Feedback - Improving the user experience: Signatures

[Jack]

Hey guys,

Today, we're announcing that we have disabled the users signature. The main reason why we've taken this step is to improve our members experience when reading a thread. While Signatures have been around for a long time, they do clutter a thread and make it harder to focus on the discussion.

I know that some of you got used to them, however the added value for by these signatures is less than the benefits they provide.

Before deciding if you like this change or not, please do browse the threads for a few hours/days and notice the much more clean look of a thread.

This change should not only bring a better user experience, but also should come with a speed boost as the signatures had images that were hosted on other websites (imgur.com and other third party websites), so you had to wait for them to load also.

Thank you.

 

[shukla44]

Thanks @Jack for this update. Can't say i miss signatures. I am liking this signature-less posts already.
IMO, Great move.

Regards.

 

[King Alpha]

Already missing my signature.

 

[SHvFl]

Why not a lite mode for those that don't like signatures and a normal mode for the rest. If you wish you can have the default be no signatures.

 

[ElectricSheep]

Never had any real trouble with loading speeds Miss my little emoji shaking his screen in frustration
We'll get used to it

 

[yigido]

Why not a lite mode for those that don't like signatures and a normal mode for the rest. If you wish you can have the default be no signatures.

Having options is always good. Let's remove Avatars too @Jack

 

[Logethica]

I would have thought that asking members how they think their experience could be improved would have perhaps been a better starting point,as it would have shown that members opinions are both valued and respected.

 

[King Alpha]

Why not a lite mode for those that don't like signatures and a normal mode for the rest. If you wish you can have the default be no signatures.

That sounds great.

What do you think sir @Jack?

 

[yigido]

Microsoft first removes the start button at Windows 8, then users complains about it because they never expect such behavior from Microsoft.
Then Microsoft started to listen and ask users.. Windows 10 came with start button.

Mods removes signatures then release it. Now user complains and asking for options.. you know the rest of the history..

 

[Jack]

Microsoft first removes the start button at Windows 8, then users complains about it because they never expect such behavior from Microsoft.
Then Microsoft started to listen and ask users.. Windows 10 came with start button.

Mods removes signatures then release it. Now user complains and asking for options.. you know the rest of the history..

In the title of the thread there is the word "Feedback".. so I'm reading your replies and if valid points are made we can change our decision.
The truth about the Signatures is that this is a feature left from the early stages of forums software, in the recent years they have been replaced by the Member Profile pages.
There is no need to have random images, links to security configs or other off-topic text under each reply.

@SHvFl that's a valid point.

 

[yigido]

In the title of the thread there is the word "Feedback".. so I'm reading your replies and if valid points are made we can change our decision.
The truth about the Signatures is that this is a feature left from the early stages of forums software, in the recent years they have been replaced by the Member Profile pages.
There is no need to have random images, links to security configs or other off-topic text under each reply.

@SHvFl that's a valid point.

Ok your forum place your choice, I do not care about signatures. I hate animes that jumping between posts!
But I love to reach people's config and Hi messages from thei signatures..Sometimes spreading good words from signatures better.
Just my 2 cents, if you are still collecting telemtry from this thread.

Thanks @Jack and other mods, who provide us this amazing place.

 

[ElectricSheep]

A very good point indeed but most signatures were small and unobtrusive in the first place anyway. Take for example my one was a small gif file that isn't linked to any third party site. It's in my opinion something that allows users to express personality as well as the other technical stuff like those security software sigs that @Huracan did.

This is a warm, welcoming and friendly forum and I think some sigs added a bit of individuality.

But obviously the final decision will be made by our administrators.
We'll get used to the new look but that touch of individuality will be missed by many I am sure

Oh, and the staff do a brilliant job here

 

[Exterminator]

I agree with this decision made by @Jack
For one it will reduce the clutter in threads and make it easier to read which is the reason we are all here.
It will also reduce the number of pages within in a thread by one or two.This can already be seen!
Everything you need to know about a member can be found here including their Security Configuration link

Using the upload option will also help as well as posting large images as thumbnails.

 

[ExoGen CyberSecurity]

I think it's good, the website will load faster. Also, some signature where way to big.

 

[Der.Reisende]

A very good point indeed but most signatures were small and unobtrusive in the first place anyway. Take for example my one was a small gif file that isn't linked to any third party site. It's in my opinion something that allows users to express personality as well as the other technical stuff like those security software sigs that @Huracan did.

This is a warm, welcoming and friendly forum and I think some sigs added a bit of individuality.

But obviously the final decision will be made by our administrators.
We'll get used to the new look but that touch of individuality will be missed by many I am sure

Oh, and the staff do a brilliant job here

Couldn't agree more Did not notice the missing sig on first glance No performance issues for me so far Also, optional showing of signatures (mentioned somewhere above) is a good input IMO.

Staff's job continues to be awesome of course

 

[Lucent Warrior]

The forum looks cleaner, sleeker, and more professional with these turned off. As @exterminator20 pointed out, everything you need to know of a user can be found on their profile. As for individuality, this can be seen in the users responses to threads and posts.

I am good either way, but think that the threads look better without the signatures.

 

[shukla44]

I personally like this way. No issues for me & all the individuality one needs is on the left-side with your profile pic. But most users prefer signature and by reading all the posts above, i also think a lite signature version will be no problem.

I mean a signature with restrictions, like 1 image with not more than 600x120px dimensions, or something more stricter, like only texts/links not more than 4 lines with no images.
Well, this is my suggestion. Hope you guys consider all the suggestions & feedback and decide.

On the side note, great work admins.

 

[Exterminator]

Like Jack said the signatures have been around in every software platform for a long time.Basically they are just "Fluff",if you will,and not necessary.
I am not against them but I am not going to loose any sleep over not having them.
One thing,as @Lucent Warrior pointed out,is the more professional look of the site.
That goes a long way in getting DEV's as members,companies to offer software to our members for free and how we are regarded by our peers.
Text/link signatures would be fine without images and excessive formatting.A set font size and number of lines would also need to be implemented.

 

[King Alpha]

Well, I guess we have to embrace change and not get too upset about it.

Thanks @Jack and the rest of the team for making this an awesome community.

 

[Rebsat]

There is no need to have random images, links to security configs or other off-topic text under each reply. that's a valid point.

Dear Mr. Jack,

Please note that the only little thing that made MT beautiful in the recent years was variety of user signatures via custom images which most of them were wonderful in quality and design. Whenever I looked at an article then I discovered a ton of Security softwares, configuration, ideas on how to improve my Security knowledge. I got all of these just by seeing Security config via user signatures right on the same page of the article without browsing into another page. These user signatures saved my life because I have collected huge of Security configs from different users on MT (ex. @Umbra, from here I want to thank him ) which later helped me to install the best Security softwares on my PC and it is now working like a monster against all types of online threat. I am crying I can no longer see something where in the past was the best Security Advisor for me and most of members.

I would be grateful if you could listen to our feedback but anyway we do respect any decision will be made by our administrators.
I love you MT

Sincerely,
Rebsat from Iraq