The New Main Stratics UO Page.

[obeeee]

I will admit, I have not been able to read as much as I'd like about the Stratics changes. But I try to keep up on Tapatalk where I used to use IE. I can not play as much as I used to and I can not read as much either. RL and all, must of you know what I mean.
But I would like to ask two questions.
First is personal, how can I get rid of all the green in the main UO news page? I do like the layout and how it's structured, but I will not look at all that green, period.
Second, when is that main page actually going to cover all the news about UO? I know the dev's are deep into the expansion and not talking much. But that main news page remained stagnant for 5 months. I've used that page to learn all the current news about UO from any source. It seems now to only official announcements and I can get that from UO.Com.
It just feels to me that Stratics is a blow horn for the few who post in the forums and little more. News is only a copy of what's posted on the patch page and UO.com.
Have I totally missed something by not being as active as before?

 

[Lord Frodo]

That page is so out of date and IMHO looks all wrong. What happened to the way is used to look. Change for the sake of change is stupid, the other lay-out was way better.

 

[Spock's Beard]

I was just waiting for someone else to say it. This new layout is like something from 2002 and getting to uhall is less convenient.

 

[Nexus]

What green?

 

[Kirthag]

The old website's framework is old tech, not supported and very much not mobile friendly. That is the purpose for the fundamental changes. It is not a "change for the sake of change".

To get to UHall, just click the "Forums" link in the header. As UHall is at the top of the main board now, that is the simplest way there is.

In the past, general UO News was just copied/pasted into our framework. We are changing this practice to actually supply news that is original. If you want direct UO News, there is an RSS link in the right column. Any news we post that is based on UO News will be original, not a copy/paste.

At this time our volunteers are learning the new interface and features. As soon as one of them has the time, I'm sure they will be posting something.

On that note, if anyone has an interest in being a volunteer writer, send me a PM. We could always use a few good pens!

The coloring of the website is dictated by the style sheets. I am looking at ways for people to pick their own color scheme, but the priority right now is to move our content from the old site structure to the new one. As Nexus displays, you can have your browser override styles.

This is the Green:

 

[Piotr]

That page is so out of date and IMHO looks all wrong. What happened to the way is used to look. Change for the sake of change is stupid, the other lay-out was way better.

I was just waiting for someone else to say it. This new layout is like something from 2002 and getting to uhall is less convenient.

Thank you! I had the exact same thoughts when I saw it yesterday.

My local Home & Garden's website has the same outdatet and cheap look and feel.

And to make it look even worse and also alienate 80% of the UO player base and current Stratics users, the graphics are taken from the "Enhanced" Client, even at the top of the front page!!! Epic fail! Screenshots should never be taken in that client!

Bring back the good old Stratics, please.

 

[Kirthag]

screenshots for the header area will rotate between EC & CC. just so happens right now is an EC banner.


the site is optimized for mobile viewing. as i stated, i am looking into a function where people can choose display templates (much like how is done with these forums). right now, the priority is moving everything.

 

[James Moriarty]

Us oldies hate change

 

[Kirthag]

I know.... and believe me, if it was feasible, the old style would have just been tweaked for mobile readiness and display. I really did work hard at getting the old site to do just that, but it was a no go and just wouldn't work that way. The tech behind the site is very old, no one's fault about that as it was the best there was at the time. Tech changes, fast, and featuers that was once supported are no longer being so. Parts of the old site (the data driven content specifically) is preventing Stratics from being really awesome - there is no support and you cannot even find the original database it was built with.

The best we could do for longevity is to migrate into a more supported and modern interface.

That said, I'm sorry if it seems a bit skewed toward one style or another. We are still tweaking and testing features as well as migrating - and there is only so much time volunteers have to give. If anyone is interested in helping and contributing, please PM me.

Thanks everyone for your patience.

 

[Piotr]

screenshots for the header area will rotate between EC & CC. just so happens right now is an EC banner.

The distorted images from the EC should never be published anywhere!

E.g. this blob is NOT a proper image of an energy vortex! This is!

Please show some respect for the original UO.

 

[Giggles]

The distorted images from the EC should never be published anywhere!

E.g. this View attachment 31261 blob is NOT a proper image of an energy vortex! This View attachment 31263 is!

Please show some respect for the original UO.

Ahem..

That is in fact art from the original 3d client. Can't get much more original =) !
We are trying to substitute current enhanced client images for some of the out dated ones. The goal is to have a 2D and 3D image. There are years of information and images we are sifting through. Anyone who wishes to help with this process should message @Kirthag . The more the merrier as they say!

 

[Giggles]

Also, when you click the energy Vortex article, you see several images of it, including the old school purple llama!

http://uo2.stratics.com/encyclopedia/energy-vortex/

A proper database will host images all users can relate to. No matter what client they use.

 

[Kirthag]

To clarify...
We have artwork for the following clients:
Classic Client
Kingdom Reborn
Third Dawn (3D)
Enhanced Client

As the Enhanced Client is the most modern, we will be using that as the feature thumbnail image
The artwork for the other clients will be included within the listing when we have it. At minimum, there will be the Enhanced Client and Classic Client images.

As Giggles said, we are working hard to migrate and update everything. There are members of the community who play only the Enhanced, and members who play only the Classic. We strive to help ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, not just a select group of them.

If you'd like to help @Piotr ... give me a PM and we will discuss it.

 

[Zuckuss]

That's right folks, if you want to help improve Stratics, by all means let us know.

 

[Piotr]

Ok, now I see that the EV images are taken from the Hunter's Guide ,but using images from KR and Third Dawn...

Anyway, I hope the old site will be available again.

 

[Kirthag]

We pride in keeping the heritage of the game alive... providing historical information is a good thing.
We're still tweaking how things will be displayed, but i think a "type" for images will be prudent. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Smoot]

Ahem..

That is in fact art from the original 3d client. Can't get much more original =) !
We are trying to substitute current enhanced client images for some of the out dated ones. The goal is to have a 2D and 3D image. say!

what are you talking about? there has never been a "legal" 3d client. the only 3d model we had was third dawn and that was paperdoll only.

 

[Piotr]

We're still tweaking how things will be displayed, but i think a "type" for images will be prudent.

Ok, but please use images from the CC on the first page and "hide" the alternative images on the underlying pages.

I

 

[Larisa]

I think both clients should be featured equally. When new or returning players come back, one of the first questions they ask is..CC or EC? Having the option to view images and video from both clients is ideal and gives people the opportunity to choose.

Whether or not you are a die-hard CC user or a die-hard EC user..or dabble in both, it doesn't matter. This site is dedicated to Ultima Online, using only CC images on the main page is, in a way, false advertising, in my opinion.

 

[Giggles]

what are you talking about? there has never been a "legal" 3d client. the only 3d model we had was third dawn and that was paperdoll only.

I guess I didn't word myself the best with my morning coffee. That art was from "Kingdom Reborn" which to my knowledge was the first official attempt at a full revamped UO3d client. Either way.. it equates to old images that are still a part of the game we love. They shouldn't be lost, and I like the idea of including as many images as possible.

 

[Flutter]

That's right folks, if you want to help improve Stratics, by all means let us know.

I want to help improve Stratics.

 

[Dot_Warner]

As a resident of GL, please don't display our First Bank of Britain in the header as we are deeply, deeply ashamed of its hideously uninspired décor.

 

[Smoot]

I guess I didn't word myself the best with my morning coffee. That art was from "Kingdom Reborn" which to my knowledge was the first official attempt at a full revamped UO3d client. Either way.. it equates to old images that are still a part of the game we love. They shouldn't be lost, and I like the idea of including as many images as possible.

kingdom reborn wasnt a 3d client either, i think your just mistakingly calling anthing which isnt the original client "3d." As much as i think the true 3d "Illegal" programs are cool, i doubt we will see any true 3d technology in the official servers. Its not a big deal, just when people call one client 3d and the other 2d, when both are actually 2d is kinda confusing and a pet peeve of mine.

Personally, tho i do think the EC graphics are hideous and would never represent my website by using them, i suppose it does serve a purpose of letting UOers judge for themselves if they want to get back into the game or not.

For defunct but historical images, perhaps a footnote of which defunct client they were from would be less confusing for those coming back to the game.

 

[Giggles]

kingdom reborn wasnt a 3d client either, i think your just mistakingly calling anthing which isnt the original client "3d." As much as i think the true 3d "Illegal" programs are cool, i doubt we will see any true 3d technology in the official servers. Its not a big deal, just when people call one client 3d and the other 2d, when both are actually 2d is kinda confusing and a pet peeve of mine.

Personally, tho i do think the EC graphics are hideous and would never represent my website by using them, i suppose it does serve a purpose of letting UOers judge for themselves if they want to get back into the game or not.

For defunct but historical images, perhaps a footnote of which defunct client they were from would be less confusing for those coming back to the game.

Well according to Ultima Wiki, we are both correct...

"At a players' convention in Atlanta, EA announced that the recommended specs for the UO:KR client are a 1GHz CPU, a GeForce 3 series video card (low end enough to be considered obsolete by the manufacturer as stated on its Internet site), 2GB of hard drive space, and 512MB of RAM. They stated that they had "some success" running UO:KR at 256MB RAM, but that 512 was recommended.
EA has referred to the UO:KR client as "2.5d," meaning that it was written in 3d and then effectively backslid into 2d to make it easier for lower-end computers to run. And, presuambly, to maintain the "feel" of the game."

Not like it really matters much though. I save my pet peeves for global warming.

 

[Kirthag]

working on adding footnotes for all artwork - ie: which client the artwork was released in

the header background image will rotate periodically, featuring either EC or CC, and jumping from place to place on various shards depending upon what is available and large enough for display.

Personally, I think the GL bank (pictured now) is FAR better than what is over on Napa.... You're the Governor of Brit... ask the king for some upgrades

 

[Dot_Warner]

Personally, I think the GL bank (pictured now) is FAR better than what is over on Napa.... You're the Governor of Brit... ask the king for some upgrades

I did, "the King is not our decorator." That abomination was also the "winning" entry for the design contest, mainly because it was the only entry.

I'd definitely be in favor of another bank contest for the shards lacking aesthetic appeal.

 

[Flutter]

I'd definitely be in favor of another bank contest for the shards lacking aesthetic appeal.

Yes please.

 

[Jirel of Joiry]

I did, "the King is not our decorator." That abomination was also the "winning" entry for the design contest, mainly because it was the only entry.

I'd definitely be in favor of another bank contest for the shards lacking aesthetic appeal.

LOL at least it is finished...more than I can say about Legends' West Brit Bank. I have asked several times when its gonna be finished, and apparently it is finish!?!? I know from Lady Devilsown that she submitted multiple entries. Yes please let's have a bank deco contest for the shards with No, Bad, and Unfinished decor. pleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleaseplease

 

[Kirthag]

If you guys wanna have such a contest, make a new thread- petition your governors.... go to the governor meetings.

Let's keep this thread on topic related to the New Stratics Interface. Thanks!

 

[Flutter]

If you guys wanna have such a contest, make a new thread- petition your governors.... go to the governor meetings.

Let's keep this thread on topic related to the New Stratics Interface. Thanks!

Party pooper.

 

[Dot_Warner]

If you guys wanna have such a contest, make a new thread- petition your governors.... go to the governor meetings.

Petition @Mesanna, that kind of thing is way, way beyond the governors' purview.

But DO come to the meetings! I've always been puzzled by the people who run without having participated at all... Most of us want more interaction with our constituents

 

[Philly]

Ok, but please use images from the CC on the first page and "hide" the alternative images on the underlying pages.

I

hehe

 

[Multi Dwagon]

Is this new Stratics site a joke? I really hope you didn't pay for that...
The older looks 1000x better than this.

 

[James Moriarty]

I know.... and believe me, if it was feasible, the old style would have just been tweaked for mobile readiness and display. I really did work hard at getting the old site to do just that, but it was a no go and just wouldn't work that way. The tech behind the site is very old, no one's fault about that as it was the best there was at the time. Tech changes, fast, and featuers that was once supported are no longer being so. Parts of the old site (the data driven content specifically) is preventing Stratics from being really awesome - there is no support and you cannot even find the original database it was built with.

The best we could do for longevity is to migrate into a more supported and modern interface.

That said, I'm sorry if it seems a bit skewed toward one style or another. We are still tweaking and testing features as well as migrating - and there is only so much time volunteers have to give. If anyone is interested in helping and contributing, please PM me.

Thanks everyone for your patience.

Most of us are getting to the stage we cant use a mobile to read web pages, old age and bad eye sight go hand in hand. Target audience for Ultima Online is no longer the 18-24 year olds. Rather than upgrade my Glasses to a new prescription i opted for the 24" monitor so i could see larger text...Just saying!

 

[Andrasta]

Sorry ... how do you get rid of the yellow and green on the Main Page again? And are you really going to have ads blocking the main header?

 

[Spock's Beard]

Old way:
Mouse over General, click Uhall. Done.

New Way:
Click Forums. Oh look it opened in a new tab for no reason. Close old tab. Click Uhall.

At least I've got this broad oversimplified "mobile friendly" scroll of "news" I don't care about from Lake Austin or whatever.

 

[Ultimaholic]

Between the new site`s lackluster appearance and frustrating functionality, the forums getting heavy handed moderation,lock lock lock!!! My interest in the official UO is finally totally fizzling out. Any interest I had in surfing stratics to keep up like I have for so many years(across 3 different aliases,due to losing login info) is also fading. No Petra? See`ing Kelmo comment about stepping away from Stratics?

Yes, times are a changing and sometimes they are not for the better.

 

[Zuckuss]

Folks,

The "new" Stratics that you are seeing is currently under construction. I am certainly one for maintaining what's old and familiar, but in order for Stratics to survive, it is necessary to implement change and adapt to current technology.

The main goal in this procedure is to successfully migrate all content, including guides, write ups, walkthroughs, reports, charts, graphs, maps and historical data without missing or losing anything.

Please give us time to complete it before you start bashing the countless hours of time and effort being executed by these volunteers so that Stratics has a future. If you don't like some of the changes, that's absolutely fine. See us a pm with your feedback and added suggestions so that we can make this machine work better. So far I have seen two real concerns expressed over our updates. Those concerns are the hunter's guide (which in another thread was addressed as being a work in progress) and the fact that the new background "is too green."

All of this work we are putting in is based on:
A. The preservation of history, tradition and the "Stratics feel"
B. the feedback and suggestions we receive from the community (you).


We realize that not everyone is going to be happy with certain aspects of Stratics. Our volunteers still try their damnedest to bring a great product to you all.

The work put in by our predecessors will no be forgotten. It would be an absolute shame to let the work of folks like Petra, Shamus, Tazar, Frarc, Flair, Magdalene, kelmo and countless others before them become all for nothing, and we realize this and take our responsibilities here very seriously, you all have my word on that.

Give it some time people. In the meantime if you feel the direction is wrong or perhaps there is an area of improvement needed which we have not yet addressed, send one of us a pm and we can discuss getting some of you involved.

It can be very discouraging for someone(s) to have their efforts continuously dragged through the dirt when they are tying their best to deliver the best possible product thy can.

Give them a break. If you want to truly make Stratics a better experience for the community, get involved.

PS- I learned to moderate under Petra and kelmo. That's right. This is ALL kelmo's fault.

Have a good day community.

 

[Zuckuss]

Petition @Mesanna, that kind of thing is way, way beyond the governors' purview.

But DO come to the meetings! I've always been puzzled by the people who run without having participated at all... Most of us want more interaction with our constituents

The less I speak at those things the less trouble I get myself into.