As should be exceedingly obvious by now, GM-Volt.com has undergone a significant design transformation.
Just like model years of cars, and nearly everything else we interact with on a regular basis, so this site too has to evolve.
I realize that this change might upset some who are used to “calling this place home,” but the redesign is really a way of showing hope for the future.
We have come a long way since I first set this blog up on a small hosting plan using a free out-of-the-box theme in January of 2007. In January 2008 the previous custom design was implemented, and the site runs on its own dedicated servers.
This newest design actually has taken months of planning and required hiring a team of designers and programmers who took my vision and translated it into reality.
The plan was to create a simple, clean, fresh design to rapidly convey the best and latest news with a strong sense of optimism. This is the year of the Volt, and as cars actually begin hitting the roads new people may come here in droves to find out more about it.
The dark days of bankruptcy, uncertainty, and doubt are behind us and the future looks bright.
Please look out for any bugs or flaws you find in the new site, and feel free to email me at chevyvolt@gmail.com should you find any. I would be glad to hear any and all feedback you may have for new features you would like to see here.
Please bear with us as there may be bits of tweaking going on the next few days, and if you are using Internet Explorer 6.0 you may have more trouble. Also check out the forum redesigned too.
Thanks for your continued support. Enjoy GM-Volt.com v 3.0!
This entry was posted on Thursday, February 11th, 2010 at 3:20 pm and is filed under Volt Nation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
+1
Feb 11th, 2010 (3:25 pm)WooHoo !
+3
Feb 11th, 2010 (3:26 pm)Looks good! I like the subtle background which is taken from the Volt’s “grille”.
Feb 11th, 2010 (3:28 pm)This is kind of like the Volt it self. Some like the way it was at first and some like the finished product.
In this case I don’t like the new site. But it’s not like I am going to stop reading it. Maybe it will grow on me. (I like the final Volt better) So what do I know?
+2
Feb 11th, 2010 (3:37 pm)Looks good Lyle.
-1
Feb 11th, 2010 (3:41 pm)Has anyone see this? Link: http://evworld.com/article.cfm?storyid=1815
It is an article where about 40 members of a local (to Vancouver) Electric Vehicle organization got to do Volt test drives (two Volts are there for the olympics).
Seems like they really liked the Volt.
LJGTVWOTR – NMST
Feb 11th, 2010 (3:42 pm)And the posting stuff seems to work now.
Feb 11th, 2010 (3:48 pm)I like it. Looks good and seems to be easier to navigate through. Thanks Lyle!
Feb 11th, 2010 (3:50 pm)Cool. It might look nice to leave the background fixed, so that the volt grille at the top of the page is always visible as someone scrolls down. Just adds more dimension, in my opinion.
Feb 11th, 2010 (3:54 pm)Woot!
Feb 11th, 2010 (3:56 pm)Lyle, when in the Forum, there seems to be something wiggy about the top level links. The link to Home seems to be missing or invisible. Some of the items that should be near the top of the screen seem to be overlaying some of the forum content. (Using IE8.0)
Feb 11th, 2010 (4:06 pm)Maybe just my old eyes/brain but I find the new font harder to read. I guess the old site was sans-serif also. Sometimes people pick a font because it seems so pretty in small bits, even though it’s harder to read in large chunks.
Just my dumb observation.
Feb 11th, 2010 (4:07 pm)Lyle, Either it is fixed or I did something (I did turn off “compatibility mode”). Anyway, the forms are looking fine now.
+1
Feb 11th, 2010 (4:07 pm)______________________________________________________________________
I like the new site design!
_____________________________________________________________________
Feb 11th, 2010 (4:09 pm)The only thing that seems kind of suspicious is that the regulars that we rely on seem to be missing. Hope nothing is amiss.
Feb 11th, 2010 (4:10 pm)john k #5
I liked the link to EV world and its report on the Volt. And from their report I know they liked it.
Thanks for the link.
+1
Feb 11th, 2010 (4:21 pm)I like the design and flow but the fonts hurt my eyes.
+3
Feb 11th, 2010 (4:24 pm)“This is a good idea, but it is a new one, and we fear it, so we must reject it.”
-Lothar of the Hill People
/I like it…but my taste may be questionable
Feb 11th, 2010 (4:37 pm)Is it just me or are others not seeing the first couple letters on the left side of the posts?
Feb 11th, 2010 (4:37 pm)Yes…a dead link, always good.
/best 2 of 3
(Pic of obscure Lothar reference)
+1
Feb 11th, 2010 (4:38 pm)The new look is as cold and clinical as a Nazi death camp operating room, and as warm and inviting as Charlie Manson’s smile.
I LIKE IT !
+1
Feb 11th, 2010 (4:38 pm)It may take a little getting used to, but I’m OK with the new design.
Feb 11th, 2010 (4:59 pm)The new site design seems to supress all blank spaces between paragraphs.
For me, spearating things into paragraphs makes it more readable.
Feb 11th, 2010 (5:06 pm)I liked the more compact comments. Less wasted space. Though the font choice feels weird.
Looks much better I think. Good job!
+4
Feb 11th, 2010 (5:09 pm)The all white background is a bit blinding, but it is not enough to force me to leave!!!!
I doun’t see any vote counts on this thread or the previous thread. Does it not work?
I like paragraph separation as well. After all, how will we ever be able to read Dan Petit’s epic novel postings????
Feb 11th, 2010 (5:09 pm)I’m also not liking the font. The whole words look enough different than usual to slow down my reading.
HTML code seems to supported rather than BBcode. A link to how to format a post would be nice to have.
Feb 11th, 2010 (5:10 pm)I believe the new web site is a general improvement in appearance.
**My preference would be to reduce the amount of white space between posts so I don’t have to scroll quite so much to read a long chain of comments. A touch of color here or there probably wouldn’t hurt things either
* Maybe collapsing the blank line between paragraphs into just 1/2 line would preserve the readability many of us prefer while still keeping things tidy?
Feb 11th, 2010 (5:13 pm)Needless to say, there is still a lot of cleanup work to be done on the new site layout before I can give it a thumbs up.
+1
Feb 11th, 2010 (5:32 pm)Lovely. Looks more professional to me.
Feb 11th, 2010 (5:37 pm)eh…
It’s ok.
Feb 11th, 2010 (5:37 pm)Home page seems to load faster, so I’m happier.
Feb 11th, 2010 (5:41 pm)Bling Bling, the Volt Hood Monkey
Had to use FireFox, IE8 would not load.
+1
Feb 11th, 2010 (5:46 pm)Overall I like the new look, but can we get the font size for the usernames enlarged a bit. I find myself having a hard time telling right away who posted each post because the names sort of blend in. If they were larger I think it would make it easier to recognize at a glance who posted which post.
+1
Feb 11th, 2010 (5:47 pm)Especially after a few beers dude.
-1
Feb 11th, 2010 (5:49 pm)Bad monkey! Bad Bad Monkey!!!
You need to be spanked!!!
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!
Feb 11th, 2010 (5:50 pm)Oops, nevermind, it’s been changed/fixed. As someone else mentioned, it probably wasn’t the font, but rather the spacing between the letters was a bit wonky (technical term).
+1
Feb 11th, 2010 (5:54 pm)I too would like a little larger font for the comments and the usernames.
I tried looking around at different things and decided to look at the infamous “want list.” The “wait list” status page loaded OK, but when I tried to look at my data, it had the right place in line (23114), but the rest of my data was hidden using Firefox 3.5.7. So I tried IE 8.0, and it brought up someone elses data (31341) when I entered the same email I have always used.
The regular comments are all readable, just small. (I’m getting old, you know.) The font for the original post is comfortable to read.
The edit function seems to still work in Firefox.
Feb 11th, 2010 (5:54 pm)Remember the trunk Monkey?
Yesterday I found a Monkey under the hood of a Volt.
I figure that it is there to protect the people in the Volt…
+1
Feb 11th, 2010 (5:55 pm)Compact, fast; that’s good. With a few hours getting used to, it will be imminently more usable. The old format was a little amateur/out of date looking in comparison. But then it did give you a we want just the facts and we’re all a part of this technological direction mash-up feel.
No chance to get voted off the island?
Feb 11th, 2010 (5:56 pm)Font size of salutation with date/time seems to be smaller than the body of the comment, making it harder to read. Otherwise the font and its size is fine IMHO. I found the new design easier to read. A few of you disagree on this point, I know, but that’s my initial opinion.
I still haven’t looked at the Forum so that will be a future post.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
P.S. I used to program in FoxPro. Also, I’m using FireFox 3.5 and haven’t seen any rendering problems with this browser.
Feb 11th, 2010 (5:58 pm)Be Nice, or Bling Bling gonna get you.
HeHeHeHe….
Feb 11th, 2010 (5:58 pm)No wanks on the wonks here.
=D~
Feb 11th, 2010 (6:00 pm)He’s there to throw Poo at pedestrians to make sure they know you’re there. It’s more effective than the noise maker for the silent EV mode.
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!!!!!
Feb 11th, 2010 (6:02 pm)I remember the trunk monkey. I always thought he was a bit mean.
I hope there’s not a MEAN monkey under the hood of our Volts. The PR wouldn’t be good. 
No poo throwing either. (maybe an occasional banana peel) 
Feb 11th, 2010 (6:02 pm)I figure a good TV commercial…
It opens with Very Very Ultra Large Crude Carrier going across the ocean
+2
Feb 11th, 2010 (6:03 pm)I suppose the new layout looks a bit “slicker”. The advertising stands out more.
But the posts are harder to navigate and determine who said what. The boxes in the old format distinguished each post and its author more clearly.
The 3.0 format makes your brain work harder to organize — I’m not really into that.
Feb 11th, 2010 (6:06 pm)The Camera pans into the the bridge… Behind the wheel is Captain Jack Sparrow!
Feb 11th, 2010 (6:07 pm)Works for me in IE8 and Firefox 3.5. Even using good old Vista. Using the browser sizing and font sizing controls to find something comfortable to read with out slowing scrolling. Thumbs up located and all good so far – nice job Lyle and GM-Volt.com team
Feb 11th, 2010 (6:08 pm)I am thinking the Volt Monkey would be a good Monkey, with a sense of humor…
Feb 11th, 2010 (6:10 pm)Works for me, but I’m thinking Tag needs to weigh in. LJGTVWOTR
Feb 11th, 2010 (6:13 pm)Then Captain Jack Sparrows cell phone rings (the sound of the Chevy Volt Dance Song Plays) After a brief chat that wicked large ship heals to, a hard for port.
Captain Jack approves…
Feb 11th, 2010 (6:17 pm)Monkeys usually symbolize trouble, mischief, or deceit. If I were a mechanic working on the volt, I’d offer up a banana before I dove underneath the hood — just to be safe.
Feb 11th, 2010 (6:18 pm)First Mate Michael asks, Captain where are we going?
Feb 11th, 2010 (6:20 pm)banana accepted, you are safe!
Cheers
Feb 11th, 2010 (6:23 pm)Red HHR – better get those meds under control.
Feb 11th, 2010 (6:24 pm)It certainly has that iPOD look and feel. I’m not crazy about it one way or the other. The overall layout and graphics look pretty slick. Reading down through the comments and using the message board it looks okay i guess. it doesn’t knock my socks off. i’ll get used to it.
Feb 11th, 2010 (6:25 pm)Captain Jack responds, that was Statik, we have been diverted, we are headed to Carmallland.
Scene fads out…
Feb 11th, 2010 (6:28 pm)Ah, you are probably right…
+1
Feb 11th, 2010 (6:30 pm)I don’t like the placement of the horizontal gray line in the comments.
It comes after the heading and before the comment.
With no other demarcation, the effect is to group the comment with the next heading.
The primary visible break should be between comments, not within a comment.
Feb 11th, 2010 (6:35 pm)Scene II,
Opens with Tag at a gas station, Red HHR shows up looking for some gas. Tag says sorry, all the fuel has gone to Carmallland. However I think I do have a answer for you.
+2
Feb 11th, 2010 (6:43 pm)The size of the font stinks. It reminds me of my cell phone, where, on a one and a quarter inch square screen, the cellular service provider wants me to start using the internet on these microscopic letters to open folders, and etc.
Lyle, your programmers probably don’t wear glasses like many of us here. This is a little discourteous and dysfunctional.
Why it might be related to anyone not remaining here I don’t know, but, I think it isn’t friendly to those like Blind Guy. Also, if it sets up a baseline of frustration by some, the optimism factor might be compromised unintentionally.
Were there technical reasons why the font size is reduced to this unfriendly size? A study perhaps? Have you sold the site off to someone?
+2
Feb 11th, 2010 (6:52 pm)Roy, each comment is lead by a unique number followed by the avatar of the poster, the voting buttons, the name of the poster and the date/time information. Then a gray line appears followed by the comment. After that their is a progressively graying box with “(Quote)” inside. That box containing Quote is the demarcation of the comment. I do not see any problem with this layout.
Additional issue: by increasing the size of the font by pressing Control/+, we may find the text easier to read.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
+2
Feb 11th, 2010 (6:55 pm)Well, like Microsoft, it took till V3 to get it right. However from that point forward each successive generation of the product was a bug filled disaster that took several ‘Service Packs’ to get it usable.
Hopefully we won’t need GM-VOLT.COM SP2, SP3, etc! !!!!
The only problem I see is the font is a lot smaller and my eyes aren’t as good as they used to be.
+2
Feb 11th, 2010 (7:02 pm)Dan, I suggested in my last comment, #61, to use the Control/+ combination of keys to increase the font size. Lyle, if you get to many complaints about the size, I would certainly instruct the programmers to increase it.
As I commented earlier, it looks like the font size for the header is one less than for the comment. I had a little difficulty reading the header.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
Feb 11th, 2010 (7:06 pm)I bet you will get used to it.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
+1
Feb 11th, 2010 (7:09 pm)Also, I would like the gray line to be between (Quote) and the next post.
Agree with Solo. Can your programmers give us a prompt to change the size of the font?????
Feb 11th, 2010 (7:11 pm)Lyle, I would still like to see a reference to the original comment such as I have been inserting before the persons name (whenever we reply to a comment). It gives me the ability to go back to that comment to re-read it if I get negative comments about what I wrote. TIA.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
+2
Feb 11th, 2010 (7:18 pm)carcus1, the new format will help you from getting alzheimer’s. You need to exercise your brain. It’s just one more way that GM-Volt.com has entered your life and made it better!
Happy trail to you ’til we meet again.
-2
Feb 11th, 2010 (7:19 pm)OT,
Nissan has announced they will begin delivery of the Leaf in December. Pricing won’t be announced until April, but the big news: Batteries Are Included (!)
source: ABG
Q. How will GM/Ford respond if Nissan is able to price the Leaf around $30,000 – before the $7,500 tax credit — and bring it in volume?
A. GM will be left standing on their d-ck, shrieking about range anxiety. Ford will be forced into scramble mode with the electric focus.
+1
Feb 11th, 2010 (7:19 pm)It goes without saying that the new format will require a little tweaking. What’s the rush? We still have 9 months to post before the wheels of the production Volt are available to own.
It seems odd that with all the buzz concerning electric cars. That a major manufacturer hasn’t gone for the EV hole shot. To grab at owning the buzz. And therefore the industry. Very surprised that big talking Nissan is dragging on release of the Leaf. Especially since it uses a passive battery temperature control system. A very simple design. Maybe Nissan is all hat and no cattle?
=D~
BTW: The topic of EV was brought up on this mornings Dennis Miller radio show. A caller mentioned the Leaf to Miller. He said he hadn’t heard of it. An example of the many perspective buyers out there to be tapped. The shift to EV is going to be “B” “I” “G” ~ HUGE!
+2
Feb 11th, 2010 (7:26 pm)Lyle, the voting is not being rendered. I voted one on this comment to test it, and nada showed.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
Feb 11th, 2010 (7:30 pm)***PERFECT!!***
LRG PROVOLT, YOU ROCK!!. CONTROL/+ IS THE KEY HERE.
NOW IF MY CELL PHONE WERE TO HAVE THAT FUNCTION AND A LOUDER RING LIKE IT
USED TO, THAT WOULD BE REALLY GREAT TOO.
THANKS LRGPROVOLT!!
-1
Feb 11th, 2010 (7:34 pm)Add,
AP is reporting Leaf pricing similar to base level Prius.
———
“The Japanese automaker will announce pricing in April, but a spokesman says the price will be similar to that of a base-level Toyota Prius hybrid, which starts at $22,800.”
___
Nissan electric car sign-ups to start in April
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100211/ap_on_bi_ge/us_nissan_leaf_2
Feb 11th, 2010 (7:42 pm)Okay I admit it. I’m an EV nut. I talk with several people about the shift to EV ownership each day. To my surprise… when I mention the Leaf will top out at 85mph. Most reply, “Oh that’s plenty”.
It’s not plenty enough for me.
=D~
Feb 11th, 2010 (8:01 pm)LRGVProVolt – worked for me too (using Firefox). Thanks a bunch!
+1
Feb 11th, 2010 (8:03 pm)Thanks for the info. I have started a list for those who will not be purchasing a Leaf due to limited top speed.
1. Bo D.
2. Luke D.
3. Dave K.
/ BTW, . . . Uncle Jesse, Daisy, AND Cooter all said they WOULD be interested in the Leaf.
Feb 11th, 2010 (8:04 pm)Glad to be of assistance, Michael.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.</b.
Feb 11th, 2010 (8:05 pm)Looks good…though the background looks as if it was lifted from the XBOX 360 site.
Maybe that’s why I like it
Feb 11th, 2010 (8:10 pm)Your more than welcome, Dan!
Hope you solve the other problems soon.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
Feb 11th, 2010 (8:15 pm)How dare you change the layout of this site!
You would think you own this thing, or something…ohhhhh, that’s right, you do!
Looks ok to me.
BTW: For those who have issues with smaller font, with firefox just select “View -> Zoom ->Zoom in” to your desired size.
Feb 11th, 2010 (8:43 pm)Harder on the eyes.
Feb 11th, 2010 (8:43 pm)That definitely helps. Thanks!
-2
Feb 11th, 2010 (8:44 pm)Everything “new” and “improved” isn’t necessarily better.
One can get used to just about anything given enough time.
Feb 11th, 2010 (8:48 pm)Hi, Laura.
Your very welcome.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
-1
Feb 11th, 2010 (9:06 pm)Lyle, the GM-Volt logo on the left side of the copyright statement at the pages bottom is not very clear. The surrounding gray scale background is too close to the gray scale of the logo. This needs changing; perhaps a different color!
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
Feb 11th, 2010 (9:23 pm)“The only constant is change”
+1
Feb 11th, 2010 (9:27 pm)=D~
+2
Feb 11th, 2010 (9:34 pm)As long as those ‘roll over’ ads are gone forever, I’m good.
The font is fine. It’s actually more clear (looks like higher resolution?) than before. Smallest screen I use is 17″. I’m old, so I use larger screens.
I don’t see any votes as well, but, I never did like voting anyway.
Anything you do, Lyle, is fine with me.
+1
Feb 11th, 2010 (9:44 pm)It also doesn’t say who did the post (that I can find). I wouldn’t want to mistake Statik for Lyle. That’d be bad.
Edit works. (Firefox 3.0.)
Also, seems that everything loads faster. Especially after I post something. Using less external links possibly?
+2
Feb 11th, 2010 (9:51 pm)I like the site! I wish the background was off white. That would be easier on the eyes. A larger Arial font would also help my eyes. Blue links would also be easier to see than the light green. Nice to have blue for links as it is the default color.
Jay
+1
Feb 11th, 2010 (9:55 pm)Vote totals are in the right margin-subtle-unless comment is voted off the island.
If Daisy’s in I reckon, said while scratching chin with a faraway look, I’ll jist have to reconsider.
It started working – see above.
Are the green lines newly added?
Feb 11th, 2010 (10:02 pm)As mentioned above, try Control/+ to increase font size.
+2
Feb 11th, 2010 (10:28 pm)Hey, the font to identify the commentor is larger and the vote totals are closer in. Service with a smile, and fast too!
IMO the date font does not need to be as large as the names, or larger than the font of the body of the comment.
Feb 11th, 2010 (10:34 pm)Yes. I didn’t notice them until you mentioned it. Before it was a gray scale.
Lyle is working fast. lol.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
+2
Feb 11th, 2010 (10:36 pm)We aim to please.
Feb 11th, 2010 (10:46 pm)The background look to be taken from the grill of the Volt.
http://www.gm-volt.com/galleries/
Note a number of photos show the chain design on the grill.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
Feb 11th, 2010 (10:47 pm)The background look to be taken from the grill of the Volt.
http://www.gm-volt.com/galleries/
Note a number of photos show the chain design on the grill.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
+1
Feb 11th, 2010 (10:51 pm)So cool (kewl?). I did not know that. I DID notice that at work the text was very tiny, but here on my wife’s machine it is very comfortable. Did not know that you could adjust so easily. It actually looks pretty good right about now.
One problem — I am suffering from Tagamet withdrawl. Hope he is not locked out in the cold.
Feb 11th, 2010 (10:54 pm)You do SUCH a good job.
Feb 11th, 2010 (11:05 pm)Lyle has been busy making changes at a fast pace, so what you saw earlier may be different now.
About Tagamet, I hope he isn’t caught in the storm somewhere away from home. Being from Western New York, I know what a bad snow storm with whiteouts is like.
Hppy trails to you ’til we meet again.
Feb 11th, 2010 (11:13 pm)I like the way you set the commentators name in green. Or is that just for persons of stature?
The green name type balances the green line. Nice touch!
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
Feb 11th, 2010 (11:20 pm)Those of you using IE8 and who had “compatibility mode” turned on – you probably want to turn it off. It now seems to cause some problems where before it solved problems.
+1
Feb 11th, 2010 (11:30 pm)I like the new site design!
Eugene
p.s. White background might be too bright.
+1
Feb 11th, 2010 (11:31 pm)Wow! I just noticed that the font for poster is bigger and bold. Nice!
Feb 11th, 2010 (11:42 pm)Lyle,
I have a suggestion… Can you please organize the VoltNation 2.0 meeting in Los Angeles? Please advise.
Eugene
p.s. What is your favorite color for your first VOLT?
Feb 12th, 2010 (12:27 am)Looks good.
- White space can be reduced
- Comments can be made rich text capable (using friendly buttons than needing html knowledge)
Having said that, I’m a proponent of using open source s/w than using custom code. There are a great many good, customizable apps around.
+1
Feb 12th, 2010 (12:50 am)Dang it, slow down I can’t find things to complain about that fast…looks great, terrific job
Feb 12th, 2010 (1:47 am)Good looking page header Volt. The hood was redesigned for safety. And it turned out to be a styling improvement. Shouldn’t be long before the other Volt colors are unleashed. Any wagers on when the first Volt Funny Car hits the drag strip?
=D~
Feb 12th, 2010 (2:12 am)My wife too is interested in the Leaf but when she learned that Opel was planning a pure BEV, she said she will wait until the BEV-Opel will be known and decide. This is because her first car was a Renault (Nissan) and she only had problems with it, our Renault station-wagon we bought 15 years ago was not a good car at all. With her Opels, she was never late at work or to see her grand daughters, so she trusts Opel more than Nissan.
Regards,
JC NPNS
Feb 12th, 2010 (2:17 am)I’m with you on this, EVNow, nevertheless thanks Lyle, the site looks more modern. Personally I would have chosen an (electric) blue color instead of this green one. But YOU ARE THE BOSS.
Best regards,
JC NPNS
Feb 12th, 2010 (2:30 am)I love the changes, great job with the updates.
Feb 12th, 2010 (4:22 am)
Feb 12th, 2010 (4:31 am)I’ve been here all along. Just taking in the comments and trying to assess the many changes. I had posted a few times earlier, but had significant problems with the results – lost several tries. It’s now 4:25 AM and I’m still processing my reactions. I’m sure Lyle has worked very hard to implement the new format, so it’s a pretty big deal. I need to read the rest of the posts and think on it a bit.
Not to worry, I’m just pensive. More to come after I sort out my impressions. I might be here yet when the next thread is posted.
Thanks.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 12th, 2010 (4:36 am)Thanks for the concern, but I’ve been here and fine. See immediately previous post. We only got ~8 inches of snow in central PA, so nothing unusual. Getting late though – 4:35 AM.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
+1
Feb 12th, 2010 (5:20 am)Hi Lyle, et. al.
I used to keep two tabs open to the site on Firefox. One stayed on the home page, the other was on the current thread. I lined up the home page so that the list of *who* made the recent posts was showing, and refreshed it regularly. It refreshed quickly and I could use it as a gauge on when to refresh the thread tab (which took a little longer) – not that I didn’t necessarily want to *reply* to certain Handles… (g). I don’t think that the new format HAS a homepage list of who made the recent posts. Am I missing it? I know keeping two tabs open may use a little more bandwith, but I still think it’s less than is used by constantly refreshing the daily thread. I could be wrong on this, so please LMK.
I definitely like the Volt Countdown Clock (even though it’s set for after 7/4/2010).
From the comments posted, it sounds like the new format is being well received – especially once LRGVPRO posted the tip about control/+ increasing font size (BTW, Control/- reduces the size too, in case anyone “overshoots” their comfortable font size).
Earlier today (actually yesterday) the site seemed to slow noticeably, but that may have been for any number of reasons – especially with you making adjustments on the fly.
It’s probably just because I’m an old dog, but the new site format makes me feel a little like I lost my favorite pair of old comfortable slippers. I guess I just need to break in a new pair.
The only additional feature I can readily think of, would be having format buttons available for the replies – a “B” button for bold, “I” for italics, “U” for underline, etc That’s not a big deal, because most folks here don’t use them anyway and I can type in the codes manually.
Thanks for all your devotion to the site (and to us)!
It’s after 5 AM so I’ll close and get a nap before the next thread kicks off.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 12th, 2010 (5:43 am)Hey Tag,
Do you get the impression that the smaller text font reduces the site’s social power for change?
I think the smaller font reduces the rightful impact and influence that Lyle’s efforts deserve.
Last night before signing off, I went over to GM Voltage to see if there might be some comparative affects (with an “a” on affects, the formal definition), and, over there, there is a small text font that also caused me to realize the reason why GM Voltage always leaves me
****************
underwhelmed.
****************
it’s the cluttered appearance there, and, the font size that influential people (those with wisdom and must wear glasses), do not bother to stay there at GM Voltage.
Perhaps the programmers, who must avoid going to increasingly higher power reading glasses (due to the job hazard of needing to read for 12 hours a day), maybe many or most have those huge 30″ monitors for their computers, and, **THEIR** text font is plenty big.
The other affect that small text size does is it increases the **boredom** potential of a site.
While I tell my friends who follow my posts here that the site is often “wild and wooly”, to which they agree, that characteristic itself is what humanizes this wonderful site. The previous larger text, while, very often, seems “large” when strong discussions prevail, I would have to say that this characteristic is one of the main things that make us “feel alive” and that improvements (for personal, as well as social, as well as for governmental policies), are the finest treasures prevailing here. This very site is far far far more powerful than anyone could ever know. This site is ***the*** site for global social change. No other.
While I don’t think the smaller font is quite at the “anal retentive” stage of sterility, the smaller font does clearly represent a diminishment and impoverishment of Lyle’s desire for freedom of speach, for which I am always deeply greatful for in my own visiting here.
If the reason for font size reduction is because the site has been sold, then that diminishment will continue until it reaches the point of “plain vanilla”, it seems to me. If ever there was a way to kill freedom of speech, it is the reductin of font size on behalf of the politically corrupt in places of leadership. We would then lose, because then, who would read it and know how to care about corruption?
Things we read can become excessively internalized if the font is too large. My mistakes sometimes (when I merely inappropriately wish to convey enthusiasm) in using capitals, had often apparently not been very polite, in my getting used to internet composition (enthusiasm or not).
(For the last 12 years, all of my time had gone into auto waveform diagnostics studies, leaving me previously to be a real internet “Klutz”.)
But maybe this might help, if we are allowed here to have a larger font again.
When I first meet some tech who is extremely frustrated who actually shouts, (which happens several times a year), I have a “healthy filter barrier”, where, I sometimes need to be expecting and awaiting that shout in my mind, and it filters and separates the volume energy from the statement made, then, I process the context that this guy is asking for my help, even if it is for my leaving.
That doesn’t mean that two years later, when my reputation catches up to him from several independent sources, my other 670 or so students, that he may realize that “I certainly know my stuff”, and, sometimes there is a “turnaround” which is always well worth my patience.
The only thing I never have patience for is corruption. No matter how far up the ladder it is. America is too precious for it to stand unchallenged. Texans work and sweat in the higher heat of nowadays to not be cared about (childrens health care, unemployemnt of Texans who need help ,AND, be properly trained in advanced processors, which is clearly blocked by the corrupt here in Texas).
Sorry for the extended post, but if we don’t get logical details into our lives to form foundations of well-defined postions that define where our trust belongs, then whom shall we trust to be loyal to?
Not the corrupt leadership that has been in power too long here in Texas.
Feb 12th, 2010 (7:18 am)Hey David Markle,
Are you using Firefox with all the adblocks, popup blocks, etc????
The only thing I found needing a tiny bit of improvement was the font size for the reasons in #115 above.
Otherwise, the site has become as “clean as a whistle”, and ***VERY** **NICELY** free from distractions.
Your difficulties **must** be related to your not having Firefox with all the appropriate “add ons”.
Tag has pointed out some things also that I really like (but he didn’t as much, though).
Sometimes, it takes a lot of thought to examine why the changes had been made, but, when the various posters explain what they do and do not like about something, the actual practicalities come out to be understood, even if at first via initially-percieved diametrically-opposed first impressions. Ultimately, however, if we read these reasons, we may “see the light” of the better intentioned functions on our behalfs. I think this is what Lyle always wants for us here. After all, we are all his friends.
Feb 12th, 2010 (7:33 am)post script.
apparently, david withdrew his post to try Firefox possibly. Where he was temporarily posted as 116, and my 117 then became the 116th posting instead, leaving a continuity break.
(to confuse everyone more, this post became the 117th post.)
Idea: possibly leave a blank post with “withdrawn” explanation and just two or three letters of the poster’s name with three dots to represent a partial reference to a withdrawn poster’s name?
Feb 12th, 2010 (7:45 am)I really like the “Express” function to get us quickly to the bottom of the thread. This helps us to review older threads because sometimes, someone has added a really good contribution there. This is true because if someone really wants to help out with an understanding, they have a full day to refine a great idea or a really strong and helpful contribution.
Feb 12th, 2010 (8:33 am)The second last paragraph says it all..
“GM has made a huge leap into the 21st Century by pursuing the Volt. If ever this company needed a new car on which to hang its future, the time is now, and the Volt is it. This car and its future offspring should win back the attention of the motoring public — and we say that genuinely! “
Feb 12th, 2010 (9:01 am)First impression is that the site loads MUCH faster now. Because of the old site I was forced to switch to google chrome because it loaded sooooo slow in ie or the older firefox.
Feb 12th, 2010 (9:40 am)What’s the green color for?
kidding
Feb 12th, 2010 (9:50 am)Just wanted to say that the new look for the website is awesome, Lyle. I like it.
Feb 12th, 2010 (9:51 am)Not just you – it seems incompatible with my companies browser (which is old as it’s IE 6.0029)… but maybe many others have this problem?
Feb 12th, 2010 (10:17 am)Lyle,
The twitter feed doesn’t have links anymore.
Feb 12th, 2010 (10:36 am)Just a weird observation and it may just be me (Vista/IE7), but “Find” (searching for certain words) here doesn’t work for me. I’m not sure it worked on the old site either for that matter. I’ve tried to search for rogere333 just to jump to my first post in a thread, but it never works. I also just tried words which I know are in the thread, such as “monkey” and “foxpro”, but IE doesn’t find them either.
Am I the only one? When a thread gets large, being able to jump to a certain word can save a lot of time…
Maybe a bit too much white space on either side of the green line (opinion). Now let’s see if the white space I purposely put into this reply still disappears…
Feb 12th, 2010 (10:45 am)With the new format on my computer all comments from readers are getting clipped off on the left side!! Any suggestions?
Feb 12th, 2010 (10:45 am)Looks good…
Comment numbers are a bit too big ..
Feb 12th, 2010 (12:46 pm)Now having all this open space means faster loading and more ads. If you ‘close up’ the design it’ll just load slower yet. Now with a typography background and reading all the complaints about the typeface selection – here’s my take. The wisdom being sans serifed typefaces are better for webpage reading. But look…there are hundreds and hundreds of sans serif typefaces. The clearing house for typefaces is fonts.com. For example, look at the ads on this page. That Chevy ad to the right has both serif and sans serif. Look at the top Chevy ad. You start to see how big-time advertising agencies build on a motif. Its that motif which is lacking here. Not to worry – what you have right now is workable – just not optimal. Lyle, this site is one outstanding contribution to the EV industry and GM in particular. Keep on trucking!
Feb 12th, 2010 (3:58 pm)Well, it does look brighter and more cheerful. But did the fonts all have to get so tiny? I’m going blind, here, even with the pages already at my normally crayola-sized +2 font sizes. Well, more blind, anyway. My lenses are already at +12 diopters.
Feb 12th, 2010 (4:08 pm)I’m fine with it. For whatever reason, it’s noticeably easier for my poor old eyes to read. 20:400 uncorrected at Yesterday’s eye exam, LOL. And thanks God for the spell check feature with Firefox. It’s already caught 3 typos/misspellings in the 1st 2 sentences, LMAO Good call guys. Thanks. +1 to all.
+2
Feb 12th, 2010 (6:35 pm)In Firefox you can set a minimal font size, you only need to do it once. I had set it to 15 and I didn’t even notice the fontsize of this site has changed.
Feb 12th, 2010 (7:58 pm)Software will always demand at least a significant amount of our learning efforts,
especially in auto’s nowadays.
Feb 13th, 2010 (5:16 am)this changes should have been done after the volt was released. i still like the older version instead of the newer one because the brown color background was good.anyway this looks good
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:39 am)Much better with the green lines. Thankyou.
Feb 15th, 2010 (4:12 pm)The new site appears to be slower on 3G. Time for an iPhone version!
Feb 16th, 2010 (4:43 am)Uggh – hurts me to criticize: The overall look and readability of the new design – to my sensibilities – is not an improvement. My chief complaints would be:
+ Articles on home page have been truncated too much.
+ Too few articles on the home page. Just 8 articles now — I recall more articles and more links to articles before.
+ Ads are poorly positioned and designed. Most especially the google adwords box which I have now always train my eyes to look past.
+ The Popular Post box should be higher up, more emphasized, and with more articles. I really relied on this to know where to navigate. Also, I miss the % popularity that was listed next to each article.
+ The article pages are way overly cluttered with ads/graphics before the article. You have to click TWO page downs before the text even starts. Text should start right underneath the headline (and flow around the ads/graphics if needed).
I’ll continue to be a big fan of your reporting – Lyle’s done incredible job with this to be sure. I enjoy all the awesome exclusives and I’ve been a reader since beginning of 2008 (before there were 10k on the wait list) and will continue to be. But I think I’ll be putting this blog into my RSS reader since there’s less reason to come to the actual site since there’s now too much clutter surrounding the articles.
Feb 16th, 2010 (2:11 pm)Lyle,
Even blog sites must change every now and then. I wish you much success with this version of GM-VOLT.COM. Certainly past success has preceded it.
Feb 23rd, 2010 (12:40 am)Hi Lyle, I have been following this site since the very early days. The strength of the old site came from the fact that it was amatuer in nature. This site looks too polished and corporate and the pop advertisements seem more greedy now. I think you have misjudged the reason for its appeal!
Feb 23rd, 2010 (2:22 pm)the redesign it is just plain AWFUL!
overloaded with ads & unclear
but I guess Lyle needs to earn a buck before interest in Volt subsides ….
IS THERE ANY WAY TO HAVE CUSTOM SKIN? E.G. turn back the old design?