Down with the frames... or something else

jabroni76 · Post by **jabroni76** » Mon May 12, 2003 3:34 pm

Hullo, I just saw the new frame added to the message boards, I have a couple of suggestions about it:

1) please give us the option of like closing the window permenatly... or just take it away...

2)If the above cannot be done, please make the link open in a new window if we accedentally click on a link!

thanks for reading!

Post by **Luke** » Mon May 12, 2003 4:04 pm

For better or worse, the frames are here to stay for the time being.

The simple reason is the site's costs have been rising to cover the bandwidth from the forum traffic...and there doesn't seem to be a way to link to the main site from the forum. And when the site's traffic is down, on account of the forum traffic being up, then I get higher bandwidth and no way to cover those costs. Yesterday, not a single Amazon order was placed for the first time in two months.

Plus, then there are people just coming to the forum and not checking out the main site. That sucks because all the time and effort that goes into the site goes unnoticed. It's bad enough that traffic is as disappointingly low as it is.

I'm all ears for suggestions at how to better implement the frame or how to increase traffic, though. Or if anyone has extensive knowledge about phpBB, how to provide a high-profile link to the site from the forum.

Obviously, I don't expect to live off this site. I run it because it's interesting and a useful resource. But there's gotta be some kind of return on it, with all the time and effort that goes into it. I presume that pushing site content is more favorable than pushing commercialism (banners, pop-ups), right?

As for the opening the links in a new window...is it something you see as a BIG enough problem considering the alternative (people ignore new windows, assume they're ads, etc.)? Again, I'm interested to hear thoughts.

2099net · Post by **2099net** » Tue May 13, 2003 3:34 am

The frameset doesn't bother me. I tend to resize it anyhow, which may be defeating the object in the first place, based on your above comments.

Maybe you should consider adding a "NORESIZE"?

Also Luke, if Amazon commision is your means of generating income, why not add a new section "recommended movies" which could be links to non-disney movies on Amazon (for example the new "Iron Giant Special Edition")

I'm sure nobody would mind, and all 100% "Disney-only" fans could simply ignore the link/section.

Post by **Luke** » Tue May 13, 2003 6:36 am

It's a good idea, James, and one I'll consider!

Just to clarify, too, the frameset isn't really specifically to generate Amazon income (though that's part of it), it's more that I have all this content that I think is pretty decent, and yet people have a hard time finding it through search engines and other things. It kills me for them to find the site, find the forum, and see no way of accessing all the worthwhile content on the site.

It's just sort of silly to have to compete with myself to get people to find my site, because phpBB's design doesn't offer any clear way to integrate the site.

I think I'll leave the resize option there, because even though it defeats the point, it at least gives you the option to do so if it really bothers you.

I'm wondering if a thin top frame with the links might be better than the side?

Loomis · Post by **Loomis** » Wed May 14, 2003 1:21 am

I posted as much over in the Off Topic thread about online shopping, but I really like the new sidebar!
I find it much easier to go back and double check stuff and link to other things from the forum. Actually, I was going to say at one point the only thing I could suggest would be links back to the main page, but there you have it!
Now, IMO, the site in damn near perfect

Ok, I'm sucking up now. What do I win?

Oh, and think the recommended films is a great idea. I was going tohead down to the video store this weekend to get a bunch fo animated films of recent years I've missed out on because I've been a Disney-only snob.
Try not to cram too much in though. I think what you have here is a really good site that has all the right info in relation to Disney & DVD.

Eeyore · Post by **Eeyore** » Thu May 22, 2003 10:29 pm

Is there any reason why the FAQ link on the sidebar links to the coverart page?

Post by **Luke** » Fri May 23, 2003 6:47 am

Hey Eeyore,
That's an INfrequently asked question. In fact, you're the first to notice it.

It's been fixed, thanks!

Post by **Luke** » Sat May 31, 2003 11:51 am

Alright gang, I switched to a frame on top. I hope this is less obtrusive. As always, you can resize it to a more comfortable level. I hope this is better for those of you who didn't like the frame.

It still keeps the rest of the site connected, but it takes less time to load, and less space.

jabroni76 · Post by **jabroni76** » Sat May 31, 2003 12:01 pm

luke.. you are a funny person. right when I start to adjust to the new frame, you go and do this. I guess I'll live with it, or I could just go to the forums with no frames.

http://www.ultimatedisney.com/forum/index.php

Post by **Luke** » Sat May 31, 2003 1:30 pm

So you prefer the side frame? I figured this would certainly be less obtrusive?

jabroni76 · Post by **jabroni76** » Sat May 31, 2003 1:38 pm

well, luke, I'l adjust to this sooner or llater. I just either have a vote or choose yourself. Most people will adjust soon, so I guess it will end up being fine!

poco · Post by **poco** » Sat May 31, 2003 4:18 pm

I don't even have a sidebar on mine. I saved the page before the sidebar was up, so every time i come to the site, I don't get the sidebar. However, if i go to the main page and then click discussion forum, I get the sidebar.

Loomis · Post by **Loomis** » Sat May 31, 2003 4:24 pm

The top bar looks fine to me. It is unobstrusive.
Mind you, I didn't really have a problem with the sidebar either.
I just like having the links back to the main page there for the clicking. Makes navigation easier.
Either way, looks good.

Post by **Luke** » Sat May 31, 2003 7:05 pm

poco wrote:I don't even have a sidebar on mine. I saved the page before the sidebar was up, so every time i come to the site, I don't get the sidebar. However, if i go to the main page and then click discussion forum, I get the sidebar.

No wonder you missed the Santa Clause 2 announcement and specs.

poco · Post by **poco** » Sat May 31, 2003 8:53 pm

Luke,

I don't even what to know what i missed!!!

[/quote]

Cinderelly · Post by **Cinderelly** » Sat May 31, 2003 10:03 pm

I like the top bar better.

Trevor · Post by **Trevor** » Sun Jun 01, 2003 12:33 am

I had to see what everyone was talking about....I had saved just the forum link...

and I am glad I did.

I do not like the top frame one bit! I would have stopped coming to the site! I dont mean to be negative, but I just do not like it. I like to be able to come and get through the messages quickly and that takes too much room and with as slow as the site is right now on Dialup, it slows it down more.

I am going to keep my old link for now....

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Down with the frames... or something else

Down with the frames... or something else