http://www.focusstoc.com/forums Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:39:11 +0000 1440 http://www.focusstoc.com/forums/topic/103074-welcome-to-version-7-of-focusstoccom/
This upgrade has been essential to address security and overall performance and enhancement of the software we use.

IMPORTANT - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

INTERNET BROWSERS, MOBILE AND COMPUTER - FocusSTOC.com WILL require the latest internet browser to function correctly. PLEASE upgrade before contacting us with any issues. For those of you that cannot because of work computers, please try enabling ‘compatibility’ mode on your browser.

IPAD - There is a bug when using the software on an iPad, whereby you are not able to see the text editor buttons or emoticons. Sometimes you will struggle to get the drop down menus working correctly. There is nothing that I can do about this until there is a fix.

VIEW NEW CONTENT - The button has been removed from its old location on the right side... it is now accessible (as its always has been) via the FORUMS drop down menu button. It is a new looking system, by default it is set one week, feel free to change this in the side bar. YOUR posts will NOT show as it is not NEW content.

AVATAR / PROFILE PHOTO - This is now one and the same, your profile photo is also your Avatar, so some may find its changed. To upload a new one from a large image, it MUST be reduced in size otherwise you will get an error message.


Skin / Look:

Most of you should feel familiar with the look and feel, I've purposely not strayed too far from the old look of the forum, whilst still being able to incorporate the new features and functions.

I was determined to use what was already good, whilst getting rid of unwanted graphics, buttons to create a clean look... I hope you agree its an improvement!

Please use the forums for a week or so, be open minded and THEN constructively feedback to me.

The decision to use a fixed width on the previous version was all down to computer screen resolutions. Since then, screen resolutions have improved once again and I have been happy to increase the width of the forum. For some, this will fill their screen, for other like me, I still have three inches of blank space either side, hence the importance of the balance.

You will notice I've moved the Sponsors banner to the top now, again saving space.

Mobile Skin:

I am now just playing the waiting game regarding the whole mobile side of things...

Currently, we have a very limited functioning 'Mobile Skin', which still uses your phone's browser, but as people can see, things such as uploading images, giving reputation, notifications and viewing systems such as the garage, gallery etc are not possible... at the moment... I am being assured this is being worked on to improve function.

I am also closely monitoring a 'Mobile App', which would be a custom made App for both Apple and Android... development hit a barrier and the last I've seen is that they hope to have something by Q2 of 2012... this would obviously carry a large cost, so there are no promises.

My only issue with all this App / Mobile stuff is its future.

The only reason anyone wants an App (from what I can see) is because mobile internet speeds are poor and people want a quick responding, easy to use look and feel.

With the way mobile internet is expanding and the likely introduction of 4G speeds in the next year or so, I don't want to plough money into something that people wont use when their phone easily browses the site as they would on a computer.

I refuse to use TapaTalk and that will never be an option (before anyone suggests it).

Will keep you all posted when I know more.


New Menu System:

Many aren’t even aware of the features we offer, please take the time to go through each page, using the menu buttons. The menu system functions the same as before, I've added some new buttons in the sub menus.

Next to your logged in username you have a drop down menu providing access to your website settings. I'd recommend you click on 'my settings' and spend some time choosing how you'd like the forums/site to work according to your requirements.

The 'messenger' and 'notifications' icons now only show a number when you have new messages.


Topic Hover -

The feature we previously used became defunct, however the software has a built in one, albeit I know not as quick, it does add additional function... over to the right side of every post you will see a icon as below, click on that:



To show this:




Like -

I know this system changes quicker than an F1 Pit Team... Reputation as it was previously called is now 'Like'.

Don't worry you've not lost your rep, and the count or 'score' as some would prefer is in your user profile. It is no longer displayed below your username when posting, however you can quickly see by hover over someone's username

It works in exactly the same way, but much like Faceachebook you 'like' posts.


Follow Content -



Clicking on the 'Follow' button at the top right is a great way to keep track of new posts... you can even subscribe to an entire forum section.


FocusSTOC.com Official Facebook & Twitter Page -

Please visit http://www.facebook.com/FocusSTOC or http://www.twitter.com/FocusSTOC and 'Like' us... its another good way to hear about Club News!


Quick Reply -

You will now see when replying using the quick reply, there is no longer a page refresh and your reply will appear straight way.


My Media Button -

Ever had to search through all your posts to try and find a picture or file you previously posted? Then search no more!! By clicking on the "My Media" button all your previously uploaded pictures and files will be shown.




Other Additions -

There are hundreds of small additions/improvements, that you may come across, all done to make the experience of using the forums quick and simple.


What's Next...

I am currently still working on the new Classifieds System, along with an Ebay style feedback system... its a work in progress, however I hope to have it ready in the next few months.


Finally

I'm the first to welcome feedback, so long as it is constructive... please bear that in mind.]]> Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:39:11 +0000 http://www.focusstoc.com/forums/topic/103074-welcome-to-version-7-of-focusstoccom/ http://www.focusstoc.com/forums/topic/103059-new-london-and-south-east-rep-appointed/
Dan has been a member for some time now and has much enthusiasm for the club and has great ideas planned for his region so keep your eyes peeled everyone and lets hope all the members will support him in his new position as he has very big shoes to fill.


I am sure you will all join the staff in congratulating Dan in his new role and we wish you all the best with all our support.

Congratulation on your new role Dan & Mel.

Phil & Focusstoc.com Staff Team]]> Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:46:34 +0000 http://www.focusstoc.com/forums/topic/103059-new-london-and-south-east-rep-appointed/ http://www.focusstoc.com/forums/topic/102953-fitp-fiesta-in-the-park-2012-club-stand-pass-show-access-tickets-now-for-sale/
For Info See here:
]]> Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:54:04 +0000 http://www.focusstoc.com/forums/topic/102953-fitp-fiesta-in-the-park-2012-club-stand-pass-show-access-tickets-now-for-sale/ http://www.focusstoc.com/forums/topic/102830-new-west-midlands-regional-rep-appointed/
Anthony informs me he will continue the good work that Steve was doing. Making sure that the popular West Mids v East Mids meets continue. And has some ideas for some new ones.

All the best in your new role Anthony.

Allan and the entire FocusSTOC.com staff team]]> Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:50:19 +0000 http://www.focusstoc.com/forums/topic/102830-new-west-midlands-regional-rep-appointed/ http://www.focusstoc.com/forums/topic/102739-london-south-east-regional-rep-required/
Just to remind we still require a rep for the London and South East region. It would be good to have a rep in place prior to the show season beginning. So if anyone wants to give it a bash please drop me a PM.

Regards

Allan]]> Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:26:12 +0000 http://www.focusstoc.com/forums/topic/102739-london-south-east-regional-rep-required/ http://www.focusstoc.com/forums/topic/102702-west-midlands-regional-rep-required/
As some of you may be aware Steve (the current rep) has decided it's time for him to stand down as rep for the region. Steve has done a excellent job organizing the region. Putting a great deal of effort into the role. Steve has kindly said that he will remain on as rep in the short term until another rep is appointed.

So if any of you fancy applying for the role please drop me a PM.

Regards

Allan]]> Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:42:22 +0000 http://www.focusstoc.com/forums/topic/102702-west-midlands-regional-rep-required/ http://www.focusstoc.com/forums/topic/102645-ford-fair-ticket-sales/

Some of you may well have received an email from Ford Fair this morning: See below:







We can't stress enough that if you take up on this offer which represents a little bit of a saving, this will exclude you from being able to park on the STOC/RSOC Club Stand on the day.


Reason for this, is your ticket purchase will not be counted under our 'booking' numbers and you will not receive an exhibitors pass with this ticket. These are not available for separate sale due to health and safety reasons & we urge you to have a serious think prior to purchasing this offer.


Please note we are not trying to 'ring-fence' ticket sales. If we could offer the stand passes as a seperate from the club, then we would.



Regards


Marc & Network Admin Team]]> Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:33:50 +0000 http://www.focusstoc.com/forums/topic/102645-ford-fair-ticket-sales/ http://www.focusstoc.com/forums/topic/102551-official-club-events-2012/
Fiesta in the Park - 13th May
RS Combe - 7th July
Ford Fair - 12th August
RS National Day - TBA (September)

Tickets for these events to include club stand passes will be available to buy for the Club Shop soon.

Please note that only tickets purchased through the Club Shop will let you park on the Club stand.

Further details for each of these events will be posted nearer the date]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:03:11 +0000 http://www.focusstoc.com/forums/topic/102551-official-club-events-2012/ http://www.focusstoc.com/forums/topic/101992-twitter-facebook/
Whilst I can confirm I've not only just discovered Facebook and Twitter, I do acknowledge we have been slow to make more use of them.

The main issue, as always, was time... to post a Club News article on here, and then Facebook and Twitter, whilst not difficult, was cumbersome.

Fortunately, making use of the already built in RSS Feed (orange Icon near the top right of the screen) I am (he says) able to post once on here, and that article is automatically posted to both Facebook and Twitter.

I will look at improving the RSS feeds for those interested in the up coming update.

Some of you may have already noticed we now have a new Facebook Page:

http://www.facebook.com/FocusSTOC

And our Twitter Account:

http://www.twitter.com/FocusSTOC

Join us on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with Club Developments and News of the new Focus ST.

Jim]]> Sat, 14 Jan 2012 23:43:16 +0000 http://www.focusstoc.com/forums/topic/101992-twitter-facebook/ http://www.focusstoc.com/forums/topic/101907-advanced-warning-website-updates/
I want to provide you all with advanced warning of up and coming website updates.

In order to maintain security of the software, they are both vital, as well as bringing much improved features and useability.

Due to the nature of my spare time, I am currently unable to provide an actual date, other than to say it will be within the next fortnight. I may well only be able to provide a few hours notice when I do come to begin the updates.

I predict the Club will be offline for about four hours, meaning no-one will have access.

I plan to have in place an announcement which will cover in reasonable detail, all the new features and changes.

Regards

Jim]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:09:42 +0000 http://www.focusstoc.com/forums/topic/101907-advanced-warning-website-updates/