Feedback on the New SoWal.com

**kurt** · 06-21-2010, 03:17 AM

Bzz Bzzzz Bzzz

Please let us know of any problems - glitches, typos - whatever you see - thanks!

There may be some log in, log out issues, especially in IE.

**iwishiwasthere** · 06-21-2010, 06:59 AM

WOW! The new site is amazing!! Way to go Kurt!

**ktschris** · 06-21-2010, 07:09 AM

Love it!!

**Miss Kitty** · 06-21-2010, 07:11 AM

Wow...it is kinda' coolio in here!

Good job!

**Miss Kitty** · 06-21-2010, 07:16 AM

....I was looking for info on yellow flies! You can see I still don't know where I am!

**Buz Livingston** · 06-21-2010, 07:17 AM

**GoodWitch58** · 06-21-2010, 07:19 AM

me too. My first thought was: Oh, God. He's going to say we've been invaded by a swarm of locusts!

**Allifunn** · 06-21-2010, 07:31 AM

I know that a lot of time, effort, thought, love, consideration, research and input went into the new site!!

The best is yet to come!!

**iwishiwasthere** · 06-21-2010, 07:49 AM

WOW!! To the new website!

**momof2kids** · 06-21-2010, 08:08 AM

First I have to say thank you! This is the first site I visit daily to get my news. It has replaced my newspaper and I do appreciate all the work you have done. While I am enjoying the improvements of the site... I must admit I don't like how big the ads & links to the right are.... They are taking over the message boards. Are they staying that way?

**kathydwells** · 06-21-2010, 08:50 AM

Kurt, looks great. Thank you for the Villa's camera. I can't see it here at work, but I can't wait to see when I get home.

I do see one issue with the new format. When looking at the Forums tab above, I can see the initial drop down list fine, however the secondary flyout that lists are being cutoff and you can only read the First words. You can see below of the screen shot I took.

**kurt** · 06-21-2010, 08:57 AM

Originally Posted by kathydwells

Kurt, looks great. Thank you for the Villa's camera. I can't see it here at work, but I can't wait to see when I get home.

I do see one issue with the new format. When looking at the Forums tab above, I can see the initial drop down list fine, however the secondary flyout that lists are being cutoff and you can only read the First words. You can see below of the screen shot I took.

Oh no - they have you firewalled at work! Horrors!

As for not being able to see the menu flyout - get a bigger screen.

Seriously it is supposed to fly out to the left when it's close to the edge. I'll check it out. Thanks!

**DuneAHH** · 06-21-2010, 09:02 AM

Thanks for all the hard work! Good job!

**DuneAHH** · 06-21-2010, 09:09 AM

How does one go about adding a location / venue to Dining, Shopping, etc?
For instance, I would like to see Scavenger's Bazaar added to Santa Rosa Beach Shopping.
Thanks!

**kathydwells** · 06-21-2010, 09:23 AM

Originally Posted by kurt

Oh no - they have you firewalled at work! Horrors!

As for not being able to see the menu flyout - get a bigger screen.

Seriously it is supposed to fly out to the left when it's close to the edge. I'll check it out. Thanks!

I know! I hate that about WORK.

I have 2, 21" monitors, how much bigger do I need?

You are welcome!

**kathydwells** · 06-21-2010, 09:38 AM

I kinda miss the trees up there...been looking at those trees for so long! However, I am loving the new site. Crisp and clean! Great job Kurt and all those in the background making it work.

**Mango** · 06-21-2010, 09:47 AM

I miss the trees , but you I'll take the green waters shots too! Love the new additions. Easy to use and very professional. Nice job.

**Lake View Too** · 06-21-2010, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by kathydwells

I kinda miss the trees up there...been looking at those trees for so long! However, I am loving the new site. Crisp and clean! Great job Kurt and all those in the background making it work.

I miss the trees too, but now I feel like I'm in the "jet age", oh wait, it's the "digital age"... I can't seem to keep up...

**Alicia Leonard** · 06-21-2010, 09:50 AM

Looks great. Still finding my way around this morning.

**CastlesOfSand** · 06-21-2010, 10:10 AM

Looks grayt!! Love all the beach cams!!!

Hey Miss Kitty!!!!

**John R** · 06-21-2010, 10:21 AM

Looks Great!! Thanks.

**Alicia Leonard** · 06-21-2010, 10:26 AM

I'm still having problems getting into the forum from home. Rest of the site comes up quick. At work, I have no problems getting into the forum, so, it must be on my side and I'm not sure how to fix it.

**Margarita** · 06-21-2010, 10:41 AM

Thank you Kurt

**kurt** · 06-21-2010, 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by Dune-AHH

How does one go about adding a location / venue to Dining, Shopping, etc?
For instance, I would like to see Scavenger's Bazaar added to Santa Rosa Beach Shopping.
Thanks!

We are still building - but anyone please feel free to request here.

Or send form to request adding a business or organization:
http://sowal.com/form/add-or-modify-...r-organization

Thanks everyone!

**Franny** · 06-21-2010, 10:46 AM

Kurt, you did an amazing job!

**kurt** · 06-21-2010, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by Alicia Leonard

I'm still having problems getting into the forum from home. Rest of the site comes up quick. At work, I have no problems getting into the forum, so, it must be on my side and I'm not sure how to fix it.

There will be some cookie issues as the new database connections get sorted. For some, logging in and out will do it. You may need to clear cookies and cache, reboot.

Might be a good time to upgrade to Firefox if you haven't - things are usually faster and smoother, with lots of useful and cool add ons.

Firefox web browser | Faster, more secure, & customizable

_________________________________________

Internet Explorer Menu>Tool>Internet Options>General Tab>Delete Cookies

I also like to delete temporary internet files and other stuff now and again to keep disk space free and keep Internet Explorer running smoothly.

Close Internet Explorer, Reboot Computer, Try logging in again.

**Alicia Leonard** · 06-21-2010, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by kurt

There will be some cookie issues as the new database connections get sorted. For some, logging in and out will do it. You may need to clear cookies and cache, reboot.

Might be a good time to upgrade to Firefox if you haven't - things are usually faster and smoother, with lots of useful and cool add ons.

Firefox web browser | Faster, more secure, & customizable

_________________________________________

Internet Explorer Menu>Tool>Internet Options>General Tab>Delete Cookies

I also like to delete temporary internet files and other stuff now and again to keep disk space free and keep Internet Explorer running smoothly.
Close Internet Explorer, Reboot Computer, Try logging in again.

Thanks, Daddy-O. I've been a convert to FF for the last few years. I'll work on the home one later and see if I can try those things. Thanks!

**Jdarg** · 06-21-2010, 11:22 AM

Working great on the road from my Iphone!

DD · 06-21-2010, 11:45 AM

Lookin' good!! I see some new mods too!!!! Congrats to y'all!!

**kurt** · 06-21-2010, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by DD

Lookin' good!! I see some new mods too!!!! Congrats to y'all!!

Thanks - we are a little behind announcing new mods - will do ASAP. Thanks to current and future community pillars.

**Lisa Ruby** · 06-21-2010, 12:02 PM

Met and exceeding my expectations! Love it...

rx · 06-21-2010, 01:42 PM

most excellent work!

**kurt** · 06-21-2010, 02:09 PM

Originally Posted by momof2kids

First I have to say thank you! This is the first site I visit daily to get my news. It has replaced my newspaper and I do appreciate all the work you have done. While I am enjoying the improvements of the site... I must admit I don't like how big the ads & links to the right are.... They are taking over the message boards. Are they staying that way?

We'll try not to overwhelm with ads and mix in photos, videos, and other content in the sidebar. I appreciate the feedback.

In this redesign, form is following function a bit. We've been working so much on the backend database and content (and continuing with that still) that the design itself is pretty simple. After all, there's only so much you can do with squares and rectangles with a lot of content.

The next phase will focus more on form I imagine. Maybe more curves.

**NightAngel** · 06-21-2010, 02:09 PM

I have to say that I really do not like the big ads and videos on the right side. Can't you put them below? It feels like both sides are fighting for space.

**Beach Runner** · 06-21-2010, 04:35 PM

I'm having trouble logging in via IE. It took me 4 attempts before I was able to log in this afternoon. I am using hubby's laptop because the hard drive on my laptop crashed on Thursday, so I am laptop-less.

It. is. driving. me. crazy. not. to. have. my. laptop.

Our IT department is attempting to recover my data. I am flipped out.

Plus, my wedding do-lists were on my laptop, so I had to just wing it for Beach Jacket's wedding on Saturday night. Thankfully the wedding and reception weren't impacted by that. The wedding and reception were absolutely fabulous and fun!

I don't wanna delete cookies or install new software on hubby's laptop, if you know what I mean.

DD · 06-21-2010, 04:45 PM

Originally Posted by Beach Runner

I'm having trouble logging in via IE. It took me 4 attempts before I was able to log in this afternoon. I am using hubby's laptop because the hard drive on my laptop crashed on Thursday, so I am laptop-less.

It. is. driving. me. crazy. not. to. have. my. laptop.

Our IT department is attempting to recover my data. I am flipped out.

Plus, my wedding do-lists were on my laptop, so I had to just wing it for Beach Jacket's wedding on Saturday night. Thankfully the wedding and reception weren't impacted by that. The wedding and reception were absolutely fabulous and fun!

I don't wanna delete cookies or install new software on hubby's laptop, if you know what I mean.

Glad the wedding was a success, BR. I never doubted it.

**Johnrudy** · 06-21-2010, 04:53 PM

Originally Posted by DD

Glad the wedding was a success, BR. I never doubted it.

ditto.

**Teresa** · 06-21-2010, 06:46 PM

SoWal.com grows up. Its amazing to see how SoWal.com has grown into a real live community connecting South Walton residents and visitors and communities across the globe. congratulations to all the sowallers - because it is all due to your participation and contribution here over the years. thank you!

**tistheseason** · 06-21-2010, 08:19 PM

It has grown up -- and it's great! Thanks for your continuted efforts Kurt!

**Miss Critter** · 06-21-2010, 10:22 PM

Tres groovy, Daddy-O!!

**Beauty hunter** · 06-21-2010, 11:06 PM

This turned out to be my favorite site unexpectedly. I am very thankful for all the communication we have with each other and the massively different viewpoints everyone brings to the table. THANKS AGAIN !!!

and sometimes

,

,and double

If anyone gets on my nerves, I try to look at it through their perspective, after my feelings aren't hurt anymore.
Then, I forgive them cause otherwise it takes too much energy and feels bad when you hold something against someone. I hope you can do the same for me. See ya around sowal, gang

**ameliaj** · 06-22-2010, 07:50 AM

WOW!!!!!! This is fabulous. I love it. I'm so excited about all the beachcams, but I'm having trouble pulling up the pictures....are they online yet, or is it me?

**kurt** · 06-22-2010, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by ameliaj

WOW!!!!!! This is fabulous. I love it. I'm so excited about all the beachcams, but I'm having trouble pulling up the pictures....are they online yet, or is it me?

Thanks - are you seeing any of the webcam images? If not - check out SoWal Webcam Help & Information | SoWal.com - Guide For The Beaches Of South Walton & Scenic 30A.

**Beach Runner** · 06-22-2010, 09:26 AM

I just got on via Firefox on hubby's laptop.

Kurt, I'd like to report a bug when I go to SoWal.com/bb on my Blackberry. The text for the link to new posts is the same color as the background (white), so I can't see the link. The only way I can find the link is to move the cursor around the screen until the arrow cursor turns into the pointing finger cursor. Just an FYI.

**scooterbug44** · 06-22-2010, 12:23 PM

I am using Firefox and bookmarked the link you emailed me (before - it takes me to the same "access denied page" and I choose "logout" so it takes me to the correct login page and I login again.

I think it is just a complicated way to keep us from PUI!

**GoodWitch58** · 06-22-2010, 05:10 PM

Everything I do is very slow to load.

Some of the threads that I click on, load another thread.

The wide ads on the right are very distracting, can they be sized down a bit?

Can the Forum heading be moved from the extreme right? I can not see it w/out scrolling over every time.

**Johnrudy** · 06-22-2010, 05:22 PM

The choice of webcams is very nice. Thank you!

**Lake View Too** · 06-22-2010, 05:58 PM

My eight-track mentality hasn't been able to tackle viewing the webcams, yet, but I did find out that you can click on Towns and go to your favorite town and your favorite beach access and there will probably be a great video of it. Way cool. I've already e-mailed links to "Eastern Lake Access Video" (my favorite) to several of my family. Way cool.