Attention to all who are using Camel Dark and Camel Dark II themes

[Paul Shields]

Hi All. You may have noticed a new menu item in the masthead called 'Change theme'. This was added recently to make it easier for anyone to try a new look on the camel. This is all part of a list of new enhancements that we are planning around enhancing usability, and we hope to roll out more features in the near future (e.g. being able to maintain your own bookmarks of threads, enhancements to image uploads etc).

To make life simpler for the developers we would like to remove a couple of themes that don't follow the style and code templates of the 'standard' PhotoCamel layout. These themes are 'Camel Dark' and 'Camel Dark II'.

In truth, these two themes were cobbled together rather quickly to satisfy a demand for a 'dark' theme. They've served their use as we now have a 'Camel Dark III' theme that adheres to our layout and design principles, and which should satisfy those of you (like myself) who prefer a dark theme.

To this end, we will shortly be removing these two themes. If you are using such a theme, please select an alternative (maybe via the nifty 'Change theme' link at the top of the page) as soon as is convenient. For anyone who has not changed, their theme will be reset to the default theme.

[cedric_r]

Aaaw! Camel Dark II was my favorite and the one I've been using since it was created!

[Paul Shields]

Originally Posted by cedric_r

Aaaw! Camel Dark II was my favorite and the one I've been using since it was created!

I know... :-\ I think dark II may be a bit of a problem as it's popular with a number of regular contributors. As someone who works in this area though you'll appreciate the need to consolidate to one design and coding base for ease of maintenance and future expansion . We won't be removing the themes just yet, but try at least dark III and see if you can adapt to it.

[cedric_r]

I completely understand. It's just that Dark III is a bit too dark and posts aren't separated clearly enough with lighter borders. Dark II was just perfect for late night viewing.

[Paul Shields]

ok - well we can probably tweak the borders a little, which will make it a lot closer to dark2. Colours aren't a problem to change, it's just where the menus and buttons are that the themes diverge.

[Shortie]

fine by me

Dark III is the one I use due the the fact the the header is dark as well, a lot easier to use at work if you know what I mean

[JDArt]

Originally Posted by cedric_r

Aaaw! Camel Dark II was my favorite and the one I've been using since it was created!

I told Paul we'd have to keep that one. It is nifty. Paul, I'd vote for keeping Dark II as well.

[Paul Shields]

Originally Posted by JDArt

I told Paul we'd have to keep that one. It is nifty. Paul, I'd vote for keeping Dark II as well.

We can probably keep the colour of dark2 and apply it to the standard layout. That way the code is the same across the themes (which is the important bit if we want to keep the site and software up to date!), but it should look pretty close to the current dark2.

[Jon]

Ok, I'm on dark 3 now...As long as there's a theme that the main background is relatively grey without being black so that image colours appear properly...

[jcpatrick]

I appreciate your endevors of expandability, and know that you know you'll never be able to make everyone happy.

I for one never even thought of using a dark background for late night viewing. I see the advantages even before i change to dark III to see what all the fuss is about. Brilliant! Absolutly brilliant. Maybe now I won't sneeze from the light of the screen.

JP

[Michele]

I had no idea there were options, but then again, I haven't been on very much lately. I love the different choices and I have now got mine set to the Dark III. I like it so much better than the default theme. Nice work!!

[Paul Shields]

Originally Posted by Michele

I had no idea there were options, but then again, I haven't been on very much lately. I love the different choices and I have now got mine set to the Dark III. I like it so much better than the default theme. Nice work!!

Ah, good to know all those nights slaving over a pixel editor wasn't in vain. Thanks Michelle .

[TonyK]

I switched today from the default to Dark III. The conversion to the Dark (III) side is complete.

Paul, when did you change your image?

[Paul Shields]

Welcome to the dark side .

You mean my avatar? I'm very fickle on those things and get bored easily... I'll try and keep some continuity with this one - I like the eye watching over the threads .

[Sidebyte]

Looks like something I saw once in a "keyhole". Voyeur

[captlen]

I have switched over to III it is fine except the text is darker and harder to read, can you lighten it up a bit. I've got old eyes

[JDArt]

Originally Posted by captlen

I have switched over to III it is fine except the text is darker and harder to read, can you lighten it up a bit. I've got old eyes

How is it now? I think Paul changed the text color a bit.

[Max@Home]

...

Originally Posted by JDArt

How is it now? I think Paul changed the text color a bit.

...r u sure?

in that case: not noticeable on my monitor, not better, not worse

Kindest regards,

Max@Home

[Paul Shields]

It's subtle, but the brightness of the text in 'Dark 3' has been increased. Below shows the text in a) original, b) the increase after the suggestion by captlen, and c) the current brightness (I've bumped it up a little more).



I don't want to overdo it though. In the end we have lots of people using this theme and we need to think of the many rather than the few . Hopefully this will help the likes of captlen but still stay within the feel of the theme.

btw - there are some nice enhancements coming with regards to usability on the camel. Watch this space !

[captlen]

That is better I thank you for the adjustments.* It does help.* I am not used to being listened to* thank you very much.* What a great place this is.