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Cigar Box Nation Redesign

Hello everyone,

I wanted to let you know that we are working on a redesign of Cigar Box Nation's look and feel (known as its "theme" or "skin". Basically, this means the banner, the colors, how the different content boxes look, etc. This current theme has been in place for several years now, and was never all that great to begin with (I know, because I'm the one that came up with it), so it is definitely time for an update.

The core functionality that makes up Cigar Box Nation is not changing, only the way it looks on your computer screen. You'll still be able to upload photos and vids, browse groups, post forum topics and comments, update your own pages, take part in the chat, etc.

We are working with a professional Ning theme developer on this project (you can see some of her Ning design porfolio here if you want), with a goal of making the overall site look much cleaner, and more modern, while still retaining a "vintagey" feel that is in keeping with cigar box guitars.

The Cigar Box Nation logo (star/upraised fist/CBG) will be kept. We will also be making sure to keep some of the key stuff on the front page that you all love so much (Photo slideshow, Videos, Top Content, Forums, Groups). We are going to be working hard to make it easier to nagivate the site in general though, especially for newer users. So the main menu is going to be revamped and some other navigational aids added.

My hope is that the end result of all of this will be a much better looking and easier-to-use website. I am sure there will be some bumps in the road, and I know that not everyone will like every change. This process of having a professional, modern theme developed is not cheap, but I think it is an investment very much worth making.

Feel free to post comments and discuss all of this. I'll do my best to reply as possible.

Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Reeds Taylor on June 20, 2015 at 3:04am

I'm liking what I'm seeing so far. Haven't tripped over any real issue that jump out at me...Great job Ben...and thanks for the change.

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Permalink Reply by George Mesheau on June 20, 2015 at 3:26pm

First look at the new design and I like it..great job. congrats.

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Permalink Reply by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker on June 23, 2015 at 1:07am

The "likes" popup box placement bug has been fixed (hopefully). Give it a try.

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Permalink Reply by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker on June 23, 2015 at 9:16am

I have also tweaked the color scheme a bit to try to address the contrast concerns.

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Permalink Reply by Scott W on June 23, 2015 at 3:22pm

Both the "likes" pop-up and the reply text contrast are much better now.

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Permalink Reply by Scott W on June 23, 2015 at 3:26pm

By the way Ben, I didn't see a better way to post my question to you, so here goes: are there any plans to have a build contest this summer????

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Permalink Reply by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker on June 24, 2015 at 4:27am

The photo slideshow is working like it always has, on my end... autostarts and has the standard delay. Is anyone else experiencing what Jim describes?

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Permalink Reply by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker on June 24, 2015 at 5:41am

I was able to replicate the issue in the FireFox browser, but it seems to work OK in Chrome and Internet Explorer. I am checking into whether it is a known Ning/Firefox issue. What browser are you using?

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Permalink Reply by James O Lunsford on June 24, 2015 at 4:56am

Good Job on The site Makeover Looks Real Good Ben I used to Have 5 Websites I know How Much Work this can Be. Thanks to You and your Team for all the hard work.

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Permalink Reply by John Roberts on June 25, 2015 at 3:51pm

The site resign was essential. Google declared that all websites must be mobile friendly or be dropped way down in search ranking. Your new design is excellent and meets the requirement for being mobile friendly.

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Permalink Reply by Bluesheart on June 26, 2015 at 10:11am

Looks nice Ben, thanks again for all you do for us!

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Permalink Reply by Scott W on June 30, 2015 at 1:39am

I realize I am late to the party on this, but can any functionality be added to the search tool??? It is really difficult to sift through the copious results with the current search set-up.