Library Try #3!

[Akasha]

After two weeks, a couple of polls and entire weekend dedicated to the cause, I think I've finally settled on a Library layout that not only provides better functionality than it's original single forum form, but more importantly, looks good! In it's original forum form, the Library worked ok, however with more and more guides being submitted, things were being lost easily and new members were completely unaware of the existence of a couple of crucial guides. So I went on the hunt for a solution...

The first solution provided a fantastic layout as well as a few little added extras, but because it completely separated the guides from the forum, the ability to inform members of updates and new replies was gone. Instead of being to use the 'New Posts' feature, users were required to do a separate search for new replies to guides, which in my opinion, is no good. That and a lot of new comers became aware of guides by seeing them replied to and showing up on the front page 'latest threads' module.

Then of course there was the big thumbs down that I think everyone agrees on, and that's the very clunky, very chunky 'middle' page between the index and the guides themselves. Bleugh. And this doesn't mention the biggest deal breaker for me, which was every single outbound (and a few internal) links to the guides were automatically broken. Eep!

Liking the 'category' layout so much, I fiddled with the forum Library and replicated that part pretty well, but of course it didn't have some of the features of the external library - the featured guides, 'my guides' and the ability to save guides as drafts. But, it did mean that every link was once again working, and new replies and threads showed up in both the 'New Post' function as well as the front page. But, I still wasn't 100% happy...

After an entire weekend of fiddling however, I think I've found a nice warm happy place. What we have now is...

• A forum based library, so new replies and threads showed up in both the 'New Post' function as well as the front page

• Categories to divide up the guides and allow for easier navigation to the area you are seeking help with

• A new side menu that not only brings in the 'Featured Guides' links that people liked, but also provides for easy navigation by linking to all categories. So if you're in the 'General' section, you don't have to go back out and then back in to go to the 'Gear Guides' section - just click on the left! (Doesn't show when reading an actual guide, only when in the various categories)

• The "block" type look of the guides once within a category, but not too blocky like before! And better than before, the text under the guides heading isn't just a preview of the guide itself, but is in fact a separate 'synopsis' that can be written up and included!! (If no synopsis given, then it takes from the start of guide itself.)

• On top of the synopsis, there is also the ability to add a single line quick description of the guide via the new 'byline' feature!

On top of that, each individual guide now has ratings! All members are able to rate between 1 (poor) through to 5 (excellent) on every guide in regards to:

1. The quality of Information provided
2. Format/Layout
3. How easy the guide is to understand and follow
4. as well as the 'overall' rating

The ratings you provide translate into stars (1 - 5) visible on each guides block. Making it easy for those looking for those looking to spot the good guides immediately.

Still in the works (ie I haven't kinked out the bugs yet) will be multi-page guides which will come with their own content menus, as well as the ability to tag your favourite guides similar to the 'My Guides' feature of the first Library attempt. There's probably a few more issues here and there that will crop up, to be expected. Please let me know of any bugs you find via reply to this thread.

As always, feedback always welcome.

[Pernicious]

Wow! Somebody's been busy. I've taken a quick look and so far I don't see anything that I don't like. Nice job Akasha!!!

[Argusi]

Now this is good stuff. I like it a lot. Would you want to see if there is a way to bump up better rated or most thanked guides? Good job, Akasha and you better go check your bookshelf with the games! You've been busy!

[Nereida]

Loving what you've done with it. Looks like you found a way to give us the best of both worlds. Great work Akasha! Now go play yourself a little WoW or play with that adorable sweetheart of yours. You deserve some rest.

[Smyth]

I like it!

The results of your efforts are very impressive. I appreciate your hard work...you did a great job!

[Akasha]

Excellent feedback! I had a really scary thought at 2am this morning that people were going to be 'eh, its ok' lol...

Would you want to see if there is a way to bump up better rated or most thanked guides?

I can certainly look into that...

[Cormanthor]

Outstanding job! I'd rate the new library at 5 SoulStones! (Stars are for druids)

/loves what you've done with the place!

[snackereen]

Looks fantastic. Thanks a lot Akasha

[Pernicious]

Ok yeah, been cruisin through the library and only came across one issue that I can mention.

If you were to leap all the way back out to the home page and scroll through the navigation it isn't obvious which link will take you to the library. The "Warlock Guides" Graphic will take you there but I find it odd that none of the other graphic navigation headers (Warlock Info, Spells & Talents, Pet Info, etc...) are click able, yet that one is.

I suggest moving the "Submit a Guide" link under the Warlock Guides header, and adding a new link that says "Guide Library" under it as well so that everything is consistent. This way the navigation will be divided up into sections with subsections containing the links.

Thats a very small nit picky kinda thing. But it's the best I could come up with when looking the site over for bugs... I figure, since I'm becoming known as the bug finder around here I'd do my part.

[Absalom]

Ok.

Yes, this looks much better... and really functional too! Nicely done!