New AF Layout?

[Digimon_Sommelier]

Hey, AF staff,

I was thinking. Maybe if AF had a brand spankin' new look, the forum would look shiny and new to new/old users? Is that something we can work on?

-Som

[PictureGuy]

New layouts are hard to get used to. The hentai idea expressed elsewhere may help.

But seriously? We don't talk enough about anime. I know I am out of fresh ideas.

[Digimon_Sommelier]

New layouts are hard to get used to. The hentai idea expressed elsewhere may help.

But seriously? We don't talk enough about anime. I know I am out of fresh ideas.

That was not helpful.

[FlashD]

We are considering it and to some extent even working on it, but there is really no ETA, because the idea is to build our own system rather than rely on vBulletin or any other software. Unfortunately, this is all I can tell you right now.

[PictureGuy]

What you are looking at now is the same old same old. I see nothing wrong with the current layout, so why change?

[FlashD]

The technology of the forum is pretty old, and soon things will start breaking. We can't keep patching holes forever. We will try and keep the sites as close to the original as possible, while embracing a more modern feel. When ready, members will have the chance to try it out and give their opinion, before we switch. That's the plan at least, but don't expect it tomorrow, since the whole thing is at a very early stage.

[Digimon_Sommelier]

@FlashD : A new look in development!! Oh, boy!!

[Digimon_Sommelier]

I asked this question in 2023 and do not seek to be a nuisance/bother in asking this. However, I would love a new AnimeForum Dot Com layout and healthily desire an update from higher-ups on a gaged launch date, if any?

[FlashD]

There is no launch date at the moment. While we are working to refresh the site, AF is the central hub for all our websites and can't just change it with anything or else all the sites go down. Before upgrading AF, we first need to update all our sites, migrate users and only then upgrade it. It is a work in progress and a lengthy one as this site keeps over 20 years of integrations. We will announce the update when it's ready (it is planned for somewhere in 2025).

[Digimon_Sommelier]

I look forward to that.

[PictureGuy]

Keep it user friendly. I have seen other boards undergo an overhaul, and the results were just too confusing.

[FlashD]

I will. There will be a learning curve, but shouldn't be too steep. I'm going to keep most of the way the forum works, but certain elements will have to be changed. When I have a demo ready, I'll let you all know, so we can evaluate it together.

[Digimon_Sommelier]

Yay!!

[Digimon_Sommelier]

Konichi wa!! I just want an update (think I requested one last year) on how things are going with the new AF layout. Can you gage a future launch date? Somewhere between 2025 or 2026, hopefully?

[FlashD]

No, not yet. The process is moving slowly, but moving. Be aware that we have 4 sites to update before we can even hope to update AF, so it will take some time.

[Digimon_Sommelier]

At this point, I am very frustrated. I receive similar answers about a slow process in refurnishing, if you will, AF. This is an anime community, as you don't need to be reminded (I say that with kindness and caution towards your feelings) but I'm under the impression that this site is being neglected. No updated banners, no updated sections, etc. It is painfully clear I should not anticipate a new layout but for the love of anime and its fansites evolving, I think of this forum as a paradisial haunt. I'm here every day because I love AF. D*** it. There may not be many active members, but I'm gonna' be loyal and dream big dreams for Anime Forum. Until I leave forever.

[PictureGuy]

I am wary of updates. Too often I see sites updated and made more difficult to navigate. There is nothing wrong with this site's format. Don't fix what isn't broken.