The redesign is ongoing but anyone can now post topics and comments.
Logging in has been made as quick and simple as possible to open it up to anybody who wants to post or comment. Find the login box on the right-hand-side. If you are one of the 450 who already registered within the past year you can type in your username and password, or if the email address you registered with is linked to your Facebook, Twitter, Google, Yahoo or WordPress.com account, just click the button and you will be authenticated that way without needing to type in your Hull City Online username and password.
If you are a new user, you can use your login to the aforementioned sites to begin posting straight away (then choose a display name afterwards, if you wish). Alternatively, click the Register link and verify your email address before logging in.
Once logged in, the Post New Topic box will appear on the right-hand-side. Enter the title and content, then click the ‘Post this topic’ button at the bottom – as simple as that. If you prefer, click the ‘Visual Editor’ button to use extra formatting options and insert images.
The page design isn’t entirely finished yet. The ‘header’ area where there is only a temporary logo in place obviously needs building. Rest assured that the page content won’t be shoved lower down the page to accommodate adverts and logos at the top – unlike other sites. The colours aren’t perfect yet where there is a grey and amber clash. Most significantly, the way the list of topics is displayed needs addressing. Currently, the most recent posts (ie. topic starters) appear at the top of the page, regardless of whether another topic has a more recent reply. A solution to this is still being worked on. In the meantime, find the latest comments on the right-hand-side. These issues aside, I hope you find the new design clean, simple, and fast-loading.
A design feature being trialled is the comments view. All comments appear on one page, like the ‘Topic’ view style. Those that prefer ‘Thread’ view may be pleased to see replies to a previous comment ‘nested’ beneath that comment. This may make it clearer to see who is replying to whom. However, this could be an unfamiliar way of viewing a topic so I will listen to feedback.
As stated, this redesign isn’t yet finished so you may find faults or have suggestions. Please tell me them! Leave a comment below, post a new topic, or email me at andy@hullcityonline.com and I will do my best to get this site just how you want it.
I hope to find some of you joining me here before/during/after tonight’s match.
