Biblesupport 2.0 - Your Feedback

Hello everyone,

I wanted to get your feedback on how the next version of this website might look.

Background

This website runs on software called IPBoard (or IPS), version 3.x. 

The 3.x version of the software is at the "end of life", meaning we either need to upgrade or we're left with unsupported software that's susceptible to hacks, attacks, and exploits.

The "upgrade" to 4.x won't be a normal upgrade. Because Invision (the makers of IPBoard) made terrible decisions with 4.x, the "upgrade" is more like a complete conversion to another product! Because of this, the look and feel of this website will have to be re-coded.

When I install 4.x, the default is:

• Front page will be gone--a blank page. What you see there will be re-coded. 
• Forums look like this.
• Downloads look like this.

Apple Modules

I'm going to build-in support for Apple modules, so that the file listing will say "PC, Apple" if both modules are available. And I'm thinking of having the PC and Apple versions available within the same download (similar to how we do it now). Your feedback is welcome here too.

Your Feedback

Since I'll have to re-make much of the site anyway...you can be honest! Now is the time to speak up if you have a design viewpoint. I have a few ideas, but I don't want to bias anyone's opinion with my own.

• What don't you like about this website?
•  
• Would you keep the front page basically the same? What would you change? Should the Downloads front page be the site front page?
•  
• What would you change about any part of this website?
•  
• How would you better present information?
•  
• What information would you present? (or not present?)

One of the biggest criticisms of this website has been it looks like a Library. And it's overwhelming. What can we do to change that?

Thanks,

Josh

 

One of the biggest criticisms of this website has been it looks like a Library. And it's overwhelming. What can we do to change that?

 

Thanks,

Josh

A library, Yea books converted to esword it is a library or a repository (WOW spelled that correct first time)  I like the way it looks now

as far has being overwhelmed that is going to happen anyway! with the amount of works available, Searches and tags helps with that maybe making at least one tag mandatory

when you first started this board it was not as it is now as needs and knowledge grew it evolved into what it is now

I think that basic structer if possible should stay the same and then add the bells and whistles

Just my oppion

I think what ever you decide in the end will be good your not going to please everyone

P.S.  WOW your going to have so much work ahead of you

Edited by DSaw, 09 November 2015 - 11:48 AM.

Oh and bring back the dislike but make it so you cant be anonymous and you have to give a reason for the dislike

so it will be constructive

if not just leave it out like you have it now

again only my oppion

P.S. and can it be changed to disagree rather than dislike

Edited by DSaw, 09 November 2015 - 12:40 PM.

For the moment have we no list which modules downloads that are Apple compatible.

I have tested if I can create an Apple tag in both of my uploads (the Mysword version is not compatible   sorry)

So I suggest that all uploads that has Apple version must have an Apple tag so that we know what is done.

Edited by Katoog, 09 November 2015 - 12:49 PM.

For the moment have we no list which modules downloads that are Apple compatible.

I have tested if I can create an Apple tag in both of my uploads (the Mysword version is not compatible   sorry)

So I suggest that all uploads that has Apple version must have an Apple tag so that we know what is done.

I suggested something like this:

 

Hello Brother Josh,

I think that you are a very talented and caring webmaster, so I trust your judgment and vision for the future. I just hope that the new software will allow you to do what you want to. I hope that the new software allows for better search capabilities. BibleSupport is a winner, and it has helped to prepare many to better serve our Lord and Saviour.

Have you considered moving away from Invision Power to a different service altogether?

There are many alternatives out there and perhaps one of them would a better fit for Biblesupport. I belong to several other online communities that have gone through software upgrades this year, some were for the better others were not. 

As for my personal choices for what I would like see on the new version bible support number one must be ease of use. I also agree that having downloadable files marked for Android, Windows and Apple download is essential.

A more simplified homepage with some of the categories on the homepage given their own individual pages should make things a lot less "overwhelming"

I also agree with another poster who recommends easier search capabilities

Hello Brother Josh,

 

I think that you are a very talented and caring webmaster, so I trust your judgment and vision for the future. I just hope that the new software will allow you to do what you want to. I hope that the new software allows for better search capabilities. BibleSupport is a winner, and it has helped to prepare many to better serve our Lord and Saviour.

I agree with your sentiments regarding Josh, in that he is "a very talented and caring webmaster." I reckon when it came down to having a website like this it genuinely takes a special kind of person who has the skills to run something as enormous as this. And from what I can see, I reckon Josh has done an incredibly fantastic job. So, with that, I really praise God for this crazy dude.

I also go along with Tj Higgins' suggestion, and would further extend it by suggesting that Josh actually designs and develops a website without having to resort to OP's (Other People's) templates. That way one is in a far better command and control of the site.

Blessings,

You have always done a great job, throw up something you like and then we can throw rocks at it :-)

Maybe break up the main page into something less overwhelming and put the extra in menus????  I've always kind of liked the front page, can take a quick snoop for what I want.

Just to add - thanks so much for all the work you do for us!

Edited by exscentric, 10 November 2015 - 12:04 PM.

There is often a great deal of time wasted trying to get some of the basic details to make an informed reply. So a form with various drop-down/radio button, choices similar to the one Rick uses plus any other information choices anyone else can think of, would be of great help. (If it is a problem with e-Sword, I suggest it is forwarded to Rick. Maybe it would encourage him to answer some of these in the open on this forum and prevent some of the speculation and dubious statements made.)
http://www.e-sword.net/feedback.html

Jon