MAPS SECTION AHHHHH!!!

You've been here all of 2 months... and that was your third post? So glad you found the smilies. [note to self - make it so that users must have at least 100 posts prior to allowing smilie use].

If you would have read previous posts, you would know that I said the downloads aren't working yet. You notice Beta at the top? I also said I had only enabled the forums for now. Maybe you should read more than you run your mouth.

Sorry but the old site is much better and everything is sorted this site is just a maze right now ....What is it that you're looking for? If it's maps/downloads, they currently aren't available.

[AimBiZ]

I like the new design. It looks new and fresh and it fits with UT3. Just throw in a nicer banner at the top and some other nice graphics wherever you can put them and it'll be great. :)

[Hostile]

I think it's great kingster, I like the brighter look. Refreshing!! LOve the smilies!:claps:

If I had anything to say, maybe a little color, but it's just fine the way it is!!

On the old site there are 2 icons, both of these :b_TexRot: has the same name. the other :b_TexPan: comes out the same

edit : and thanks for the todays posts in the quick links :rockon:

[Crusha_aa]

I think its great, could use some fine tuning

and i thought there was a way for a forum to have more then one skin, a user could change their preferences under options. know what i mean?

Bethsoft (http://www.bethsoft.com/bgsforums/) forums have something like that, you have to be a member to change the colour scheme but they have quite a nice variety of different schemes to choose from.
Would be nice to have something like that here.

One problem I can see with giving the choice of colour scheme is that someone on this one might make text dark so that it's easy to read, while someone using the original will have a tough time reading it.

If everyone just used the default font colour it wouldnt be a problem, changing the colour scheme changes the font colour for that colour scheme too.
e.g. If you start off with a white background and black text, then change to a darker scheme, it will change the text to white.

P.s. Multi quote ftw!! :D

P.P.S. When i used the add url button it only prompted me to enter the url of the site. It never prompted me to enter the text to be shown. :scratch:

P.P.S. Love the new way to edit posts!!

[nath2008uk]

.

So... To everyone... Please provide constructive criticism.


I couldn't agree more,Ive been downloading from your site for years and imo it is the best ut2k4 map site since ut2004hq.com went down :P
well,the white everywhere does hurt my eyes after a while,so please turn down the brightness :P *turns down brightness on screen*.tbh theres not enough colour,and it looks more like windows classic theme.shame you cant add your own cool ut buttons instead.And navigation for me is a little hard.i aint even found the map download button yet! anyway.it looks alot more organized and neat and i like it!!:cool:

edit:
sorry,i just read that the downloads aint here yet..dont take long :D

[outpt.co.uk]

Needs to be darker I think ... but it seems to be working fine! Not keen on the overall design at the moment.

I voted for So far so good... Where's my downloads? :D

Keep up the hard work though.. I know how big a task this is and know it will take time to perfect.

[evil_blue_dude]

Woah...

I'm not so sure what to say about this, the new theme is nice (very clean!) but it doesn't have the same "UP" feel . It sort of something new, which is not necessarily a bad thing (change is good).

As for the colors, some tweaking or theme options is all it really needs. However the biggest change I would recommend would be to bring back the old "Unreal Playground" text with the same font and such.

[Kindness]

I voted "So far so good... Where's my <insert feature>?"

What's missing for me is the distinctive look that was unrealplayground. The site now has such a generic vBulletin look. Perhaps, in time, someone might contribute a customized theme for the site that reflects its uniqueness and personality.

[SchrödingersCat]

Doesn't it already have a custom theme? :hammer:

[a1ex]

I loved the old black design because it was ultimately lean and clean. Now here we have some kind of grey pink, the blue borders, some shades of grey and lots of white in between. Also i miss the contrast yellow/black provided.

Having all Icons in a similar shade isnt a good choice either i think. Colored smileys extremely improve readability since you know what it is without actually looking at it.
Same for thread icons. Kinda boring this way.

And icons in the index page are too large. They could do their job far more efficiently if they wouldnt add so much unused height. Maybe that works on a 1280x2560 monitor :x

Well thats all I can say since I rarely used this page and therefore dont know much about new or missing features. So, to sum it up, a bit more of the old design would be nice - you could sell toilet brushes here :D

/grreat :D Just sendig this post and there is lots of black in front of me. :D yay UP!

[Hostile]

woah! man it went from white to black in one refresh,:D was a little shocking!

[Kindness]

I had forgotten that there's the "Forum Skin" setting on "Edit Options" page under the User CP.

The "unrealplayground" setting has a black background which I find reassuring even if many icons are missing.

[JohnnySix]

Candles are reassuring but I'd rather have a lightbulb. :)

[Kindness]

Personal tastes differ which is why vBulletin provides the "Forum Skin" setting. I prefer the darker theme and wish it was working fully.

[Airlea]

Thank you both Kingster and Johnnysix for spending YOUR weekend making the upgrades.

Everyone else, please be patient. We've had a development site on the go for a while but alas, do to real life and schedules it's been put off. Now that we've decided to do the upgrade, it's going to take some time to work out the bugs on a live site. Rome wasn't built in a day.

So that's the polite me saying please be patient. The bitchy me says to those whom cannot provide constructive criticism, quit your sniveling. :evil:

[Kingster]

Personal tastes differ which is why vBulletin provides the "Forum Skin" setting. I prefer the darker theme and wish it was working fully.

It's nearly there. It's last on my list of things to do though. I'm not having J6 build images for what's missing in that theme until everything else is done. If the images work as they should, great, if not... Sorry. You'll have to wait.

There are far more pressing issues, in my mind.

[Dorkorama]

I think it's great kingster, I like the brighter look. Refreshing!! LOve the smilies!:claps:

If I had anything to say, maybe a little color, but it's just fine the way it is!!

On the old site there are 2 icons, both of these :b_TexRot: has the same name. the other :b_TexPan: comes out the same

edit : and thanks for the todays posts in the quick links :rockon:That was partly my fault. When I whipped up the Unreal Editor icons, I mostly used their Epic-given names. When they were imported, they got truncated.

Well then imo a new site should only be introduced when everything is ready, not rush it out to have something new to talk about..Unfortunately that would mean communications being further delayed for in-progress projects. That's a hard thing to ignore for a community with a strong content making contingent.

[Lord_Simeon]

I'm liking it.
It looks fresh, and so far is easily navigatable. Can't wait to see the maps pages.
Thanks for all the hard work you too:)

[[CTCR]Squirt]

I really liked the old colour scheme. Black and green is much easier on these old eyes of mine.

[Kingster]

Squirt;551697']I really liked the old colour scheme. Black and green is much easier on these old eyes of mine.
It was black and gold... ;)

[SargeDavid]

where are my maps????
<=-------

i miss them so bad :(

and my avatar....where did them go? CRY

[Kingster]

where are my maps????
<=-------

i miss them so bad :(

and my avatar....where did them go? CRY
Read through the rest of the thread. These have been discussed already.

[n3m35i5]

The new front page and the thumbnails are excellent additions, and the emoticons aren't hurting either. The only bad things I have to say have already been addressed: the magic vanishing avatars, the downright painful color scheme, and the missing features.

as for the upcoming new stuff you mentioned, why would we ever use a WYSIWYG editor? I post on the site, not write code for it. Although I could see how that would make an admin's life easier. "In-line editing with option to go advanced" sounds like some sort of journalistic transforming battlemech. If we're getting battlemechs, I can definitely excuse the color scheme.

Anyway, I'm sure things will turn out better than before. Thanks for the hard work.

Edit: I just discovered what the "option to go advanced" is, and while it doesn't involve hover thrusters, it's pretty cool anyway. Definitely nice to do away with all those funny icons and HTML functions I never use.

[Kindness]

I think the "shoving nostalgia" by-line is inappropriate on the "UP 2002" forum skin selection.

[Shadowfox]

where the hell are the maps?

[Zombie]

well Im NOT going to comment on the colour scheme, that sort of thing is purely subjective and you are never going to make everyone happy. Something a bit more UT custom would be nice but I'm sure thats on the todo list.
As for the move to vBulletin, it is a tested and proven platform for forums so is probably a good move for the site. You've already commented on my only question...wheres the maps? (that was rhetorical :D) and I have no issue with the site using advertising to defray costs whoever said the internet is free never ran a server ;)

[MortalPlague]

I like it so far. I haven't yet spent much time browsing through it, but initial impressions are positive. :)

[Kel]

At first I was like "OH GOD! Where's the sexy black skin?!"
Then I poked around Options. Yay UP 2002 skin!

[Erix]

Wow...I hadn't visited the forum in a while and just discovered the massive change. But, I don't know...seems a little bland...

[UltraJounin]

Change is always difficult at accept. Site design has been the same for a while so its somewhat of a shock to not see Black design with such and accustomed look.

I'm fine with it but I really dont like the color and it feels a little too generic to me.

I voted "So far so good... Where's my <insert feature>?"

So wheres my dark design :evil:

EDIT
OK I see I can have the old style back! :)

[overrandom]

I think the "shoving nostalgia" by-line is inappropriate on the "UP 2002" forum skin selection.

LMAO. But it's so good!

I changed the skin to UP2002. That's just great. It's like someone polished my UP Car. Brand new shiney, but still the same car! Yay!

:claps::rockon:

[share_the_pain]

LMAO. But it's so good!

I changed the skin to UP2002. That's just great. It's like someone polished my UP Car. Brand new shiney, but still the same car! Yay!

:claps::rockon:

There still is something different about that style...something about it gets on my nerves and I just can't use it.:angst:

[overrandom]

There still is something different about that style...something about it gets on my nerves and I just can't use it.:angst:

There are some missing images in UP2002 which is probably what you're seeing. I think that's just because UP2002 uses all the old images, but doesn't have reference to any new ones.

[Carcosa]

now that i've read thru the whole thread, i'm liking it very much. :D

but uhm, sig pics? is that for real or will that be disabled? imo, distracting. or will that be disabled for the new peeps? yanno, do not pass go, do not post sig pic, do not +1? :dunno:

:blito: what the?

[Lunarbunny]

:blito: what the?

Must be the emoticonized Blito :p

[overrandom]

Oh that's great! Haha! Blito in smilie form! :blito:

[[CTCR]Squirt]

Hmmm. I don't recall the gold. Perhaps it is because of the home page. At any rate, upon a second look at it, it appears really clean and highly polished. Being this old you begin to resist change at every turn. Instead of limiting the choices in the poll to that self deprecating choice, you could have simply asked "I prefered it the way it was" with an Eeyore smiley attached. I didn't have the choice to not call it crap, which it definately isn't.

[JorBay]

I truly appreciate all the time and effort that you guys have put into the whole "deal"........I really liek'd the OLD forums. It is really bright. Even thou have not made 100 posts Kingster, does my opinion count?:claps::rockon:

[Dickboy]

Not digging the absence of the quick links to map downloads or any downloads for that matter. I guess I'll give it some time but may have to eventually go elsewhere if things don't get any better.

[JorBay]

Not digging the absence of the quick links to map downloads or any downloads for that matter. I guess I'll give it some time but may have to eventually go elsewhere if things don't get any better.

Almost 3years being registared here.......1st post?:dunno:

[DeadMeatGF]

I haven't read all the posts here, but in case it's not been said already:
To all those who preferred the "old" forum style - have you actually done more than click on the site and go straight to the "moan here" thread?

[Aalexanderrr]

Ahh, thanks for pointing it out, I feel like at home now :p

[ATPro-oO]

just say pls where maps O_o plsplspls

[Mickey Blue]

Thanks guys. :D You :rockon:

I think it's a very refreshing new look. Easy to read, navigate and look at in general.

To those who say it hurts... ummm try turning on a light in your room maybe!! :p

Anyhoo - loving it so far. ;)


just say pls where maps O_o plsplspls

just say read the boards O_o plsplspls

[THEXFILES]

i like the old site much better, when I came to the site, i knew where everhthing was and where to go, its like going to a store you allways go to, then one day you walk in and they have all the products switched and moved around and you cant find ****..............Whats not broken leave it alone....i like the old site ALOT better.:rockon:

[n3m35i5]

just say pls where maps O_o plsplspls

in literal answer to the question you're asking, "pls where maps." you're welcome.

The VERY FIRST THING YOU SEE is the banner with BETA stamped all over it, and the very second thing you see is a six page thread filled with people explaining why the maps aren't ready yet. I am therefore glad to answer in the form of an animation: :hammer:

[Crusha_aa]

I had forgotten that there's the "Forum Skin" setting on "Edit Options" page under the User CP.

The "unrealplayground" setting has a black background which I find reassuring even if many icons are missing.

Never noticed that! Feels MUCH better using the old black and yellow scheme. :claps:

No complaints now, well done and keep UP the good work!

[Kingster]

I truly appreciate all the time and effort that you guys have put into the whole "deal"........I really liek'd the OLD forums. It is really bright. Even thou have not made 100 posts Kingster, does my opinion count?:claps::rockon:

They count, JorBay. I like you. You'll get 100 posts here soon. You're going to fall in love with this place and become a regular. I can feel it. :D

[Kingster]

but uhm, sig pics? is that for real or will that be disabled? imo, distracting. or will that be disabled for the new peeps? yanno, do not pass go, do not post sig pic, do not +1? :dunno:

That's for real. However, there's a lot of rules around them: You have to have been a member for more than 30 days, and you must have more than 100 posts. Even then, you only get a 48x200 pic, non-animated. Obnoxious ones or those that do not meet our posting requirements (no porn, etc.) will be removed.

[Molgan]

aaaw just when I had gotten used to the old layout you change it.. =(

I'll get used to this one too I guess, gj. ;)

Edit: wth did my maps go?

Edit#2: "not available yet". Sorry for crying before reading. ^^

[Hawkwind]

looking good. actually not looking too different so far (thanks Kindness for pointing out the unrealplayground 2002 style, my old eyes cann't handle a white screen in a white room with 36 white fluorescent lights).
i like the news and current threads on the front page.
maybe the calendar takes up valuable page space. i either know what day it is or look at the wall :)

[BigJim]

To be perfectly honest, apart from the colour scheme, and a couple of buttons being moved I can't really tell what's changed, so I suppose that's a good thing, right? :)

Personally I don't like white pages on computer monitors, but I'm sure a darker scheme will appears soon so that's ok.

My only gripe is that I can't UPload my avatar, either by direct linking or UPloading to the site;

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v108/BigJim/PoliceDog2.gif
*EDIT* Although it appears to show UP in posts aright

Which is a shame, because I've had this av for as long as I can remember being on the internet :angst:

*EDIt2* Oh yes, found the 2002 skin - great stuff! :D

[Kingster]

My only gripe is that I can't UPload my avatar, either by direct linking or UPloading to the site

Weird. I was able to set it for you. I had the forums copy it from the URL that you had posted in your IMG tag.

Is anyone else having these problems with avatar uploads?

[NINE-BREAKER]

Is anyone else having these problems with avatar uploads?

I did earlier through direct linking; however, its working now :)

Overall, I like the new UP. Especially the multi-picture attachments; great for posting lots of screenshots in the future :) Using the UP 2002 scheme but that is just my preference for darker colors. The defualt one is not that bad either and it is more clean than the old one imo. I am finding the UI to be much more smooth than before (just feels that way). Great job :rockon:

[Aniliokaz]

i can't find now nothing , i'm gonna cry, i hate this new version of website, why u changed the nice old style??? :confused:

[Kingster]

i can't find now nothing , i'm gonna cry, i hate this new version of website, why u changed the nice old style??? :confused:

You should read a few more of the recent posts (especially in this thread or this one (http://www.unrealplayground.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48235)) - they may answer your questions.

[Kingster]

Especially the multi-picture attachments;

Keep in mind, the maximum attachment size for most forums is 225K... Meaning all your attachments in total must fall under that size. Plenty though for 4 or 5 reasonable size pics.

[Zinia]

Not digging the absence of the quick links to map downloads or any downloads for that matter. I guess I'll give it some time but may have to eventually go elsewhere if things don't get any better.

Hahaha at Boydick

Want a refund?

I love me some :rockon:

[perfect_dark]

I love it looks good m8 cant tell the difference.just Glad to see you back.

And look below a pic

[overrandom]

I'm scared of signature images, I might have to turn off signatures if my fears become reality.

[Kirreak]

I'm scared of signature images, I might have to turn off signatures if my fears become reality.

yea, i like them sig pics. Although I've yet to see a forum that keeps them appropriate. (in good taste and file size)

[NINE-BREAKER]

Keep in mind, the maximum attachment size for most forums is 225K... Meaning all your attachments in total must fall under that size. Plenty though for 4 or 5 reasonable size pics.
I guess I'll have to stick to thumbnail codes since I plan on posting hi-res pics for games in the future. For any other uses; that is great. Thanks for the info.

[share_the_pain]

You can do anything you want to this site and I will still keep coming back. It's not the downloads or the colours that I come here for - it's the people; as long as the regulars stay helpful and friendly, there is no other place for me. :)

[Hostile]

Is anyone else having these problems with avatar uploads?

Well, I don't know? I tried to upload my gif Avatar. It told me no anima?
OK, but then there's bigjims blinking light?? :dunno:....Have I done something wrong?

[share_the_pain]

Well, I don't know? I tried to upload my gif Avatar. It told me no anima?
OK, but then there's bigjims blinking light?? :dunno:....Have I done something wrong?
My avatar is a gif.

[Sonic Wallpaper]

I love the 'idea' of a site redesign/relaunch, but these things usually are done in the background, then launched. Right now, it's a bit difficult to cast a judgment on the changes since we can only see the forums.

I'm guessing that the site will have it's own homepage as before, instead of just being a homepage for the forum as it is now.

I'd like to see the maps and mappers highlighted on the homepage. Highlighting reviews is always nice too.

Are you tracking downloads of the maps? Any plans to output a chart of top downloads?

Thank you for the time and effort you put into the site :)

[SargeDavid]

i am happy as long as i got my glass of :beer:

the awesome members of the up community and
my abillity to use up a ton of the forums space with my worthless maps, i am happy :)

1gb cube map here i come!!!

[Hostile]

I must have done something wrong, I will try to fix it. :D

[maxdamage]

It's not gone, I found one right here. :D

http://www.unrealplayground.com/forums/upskin3/images/buttons/mymaps.gif


Wow Just love that image :claps:.Still got problems accessing this site :( but if having pings from about 4456 to 7980 well I should have then :(.

[Kingster]

That's what it was. It's the blinking. Jim, You have an animated avatar bacause I set it for you. You aren't suppoosed to have one though. :D

I'll look more into who has what. The sigs need to be looked at as well, I see several so far that ar bigger than what they were supposed to be.

[BigJim]

That's what it was. It's the blinking. Jim, You have an animated avatar because I set it for you. You aren't supposed to have one though. :D

Aw <3 you King, I'm me again! :claps: :D
Thanks for going that extra step matie, it's much appreciated.

Ps: Had some time to take a poke around some more now - ooh, just noticed an option to make the text-editor white on grey to match the 2002 theme, very nice.


Tbh I dunno why some folks are moaning - almost everything I need is here, except for the next point;

Ps:

my abillity to use up a ton of the forums space
///
1gb cube map here i come!!!

Can I assume the extra space is gonna be required for the gargantu-mungous filesizes for UT3 maps?

ps2; I like the new smilies too, I wasn't sure about them on white, but they look spiffy on the black theme.
I notice this little guy's got a whizzy new flatscreen monitor - :type: - lucky bleeder it's not even christmas yet.. :tsk:

Ooh, and I notice the caffeine smiley has all his frames back now too, cools.

[Borat]

Liking it so far, found the UP2002 theme and all is well.

Thanks for putting the time in on this guys :claps:

[Carcosa]

That's for real. However, there's a lot of rules around them: You have to have been a member for more than 30 days, and you must have more than 100 posts. Even then, you only get a 48x200 pic, non-animated. Obnoxious ones or those that do not meet our posting requirements (no porn, etc.) will be removed.

i can dig that, totally. i guess for those who do ima gonna hafta learn to turn a blind eye to them.

btw, amazing feat to bring UP in less than a weekend. :rockon::rockon::rockon:

[Hawkwind]

the thing with having the CP first on the middle of the page is not good.
most people know who they are

[El<(')>Maxi]

Well it's been a long time so who am I to say really, I do miss the old look in case you wanted an honest response ;)

UP 2002 skin gets me close enuff.

Seems to be a glitch in the nav ;)

[Manticore]

I just got back from wherever and found this. I haven't had much of a chance to look around. I'll get back to you.

[NINE-BREAKER]

i can dig that, totally. i guess for those who do ima gonna hafta learn to turn a blind eye to them.

The 48x192 dimension is quite small. I don't think they will be much of a distraction (size wise); but content possibly. You also have the option to turn sigs off :)

[Manticore]

As for the theme: I've gone for nostalgia.

Personally I find it a bit easier to read.:dunno:

[HERO Maxwell]

I like the site, but can we get darker backgrounds?
White is too bright for me :)


The site looks great though, and thats my only suggestion.


edit: found the themes. definitely like the darker look of it.
Anyway keep up the good work guys. Dont work too hard on it. Holidays are coming up, you should be slacking off.

[Chaos_Snake_666]

http://www.freewebs.com/chaossnake/Scrach2.JPG

[Chaos_Snake_666]

http://www.freewebs.com/chaossnake/Scrach1.JPG

[SnakeCobra]

well i dont like the new site either. i think it looks much to familiar for an unreal tournamant fansite, and as some others mentioned, i am missing the mapdownloads. maybe they are coming cause the header says 'beta' but i think the downloads are one of the first things to implement in a addon page.

thats why i voted for 'crap'

[Mickey Blue]

I don't believe people are still asking questions about where map downloads/uploads are.

Please.. GO AWAY! :hammer:

[Teh-Iceman]

Nukecode ultra ?

Anyways, lets give it some time maybe we just need to get used to the new layout a bit .
:coffee:
I use left and right blocks on NukeCode Ultra all the time, and i think the new admin options really really rock.
A lot of good options and a "pretty" good Nuke Sentinel ( if i am correct for this site ) .
A loot of cool thingy to fiddle around with ( blocks rule )

[PsychoPatR]

Change is good, sometimes. IMHO this looks good, but for us OLD people, moving around a new site layout is to much.

[DeadMeatGF]

I don't believe people are still asking questions about where map downloads/uploads are.
I can't believe there are so many people complaining about the new site on their first post!
Have they really been idling for years and never posted, just waiting for a chance to have something to complain about? Have the join dates b0rked? Or are they too scared to post under a name we all know and are complaining under a pseudonym?

[SkaarjMaster]

OK, I'm one of those that voted the first choice, but I'm just old and cranky.;) I guess it's good to change things for the new game and stuff.

I'm also guessing you didn't get to my avatar yet. I'm not sure if it was a file I upload to UP or if it's a link to another site though. I'll keep checking and if it's looking like I need to resend it or relink it, please let me know.:)

[Kingster]

OK, I'm one of those that voted the first choice, but I'm just old and cranky.;) I guess it's good to change things for the new game and stuff.

I'm also guessing you didn't get to my avatar yet. I'm not sure if it was a file I upload to UP or if it's a link to another site though. I'll keep checking and if it's looking like I need to resend it or relink it, please let me know.:)
Just go into your profile and re-upload an avatar. I fixed a few, but I haven't found a good way to do it other than go through every user... And that ain't happenin'.

I dont like this site so much as before...
I want submit maps but how I do it now?
This is **** but the site that was before this was so IHQ!
I just completed my ONS-IonWarsEp3 that is really big map.
Dancing in forums is boring for me...
I also maked CTF-Hyperblast to UT99 and CTF-HyperBlast2 to 2004!
The map is looking like two ships are racing.
If someone have some ideas what kind of CTF map I can do tell me please!!!

Or should I make my IonWars maps to VCTF?
But how about the UT99?:confused: I want to make some CTF maps to that game too!!!
First thing that you should do is lay off the smilies. I had to take them out to reply to you, as you had put a zillion of them in your post.

The second thing that you should do is not lie about your age when you sign up. You weren't born in 1983, and we both know it.

The third thing that you should do is learn how to put music in your maps properly... Your "dm-needforut", a UT99 map, was the largest map on our server, weighing in at a whopping 183MB. Why? You had four UMX's in there that were each between 43MB and 53MB when zipped.

After you have accomplished all that, then you can bitch about this site.

[Scourgem]

Random thought - since the new site's release was essentially set in motion by UT3, perhaps one could use the UT3 color theme as inspiration, i.e. black, white, gray and red. Just a humble suggestion of course - I think the site looks pretty great the way it is.

[Derdak2rot]

im just posting impressions about the forums , havent take a proper look to the front page , but i will later ;)

i was afraid the black skin would be gone , but now i have it set on , it looks more nostalgia and UP !!!! :rockon:
the smileys are rockin' hard , very nice job John :coffee: and of course , all the UP staff , for these nice new features :D

ah , well .. welcome to UP :claps:
...now DIE :evil:

[radio667]

As long s there 's a way to keep the spam bots away ( like typing a series of numbers and letters when you register ) then its all good :hammer:

[Kingster]

As long s there 's a way to keep the spam bots away ( like typing a series of numbers and letters when you register ) then its all good :hammer:
speaking of spam, Rad...

Has anyone had to delete any spam since the upgrade? Please post in the Staff area.

Thanks!

[Kirreak]

sry about the large sig, just to get it strait though, this is an appropriate size? 190x20 20.05 kb

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i8/kirreak/kiraphahalol.jpg

[Kingster]

sry about the large sig, just to get it strait though, this is an appropriate size? 190x20 20.05 kb

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i8/kirreak/kiraphahalol.jpg
That'll work. The forums will tell you what you can do and can't do...

[JorBay]

The forums will tell you what you can do and can't do...

Thats it............NAZI forums!!!!:hammer:

<---------LOL....it told me "Upload failed".

[Manticore]

speaking of spam, Rad...

Has anyone had to delete any spam since the upgrade? Please post in the Staff area.

Thanks!
Not yet but I'll let you know.

Generally page load times are down. It seems pretty elegant but I'm still more attuned to the old UP theme.

It's all on the UP!

[{RA}SKYFURNACE]

Random thought - since the new site's release was essentially set in motion by UT3, perhaps one could use the UT3 color theme as inspiration, i.e. black, white, gray and red. Just a humble suggestion of course - I think the site looks pretty great the way it is.

Nice Job Scourgem, I like that, id like a little darker gray on the posting background, work some black in there, but yah, that would work great!

I think that little tab in the header needs some work, that crazy bevel/bezel curve thing i would think would work better as a 45 angle as opposed to a frenchy curve. that way it cuts the background out more. then you could work in 3 white bars next to it that match the angle to work in the UT3 type symbol.

[Angel_Mapper]

I can't believe there are so many people complaining about the new site on their first post!
Have they really been idling for years and never posted, just waiting for a chance to have something to complain about? Have the join dates b0rked? Or are they too scared to post under a name we all know and are complaining under a pseudonym?You have to register to download maps. They're just leeches that can't find a vein at the moment.

[share_the_pain]

I think to get more accurate results, a revote would be necessary. Most people voted "it's crap" and complained about the colours before they found the UP2002 skin.:hammer:

[tr@xtandn]

id also like to say i wont judge until most of the site is back up and normal. But i am liking what i am seeing so far.

qft.

After yrs of being used to the old site I must say it is weird to see the change. But my opinion will remain undecided until everything is finished.

[JohnnySix]

Random thought - since the new site's release was essentially set in motion by UT3, perhaps one could use the UT3 color theme as inspiration, i.e. black, white, gray and red. Just a humble suggestion of course - I think the site looks pretty great the way it is.

Cheers dude - I like the red. At the moment I'm working on fixing up/replacing all the vb icons etc and making it a little more UT/Unreal related.

Observant people might notice small easter eggs scattered around..

As you know we'd gone through plenty of iterations behind the scenes before we arrived at the light version , but what was pushed out at launch wasn't anywhere near complete.

So for anyone currently viewing on the old black skin - there's been a lot of changes made to the new skin, it's still being worked on as the giant 'BETA' stickers allude to, so please check back on progress, as what you initially saw was not the finished product.

Therefore, constructive criticism is welcome at this point (Scourgem's post is a great example.)

I'll get around to fixing some stuff on the old skin too, but the new default style is what I'll be spending the majority of my time doing.

The red buttons are still placeholders, I've built a template in photoshop to make the process of replacing/chaning the fonts/colours etc. a litte quicker - eventually there'll be a couple of options for colour/style on the new skin.

[share_the_pain]

In case nobody noticed, you can choose the skin at the bottom left of the page.

[SchrödingersCat]

What is this? http://www.unrealplayground.com/forums/upskin3/images/editor/ascii.gif

[Lunarbunny]

What is this? http://www.unrealplayground.com/forums/upskin3/images/editor/ascii.gif

Oh god, not that...
http://lb.spiffness.org/diebunny.gif

[Kingster]

Oh god, not that...
Ooooh... ASCII Art.
.ed"""" """$$$$be.
-" ^""**$$$e.
." '$$$c
/ "4$$b
d 3 $$$$
$ * .$$$$$$
.$ ^c $$$$$e$$$$$$$$.
d$L 4. 4$$$$$$$$$$$$$$b
$$$$b ^ceeeee. 4$$ECL.F*$$$$$$$
e$""=. $$$$P d$$$$F $ $$$$$$$$$- $$$$$$
z$$b. ^c 3$$$F "$$$$b $"$$$$$$$ $$$$*" .=""$c
4$$$$L \ $$P" "$$b .$ $$$$$...e$$ .= e$$$.
^*$$$$$c %.. *c .. $$ 3$$$$$$$$$$eF zP d$$$$$
"**$$$ec "\ %ce"" $$$ $$$$$$$$$$* .r" =$$$$P""
"*$b. "c *$e. *** d$$$$$"L$$ .d" e$$***"
^*$$c ^$c $$$ 4J$$$$$% $$$ .e*".eeP"
"$$$$$$"'$=e....$*$$**$cz$$" "..d$*"
"*$$$ *=%4.$ L L$ P3$$$F $$$P"
"$ "%*ebJLzb$e$$$$$b $P"
%.. 4$$$$$$$$$$ "
$$$e z$$$$$$$$$$%
"*$c "$$$$$$$P"
."""*$$$$$$$$bc
.-" .$***$$$"""*e.
.-" .e$" "*$c ^*b.
.=*"""" .e$*" "*bc "*$e..
.$" .z*" ^*$e. "*****e.
$$ee$c .d" "*$. 3.
^*$E")$..$" * .ee==d%
$.d$$$* * J$$$e*
""""" "$$$"

[JohnnySix]

One of the improvements in the new skin is the addition of two buttons in the post-editor + new/improved bbcode

http://www.unrealplayground.com/forums/upskin3/images/editor/spoiler.gif tags now work on mouse-over roflcopter

Also there's the new http://www.unrealplayground.com/forums/upskin3/images/editor/ascii.gif code, which lets you put stuff in a monospaced font when you're posting ascii picture.. ;p

Like ..

[asc]
( \
\ \
/ / |\\
/ / .-`````-. / ^`-.
\ \ / \_/ {|} `o
\ \ / .---. \\ _ ,--'
\ \/ / \, \( `^^^
\ \/\ (\ )
\ ) \ ) \ \
jgs ) /__ \__ ) (\ \___
(___)))__))(__))(__)))


From here (http://www.xmission.com/~emailbox/ascii_cats.htm)
Unfortunately I haven't (yet) figured out how to combine the two...



[spoiler] _
\`*-.
) _`-.
. : `. .
: _ ' \
; *` _. `*-._
`-.-' `-.
; ` `.
:. . \
. \ . : .-' .
' `+.; ; ' :
: ' | ; ;-.
; ' : :`-: _.`* ;
[bug] .*' / .*' ; .*`- +' `*'
`*-* `*-* `*-*'




Also, please CTRL+F5 on a regular basis - the images etc will not refresh until you clean your cache or 'hard' refresh with Shift+F5 (IE and FF).

[JohnnySix]

Kingster's installed an awesome image rotation script - now those on the default skin will see a selection gorgeous UT3 shots. :claps:

[Hostile]

Some of them pretty good too :D

[JohnnySix]

:)


BTW...



_____ _______ _____ _ ______ _____
/ ____|__ __| __ \| | _ | ____| ____|
| | | | | |__) | | _| |_| |__ | |__
| | | | | _ /| | |_ _| __| |___ \
| |____ | | | | \ \| |____|_| | | ___) |
\_____| |_| |_| \_\______| |_| |____/







To see all the changes.

New icons, new backgrounds, headers and more.

[Kel]

What happened to the UP2002 theme?

[Manticore]

What happened to the UP2002 theme?

:D http://www.unrealplayground.com/forums/showpost.php?p=552026&postcount=33 :D

[{RA}SKYFURNACE]

Very nice work Johnnysix & Kingster :) :claps::beer::D:rockon:

[modulstyle]

Oh my god!

What is happened to the good old Unrealplayground? I only downloaded and uploaded my stuff here.

This was the best site... (best usability) of all the Unreal Universe sites...

I think u make one wonderfull project bad... keep it like it was and just update the good old stuff (code, more features etc)

But pleeeease guys! Dont be so dump like EPIC and try to make everything new and better...

Mostly think that UT99 is / was the best ever... Unrealdmin is the same...

It was best before... but now... its like any other site.. nothing special!

Just my thinking...

[DeadMeatGF]

For the Love of F**K

http://www.unrealplayground.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48247

It's
http://www.unrealplayground.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48247
right
http://www.unrealplayground.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48247
there
http://www.unrealplayground.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48247
on
http://www.unrealplayground.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48247
the
http://www.unrealplayground.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48247
front
http://www.unrealplayground.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48247
page.

How many times does it have to be said - the site upgrade isn't finished.
vBulletin has been upgraded, and after a time you either have to go with the latest patch or lose support for it. I for one think Kingster and Johnny are doing a fabulous job, and would rather live with the missing features and a forum that I can use and stay in touch with the regulars than have the site taken down "until it's ready".

Of course I want the maps back, but if it were that simple, don't you think they'd never have gone in the first place?
I couldn't give two sh*ts about the colour - I am used to the "old" scheme, and if it's available I'll use it - but I've tried to create BB themes myself and I know how hard they are. Until you've done one that's compatible with the latest version of vB and made it available to UP, don't bitch about not having a selection.
Johnny's a very talented artist (I still remember the greenies!) and Kingster's working his ass off on the coding, but that takes alot of time, and they have jobs to hold down and real lives to live as a priority over the site.
In short, say your piece, by all means, but before you do please read through the threads detailing the upgrade - especially what's happened, what's in progress, and what's not going to happen - beforehand, and offer your comments positively. For example, if you are missing a feature, ask if it's coming back, rather than just say it's sh*t because it's gone.

This site has become so great because of the people that have frequented it, posted, chatted, shared all manner of things from maps to opinions to heartbreaking tales, and generally been a real community, and this should be a time of applauding the effort that's going in to improving the site, not bitching about the little things that will in all likelihood be forgotten with a couple of months.

[/rant]

[PsxMeUP]

It's ok so far. One that's worrying me is the upload/download section. So far the site has a very "forum-ish" look. It would be a shame if the upload/download section would look the same. Everything right now is rectangular and setup in a horizontal kind of way. Don't make the download/upload section like that! I can't imagine how pics of maps are going to look in this format.

Another thing. Don't ask people if they like the site right now. Once you've gotten used to something, any change is shocking and therefore "bad". Let people get used it, then ask them if they like it (not very practical when building a site, but a slick excuse when the wife/gf asks if her new hairdo is an improvement).

[Kingster]

Oh my god!

What is happened to the good old Unrealplayground? I only downloaded and uploaded my stuff here.

This was the best site... (best usability) of all the Unreal Universe sites...

I think u make one wonderfull project bad... keep it like it was and just update the good old stuff (code, more features etc)

But pleeeease guys! Dont be so dump like EPIC and try to make everything new and better...

Mostly think that UT99 is / was the best ever... Unrealdmin is the same...

It was best before... but now... its like any other site.. nothing special!

Just my thinking...

Ummm... Struggling with your english, so bear with me.

Thanks for the compliments. There were issues that we were dealing with on the old site that were pushing a change. We will soon have our abilities back for downloads and uploads. Bear with us. Things have to change... Code needs to be brought up to date for security purposes, etc. There was code that was keeping us from doing that, so it had to go. It may be difficult for the end user to deal with, as it forces them to do things differently... So I'm sorry for that. But if it came down to it, would you rather have UP with the changes, or no UP at all? Because if we got hacked (which there were massive attmepts to do with the old site) I can guarantee you that you would not have had a UP. So take your pick.

And I'm not seeing any constructive criticism. "Make it the way it was" doesn't help us at all. It will NOT be the way it was. We will offer the same functionality and more... But it can't be the way it was. Sorry.

[milb]

I like the theme-changes.:claps: Looks much better!

Edit: Hm...found some things that should be changed. I noticed this little cube in my Profile (next to the flag). I actually say that I'm online but just from the color I would say I'm not. Green=online, red=offline is how the normally look. As it is now it's a bit confusing.
The "U" in all thos symbols don't look like the typical Unreal-U.

[Angel_Mapper]

Yeesh, what's with all the first-time-posting long-time-downloading moochers thinking the site owes them something? :hammer:

[Airlea]

Yeesh, what's with all the first-time-posting long-time-downloading moochers thinking the site owes them something?


What she said.

pa·tience
–noun 1.the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like.

2.an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay: to have patience with a slow learner.

[archibald649]

I don't like the new design, but fortunately I switched back to 2002 style and all is right with world again.

[PsxMeUP]

I don't have any criticism for the forum. It pretty much looks and feels like the old one, except for the color and few features/buttons here and there. The attachment feature is an improvement, though. I like it better that way. It's a typical forum, what more can be said.

The following is not a criticism because I haven't seen what you're still working on, but just so you know, I think you should separate the look of the News/Download/Upload sections from the forum's look (that's if you're not planning on doing that). Don't give them the same layout. It can keep the same color scheme, but change the general layout. I really hate it when the actual site and forum look almost the same. It gives it a "run in my spare time, in my garage" look.

Now here's some criticism. You have the home page (news page) set up to stretch to the width of the screen. I don't recall the old site doing that. I believe it looked less stretchy. All the news posts on the homepage now are stretched almost to a single line on my screen. It looks very dry and empty. It's fine in a forum because people sometimes post long stuff, or post large pics, but when it comes to news and people's maps you might want to shrink the tables. Most sites have their news spread over a width of 80 characters with spaces or so. Right now your home page only gives me that with a resolution of 1024 x 768. Most news is short anyway. The download pages could also benefit from that because people don't tend to write long descriptions for their maps.

I've attached how it looks on my pc.

Other than that. Looks ok. No complaints.

[{RA}SKYFURNACE]

i was going to post about how some of the "waaaaaaaaaaaaaah" posts were from people who had some very low post counts. :):coffee:


Kingster / J6 : Will there be a spot on the front page for "Mapping Competitions"? would be great to have a small box on the side that had what ever current mapping comp, with the start date and number of days left, with a link to the comp post.

In Addition a side box would be great too for the server, and its status, and or current map rotation.

just some ideas. :)

[Kel]

Yeesh, what's with all the first-time-posting long-time-downloading moochers thinking the site owes them something? :hammer:Yay for me being the exact opposite! I post and post and post and post and post and never dl maps

[PsxMeUP]

I know mine is low, but I don't post often. I make my posts "count". Heh, you should see my post count at NaliCity. I think I have like... 5 posts. I registered there in 2000 (that's the year 2000).

[Angel_Mapper]

Yay for me being the exact opposite! I post and post and post and post and post and never dl mapsUpload something, moocher! :p

[radio667]

I don't like the new design, but fortunately I switched back to 2002 style and all is right with world again.


Woot :rockon: - Didn't know we could do that til You mention it , Arch :D Thanks !!!

[share_the_pain]

What happened to the red?

[JohnnySix]

. I really hate it when the actual site and forum look almost the same. It gives it a "run in my spare time, in my garage" look.


Unfortunately it is run in our spare time (except we don't work from our garages... )... I think this is where people are getting confused.

This site exists out of people's love for the game and to be a hub for the gaming/modding community, it's not done for profits, if it was, you'd have seen it long ago get assimilated by some giant corporation.

We rarely make enough on subscriptions to cover cots, the rest comes out of our pockets, and right now, we're doing everything we can to make maintenance on, and expanding the site a simpler task.

Anyway- your comments have been taken on board - we will be jiggling the front page around , there is still a lot to add. :)

[JohnnySix]

I like the theme-changes.:claps: Looks much better!

Edit: Hm...found some things that should be changed. I noticed this little cube in my Profile (next to the flag). I actually say that I'm online but just from the color I would say I'm not. Green=online, red=offline is how the normally look. As it is now it's a bit confusing.
The "U" in all thos symbols don't look like the typical Unreal-U.

Based off this -

http://io-noi-aldo.sonance.net/blogpix/unreal_logo.jpg

[Manticore]

No favicon/bookmark icons in Firefox here.

Keep up the good work.:rockon:

[PsxMeUP]

My Zone Alarm ad-blocker blocks attachment thumbnails on high setting. Both with IE and Firefox.

[Kel]

Upload something, moocher! :pAs soon as I work up the courage to tackle the behemoth that is UT3Ed!

[Superchaz]

What are these "upgrades?" I'm not questioning your guys' work, but I want to know what types of improvements are going on behind the scenes.

Graphically, everything looks about the same.

Are there security upgrades?

[Kirreak]

Probably most of the votes are based on the look, i wonder how the polls would look with a re vote.

since some "people" have been "educated" on the forums status of undergoing upgrades.

[coreper]

i like the new modern styled look
but i dont like the new website layout: unrealplayground.com now is the forum! [what happened to the old homepage?]
some things what could make UP great:
-add some more colour variety in the site [i like the buttons though!]
-bring back the homepage
-try using a mix of the old design and this new smooth design

i like the smoothness of the new design, but some things [colour variety and the homepage mainly] could be improved
im looking forward to see changes
nice going!

[SuperApe]

I wanted to get the forums back open ASAP, so everyone could bitch about how awful everything is.LOL. I certainly understand the process of cycling through revisions and gathering feedback. Don't take extreme opinions given so far too seriously.
Random thought - since the new site's release was essentially set in motion by UT3, perhaps one could use the UT3 color theme as inspiration, i.e. black, white, gray and red. Just a humble suggestion of course - I think the site looks pretty great the way it is.I agree with this humble suggestion.
I kinda miss the MyMaps button, but I'll hunt back earlier in the thread for the discussion on that.

Keep it UP, Kingster! :D

[DeadMeatGF]

I'm pretty sure that's mainly not there because there aren't any maps to link to yet ... not that the maps are gone, just that the upload/download system to access them isn't functional.

[Kingster]

i like the new modern styled look
but i dont like the new website layout: unrealplayground.com now is the forum! [what happened to the old homepage?]
some things what could make UP great:
-add some more colour variety in the site [i like the buttons though!]
-bring back the homepage
-try using a mix of the old design and this new smooth design

i like the smoothness of the new design, but some things [colour variety and the homepage mainly] could be improved
im looking forward to see changes
nice going!

Well, the homepage at www.unrealplayground.com is vBulletin based (it's the vBAdvanced CMPS). I chose to go this route as it is a plugin to vBulletin, which makes it easier to keep things up to date. It also makes it easier for administration, as you utilize the same control panel for it as you do the forums. The goal from my perspective for administration was to make it so that I didn't have to do all the silly backend work that I would have to do.

It will change more as we get down the road and add functionality - we'll have the things like server status, teamplay server info, top downloads, featured reviews (if we get anyone to do reviews!), that sort of thing. All of these things are in the works. First priority has been to get uploads/downloads back and working. I've recently tested some uploading, and have managed to push up a 60M file... This is good, since lord knows how freaking big filesizes for UT3 maps will be. It also means that we can take other large files, like patches, texture packs etc.

As far as the old design... What specifically are you looking for? It is still a 3 column layout, just bigger now that it is "liquid" and can consume your entire screen real estate... What else do you want?

I kinda miss the MyMaps button, but I'll hunt back earlier in the thread for the discussion on that.

The MyMaps button no longer exists. It has been changed to MyFiles, as it no longer is limited to maps. ;) Hopefully, you will see it added back somewhere in the next day or two.

[SuperApe]

The MyMaps button no longer exists. It has been changed to MyFiles, as it no longer is limited to maps. ;) Hopefully, you will see it added back somewhere in the next day or two.Ooo. Even better. Can't wait. :D

[Kel]

What the... I got threads from Nov 26th being listed as having new replies but there isn't...
Also I seem to be missing the Multi-Quote button on posts

[Kingster]

What the... I got threads from Nov 26th being listed as having new replies but there isn't...
Also I seem to be missing the Multi-Quote button on posts
So, I changed the way that the post show as being read. Once you mark the forums as read one time, everything will be right in the world.

As to the multi-quote, are you using the new or the old skin? The new one has the buttons, the old one doesn't yet. We'll get to it eventually.

[radio667]

So, I changed the way that the post show as being read. Once you mark the forums as read one time, everything will be right in the world.

As to the multi-quote, are you using the new or the old skin? The new one has the buttons, the old one doesn't yet. We'll get to it eventually.

is there a way to change the New post to how they use to be ?

btw - Old Skin Totally Rules - IMO ;)

[Hostile]

I'm liking the fact that I can choose between the two skins.
May be feeling dark at night? :evil:

The old "new post" way used to give me allot of trouble?
IMO I think it much better now. :scratch:

[JohnnySix]

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz move along... one to many shandies last night....

[jon002]

Hey Johnnysix and Kingster. I've been a fan of unreal playground since...forever but i've never posted! I have contributed 3 ut2004 maps though, this place is the best site for UT downloads.

Would just like to say, keep up the good work - i love the banner at the top and its generally looking smarter, a little confusing at first though but i know your working on it. Hopefully you'll get the maps back up soon ; ).

Also hi to Angel Racheal Cordone, im a long time fan but i don't think i've said hi before, so...hey there :). Got any plans for ut3 maps? Im working on recreating the setting of Spirited Away at the moment. What do you think of the game?

xxx love to all

[SoBeiT]

What a big task and remember, no good deed goes unpunished Kingster. :D


Breath deeply and do what you will. I bet many will like the new stuff once they start using it.

[JohnnySix]

Hey Johnnysix and Kingster. I've been a fan of unreal playground since...forever but i've never posted! I have contributed 3 ut2004 maps though, this place is the best site for UT downloads.

Would just like to say, keep up the good work - i love the banner at the top and its generally looking smarter, a little confusing at first though but i know your working on it. Hopefully you'll get the maps back up soon ; ).

Also hi to Angel Racheal Cordone, im a long time fan but i don't think i've said hi before, so...hey there :). Got any plans for ut3 maps? Im working on recreating the setting of Spirited Away at the moment. What do you think of the game?

xxx love to all

Hi! welcome to posting UP. :D

What a big task and remember, no good deed goes unpunished Kingster. :D


Breath deeply and do what you will. I bet many will like the new stuff once they start using it.

Here's hoping. ;)


[snip]

[Hawkwind]

well, someone turned on a switch and it all looks beautiful, and makes sense
what a difference, thank you

[perfect_dark]

Love the new banner it even got UT3 Bloom effect.
Keep up the good work remember to stop for :beer:though.

[Chaos_Snake_666]

Originally Posted by Kingster
First thing that you should do is lay off the smilies. I had to take them out to reply to you, as you had put a zillion of them in your post.

The second thing that you should do is not lie about your age when you sign up. You weren't born in 1983, and we both know it.

The third thing that you should do is learn how to put music in your maps properly... Your "dm-needforut", a UT99 map, was the largest map on our server, weighing in at a whopping 183MB. Why? You had four UMX's in there that were each between 43MB and 53MB when zipped.

After you have accomplished all that, then you can bitch about this site.

This user: Chaos_Snake_666 is using two guys
older one that is over 18 is only downloading maps &
younger one is only submitting maps
and the e-mail is younger ones e-mail
You just cant understand it...
I have a bad feeling that no one does not like my maps...
I also just finnished HyperBlast2 to UT99 but that your message somewhy makes me mad... Im sry... :sour:
I can delete all of my maps if you want... sorry... I think I will delete all of my maps... sry... :sour:
But this map:"dm-needforut" I will delete as soon as possible... I dont care...
Theres nothing...
And why I/we must to bitch about this site? I/we like it.

[Zinia]

Bye

[SuperApe]

LOL! Okay. That 404 page roXORz! :D

(for the curious)
http://www.unrealplayground.com/mapper.php?id=4288

[Superchaz]

Neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeevermind. Bye all.

[overrandom]

Oh! Now the 2007 Style is great! :claps:

[Spiffness]

http://www.freewebs.com/chaossnake/Scrach2.JPG

ha ha ha ha

I weep

[Mickey Blue]

Neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeevermind. Bye all.

:dunno: going somewhere?

ha ha ha ha

I weep

LOL!! I love the avatar too!! ;)

Anyway... Im really starting to dig this newness a LOT! It seems to load a lot faster on my phone too!

[PsxMeUP]

Will we be able to post comments for each map? That's one of the features I really wanted on this site. Having to go to the forums to comment about a map kinda defeated the spontaneity of it all, which resulted in few comments. We need that feature.

Like bad...

[Valis]

I'm happy things are moving forward for the server change. Sorry if it looked like my feedback was overly critical in the other thread? I know how much work it can be to skin a site while trying to do mods etc, so I'll just leave this skin as is instead of bugging for things to get fixed on the 'classic' one. I wasn't really wanting to insist on having to have TWO skins created, and I'm probably in the minority on the brightness thing anyway. This LCD I have atm is on 30% brightness for my internet travels and I have to lower it to 22% to do print work. Can't imagine what people would want 100% for...

Great work so far, the only thing missing now is a UT3 nali war cow skin for Freakish so he can be gibbed properly like in the old days. :moon:

[Kindness]

Freakish is busy in TF2 at the moment, so no hurry on the Nali War Cow model!

[glockman1960]

Looks great to me guys, I like changes now and then, keep up the good work.



glockman1960...{DMG}Annihilator

[TexasGtar]

I like it. I think it is and will be even better than before (if that is possible) since UP was always perfect.

[JohnnySix]

Edit: Hm...found some things that should be changed. I noticed this little cube in my Profile (next to the flag). I actually say that I'm online but just from the color I would say I'm not. Green=online, red=offline is how the normally look. As it is now it's a bit confusing.
The "U" in all thos symbols don't look like the typical Unreal-U.

Just spotted this reading back, all I can say is.... cry to epic...

http://forums.epicgames.com/images/skins/ut3/statusicon/user_online.gif

:D