Check out our new look!

[kopper]

I implemented a new, simplified theme on the Hideout today. It's one that I've been working on for several days. The old theme was cool and worked for a while (over three years, I think), but it was just time for a change. I didn't like how cramped everything felt on the old theme. The left- and right-side graphic borders always made the network feel claustrophobic, and the old three-column layout just added to the overabundance of CRAP that was on the Main page. With this airier, simpler, more minimalist two-column layout, it's a lot easier to find things, I think. And the stuff that's most important (forum, groups, events) are more front and center now. Also, the menu at the top is a lot more prominent now, too (I think it got lost in the chaos of the old theme). Anyway, I'm really liking it and I think you all will, too, even though it may take a while to get used to as change often does.

[LamStock]

i liked the graphic borders, everything looks great though

[kopper]

Forgot to mention that this new layout allows for larger banner ads in the sidebar on the right. Larger ads, same great, cheap ad rates!

http://garagepunk.ning.com/page/advertising

 

[Les Jujes]

Pages all look the same now ( ? ) and we don't have a html/css customization no more... So I don't see the point, except maybe for "larger banner ads".

[kopper]

I haven't looked into the individual customization yet. The problem with customization of pages is that the header often looks ridiculous when used in different themes (not to mention people often customize to the point where their page looks completely ridiculous). I chose the theme for the network, and adjusted the header image to fit *that* specific theme, not a dozen of others. Frankly, I don't see the problem with leaving your page theme the same as the network's. You can still add content to your text box, move the modules around where you want them, and so on, but who cares if you can't change the theme of your page or adjust the colors and add backgrounds? Is that really that important?

It's ironic. People all along complained that the Hideout was always too complicated or that there were all these bells and whistles that they didn't care about. They bitched that the simplicity of the old GaragePunk Forums message board was gone (and on that old board you didn't even have your own page), and many never returned for those reasons. So I simplify things quite a bit, go with a more minimal theme and try to clean/straighten things up and what happens? People bitch that the pages all look the same now. This just goes to prove that you can't please everyone. Either you like the site for what it has to offer and you come back often, or you don't. It's your decision.

Les Jujes said:

Pages all look the same now ( ? ) and we don't have a html/css customization no more... So I don't see the point, except maybe for "larger banner ads".

[kopper]

OK, update: You *can* customize your page and change the background image, text colors, tabs, etc. Just click the "customize my page" link on your page below your profile photo & name (on the left side). No, you can't select other themes, and I'm fine with that.

[Mardy]

I like been able to see all the site activity on the right hand side when I'm viewing my profile. I think that's really cool and functional.

[Kidango]

Makes things much more accessible, great job dude.

[Thee Knight Of Trashe]

 

...Lovin' the new crisp 'n' clean new look...

[Gringo Starr]

I like it. Thanks for bringing back customization. I don't understand the color brown, though. When I think of a 'Hideout' midnight or twilight colors come to mind (greens,blues,blacks).

 

[kopper]

It's either because A) I'm lazy and didn't want to have to bother with redoing all the T-shirt designs and our Pro-Keds shoes, or B) I just got used to the color and wanted something more (aside from the main header logo) to tie the new look in with the old. Plus, brown is a bit different. You don't see it a lot on the Web. Blue text links/designs are so common (blue dominates Facebook, Myspace, etc.) that it's become boring. I like red, but I think it's too bright and annoying (HEY! LOOK AT ME!!). Not a big fan of green, although it would've worked, and black, well, black is already a pretty predominant color here. I even thought briefly of using orange, but, again, just decided to keep the old brown color from the previous design (which originated with Röntgen who designed all that stuff).

Gringo Starr said:

I like it. Thanks for bringing back customization. I don't understand the color brown, though. When I think of a 'Hideout' midnight or twilight colors come to mind (greens,blues,blacks).

 

[Gringo Starr]

Well, brown would be fine if you bring back the Röntgen graphic side borders. I really like the new design a lot but there seems to be too much white on the sides. I liked those borders - they were the logo (kind of). Good job though Kopper.

[Doc Sanchez]

Looks good, I think! I like that it's airier now for I spend enough time in dark, damp, claustrophobic cellars with my band. Thanks for the work, Kopper!