My perspective...

While I love BB, and even love the layout, for the most part, I would not be opposed to seeing a layout change. Why? Couple of reasons. (and I speak as a Director of IT and deal routinely with web properties). However, that is not unique to BB, vB has a lot of the same issues.

1. Depth perception - So, what is depth perception? It is simply a user experience aspect where we try to gauge how much information can a user grasp from a horizontal depth perspective, before they lose context. Some threads here on BB are DEEP, and it does become a lil cumbersome trying to remember the context of the top.

And as I said, it's the same issue with the vBulletin format as well. Even though vB supports a threaded view, most forums that run vB mostly choose not to provide that as an option to the user. Why? Because stats have shown that most users using the vB software for forums, prefer the linear flat view. Why? Who knows?? They just do. I think from a UX perspective, it probably has to do with less clicks. To read a thread in a threaded format requires more interaction from the user vs reading a thread in a linear view, where you just scroll using either the KB or mouse.

2. The fold - The fold is simply the bottom edge of your screen and how much information can be displayed before the user has to scroll vertically. With a threaded view, one long running thread completely dominates the screen, and other threads get pushed below the fold. Believe it or not, a lot of users lose interest before they scroll down too much because of perception issues. Human perception says that if something's on "top", it MUST be important, and conversely, if something's down low in a list, it must not be important.

With a flat view, you get a quick overview of a lot of "disimilar" information, and then it's up to you to delve into what you think is interesting.

Here's an exampe. Audiworld. They run the vB software as well, and are one of the few that offer the threaded option to users.

Doesn't look much different from BB, does it? But atleast the user has the option of changing to a flat view if they choose to do so.

Now, that being said, the vB software does offer a LOT of features, which David as the owner of BB would have to implement on his own as the BB software is homegrown. It's a classic case of build vs buy, you (as in David) have to make a decision as to the benefits of growing a home grown solution, or buying something off the shelf and customizing it to your needs. Will off the shelf ever be 100% of what you need/want? Probably not. But it's quicker to deploy, less maintenance, brings support, and new features can be added much quicker.

All said, I still love BB in whatever format it is or will be. Content by far is KING, regardless of format. People visit websites because for the most part the CONTENT appeals to them. Everything else is secondary.

I'll stop my rambling now....

2001 740i Sport, Silver/ Kinda Grey (undergoing an interior transformation)

The 7 Series E38 Forum | Message Thread:

I just tried to open a link on bimmerforums and found that you have to have an - DavidC 2009-10-21 13:02:54 (57 views)
- Why change a wiining team? I like the board layout and finds it easy to - eismark 2009-10-23 11:19:12 (12 views)
  - Sorry: WINNING TEAM -- and it should have been (nt) - eismark 2009-10-23 11:23:27 (10 views)
- Dave, as a member of both sites each is unique in their own way.... - black740ia 2009-10-23 09:19:04 (15 views)
- My perspective... (pic) - kapone 2009-10-23 08:41:06 (47 views)
  - Well said.. though I sometimes think 'the fold' applies less to forums. - eaglecomm 2009-10-23 09:37:33 (4 views)
- I couldn't figure out their site either. Bimmerboard ROCKS!! (nt) - badunit 2009-10-21 22:14:10 (12 views)
- That's why we call this Home (nt) - BJames38 2009-10-21 20:19:18 (13 views)
- I would be ok with the majority of vBulletin IF the view of posts was like BB - eaglecomm 2009-10-21 16:44:24 (13 views)
  - So you want it to be like google wave? (nt) - 04sshd 2009-10-21 19:03:27 (13 views)
    - will have to google it.. what's the wave? (nt) - eaglecomm 2009-10-21 20:31:32 (11 views)
      - if you have alot of time on your hands...here's a run down of it... (vid) - 04sshd 2009-10-21 21:52:25 (33 views)
  - It might be possible to run both versions of the forums - 04sshd 2009-10-21 16:59:01 (7 views)
- Dave why not just give the walls some new paint?? Keep the format though.. - bmer_d 2009-10-21 16:26:59 (7 views)
  - Re: new paint - Simeon 2009-10-21 16:48:31 (18 views)
- Do that to E38.org (nt) - Edwin™ 2009-10-21 13:43:51 (20 views)
  - Agree. (nt) - Mario 2009-10-21 15:34:35 (13 views)
    - +1 (nt) - bmer_d 2009-10-21 16:00:45 (9 views)
- I've tried that site before but just can't seem to get obsessed - bmer_d 2009-10-21 13:16:45 (9 views)
  - +1 There's WAY more local guys on BF.com but I just can't seem to get into it - captainsilva 2009-10-21 13:28:54 (7 views)
    - What can we do to get more of them to come over here? - DavidC 2009-10-21 13:45:55 (15 views)
      - Regardless of technical aspects of different forums. I think Collin is right - JL 2009-10-21 16:32:40 (21 views)
        
        Forgot to add, the fancier you can make BB look in appearance, I think the more - JL 2009-10-21 16:34:39 (5 views)
      - back OT- to answer the questions without turning into a flame war - 04sshd 2009-10-21 15:09:49 (32 views)
        
        i like this format better...j/k ?why car back to stock? (nt) - paprmkr 2009-10-21 15:55:44 (17 views)
        
        I've outgrown the e38, time to move on - 04sshd 2009-10-21 16:07:51 (14 views)
        
        What are you thinking of going with? AMGs' are alot of fun! (nt) - bghark 2009-10-21 16:32:53 (12 views)
        
        I've been considering the following... - 04sshd 2009-10-21 16:41:00 (25 views)
        
        550i is a great car, but yet, I find myself back in an e38. - Lawguy 2009-10-21 22:03:23 (7 views)
      - You'll need To Create KILL Forums - Simeon 2009-10-21 14:27:25 (14 views)
        
        FEED the virus (nt) - bmer_d 2009-10-21 16:00:18 (12 views)
        That's the main difference. I think it's the caliber of members that belong to - captainsilva 2009-10-21 15:05:41 (16 views)
        
        Could it also be the level of vehicle we're driving = maturity conversations - bmer_d 2009-10-21 16:04:23 (6 views)
      - Honestly...it's the format. - 04sshd 2009-10-21 14:11:22 (39 views)
        
        Re: Honestly...it's the format. - Baoser 2009-10-21 16:36:02 (18 views)
        
        5 posts total since May? - Shled℠ 2009-10-21 18:54:40 (11 views)
        
        I agree with you there...but Baouser posts alot on BF.C - 04sshd 2009-10-21 19:05:47 (12 views)
        
        I might, yes. And OP will not see my reply to him for another few years...;-) (nt) - Shled℠ 2009-10-26 12:14:21 (6 views)
        
        You can change your view settings in the My Account area - 740isport 2009-10-21 18:46:11 (5 views)
        
        I am not familiar with pHpBB, but vBulletin totally sucks - Brian 2009-10-21 14:56:27 (20 views)
        
        +1 gives me a headache (nt) - bmer_d 2009-10-21 15:58:04 (13 views)
        here is a pHpBB example (url) - 04sshd 2009-10-21 15:03:29 (49 views)
        
        The very first thread I opened there was by a guy with a signature line of - DavidC 2009-10-23 03:42:51 (6 views)
        
        Exactly! (nt) - captainsilva 2009-10-23 10:31:44 (7 views)
        
        Not bad.. now take the background of this one and add the thread format we have - bmer_d 2009-10-21 16:19:27 (9 views)
        Slick... I recognize that layout... I visit some of those too - Brian 2009-10-21 15:18:11 (20 views)
        
        ''...Ditto (nt) - WTH 2009-10-21 16:53:50 (11 views)
        Re: Slick... I recognize that layout... I visit some of those too - 04sshd 2009-10-21 16:31:23 (12 views)
        
        I just don't see the appeal of the vBulletin software. It takes SOOO much time - DavidC 2009-10-21 14:29:48 (14 views)
        
        It does have alot of features that are more appealing (url) - 04sshd 2009-10-21 14:52:46 (30 views)
        
        I love the fact that Collin can come on and post a different point of view and - bghark 2009-10-21 15:40:30 (24 views)
        
        I agree, as a former MB owner...I haven't found a site as valueble as this one - 04sshd 2009-10-21 16:36:15 (17 views)
        Which goes back to my original point. It's like Jr. High on the other forums. - captainsilva 2009-10-21 15:59:53 (13 views)
        
        I surfed a few MB board while researching cars, and they're nowhere close. - Lawguy 2009-10-22 21:12:56 (5 views)
        On target Mark. (nt) - bghark 2009-10-21 16:30:56 (10 views)
        GIVE ME your lunch money hehe (nt) - bmer_d 2009-10-21 16:28:44 (10 views)
        
        The BB Secret - Simeon 2009-10-21 14:39:50 (21 views)
        
        They....don't......have.....Beechy.....and....we....do...?? 8-I (nt) - Peter 2009-10-21 15:16:02 (16 views)
        
        And there's nothing you can do about it.....:o) (nt) - beechy 2009-10-21 17:59:19 (16 views)
        
        Mother Nature will take care of that old problem soon enough... (pic) - Lawguy 2009-10-21 22:02:21 (45 views)
        
        Who is that.........your momma? (nt) - beechy 2009-10-21 23:27:17 (13 views)
        
        Trust me, old man, you will meet this bloke soon enough! (nt) - Lawguy 2009-10-22 20:59:17 (13 views)
        
        Nah...I could take him...looks like you and he shop at the same clothing stores. (nt) - beechy 2009-10-22 21:39:57 (11 views)
        
        Of course we do - have have essentially the same job! (nt) - Lawguy 2009-10-23 06:15:10 (7 views)
        
        Not true. I could register as a ''beechy'' over there and they'd have one too (nt) - Peter 2009-10-21 22:01:35 (16 views)
        
        You get a thrill when you mention my name don't you? Go on...you can tell me, it - beechy 2009-10-21 23:33:52 (8 views)
        
        Close....there is a fine line between ''thrill'' and ''nausea''....:-o (nt) - Peter 2009-10-22 08:33:11 (10 views)
        
        I bet Beechy's old girlfriends have often felt that way in bed.... (nt) - Lawguy 2009-10-22 21:00:04 (11 views)
        
        Well one of them just cooked your dinner.....ask her. (nt) - beechy 2009-10-22 21:41:07 (11 views)
        
        You nailed the waitress at Steak & Shake? Dude, she weighed 225 lbs! (nt) - Lawguy 2009-10-22 21:59:03 (10 views)
        
        ...... (nt) - beechy 2009-10-22 23:06:13 (11 views)
        
        LOL. Round one goes to Lawguy (nt) - Peter 2009-10-23 07:41:49 (7 views)
        
        As Beechy's legal counsel, I would sue you for Copyright Infringement. (nt) - Lawguy 2009-10-21 22:04:10 (13 views)
        
        As beechy said, ''he who has a fool for a lawyer is a foolish client''. Did I - Peter 2009-10-22 08:30:09 (8 views)
        
        Definitely a fool for a client. - Lawguy 2009-10-22 21:01:07 (3 views)
        
        Luv you man........ when are you gonna send me those c/steaks? (nt) - beechy 2009-10-21 14:51:59 (14 views)
        I like this format better since I can 'scan' waht I want to read rather than - bmw635 2009-10-21 14:46:19 (7 views)
        
        Yeah, you don't even have to click many of the messages to read them, either. (nt) - DavidC 2009-10-21 14:48:17 (13 views)
        
        +1 - All due respect to 04sshd - but the vBulletin style forum - 740isport 2009-10-21 14:54:54 (14 views)
        
        in retrospect... - 04sshd 2009-10-21 15:00:42 (30 views)
      - Bring some key characters over- the crowd follows. (nt) - bmw635 2009-10-21 13:51:06 (12 views)
        
        Right on. We need some evangelizing. (nt) - DavidC 2009-10-21 14:30:28 (12 views)
        
        I vote for Big E to be the Evangelist. (nt) - ScottyK 2009-10-21 16:16:12 (13 views)
        
        Werd-Up! - He's Already Teh Euro Pimp Daddy - Simeon 2009-10-21 16:52:27 (6 views)
        
        AND knowing is half the battle ...... (nt) - bmer_d 2009-10-21 17:14:40 (11 views)

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