View Full Version : Impressions
Phil Walker
6 Jun 2007, 09:13
For one in my condition, there are some things I miss that are available on other vBulletin forums I use. So, allow me to address them now.
First, this editor we are using. When one has visual impairments such as I do, it would be nice to be able to edit fonts, sizes, and colors, without having to type them in, and even then they are not always available, like in PMs, chich I do need. Otherwise, I might have to trun off all PMs. None of the features even worked this time BTS, as I did type them in manually, which is a pain with my vision as it is.
There is also no "Quick Links" feature, that I use all the time. I use it to view my profile, mark all threads as read, and view who's online, among other things at times. So, this would also be nice to have and see.
Then there are user avatars. I've seen at least one with one, but do not see that I could add one or had any to chose from. A nice feature especially since Medieval is my favorite game setting, so I'd like to have a avattar beside my name as well.
Granted this is a new forum, so I hope these things will be added in due time, but that they also happen soon as I can't truly use of enjoy the forums due to the editor especially as it is now.
Sincerely,
Phil
:cool:
papabear
10 Jun 2007, 12:48
The only thing I want is the ability to use avatars.
Denisold
10 Jun 2007, 19:08
Hey Phil - I'm with you on the fonts - as is they are too small (especially with the white on black). Will the Administrator please increase the default fonts?
Phil Walker
11 Jun 2007, 06:33
I agree, but not for the same reasons of course. That is also why it would be nice to be able to choose colors. I, for one, prefer the black skin, but if one wants to alter colors to highligh words, it cannot be done as it is right now.
Seems some (moderators or BSS personel) can though, but it would be nice if made available to those of us who truly need it. Being visually impaired (legally blind) is bad enough, but when we cannot adjust for even our own beneift, it makes being here not so adventageous. I won't be posting in any other threads until what is needed to be done is done under the circumstance. Only reason for posint now is so others will notice and hopefully get it done.
Sincerely,
Phil
:(
I support Phil. Not that I would need bigger fonts, but I don't thnk there is anything speaking against this. And if you look at the SF-forum Phil is always a big help to the users if they have technical Problems no matter if KoH, Anno or whatever. Therefore it would be great if he could participate here in an active way (Would mean less work for you, Frujin, concerning technical probs;) )
Hope there'll be any response to the posted stuff soon ;)
Missing avatars, too!
Phil Walker
11 Jun 2007, 17:57
Kuno, ;) :cool:
Thanks for the kind reply. Indeed, it appears you've seen my "work", and if your post has any influence on getting it done, I owe you for it. And yes, I am not only helpful, but enjoy doing it (if my temper can be maintained) :eek:). Part of why I joined really, so it be known and why I have not yet become overly involved.
Arjuna, :D
While the avatars are the least of my concerns, I too would love to see them as well, especially since Medieval is my "fancy". My hopes are the same as yours that not only are these answered but implemented (and the sooner the better for all concerned). I'm sure they will come in time, but it cannot be quick enough for me as I can't really enjoy even reading right now as to even edit my posts for spelling is bad enough. :bash:
Sincerely,
Phil
:go:
i'm with you guys.
I'm wondering if there is any good reason why to disable forum users to use larger font.
If it helps people like Phil to have comfort here...
I don't see any single negative while many positives of text formating...
or you don't, Frujin?
Yes, the lack of text options, avatars, PMs etc. creates a feeling as if the forum isn't finished yet and is rather "Under Construction". Still, it's quite better than "Forums are offline", of course, but now that it's here, it would be good to be also fully operational, so that we can indeed settle here better and create ourselves a new home...
I think that Avatars are just a high-standard function, but fonts' size?
I just don't understand why it is "not good idea" to enable text formating...
Nomen Nescio
13 Jun 2007, 09:18
Please keep text formating to minimum, just probably add on type of headers, that green ones. And don't no images in signatures and very very small avatars, better without them.
Honestly people, don't you get tired of all this "personality" thing then you can't read a paragraph of text without ten animated images all around it?
I agree, but I think that enabling people to have diferent font sizes is something very diferent from ading pictures, don't you think?
I don't think avatars are a need (especially now) as well as images in signatures (which I don't like, to be honest)
I don't think avatars are a need (especially now) as well as images in signatures (which I don't like, to be honest)I agree with you. The forum is fine imageless and avatarless too.
Phil Walker
13 Jun 2007, 21:21
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I do NOT remember or recall saying anything about images in my openins post (or any time after). As one can see I don't use signatures at all and those to me are much more of a waste of time and a strain on my eye than any avatar (save those of the "gawdy" variety). I gave this thread the title I did for a reason. They ARE MY impressions and I did not start this thread to start arguments.
Until any of you are in my condition you would not know what I go through just to post let alone read what others say to begin with. That was my first and most important notation and why I truly started this thread. I just hit on all the things I'd like to have as well and I'd just as soon the signatures be disabled myself, but I'm not asking for it. So, before any "trounce" on my opinions and suggestions consider who is posting them and why.
There's another feature I wish was enabled in the tech forums as well (uploading files as it's easier than copying them into a thread as I can't read them), but not sure that will be done save for those with Admin access. Relax! Frankly, until the text formatting is to where I can set fonts, sizes, AND colors (so I can read and highlight what I post), I won't be and have not been active like I'd desire, nor will I until I can truly enjoy the forums, and this is just me (and why I made this thread).
Sincerely,
Phil
:rolleyes:
Phil, we (or at least I) are 100% with you. I just oppose those who say that formating should be totally disabled because of pictures, because I know that text size is really important especially if a really honoured member like you needs it.
So 100% FOR text formating and I don't care about the avatars, they are just higher standard that is not necessary, but text formating IS good
Phil, the thread might have been started as "YOUR IMPRESSIONS", but does that mean that we can't post our own? Or this thread should be only about you and all other's posts should be deleted? I believe that it's clear that when somebody posts something, it's his own opinion (unless expressed otherwise) and that doesn't mean replacing the original other's opinions. So, although the thread might be about "YOUR IMPRESSIONS", that shouldn't mean we can't add our two cents as well. And mine are the same as Elvain's, although I wouldn't really mind if avatars are included either (but only specific ones, like in the SF boards, so that I won't have to watch whirly, exploding, bright-colour animations; and no pictures in the signatures either - the same as above, for the avatars).
Phil Walker
14 Jun 2007, 14:19
Don't get me wrong guys. I don't mind adding to by any means as long as the origianl conatext remains in tact (a "pet peeve" of mine), which seems to be the case here. We just don't need to argue about it (what each desires) if any are added is my point. Bright I don't mind, but "whirly" I agree with, so in those contexts I agree, but text formatting being the most important thing, so I can use and enjoy the forums more easily. Also noted by Dobber in this forum.
Yet, it has not been done, so the more that join this thread the better as (eventualy), I hope Frujin (or whomever else has the ability) will allow what I'm asking for so I can participate more and then make my presence known in the tech areas as well. The main thing is to do our best to keep it civil as one or two who have posted in this thread gave the opposite appearance, but I could just be me.
Sincerely,
Phil
:cheers:
Pericle
30 Jun 2007, 15:55
I agree with you. The forum is fine imageless and avatarless too.
I agree, just that with avatars it is easier to recognize other people.
So my point is to allow avatars. :)
BTW I love the colors used in this forum and the website. Just perfect! :go:
I dont mind game related avatars.
Phil Walker
1 Jul 2007, 09:38
For the most part we all seem to be in agreement. My deal with the avatars is to give our own impressions of ourselves and being KoH is Medieval I desire similar avatars, much like Sunflowers had, save not so much the noble faces, but the others.
Colors I agree are also fine, but I also like to highlight words when trying to emphasize. Many think I'm yelling if I use all caps, so colors is the next best way (so at least I can tell for myself). So, that I desire and I also prefer a certain font, but that is not as important truly.
My main thing of hope and desire (and why I have not posted anywhere else yet), is to be able to enlarge the fonts. I use sizes between 15 and 18 throught my PC so I can use it with ease, but I know single digit numbers can also be used. So, it's just I need to find my size and stick with it, but cannot as of yet, and this is my greatest concern. So, above all this is what I hope is done if nothing else. So, I'm waiting for some kind of feedback at least to determine if I'll even stay around, but nothing yet. :(
Sincerely,
Phil
:cool:
Many think I'm yelling if I use all caps, so colors is the next best way (so at least I can tell for myself). So, that I desire and I also prefer a certain font, but that is not as important truly.
You can use Bold or Italic or Underline to highlight word or two. Also, you can zoom-in the page in almost any modern browser.
Phil Walker
1 Jul 2007, 16:55
I've been through this all extensively and tried all of this, but does not work with IE6 as I already have everything set by default to largest text size. Using any other means compromises my mail fonts which is much more important than any forum is, so if it will not be done, I won't be staying, simple as that. :sad:
Italics and underling cannot be "seen" when copied into Notepad so it can be read, which is exactly what I have to do for others, but on all other forums I don't have to do this for myself at least. If only admins are granted this (as I have seen both colors and sizes), and I am not with my visual impairments, this will be my last post. Of all the other vBulletin forums I use this is the only one to place these kind of restrictions and if we handicapped people are not compensated for, I'm "outta here". :cry:
Sincerely,
Phil
:mad:
Frujin, may I ask you WHY is it so hard for you to make it possible to use larger font on this forum?
Does it have any reason except that you just don't want to? I haven't seen any good reason why this option should be switched off. On no forum I have ever visited did the people misuse this option, from what you said I except it to be question of no more than 5 minutes to switch it on, so what it is to make you be so strict against Phil?
Is it so big pain for you to do a favour for someone who helped a lot to people who played your game?
I've been through this all extensively and tried all of this, but does not work with IE6 as I already have everything set by default to largest text size. Using any other means compromises my mail fonts which is much more important than any forum is, so if it will not be done, I won't be staying, simple as that. :sad:
Italics and underling cannot be "seen" when copied into Notepad so it can be read, which is exactly what I have to do for others, but on all other forums I don't have to do this for myself at least. If only admins are granted this (as I have seen both colors and sizes), and I am not with my visual impairments, this will be my last post. Of all the other vBulletin forums I use this is the only one to place these kind of restrictions and if we handicapped people are not compensated for, I'm "outta here". :cry:
Sincerely,
Phil
:mad:
Well, first of all you should try using Opera (http://www.opera.com/), all you need to do to have larger fonts is to press the "+" button. When you are done just press "-".
Secondly, this forum has its own agenda and goal and there is no point to change something so you can copy it easily since this is not the purpose of this forum. Maybe the admins will change this later.
IMO all this forum needs is some avatars and that's it. It is a little hard to see who is who right now, but I hope in the near future avatars will be allowed. All in all this forum is awesome, the color mix is just perfect, this was one of the reasons why I registered.
Who made this forum? :D He has taste! ;)
Phil Walker
5 Jul 2007, 02:19
Look dude, you missed what I've said. I HAVE tried ALL other browsers and they are NOT user-friendly to one in my condition. All other browser (including IE) use the plu and minus as well as the control + wheel, but when set to largest to being with, it is of no help. I also need the sound effects as well to aid in my navigation. Are YOU legally blind? LAY OFF!
This sure ain't the only forum with this layout as I'm on others that use the exact same format and color scheme as well and I know what can be done. Until then I will not post in any other thread.
BTW; I am not yelling either in the above. I'm emphasizing key words to where I can see and tell they are emphasized.
Sincerely,
Phil
:mad:
Look dude, you missed what I've said. I HAVE tried ALL other browsers and they are NOT user-friendly to one in my condition. All other browser (including IE) use the plu and minus as well as the control + wheel, but when set to largest to being with, it is of no help. I also need the sound effects as well to aid in my navigation. Are YOU legally blind? LAY OFF!
Sincerely,
Phil
:mad:
Can you explain user-friendly and what is your "condition"? Sound effects? Why do you need them?
Mate, I have nothing against you, just want to know you better so I can understand why you ask for such changes.
Cheers ;)
Mephistopheles
5 Jul 2007, 18:39
Phil, please don't consider our questions rude. As far as I can see that's not the spirit they are asked in. We're all trying to help and thus want to understand the problem so we can come up with the right solution. Using the zoom function of modern browsers sounds like an obvious solution, so everyone keeps suggesting it and considers the case closed.
I am aware that it might be tiring for you to always be forced to elaborate on your condition wherever you want to post, but please also understand that from our point of view your demand looks somewhat stubborn, even if it actually isn't. We just wonder why you say that choosing color, font and fontsize yourself solves your reading problems, but using the browser functions to make the text appear in the same size, the same color and the same font doesn't.
However, I value your opinion and trust your ability to judge other solutions to your visual impairment, so I'd suggest to allow color-coding and font-selection.
Phil Walker
5 Jul 2007, 20:16
I will now (and hopefully for the last time here) state the problem and what I have done and tried so hopefully it won'[t come up again.
I am legally (not totally) blind due to diabetic retinopoth. My distance vision is good as nothing. My reading vision is roughly 20/200 to 20/250 depending on the day (as my vision fluctuates due to having had 7 suregeries to keep the one eye that works (lost the other as the retina detached as the blood was "caked" on so thick it was shredded to try to remove it)). I can naviage the house or go out for walks, but not with ease, so the net is the one thing I am able to do. I'm on disability and not allowed to earn a income. My past experiences God has given me have made it where I have the ability to help with troubleshooting of PCs (and why I'm here asdie from KoH itself that I own and play).
Now, enough abotu me and I ask that if it comes up again, that somebody will link this post so I don't need to say it ever again.
As to what I've done and tried, more than most realize. I've tried almost every browser there is. As to sound effects, I have various custom sounds on my PC configured (from the old Win94 system copied onto my machine) and set each sound so I know anything that happens while I'm on or at my PC. This includes every click I make while using my browser. Yet some browsers (Firefox being one) do not support these sounds and I need them in case my eye goes "haywire", which can happen at any given instant. I use large and bold fonts in every possible place on my system as well, via my system properties. To give an idea, the text under each of my icons is set to size 11, Microsoft Sans Serif (the easiest font for me to distinguish) and bold. Yet, I can barely read the words on the icons. The icons themselves are set to size 44. All the other text sizes range from size 14 to 18, again Microsoft Sans Serif and Bold. I also use a color scheme as well. I can't use the WinXP style, but have to use Windows Classic. I cannot use white as a background color as it blinds me (and thank God vBulletin boards do't use it), but I use Yellow instead. My text is then black. When a site uses a dark background I need a color that has a stakr contrast (and this is not quite good enough here but close). By the way, I have typed this in Notepad and copied it into the text field as Notepad I have the default size set to 18. These are the steps I must take just to post (and read as well, ie; copy posts into Notepad so I can read them). I also have my text size on my browsers set to largest and when set as such, you cannot increase the size. Some sites "honor" the size configurations, but others (vBulletin no) do not. So, if I'm to participat and enjoy a forum I need to be able to at least enlarge my post so I can read and edit what I say as I'm also a terrible typist. This cannot be done unless I can set my font size and I use the Preview Post option more than twice beofre I submit a post when available. If not, then I don't stay with the forum. Since there was no option to contact the webmaster and a forum feeback is here instead this is why I started this thread (in hopes I might use and enjoy these forums).
Allow me to also illustrate my points so all acn get a sample. As I noted earlier, I am on other forums as well (and the examples are also vBulletinn borads). Once will also see that I'm one who helps by what I'm going to link. So, let me fist draw your attention to a thread I started a long time ago. I don't usually make a habit of linking other forums but I'm only doing so to illustrate my point. Check out This Thread (http://www.tiltedmill.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9894) to get an idea of what I do. The forum being the Tilted Mill Forums (http://www.tiltedmill.com/forums/). I want you to note the date of the thread firstly. Then note my font style, size, and colors I have used. That forum uses the same black skin and since I highlight words the two colors I used have enough contrrast and do not "blind" others who read my posts. This forum is one I use all the time and best suits me as not only can I set fonts and such, but I can also upload files (another thing I think should be done at least in the tech forums here if no other place, but you can anyplace on TM).
Yet, as I noted, this is not the only forum. Many of you also know me from the Sunflowers forums. I have the same (but updated) thread there as well. The same (but updated) thread you'll see HERE (http://forum.sunflowers.de/showthread.php?t=15837). You will note there are some differences besides the thread date. Much was covered in the first post being one thing. The colors being another. These colors are not ideal for me, but I accomodated others as Sunflowers uses multiple skins. You also cannot attach files at Sunflowers. There are two reasons I prefer files to does so it be known. One it is easier for me to upload than upload links or paste into yet another editor. The other being that when it is an actual file I am viewing I can either modify it more easily or (like DxDiags are in Notepad by default) I have the fonts already set in the program I view them with.
NOW, I hope I have made it clear for all and need not elaborate on it again. As I noted prior, I kn9ow what is possible and it has just been disabled. Yet it being disabled makes it more difficutl for me to use and enyou this forum. Consequencially, if what I need is not done, I won't be doing much if anymore here and as all can see, I have much to offer if given the ability. This is all I have to say save one thing. If any of you have any influence with the powers to be here, and you can get what I need implemented, I'd be eternally grateful if you did. Otherwise, this is the only post you'll see me in and I won't discuss non-related things being brought into this thread.
Sincerely,
Phil
:crushed:
First of all thanks Phil for taking up so much of your time to write this to us. I see that it is not an easy task. Now I can give you a better response. :D
As I see it now, the only way for it to work is for this forum to change, I can only hope it can happen! I have nothing against it now. Before, I didn't see the reason behind such a change, but now I do.
Maybe a mod can answer now and see if it is possible to allow font and color change.
Good luck mate! ;)
Phil Walker
5 Jul 2007, 23:03
At least you underand and got my point (now). You aren't the first and sure won't be the last though, so I think you can underand my tiring of saying it.
Yet, it seems unlikly it will happen as noted prior. Frujin is one of those "in charge" and you noted his reply to me. Elvain on the other hand knows me (from Sunflowers) and has both inquired and received my help with things in the past. However, he has no "power" here. I have made my case and now shown what I have to offer (be it just a sample by the threads I've linked), and it comes down to where I'm wanted really asif I'm not accomodated for the service I'd provide, this forum is not worth it to me with what it takes me to be involved with it as is. So, unless something is done, I will go no further as I can't even see to eidt my own posts nor tell if I have made any spelling mistakes like I can on those other boards. I will say no more.
Sincerely,
Phil
:sad:
Frujin will read your post and it will make things clearer. If not, or for those interested:
this is a Visual Impairment Simulator (http://cita.rehab.uiuc.edu/software/vis/downld.php). Download the MSI install package, run VIS and select Diabetic Retinopathy. The standard parameters aren't even close to Phil's, as I understand.
Phil Walker
6 Jul 2007, 01:21
Another "friend" from Sunflowers understands my situation, thanks Doux! :go:
Let me say while I'm worse than some, I'm far from the worst off. I was fortunate that mine was "caught" in the early stages or I would have lost both eyes, not just have "low vision" (which is what it is considered at least in the USA). There is more to it I won't go into but note that I was a diabetic for over 30 years, and why I am not now is a story in itself. I just hope after those (and Frujin) use Doux's link it will then become evident as I'm not the only one on the net with this situation who also enjoys gaming as "we" have little else besides our PCs if as bad if not worse than myself.
One other thing I'd like to note just for the sake of it. Each time I obtain a new PC (whichis also rare), if I do not copy my "theme" from properties, it takes me 3 hours if not more, just to set it up so I can use and enjoy my PC and this does not include the games or appliactions added to.
Sincerely,
Phil
:cheers:
Right,I have tried to read without my glasses.And it looked like Hell!:rolleyes: :eek:
I even can't see my own post!
So I understand your situation too!
Wassalamualaikum Warohmatullohi Wabarokatuh.
Right,I have tried to read without my glasses.And it looked like Hell!:rolleyes: :eek:
I even can't see my own post!
So I understand your situation too!
Wassalamualaikum Warohmatullohi Wabarokatuh.
No not really, I don't want to sound like a jerk but no you don't understand how it feels to have sever visual impairment.
Having Glasses is a different thing, that's all I'm saying..
I think you mock me down to Hell :D :D :D :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p