Can't we use this theme?
Will suit JV

WOW shall I add it to the list

I agree with what Blue and Mark said.

I checked out some of the linked suggestions, and the only thing I liked was that you could collapse the sections to show more below.

I'd just like a default theme that clearly defines individual posts in a thread, ideally with the persons avatar and etc on the left, and otherwise leave it just as it is. Any likelihood of that?

It could well be, that's what this discussion is all about. No point in spending time and effort doing something new if most people would be happy with some tweaks.

That's why I asked so the more comment the merrier.

That's pretty much what we got already darl'n.

Personally, I like a darker theme, with brighter writing, bright screens kil my eyes, I have to turn the brightness down like to 30% most days. 60& on a good day.

I'm loving the Aero Blue one, however it's obvard very windowsy. Might put off potential Mac enthusiasts if it's default.

As far as default scheme goes, I think we just need something that will look professional whilst not being daunting. Neutral colours, such as different shades of greys, and important names and threads in red. Black writing.

As far as layout goes, separating categories is also another great idea, but the way that the Gaia forums do it seems a little too disjointed for such a small community. May also be a problem for people viewing on low-res screens as there'll be a lot of scrolling involved. I think that the ign boards are awful, and not welcoming to new users. The Diablo forums seem very well organised, especially with the lists of subforums (subforums aren't always obvious to new members). The bodybuilding forum looks the most professional of the lot, however as a tech community I feel that we need to have something a little more advanced than a basic forum layout.

And if anyone doesn't like it once it's default then surely the can just change it? Having a few good options (as we do now) will satisfy most people I think. Assuming we're keeping the option to have choice....?

I like what we have already, as a default it's very easy on the eyes, not too extreme and won't scare anyone off, I could even live with the avatar stuff on the right now that I'm used to it, but if there's too much contrast between the background and the lettering I will just have non-stop migraines.

Alun, I know we're currently discussing the "default" but I wondered will there be a range so that we can individually choose the one we like the best?

+1

i like the bodybuilders ooops i meant the gay one ooops again,sorry gaia one
cheers spunky

Totally agree with Zippy on this one.

With the logo competiton at full pelt, and users very much involved in the interface.

To me the solution seems obvious.

For the default, I'd use the 1st place logo, with grey shades, black and white. Visitors need something simple yet pleasent, so the greys will be easy on the eye.

As for the users choosing their own scheme.

You can use the logo with diffrent colour schemes, like I have an idea in my head for the logo, and theres a bit there that I'd be ablew to change the colour, so the background and threads match.

That way users can change to their own preferences, and visitors have a simple default template to get on with.

I'm certainly not aware of there being any plans to stop you choosing from a list. I think ( notice the think ) that this is about coming up with the template (s) that people are happy with rather than doing loads of ad hock changes.

I really don't think the team want to do anything that we all don't want, lets face it its the exact opposite we are trying to provide an environment where everybody is happy.

If it turns out that all we need to do is make the users details to be on the left on all templates and maybe tweak the contrasts a little then great.

That's why I'm asking the question what do you folks want.

I like the current prosilver look too, the location of everything seems intuitive and easy to use.

The colours are alright, although a bit more definition between posts, so you can see seperate posts would be good.

And I would find it much easier if avatars, that little box was on the left instead of the right.

Apart from that I don't think it needs much else doing, too flashy, and it usually makes it take longer to do something.

I say KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid), , always works, nice simple to use layout, with no silly fancy flashy rubbish.

My favourite of the current options is the 4Poziom theme.

As long as you can tell the difference between the posts and the profile bar is on the left hand side of the posts then I'm not too fussed.

Oh and same as JV, some subtle colours so that when I'm online at work people can't see that it's obviously a forum.

Can we have different options rather than a default?