New section and front page redesign

[NightAngel79]

So I had a couple different thoughts/ideas.

One that I have been kicking around of a while is a Google sub-forum. Saw a few Gtalk type threads and some specific 'how to do this' in gmail/gtalk/g+ etc. I guess what I'm asking is that the G+ section be a more general Gapps section. And that the section gets moved from 'Lounge' (android community) to a main section in Android Discussion section.

Along with that is the layout of the home page. With every new member getting the 'please post an introduction' banner until they post for the first time I see NO need for the Android Community to be at the top of the forum home page. It 'houses' the lounge, classifies, intros, and a couple sections regular users can't see. I think this is one of the reasons we get so many device/support queries in lounge, and intros etc.

I purpose putting the Android Discussion on top, with a link to phone list above it??
Perhaps something like what is explained here: http://androidforums.com/suggestion-box-feedback/382881-req-anchor-tags-posts-actioned.html that links to the phone list? So just a simple link that says 'Full Phone List' or some such that connects to the main phone list? Perhaps one for tab section also?

Just throwing it out there but would be interested to here others take on it.

 

[El Presidente]

I definitely think a section specifically for Google stuff would be a good idea.

Not sure about reorganising sections though (but that's because I'm not sure how much work would be involved for Phases/you guys), do you think it would make a massive difference to device questions getting posted in the lounge/intros etc? Is that the main reasoning behind it? I think no matter what we do, the intro forum is going to get hammered with support questions.

 

[NightAngel79]

Not sure about 'main' reason but I surely think it is a factor. Plus it just seems to me that it makes more sense cause whatever is at the top is what members will see first.

I can just see a new member seeing in the 'last post' one of the crazy lounge threads or one in politics section.


Wouldn't it look better if the top of the page is a link to the main phone/tablet list then Android lounge/app sections right below?

 

[Phases]

Hm. Well these are certainly some fair points. At least about AC being at the top of the page.

I can see renaming Google+ to Google[whatever], not sure about putting it in Android Discussion though.

 

[NightAngel79]

Hm. Well these are certainly some fair points. At least about AC being at the top of the page.

I can see renaming Google+ to Google[whatever], not sure about putting it in Android Discussion though.

Yea, just figured it needed a little more 'prominence' if thats the right word i'm looking for... Seems like it is almost hidden in with lounge topics, ie; lit, sports, tv, politics, google... see what I mean, it just doesn't .. fit there to me....

Maybe put it in with the chromespot cr-48, google tv section? perhaps move that up some?

Way I see it is those of us who use the lounge, intro's, classifies, etc don't care if its on the top of the page (i presume). I believe some shuffling around is in order. Its a good little ways to scroll down just to get to the phone list really, think at least a link to phone/tablet list needs to be very top IMO....

At any rate, just my 2 cents

 

[NowVoyager]

I agree with NightAngel. Anything that makes G+ topics easier to find/access is good.

 

[AndroidSPCS]

Sounds good!

 

[johnlgalt]

I agree to a point - I think that the services that get a lot of traffic should maybe get their own subforums and everything else be dumped into the general Google forum (the specific forums naturally being a sub forum of the main G forum) - however, that in and of itself can present problems if people don't realize that a G+ or GMail forum exists and dump their questions / RFHs in the main G forum....

But that's what us green guys are here for, right? "Cleanup on Aisle G!"

How about amending the banner to post an intro with additional info, like "Click here to find your phone to so you can ask a question, get support, etc...." and linking them to the general device forum, like so: Android Phones - Android Forums

 

[9to5cynic]

I like the idea of renaming the G+ forum to a general Google Apps forum, but I think the Lounge is a good place for it. Just my opinion though.

 

[nuttmeg]

sounds good to me...

 

[NightAngel79]

I agree to a point - I think that the services that get a lot of traffic should maybe get their own subforums and everything else be dumped into the general Google forum (the specific forums naturally being a sub forum of the main G forum) - however, that in and of itself can present problems if people don't realize that a G+ or GMail forum exists and dump their questions / RFHs in the main G forum....

But that's what us green guys are here for, right? "Cleanup on Aisle G!"

How about amending the banner to post an intro with additional info, like "Click here to find your phone to so you can ask a question, get support, etc...." and linking them to the general device forum, like so: Android Phones - Android Forums

^ I like it!

Also on the home page side, it just seems that the off-topic sections (lounge) is well, featured, being on top as it is and the community as a whole would be better served with a little re-arrangement....


Looking around in the G+ section it is pretty busy. Just think that google section would be VERY closely related to the existing Android Discussion section that they should somehow be integrated.

 

[Podivin]

I think Nick makes some excellent points.
Renaming and giving G+ section more visibility would be a good thing.

 

[NightAngel79]

No one disagrees?!?! WOW! LOL

 

[johnlgalt]

Forum polishing, reorganizing and such is a continual thing - no forum should ever pick a format and organizational structure and stick to it - b/c then they are not growing, they are stagnating.

So, no arguments here. I'm betting that most probably agree even without openly posting it.

 

[Xyro]

No one disagrees?!?! WOW! LOL

I totally disagree. Furthermore, I find many of your suggestions deeply offensive.

Spoiler

Kidding, I think both are good ideas.

In my experience, it's rare to see a forum that doesn't have a few less important forums (such as intros, news/announcements or whatever). But I guess that may be more out of tradition than a practical reason.

 

[johnlgalt]

the practicality is there - it drives posting, and thus advertising, which is the major source of funds for boards.

Even with, say, our forum games forum not contributing to our post count, the advertising is still shown, and ppl are still posting wildly in them. Same goes for most of the lounge forums.

 

[alostpacket]

Just an FYI, I'm way too opinionated about the design of places I love and frequent.

So I am purposely staying out of this one!

Carry on

edit:
lol nvm I chimed in -- will try and stay positive though

 

[NightAngel79]

Just an FYI, I'm way too opinionated about the design of places I love and frequent.

So I am purposely staying out of this one!

Carry on

dont be scared!!

Honestly, I'm very eager to hear a different view point on this, don't care if it is completely disagreeing or just a different change-up then I'm suggesting.

I mean if you disagree then I'm just gonna get my feelings hurt and probably go cry somewhere but don't let that stop you, lol.

 

[johnlgalt]

hmmm - NightAngel and cry should never be in the same post....

 

[xmr405o]

This actually does sound good. I think new members with these changes. Great suggestion NightAngel.

 

[twospirits]

Same hos for most of the lounge forums.

ummm, What you called me??? its' on now.





I agree good points.

TS out

 

[johnlgalt]

Fixed, thanks for making it that glaringly obvious

 

[Phases]

Moved section to bottom as a test and renamed Google+ to Google but left where it is. I see no need for a link to the phones when most people, depending on resolution, can see the start of the phone list from top of the site now.

Good thinking!

 

[NightAngel79]

Good point phases. Am also loving the discussion in the announcement thread.

 

[9to5cynic]

About the revision to the "Google" section, what do you think about adding a line of text under there saying something to the effect of "For all you Google Apps discussions" or something. I'm just thinking that the only difference is the "+" and people might not notice it right away now being for all google apps.