Forum Posted LINK Color and HTML Tag issues.....

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Forum Posted LINK Color and HTML Tag issues.....

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Started 17 years ago by BigThunder1
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BigThunder1
Member

Forum LINK Color and HTML Tag issues in forums.

To GOTD forum moderators Lee or BuBBy:

Link Color:

Think one of you fine gentlemen could change the link color (or at least request it be changed if not within your powers/moderator-rights) to something more visible throughout the site forum? May I suggest the blue for links that is used on the main software GOTD page? That seems to stand out fairly well and then the forums would match the rest of the site across the board (with exception to the GameGOTD site understandably). The green links don't stand out very well (IMO and others) and I think others would appreciate the ability to recognize a link at a glance rather than overlook/miss them in the process when backtracking or looking for one seen previously while reading a posting. I like green personally, but I don't think the shade that's used here stands out very well, especially when one is tired at the end of the day (speaking for some if not most of us I'm sure). A lighter lime green or there abouts would clash with the overall theme and likely stick out like a sore thumb IMO, so blue would be a good choice and flow with the other portions of the site (main page). And no, before someone asks, I'm not color blind in the least, ...with many tests behind me to verify the fact thank you ;).

HTML Tags in forums:

BlockQuote tag:

The "blockquote" tag in the forums does not work and does not provide the desired effect of offsetting and/or highlighting the quoted text so that it is obvious, which is what it is designed to do. This definitely needs to be looked into and fixed for the benefit of all here when quoting comments and such. I've personally tried to use it on a number of occasions with no effect. Fixing this would make life much better for those that use these html tags in the forums. It would also make GOTD forums as well as the overall site come off as a well oiled machine, especially to new-comers, rather than maintenance thereof appear unattended as it does now in this regard.

a href tag (URL link tag):

I don't know that this is a problem because I see some posts were it has been applied and working. However, on three different occasions I personally have not been able to get it to work for me and have had to edit my posts and remove the tag, leaving only the raw link. I request along with the investigation of the other issues noted here that this be looked into as well. People recognize the raw URL links that are posted, but for those of us that would like to use the tag for a cleaner looking post, it would be nice if it worked consistently. This particular issue is one I've noticed and can't say others have complained about that I know of or have seen. And yes I am familiar with it's use and application, yet I've personally had trouble with it here in these forums on three occasions. Yet in other forums etc. that I visit, my application of this tag isn't an issue and works as the standard is designed to.

So there you have it. My requests and observations about the GOTD forums. Please forward these concerns to the PTB if in fact either of you (Lee or BuBBy) aren't in a position to resolve any or all of these requests. I thank you two gentlemen in advance for your assistance and help to smooth-out/fix these issues for all that enjoy the use of these forums and GOTD. After all, these are standard tag offerings in most forums and I'm sure folks familiar with them would like to take advantage of them. And working properly will just give a more professional atmosphere to the GOTD site as a whole. Thank you.

Regards...

Posted 17 years ago #
BuBBy
Teh adnim

Thank you - I've forwarded the suggestions.

Also - can you provide some examples below of href tags that don't work - so I can check too. (I've not had any problems yet- apart from stupid typos).

Posted 17 years ago #
BigThunder1
Member

Thanks for forwarding my suggestions. As far as href tags that don't work I don't know that I can provide you an example at the moment. Each time I had a problem, I just edited my posts and removed the tags leaving the raw links. I always review my posts for typos etc. and that's when I noticed the href tag didn't work for me. I checked my tag code closely and all was fine and in place/order including the close (/a) which is often overlooked when in a hurry or tired (parenthesis = < > respectively).
Here's an href tag for Audacity audio editor. I will certainly inform and bring it to your attention in the future via a PM if I have any more trouble. Likewise with the blockquote tag I tried when I quoted you the other day and it didn't work. I edited the post and used the em tag for the quotes.

Edit:
Hmmm... Now this is the first tag that has worked for me here. Maybe the problem had something to do with things that lead up to yesterdays issues. Just a guess. I'll keep an eye on this and contact you if I have further problems. As of this example, appears as though it's working for me now. Go figure, danged old board makin' a lier outta me now. :p

Posted 17 years ago #
BigThunder1
Member

Blockquote example:

Thank you - I've forwarded the suggestions.

Also - can you provide some examples below of href tags that don't work - so I can check too. (I've not had any problems yet- apart from stupid typos).

_________

Now above is a quote of your previous msg using the blockquote tag. As you can see, it doesn't work.

Edit:
The link color (especially on the gray background) is obviously hard to see. I think it should be changed to the same shade of blue used on the main GOTD page.

Posted 17 years ago #
Jucati
Member

I agree that the green link color should be changed to something more eye-catching, but I'll just note that its readability in terms of color depends on your monitor. I have an LCD, so I checked it in various areas of light and dark; in the dark areas it looks almost black, but I don't have any trouble distinguishing it in the lighter areas (I'm ambivalent about the "proper" color area - it could stand out more but for now I don't have a problem).

If the links are blending in with the text (ie, they're too dark) you might want to consider recalibrating your monitor.

Posted 17 years ago #
BigThunder1
Member

Thanks for the comment Jucati, but my monitor is calibrated and working fine. I don't have trouble distinguishing it if I'm looking for it or paying attention. As you noted on your LCD it looks almost black. This is the reason it's generally excepted to use blue as the color of choice for links on a page because blue is a color that stands out and is easily recognized in standard page designs. There's nothing wrong or out of spec with the green color used for links here and I can see that just fine. It just doesn't lend itself to standout against virtually any background color as does blue in this regard when used for text recognition purposes. Green is a calming color and as such doesn't lend itself to be highly recognizable unless it's the dominant color. Blue on the other hand is a power color, and as such it is quickly and easily recognized by the eye/brain. For a better understanding about the subject read The Power Of Color by Morton Walker.

Posted 17 years ago #
alexiussg
Member

I agree about the links in the posts- the green links don't stand out very well, especially on the posts that has the grey background color. change it to something more contrasting.
and for those posts that has white background, the green somehow blend in with the black words (as in the above post).
possibly in the style section, a:hover to increase the font-size a bit larger than normal so that when the user's mouse hovers over the links, it will sort of "stand out" of the posts?

Posted 17 years ago #
alexiussg
Member

just a suggestion: how about having a small shoutout box placed somewhere on this webpg for members to chat?? :D

Posted 17 years ago #
Jucati
Member

"just a suggestion: how about having a small shoutout box placed somewhere on this webpg for members to chat?? :D"

- as if the moderators aren't already too busy! ;)

Posted 17 years ago #
alexiussg
Member

shoutout boxes don't really need to be managed, something where it allows member to talk to each other instantly rather than posting all the time and then wait for reply. usually those that works for blogs/websites is fine. i'm using one from http://www.freewebs.com. or a CBox from http://www.cbox.ws

Posted 17 years ago #
Keilaron
Member

The link colour definitely needs a change. I suggest, as above, the blue, or perhaps just a brighter green. An alternative would be to put another visual cue, such as leaving the underline on at all times... I know some people don't like it, but visual cues exist for a reason.
I've already pointed out the blockquote issue and what it's cause was (* { margin: 0; padding: 0; }), so I imagine both these issues should be fixed reasonably soon.

BigThunder1 - My broken link was likely my own fault; I remember multitasking a lot that day, and it is likely I typed the tag but forgot to paste in the link. Doesn't happen often, but it does happen ;>

alexiussg - a shoutbox is not instant, and incites some headlessness in most cases. Also, as has been pointed out before, this is not a social networking site. No, this would just add overhead and more pains - not worth the trouble.

Posted 17 years ago #
BigThunder1
Member

Keilaron: I think I said in the other post "It happens to the best of us". We've all done it a time or two. Fixed and working now so it's all good! ;)
_________

I like your alternative idea to use underlining of posted links as a visual cue! That would work just fine by leaving the underline cue on making links easy to recognize, and GOTD could keep the green link color to maintain their theme color. I didn't even think about that option!

If BuBBy would be kind enough to pass that suggestion on to the PTB, I think that might be a more acceptable option for the GOTD PTB in regard to the link text being hard to recognize, ...rather than change the color. I think most of us are in agreement that a cue of this nature to highlight the links would work fine and all would be appreciative of the minor change. That would also eliminate any issue someone might have if their monitor wasn't color calibrated correctly as Jucati suggested. An underline cue would stand out regardless of what color(s) an end user saw/used, even if they were seeing it in 8-bit 16 shade gray scale ;). LOL...

Now if they would get the 'blockquote' tag to work I think those of us that use these tags would be a bunch of happy campers.

The 'href' tag issue doesn't seem to be giving me trouble at this point as all can see if you look hard enough, I've placed links within my posts above. Some URL links are impossibly long and need to be encased within the tag. I don't like or use those tiny URL masking services and despise such because you can't see the actual URL until you load the page. I like to see were I'm linking to before I click on it. I can only assume the problems I had previously were either a fluke or a precursor to the issues that recently plagued GOTD the other day. Another mystery to chalk up I suppose (to me anyway). I'm a bit baffled over that one. As evidenced above, I do know how to use it properly, so I'm reasonably sure I didn't mistype or leave any part of the tag out because I double checked each one and re-posted/edited each time to see the results which were the same leaving just the raw URL, so I just removed the tag all together. Oh well. The good thing is the 'href' tag seems to be working fine now. I'd accept the possibility I screwed up if not for the fact that it happened in three different posts consecutively over a period of a couple days. A mystery to be sure unless someone with an answer/reason can post it here.

Posted 17 years ago #
Keilaron
Member

I didn't even think about that option!

Yeah - a lot of people are loving the "no underline until hover" look, but I really despise it, especially when the link colour blends in. Visual cues are a good thing. I really wish those people would use overrides or something =/

Anyhow, the blockquote issue can be resolved by adding the following (or something like it) to the CSS:
blockquote { margin: 2em; }
(Yes, em, because that keeps with the size of the font. Web = proportion. :>)

Posted 17 years ago #
BigThunder1
Member

Yeah - a lot of people are loving the "no underline until hover" look, but I really despise it, especially when the link colour blends in. Visual cues are a good thing.

I agree 100%. I'd like to see some other members chime in and comment here about the issue of visual cues for URL links in posts. The links really need to be permanently underlined to be visible because the green color does not jump off the page, making it extremely difficult and tedious to see/locate when skimming for links within posts.

I really wish those people would use overrides or something =/

I must admit, I don't understand the overrides you speak of here. I'm not any kind of programmer, and my use and knowledge of html is limited but sufficient for what I do with it.
Who are 'those people' your referring to? I assume your referring to the PTB who are responsible for page layout/design and function etc.?

Posted 17 years ago #
Keilaron
Member

Overrides - EVERY browser (Yes, IE as well) that I've seen has the option to use a custom stylesheet. Using this, you can override the styles on any site (though I don't know if it's possible to specify sites with it, which may be part of why people don't often use them). In IE, you can select a CSS file (or more?). In FF, the userContent.css file does the trick (and ONLY that file, as far as I know). Other ways, though, would be to use extensions (e.g. Stylish for FF) or proxies (e.g. Proxomitron or Privoxy) to filter things.
As for 'those people', I mean people who prefer links not to have underlines.

Posted 17 years ago #
BigThunder1
Member

Well now! Thank you for that insight! I didn't know this and will certainly be looking into this side of things. I'm in the same park as you, referring to those that wish 'no underlines'. But, as with myself, I don't think most people have a clue about this option. That said, I still would like the PTB here to incorporate the underline as a default style for URL links in posts for this very reason. Because it's my opinion that this would be appreciated by most visitors to GOTD, and would certainly enhance the site and it's offerings of and for the members via postings left by them. Thanks Keilaron.

Posted 17 years ago #
Archangel
Member

You do have to look hard for the links. How about a blinking red. LOL

Underline would be great.

Posted 17 years ago #
BigThunder1
Member

Archangel, no doubt that was a stab a humor (at least I hope so). LMAO... blinking red! Now brother, that I must say would be over the top. I want to find/see the links with ease, not turn this site into a year round blinking Christmas tree and have to keep a bottle of painkillers handy for the headaches I'd get every time I visit!! Hey!, you could use Keilaron's idea and set up a CSS file that would virtually have all web page links/underlines "blinking red" (or would that be bleeping red? ...hehe).

All jokes aside, a simple green underline would suffice for all, making it obvious that there's a link present no matter what color the user sees on their machine/monitor. At that, if and when GOTD does make the change to underline the URL's posted in the forums, I hope it's retroactive so all previous links posted will be underlined as well.

Still waiting to see the "blockquote" tag fixed too. I should have listed that in the title as well.

Hard to believe there's no other members commenting here other than those of us up to this point. Anyone reading this have some input or an opinion about the subject here please post your comment(s). We promise not to bite. LOL...

PS - BuBBy; any word from the PTB on any of this or their intentions?

Posted 17 years ago #
alexiussg
Member

i vote for underlining the links and make it blue color- no blinking, it will get very irritating when reading a post which has several links in it.. :)

Posted 17 years ago #
BigThunder1
Member

I really think Archangle was joking about that. Besides, think about it for a moment. Have you ever seen or been on a web page with blinking URL's that were posted by the users (not adv sites or gimmicks)?

I wouldn't mind if they changed the color of the URL links posted here, but I think the underline turned on permanently would suffice if GOTD would like to maintain the color theme they have established as is. As far as blinking goes, that's a sure fire way to kill a site in my book. I HATE crap that blinks on a web page period. That's why I have blockers to stop that annoying garbage.

Posted 17 years ago #
alexiussg
Member

no, only one of my school site(https://tp-eservices.tp.edu.sg/tpappl/eservices/cca/index.jsp) has it- very irritating especially above it is the login. they use the </blink/> tags

Posted 17 years ago #
BigThunder1
Member

Hmmm... I went to the link but saw nothing blinking etc.. It appears one must log-in as either staff or student to go beyond that front page. I did notice on the lower portion of the left column there seems to be something broken there. Otherwise nothing.:p

Posted 17 years ago #
alexiussg
Member

oh, i'm using firefox, that's why. maybe IE don't support the blink tags under the phase "frequently asked questions"

Posted 17 years ago #
BigThunder1
Member

I never use I.E. unless I have no other alternative, and that has never been the case. I use Ffox exclusivley. Have since it was beta.

Posted 17 years ago #
alexiussg
Member

the links on the GOTD's posts, esp. the greyed boxes, is very hard to see. they should change the links color asap. :)

Posted 17 years ago #
Archangel
Member

That was just a little joke BigThunder1. Underline would be great and probably enough to get the job done.
---------------------------------
Can you imagine the blinking red though. We have the green and white so it would be like christmas. Also with all the requests, maybe Santa would come and visit. LOL

Posted 17 years ago #
BigThunder1
Member

Gotcha! ;) I couldn't resist pullin' your chain on that one the way you typed/worded it.

There's a bunch of 'em here I suspect might get a lump of coal if they don't change their ways before Santa shows up! :o

Posted 17 years ago #
Face
Member

Hi Guys,

I totally agree that the links are often very hard to find - especially if you are looking back over several days of messages for one.

My personal preference would be for blue with an underline - on the condition that the underline would disappear under a mouse hover. Remember we are getting a lot of new visitors with limited experience, and they still need the visual cue to assure they have engaged the link, before they will click. Here's an example (sorry it's such a busy page, but you can get the idea):

http://www.animalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

I, too, have noticed very few postings here in the forums lately, and suspect that that explains the lack of response on this topic. If you really want opinions - start a new one with an invitation to participate in the title - This one is a little intimidating for the aforementioned newbies - Put in the word "Poll" - that will draw responses!

Posted 17 years ago #
Archangel
Member

@ BigThunder1, yeah you got me. There are several here in the forum that I have taken a liking too, (one of those southern boy terms) and wouldn't want to hurt anyones feelings. (well I did ribb one or two but it was to make him/her think)

@ Face, hehehe most of us are n00b's. Being from the south, I jump every time I do a mouseover and that snake appears! LOL Really you suggest a very good idea.

So do we need to start another thread now and make more suggestions to help the site funtion alittle better? Sounds good to me. Just remember though, we are just suggesting. This isn't a democracy. LOL

Posted 17 years ago #
BigThunder1
Member

@ Face; Very good input! See, more heads are better than one. Good example site for reference btw, of course applying the opposite effect as you suggested. A permanent underline that disappears only on mouse over to indicate the link is engaged. I personally like the idea very much. I think so far together we've narrowed down a great resolve for GOTD to apply to their forum URL link text. Actually the link underline disappearance upon mouse-over could and should likely be applied across the site IMHO. Great idea Face! And I don't think it's too busy. Colorful, but not to busy. Your comment about low forum activity, and in particular, attraction to this thread (or lack of) via it's title could very well be a put off to many. The problem with a poll IMO is; 1)Unlike conventional forum formats there's no option for a real poll here that I know of. 2) Someone would have to be willing to track and tally the so-called votes/responses and present them to the GOTD team, which at this point seems to be reluctant to involve themselves on the client side of things here for the most part. Rare commentary on their part 99% of the time, and NO response to this thread and the issues stated here, let alone fixing either of the issues. You'd think the PTB here at GOTD would AT LEAST fix the blasted "blockquote" tag issue which has been brought to their attention via moderator-BuBBy (as per his response above). At that, you'd think they would care enough to take these suggestions and heed them in support of their visitors, now and in the future, or even acknowledge their awareness of the subject matter with a simple comment here.

But it seems to me the PTB here at GOTD have shielded themselves from interacting with the community in these matters, leaving all in the dark, feeling ignored and unimportant or unworthy of having an opinion that suggest improvement to the site to attract and maintain a growing clientele in keeping with a smooth and pleasant experience for all concerned! If I were in their shoes I'd consider the overall input gained here a goldmine of information to improve the site and it's operation for all concerned, yet I for one (with exception to BuBBy's interaction) feel like a loner and my/our opinions have absolutely NO value to them what-so-ever!

This thread was started 6 days ago as of this post, and yet not one bit of feedback or response from the PTB on the matters discussed here. Granted I'm sure they have their hands full managing things, but the lack of communication form them leaves one to wonder weather they really give a damn about the community here or the future of operations, let alone survival in this arena called the www. It's difficult at best to make all parties satisfied, that's a given in the world of business. But to completely isolate ones self and ignore the very hand(s) that feed you is certainly the way to run your business into the ground in a hurry. I don't know the statistics of growth or decline since GOTD began, but I'd be willing to guess it's at a stand still or possibly declining based on the apparent lack of overall interaction from both sides of the fence here. One things for sure. Without a relationship between the PTB and their clientele a reputation becomes like a wildfire out of control. And there have been many disgruntled community comments, complaints, and abandonment of this site since it's recent inception. There's always going to be a few who are never happy no matter what you do, but to ignore those that genuinely take interest in your business and offer suggestions for improvement will fuel the firestorm of reputation to the point your either stagnant at best, or end up closing the doors and shaking your head.

GOTD PTB, listen to what those of us trying to help have to say and offer some kind of acknowledgment/interaction to same. At the very least acknowledge your awareness and comment weather or not your taking things under advisement/consideration or not and why, but don't leave all hung out to dry. Even fixing or making change in reference to the suggestions/concerns would indicate that our voices are being heard and acknowledged. If your overwhelmed or understaffed, at least admit it and offer concern that your trying and care about your customers, and therefor your future. Yes I said customers. After all that's potentially what every person that visits this site is or could become in the long run. From my perspective/POV as a member on the outside looking in, there are some serious issues that need addressed before this idea/site goes down in the annals of Internet history as nothing more than a memory for lack of interaction relative to improvement and suggestion from the very people that will either make or break you; the www community at large. I have no vested stake here at all, but as I've noted in other comments I think this is a fantastic idea and could become a new standard or even change the current standards of software marketing concepts. GOTD, you have lots of potential to change the industry at large and reap a tidy profit in the process if you'd just listen to some of the input you get here and act on it accordingly. Including the front page moderation practices which have changed due to complaints, but are still being (as some have put it) moderated with biased opinion or so it would appear. Food for thought GOTD and hope for a response that will be followed through here, and elsewhere when issues or concerns arise.

@ Archangel:

Quote; @ BigThunder1, yeah you got me. There are several here in the forum that I have taken a liking too, (one of those southern boy terms) and wouldn't want to hurt anyones feelings. (well I did ribb one or two but it was to make him/her think)

Ditto! And no, my comment wasn't designed to hurt your feelings or otherwise, just poke a little fun at you. Take note though via Faces provided example link and the red URL links there on that site! It work's very well there with the color theme they've chosen, so your comment wasn't completely without merit. I just thought it was humorous to make that suggestion here considering the theme and couldn't resist poking a little fun. I'm fairly well traveled myself around the US, have lived in many places, and enjoy the good-ol-boy humor and kindness of the south and southwest regions so I'm on the same page with you. I understand and accept it with open arms. Of course it can be difficult at best to communicate it through simple text and sometimes without intent,it can backfire in ones face. Just have to wipe the egg off,try to explain to the targeted party and hope they get over themselves and ones comment(s). ;)

Posted 17 years ago #

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