Thumbs up on OL site upgrades. Finally an edit button. What do you all think? Will these increase participation?

[charlie elk]

Thumbs up on OL site upgrades. Finally an edit button. What do you all think? Will these increase participation?

[4everAutumn]

I was a bit surprised by the different look that I found the other day, but I like it. I do think the edit button is a great addition. I hated it when I would hit "post", then re-read what I wrote, to find a glaring typo, or realize I came off like an idiot with no way to change it. I hope it increases participation, as I do enjoy this site and it's definitely better when it's more active.

[MN Outdoorsman]

I like it also. I still don't understand, as you often bring up Charlie Elk, why they don't put the recent message board topics on the homepage to attract people. I bet 2/3 of the people visiting this site don't know they exist and would comment if they did. Hopefully the editors will go back to doing that. Also, I would recommend leaving up the last 5 questions people ask not just last 3 on the homepage. That will keep the conversations alive longer I think and I find the conversations by as many contributors as possible as the best part of this site as well as the best way to learn things. The no negatives and positives will take some getting used to but I guess it doesn't really matter anyways but I did like seeing what the majority of people agreed with.

[huntfishtrap]

The first two times I tried to sign-in and post, I couldn't, so the new site still has a few bugs. But overall, it seems to be faster and more user-friendly than before, so I would give it a thumbs-up too. I try to make sure my posts are how I want them before hitting "post", but I still make typos occasionally, so the edit button is a good idea. I don't care for not being able to "+1" other posts (or "-1" them, although I almost never did that, except for trolls), but I guess that's a minor quibble. I hope it does increase site use, it has been really dead for the last few months, and I know I didn't post much because I couldn't a lot of times due to the site issues.
BTW, did anyone else notice that they apparently changed their star ranking system too? 4everAutumn, MWK_MN and myself all had 5 stars before, and now none of us do. Before you got one star for each 1,000 points, up to 5,000, but now there doesn't seem to be any rationale to it.
P.S. Well, the edit button already came in handy. I just read their explanation for the new points and ratings, and I understand how it works now. It seems to be more complicated than before, at least to me.

[officerdom1987]

I like the new refreshing look to the site, and it is nice that when I click to "sign on" it works the first time. The edit feature is also a godsend as well. One thing I am not a fan of though is the new stars system. It seems rather high standards to come off as an "intelligent person" on a topic now. A 5-star person seemed more highly decorated on this site with the old way, and is now only a 2-3 out of 5 star person with the new standards. It kind of discredits the person's opinions and advice in my opinion, but overall I'm glad OL has made changes.

[4everAutumn]

Officerdom1987: I see what you are saying about the changes in the star system and agree that it may sway some of the thoughts of the newer folks on the site. There is a core group of people on this forum that always offer solid advice and back their opinions with experience and passion. The recognizable names and avatars of you folks carry more weight to me than your stars ever will.

[charlie elk]

The stars are not an indication of an "intelligent person" rather the amount of contribution to the site. Trust me, my points are not based on "intelligence" - just that I've been here a long time.
later,
charlie

[Pathfinder1]

Hi...

Yes, I think the "edit" button will be useful, and MAY increase participation...due to posters being able to correct errors before they are posted. Now, we will be less fearful of posting errors.

[4everAutumn]

Well Charlie, based on the last several days, I would say participation seems to be up a bit. I hope it stays this way and the newness doesn't wear off.

[seth trudeau]

I'm back, and I will stay. I'm not saying that I offer intelligence LOL

[PigHunter]

LOL! Believe it or not, it just caused some bad blood over the proper way to use the Edit feature...

[PigHunter]

Officerdom1987: I see what you are saying about the changes in the star system and agree that it may sway some of the thoughts of the newer folks on the site. There is a core group of people on this forum that always offer solid advice and back their opinions with experience and passion. The recognizable names and avatars of you folks carry more weight to me than your stars ever will.

Totally!

[PigHunter]

The stars are not an indication of an "intelligent person" rather the amount of contribution to the site. Trust me, my points are not based on "intelligence" - just that I've been here a long time.
later,
charlie

I wish Gary eventually reads this one Charlie