I know why they don't search!

[spystyle]

Howdy,

How many times have I seen "Geez Louise, use the search button! There are 42 threads about this already"

I think it's because the 'search' button is hard to find!

It's very small, and up near the top, near the advertisements.

I propose we make the 'search' button bigger than the 'new topic'  button.

Not to mention, the FAQ in the MAIN forum should be highlighted, or atleast the very first thread. I see all kinds of posts that are answered in the FAQ.

What'da'ya fellas think?
Craig

[missioncontrol]

I got a better idea.............

When a user clicks on the "New Topic " button they get a pop up (kinda like a windows error pop up) that says:

Are you sure you do not want to use the search first

[spystyle]

I'd like to see both

That's a good idea!

Or maybe it would say:

"Have you searched and read the FAQ yet? That question may have already been answered"

and then have a link to both the search and FAQ

I honestly feel this would be a service to the readers as they *might* feel like an --I'm attempting to get by the auto-censor and should be beaten after I re-read the rules-- asking questions that are already answered. Or they *might* get flamed.

It happens, and this board dosen't allow users to delete threads they started.

Craig

[quarterback]

I think it's because the 'search' button is hard to find!

It's very small, and up near the top, near the advertisements.

I've always thought that having four distinct rows of 'buttons' (i.e. links) is unintuitive.  Particularly the top 3.

At the top are the buttons that say: home, help, search, profile, calendar, logout
Then there's the block of text with the forums
Then theres a row lof links for: Rules, Old Boards etc
Then there are the buttons to: mark as read, new topic etc

But, whatever.  There are some forums where I can NEVER find the 'reply' or 'new topic' buttons/links, so clearly there's no perfect solution.  But I think moving the "search' from the very top (where it sits with a bunch of buttons I NEVER click) down to the bottom (and most obvious) row of "mark as read", "new topic", etc might help.

But who knows.  If people want to search, they'll figure out where the search button is.

[quarterback]

But I think moving the "search' from the very top (where it sits with a bunch of buttons I NEVER click) down to the bottom (and most obvious) row of "mark as read", "new topic", etc might help.

Just for grins I clicked the "calendar" button (which is apparantly equal in importance to the "search" button) and found out that there are a gazillion BYOAC members whose birthdays are all on July 14th... Hmmmm

[spystyle]

I think it's current location is comparable to camouflage stop signs, imagine all the car accidents...

[sirwoogie]

You may also want to use the SMF standard theme. This places the search engine box right at the top above all buttons. I use this theme and like it for the features. I agree that the classic template isn't exactly the best UI experience. We left it this way for history more than anything. Whenever we EVENTUALLY get to remaking the site, the forums will follow suite and have a better UI structure.

[DrewKaree]

Put the "New Topic" button directly in between TWO search buttons.

======  =========   ======
| Search |  | New Topic |  | Search |
======   =========   ======

[Samstag]

I think the new topic button should actually link to the FAQ for the current forum.  Then put the actual new topic button in the middle of the FAQ, where they won't easily see it unless they read it.