Template modification

[Guest]

[TheShu]

Hey everyone,

We've been listening to the comments, suggestions, (complaints) about the most recent template that we've put up on many of the department weblogs.

So we've made a few modifications and wanted to get your input on the changes before we start to roll them out.

Take a look at: http://www.vfwwebcom.org/test/

This is an example of a post weblog template.  District, department and other weblogs would be modified slightly.

We've added dropdown/nested menus to the top navigation, moved the commanders pic over to the right side, moved the news/blog stories up on the left and made several other tweaks which should help page load times.

Any and all comments, suggestions (complaints) are welcome.

Shu

[1sg_davo]

I would like to see an easier way to insert, pdf, pictures and such. Would also like a calendar feature so that it is easier to add my post calendar to the webblog. Pretty much ease of use. Like this section. when we do our entries here. Dave

[IJK3770]

    I really like the 'new' template.  It is a lot cleaner and should load a lot quicker for those on dial-up.  I like the drop downs instead of the jumble of links.  Thanks for removing some of the ad space.  The ad space that is left is not so intrusive.
Cheerily
IJK

[d.peirce]

In response to "Any and all comments"

Frequently there are items some would like to print out. Such as a blog or whatever.
It disturbs me that frequently one can only print half of the page they want and half of the preceding or following page.
This does not apply to me when I am viewing, editing or deleting my own blogs. It does apply to my members at their own home computers.

As to the template modification: I used to raise horses. If the price was right I neglected to check their teeth.

[easingwr670]

I like the "drop down" boxes. Where is the post photo and information going or did I miss  that?

[ZAP44]

To me the other was fine…but I do see this as an improvement. 

[Chris Weber 5468]

I think the new layout is a lot cleaner.

As far as printing only what you want, If you right click your mouse on a blank spot on your Toolbar, than activate your Command Bar, then make sure you have the Print Icon up. Once that is set up, then as you are reading the message you want, Select that section by holding the Left Mouse Button down, then go to the Print Icon on the Command Bar, select Print Preview, on that Toolbar, select As Selected, then print off that view. You get only what you select.

[TheShu]

I would like to see an easier way to insert, pdf, pictures and such. Would also like a calendar feature so that it is easier to add my post calendar to the webblog. Pretty much ease of use. Like this section. when we do our entries here. Dave

Dave, what kind of problems are you having with inserting pdf and pics?  As for the calendar feature, that is something that we've been looking at for some time now.  The problem is there is little to no multi-user calendar options on the market right now with the administration features we're looking for as well as the ability to integrate with our current software.   We've looked at a few packages that were close to what we wanted, but there always seems to be an issue that keeps us from moving forward.  We've also given some thought to doing a custom modification to the weblog software to accommodate calendars, but we haven't made any final decisions on that yet.   We'd be happy to take a look at any suggestions you might have though.  It's a big internet. 

Where is the post photo and information going or did I miss  that?

Dick, the link to the Post information page is at the top of the "Post Information" dropdown menu, however, it is not active on the test blog.  On a normal post blog though, that link would take you to the active post information page with the post home pic and post info.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.  Keep it coming.

[ZAP44]

Requesting input from the user and two way discussions on changes…and all for free with the possibility of making some money from it at some point.   What a novel idea!  Too bad National does things behind closed doors, spends huge amounts of money then gives us stuff nobody wants or will use…hint hint hint.

[1sg_davo]

Not being very web page savy, I have tried to upload pictures at one point and it froze, I would like to be able to scan a document in PDF from my computer and upload it to the webblog, but cant seem to figure out how, like the option for this when I am typing this response, I see the link for importation of documents or photos. When I am doing the post blog I don't see these options. Maybe I am looking in the wrong place or it is some kind of code that I don't know how to do. So any guidance would be appreciated. Dave

I would like to see an easier way to insert, pdf, pictures and such. Would also like a calendar feature so that it is easier to add my post calendar to the webblog. Pretty much ease of use. Like this section. when we do our entries here. Dave

Dave, what kind of problems are you having with inserting pdf and pics?  As for the calendar feature, that is something that we've been looking at for some time now.  The problem is there is little to no multi-user calendar options on the market right now with the administration features we're looking for as well as the ability to integrate with our current software.   We've looked at a few packages that were close to what we wanted, but there always seems to be an issue that keeps us from moving forward.  We've also given some thought to doing a custom modification to the weblog software to accommodate calendars, but we haven't made any final decisions on that yet.   We'd be happy to take a look at any suggestions you might have though.  It's a big internet. 

[IJK3770]

Dave,
    Meet me in My WebCom chat whenever you wish (after 7 pm CST) and I will be glad to guide you through it while you are online.  I assume you can have two windows open or you can use the pop-out feature of the chat and then you can easily go from window to window and not lose chat.  It is not hard but it took me some while before I had it all figured out also. I have aided others using chat so I know it can be done.
Cheerily
IJK

[easingwr670]

I have found that some of my state's post blog masters try to upload a photo that is over 1.5 mb. Than will cause a slowdown and even a freeze. I would not upload any photos that are over 800 kb-max.

[IJK3770]

Far better to resize to 500 pixels wide before one tries to load so that it fits and saves space in your photo album.  Each post photo album is limited to just so much space. I have 505 photos on Post 3770 and just using up 11.65 mb of the allotted 50 mb of space by using this method.
Cheerily
IJK

[ZAP44]

Many of my pictures are 450 KB which isn't really needed.  I use photoshop and save them to about 150 - 170 KB which are fine...check them out http://www.vfwwebcom.org/me/albums/post9787/

New Subj:  50 MB Joe?  You must know somebody I only have 20 MB.  Not complaining...the way I'm doing it I have ample space...just want to make Shu feel bad. 

[IJK3770]

ZAP44,
     I think it has to do with the Depts being onboard with the network.
Cheerily
IJK