Suggested new Forum Layout - What do you think of this layout?

[Jesse]

These forums need rearranging. We are trying to think what the best structure for the new forums is and this is our first take. Bold items will be Forum groups, and the sub-elements will be the forums within those groups.

--------------------------------------------------------------

ActionScript:
AS 1.0
AS 2.0

Server Integration:
Backend Scripting
Flash MX Remoting - An MX and MX 2004 edition may be required
Flash Communication Server MX - An MX and MX 2004 edition may be required

General:
General Help
Simple Stuff (Newbies)
Animation and Effects
Components

Other sites: [need a better name for this category]
Site Check
Cool Sites

Community:
General Chat
Just for Kicks Challenges

Other:
Flashants Support Forum

--------------------------------------------------------------

Or if you want to look at it another way, these are the changes that are being made to the current structure.
General Help -> Maintained
Flash MX -> Merged into ActionScript 1.0 Forum
Simple Stuff (Newbies) -> Maintained
Animation and Effects -> Maintained
ActionScripting -> Merged into ActionScript 1.0 Forum
Scripting and Backend -> Maintained (as Backend Scripting)
Flash MX Remoting -> Maintained
Flash Communication Server MX -> Maintained
Components -> Maintained
Flashants Support Forum -> Maintained
Site Check -> Maintained
Cool Sites -> Maintained
General Chat -> Maintained
Just for Kicks Challenges -> Maintained
Projects and Positions - Decommissioned: The Employment Section will take over this functionality.
Tutorial Requests -> Decommissioned
Flash Chat Project - Decommissioned
Translation Project - Decommissioned in favour of new CMS which will be introduced soon

I know lots of people have asked previously for other forums, like a JavaScript or HTML forum. This is your chance to have your opinions considerred. Please post your ideas and if you see an idea that someone else posted that you like, please support it openly so we can get an idea of what you people all want. That'll ultimately influence our decision significantly.

[pixelwit]

Looks good so far. Glad to see Animation and Effects is still in there. :)

I'd also like to see a forum dedicated to extending Flash. With such a powerful feature it's bound to be a topic of conversation and it doesn't really fit in with the others.

The "Other Sites" could be called "Flash on the Web" or "Flash in Action". This would allow for another potential subsection for rich internet applications. If nothing else, I'd like to get rid of the word "site" as it's sort of limiting. Sometimes you find a cool cartoon and want to post it or on the other hand maybe you develop a widget and want people to test it but it's not necessarily a "site".

Just some suggestions,

-PiXELWiT
http://www.pixelwit.com

[McGiver]

looks good.

how about an additional category: Decommissioned (closed forums, for posssible review (i.e. the Flash Chat Project might still be interesting))

General: I would call that something like "Flash help"

Other sites: how about "Flash web"

(i do not think people will see the word "site" as a limitation, so we can keep cool sites and site check)

[buggedcom]

I know this is primarily a flash forum, but i like the idea of having a general html and java forum.... maybe trying to extend and broaden the help given here?

also i know flash guru started the ExtendFlash thing, how about havin a forum for that? might be cool

[dr.swank]

how about an additional category: Decommissioned (closed forums, for posssible review (i.e. the Flash Chat Project might still be interesting))



I think this is a very good idea as well. Although these areas are no longer active it might still be of interest for reasearch.

I also agree with the idea of an HTML or possibly a Intergrating Flash into the Web section.

Otherwise the structure looks very good!!

doc

[Mortimer Jazz]

I like the idea of headings and subcategories. I think that's sweet.

I'd like to see clearer separation between FMX2 and MX/5 to curb crossposting and the like.

Where would the newbie post his pre-made Flash component question? It's not AS2 but it is FMX2 related. He/she could post it in the components forum but Flash MX2 components differ from Flash MX components in their architecture, so it doesn't seem clever to lump everything in to one place in these instances.

We can never stop these overlaps, but I do think we can curb them. This is why I think using "AS1" and "AS2" may not be the best idea. I'd like to see something more along the lines of:

FMX2
- AS2
- General
- Components
- JFML/Extended Flash

Flash MX and 5
- AS1
- General
- Components

Server Integration:
- Backend Scripting
- Flash MX Remoting - An MX and MX 2004 edition may be required
- Flash Communication Server MX

General
- General Help
- Simple Stuff (Newbies)
- Animation and Effects

Flash to Check Out
- Site Check
- Cool Sites

Community
- General Chat
- Just for Kicks Challenges

Other
- Flashants Support Forum

It's not perfect, but it's my 10 cents (do I get change?)
Any structure that can be easily extended in the future without too much re-shuffle is a good thing.

Oh, and you know that I absolutely hate to add any weight to Pixelwit's arguments, but you can see from the above that I think he's right and that JFML/Extended Flash should certainly be included.

:]

[Jesse]

Mort - You've done a lot more on MX2 than me. I understand there is a difference in the Component infrastructure between MX1 and MX 2, but is it sufficient to warrant two separate components sections, i.e. Are they VERY different?

[Colin Campbell]

Hey Jesse, think subforums ;) Just have a components forum, and have 2 subforums within the components forum for MX2 and MX and below. if you can do that, otherwise, that looks good.

Lets see here, I'll just make some suggestions. I like the name "Flash in Action" its got some jump to it... maybe a new skin *hint hint nudge nudge* (for those of you who remember that fateful thread) j/k

I'd like to see AS.org keeps its general attraction as much as possible over these changes. From my very short stent on this planet, I've learned people don't exactly like change all that much, and AS.org has SO much going for it as is. Just try to heep the general "karma" oh yeah, and you 2 keep up the great work. This site has really really good admins. :)

Colin

[Mortimer Jazz]

Originally posted by Jesse
is it sufficient to warrant two separate components sections, i.e. Are they VERY different?
From what I've read at Macromedia I believe they are, but I don't profess to know any more than you on that particular topic at the moment as far as component creation goes.

Prebuilt components however are much more integral to ever-day MX2 usage due to the advent of data-binding.

Perhaps a better idea is to specify the components section to be specific to component creation, and have all other questions posted in the relevant MX and MX2 forums.

[dr.swank]

is it sufficient to warrant two separate components sections, i.e. Are they VERY different


the main difference, and a big one at that, between MX and MX2 components is that the class code MUST be stored in an external file. Other differences are that the components can be "packaged" into a non openable object. I do think the difference is strong enough to warrant a seperation of sub sections. On a whole though the idea of just 1 "component" forum is good.. (IMHO) :)

[vosgien]

Hi,
Can't really add anything constructive( see 4:)as most of the good ideas have been taken (lol), so will agree and support as the original post requests.

1: Agree with PW re extending Flash and I think 'site' could be limiting, especially for newbies who don't know how things work around here or how free thinking we all are !

2:I'd like to see clearer separation between FMX2 and MX/5 to curb crossposting and the like.
agree with Mort 100% also the same on the component issuue

3: Agree with Dr.Swank on decomissioned forums - will be needed/handy for research

3: Finally, my own original suggestion, how about a section for Books ( Flash books only), there are a lot of Q's about which books are best, the links to Amazon are good and probably earn AS a little bit of dosh, however I thought it might be cool for members to be able to purchase second hand books from this site.
If a specfifc forum was created, books could be offered and purchased with a few rules such as:
seller offering a couple of lines about the book
seller indicates if he is not happy to ship the book
outside of his/her own country
who pays for p&p
etc, etc........

Thing is to keep it simple and accessible - anyone else agree ?

5: the only thing I want to add is a big THANK YOU to Jesse and Strok for making this site what it is, and also a big THANK YOU to all moderators who give there time and energie and to all who have given me considerable help in the past

Definitely the best site on the web and a real definition of Flash In Action

Cheers
Vosgien

[tg]

i like your overall layout jesse. mort... i think having 2 general etc, will cause confusion/crossposting by many.

i do agree, you may want to have mx components/mx2004 components sections seperated.

i do think a jsfl (is that right?) section - for extending flash, would be a great idea... it may be one of the handiest sections for the flash authoring environment yet.

and last but not least, in your general section maybe add an html/javascript forum.

thats it for me, looks good, can't wait to see the new layout. i'm sure it will be find no matter how you set it up.

and just want to offer my thanks along with vosgiens to jesse/strok(as well as to all the regulars here).

[pixelwit]

Maybe a section called "Flash Accesories" or "Flash Helpers".

It could include:

HTML/JavaScript
PHP/MySQL
MX Remoting
Communication Server MX
Rich Internet Applications
FlashAnts

Just a thought.

-PiXELWiT
http://www.pixelwit.com

[alexandre_lab]

I wonder if we shouldn't be have a less techie-oriented classification, much like in the tutorials, so , keeping main categories as: newbie - advanced and subdivide them then as different flash versions.
Obviously, a newbie will not tackle with backend, so this goes into advanced, etc....

Hence, here is my 2-eurocent proposal *L* :

BEGINNERS
- Animation and Effects
- FLASH 5/MX
- AS1
- MX2
- AS2

[B]ADVANCED LEVEL[/ B]
- FLASH 5/MX
- AS1
- Components
- MX2
- AS2
- Components
- JFML/Extended Flash

- Server Integration:
- Backend Scripting
- Flash MX Remoting
- Flash Communication Server MX

- Flash to Check Out
- Site Check
- Cool Sites

Community
- General Chat
- Just for Kicks Challenges

Other
- Flashants Support Forum

Hope this helps ;)

[Jesse]

Well the new layout is active. I figure if people aren't happy with it we have about 3 or 4 days to change it before stuff gets all stuffed up. Speak now or hold your tongue! :)

[slayerment]

Wow, this new layout is awesome. Everything looks so organized and great. Love it :). Cheers

[McGiver]

not happy with it???
I would say very happy with it! :)

[farafiro]

wot
what
huh
just one week off and I find a new design
wow

now this is really looks good
Thanks Jesse and Strok

[McGiver]

well, I think the main overview list is a little bit long now, how about making it a little bit shorter :)
by shrinking the theme titles

[vosgien]

Hi,
Yep, excellent, easy to follow, easy to read and everything you said it would be - well done and thanks to Jesse & Strok.
No takers on my book forum suggestion I see - well it was just an idea !

faffy

just one week off and I find a new design

Didn't think I had seen you around this last week ( or so.......)

Hope you had a good break

Cheers

Vosgien

[CyanBlue]

just one week off and I find a new designI was off for two months and I got my post chewed off and got kicked out becouse of this site redesign... :D

I personally don't like the word 'Flash MX And Lower'... I feel like I am old and cheap shoes which has been thrown away because the new one just came out... :mad:

Just out of curiosity... Why is there lots of FMX related threads in ActionScript.org -- FORUMS > Flash MX And Lower > ActionScript 1.0 > Flash 5 and Lower forum???

Hey, Jesse or Strok... Take a look at these links...
The cell that is right before the one that says 'Forum' is not lined up with the following row...
The cell that contains on.gif or off.gif has no background color...
http://www.actionscript.org/forums/forumdisplay.php3?s=&forumid=34
http://www.actionscript.org/forums/forumdisplay.php3?s=&forumid=38
http://www.actionscript.org/forums/forumdisplay.php3?s=&forumid=39
http://www.actionscript.org/forums/forumdisplay.php3?s=&forumid=51
http://www.actionscript.org/forums/forumdisplay.php3?s=&forumid=44
http://www.actionscript.org/forums/forumdisplay.php3?s=&forumid=48
http://www.actionscript.org/forums/forumdisplay.php3?s=&forumid=41
http://www.actionscript.org/forums/forumdisplay.php3?s=&forumid=55

[CyanBlue]

Can we have these two forums showing on the main index page???
'Flash MX' and 'Flash 5 and Lower'

I find it somewhat cumbersome to click ActionScript 1.0' and either of the forum...

Just my 2 cents... ;)

[McGiver]

Yeah, I agree with CB
(I also don't think we need a flash 5 and lower forum. we could put them together)

[CyanBlue]

If I click on 'Mark this Forum Read' from the 'Flash MX' forum, I see that there is no 'on.gif' displaying in this page...
ActionScript.org -- FORUMS > Flash MX And Lower > ActionScript 1.0
But when I am in 'ActionScript.org -- FORUMS > Flash MX And Lower' and main index, I do see the 'on.gif' even though there is no actual new post on the sub forum area...

Don't know what's wrong, but it didn't happen when we didn't have the sub forum... Do we really need the sub forum??? Can we just have Flash MX and Flash 5 forum within the Flash MX and Lower category??? :confused:

[McGiver]

that's what I was trying to say. ;)
well, I guess we should give Jesse and Strok some free time first. ;)

[Jesse]

OK, I've made the FMX and F5 AS forums direct children of the main group.

CB - There are Flash MX questions on the Flash 5 forum because that's the forum previously called 'ActionScript'. Despite having a special 'Flash MX' forum, people continued to post on the ActionScript forum.

I was thinking of asking moderators to get into the habit of moving post in the wrong forum to the right forums and advising the posters of proper posting proceedure.

We actually need some more moderators; anyone interested, please speak up. Specify which board you'd like to help out on too please.

[annexion]

I love this new layout. I think it will help prevent crossposting and misplaced posts. Excellent change.

As far as moderating... I'm nowhere near adept enough to moderate any of the AS forums but I'm getting pretty heavily into Flash Com...

Anyhow, all things aside I'm elated with the new changes.

[Jesse]

Granted, Mr Moderator :)

[CyanBlue]

Oh, yeah... One less click makes big difference to the 56kers... :DI was thinking of asking moderators to get into the habit of moving post in the wrong forum to the right forums and advising the posters of proper posting proceedure.Please do... One of the most annoying thing rather than the crossposting is the thing like that... :(
Hey, Jesse... If infrequent moderation is okay with you, I can give you hands on moving those misplaced threads...
Let me know... ;)

[JGizmo]

Oh, yeah... One less click makes big difference to the 56kers :D :D

Love the new layout, only 1 minus tiny little suggestion, our lunch hour playground "Cool sites" I just notice it is also for "Flash sites you’ve found that you like, dislike etc" as the discription suggest. So users may not notice this coz the session title?

This forum is getting better and better! No doubt it is the best flash developer/designer resources on the net. Good job guys! Keep up the good work!

John

[Jesse]

CB - You're now moderator along with Faffy and some others on the two main categories. Please be sure to only move FMX2 stuff to the FMX2 boards, and to let users know when you move their posts around so they understand and remember to post in the right place next time.
Also, I tend to just do a Move; I don't copy or leave a reference thread. Those things are annoying IMHO.

Happy moderation :)

[Jesse]

JGizmon - Sorry, I don't get what you're saying. Maybe it's my early morning mind :) ...

[JGizmo]

Thx for reply Jesse, good morning to you. (and is not JGizmon :( ) :D

What I meant was it is called "cool site", so it should be only for cool site and not uncool site is it? Truely it is a site check area where people can have a say whether it is cool site or not. But "site check" has already been used for other meaning as regular users would know what it is. If the heading is "Post your own site here" it would make much clear for people like me with bad english. OK I should shut up now coz I dont even know what I am talking about. :D

John

[JGizmo]

And congrat to our new moderation CB :)

[CyanBlue]

Please be sure to only move FMX2 stuff to the FMX2 boards, and to let users know when you move their posts around so they understand and remember to post in the right place next time.
Also, I tend to just do a Move; I don't copy or leave a reference thread. Those things are annoying IMHO.Meaning that I'd just move the thread without leaving the 'Moved:' thing right there and maybe add my 'EDIT' note at the bottom to remind the person to post into the right forum, right??? Correct me if I am wrong... ;)

JGizmo... Congrats to my birthday... Great birthday present, isn't it??? Thankie... :)

[farafiro]

Originally posted by CyanBlue
Meaning that I'd just move the thread without leaving the 'Moved:' thing right there and maybe add my 'EDIT' note at the bottom to remind the person to post into the right forum, right??? Correct me if I am wrong... ;) u r always right Mr.Moderator ;)

[McGiver]

congratulatins to our new mod

[tg]

looks great jesse great work

[dzy2566]

Yeah, I like the new layout. It's going to take some getting used to, but I think it was a move in the right direction. Also, glad to hear that AS.org is supporting itself so well. We appreciate all your work, Jesse and crew.

[binkyboo]

love the new layout (as I anticipated I would)! keep up the great work Jesse!!!

[Mortimer Jazz]

Looks good.
Nice to see the new mods :)

[annexion]

Not as nice as it is to see the mods that are over the hill can still cut it.:p

[jaredly]

I was thinking it would be cool if you could mark a post as closed when your problem is solved. That way if I am looking to help people out I could browse the open post, and if I needed answers I could browse the closed "solved" post.

[farafiro]

Hi jaredly
I think this was discussed b4, and there were some good answers for WHY NOT doing this (as I remember):
>> Most of the people don't say when the problem they have post is solved
>> Maybe some time later, another solution comes up and it's better than the old
>> Maybe I have a similar problem and the old thread is a part from it, so I'd continue from the point it reached


MAYBE

[jaredly]

That is verry true. It is hard to tell when you have the currect answer and the post is solved.

[tg]

hey jesse, have you thought about adding a 'central' forum?

i think central is gonna be big. we can build the apps in either mx or mx2004, and the beta sdk as just been released, so folks are gonna start building stuff...

sdk (http://www.macromedia.com/devnet/central/sdk/)
mailing list (http://www.markme.com/mailman/listinfo/central-dev)
quickstart toot (http://www.markme.com/mesh/archives/003546.cfm)
devnet site (http://www.macromedia.com/devnet/central/)

[CyanBlue]

Yeah... I don't doubt that the Central will be getting big and fat...
But I hate to learn another thing... I'm too lazy... :(

Oh, well... We gotta do what we gotta do...
One more vote to the Central forum... ;)

[tg]

nothing new to learn cb, central apps are created with flash mx or mx2004.

[CyanBlue]

That still sounds owefully hard to me...

New word always scares me... :D