25 replies to this topic

[Megami Community]

I didn't know where else to place this topic and I figured this was the best place for it. What I don't understand is that when IPB 3.1 was released, IPS took the stand to eliminate redundancy in the IPB forum software. Yet, here we are, and IPB 3.2 has built in redundancy in the forum software and I don't understand why this was necessary.

In 3.1, we saw the elimination of the "top of page" icon removed from the individual posted topics and moved to a global position in the footer area of the forum code.
In 3.2 we saw the removal of "avatars" from the forum because IPS saw no need for photos and avatars.

Now, we're confronted with deliberate redundancy. Take a look at the following image:



If you examine this image, pay attention that this was a new topic I created on a test board I installed for 3.2. Now, by default, the first topic of the post gives you the indicator of who created the topic, along with their photo-avatar, which should tell anyone who is reading the topic, which member created it. However, look at the photo-avatar that appears above the first post. You'll notice that the photo-avatar appears again (redundancy #1) and while I blocked out the text, the informoation about "topic-started" is also posted here.

This really isn't necessary.

Look at the bottom of the image where the "post box" is, here we see "Reply to this topic" along with the photo-avatar, again. This is redundancy #2. While I realize that IPS may have thought this was a good idea, is it really necessary to have these multiple redundant "photo-avatars" listed above the forum topic and below the forum topic? While this may have been deliberate to place these here, it's redundant to post the photo avatar all over the place when you're viewing the topic title.

Summary: I'm enjoying the new software but I just don't see why plastering the photo-avatar all over the place is really needed. It's like the forum software took one step forward and two steps back. While the photo-avatar might feel needed next to the "post box" in the fast reply, I do think that the photo-avatar and the topic starter information above the topic title is very redundant. The photo-avatar next to the post box isn't really needed since the only person seeing your p-a next to that post box is yourself.

[Jeuhen]

Plus 1 sir. Three times your p-a seems too much. The "Reply to this topic" can be the same one as in 3.1, without your p-a.

[Sammy Nicole]

The photo-avatar next to the post box isn't really needed since the only person seeing your p-a next to that post box is yourself.

It's presentation really. It looks nicer with your photo next to the reply box. Facebook does this as well, so even if it's unnecessary, it's nice.

[• Jay •]

I don't really see the point of making an issue of it. It's not like the image is downloaded 3x, so there's no extra strain on resources having them where they are.

The redundancy issues had a lot to do with improving performance. That doesn't apply to the avatars. You could have the same image 100x on the page and it'll only download once.

[Ryan H.]

Unlike your examples of things removed, these are not functionally redundant. Each one has a specific purpose for being where it is.

[Nervosa]

At first I thought the avatar at the top was a bit much but it gives a nice header to the post.
The avatar in the reply wount be as bad once other people reply.

[Megami Community]

I don't really have a problem with the presentation of the post box but I think it's redundant to have the same thing "above" the topic title ...

[Ryan H.]

I don't really have a problem with the presentation of the post box but I think it's redundant to have the same thing "above" the topic title ...

Not if you're on a page beyond the first.

[Christophe]

Can you provide a way to reproduce your screenshot because I can t figure out where you are seeing 3 avatars...I can only see two.
The first poster and yours for your pending reply. If you are the only person in a thread I suspect you are going to see this but not in a conversation with more than 1 person. How did you get 3 avatars?

Edit: this is what the layout is made of

Topic title
Discussion
Reply box

The first poster will probably always get 3 avatars until someone posts a response other than the OP

[MageLeif]

The last one is the reply box at the bottom.

The placement of these three things makes sense and they all serve different purposes, so I see no redundancy.

[Marcher Technologies]

The last one is the reply box at the bottom.

The placement of these three things makes sense and they all serve different purposes, so I see no redundancy.

I actually Do...Specifically in the absolute throttling of the topic vertical space... IMHO this layout would be better(ignore the non3.2ish css, from skin im working)
[attachment=31129:topictitle.png]
could be just me, but the over-sized avatar/page title detracts from the topic contents.

[.Ian]

In 3.1, we saw the elimination of the "top of page" icon removed from the individual posted topics and moved to a global position in the footer area of the forum code.

This is still here and was in 3.1 - you just have to remove the word hide from the template. Simple.

[Aisha]

I actually Do...Specifically in the absolute throttling of the topic vertical space... IMHO this layout would be better(ignore the non3.2ish css, from skin im working)
[attachment=31129:topictitle.png]
could be just me, but the over-sized avatar/page title detracts from the topic contents.

I agree with you, but honestly, it's a complete matter of opinion.

[3DKiwi]

Re bottom mini photo. Could be because Xenforo has the mini photo at the bottom?

I'm sure IPS aren't copying Xenforo but I'm seeing a few similarities with 3.2 and Xenforo. I'm fine with the mini photo being at the bottom although it does seem a bit silly to have the photo above the first post as you end up seeing it twice. Xenforo doesn't have it twice at the top. Seems a few things like this they have thought it out a wee bit better.

3DKiwi

[MageLeif]

IPS isn't XenForo.

[Jυra]

Redundancy is very often a good thing, but the avatar near the topic title is a bit much.

If a thread is short, you can see who it is

If a thread is long, then it might not be your thread anymore.

[Matt]

I think the user photo next to the topic title at the top of each page is a neat stylish twist that is unique to us - and also has benefits when you enter the topic at any other page than the first.

[Megami Community]

Matt, I respect what you guys have done but comparing the previous iterations of IPB to this new version, it just seems that IPS took out a lot of what they felt was redundancy and replaced those with new redundancies. It's like a web-owner discovering a new code and he decides to go overboard, copying and pasting that code on every page on this website.

While some may think it's cool, I just see it for it is, redundant code, used over and over again, on the same pages. Not everybody has a lot of bandwidth and then there are those visitors or members to your site who don't have an updated computer and who use slower machines. I tend to rely on decent judgment and try to keep images or graphics down to a bare minimum and this photo-avatar issue is one that I have a problem with because there's no need to have the photo-avatar above the forum topic (#1), as the first post (#2) and next to the post box (#3). Having the photo-avatar next to the post box is like IPS having to remind the Admin that every member has mental retardation and that the forum software has to remind every user that he or she is who they are logged in as.

I hate using descriptions like this but 99% of the members on my forums know who created the topic just by looking at the first post, and they don't need to be reminded who they are logged in as, with that avatar next to the post box.

At any rate, I really think that the photo-avatar that is permanently attached just above the topic title has got to be the most ill-conceived idea since I started using the IPB software and I've been a long time user of IPB since IPB v.1.3.

[qscott86]

While some may think it's cool, I just see it for it is, redundant code, used over and over again, on the same pages. Not everybody has a lot of bandwidth and then there are those visitors or members to your site who don't have an updated computer and who use slower machines. I tend to rely on decent judgment and try to keep images or graphics down to a bare minimum and this photo-avatar issue is one that I have a problem with because there's no need to have the photo-avatar above the forum topic (#1), as the first post (#2) and next to the post box (#3). Having the photo-avatar next to the post box is like IPS having to remind the Admin that every member has mental retardation and that the forum software has to remind every user that he or she is who they are logged in as.

I hate using descriptions like this but 99% of the members on my forums know who created the topic just by looking at the first post, and they don't need to be reminded who they are logged in as, with that avatar next to the post box.

Disagree entirely. It's hardly a bandwidth problem .. that's what the cache is for. It's a great stylish twist.

At any rate, I really think that the photo-avatar that is permanently attached just above the topic title has got to be the most ill-conceived idea since I started using the IPB software and I've been a long time user of IPB since IPB v.1.3.

Disagree again. I love the look -- it should not be changed at all. Thanks Matt.. you guys are doing a great job.

[Account-]

I will also have to agree with the op. Don't misunderstand, I like the concept of "stylish twists", however.. stylish twists are stylish twists, and clutter is clutter. While it may be unique, there's also always a reason that others don't do the same. It's either because it's a bad idea or they weren't wise enough to think of it, in this case.. I don't think it's the latter.

I see some of you saying that they each serve different purposes, may I ask what they are? And while they may serve different purposes, I don't see the point in displaying an avatar in each place for them. I mean, I think I know that it's me replying if the reply box is on my screen, I don't need to see my avatar again. My general preference is that avatars only display in profiles, post profiles, and a smaller avatar wherever you have your user control panel located.

I apologize, but that's just my opinion..