Day 2 - Nexus redesign

[Dark0ne]

So here we are, almost at the end of day 2 since the Nexus site redesign launch. I've been spending most of my time on bug fixes and tweaks based on the feedback you've all been giving me. Thank you for, in the most part, remaining calm and constructive during this period.

 

I'm just going to go through a few of the major and minor things that keep coming up in the feedback and run you through of the changes already made, and a few upcoming changes.

 

First of all my apologies to the IE8 users who experienced issues with the sites, especially with comments missing. I've been using a piece of software called "IETester" to test the functionality on IE8 as you cannot have IE8 and IE9 installed on your system at the same time. The sites worked fine in IETester during the testing stage but I was able to troubleshoot the issue on an old laptop and things should now be better for you. Once again a good reason to actually pay attention to the site news and help during open beta test stages rather than just ignore it.

 

Next the fixed width isn't going to change no matter what is said. However, a few people have brought up some nice ideas in the mod authors forums for some pages to be rearranged so they can use the full width of the central content area by pushing the content on the right in to the centre. It's something I'm going to explore tomorrow.

 

There seem to be sporadic reports of people not being able to download files because the modal pop-up box isn't showing for them. I don't know if this is IE8 specific but I cannot reproduce this. However, I'm hoping to update the download links slightly so you can middle-click (to open a new tab) a link and it'll just open a completely new page. I know some people like to "queue up" their downloads like this and the current system is preventing them from doing it. So hopefully a "kill two birds with one stone" tweak, that one.

 

Some of you will have noticed the file tracking centre has been changed. This is a temporary stop-gap until we move over to Axel's code that's going to be much better than this, and similar to before, but better. It was a "time allows" thing...I didn't have the time to port it over and knowing Axel would be updating it anyway made my decision easier. Just hang in there on that one.

 

There are a few features missing that were in the original site but aren't currently in this new design; seeing who has endorsed your files/images and premium notifications spring to mind. These will be coming back in the coming days or weeks. Negative endorsements are gone, as per the blogs and discussions that were had with mod authors up to the launch.

 

I've just put up the first "skins" for the space either side of the content area. These are skins made by me and spruce things up a little. At least now you can't complain you don't know what games each Nexus site supports. The plan here is to allow members to upload their skins for approval in to a "skin pool". You'll then be able to choose from a long list of skins for the site you're using through your preferences, or choose to have no skin at all. Similarly mod authors will be able to make their own skins for their mod pages or choose a skin from the pool that others will see for their mod pages.

 

A few minor tweaks and fixes have been added; thumbnail images will no longer stretch to fit a specific size in most areas of the site now, the "File temporarily available" issue has been fixed on newly uploaded files, comment threads will now be properly created when adding new files and small downloads will now work through the modal pop-up like the large file downloads rather than redirect you to a totally different page.

 

As mentioned in my last announcement this is just the beginning of many, many improvements to come. The foundation. Some people are acting like I've turned the light off and walked away for some reason. If you keep the constructive feedback coming I'll continue to improve things where I can. You'll get some things, you won't get others, but if you're going to throw all your toys out the pram because you're not getting it all your own way pleeeeease can you do it away from me? Thaaaaanks!

 

Finally a quick note on your bug reports: I'm sorry if you're experiencing bugs but for the love of all that is holy will you please tell me what browser you are using when you report a bug? I can't help you without this very simple piece of information!

 

I'll continue to update the news with more information as we go along.

[SydneyB]

Thanks for your hard work, Dark0ne. It is really appreciated :)

[CheeseyBall]

Oh okay...fixed width. I can live with it.

I ARE EXCITED

[Dan3345]

the work is appreciated, nice to see a forum that does take into account what the community wants and asks for. I like the choices we may have in the future for skins.

 

Going to be nice.

 

Also, I am on firefox and have had no problems. Just fyi.

[RoninSolo]

There are some things I like about the new design but for me it seems less roomy and a little harder to find things. The smaller download popup screen is nice.

Thanks.

 

Ronin

[luger]

Works for me!

 

I have one request: In the right content area, could the large icons & headlines e.g. Latest Files, Latest News be made links to their respective section?

 

I.m.o. beter than just the small link to the right of the headlines.

 

Thank you!

[NeilUK02]

If you can change it so the files are landscape mode in "Manage My Files" section I'll be happy. Mine works fine with IE9 but only in compatibility mode but that's no hardship. The only thing that really annoys me is the files being underneath each other. It's a nightmare for people with a lot of mods to manage, but as I say if you look at that tomorrow and fix it the design will look great.

 

Also if you can make the updated files easier to find as I mentioned in the Forum the place will be perfect.

 

P.S. Do we still get the notifications if we are premium members?

Edited August 25, 2011 by NeilUK02

[Antiscamp]

I am using Firefox 6.0 and I still couldn't download an update file I added to my mod's page yesterday. I therefore removed the file, since other people told me that they couldn't download either. I am now going to try adding it anew.

 

By the way, I am one of those who like the new TesNexus. It does not look bad at all. And I am known to have very good taste. Good work! Keep at it!

 

EDIT: Unfortunately, trying to upload my file again does not make the download work today either. I get an entirely blank/white box instead of any download progress at all. Other users reported File Not Found yesterday.

Edited August 25, 2011 by Antiscamp

[Natterforme]

I love the new borders on the sides. With all of the Oblivion support on this site, its easy to forget that Morrowind came first and is an important part of what this site is all about. I also love the idea of "skin pools" that we will be able to personalize and contribute to. Will the skin border be antisipating change when Skyrim is launched? What are your plans to seperate the different mod files based on game? Will there be any new categories that you would like to add? Any that you would like to combine/remove?

 

Thank you Dark One and keep up the good work Robin^^!

[falloutperson416]

Ok, this was good news until the hole "I'm not going to edit the width" part came about. The width is a big problem, and it's very annoying. PLEASE consider editing it Dark0ne... I'm sure it would help a lot of people. I like what you've done on the sides though, with the Ranger and Vault Boy. A welcome improvement in my opinion. I also think kudos - giving should be easier, like it was. We were able to click the + and give somebody a kudos, that's not the case anymore. And last but certainly not least, maybe a slight edit to the downloads/endorsements position? The way it's set up is, to be honest, ugly and annoying. When they were all side by side it was so much easier.

 

Thanks!

 

- Falloutperson416