With some feedback from various members I have updated the "Dialup" focus/theme to be a more "stripped down" version of the site. This will make it easier for users from various parts of the world without high-speed access to view the site in a more speedy manner.

It is also an attempt to "simplify" the sites interface and forum area. For example:

• The homepage has 70% fewer images to load.
• Forum pages are void of member avatars, sig-lines, and banners.
• The "Lite" version now works with all languages and there is a simple language selector in the upper left corner to switch back and forth.

Further changes will be made as needed (or suggested).

To change to this "Lite - Dialup" version of the site please click the My Account link about and then click "Change Focus". Select "Dialup" and you are done.

Thanks for tuning in.

Jim

Wow! That is much much nicer. If I were you I make the "Lite" the default and the normal site I'd turn into a premium site for your A Guard.

Paul.

im a dial up user, and have no problems with the site, it loads up considerably faster than many,

good idea for the users with slow connections jim, but i think ill stick with the default site

cheers

joe

Hi Jim

I normally use the Aircraft focus. I've tried to log on two days running using AOL at work. The connection has been so slow, that Armorama's been unbearable.

I've just switched to "Dialup" and the result is spectacular to say the least! Everything is flying! I'm tempted to agree with Paul and suggest this should be the default; it may encourage new members who could be otherwise put off by long page-load times.

It would also answer the point raised in the General Forum about people who don't join Armorama, simply because they don't like all the avatars and sig. lines.

It might be an idea to still show A-Guard badges, to encourage more contributions to the site.

Great work! All the best,

Rowan

Wahoo!!!!!!!! Home will be faster.....eventhough I'm on @ work most of the time

Jim the amount of features you have and continue to offer is STAGGARING.
This is a great feature.

An impressive new feature. Nice to see that the creative juices are still flowing... Jim

I use AOL dialup at home and have never had a problem. I've also accessed the site from work via LAN as well as AOL dialup and notice no appreciable difference. I've accessed Armorama through various hotel networks and phone lines, again with no real difference in what I get through home or via LAN.

I found it kinda nice to me. The colors look good and the connection is quite faster (although I'm running on a 256 DSL connection ). Very nice for helping out people with slow connections. However, I would still like to request the "who's online" status on the right side of the homepage. Sort of knowing if a friend is on the site or not.

Ditto what Paul said! I've not experienced performance problems - but switched over to the "Lite Side" and thought that was pretty cool Jim! Just like Paul said - maybe that should become the primary target and this full-blown version be the premium site for A-Guard members...

Gunnie

I am not an "A Guard" member and would be highly P**ed off if someone said I could not view this default site because I was not a member.

I agree with Mr. Roo. While I am not an A Guard member (can't afford it now), I don't think that the current, graphical site should be ripped away from all those users who have been using it since the site redesign. (that was a loooong time ago)

I do agree that maybe the default site should be the 'lite' version.

YM

Not to worry. There are other technical reasons I would not do that anyways.

But thanks for all input!

Jim

Ooo....but I could add a bit in the member signup area that basically sets the focus right away based on their interest or their ISP speed. That might be a good idea....

Jim

Jim,
This armorama lite version is a god send for me before on the default site i had a lot of lag but now on lite there is no lag at all.
I would have to agree with shonen red it would be nice to have the of you is online it is always good to see if a friend is online.
Thank you very much

All I have to say is "Thank you Jim." I don't have any problems with the speed the site loads at home or at work. I am on a cable modem at the house and DSL at work (not that I ever surf Armorama on company time.)
The graphics heavy pages may be a problem for some folks and Jim dealt with those problems, their concerns. If anyone can name one site they have ever visited on-line where the site owner/admin deals with user concerns as fast as Jim does, I'll kiss (well this is a family site.)

I checked out "Lite" and liked the old site with all of the graphics better but Jim's efforts to give everyone options is what got me here to start with. That, along with all of the cyber buddies I have met, is what keeps me here.

Anywho, I think the option is there now for anyone that wants it and I think that is a really good thing.

Shaun

Just an idea. Instead of not putting any ranks at all, why not put in Armorama ranks? It goes something like this

1-10 Armorama newbie
20-30 Armorama frequent poster
3000+ Armorama addict

etc etc...

It doesn't need to be an image. A text message just above their name should work.

whike that might be good for some of you, that would be horrendous for me,and some other people, why pay to the see the site we love as it is now?That being said, I just tried it as a "demo" as I wanted to see what it looked likes, and it is faster, evn though I've got digital cable