WinCustomize 2K5 Roll-Out: Release

Let us know what we need to improve..

from JoeUser Forums

It's been a bumpy launch so far.  This isn't just an update to the old site, it's a completely new site.

My biggest #1 priority is for us to get the site faster. MUCH faster. New features are likely going to have to wait until we get the site faster. But let us know what you think and what we need to work on the most in your opinon.

33,372 views 92 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
for some of us we cant see our own skins unless we have a WC Site....and to do that we have to be a certian user number....on the old one we could c all our skins with out having a little site page for each of us....so maybe bring back the link to where we can get all our skins on one page or maybe put all our skins in the info....that way when people go to the artists info they see all of the skins made by the one artist...then they wont have to go looking around till they find all other skins by the person....some people said soemthing about having our desktop screen shot in our info too...its somethign we can upload so y not have it be someting to show that we made....along with all our other skins down the side...i think that would be the best thing to be about the same as the old WC...but i guess its up to you guys on wut to do
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Heres my list:

1. It would be nice to have the forums remember where you left off instead of always scrolling down and rereading some comments again trying to remember where you left off.

2. The totals in the myskins libraries would be nice to have again.

3> Green smilies just don't remind me of being a smiley.
Galactic Civilizations IV
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
-The old site had the feature where you could choose what libraries were showed and the 'view skins with a (X) rating and above' option.

This is under My Account then Preferences
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I made mentions of a few things on the other thread. So I'll copy and paste them here for suggestions.
As I understand, the site themes wont be implemented yet so you can disregard the 1st suggestion.

One of my favorite and unique features of the old site was the cool way each user could 'customize' the site's template.
A few other things are:
-The old site will open a new window with the comment history of a skin when click on the skin's link. This new site opens a window with the shot of the skin and description and then you have to click on comments to view them (not too friendly for those with slow connections)
-The old site will display the entire list of skins by category when click 'My Skins'. This new site displays only a partial list of the user skins. You have to click on 'next' to continue viewing the list.(another hang time problem for slow connection) The list doesn’t display the total over all counts as on the old site. I have to pull my calculator to add them up (bummer)
-The message board on the old site had a 'return to message board' and 'go to top' link. This new site you have to scroll all the way up to the top if you want to view another thread.
Also, we were able to look up a topic/thread on the message board by typing on the search box. This new site doesn’t have that.
-The old site had the feature where you could choose what libraries were showed and the 'view skins with a (X) rating and above' option.
-The over all Top Author list on the old site (as unessential as it looks) it came handy at times. I liked the way every time I saw a new author I was able to view his/her entire library by clicking on the name.
-On the old site the most recent comment on a skin was on top. This new site puts the recent comments on the bottom and only shows a certain number of comments per page, so again you have to click on a next page to view/read the last comment given.
-I also noticed today when I left a comment on one of the skins that the comment was cut short. It seems there is a limit on characters per comment box.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thankx JD I got the show skins with a certain number of stars, but I still cant choose what libraries I want showed on the list.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I concur with WOM and Apocalypse's lists. Also (as posted in another thread) it would be nice to be able to sort the forum posts in chronological order (of last post) with the newest being at the top...right now it's a jumble.
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Forums are currently listed based on last response to the post.
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Oh wait, I may be wrong on that!
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I think that in the comment section, the most recent ones should be at the top of the list.
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Th new site doesn't accept my walls
Just kidding.

I like most of it. The speed thing is killing me. I can either get on here and race around like Juan Montoya, or it takes over a minute for every page to display. I know that will be fixed in time.

Most of the rest of it is personal preference that I will get use to.

I really like it.
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I agree CerebroJD...I also want to clarify my post: it would be nice to be able to sort the forum's topics/subjects in chronological order...like how it was on the old board.
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
WOM's and AP67's lists are good for me.

I think that in the comment section, the most recent ones should be at the top of the list.



Not unless you're going to put the thread opener at the botton also, please.

Posted via WinCustomize Browser/Stardock Central
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
it would be nice to be able to sort the forum's topics/subjects in chronological order...like how it was on the old board.


You can if you use SDC.

Posted via WinCustomize Browser/Stardock Central
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
It's fixed now! Thanks!

I take that back...
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
"#13 by Wizop Koasati"

I mean, in the SKIN COMMENTS

(note: sticky threads arent sticking well.......)
Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I mean, in the SKIN COMMENTS


oops....... nevermind.

Posted via WinCustomize Browser/Stardock Central
Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top

The window I'm typing this in takes up.....724 x 490 pixels at a res of 1024 x 768 .....way too generous/wastefull......almost 50% of the screen realestate.

This, and other 'generous' layout allocations means one heck of a lot of scrolling.

A one word comment takes up about a third of that...or around 15% of the screen.

Reducing these might not speed up site loading but it'll certainly aid with site navigation....

PS...I think the smilies are a step in the wrong direction.....the originals were far more distinct.... a la Spell checker

Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top
How so?
Reply #21 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Even If you didn't open a forum to the last post you read, it would at least help if there was some kind of "marker" to let you know which were posted when you last viewed the thread.

Also not a fan of the little green men.
Reply #22 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'm always looking for a link to the current magazine. Although I get the magazine via e-mail, it doesn't always seem to come on time. I was wondering if a link to the magazine could be included in the resources box.

As for the smilies... I think they are so traditionally yellow that the green seems to miss the *spontaneous emotive* quality they once had. The little emotic icons have become like old friends, well used and related to and loved. And because yellow smilies are kind of universal, perhaps green ones would always miss the mark with some people. We have a new site, lots to get used to, but couldn't we bring along our old friends? I especially liked the little party guy, and the surprised one. I just don't feel any connection with these green fellows and I really don't think recoloring these to yellow would feel right either.

Nothing against the workmanship. It's the emotional attachment. They've cheered us on, expressed our pleasures and hurts, conveyed our surprize... and now when I reach for one I find myself missing the little fellows.
Reply #23 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Yea, not an overly huge fan of the smilies. I'll use whatever's provided, tho
Reply #24 from WinCustomize Forums Top
The ratings 'stars' need to be more distinct......between 'gold' and not gold.....at present it's hard to tell how many stars a skin/submission has....
Reply #25 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Screenshots uploaded in 1280 x 1024 resolution get squished in the preview and look "not quite right".