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BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

post #1 of 54
Thread Starter 
Woo Hoo!

As you've noticed there is a brand new look that will continue to evolve for BabyU. When I first came to BabyU I was struck by the loyal and supportive community we have here. I'm happy to reward the community with a brand new look and upgraded forum software that allows you to do many new things and encourages more interaction with your BabyU friends!

Some of the new features are:

New Profiles
Your profile page has been upgraded and you now has the ability to make contacts, upload photos, message people, and take a look at member stats!

In the future I hope those of you who are crafty will use your profile as a place for potential customers to find out more about you!

New Photo Albums
Now you're able to create a photo album that will be attached to your profile! Upload photos of your family, craft projects, pets and tell us about them! Uploading photo's is easier than ever, and you can use your new album to attach images to forum threads!

Social Groups
Members can create groups for others to join! Groups get a mini board or wall of their very own to post to. This is good to build relationships with members who have the same interests, netowkr regionally, or to band together and show your support of an issue.

There's so much we have access to now, if you have any issues at all figuring things out DON'T HESITATE to create a new thread in the Technical Assistance forum. I am going to work on making step by step tutorial or video tutorials for some of the new features.

There are even more upgrades than just this in the works! Personal blogs for members, a BabyU content management system for the main site, and all kinds of great contests to roll out!

Enjoy and again let us know of anything we can help with.
post #2 of 54

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

WOOHOO!
I'm off to explore!
post #3 of 54

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

Wow it's pink! I like it!
post #4 of 54

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

It looks wonderful!!! Thank you!!!
post #5 of 54

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

Very pretty!
post #6 of 54

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

Didn't expect it to be ready so soon! SOunds like there are tons of new features to check out. Guess I better get busy!
post #7 of 54

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

It soooo purty!
post #8 of 54

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

That explains why I couldn't log in this morning! Lookin' good!
post #9 of 54

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

It is pink. And green. Barely readable pink and green, for me.

I like the new look, except for the colors.
post #10 of 54

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

it is definately different! Looks good!
post #11 of 54

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

I do like having all that at the top, too. I always used the "Today's Posts" link when it was there. I like seeing who is online when I open up the forums, too. Overall, I like the new look, though.
post #12 of 54

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

What does it mean to add to someone's reputation? Also, what about the green squares? If I put my cursor on that, it says I am on a distinguished road. Also, I can't get the Multi + thing to work. What does that do or mean?
post #13 of 54

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

It looks great!!
post #14 of 54

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

Quote:
Originally Posted by Liz109 View Post
Well, this is a big change that's going to take alot of getting used to.

Can I make a request?

Can we please get the "today's post" link back at the top?

I personally prefer to see all the "who's online", etc toolbars on the top. Anyone else?
Ditto.

I feel like Easter is coming up....
post #15 of 54

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

Lots of stuff to get used to, for sure! LOL!

It's cute, but the colors are a little hard on my eyes tonight. (No I HAVEN'T been drinking... thankyouverymuch! ) Maybe it will be better tomorrow w/o the headache!
post #16 of 54

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

To be completely honest, I don't like the colors at all, like someone else said, it feels.. Easter-y. And really babyish. Not all of us have little babies. And I have to agree with Liz and say the same things. I am an old timer and set in my ways. Also the whole.. thing with the making your own groups.. I personally think that will do nothing more than promote cliques.
post #17 of 54

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

The new look will take getting used to. It looks very nice. I'm just not a 'girly' person.

The old look had a major downside for me. I could barely log in on my Linux machine. That problem is fixed. Thanks! Much appreicated.

I am sure I will be able to figure out the navigation. I am not very computer savvy. I guess I'll just be "forced kicking and screaming into the century of the fruitbat" as my favorite author, Terry Prachett says.

I finally found the New Posts button. Scroll way, way to the top and there it is.

I guess we always had the friends function. I just never used it. My machine doesn't support chat room type of stuff. If that's what this is. I'm not too sure even how to use it. So if I have not made you my friend, it is confusion and nothing more.

We tried Social Groups here before and it just didn't work. But you know, we haven't had a lot of "fresh blood" around here in awhile, so maybe a new look and new stuff is a good thing. We could maybe use a transfusion.

I don't care for personalized ads. I get tons of personal ads via email. I can't say they are personalized or they would know I am not in need of male organ enhancement, viagra or hot, christain singles. I won't be filling out the profile so I can get personalized ads. Sorry, Janice. Before I get "personal" with anyone, I would at least like dinner and a movie.

Let it not be said, I am an old lady who can't change her ways. I already say "in my day" a little too often.
post #18 of 54

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

Personally, I have never seen so many tomatoes in one place....


Since some of y'all are being honest.... I don't like the colors either, it feels very childish. I don't know if Liz is right, but she might be on what BBU was and what it is being turned into. I guess we'll just wait and see what happens and whether or not members stay or go...
post #19 of 54

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

Quote:
Personally, I have never seen so many tomatoes in one place....
I agree!

The colors are quite hideous and hurt my eyes and I so don't even understand the messaging/group thing. I agree-I think that the friends thing is silly since everyone here is my friend. I added a few cuz I thought it would do something different while I was trying to figure out that messaging thing last night

What I do like, however, is that neat little blurb about the person that started the thread and stuff. Also, the photo albums are nice for newbies or whatever.
I just hope that the boards themselves stay the same because that is what I really love about BBU. Myspace is good for connecting with friends but BBU is like my family where I can post about anything without worry or humiliation (for the most part-LOL). This is my secret hide-away.
post #20 of 54

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

oh, and I like that new quote box!
post #21 of 54

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

Hey! This IS an Easter theme! There are rabbits pushing eggs and a chic under our profile pics!
Jen, this might flaw your whole 'rockstar' image!
post #22 of 54
Thread Starter 

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

Good to hear your feedback!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Liz109 View Post
Can we please get the "today's post" link back at the top?
Today's post is in the top navigation under the Quick Links drop down menu. So Quick Link > Today's Posts

Quote:
Originally Posted by Liz109 View Post
I personally prefer to see all the "who's online", etc toolbars on the top. Anyone else?
The who's online box won't be returning to the top until we pick up activity a bit more.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Liz109 View Post
Is this mirrored from another site? Was this something you created and had envisioned for a parenting board?
If you're asking about the skin specifically, this is a custom creation just for BabyU. I know it's different than what your used to, but I also didn't think you wanted to stagnate on an old board that used decrepit technology. The forum software was extremely out of date and I could hardly do what I needed to do on it to administrate the forum with ease.

Quote:
Originally Posted by tailwaggers View Post
I do like having all that at the top, too. I always used the "Today's Posts" link when it was there. I like seeing who is online when I open up the forums, too. Overall, I like the new look, though.
Thanks for the input, I think both of your points have been addressed above.

Quote:
Originally Posted by tailwaggers View Post
What does it mean to add to someone's reputation? Also, what about the green squares? If I put my cursor on that, it says I am on a distinguished road. Also, I can't get the Multi + thing to work. What does that do or mean?
We as a group can decide if we want to use the reputation system or not, basially you earn points for your participation in the forum by making posts and creating new threads. Other members can also leave you positive feedback about your posts and will will also contribute reputation points.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Shona View Post
To be completely honest, I don't like the colors at all, like someone else said, it feels.. Easter-y. And really babyish. Not all of us have little babies. And I have to agree with Liz and say the same things. I am an old timer and set in my ways. Also the whole.. thing with the making your own groups.. I personally think that will do nothing more than promote cliques.
As with every change it's going to take some time get used to, I wasn't expecting everyone to love it. Social Groups are completely optional and is a brand new feature for this software. You can choose to use them or not. BabyU isn't cliquey, that's one of the most amazing and cherished aspects of this community. Groups are an optional feature and as a community we can choose to use them or not.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Liz109 View Post
I personally think that will do nothing more than promote cliques.
Social groups are simply a group you can join, there is no real time or private chatting functionality. What happens with them is totally up to you, you all are in the drivers seat with them.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Liz109 View Post
... I have a feeling this is what will be the breaking point of the close knitted family BBU has been for the last, oh, 7+ years. This site will no longer be a tight community. It will simply be something like the other websites with no real rhyme or reasoning except for a place for people to come and create a group so they can chat with their friends for free....
You will make that happen, you all are the members here. This site is driven by you. I don't think you understand how groups work, there is no private chat, just the ability to leave comments on a "wall".

Quote:
Originally Posted by Liz109 View Post
Colors and scheme? I really do have to agree. Babyish and Eastery. I didn't want to say anything until someone else did.
Noted, but it's not changing. What I can do is give those who wish to use to continue the skin that option.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Grace View Post
The new look will take getting used to. It looks very nice. I'm just not a 'girly' person.

We tried Social Groups here before and it just didn't work. But you know, we haven't had a lot of "fresh blood" around here in awhile, so maybe a new look and new stuff is a good thing. We could maybe use a transfusion.
Thank you for your positive outlook!


Quote:
Originally Posted by Grace View Post
I don't care for personalized ads. I get tons of personal ads via email. I can't say they are personalized or they would know I am not in need of male organ enhancement, viagra or hot, christain singles. I won't be filling out the profile so I can get personalized ads. Sorry, Janice. Before I get "personal" with anyone, I would at least like dinner and a movie.
You've discovered something I didn't know about, I will have to check this out. You can feel free to disregard anything you don't wish to participate in.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ryann2 View Post
Since some of y'all are being honest.... I don't like the colors either, it feels very childish. I don't know if Liz is right, but she might be on what BBU was and what it is being turned into. I guess we'll just wait and see what happens and whether or not members stay or go...
Be on to what BBU was and what it is being turned into? Am I missing something here?

Well thanks for the enthusiasm everyone. The goal has always been to make BabyU the best parenting destination on the web. I value all of the group here, but the common goal, that there was never an issue with, was to restore BabyU to it's former glory as an active and busy community of like minded women. That means we need to provide a fantastic community of women, features for them to use, resources for them to reference, and obviously design is a big part of the initial attraction.

When you use Multi Quotes you must click the "new reply" button for them all to show up in the editor. HTHS!
post #23 of 54

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

To clarify what I said (since I typed it wrong) was that Liz may be onto something with BBU no longer being what it once was and that only time will tell. I think that we have always been very open and honest about things on BBU, so when you redesigned the site, the many postings did not surprise me at all. Yes, this has been a great site with a great community, but whether or not that remains has yet to be determined. A lot of members have been here 6+ years and it is very difficult to get used to a brand new game in town that wants so many changes to something we weren't aware needed them. I think all the new features are great and I'm sure many updates were needed, but I don't think the only way it could be done was with pastels and bunnies and easter eggs.

Honestly, and I'm sure I'll get slammed for it, but I have been wondering why the new admins are women without children. This wasn't a "women's site" before, it was a parenting site.
post #24 of 54

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

Quote:
Originally Posted by Janice View Post
Noted, but it's not changing. What I can do is give those who wish to use to continue the skin that option.
I'm unclear on this - does this mean there are skins available for people to choose from, or that we have to use the current color scheme, no matter what?

Quote:
Originally Posted by ryann
Honestly, and I'm sure I'll get slammed for it, but I have been wondering why the new admins are women without children. This wasn't a "women's site" before, it was a parenting site.
In the seven years I've been here, what I have always like about this site is it's not all about parenting. There are all types of people (yes, there have been some gentlemen on the site - take BlackKnight, for example) who have participated for a while. The sense of community has been what's kept me here - the parenting information was the added bonus, IMO.
post #25 of 54

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

I don't see anything wrong with people without children running a site for parents. As long as everyone with children here can give each other advice and those of us without children can enjoy mingling with others, I don't see why that point is even coming up.

If you are happy here...stay here....if not, then move on.

I personally don't really care what the site looks like just as long as the people I like mingling with on here is here. I care more about the people than if there are bunnies or whatever is on the screen. I really don't see what all the fuss is about.
post #26 of 54
Thread Starter 

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zyrilia View Post
I'm unclear on this - does this mean there are skins available for people to choose from, or that we have to use the current color scheme, no matter what?
Sure, to clarify - If there are those who wish to continue using the older "skin", then I will enable it as a choice for those who wish to use it. Please note though - if you wish to use it, it is not a "supported" product which means we won't be "fixing" or "upgrading" it to be compatible with the new forum features.

----

Why does being personally childless mean that BabyU is now a womens "interest" only site? BabyU is an all encompassing pregnancy and parenting board that focuses on the whole woman including pregnancy and child rearing. I haven't done anything that would in any way suggest the focus has changed to a general womens interest forum.
post #27 of 54

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

I think people are taking the changes way too personally. I honestly don't see how the new look or added features make it more difficult to get around on the site or why they would make anyone want to leave a place they claim to love. And it doesn't seem to me that any changes are being made to try and get people to leave. Just the opposite. Seems like they're being made to personalize it more for the administrators (would you buy a house and leave it decorated exactly as the previous owner had it?), and to make it easier to navigate and to be more inviting to hopefully draw in new members plus bring back old members. So I think the changes are a step in the right direction.

I may be speaking out of line and be completely off base with my opinion, and if I am I'm sure Janice will let me know!
post #28 of 54

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

Personally, I don't like the colors or "skin" but like Cheryl said, it's no big deal. I don't come for the colors. Janice, nice job. Thanks for all of your hard work. IMO, you don't discredit someone's work b/c you disagree with the color's chosen or a decision that has been made that is outside of your area of authority. Just my opinion. Janice, has been more than helpful since she arrived, answering questions and trying to help everyone adjust. It's beginning to seem like some people just don't "want" to change. There is a difference between slowly moving forward and planting your feet and refusing to budge.
post #29 of 54

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

Quote:
Originally Posted by Janice View Post
Sure, to clarify - If there are those who wish to continue using the older "skin", then I will enable it as a choice for those who wish to use it. Please note though - if you wish to use it, it is not a "supported" product which means we won't be "fixing" or "upgrading" it to be compatible with the new forum features.
No problem with the maintenance/upgrading issue. I just find the color scheme very hard on my eyes - like almost unusable - and would love to be able to switch to a more ergonomically pleasing palette, if it's not too difficult. The problem is the color, not the design or features.
post #30 of 54
Thread Starter 

Re: BabyU Site Redesign and Software Upgrade

Just a note to let everyone know that I have no problem listening to you. I understand you have spent a significant amount of time here, that is valued. I understand the visual change to the board is significant, but please remember it's simply aesthetic. You are what makes this community what it is.
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