View Full Version : The new Photo Sharing forum layout / subforums
As you know, Talk Photography has grown considerably in the past couple of months. As a result, the Photo Sharing forum has become our busiest forum, and therefore we have been looking at ways of keeping the activity up, whilst making it an easy browsing experience for the members.
As you might have seen, we have now created some subforums in Photo Sharing. They are : Animals (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=34), Landscapes (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=35), People (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=36) and Transport (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=37)
This has been done to basically take the 'heat' from the whole sharing forum, but left in such a way that all recent posts are still easy to find and navigate to. This isn't necessarily an exercise in completely categorising the Sharing forum, it's merely designed to split out the most popular categories.
We have moved a few of the most recent threads into those subforums for now, so if any of your future Photo Sharing threads falls under either of these four categories, then please post it into each one respectively.
Don't worry if it doesn't fit in any, or if your photo fits loosely into more than one subject, you can still post in the main sharing forum.
We're not going to be super strict about where shots go. It's up to you to decide which forum you think your shots fit best. Unless it's evidently in the wrong section, it's likely to be left where you put it :)
Also if you have a series of shots, and one or two don't fit the forum you'd like to put them in, that's fine. You're welcome to keep them together in the same thread, rather than split them up.
This is a trial run, so we'll see how it works. If lack of responses to threads becomes more of a problem, or we get enough comments or complaints to warrant it, then we may well revert back to one sharing forum which is quite easy to do.
This is still a work in progress too, so as the site progresses, and time goes on, we may find that different categories work better....All suggestions welcomed :)
If you have any questions please feel free to Contact Us (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/sendmessage.php), pop a note in here, PM a member of staff, or email the admins on admin@talkphotography.co.uk
Like we say, it's your site, let us know how you like it. :thumbs:
Sounds good, but what happens if you take a picture of a person with their dog just getting out of the car to enjoy a lovely landscape? ;)
you put it in the root photo sharing forum, you pedant :p
Sounds good, but what happens if you take a picture of a person with their dog just getting out of the car to enjoy a lovely landscape? ;)
always one isn't there? :p :lol:
Jewel
Sounds good, but what happens if you take a picture of a person with their dog just getting out of the car to enjoy a lovely landscape? ;)
Then it's up to you which you put it in...;) Either of the 5 will do :p (4 subs and 1 main) :D
Sorry to jump Pete's train but what about all the flora shots? ... Im guessing they go in with landscapes.
So then what about Macro? I kind of thought that might have got its own sub-forum ... not nit-picking ... HONEST!!! :exit:
Just keep putting them in the main sharing forum Glo.....
If flora or macro shots become too popular that the main sharing forum is still too busy, then we'll look into splitting those off too.
HIMUPNORTH
29-08-2006, 12:21
I don't like this development :shake: :nono:
I like falling upon photos that I have no great interest in and trying to view them objectively. This format will put them in a pigeonhole that I will be less inclined to visit. What do others think?
Moderators - please feel free to move my post if in the wrong place.
Beat me to it ;)
I like having a browse through the various posts. This arrangement feels a lot more disjointed with some in the main sharing part and others in special sub topics, not too user friendly in my view. It's in the same vein as POTN which at least has everything in sub forums
I guess you guys missed the big discussion about this, then? :lol:
Although I can't find the thread now...
I do know what you mean, though - I'm unlikely to click much in the "transport" sub-forum, for example.
I've put your three posts into this thread..merging HUN's thread into this one :)
Chaps, your comments are perfectly valid. If you're not happy with it being done this way, I'm glad you're letting us know :)
This is very much a work in progress idea, sort of a test measure.
Can we see how it goes for at least a week, then take it from there? If by that time the majority still don't like it then we can adjust the idea, and progress on from that, or maybe even revert back to one big forum.
How about we drop some ideas into this thread, about how you'd like it to be arranged and we can put up some sort of poll....
To start with we can have the following options :
1. One big sharing forum, as it used to be
2. As it is now.
4. As it is now, but with less subforums.
5. As it is now, but with more subforums.
6. More subforums, and completely categorise it, with no "Everything Else" category.
Any more? thoughts?
Catdaddy
29-08-2006, 14:54
Just my 2p worth...
The way it's been organised would (in my opinion) be better as subforums off the main Critique forum so that the photogs that either specialise in or are interested in a given area can go straight to the relevant images...
As HUN said, it's good to be able to browse the images in the Sharing forum casually - in much the same way that some of them might have been posted up there casually (in a kind of 'look what I spotted today' way!). Organising the Sharing forum like that sort of takes the sponteneity of the forum away somewhat. If that makes any sort of sense!
Most of the time I browse the forums using the 'new posts' link at the top - so I see a random list across sections anyway. Maybe a 'see new (or recent?) posts in sharing section' button for those that like to see all sharing?
Personally I think sub sections is the way to go. I'd rather see a everything else sub forum than have posts and sub forums together as now.
I'm with HUN and Dod on this one, I preferred how it was, you never knew what you were going to open up and I was often pleasantly surprised by what I found. I'd probably tend not to visit the Transport section even though I know there is a chance to view some great images. At the moment it just doesn't look and feel right and feels disjointed as Dod has already stated.
Maybe we should be encouraging users to post in the critique forum, I'll try to post there more often from now (if I think it is a picture worthy of critique).
minimeeze
29-08-2006, 17:04
:agree:
It's a wee bit early to tell innit? I mean give it some time and we all may get used to it. I'm undecided at the mo tbh, but I dont' like change,lol :D
Jewel :)
I'm with HUN and Dod on this one, I preferred how it was, you never knew what you were going to open up and I was often pleasantly surprised by what I found.
At the moment it just doesn't look and feel right and feels disjointed as Dod has already stated.
:agree: i will give it time but prefered how it was on my first initial uses.
While we are trialling this new way, (which I don't think is going to last long...lol No one has said they prefer it like this yet :p )
While this 'trial' is underway, I've added a poll, to gauge opinion on which way is the best way forward. Please vote, and if there's any more options you'd like on there, let us know and we'll add them :)
I think it's just one of those growing pains. At the moment there are too many posts to be able to go through all of them and comment, and for new people it could be disheartening for their first shots to disappear off the first page with only one or two comments. Let's face it, the first few posts are where/when you'll "lock in" new members. What about having a "my first pictures section", might be overkill? :shrug:
Personally I "think" you'll eventually end up going down the sub-section route for everything where like minded individuals will effectively form their own mini communities. eg sports/people/landscape/street/macro etc
It's just getting the balance in the meantime, not easy to achieve.
Other thing I noticed is that posts in the sub forums don't seem to show up on the list of new posts on the front page.
I'll go with Dod, for having it back as it was but with a New Member/My first post/pics section. Where new members can post a couple of times and get some feedback before posting in the normal sharing or critique areas. Other than that I like it as it was.
I'll go with Dod, for having it back as it was but with a New Member/My first post/pics section. Where new members can post a couple of times and get some feedback before posting in the normal sharing or critique areas. Other than that I like it as it was.
Option added to the poll :thumbs:
Although I have already voted (top option), I think there is a "better way" as such.
I dont particularly like subforums (they make navigation irritating) so I would much rather a whole new photo sharing section, broken down into categories (POTN style, if you like). Tack the InDepth bit onto the bottom of that for a more serious angle and you are into a winner in my book :)
Just my thoughts though.
Doh, had already voted for the way it was but count me as As it was. One sharing forum, plus one "New member / First time" subforum
How about like DRZ suggests...Have categories but on the main forum?
Matt Charlton
31-08-2006, 14:55
I'd go with DRZ's suggestion, I dont like these subforums, I keep forgetting about them as they are so little.
h.r.ford
31-08-2006, 16:02
Well coming from a newbie it may not count for much. On the other hand I haven't gotten used to things any other way. I like the subforums. I'm really into macro so I'd like to see one for that. I think it is just like anything else give it some time and see if it grows on ya.
Renee
Well coming from a newbie it may not count for much. On the other hand I haven't gotten used to things any other way. I like the subforums. I'm really into macro so I'd like to see one for that. I think it is just like anything else give it some time and see if it grows on ya.
Renee
All members opinions are important here, everyones opinion matters!
All opinions are as valid as the next persons Renee, new or old :)
I've added the option ala DRZ suggestion : Split sharing into categories, but have them on the main forum list, ala POTN style, withthe InDepth forum on the end.
And if anyone would like to change their vote, just drop me a PM :)
I don't like these sub-forms at all, it brakes everyone up insted of just one big fourm.
nor me, got to say i dont like it
i much prefer having everything broken down, bearing in mind sometimes things are discussed on here which are nothing to do with photography, for me personally and being quite new here i find i know where to look when i want to find something specific, although i do sometimes post in the wrong columns :bonk: :D
I have to say Im beginning to like the sub forums. It means I only have to ckick the "transport" one to look at the stuff I like to see most of all. I cna then click the others if Im in the mood! :)
Catdaddy
04-09-2006, 08:31
I still don't like the sub-forums that much. But Joe kinda raises a valid point. Would there be a way of putting everything back the way it was but specifying the thread's subject matter with a separate icon? (For example, this thread now has the 'poll' icon in the thread list for the forum)
I still don't like the sub-forums that much. But Joe kinda raises a valid point. Would there be a way of putting everything back the way it was but specifying the thread's subject matter with a separate icon? (For example, this thread now has the 'poll' icon in the thread list for the forum)
hmm...
Matt Charlton
04-09-2006, 09:00
If you were to add more icons - a cow for animal pictures or whatever it might work, thats a clever idea.
not easy to implement though
Matt Charlton
04-09-2006, 09:40
No it would require a lot from the person who is posting the original image to remember to add the icon for it.
I don't like the subforms the way they are, I think they might work better as proper forums under a sharing category - I keep forgetting they are up there :(
No it would require a lot from the person who is posting the original image to remember to add the icon for it.
I don't like the subforms the way they are, I think they might work better as proper forums under a sharing category - I keep forgetting they are up there :(
not only that, the icons are sitewide, so it would have to be specially done to cover that forum only:shrug:
We can do the icon thing easily enough, very easily enough infact. Which is a good idea in itself. Having those same icons available sitewide isn't really that much of a problem, I suppose it could be beneficial in the Critique Forum, or even others...so that isn't really a bad thing.
BUT we still face the original problem we are facing...That the sharing forum as one main forum is getting too busy to keep it as it is. It means posts are falling off page one and are starting to miss replies. This means that some people are getting despondent with the lack of replies to their shots, and that's something we're really keen to address, hence the subforums.
I do think the way forward may be not as subforums but split it into more sharing forums on the main site, and have them categorised.....I hate to say it, ala POTN style.
OR If splitting it out isn't the way to go, how do we deal with the site getting busier and posts getting missed? All suggestions and ideas welcome, as always :)
Matt Charlton
04-09-2006, 11:30
I'd go with the POTN style personally.
I think the sub forums is working well, shots seem to be getting more comments as they are not disappearing so quickly off the first page, which also gives you chance to keep up with all the posts.
Matt Charlton
04-09-2006, 11:47
Apologies for the crudeness of this picture - had to do it in mspaint at work as I dont appear to have PS installed :(
This is how I think it would be best done :
http://www.mattcharlton.co.uk/TP.JPG
In my opinion, the sub forums aren't very well visible and they look odd, by all means split the piccies up to make them easier to manage - but do it using a sharing category with proper forums underneath like so :)
Matt Charlton
04-09-2006, 14:44
moderated!
how crude!
I feel all violated ;( :bonk:
Matt Charlton
04-09-2006, 15:05
Just you wait till chester, I'll have a 100-400 and you won't want to be violated with that, let me tell you!
So, does anyone object to us trying the categorized sharing forums on the main forum list?
We'll do it for a week or so, see if people like it?
Keltic Ice Man
04-09-2006, 21:20
So, does anyone object to us trying the categorized sharing forums on the main forum list?
We'll do it for a week or so, see if people like it?
Think its worth a try Bod, *** at the moment I keep loosing track of pics, to start with I thought they would show in the sub cat and the main - but after trawling through I realised that wasn't right. The main problem I have is looking at a pic as a new post, only to go back to look again and I've lost it.
Keltic Ice Man
04-09-2006, 21:37
Well I like it :) - looks good :clap:
Done...tinkered ever so slightly with the forum names and descriptions, not only to make them search engine friendly but to hopefull make them clearer and more user friendly (and more pleasing on the eye).
This (at the moment) seems to be the best way to please the most people. The subforum naysayers can see updates and new threads on the main forum listing, and the subforum 'yay'ers still get their categories.
All the while we have alleviated the problem of one central forum that's too busy to be user friendly.
If this doesnt work or isn't liked, rest assured we'll try it another way, until you lot are happy :) I promise.
I think that's the best option long term :)
I think this present format is better. :shrug:
:D
Matt Charlton
04-09-2006, 22:27
I like it :D
minimeeze
05-09-2006, 20:27
Yep, another 'yes' vote here. The layout seems to work much better now :thumbs:
I like it, easier to find new pictures. even after a night shift.
Excellent. Well it's nothing but positive comments so far, :)
Warspite
07-09-2006, 13:44
Another vote of confidence from here :thumbs:
I like it, all that's missing is a 'ladies forum' in the sharing section. :D
ahh who am I kidding, I like playing with the boys. :D :lol:
jewel
Well we've had positive comments all round so far, so I think it might be an idea to reset the poll, and change the questions, see if you are all happy with it so far :)
After all, it's your forum, we want it working for you :)
(Oooh, that sounded cheesy)
I thought you meant the forum design when I voted.. As for the layout of the actual forums, I think they're fine as they are and most photography forums I'm on are usually too crowded with different forums and it just makes things confusing.
I have no idea what you're talking about :suspect: :exit:
(Added a couple of words to the poll question to clarify things ;))
I have no idea what you're talking about :suspect: :exit:
(Added a couple of words to the poll question to clarify things ;))
Ahh, I confuse myself sometimes..I've rewrote it anyway :thumbs:
Ahh, I confuse myself sometimes..I've rewrote it anyway :thumbs:
:lol: I was joking ;) (Implying that I was innocent and it was worded corectly from the start :p)
:lol: I was joking ;) (Implying that I was innocent and it was worded corectly from the start :p)
Oh, haha.. Now i'm really confused. I get it though :thumbs:
Well, I was away from a few weeks, but I like the new sections, I feel they cover almost anything we can share.
Good change!
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