On a scale of 1 to 5 how do you rate the new CU Forum Experience

Swampboy · October 14, 2016 5:12PM

Pick the rating closest to your feelings and feel free to comment why

dbtunr · October 14, 2016 5:18PM

5 - rocks

DNADave · October 14, 2016 5:23PM

Nirvana if it had an open forum.

DNADave · October 14, 2016 5:25PM

We're the previous poll features that showed who voted for what an option? Or have they been remov d?

DIMEMAN · October 14, 2016 5:31PM

2

PTVETTER · October 14, 2016 5:40PM

anything new will take some time to get use to
only time will tell!

Swampboy · October 14, 2016 5:45PM

@DNADave said:
We're the previous poll features that showed who voted for what an option? Or have they been remov d?

The poll had an option to show how folks voted but I turned that off.
Maybe I shouldn't have but this is my first poll in the new digs.

coinnut · October 14, 2016 5:48PM

A few very nice improvements. Like being able to post pictures without the need for photobucket. But we could do without all icons and all the "new" signs cluttering up the page.

Walkerfan · October 14, 2016 5:52PM

I'm likin' it.

They still need to tweak a few features but I'd say it's close to a 5.

SCDHunter · October 14, 2016 6:10PM

I'm impressed. I have been lurking since the last change over and may get more involved again.

ms70 · October 14, 2016 6:35PM

It's growing on me but we still need control over the colors.

Bochiman · October 14, 2016 7:25PM

I'd be a lot happier with it if all the unused white space, on the left and the right, weren't "unused".
I would also be happier if we didn't see, on the main forums page (ie....when you choose a forum and see all the threads), the "who's on" and the associated icons (have a link to WHO'S ONLINE and then show them, that would be fine. And, let us choose forums NOT to see in the list.
Would like to NOT see currency and sports cards and autographs or stamps.

Definitely more usable than 2 days ago, but the above 3 items I list would, to me, be large steps to being more positive.

VanHalen · October 14, 2016 7:28PM

4.5 at the moment. Definitely a move in the right direction.

SeattleSlammer · October 14, 2016 7:39PM

I'm going 4. Colors-soften-the-white would help. And for some reason I can't use the quote feature.

Swampboy · October 14, 2016 7:53PM

null
Quoting you on my Android SSnull

Swampboy · October 14, 2016 7:53PM

@SeattleSlammer said:
I'm going 4. Colors-soften-the-white would help. And for some reason I can't use the quote feature.

And then on my PC

dadams · October 14, 2016 7:55PM

@Bochiman said:
I'd be a lot happier with it if all the unused white space, on the left and the right, weren't "unused".
I would also be happier if we didn't see, on the main forums page (ie....when you choose a forum and see all the threads), the "who's on" and the associated icons (have a link to WHO'S ONLINE and then show them, that would be fine. And, let us choose forums NOT to see in the list.
Would like to NOT see currency and sports cards and autographs or stamps.

Definitely more usable than 2 days ago, but the above 3 items I list would, to me, be large steps to being more positive.

Hiding Categories won't happen

Bochiman · October 14, 2016 7:59PM

@dadams said:

@Bochiman said:
I'd be a lot happier with it if all the unused white space, on the left and the right, weren't "unused".
I would also be happier if we didn't see, on the main forums page (ie....when you choose a forum and see all the threads), the "who's on" and the associated icons (have a link to WHO'S ONLINE and then show them, that would be fine. And, let us choose forums NOT to see in the list.
Would like to NOT see currency and sports cards and autographs or stamps.

Definitely more usable than 2 days ago, but the above 3 items I list would, to me, be large steps to being more positive.

Hiding Categories won't happen

Why? Last software enabled it.
Is it this software or a business decision that was made, do you know?

dadams · October 14, 2016 8:03PM

@Bochiman said:

@dadams said:

@Bochiman said:
I'd be a lot happier with it if all the unused white space, on the left and the right, weren't "unused".
I would also be happier if we didn't see, on the main forums page (ie....when you choose a forum and see all the threads), the "who's on" and the associated icons (have a link to WHO'S ONLINE and then show them, that would be fine. And, let us choose forums NOT to see in the list.
Would like to NOT see currency and sports cards and autographs or stamps.

Definitely more usable than 2 days ago, but the above 3 items I list would, to me, be large steps to being more positive.

Hiding Categories won't happen

Why? Last software enabled it.
Is it this software or a business decision that was made, do you know?

I'm unsure, but the link is to a forum operated by the developer of this forum platform and so I would suggest it is software related and not a decision by those at PCGS

Edited:
@Bochiman could be though that with PCGS most likely utilizing the Enterprise edition that it could be coded in. Don't know really. -d

CascadeChris · October 14, 2016 8:16PM

I sure would like the thread titles in BOLD. It would add a little pop to the forum page and make scanning titles a whole lot easier

grote15 · October 14, 2016 8:23PM

5

Much better than the outdated platform we had previously.

SeattleSlammer · October 14, 2016 9:05PM

CascadeChris, good idea I agree!!

Lakesammman · October 14, 2016 9:25PM

The current choice of emoticons is rather limited.

O/W very pleased with how the forum is shaping up.

joeykoins · October 14, 2016 9:37PM

@Walkerfan said:
I'm likin' it.

They still need to tweak a few features but I'd say it's close to a 5.

My exact sentiments!

messydesk · October 14, 2016 10:10PM

In general, I really like it, but there are things that could be improved upon. Hopefully, the Powers That Be are reading and digesting the comments that have been made to that effect.

Overdate · October 14, 2016 10:25PM

Is there an option to make the text darker? Gray on white doesn't work for me, not enough contrast, makes it much harder to read.

bigmarty58 · October 15, 2016 6:59AM

First glance seems busy but after a few minutes you get acclimated. I agree, the grey on white is not enough contrast, a little hard on my old eyes. Overall it is very good.

CommemKing · October 15, 2016 7:08AM

I love it!

dbtunr · October 15, 2016 7:41AM

@Bochiman said:
I'd be a lot happier with it if all the unused white space, on the left and the right, weren't "unused".
I would also be happier if we didn't see, on the main forums page (ie....when you choose a forum and see all the threads), the "who's on" and the associated icons (have a link to WHO'S ONLINE and then show them, that would be fine. And, let us choose forums NOT to see in the list.
Would like to NOT see currency and sports cards and autographs or stamps.

Definitely more usable than 2 days ago, but the above 3 items I list would, to me, be large steps to being more positive.

I've already detailed in 3 posts now how to "mute" and hide forums you don't want to see. use the "mute" function

dbtunr · October 15, 2016 7:44AM

@Bochiman said:

@dadams said:

@Bochiman said:
I'd be a lot happier with it if all the unused white space, on the left and the right, weren't "unused".
I would also be happier if we didn't see, on the main forums page (ie....when you choose a forum and see all the threads), the "who's on" and the associated icons (have a link to WHO'S ONLINE and then show them, that would be fine. And, let us choose forums NOT to see in the list.
Would like to NOT see currency and sports cards and autographs or stamps.

Definitely more usable than 2 days ago, but the above 3 items I list would, to me, be large steps to being more positive.

Hiding Categories won't happen

Why? Last software enabled it.
Is it this software or a business decision that was made, do you know?

why does what the last software did have any bearing here? It's a new software vendor and a new paradigm. If it doesn't do it out of the box, then it's a costly customization. Who pays for that? This is given to you for free. Are you willing to actually start paying for this? collectors.com and now the forums have cost CLCT millions.

MrHalfDime · October 15, 2016 7:52AM

I must admit, I really like the new forum format. Just when I think I have a question or issue, someone else asks and answers the question, or with just a little bit of experimentation I find the answer myself. For what I am paying for this service, and for what is received in return, it is worth every penny spent. A big thumbs up!

BryceM · October 15, 2016 8:24AM

I think for the purposes of our hosts, this is close to perfect. Much easier for most people on most devices and platforms. For my own purposes, I'd rather see the Markdown stuff go away and regular HTML functionality restored. I actually prefer to keep my photos on hosted sites so I have access to them in different places. Linking those outside photos here is harder now and doesn't seem to always work.

OldEastside · October 15, 2016 8:35AM

5.............. I like it a lot, it still has a few teeny glitches......for one, when I click on
the AU/AG Chart in PM board it some times takes me to page 4 or 6 or 2 or 3 and I
have to click back to page one to see the currant chart........but most of the other
little annoyances have been fixed..............we are getting there, But I do like it better

Steve

bronzemat · October 15, 2016 8:43AM

I am actually finding myself visiting less, especially the U.S. forum. I like the change as it's much easier but due to so many new topics being posted here, it often looks very crowded with the logos, view counts, little pics like "new" and so on. Whereas before it was fairly easy to go through new titles.

Maybe there needs to be more spacing in-between thread titles on the forum pages or bold the title text darker.

It just looks cluttered.

johnny9434 · October 15, 2016 8:58AM

once they get a few bugs out i think it might be ok. (no, im not going to over thunk it either )

VanHalen · October 15, 2016 10:11AM

@dbtunr said:

@Bochiman said:

@dadams said:

@Bochiman said:
I'd be a lot happier with it if all the unused white space, on the left and the right, weren't "unused".
I would also be happier if we didn't see, on the main forums page (ie....when you choose a forum and see all the threads), the "who's on" and the associated icons (have a link to WHO'S ONLINE and then show them, that would be fine. And, let us choose forums NOT to see in the list.
Would like to NOT see currency and sports cards and autographs or stamps.

Definitely more usable than 2 days ago, but the above 3 items I list would, to me, be large steps to being more positive.

Hiding Categories won't happen

Why? Last software enabled it.
Is it this software or a business decision that was made, do you know?

why does what the last software did have any bearing here? It's a new software vendor and a new paradigm. If it doesn't do it out of the box, then it's a costly customization. Who pays for that? This is given to you for free. Are you willing to actually start paying for this? collectors.com and now the forums have cost CLCT millions.

And you know these forums have "cost" CLCT millions how? I would think it has made CLCT millions in advertising. Many other companies offer free forums for their products (with additional advertiser dollars coming in on the side). CoinTalk and Coin Community Family make ALL their money off advertising.

Desert Moon · October 15, 2016 10:22AM

Agree need all of the emoticons back.

dbtunr · October 15, 2016 10:40AM

@VanHalen said:

@dbtunr said:

@Bochiman said:

@dadams said:

@Bochiman said:
I'd be a lot happier with it if all the unused white space, on the left and the right, weren't "unused".
I would also be happier if we didn't see, on the main forums page (ie....when you choose a forum and see all the threads), the "who's on" and the associated icons (have a link to WHO'S ONLINE and then show them, that would be fine. And, let us choose forums NOT to see in the list.
Would like to NOT see currency and sports cards and autographs or stamps.

Definitely more usable than 2 days ago, but the above 3 items I list would, to me, be large steps to being more positive.

Hiding Categories won't happen

Why? Last software enabled it.
Is it this software or a business decision that was made, do you know?

why does what the last software did have any bearing here? It's a new software vendor and a new paradigm. If it doesn't do it out of the box, then it's a costly customization. Who pays for that? This is given to you for free. Are you willing to actually start paying for this? collectors.com and now the forums have cost CLCT millions.

And you know these forums have "cost" CLCT millions how? I would think it has made CLCT millions in advertising. Many other companies offer free forums for their products (with additional advertiser dollars coming in on the side). CoinTalk and Coin Community Family make ALL their money off advertising.

From their last yearly report:

we incurred increased losses of $1.3 million in Collectors.com in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015.

There were losses in 2015 as well. 2015 annual report:

Through June 30, 2015, we have invested approximately $0.5 million in Collectors.com.

Now two upgrades of the forums in the past year and giving away Coinfacts.com for free which caused revenue to decrease by approx $400K/yr. That's $1.8M in collectors.com costs, an unknown cost for these forum upgrades, and $400K/yr in lost Coinfacts.com revenue. You guys should be ecstatic.

ElmerFusterpuck · October 15, 2016 10:54AM

Reading this thread made me want to try the ignore feature and it works great! That blaring trumpet has now been muted.

Overall I give it a 4+, brings the forum more into the 2010's. A few more tweaks like mentioned above would surely help.

VanHalen · October 15, 2016 10:58AM

@dbtunr said:

@VanHalen said:

@dbtunr said:

@Bochiman said:

@dadams said:

@Bochiman said:
I'd be a lot happier with it if all the unused white space, on the left and the right, weren't "unused".
I would also be happier if we didn't see, on the main forums page (ie....when you choose a forum and see all the threads), the "who's on" and the associated icons (have a link to WHO'S ONLINE and then show them, that would be fine. And, let us choose forums NOT to see in the list.
Would like to NOT see currency and sports cards and autographs or stamps.

Definitely more usable than 2 days ago, but the above 3 items I list would, to me, be large steps to being more positive.

Hiding Categories won't happen

Why? Last software enabled it.
Is it this software or a business decision that was made, do you know?

why does what the last software did have any bearing here? It's a new software vendor and a new paradigm. If it doesn't do it out of the box, then it's a costly customization. Who pays for that? This is given to you for free. Are you willing to actually start paying for this? collectors.com and now the forums have cost CLCT millions.

And you know these forums have "cost" CLCT millions how? I would think it has made CLCT millions in advertising. Many other companies offer free forums for their products (with additional advertiser dollars coming in on the side). CoinTalk and Coin Community Family make ALL their money off advertising.

From their last yearly report:

we incurred increased losses of $1.3 million in Collectors.com in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015.

There were losses in 2015 as well. 2015 annual report:

Through June 30, 2015, we have invested approximately $0.5 million in Collectors.com.

Now two upgrades of the forums in the past year and giving away Coinfacts.com for free which caused revenue to decrease by approx $400K/yr. That's $1.8M in collectors.com costs, an unknown cost for these forum upgrades, and $400K/yr in lost Coinfacts.com revenue. You guys should be ecstatic.

Those are charges to revenue only. They don't say a thing about goodwill or revenues from advertising.
Coinfacts and collectors.com have nothing to do with this forum. They, of course, have advertising income as well. CLCT deciding to give away coinfacts was their business decision, not made in a vacuum of P/L. Nothing you posted states a thing to support "these forums costing CLCT millions". Nothing.

dbtunr · October 15, 2016 11:31AM

@VanHalen said:

@dbtunr said:

@VanHalen said:

@dbtunr said:

@Bochiman said:

@dadams said:

@Bochiman said:
I'd be a lot happier with it if all the unused white space, on the left and the right, weren't "unused".
I would also be happier if we didn't see, on the main forums page (ie....when you choose a forum and see all the threads), the "who's on" and the associated icons (have a link to WHO'S ONLINE and then show them, that would be fine. And, let us choose forums NOT to see in the list.
Would like to NOT see currency and sports cards and autographs or stamps.

Definitely more usable than 2 days ago, but the above 3 items I list would, to me, be large steps to being more positive.

Hiding Categories won't happen

Why? Last software enabled it.
Is it this software or a business decision that was made, do you know?

why does what the last software did have any bearing here? It's a new software vendor and a new paradigm. If it doesn't do it out of the box, then it's a costly customization. Who pays for that? This is given to you for free. Are you willing to actually start paying for this? collectors.com and now the forums have cost CLCT millions.

And you know these forums have "cost" CLCT millions how? I would think it has made CLCT millions in advertising. Many other companies offer free forums for their products (with additional advertiser dollars coming in on the side). CoinTalk and Coin Community Family make ALL their money off advertising.

From their last yearly report:

we incurred increased losses of $1.3 million in Collectors.com in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015.

There were losses in 2015 as well. 2015 annual report:

Through June 30, 2015, we have invested approximately $0.5 million in Collectors.com.

Now two upgrades of the forums in the past year and giving away Coinfacts.com for free which caused revenue to decrease by approx $400K/yr. That's $1.8M in collectors.com costs, an unknown cost for these forum upgrades, and $400K/yr in lost Coinfacts.com revenue. You guys should be ecstatic.

Those are charges to revenue only. They don't say a thing about goodwill or revenues from advertising.
Coinfacts and collectors.com have nothing to do with this forum. They, of course, have advertising income as well. CLCT deciding to give away coinfacts was their business decision, not made in a vacuum of P/L. Nothing you posted states a thing to support "these forums costing CLCT millions". Nothing.

I said "collectors.com and now these forums have cost millions". I showed above that collectors.com alone has cost $1.8M. There was at least a low six figure customization and conversion cost for these forums. The point of Coinfacts.com given away for free is that it is part of their digital presence, just like these forums. CC membership only increased by 100 from 16,200 in 2015 to 16,300 in 2016 so maybe giving away Coinflation generated $15K in new membership dues. Unless there is an influx of new paying members and since you guys are against allowing only CC members to post, I would not be surprised to see a fee increase in CC membership at some point in the future.

VanHalen · October 15, 2016 11:52AM

@dbtunr said:

@VanHalen said:

@dbtunr said:

@VanHalen said:

@dbtunr said:

@Bochiman said:

@dadams said:

@Bochiman said:
I'd be a lot happier with it if all the unused white space, on the left and the right, weren't "unused".
I would also be happier if we didn't see, on the main forums page (ie....when you choose a forum and see all the threads), the "who's on" and the associated icons (have a link to WHO'S ONLINE and then show them, that would be fine. And, let us choose forums NOT to see in the list.
Would like to NOT see currency and sports cards and autographs or stamps.

Definitely more usable than 2 days ago, but the above 3 items I list would, to me, be large steps to being more positive.

Hiding Categories won't happen

Why? Last software enabled it.
Is it this software or a business decision that was made, do you know?

why does what the last software did have any bearing here? It's a new software vendor and a new paradigm. If it doesn't do it out of the box, then it's a costly customization. Who pays for that? This is given to you for free. Are you willing to actually start paying for this? collectors.com and now the forums have cost CLCT millions.

And you know these forums have "cost" CLCT millions how? I would think it has made CLCT millions in advertising. Many other companies offer free forums for their products (with additional advertiser dollars coming in on the side). CoinTalk and Coin Community Family make ALL their money off advertising.

From their last yearly report:

we incurred increased losses of $1.3 million in Collectors.com in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015.

There were losses in 2015 as well. 2015 annual report:

Through June 30, 2015, we have invested approximately $0.5 million in Collectors.com.

Now two upgrades of the forums in the past year and giving away Coinfacts.com for free which caused revenue to decrease by approx $400K/yr. That's $1.8M in collectors.com costs, an unknown cost for these forum upgrades, and $400K/yr in lost Coinfacts.com revenue. You guys should be ecstatic.

Those are charges to revenue only. They don't say a thing about goodwill or revenues from advertising.
Coinfacts and collectors.com have nothing to do with this forum. They, of course, have advertising income as well. CLCT deciding to give away coinfacts was their business decision, not made in a vacuum of P/L. Nothing you posted states a thing to support "these forums costing CLCT millions". Nothing.

I said "collectors.com and now these forums have cost millions". I showed above that collectors.com alone has cost $1.8M. There was at least a low six figure customization and conversion cost for these forums. The point of Coinflation.com given away for free is that it is part of their digital presence, just like these forums. CC membership only increased by 100 from 16,200 in 2015 to 16,300 in 2016 so maybe giving away Coinflation generated $15K in new membership dues. Unless there is an influx of new paying members and since you guys are against allowing only CC members to post, I would not be surprised to see a fee increase in CC membership at some point in the future.

"Cost" without knowledge of the P/L statement means nothing. Stating expenses is not the same thing as a net expense or "cost". Why would a reasonable/profitable corporation waste of funds for a forum without expectation of a positive ROI?

dbtunr · October 15, 2016 11:58AM

@VanHalen said:

@dbtunr said:

@VanHalen said:

@dbtunr said:

@VanHalen said:

@dbtunr said:

@Bochiman said:

@dadams said:

@Bochiman said:
I'd be a lot happier with it if all the unused white space, on the left and the right, weren't "unused".
I would also be happier if we didn't see, on the main forums page (ie....when you choose a forum and see all the threads), the "who's on" and the associated icons (have a link to WHO'S ONLINE and then show them, that would be fine. And, let us choose forums NOT to see in the list.
Would like to NOT see currency and sports cards and autographs or stamps.

Definitely more usable than 2 days ago, but the above 3 items I list would, to me, be large steps to being more positive.

Hiding Categories won't happen

Why? Last software enabled it.
Is it this software or a business decision that was made, do you know?

why does what the last software did have any bearing here? It's a new software vendor and a new paradigm. If it doesn't do it out of the box, then it's a costly customization. Who pays for that? This is given to you for free. Are you willing to actually start paying for this? collectors.com and now the forums have cost CLCT millions.

And you know these forums have "cost" CLCT millions how? I would think it has made CLCT millions in advertising. Many other companies offer free forums for their products (with additional advertiser dollars coming in on the side). CoinTalk and Coin Community Family make ALL their money off advertising.

From their last yearly report:

we incurred increased losses of $1.3 million in Collectors.com in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015.

There were losses in 2015 as well. 2015 annual report:

Through June 30, 2015, we have invested approximately $0.5 million in Collectors.com.

Now two upgrades of the forums in the past year and giving away Coinfacts.com for free which caused revenue to decrease by approx $400K/yr. That's $1.8M in collectors.com costs, an unknown cost for these forum upgrades, and $400K/yr in lost Coinfacts.com revenue. You guys should be ecstatic.

Those are charges to revenue only. They don't say a thing about goodwill or revenues from advertising.
Coinfacts and collectors.com have nothing to do with this forum. They, of course, have advertising income as well. CLCT deciding to give away coinfacts was their business decision, not made in a vacuum of P/L. Nothing you posted states a thing to support "these forums costing CLCT millions". Nothing.

I said "collectors.com and now these forums have cost millions". I showed above that collectors.com alone has cost $1.8M. There was at least a low six figure customization and conversion cost for these forums. The point of Coinflation.com given away for free is that it is part of their digital presence, just like these forums. CC membership only increased by 100 from 16,200 in 2015 to 16,300 in 2016 so maybe giving away Coinflation generated $15K in new membership dues. Unless there is an influx of new paying members and since you guys are against allowing only CC members to post, I would not be surprised to see a fee increase in CC membership at some point in the future.

"Cost" without knowledge of the P/L statement means nothing. Stating expenses is not the same thing as a net expense or "cost". Why would a reasonable/profitable corporation waste of funds for a forum without expectation of a positive ROI?

Good question. Cash has been dwindling and this was the first year in many they did not add cash during their "busy" season (Jan-June). Cash is at a multi-yr low point and is about where it was the last time they eliminated the dividend. This as they go into their "slow" season. Despite 40% growth in submissions during their "busy" season, EPS was about what it was last year. These "costs" flowed through to the bottom line as actual costs.

ricko · October 15, 2016 12:18PM

I rated it a '5'. I like it.... Yes, it is different, but change is inevitable...and overall, there are improvements. Cheers, RickO

Type2 · October 15, 2016 11:53PM

Will take a bit, but like some of the stuff so far.

golden · October 16, 2016 8:58AM

New and improved seldom is!

asheland · October 17, 2016 10:46AM

asheland · October 17, 2016 10:47AM

Just kidding.
Actually rate it a 5.
I like.

1630Boston · October 17, 2016 10:51AM

5 for me if that is the best

edited to add , there are no numerals in the survey question, I assume 5 is the best.

illini420 · October 17, 2016 11:01AM

I was a bit worried when I first learned of CU doing another "upgrade" to the forum as the last "upgrade" didn't seem to be a good one in my experience. Now that's it's been about a week, I'm pleasantly surprised. Sure, not everything is 100% perfect, but I'd say at least 90%-95% is running smoothly so far.

One negative I've noticed so far that could continue to be a problem is the picture loading. I think letting members upload large sized photos is great, but on threads like the Copper for a Weekend and others with lots of photos, the thread loads in very slowly compared to how it used to load on the old forum. So, when you go back to visit a thread like that where it should take you to the first unread post, it initially does so, but then the photos start loading in and then the page moves quite a bit so you're not looking at the most recent post. Not sure that can be fixed and if not, it's something I'm sure we'll be able to live with.

And also being able to sort private messages would be nice. On the old forum, they had an alphabet there where you could go to all PMs by users starting with any letter. That was very handy for those of us who have had private messages with hundreds of others here.

On a scale of 1 to 5 how do you rate the new CU Forum Experience

On a scale of 1 to 5 how do you rate the new CU Forum Experience

On a scale of 1 to 5 how do you rate the new CU Forum Experience 112 votes

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