Just acquired another existing site, please review and suggest improvements.

[Max Taxable]

Dallas Cowboys Universe (http://www.dallascowboysuniverse.com/forum.php)

Everything you see is as it was when bought, no changes yet. Holla.

[Max Taxable]

EDIT - Sorted.

[CAG CheechDogg]

In your additional.css add the following:

#sidebar_container {
padding: 10px 0;
}

I think 10px is good but you might want a different amount ...

This one will move the sidebar in 20 px so it lines up more ...

#sidebar_container {
padding: 10px 20px;
}

[Max Taxable]

In your additional.css add the following:

#sidebar_container {
padding: 10px 0;
}

I think 10px is good but you might want a different amount ...

This one will move the sidebar in 20 px so it lines up more ...

#sidebar_container {
padding: 10px 20px;
}Right before I saw your post here - and thanks for the quick help - I sorted this by editing the stylevar "Global Body Padding."

[CAG CheechDogg]

LOL ! ...no problem my Man ... at least you got it done ....

[Max Taxable]

How bout a review? :D

[CAG CheechDogg]

MAN! ..I am a Redskins fan ! ... you are lucky I even posted the above fix lol ! ...

[Max Taxable]

MAN! ..I am a Redskins fan ! ... you are lucky I even posted the above fix lol ! ...https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/external/2015/02/1.gif

[CAG CheechDogg]

Lol.. I think im going to go blind !!!

[ForceHSS]

Footer text is hard to see colour needs changed

[Max Taxable]

Footer text is hard to see colour needs changedSorted!

[shibby2]

Love it. Perfect. And not just because I'm a Cowboys fan. :D

How much did ya pay for it? :)

[Max Taxable]

Love it. Perfect. And not just because I'm a Cowboys fan. :DThanks! Feel free to join up, the season is starting Sunday!

How much did ya pay for it? :)That's classified.:D

But it was a good deal for all. Everyone happy.

[shibby2]

Figured that, but thought I'd try anyway. :D

Good luck!

[Krusty1231]

You really need to shave off some load time. My God man, the page loads sooooooooo slow.

LMAO....got you for a second there didn't I?

Site looks great!! Loads lightening fast!

Are you running any sort of pool for the members? Just a thought!

[Max Taxable]

You really need to shave off some load time. My God man, the page loads sooooooooo slow.

LMAO....got you for a second there didn't I?

Site looks great!! Loads lightening fast!

Thanks for the look and the kudos! Site was really ill as far as loading goes, when I bought it. I gave it some optimization love (as far as you can, with a windows server - ACK!) I've done some minor graphics changes and some addon/plugin love. Chiefly anti-spam measures since for over two years registration was disabled due to spam flooding. It's been a little bit of work but very happy with the results so far. Still considering whether to migrate it to my other, Linux hosting.Are you running any sort of pool for the members? Just a thought!Not at this time, getting to know the membership really right now.

[findingpeace]

You really need to shave off some load time. My God man, the page loads sooooooooo slow.

LMAO....got you for a second there didn't I?

LOL I was just getting ready to argue with you until I realized this was a joke.

Max, can I ask what optimizations you did? The site is so freaking fast for vB4!!

Anyway, looks great, nice job with everything!

[Max Taxable]

Max, can I ask what optimizations you did? The site is so freaking fast for vB4!!

Anyway, looks great, nice job with everything!See our vB optimization workshop at OzzModz. (http://ozzmodz.com/forumdisplay.php/93-vBulletin-Optimization) See the sticky threads and read up on the actual case studies, in the threads in that forum.

Glad you liked the site and thanks for the look!

PS - I could do even better with it speed wise, were it on a Linux machine instead of the windows one it's on.

[doctorsexy]

Who did the header...its very good....

[Max Taxable]

Who did the header...its very good....Latinmind. There's one for each favorite player in the style chooser..

Thanks.

[ShawneyJ]

looks sweet mate. very nice job thats for sure ;)
and LOL at the Air Bags Avatar! :D

[Max Taxable]

Thanks!

[vb-ER]

very nice design, you might want to consider adding some mouse-over effects at the top of your forum(on the header).. maybe like make a custom menu on top of the logo, and when someone hovers over it, the text would change colors.. that would be something else!!!

Overall: 8.5/10 keep at it

[Max Taxable]

very nice design, you might want to consider adding some mouse-over effects at the top of your forum(on the header).. maybe like make a custom menu on top of the logo, and when someone hovers over it, the text would change colors.. that would be something else!!!

Overall: 8.5/10 keep at itThanks but, not necessary especially since most of the membership uses mobile devices.

It's got the native vB hover and onclick stuff, I just don't have it set to switch colors. I've never been one for the esoteric stuff anyway. K.I.S.S.

[ForceHSS]

Took about 30 to 45 secs to load that site dam thought it would of been faster

[Max Taxable]

Took about 30 to 45 secs to load that site dam thought it would of been fasterhttps://vborg.vbsupport.ru/external/2014/09/2.gif

It's only slow for you, I have you in "miserable users" usergroup.:DFooter text is hard to see colour needs changedHow well did it load for you on this July visit, before everyone else was chiming in on how fast it was for them??

[Max Taxable]

I just spent a LOT of time doing my first v4 theme for this.... Kudos to Ozzy for lots of help and advice.

Take a look. (http://www.dallascowboysuniverse.com/forum.php?styleid=41)

This was ported from one of my 3.8.7 boards... Originally done for phpBB way back when, then ported to vB2, and so on. I really dig it.

[ozzy47]

Looks much better than when you first started. Good job sticking with it and not giving up. :)

[Max Taxable]

I hate the stylevars system. But you gotta work with what you got.

[Max Taxable]

Take a look now, design finally finalized and now using Ozzy's custom footer.

http://dallascowboysuniverse.com

[HM666]

Long time Cowboys fan but I would change that document background that is a light blue. The Cowboys really do not have a light blue color in their colors. Its more of a gray color. The light blueish color does not make sense.

EDIT: UGHH and that roll over effect on the forums, again that is a light blue I'd change that to gray to match the team colors.

[Max Taxable]

Long time Cowboys fan but I would change that document background that is a light blue. The Cowboys really do not have a light blue color in their colors. Its more of a gray color. The light blueish color does not make sense.

EDIT: UGHH and that roll over effect on the forums, again that is a light blue I'd change that to gray to match the team colors.There's not any light blue in the palette. All the colors used are official team colors. I used all official HEX code colors.

The color you're talking about is #a5acaf and it is the one they use for the facemask color.

The other official "grey" colors in the Cowboys official palette are #a2a4a3 and #828a87.

Here's the official palette:

https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/external/2014/12/35.jpg

[HM666]

I realize that it may not actually be light blue, but it looks like a blight blue on my screen. Maybe making it a little darker would help.

[Max Taxable]

I realize that it may not actually be light blue, but it looks like a blight blue on my screen. Maybe making it a little darker would help.I tried that #828a87 and it was just too dark. The other two "grey" ones look more light blue than the facemask color. I have white BG styles as well, each one has a different favorite player in the header.

The Cowboys color palette is the most screwed up one in all of sports. I miss the old grey color the pants used to be in the 70s, myself.

Otherwise, what do you think? Review?

[Max Taxable]

I realize that it may not actually be light blue, but it looks like a blight blue on my screen. Maybe making it a little darker would help.On further review and after going with the darker #828a87, I think you might be right. It's growing on me.

Have another look.

[HM666]

Yeah I think that is better, its not blinding me lol. :) The other lighter color was a little too stark.

[Gio~Logist]

There is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too much blue going on. I would go with white as a base, with blue accents and headings for a more modern feel. This is just way too much blue.

From a design perspective, the fact that you're using so much blow and then have white text makes me eyes unable to go to one place. All your text is the same color, including links.. so there's no "call to action" that makes my mouse yet alone my eyes want to go to a certain area.

The header itself seems pixelated on the top left, all in all I would suggest going with a new Style to help capitalize on the user base and content (which seems pretty good).

[Max Taxable]

There is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too much blue going on. I would go with white as a base, with blue accents and headings for a more modern feel. This is just way too much blue.

From a design perspective, the fact that you're using so much blow and then have white text makes me eyes unable to go to one place. All your text is the same color, including links.. so there's no "call to action" that makes my mouse yet alone my eyes want to go to a certain area.

The header itself seems pixelated on the top left, all in all I would suggest going with a new Style to help capitalize on the user base and content (which seems pretty good).Old style was just as you described and was crap. It's still selectable in the style chooser. The Blue style IS the new style.

Every other Cowboys forum out there is white. The Niche needed a blue one. Most of the users are on pads, and love the blue.

White background. Boring and hard on the eyes.I would go with white as a baseSo does most everyone else. It's a "me too" thing.

[HM666]

There is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too much blue going on. I would go with white as a base, with blue accents and headings for a more modern feel. This is just way too much blue.

From a design perspective, the fact that you're using so much blow and then have white text makes me eyes unable to go to one place. All your text is the same color, including links.. so there's no "call to action" that makes my mouse yet alone my eyes want to go to a certain area.

The header itself seems pixelated on the top left, all in all I would suggest going with a new Style to help capitalize on the user base and content (which seems pretty good).

No offense but its a Dallas Cowboys site blue is a standard color really so it really should have the colors it has.

[Gio~Logist]

I take no offense at all. What I mean is simply in terms of guiding the user's eyes.

Let me give you an example:
http://www.dallascowboys.com/

There's really not much white if you look at it, but take a look at the different shades of text.
- blue for links & titles
- light blueish / gray for subtext
- dark gray for content based text
All while still having lots of blue (both dark and light)

The difference here is that it has much more contrast and varied contrast on that. On this page, my eyes know what's important.

Again, if you take a glance at the site at the moment, your eyes have no choice but to go everywhere. Nothing is distinguished with importance or relevance in terms of color coordination. Subtitle color changes, bolding & generally styling can go a long way here.

[Max Taxable]

I take no offense at all. What I mean is simply in terms of guiding the user's eyes.

Let me give you an example:
http://www.dallascowboys.com/

There's really not much white if you look at it, but take a look at the different shades of text.
- blue for links & titles
- light blueish / gray for subtext
- dark gray for content based text
All while still having lots of blue (both dark and light)

The difference here is that it has much more contrast and varied contrast on that. On this page, my eyes know what's important.

Again, if you take a glance at the site at the moment, your eyes have no choice but to go everywhere. Nothing is distinguished with importance or relevance in terms of color coordination. Subtitle color changes, bolding & generally styling can go a long way here.Site you reference is like a newspaper page, utilizing a CVI (Center of visual impact) which is the one, large image above the fold. Pretty common. But it's still, white BG with dark type.

Most of the traffic I get is in showthread. People read, and post. If I wanted a splash page, a newspaper-like page, I would create one. Again, most of the membership and in fact most of the traffic, comes from pads not PCs.

Check the white styles at the site (http://www.dallascowboysuniverse.com/forum.php?styleid=28), you'll see what was there as default, before. All are still choosable for user preference.

[Max Taxable]

Here's the two main, comparable sites. Official team site isn't comparable, it's not a forum.

http://www.cowboys-forum.com/forum.php

http://cowboyszone.com

[Gio~Logist]

I think the fact that I mentioned a possible white bg is where i miscommunicated the overall message.

Here's a subtle example (pardon the ugly colors i chose, just wanted to give an example) of what i mean by contrasting colors to allow the user to focus more on what matters.

https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/external/2015/01/9.png

vs

https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/external/2015/01/10.png

In the second image, my eyes are more likely to go straight to titles and links because of the contrast vs the first where my eyes kinda just wander.

--------------- Added 1422338734 at 1422338734 ---------------

Also, on the sites you showed me, as well as the main "official" site, you will also notice contrast in colors. Even if not just background colors, definitely text colors. This is all part of training the user's eye where to go. Using one color across an entire site simply isn't the best practice when it comes to design. Or else your user's eyes will never know where to go.

[Max Taxable]

In the second link, my eyes are more likely to go straight to titles and links because of the contrast vs the first where my eyes kinda just wander.It's a good suggestion definitely worth a look, a little more contrast wouldn't hurt. In showthread I went with the facemask grey for the type in posts. I'm committed to using only official team colors.

But.... I think your eyes are wandering because you're looking for the cheerleaders.:D

[Gio~Logist]

You see, even there - I woulda flipped it on showthread.

Good color choices, but you're training my eyes in the wrong direction. The prominent color in this section is "white". Yet you decided to use that color to focus more on the repetitive / less relevant text (post count, cash, signature, etc) and hide the goods (the actual post). It should be the opposite, my eyes should go STRAIGHT to the post content as a reader.

https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/external/2015/01/8.png

vs

https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/

Again, same colors.. but training the reader's eyes to go in the right direction (the actual post). Also on the left side, the only thing that draws your attention is the user's name, which is the most relevant.

Users wanna know (in this order)
- What was posted
- Who posted it
- Member info

In that order

Which is why the reader's attention needs to be called in that order. In the first screenshot, you drew the reader's attention in the exact opposite order. In the second screenshot, you'll see it draws more attention to the right places. Minor details like this can go a long way.

[Max Taxable]

You see, even there - I woulda flipped it on showthread.

Good color choices, but you're training my eyes in the wrong direction. The prominent color in this section is "white". Yet you decided to use that color to focus more on the repetitive / less relevant text (post count, cash, signature, etc) and hide the goods (the actual post). It should be the opposite, my eyes should go STRAIGHT to the post content as a reader.
Again, same colors.. but training the reader's eyes to go in the right direction (the actual post). Also on the left side, the only thing that draws your attention is the user's name, which is the most relevant.

Users wanna know (in this order)
- What was posted
- Who posted it
- Member info

In that order

Which is why the reader's attention needs to called in that order. In the first screenshot, you drew the reader's attention in the exact opposite order. In the second screenshot, you'll see it draws more attention to the right places. Minor details like this can go a long way.The white just looks too harsh in your example there. maybe because you have it in bold?

Take a look at main page again, subtle change taken place there.

[Max Taxable]

https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/external/2015/01/8.png

vs

http://s8.postimg.org/421uir8zp/image.png

What stylevars are these? This is definitely worth a look to change. Can always change back or adjust if I don't Grok.

I appreciate your ideas and suggestions.

[Gio~Logist]

Yea, personally I wouldn't use a white there regardless. I would go with a light gray so that it's easier on the eyes.

For example, on a white background it's often better to use something like #555555 (dark gray) instead of flat out black (#000), this way it's less harsh. Same goes with white. Always want it to be easy on the eyes.

Forum homepage is looking much better by the way :up:

--------------- Added 1422340098 at 1422340098 ---------------

What stylevars are these? This is definitely worth a look to change. Can always change back or adjust if I don't Grok.

I appreciate your ideas and suggestions.

I normally start off making css changes right in the browser via inspect element, then I modify the classes after i'm satisfied based on what css changes i made. Don't remember off the bat which ones I effected there.

[Max Taxable]

Well I think the change on the main page definitely helps. I'll hunt and peck around and see if I can figure out the other three you were recommending changing. Thanks for the time and suggestions!

[HM666]

I take no offense at all. What I mean is simply in terms of guiding the user's eyes.

Let me give you an example:
http://www.dallascowboys.com/

There's really not much white if you look at it, but take a look at the different shades of text.
- blue for links & titles
- light blueish / gray for subtext
- dark gray for content based text
All while still having lots of blue (both dark and light)

The difference here is that it has much more contrast and varied contrast on that. On this page, my eyes know what's important.

Again, if you take a glance at the site at the moment, your eyes have no choice but to go everywhere. Nothing is distinguished with importance or relevance in terms of color coordination. Subtitle color changes, bolding & generally styling can go a long way here.

Familiar with that site been a fan for 41 years :) lol I do understand what you are saying though but I also get where Max is coming from.

[CarpCharacin]

when i try to go to it, it says my IP is banned.

[Max Taxable]

when i try to go to it, it says my IP is banned.PM me that IP and I'll see what's up.

[CarpCharacin]

PM me that IP and I'll see what's up.

ok i am sending the PM now.

[Max Taxable]

Rectified. Someone some time ago banned just the first three digits of that IP. Never a good practice. Thanks for reporting it.

[CarpCharacin]

Ok i can access it now :)

[shibby2]

Anyone else find it strange that Hershel Walker, Leon Lett, and Demarcus Lawrence have themes named after them, but greats like Emmit Smith, Tony Dorsett, Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, etc., don't? :confused:

Just sayin'.. :D ;)

[K4GAP]

I love that style!