GarageJournal.com - An Update!!!!

[Ryan]

Hey fellas, it looks like we are going to be making the move to the Atomic servers on Sunday or Monday of next week. We will most likely be down for about an hour or two, but expect a much faster and reliable experience once we are moved...

I'm also happy to report that we have finished up the new features and the new look and feel in time for the move... I'm really damn excited about them too! Looks great and it's real convenient from a usability stand point...

As for me, I'm working my tail off... Still have done NOTHING with my new garage... Can't wait to get this stuff done next week so I can start posting pictures and spewing out my ideas!

More later... Much more!

[kartracer55]

Will we have to re register?

What will happen to all our posts and old threads?

Thanks
Jim

[Ryan]

Good question!

You will not have to reregister and all old posts and private messages are coming with us... We shouldn't lose anything at all... Seamless...

And you'll be happy to know that I used ZERO labor from China to make it happen! :)

[bmwpower]

And you'll be happy to know that I used ZERO labor from China to make it happen! :)

Yea, but your servers are made in China!!!

[Der Bugmeister]

While I'm happy to know that the forum will enjoy improved resources and support, I still can't profess to being thrilled at the choice of new name or lack of chance being give to this community to select a name.

[kartracer55]

Glad to hear we will still have access to the old threads and that you didnt use chinese labor lol

You know me well hahaha

Jim

[jbilbo]

I'm happy because the word "junkies" is blocked at work by our proxy filter. I could never get my fill on my latest passion. :)

Now I can surf while on my "lunch break".

[Ryan]

I still can't profess to being thrilled at the choice of new name or lack of chance being give to this community to select a name.

We gave a lot of effort to obtaining the rights to garagejunkies.com and my first choice was to keep it, but it didn't work out. My next choice was to chose a name that flowed well with the other properties I control, so that is what happened.

When your a guy like me that spends so much time maintaining these sites, you figure out pretty quick that ya gotta like what you are doing. I like the name, so here we go... I'm actually pretty excited about the whole thing...

I think you guys will be too once you see it...

That said, I realize I can make everyone happy... I just try real hard too!

Hang on fellas, this is going to be fun!!!

P.S. All of my servers are made in AUSTIN, TX!!! Course, the parts... Well....

[imported_banzaitoyota]

Ryan: PLease tell us NO Carbon Fiber or Billet Parts were used in this transformation!

[Brian]

Ryan,
It's just natural for people to be reluctant to change, especially when there was nothing wrong with the old way. Don't sweat it.
I've taken a look at your other sites and they are very well done, I'm sure we will all be very happy with the move when it is done and we get used to the changes.

JUST BE SURE TO KEEP THE IGNORE BUTTON. That things a lifesaver.
:lol: :lol: :lol: Just kiddin D.

[SuperKid]

I must confess, I absolutely hate change. But, there's not much to be done. So, I hope I like the new setup. I've got alot of time to kill and I'm going to need somewhere to kill it. So...

[Brian]

I'm sure it will work out. Except I just heard that moderating will be outsourced to India.
Is this true Ryan.:mad:












:lol_hitti

[jbilbo]

Ack! Outsourcing to India is a little too close to home for me. :(

Most of our jobs where I work are going there. Over 70% of us will be looking for new work.

[Ryan]

yeah... don't get me started on outsourcing to india...

Actually, I do outsource to Germany!!! My database expert is German... and a great guy...

.....

Hey, how do you fellas think about getting rid of the "local" forums? They don't seem to get much action at all.... Might be better to copy all of those posts over to the big forum and get rid of em...

[Bradley Miller]

Just a HAMB'er jumping on this board -- I kind of like the regional area . . . very handy for selling things and getting in contact with other guys. There isn't a lot of volume here, so that's why I think it's kind of sparse. My other passion is/was RC stuff and one of the areas I love on there is regional areas -- great for picking up used stuff or finding out about the latest tracks/races/etc...


Oh -- trust me on this one guys -- Ryan's stuff is top notch. His designs and look/feel for the site is probably going to be killer . . . as usual. I used to do this stuff for a living and he's a master at it. Very cool.

[kartracer55]

sprechen sie deutch?

hahah

I read alot of tech support obs are comming back because people are gettng pissed off trying to get directioosn with people whod ont speak english and thier solution to everything is "check to see if your monitor is plugged in" hahaha


Then they answer and they are like

"ello ma name is Pual"

and im like yeah ok

hahahaha

[4t64rd]

Hi Poobah... It's me

Is the look going to be more Atomic? Inquiring graphic artists want to know.

[REFLEXX]

Questions:

1. Do we keep our post count? I'd hate to be a noobie again.

2. Do we have a member number? I know that there's the "join date," but I'd like to know what number I am and would we keep that too.

3. The links to our posts, do we loose those? or is there some sort of re-direct? Some of my long distance friends are following my build. Will I be e-mailing them soon with a link change?

thanks,

[Ryan]

Everything should stay the same and work... The only question mark is the link...

[Spencer Was Here]

Questions:

2. Do we have a member number?

thanks,

If you hold your cursur over your member name you will see your member number down on the bottom of the Internet Explorer screen (lower left).

You are member #2312

[wythors]

You are member #2312

Newbie.
:pimpflash

[REFLEXX]

Look here 329, let's not start any trouble!

and thanks for all the answers.

Should we start calling ourselves "Journalists" instead of "Junkies"????

[bdks]

This is great... http://www.garagejournal.com/?page_id=7


The Garage Journal
Originally started by Lucky Luke and named garagejunkies.net, The Garage Journal was acquired in early 2006. We needed a place to talk shop and tools... Luke had already built the best, so we mugged him for it. It's all yours now.

[Ryan]

Hey, you aren't sup. to see that stuff yet! :)

[bdks]

My mistake, :bowdown: just interested to see the new changes

[REFLEXX]

Bigger logo would be nice (since the cat's outta the bag). Everything else looks nice!

I'll be joining the JJ's too!!! They look like fantastic sites!

[Ryan]

The logo is actually a play off a logo I found on my grandfather's shop stationary... Family tradition and all...

[sg69]

so we still gonna do a tee shirt contest?

[imported_banzaitoyota]

Ryan: The new address gets past WEBSENSE!!!! Thanks :)

[Jay H 237]

Are you able to set up a redirect from garagejunkies.net, even if it's somewhat temporary, since there's quite a few members that may not log in everyweek. I was just thinking they might get the idea that these forums don't exist anymore if they aren't aware of the new address. This would give them a chance to update thier bookmarks.

[the intimidator]

Are you able to set up a redirect from garagejunkies.net, even if it's somewhat temporary, since there's quite a few members that may not log in everyweek. I was just thinking they might get the idea that these forums don't exist anymore if they aren't aware of the new address. This would give them a chance to update thier bookmarks.


good idea :beer:


so when is the move going to take place? i dont wanna miss the new page opening :rocker:

[Broman]

That's purdy.


Can't wait to see the new site come up. It should go with the others nicely. I also can't wait to see Ryan's new garage. His old one was so boring....

[Tman]

Other than the Boyd wheel boxes I am proud to say I have sipped a cold one in that Garage!?

[Runs With Scissors]

Small typo, rather an omission, in the last line on page one Ryan....

"And all the guy and gals that have ever chipped in..."


Just one dude? :)

[Ryan]

Hey fellas... we will be doing redirects for sure... We don't want to leave anyone hanging!

Runnin... Nice catch... I'll get it fixed!

Tman, the boyd wheels... oh how I loathe those boxes...

[Darren M.]

I really dig the attitude!! :D
Copyright © 1995-2006 Atomic Industry: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in.

Great stuff, keep it coming!

[Luckydevil]

Looking good so far Ryan. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing this place taken to the next level. I barely had enough time to run this place. I don't know how you do it with three forums, but it looks like you have it down to an art (and a very understanding wife).

:beer:

[4t64rd]

Looks good sir!
http://www.knology.net/~mdandmc/HAMB/4t64rdSTAMP.gif

[bdks]

Back up and running :thumbup: I was having junkie.... I mean journal withdraw

[shopking68]

um, what happened to our signature pics?

[iiibdsiil]

Looks good! My only complaint is that the new forum is only set up for what looks like 800 pixels wide, so it only takes up about half the screen on my 19" monitor.

[flashredmkiv]

Great job at the quick transition. New site seems great, although a little narrow.

[REFLEXX]

I agree with the "narrow" comments. Would be nice to have it auto adjust to fit width of 17"-19" monitors.

[Ryan]

Correct. I did a lot of research on the average garagejunkie.net user and over 70% had monitors too small to take advantage of the old wide style...

[shopking68]

thx for fixing the sigs!

I like the wide style also. But either way is ok.

[automotive stud]

Ryan has done a fine job with the hokey ass message board, I'm sure things will be great here too. I look forward to learning from you guys.

[GearHead_1]

Correct. I did a lot of research on the average garagejunkie.net user and over 70% had monitors too small to take advantage of the old wide style...
Monitors have gotten bigger not smaller. This format isn't a plus. I don't think this research is consistent with what other board providers are finding as I don't see it being used on the boards I often visit. If we're truly moving forward shouldn't we be able to utilize a full size monitor?

Where's the "New Posts" button?

[Ryan]

Gearhead, appreciate your feedback.

The average global percentage at 800x600 is just ovper 30% as of today, but I don't pay much attention to that number. I only pay attention to our user base. In the last week, the percentage of users at 800x600 or under was 63%.

If those numbers change or if we get enough feedback, we will go wider ASAP.

[GearHead_1]

Gearhead, appreciate your feedback.

The average global percentage at 800x600 is just ovper 30% as of today, but I don't pay much attention to that number. I only pay attention to our user base. In the last week, the percentage of users at 800x600 or under was 63%.

If those numbers change or if we get enough feedback, we will go wider ASAP.

I would be interested in seeing a poll on this from this forum.

[Ryan]

Again, understand your concern and I feel ya... I gotta think Google Analytics is pretty accurate. My other forums love the layout once they are used to it... Give it time and if ya still don't like it, let me know...

And again, we will continue to monitor this stuff... We aren't out to ruin your experience... just opposite actually...

[iiibdsiil]

I'm surprised the software makers wouldn't put in a user-selectable option. Oh well. I'll deal with it :)

[Ryan]

That's actually a really good idea... I will get to work on that!

[kartracer55]

Main comp is a 19 but the two laptops are 17?s. Im with the others on going for a wider format,but other than that, I like the new "change of scenery"

Jim

[Der Bugmeister]

It's fairly common practice to keep content to the narrower width in order to make the site accessible for the majority of people. I'd prefer the wider format as well, but Ryan's choice is based on some well accepted principles of design.

What I'd like to see returned is the shortcut to thread pages restored at the top of the page, not just at the bottom.

[bmwpower]

I'm surprised you found the resolutions you did. All of my machines are at least 1024x768, even my subnotebook.

Other than consistency amongst your sites, what is the driver for a narrow format?

The less I have to scroll means less hand fatigue, which equates to more time on GJ.com. :D

[Runs With Scissors]

I use a 20 inch widescreen aspect monitor. This narrow format allows me to have two windows open and visible at the same time, side by side. Comes in handy in my life on the HAMB...

NowI can have one HAMB and one GJ at the same time! :)

I will never get anything done evr again....

[Darren M.]

LOL at the narrow discussion. What a great problem to have, ehh Ryan? Of all the things that could have gone wrong it's forum compliance that's the biggest issue. Congrats on that!!! However, I will say I too have an insane amount of white space on each side of the column. That aside, great conversion. I wish my conversions, non-forum in nature, went as smoothly!! Kudo's to you and your team.

[bluebrian]

I really like the cohisiveness of all 3 journals. Its really easy to navigate when you know where everything is. After checking the Hamb and the JJ everyday this format has become second nature. I feel spoiled because i expect every forum I venture into to feel the way the Journals do.

Good work Ryan.

-b

[Truck Guy]

I'm surprised the software makers wouldn't put in a user-selectable option. Oh well. I'll deal with it :)Some forum software lets you do just that.

I have a 24" wide screen monitor and this new format only fills the center 1/3 of the screen :(

[Ryan]

I'm on a 30" widescreen myself... I still dig the fixed width as it lets me deal with multiple windows really easily...

If you are stuck on wanting 100% width, PM me and I will take care of ya.

[bmwpower]

I'm on a 30" widescreen myself... I still dig the fixed width as it lets me deal with multiple windows really easily...

If you are stuck on wanting 100% width, PM me and I will take care of ya.

I don't get it. Can't you make it dynamic with the window size? That way you can either make it full size or shrink it down to a smaller size depending on the window size.

[Spencer Was Here]

Well put me on the "not to happy with the new format" list. I am not a big contributor to GJ, but I have enjoyed it on practically a daily basis since I found it.

The best feature by far for me was that I didn't have to open up attachments in another window, they just automatically appeared full size right in the thread. I certainly hope there is some way that I can customize my profile to make that happen again instead of just seeing thumbnails of the photos.

I am also not happy with the new smaller 800x600 format. I'm sure both of these changes were to cater to the poor souls out there running 486dx2's on a dial-up accounts and if I were one of those souls I would appreciate it.

Honestly though, I am just tired of having to sacrifice for those less fortunate. Maybe we should figure out what the average income of the average GJ viewer is and only let people who make that average income post pictures of their garages and cars, etc. Afterall we wouldn't want to offend those less fortunate GJ viewers who may never be able to afford those nicer cars, garages, or monitors that can view up to 1024x768.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not leaving (unless I get kicked out), but I won't view as many threads and I won't see as many pictures and I just won't enjoy myself as much as I did before.

[bmwpower]

Well put me on the "not to happy with the new format" list. I am not a big contributor to GJ, but I have enjoyed it on practically a daily basis since I found it.

The best feature by far for me was that I didn't have to open up attachments in another window, they just automatically appeared full size right in the thread. I certainly hope there is some way that I can customize my profile to make that happen again instead of just seeing thumbnails of the photos....

If you link to a picture instead of uploading it, you should see the pict in full size in the thread. This is different than on GJ.net where all picts were fullsize (like you said).

[Rrumbler]

Well, I finally got back on - been shut out for a couple of days: " -unavailable". No matter, glad to be able to drop in again. Site looks good, Ryan; I am easy to please, though - I can work with whatever the management tosses my way.

Best of luck to Lucky Devil. I know he said he'd be around, still ----

[the intimidator]

I am also not happy with the new smaller 800x600 format. I'm sure both of these changes were to cater to the poor souls out there running 486dx2's on a dial-up accounts and if I were one of those souls I would appreciate it.

Honestly though, I am just tired of having to sacrifice for those less fortunate. Maybe we should figure out what the average income of the average GJ viewer is and only let people who make that average income post pictures of their garages and cars, etc. Afterall we wouldn't want to offend those less fortunate GJ viewers who may never be able to afford those nicer cars, garages, or monitors that can view up to 1024x768.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not leaving (unless I get kicked out), but I won't view as many threads and I won't see as many pictures and I just won't enjoy myself as much as I did before.


simmer down with all the crap i see ryan is trying to figure out a solution to the smaller screen size and im sure he will figure something out soon but all the talk abought avrg income and stuff is not cool so you sayin i shouldnt be able to post pics and join in discussions because i dont make a certain amount of mony of course i dont im 17 i have a part time job i enjoy looking at other peoples nice cars and big garage's it give's me something to look foreward to later in life (when i make your'e imaginary wage) just cause you are pissed abought stuff on here dont start insuting other's without good reason

[OI812]

Wow on all the avg income stuff. First let me say I do like the new screens.

I just want to remind everyone "Roman was not built in a day". I'm sure Ryan is working on this. From what I can see he is trying to make the site more user friendly. It was great before, but sometimes change is good. Luke did an excellent job, and no one gave him guff about it. Lets give Ryan the same chance. I know some people just hate change, but sometimes it is for the best.

[bmwpower]

simmer down with all the crap i see ryan is trying to figure out a solution to the smaller screen size and im sure he will figure something out soon but all the talk abought avrg income and stuff is not cool so you sayin i shouldnt be able to post pics and join in discussions because i dont make a certain amount of mony of course i dont im 17 i have a part time job i enjoy looking at other peoples nice cars and big garage's it give's me something to look foreward to later in life (when i make your'e imaginary wage) just cause you are pissed abought stuff on here dont start insuting other's without good reason

Punctuation, son... punctuation.

[the intimidator]

Punctuation, son... punctuation.


Lol, I'll try and get better. :p

[Spencer Was Here]

simmer down with all the crap i see ryan is trying to figure out a solution to the smaller screen size and im sure he will figure something out soon but all the talk abought avrg income and stuff is not cool so you sayin i shouldnt be able to post pics and join in discussions because i dont make a certain amount of mony of course i dont im 17 i have a part time job i enjoy looking at other peoples nice cars and big garage's it give's me something to look foreward to later in life (when i make your'e imaginary wage) just cause you are pissed abought stuff on here dont start insuting other's without good reason

Intimidator, you both missed my point and made my point at the same time. I guess it is my fault if I wrote the part about average income in a way that some of you guys couldn't tell I was being sarcastic, but I thought the sarcasm was pretty clear.

The justification for changing the screen size was that 63% of GJ users were using a screen display of 800x600 so Ryan was trying to cater to the average GJ user. In doing so he is kind of penalizing us users who run their displays at higher resolutions. I understand that he is not purposely trying to penalize us, but regardless of the intent I felt penalized because I was “above average”, in screen size not income.

To quote you:
im 17 i have a part time job i enjoy looking at other peoples nice cars and big garage's it give's me something to look foreward to later in life (when i make your'e imaginary wage)

If the GJ site had stayed at the same higher resolution that it was before I believe that those running screen resolutions of 800x600 might aspire to higher resolutions.

And for the record I doubt I would make it above the average income of everyone here on GJ. If you check out the link in my signature to my pole barn project you will see that it has taken me 4 years just to get it this far (almost completed). That is because I have been doing 95% of the work myself and paying for the materials as I go instead of being able to just hire someone to build it for me like a lot of people here can afford to do.

It is also possible that a lot of people that make up the 63% of 800x600 users may have their resolutions turned down because they have bad eyesight and not because that is the highest that their computer systems can display.

[bmwpower]

Just curious, does the "survey" take into account anonymous people? I'm not familiar with the Google anaylsis...

[Ryan]

Fellas... come on...

This is design will remain because it is the template that I am most comfortable with when making upgrades and feature sets. Plus, like most large scale portal designers - I prefer fixed width design.

That said, if you REALLY want a 100% template, PM me... I'll take care of ya... No need to debate till days end when we should be talking about garages and tools...

[Ryan]

BMW, google analytics takes into account every visitor to the site...

[Uncle Buck]

I see no problems with any of the changes so far Ryan! I got yer back man!

[C_F]

This site design is just fine with me. It's a similar style to ones used on 3 or 4 other sites I'm on. It took me a little bit to get used to Luke's design when I first got here, but I adjusted.
I don't know about the rest of you guys, but as a member of this forum; http://www.network54.com/Index/10214 ...absolutely ANYTHING is a step up from trying to navigate your way around there! The single most annoying thing about that site is that the threads don't "bump" when someone posts a new reply, so each thread is completely buried within a day or two. :mad: :D

The thumbnail pic thing, to me is a good/bad thing. It's good because some members don't know how to resize their 3210 x 2800 pics before posting them in a thread!!:lol_hitti So for that reason, thumbnails are automatically a good thing in my book!:thumbup:
The only thing I don't like about thumbnails is that I have to click on each one to see the pic...but for the reason above, I'm just fine with them.

That being said, my one & only slight peeve about this site is that you're limited to a grand total of 4 smileys, including a combo of smileys & [img] entries in a post. Is that because of bandwidth issues?

Anyhoo, I'm glad the site is still here for us all to enjoy! <imagine a (cheers) smiley here, I ran out of smiley space> hehe

[Ryan]

That being said, my one & only slight peeve about this site is that you're limited to a grand total of 4 smileys, including a combo of smileys & [img] entries in a post. Is that because of bandwidth issues?

I'll get that fixed.

[Bradley Miller]

Heheh . . .

for($i=0;$i<sizeof($number_smileys);$i++)
{
// $number_smileys[$i] . . .
}

[Ryan]

Ok... It's fixed now...

[C_F]

Cool! Thanks, Ryan.:bounce: