Suggestion CN Theme: Is it still working?

[Disciple of Nagash]

So back in the day, the CN theme was hot stuff...but that was something like 10 years ago!

As I do the technical upgrades to the forum, what are your thoughts on the theme? Some questions to ponder:

• Is the red too much of a contrast? Should we have simpler colours. As I type this, this grey seems much easier on my eyes compared to other sections. Am I just getting old?!
• Lots of people like dark themes, does it work still?
• I assuming most agree our old beloved smilies are looking tired and need updating! :lol:erv:

 

[Belladamma Voltaire]

It looks too small on mobile devices and a bit grainy (I'll send you screenshots)

It works overall though as a dark theme is always good, I think it's just on some of the banners it gets lost and a bit cluttered.

The emojis haven't dated well, I agree.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Good call on the mobile part @Belladonna Voltaire - I struggle with it there too. One of the upgrades will need to have it handle better on mobile devices

 

[Irisado]

I'm more fond of light themes than dark ones, as they are easier on my eyes, however, this is a forum about vampires, so red and black are the natural colour choices. Maybe there is a way to make them a bit less harsh? I'm not sure. Overall, the colours are probably okay as they are now, but I only use a desktop PC, so I cannot comment on the mobile layout.

 

[The Sun King]

Personally I think we should go with a lighter theme. I've worked proffesionally in media with communication and a red and black theme is normally a big no-no, because it is til "heavy" and not easy to read. However, I know that a big change like going with a light theme could divorce us from our nostalgic members, and I'm cool with keeping it as it is for that reason. That is my two cents.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

I think we could do with a lighter one as well, I find myself using the XenForo default theme just because of how heavy our custom one is.

I don't think it's super high on the list, but I'll look at this one in the next few weeks and make it an optional choice. Something maybe in grey etc.

 

[Grave Tacticus]

Grey is reminiscent of the tomb.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Very true @Grave Tacticus . Perhaps a grey theme might not be so heavy on the eyes? I could try and test some...

 

[The Sun King]

I'm all for a light grey theme!

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

How do you guys maybe feel about this theme: Xenforo Themes - illuminate - XenFocus

The colour accents (i.e. the gold etc) can be tweaked

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

There's also maybe this one with some tweaks: Xenforo Themes - Titan - XenFocus

 

[The Sun King]

The first one is easier on the eyes - at least the text is. But I both themes are still very dark because the background colour is black. The main problem with a black theme is that you can't read it outside when the sun is out.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

@The Sun King - could you have a quick look at this websites themes, shout out the ones you think might be good: xenfocus

Or anyone else for that matter.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

I did find this one as well, although maybe a bit much! HorroR

 

[The Sun King]

I like this one Xenforo Themes - Uniform - XenFocus - then we could make the background gradient black-red. That way we make the site light and easy to read, but keep the black-red theme in the background.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

I've got to admit Sunny I find that one too bright! But they have a pro bundle that includes both a light and dark theme with an easy toggle between the two! The only thing I don't like on that is that the header bar isn't sticky but maybe that can be tweaked...

 

[The Sun King]

Would be awesome with the option to choose between two styles. Go for that!

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Currently asking some questions, hopefully I'll have options shortly!

 

[Kassill]

There's also maybe this one with some tweaks: Xenforo Themes - Titan - XenFocus

I like this one quite a bit. While I'm sentimental to the current theme, change is good and will give this dusty crypt of ours a fresh feel. Also RIP emojis...

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

I think I've found a theme framework which I can use to generate multiple styles from so everyone can be happy! I've got some work to do experimenting with it on our test site

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Update on theme: I've purchased some addons to customise the themes, so I can create as many variants as I need. Also I have more options in terms of layout, images etc.

Little taster of me messing around:

 

[The Sun King]

Nice!

 

[Irisado]

Would the easiest option not be to just allow all members to choose between a light theme or a dark theme? Yes, one would always have to be the default, but so long as everyone is aware that there is a choice, this would seem like the best way to handle this to me.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Would the easiest option not be to just allow all members to choose between a light theme or a dark theme? Yes, one would always have to be the default, but so long as everyone is aware that there is a choice, this would seem like the best way to handle this to me.

That will be the idea. However the current dark one is hard on the eyes, and I think we need a lighter "Dark" option.

So members will be able to choose (once I've finished):
- Retro Vampire (our current theme)
- Dark (will be more grey)
- Light

On that note I'm struggling to find a shade of red that doesn't cause eye strain. But purple (colour of Shyish) seemed to work quite well. Example below, feedback? (Ignore the Latest Posts bit at the top, that's me experimenting)

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

The new theme has lots of extra functions and enhancements as well, so that will be nice for members. I'm also trying to get our old blood-drop icons back for read/unread.

Plus I found our old banners!