Does anybody else think this whole site could use a refresh?

[j3ttf]

This site feels a bit clunky in 2021. Dead links at the bottom of the pages, odd ways to get to places, and a lack of a tagging/notification system makes things feel a tad outdated. I'm not suggesting an all-at-once remodeling of the site, just some small tweaks to make the site feel better to use. Does anybody else feel this way?

 

[myvacsrock]

I think…

We should be incredibly grateful for Robert’s efforts in having a VERY stable and easy to use webpage for all. It works well on the computer and on a mobile device (especially if upgraded).

I also think we should be so lucky to have a website entirely dedicated to what we all do.
The membership fee is assessable to any income level, and that is very appreciated. We even have a private messaging system.

A good start may be being more involved as it currently sits. I don’t see you replying to many vacuum threads, but this is not the first time I’ve seen you bark up talking about the webpage.

May I suggest filing out your profile and introducing yourself and what you have?

 

[madman]

Hey, yeah, total kudos to Robert for keeping this site together. Trust me, I know how difficult something like that is. A labor of love, really. And I can totally appreciate the amount of work and dedication that it takes.

That being said, however, yes, it's about 10 years past the time when it needed a refresh. Slap some Simple Machine Forums together, it'd take like an hour, and be so, SO much better in every way. I could enumerate the ways it would be better, but let's be honest, we all know already.

Granted, that would make it harder to sell membership upgrades - like being able to edit your posts (a completely FREE courtesy afforded you by literally EVERY other forum). And we can't have that, now can we?

 

[j3ttf]

I'm very grateful it's around!

I was simply suggesting a few minor improvements

 

[j3ttf]

myvacsrock

I completely forgot I hadn't really set up my account - I've updated it a bit now. I have been lurking here for a while and I know I had an account before but I migrated to Reddit for a while and have since forgotten it. I apologise if my words came off to harsh, I am incredibly grateful that this site even exists at all

 

[bagintheback]

I love it the way it is. There's a charm to it. The only real problem for a while was you could only post one picture at a time, but the "new" 20 photo in-message album works perfectly. Plus....it is very very easy to search for old threads in Google. If you search with a keyword and then site:vacuumland.org, it's the easiest search of any website I've seen.

It's a unique site for unique collectors. The vintage internet feel really complements the nature of discussing vintage/antique vacuums. A big thanks to Robert for keeping the site running. Personally, I really appreciate keeping the website in its original form. After 12 years on the site it feels like home.

 

[j3ttf]

It definitely does have a charm to it! I think the only thing that I would really want to add would be some kind of notification system, but that could be tricky as the base of the site is already old. I do love this site tho, I spent many hours as a young child on it (no account of course)

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Speaking of site refreshments, the pictures seem to be out of whack when first loaded. Was like this for weeks now, please try to fix this.

~Ben

 

[huskyvacs]

One thing I hate about websites now is they are all made for those stupid phones and they suck. Everything is a convoluted absolute mess and 100 things are hidden behind one button. Terrible.

The site is fine as it is, but one thing that I think would be a great improvement would be upgrading it to VBulletin forum boards, it is a bit of a step up and offers some more flexibility (and the ability to edit comments and messages for typos without needing to pay $) without losing the traditional forum look. Easier to navigate photos, create galleries, use external image hosting sites, etc., as well. Toggle-able color styles could be created for the site too, for some users (and me) the neon color palette used for the backgrounds can cause eye strain.

 

[lesinutah]

Its

Not the site. It's the people not engaging on anything.
You could make this the best site ever but if nobody posts its useless.

 

[madman]

To be fair, my problems with the site are minimal anyway.

 

[thevacomaticiec]

I cant seem to  acces thsi site on my phone  keeps sayign conneciton not private but  my  laptop is wired wit internet cable to same network and works fine  must be my phone  galaxy s6  lol 

 

[kirbylux77]

I agree with the other members who say keep the website the same. Where's the issue? It works perfectly fine. And it feels like a place all of us who collect vacuums can share and appreciate each other for having a unique hobby. Like Bagintheback said, it feels like a second home.

Madman & Huskyvacs - I agree with you on adding some of those features, but like you pointed out, Madman, if those feautures were added you take away any reason for a member to pay for a upgraded membership. Also, if those features were added and a membership fee became mandatory, you run the risk of driving members away and deleting their accounts.

I think all of us members, whether paying or not, need to give a huge THANK YOU to Robert Seger for keeping this site alive and all the hard work he does.

Rob

 

[kirbylux77]

Antoine, I am using a Samsung Galaxy S8 running Google Chrome, on Bell, to access Vacuumland. A lot of time, I will use our household wifi network on Rogers though. Perhaps you should check your phone's wifi security and internet settings. That should resolve your issues accessing the site.

Rob

 

[fan-of-fans]

I really like this site and forum as they are. It's nice having a forum that isn't cookie cutter formatted like the rest of them out there (those that still exist anyway). And I much prefer the forum format to the Facebook Groups that seems to have replaced so many.

Also I've had no issues using this site on my phone which is an iPhone 2020 SE, nor my previous phone (a very outdated Samsung Galaxy S3!)

 

[kloveland]

I think vacuumland is fine the way it is. It's easy to use. Anyone with basic computer skills can use it and post pictures. I'm using a real computer and not my phone so that will probably make a difference. Invest in a real computer.

 

[thevacomaticiec]

thanks i will check   it   

 

[madman]

Honestly how much money can he rake in charging membership fees? As if I haven't been in that boat before. Over a ten year run of my gaming community, I grossed maybe $400. Net would be maybe -$6000. Negative. I've realized that it was pointless. My efforts were a work of charity, and there was no sense kidding myself about it. Then add to that money-related drama. Not worth the pennies.

And in this case... aggravating your users. Just keep a donation box, if people are gonna pay, they're gonna pay, and if not, then they won't. There's literally no difference.

 

[vinvac]

Robert is an amazing person on many levels. It was such a pleasure working with him when I was a board member of the VCCC.

This site has brought a lot of joy and knowledge to all who use it.

I can not tell you how much work he has put into this site and the constant oversight it requires.

When he see changes that need to be made he will do it. He has always done that.

Just like Kirby, sometime keeping things familiar even down to the sound of the motor has proven to be a steadfast answer.