We'd Like Your Feedback on the Next Version of LQ
 

As you may know, we recently released AndroidQuestions.org as a new member of The Questions Network. Did you know that the software that runs AQ is the next iteration of the software that will eventually run LQ? Because of this, we'd like as much feedback as possible on what you think. We're looking for suggestions on what you like, what you don't like, what features are missing and places you think the software can be improved. When making suggestions keep in mind that the color scheme, ad layout and related items will be more in line with what's currently at LQ (ie. those items will not be changing). Also keep in mind that AQ currently does not have Reviews, an HCL and some of the other areas that LQ has. Those will not be going away, they just aren't on the roadmap for AQ. Thanks for the feedback. Do keep in mind that the transition to the new platform is still a ways off; we don't have a real ETA yet, but I'd consider very late Q4 2011 or Q1 2012 as the earliest possible migration time-frame. Much of it depends on the feedback we receive in this thread and how smoothly our migration testing goes. Thanks.

--jeremy

All in all I am satisfied with the current LQ, besides some minor issues that may only address my way to use it. I personally would like a button for code-tags and a few more keyboard shortcuts (for URL-, quote- and code-tags) in the Quick Reply-editor, but that seems to be all. Oh, and I think that LQ Stats needs an overhaul, since it is very slow and sometimes not working correctly, but that is all.

I realize that a lot of the non-core LQ stuff is a revenue generator, and I respect the need for that. I would prefer, as much as possible that LQ keep as close to its core competencies as possible; specifically creating a vehicle for people to help other people with technical questions. So far, I think LQ has done an outstanding job at that. I think it can be improved upon in a couple of small ways.

• reduce noise by imposing on newcomers to learn how to best use LQ (and all similar forums, for that matter). Seeing the same questions asked (and answered) repeatedly just seems counter-productive. Perhaps force newbies to submit their first few subject lines to a search before posting.
• get rid of all of the 'social' stuff. My hunch is that it was part of the forum software package, and just never removed. Linux is a technical thing, and the most active members are technical people, not teens looking for hook-ups. Again, noise reduction.
• I have no idea how to do this, but I think there is a way to leverage the collective knowledge to create a sort of wiki-torial (I think I just coined a new word; feel free to use it). What I mean by that is a collection of How-To's that can be contributed to by members as a whole. It should not be formed as a series of articles in a thread, like the famous (and very good) dd thread, but like a more formal document. I suggest a wiki-based or wiki-like format. It's ultimate purpose would be to create a sort of detailed, perhaps vetted, FAQ/tutorial, which could become the simple answers to frequently asked questions. Done well, it could also grow into a broadly known knowledge database. The scope of material each subject could/should cover should be similar to that provided by the Beej's Guide's that I frequently make reference to in these forums.
• Provide a simple way to tell user's about how to improve their questioning technique. If the questioner could be sent a message off-line (saving his/her dignity), and without having to compose such a message, and maybe even 'anonymizing' the message through LQ (I don't mind being known as the sender; others might not want to be known), would keep the content at a higher overall quality.

Just a bit of thinking out loud. Whatever you do,
Keep up the good work!

--- rod.

I am absolutely opinionless. I guess it'd be worth doing just for the facelift ... doesn't seem like we've had one since I can remember. If the administrative team finds advantages that we users don't see, then by all means, go for it. Can't speak for anyone else; but I trust you guys. And thanks, by the way, for providing this service. I lurk a LOT, and I have entire years go by where I don't stop in; but this is one of the higher quality sites all across the wide, wide, wide web. I'm sure people don't say "thanks" enough. Thanks!

I like how AndroidQ looks, so if LQ is going to look similar in the new iteration, well... alrighty. :)

Haven't even seen AQ. Not interested in Android.

Having just looked at the Android Forum, I was impressed by the refreshing new colour scheme and layout, very pleasing to my eye! The way the forums function has never been an issue to me. Reading and making replies has not been difficult. So, overall I think you (LinuxQuestions.org et al.) do a fantastic job of helping resolve problems, the new layout in the Android forum will make it more of a pleasure to participate.

I do not get much of a chance to visit the forums as much as I would like, as I get busy with work etc. I think the current look of LQ is fine, but a change is often a good thing.
Having considered getting a touch pad recently, if I did get one it would be Android powered so the Android forum is a great idea.
Keep up the good work.

Google,moto,I am sure android will have a bright future.

Also not interested in Android. I don't access the Internet away from home.

Opinion on Android
 

Stick to the colour format, blue is better than yellow and green.
LQ has z very clear Main Menu etc and is fine with the current layout.

Had a look at AQ now and I must say that I am not a fan of it. I like the clear and simple layout of LQ much more. I don't see need to change it to a fancy new look.
Why fix it? It is not broken.

+1 for that.

Major changes are good most of the time, there are some who will disagree but once they use it and the bugs are ironed out, their opinions will change. I look forward to the change. As far as the color scheme goes, surprise us.

Really don't like the colour scheme on AQ. A lot of the text seems to lack contrast with its background, which is a bit of a problem for folk with ageing eyes or cheap lcd screens(or both). The LQ colour scheme is much easier on the eyes.