I do hope switching to the new design after the beta period is optional. I just can't get into the new colors and font, and I have a pretty strong preference for the current look.

Originally Posted by mavdriver

How do i get out of this beta i want to go back to the norm I cant stand it ?

Scroll ALLLLLL the way to the bottom of your screen and you will see the different styles there.

I just don't like it. The colors or layout, something triggers eye rejection. Looks like I'll be doing more building and less surfing. Silver lining in a cloud I guess.

I'll be impressed if mine shows up before St. Paddy's Day. GP has got their main competition to thank for setting my expectations so low when it comes to shipping.

Originally Posted by Meebo

Scroll ALLLLLL the way to the bottom of your screen and you will see the different styles there.

Thanks much better

You are asking for opinions but you do not seem to be listening !

Originally Posted by lake flyer

You are asking for opinions but you do not seem to be listening !

Thanks lake, I thought I was the only one who thought that. Guess we are getting the 'improved' version whether we want it or not.

today, feb 01, 2012, i have not been able to contact banana hobby. Live chat is down and one contact phone number has been disconnected. The customer service number has been busy all day(not the usual recording of 25 min wait when you call in). Does anyone know if they are still in business?

Originally Posted by prefabu

I do hope switching to the new design after the beta period is optional. I just can't get into the new colors and font, and I have a pretty strong preference for the current look.

It wont be optional, its a better design but like all redesigns it takes getting used to for the users that are accustomed to the old. This is why they have the "beta" period. It gives them a chance to fix some major problems users dont like as well as let those users get used to the new design.

Originally Posted by malcr001

It wont be optional, its a better design but like all redesigns it takes getting used to for the users that are accustomed to the old. This is why they have the "beta" period. It gives them a chance to fix some major problems users dont like as well as let those users get used to the new design.

Right. I'm sure the people behind New Coke and Netflix Qwikster felt the same way.

Not all redesigns are improvements, and beta periods don't help when the goal itself is flawed. I'm curious about the impetus for the redesign. I've never read any complaints about the appearance of RCG (well, not until I read some of the comments about the new design in this thread).

The existing design is kind of boring, and that's perfect. I think it's one of the reason RCG is so popular: It stays out of the way and lets the content get the attention. It lacks some features, and I can certainly see why you would want to make improvements there, but that seems to be what has been ignored. Instead, the focus has been on cosmetic changes that actually detract from the experience. That's not to say it's ugly. It's not, but the bold colors and high contrast are more like ads. You do know how popular ads are, don't you?

Originally Posted by prefabu

Right. I'm sure the people behind New Coke and Netflix Qwikster felt the same way.

Not all redesigns are improvements, and beta periods don't help when the goal itself is flawed. I'm curious about the impetus for the redesign. I've never read any complaints about the appearance of RCG (well, not until I read some of the comments about the new design in this thread).

The existing design is kind of boring, and that's perfect. I think it's one of the reason RCG is so popular: It stays out of the way and lets the content get the attention. It lacks some features, and I can certainly see why you would want to make improvements there, but that seems to be what has been ignored. Instead, the focus has been on cosmetic changes that actually detract from the experience. That's not to say it's ugly. It's not, but the bold colors and high contrast are more like ads. You do know how popular ads are, don't you?

As I said the point of the beta period is to identify any problem or issues people have with the redesign. When it came out a lot of people complained about the fixed width of the forum that was previously elastic. Now you can choose between both. This was by far the main issue with the redesign.

You do realise that plenty of websites redesign because they need to keep an updated a modern look in order to attract new members and they need to make it easier for new users to find content. The old rcroups style was functional but the style was exactly the same as any default php forum template with a phew changes to the header so it was pretty boring. The layout of rcgroups hasent actually changed a great deal, if it did plenty of rcgroups members like you would be up in arms about how you want it back so mostly yes the redesign was mostly cosmetic and theres nothing wrong with that. Trust me you probably hate the design now but it just takes time until you end up prefering it.

Ah well, I tried. I recommend a conservative five to ten year beta period, just to be on the safe side.

Thank you ....I just bottomed out the page,clicked on 'style',and I comfortable again.If we all do that,maybe they'll get the message..or if you like the new style, stay there.

Originally Posted by malcr001

As I said the point of the beta period is to identify any problem or issues people have with the redesign. When it came out a lot of people complained about the fixed width of the forum that was previously elastic. Now you can choose between both. This was by far the main issue with the redesign.

OK there is nothing wrong with fixing something like that. Making use of all the available real estate is admirable.


You do realise that plenty of websites redesign because they need to keep an updated a modern look in order to attract new members and they need to make it easier for new users to find content.

Who says the look needed to change? What a waste of manpower resources. Fixing problems or adding features is one thing but changing the look just to be "MODERN" is a waste.

The old rc groups style was functional but the style was exactly the same as any default php forum template with a phew changes to the header so it was pretty boring.

Exactly, the style was functional. I come to RCGroups for function not glamor. When the "STYLE" gets in the way of function it is of no use to me.


The layout of rc groups hasn't actually changed a great deal, if it did plenty of rcgroups members like you would be up in arms about how you want it back so mostly yes the redesign was mostly cosmetic and there's nothing wrong with that. Trust me you probably hate the design now but it just takes time until you end up preferring it.

That is my point. Making cosmetic changes just for the sake of keeping up to date is a waste of resources. Spend the money on functional changes.

Glen

I too find the dark blue distracting and like the old style but that's just what I'm use to. If it aint broke, don't fix it.

RCG's is still the best, it's the knowledge of the members and the unlimited amount of info you can find here that make it so very useful.

I use to check out Wattflyer.com once in awhile but it seems like most members there are newbies compared to RCG's. Sorry Wattflyer.

One thing I really miss is how you use to be able to scroll through the photos in a 500 page thread. You could look at a photo and see 5 photos below it at the bottom of the page and click on "next 5 photos" to scroll thru the photos in that thread. You could really cover some ground but now viewing / finding a photo takes some time.

David