Report post icon should be changed

[lavinog]

This icon:http://ubuntuforums.org/images/buttons/report.gif is what is used for the report post button. It isn't very clear to users what this does, nor is it clear that it is a clickable icon.

It looks more like a feature to add a user to an address book...especially since it is next to the users online status.

[ddrichardson]

+1

I don't know if this is possible but a text link in the top right of each post, next to the post number would be intuitive.

[twright]

+1
It currently is not very obvious what it does or where it is

[Tipped OuT]

jenkinbr edited the "report post" icon, in some other thread, to have it be more obvious. If anything, they should just use his.

[jenkinbr]

This icon:http://ubuntuforums.org/images/buttons/report.gif is what is used for the report post button. It isn't very clear to users what this does, nor is it clear that it is a clickable icon.

It looks more like a feature to add a user to an address book...especially since it is next to the users online status.
+1

I proposed a different one

Looks like http://ubuntuforums.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=117449&d=1244857596

Looks similar to the original.

Original post (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=7447830#post7447830)

[unknownPoster]

Given that vBulletin is proprietary software, it may be impossible to change the report icon.

[jenkinbr]

It's propretary, but once it is purchased, the developers have 100% access to the source. It is possible.

[lavinog]

Given that vBulletin is proprietary software, it may be impossible to change the report icon.

They do have the source code.
Even without the source they just have to change the gif file...no code modifications are required.

[twright]

Given that vBulletin is proprietary software, it may be impossible to change the report icon.
Do you really think that vBulletin has a brown coffee centered theme by default? :lolflag:
If nothing else it would stand out :-)

[LookTJ]

+1, it will be very helpful.

[lavinog]

I made a mockup, but I think it is how the button used to be.
http://ubuntuforums.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=120576&stc=1&d=1247236898

It has been mentioned in the past that there was a concern with having the report button next to the reply buttons. I would hope that users would notice the difference and press the back button if they accidentaly press it.

[jenkinbr]

I personally like the button where it is, but it just needs some text describing its function.

I created a more detailed mockup - here it is:
http://ubuntuforums.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=120577&stc=1&d=1247238492

[Joeb454]

It used to be like the image lavinog posted, but it was always in the same position (similar to how jenkinbr posted) :)

[jpeddicord]

The problem with having it on the right side is that people confuse it for a post reply. +1 to what joeb454 said.

[Tipped OuT]

Haha, why'd you guys blur out the text and images in the mockups???

[lavinog]

Haha, why'd you guys blur out the text and images in the mockups???

because i didn't use my own post (why would i want to report myself), and didn't want to draw any attention to a user without them knowing.

[jenkinbr]

Haha, why'd you guys blur out the text and images in the mockups???
Because I had nothing better to do :)

[The Toxic Mite]

For the people who blurred the posts:
You could've just put placeholder names (e.g. John Doe, Jane Smith), and put in the lorem ipsum text on it. :P

+1 on suggesting that the Report Post icon should be changed.

[jenkinbr]

For the people who blurred the posts:
You could've just put placeholder names (e.g. John Doe, Jane Smith), and put in the lorem ipsum text on it. :P

+1 on suggesting that the Report Post icon should be changed.
That takes longer.

[The Toxic Mite]

That takes longer.

Haven't you heard of cut, copy and paste (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cut,_copy_and_paste)? ;)

[jenkinbr]

Oh, sure, but matching fonts and stuff?

anyways, the point was to attract attention to the report botton and its position, not the content of the post.



Back on topic, this is probably something that we may need to bring befor the forum council. I'd post it, but the last couple of meetings were announced only a few houurs beforehand, by the time I got the mail, it was over.

[lavinog]

Oh, sure, but matching fonts and stuff?

anyways, the point was to attract attention to the report botton and its position, not the content of the post.

Plus blurring the post adds some mystery that will attract people to the issue at hand ;)


Back on topic, this is probably something that we may need to bring befor the forum council. I'd post it, but the last couple of meetings were announced only a few houurs beforehand, by the time I got the mail, it was over.
I was wondering if this is something that should be posted on brainstorm

[jpeddicord]

I was wondering if this is something that should be posted on brainstorm

Definitely not. It is rare that anyone on staff visits Brainstorm for forum related stuff.

Anyway, I posted about this thread in our staff forum. Someone will see it. :)

[jenkinbr]

Definitely not. It is rare that anyone on staff visits Brainstorm.

Anyway, I posted about this thread in our staff forum. Someone will see it. :)
Thanks.

[The Toxic Mite]

:)

[5j3133]

I say remove it or leave it as it is!!!

[jenkinbr]

After a week or so of no action here, I've added it to the Forum Council Agenda (https://wiki.ubuntu.com/ForumCouncilAgenda)

Now, let's just hope I can make it.

[Tipped OuT]

After a week or so of no action here, I've added it to the Forum Council Agenda (https://wiki.ubuntu.com/ForumCouncilAgenda)

Now, let's just hope I can make it.

Good luck.

[Giant Speck]

I proposed this a while back: http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk122/SpecKtacle/collapse_tcat.gif

I think it should go on the far right, next to the quick reply button.

[ELD]

I think it needs to be red, it doesn't stand out at all, the icon is just stupid atm.

[lavinog]

After a week or so of no action here, I've added it to the Forum Council Agenda (https://wiki.ubuntu.com/ForumCouncilAgenda)

Now, let's just hope I can make it.

Our next meeting will be held Friday, May 22nd at 22:00 UTC.
Got a time machine?

[jenkinbr]

Got a time machine?
Note the comment I added to the page several weeks ago while cleaning up a table inconsistancy: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/ForumCouncilAgenda?action=diff&rev2=251&rev1=250

Either that, or the next meeting is about 10 months away :(

[jenkinbr]

For forum council purposes, this post will be used to group all the ideas into one post.

==================================================

Current Post Mockup:

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/1363/reportpostmockup1.png

==================================================

User: ddrichardson; Post 7588378
Idea:
Add a text link to the post header, next to the post number.

Post Mockup: created by jenkinbr

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/2646/reportpostmockup2.png

==================================================

User: jenkinbr; Post: 7588888, 7593278

Idea:
Leave the button where it is at, but add the text "REPORT" to the button.

Button Mockup: 117449

Post Mockup:

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/26/reportpostmockup3.png

==================================================

User: lavinog; Post: 7593156

Idea:
Make a button similar to the "Quote" button, but with the text "REPORT"
Move it over with the quoting buttons.

Button Mockup: link (http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/4562/reportmockup.png)

Post Mockup: Original: 120576

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/1729/reportpostmockup4.png

==================================================

User: Giant Speck;Post: 7663468

Idea:
Move the Report button over by the quick-reply Icon, and place a single exclamation point ('!') inside it.

@Giant Speck: Let me know if this is correct, if it isn't, I can fix it :)

Button Mockup: link (http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk122/SpecKtacle/collapse_tcat.gif)

Post Mockup:

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/7656/reportpostmockup5.png

==================================================

User: ELD; Post: 7663479

Idea:
Move the Report button over by the quick-reply Icon, color it red, and place a single exclamation point ('!') inside it.

Button Mockup: [url=http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/4723/reportpostmockup6button.gif[link[/url]

Post Mockup:

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/9272/reportpostmockup6.png


==================================================
==================================================

If anyone else would like to add to this, let me know.

[Eldera]

I, too, would like to see the report post button changed. My first choice would be jenkinbr's button on the lower left.
7588888

However, if it were to be put on the lower right with the quote, multiquote, and quick reply buttons, I agree with ELD that it should be a different color, perhaps red. 7663479

[ddrichardson]

Note the comment I added to the page several weeks ago while cleaning up a table inconsistancy: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/ForumCouncilAgenda?action=diff&rev2=251&rev1=250

Either that, or the next meeting is about 10 months away :(
Actually, I think that's a valid point - the last meeting was announced at short notice and I wasn't available, yet it sat as the previous date for ages.

[bodhi.zazen]

*cough* I um err *cough cough*

the page seems up to date to me :redface:

Sorry I will try to keep that page updated. We try to meet monthly.

If you have an agenda item add it in please.

[ddrichardson]

*cough* I um err *cough cough*

the page seems up to date to me :redface:

Sorry I will try to keep that page updated. We try to meet monthly.
:D

If you have an agenda item add it in please.
I better read over that spec again then!

[Tipped OuT]

So you guys think this might be able to be done?

[bodhi.zazen]

I think the idea has merit and I like the mock-up (a smaller font perhaps, maybe in a light brown , just enough to offset it a bit ?).

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/26/reportpostmockup3.png


The red button with the ! is not bad, but really it is not clear what it is for, so although I like the art work, not sure if it is an improvement.

/me sees 1,000's of reports - "ooo pretty red button, wonder what it does .... "

[lavinog]

Should the report button text be rendered as text instead of an image?
I would think it would look cleaner
Plus, are there any localizations on the forums?

[Tipped OuT]

I think something like this is much simpler, and straight forward.

Moving and/or changing the report icon will only confuse existing members. Keep it how it is, and just add the "REPORT" to it. Just like jenkinbr's original mock up.

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/7643/mockup.png

[jpeddicord]

I think something like this is much simpler, and straight forward.

Moving and/or changing the report icon will only confuse existing members. Keep it how it is, and just add the "REPORT" to it. Just like jenkinbr's original mock up.

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/7643/mockup.png

I like the font used. +1 to that.


EDIT: I see what you did there...

[raymondh]

I think something like this is much simpler, and straight forward.

Moving and/or changing the report icon will only confuse existing members. Keep it how it is, and just add the "REPORT" to it. Just like jenkinbr's original mock up.

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/7643/mockup.png

+ 1 on just adding REPORT rather than moving it.

[jenkinbr]

I think something like this is much simpler, and straight forward.

Moving and/or changing the report icon will only confuse existing members. Keep it how it is, and just add the "REPORT" to it. Just like jenkinbr's original mock up.

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/7643/mockup.png
I actually really like your report button better - I also +1 the font.

I'll maybe create a Master Troll post mockup later using it - not much time now.

On a side note, Tipped OuT, your Join date and post time in that mockup don't match up too well...:D




My GF is not gonna be happy about the meeting time next thursday, though.

[Tipped OuT]

On a side note, Tipped OuT, your Join date and post time in that mockup don't match up too well...:D


I went to the past in my time machine and posted.. and.. ehh I think that makes sense... but my account wouldn't exist... :mad:

Well, thanks for the supportive feed back everyone. Let's just hope some changes can be made. :)

[bodhi.zazen]

Careful with all those beans TO , too many beans give you gas =)

[jenkinbr]

:lolflag:

Sorry, but I don't think I can make it to the meeting - reason - in the hospital because bodhi.zazen made me choke on my own laughter...

j/k :lol:

[lukjad007]

+1

I proposed a different one

Looks like http://ubuntuforums.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=117449&d=1244857596

Looks similar to the original.

Original post (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=7447830#post7447830)

+1

I like jenkinbr's since it is much clearer.

[ELD]

I also love the button with the report text, so much better, please implement it :)

[LepeKaname]

+1

Maybe has been discussed many times, but why this forum is not OSS? there are many things that can improve this forum for Ubuntu's sake and if can't be modified...

[jenkinbr]

+1

Maybe has been discussed many times, but why this forum is not OSS? there are many things that can improve this forum for Ubuntu's sake and if can't be modified...
It has been discussed many times.

Please see Why UbuntuForums.org uses vBulletin (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=724506)

[Dullstar]

Yeah, the report post icon needs to be changed... so it looks like that's a function. For some reason, I always think that it's a PM button at first.

[LepeKaname]

Thank you jenkinbr. BTW I also think it should be a red

[ ! report ]

button (like the icon of my reply).

[lavinog]

+1

Maybe has been discussed many times, but why this forum is not OSS? there are many things that can improve this forum for Ubuntu's sake and if can't be modified...

There is a FAQ somewhere that explains why they choose to use vbulletin.
The source is available, but not to the public.

[jenkinbr]

There is a FAQ somewhere that explains why they choose to use vbulletin.
The source is available, but not to the public.
I posted the link in my reply to that post.

[lavinog]

I posted the link in my reply to that post.

I see you are using your time machine effectively

I was trying to find the link ;)

[LepeKaname]

Yes, sorry... I just read almost all the thread... So its good it can be modified. Where can someone submit ideas for the forum (changes)?

here is fine: http://ubuntuforums.org/forumdisplay.php?f=48 ?

[jenkinbr]

Yes, that would be the best place to start.

That's where this thread is.

If action isn't taken, and you really feel your request is important, you can post to the forum council agenda and attend the IRC meeting to discuss it with the forum council. (the issue in this thread is on the forum council agenda, posted by me)

Forum Council Agenda: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/ForumCouncilAgenda

[Tipped OuT]

*plays the waiting game* :-\"

[jenkinbr]

Hey, we only have to wait till thursday :)

[LepeKaname]

Thank you.:popcorn:

[jpeddicord]

Bump. FC meeting is tonight at 2200 UTC or 6pm EDT, just a reminder. :)

[bodhi.zazen]

Bump. FC meeting is tonight at 2200 UTC or 6pm EDT, just a reminder. :)

:lolflag:

I was just about to bump this thread =)

[jenkinbr]

yep, I remember full well - it's written on my unwritten calendar ;)

[lemonsniper]

i was told to use it but cant find the stupid thing anywhere. where is it?

[nmaster]

on the left, underneath a person's "bean count"

[philcamlin]

its the little guy that looks like a gangster kinda :popcorn:
in the bottom left under post count

[lemonsniper]

yeah because thats obvious. how is anyone supposed to know that? why is it in such a stupid place? it should be more like the imdb forums report system.

[Nevon]

I've also been searching for that for a long time now. How does a notebook with a picture of a person on represent reporting someone?

[lisati]

On a related topic, there has been some discussion here: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1208698
(The report button is illustrated in the first post)

[Blu Fox]

Well I learned something today

[philcamlin]

On a related topic, there has been some discussion here: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1208698
(The report button is illustrated in the first post)

i personally dont mind it it keeps the pages looging clean and tidy. theres not a big report post button" there

but thats just me

[sisco311]

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1208698

the issue is on the agenda (https://wiki.ubuntu.com/ForumCouncilAgenda), the meeting is today(July 30th) at 22:00 UTC. :)

[lemonsniper]

it should be more like this.

[Viva]

A red icon would be more appropriate.

[lemonsniper]

or even better something like that. see the nice simple report button?

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/6274/reportz.jpg

[bodhi.zazen]

Threads merged.

Meeting in one hour.

[lemonsniper]

is the meeting on irc?

[lemonsniper]

this would be the best answer to this report button thing? (the report button next to quote)

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/6274/reportz.jpg

[snova]

is the meeting on irc?

Yes, in #ubuntu-meeting as always.

[lemonsniper]

Yes, in #ubuntu-meeting as always.

how do i connect to this on linux mint?

[bodhi.zazen]

using an irc client - pidgin, xchat, irissi ...

[overdrank]

or even better something like that. see the nice simple report button?



Threads merged :)

[Eldera]

We did hold a meeting and discussed items on the agenda, which is in the IRC logs if you wish to review them.

No action was taken as we did not have a quorum (sorry these things happen as explained by matthew).

How does one access IRC logs? I'm interested.

Eldera

[snova]

How does one access IRC logs? I'm interested.

Eldera

http://irclogs.ubuntu.com/2009/07/30/%23ubuntu-meeting.html

[bodhi.zazen]

Thank you snova .

[komputes]

A red icon would be more appropriate.

I agree. I think the location should stay the same but it should be a red flag with an alt="Report abuse" tooltip...

I found a few good examples doing a google image search:

http://www.collegenet.com/elect/app/images/report_button_red.jpg

http://www.eclipsweb.com/amc/images/icons/red_flag.jpg

http://www.brijj.com/images/red_flag.gif

[jenkinbr]

I agree. I think the location should stay the same but it should be a red flag with an alt="Report abuse" tooltip...

I found a few good examples doing a google image search:

http://www.collegenet.com/elect/app/images/report_button_red.jpg

http://www.eclipsweb.com/amc/images/icons/red_flag.jpg

http://www.brijj.com/images/red_flag.gif
The only problem with those is we don't have the license to those files, unless thay are GPL or CC (something free)

The mockups that several other users created (including myself) were made using our current icon as a base, so the mocked up icons should, by right, fall under the same license as the original icon.

[Tipped OuT]

The only problem with those is we don't have the license to those files, unless thay are GPL or CC (something free)

The mockups that several other users created (including myself) were made using our current icon as a base, so the mocked up icons should, by right, fall under the same license as the original icon.

+1

And it's more recognizable for current users.

[Giant Speck]

I still like mine the best, but then again I might be biased.

[lavinog]

I don't think it needs to be red. A red icon could be distracting for some users.
The goal should be to make the icon clear as to what it does. The word 'Report' is all I think it needs.
I believe people see the current button, they just don't know it has a function.

[bodhi.zazen]

I don't think it needs to be red. A red icon could be distracting for some users.

+1

IMO color scheme should match the forums and the change should be informative, not distracting.

[The Toxic Mite]

+1

IMO color scheme should match the forums and the change should be informative, not distracting.

+2

jenkinbr's and Tipped OuT's icons would match perfectly with the scheme; plus they have just modified the current one to make it clearer.

[Jago6060]

Just a thought...Why not put it in the top right of the post box, next to post number? Use an icon like the red "no smoking" symbol, something obvious. My first thought was to suggest that the Report Button be put to the left of quote, but I think that would be too haphazard. Putting it next to the post number would make it visible, and keep it away from commonly used buttons like "quick reply" or "quote"

EDIT: Or as lavinog suggested, use the word "Report" in conjunction with my placement suggestion.

[The Toxic Mite]

Just a thought...Why not put it in the top right of the post box, next to post number? Use an icon like the red "no smoking" symbol, something obvious. My first thought was to suggest that the Report Button be put to the left of quote, but I think that would be too haphazard. Putting it next to the post number would make it visible, and keep it away from commonly used buttons like "quick reply" or "quote"

EDIT: Or as lavinog suggested, use the word "Report" in conjunction with my placement suggestion.

-1

Jenkinbr's and Tipped OuT's icons are more visible; it's just a modification of the current icon, and it would fit better with the theme

[Jago6060]

Why not make a report button in the same style as the quote button and place it next to the post number? It'd be plenty visible and match the theme.

[The Toxic Mite]

Why not make a report button in the same style as the quote button and place it next to the post number? It'd be plenty visible and match the theme.

Ah, but people might confuse it.

I am still in favour of jenkinbr's and Tipped OuT's buttons

[Jago6060]

What are you thinking for placement? I think for the sake of keeping the theme in line, replacing the old report icon with one of jenkinbr's would work well.

[lavinog]

I would keep the placement the same.
1) Many users already know where it is now. Moving it could lead to more people not knowing where the report button is.
2) Leaving it in the same place is less likely to cause design bugs.
3) It shouldn't matter where it is, as long as it is clear that it is a report button.

On different note:
How does localization work on the forums?
Would 'Report' be understandable with other languages, or do they use different images altogether?

[jenkinbr]

Forum Council: is there any activity behind the scenes?

[ubuntu-geek]

Sorry for the delay I've been away attending to other things. The UF now has a shiny new "report abuse" button..

Enjoy..

[Tipped OuT]

Huh? Where? :S

[ubuntu-geek]

You may have to force a refresh of your browser to see it because of the caching we do.

[Tipped OuT]

Wow, not exactly what I had in mind, but nice. Thanks Ubuntu-Geek. (referring to the new icon)

[ubuntu-geek]

I'll look at moving it to a better location when we update the theme :) The current placement is the default one.

[jpeddicord]

I'll look at moving it to a better location when we update the theme :) The current placement is the default one.

Stylish, I like it. :D

[jenkinbr]

Sorry for the delay I've been away attending to other things. The UF now has a shiny new "report abuse" button..

Enjoy..

Nice :)

/me goes and deletes my Forum Council Agenda item....

[matthew]

Sorry for the delay I've been away attending to other things. The UF now has a shiny new "report abuse" button..

Enjoy..
I love it! It's perfect! No ambiguity whatsoever! You rock!
:guitar::guitar::guitar::guitar::guitar::guitar:

[matthew]

Just for clarity, I wasn't being ironic.

[Eldera]

Thank You, Ubuntu-Geek. Thank you, Thank you. The new button is so much better than the man on the cereal box.

I'll look at moving it to a better location when we update the theme The current placement is the default one.

Personal opinion: current position is the best.

[bodhi.zazen]

Sorry for the delay I've been away attending to other things. The UF now has a shiny new "report abuse" button..

Enjoy..

Thank you very much ubuntu-geek.

And jenkinbr, thank you for updating the FC agenda as well, I went to make the adjustment but see, as usual, I am wayyyy behind the times.

[s.fox]

Thank you ubuntu-geek.

The new icon is much better and can't be misinterpreted. Great job.

-Silver Fox

[Joeb454]

Thanks for the update u-g :) I got confused when I saw the thread - forgot about the cache ;)

[Giant Speck]

No offense, but that report post icon looks nothing like any of the ones suggested...

[Artificial Intelligence]

No offense, but that report post icon looks nothing like any of the ones suggested...

You most admit, you can't miss it. ;)

[Giant Speck]

You most admit, you can't miss it. ;)

Well, no, you can't, but out of all the pictures that were made by users and submitted for consideration, the one that was chosen turned out to be from a guy who found it on Google. :?

[SoftwareExplorer]

Thanks. Very Nice and clear as to what it does.
BTW:I read all the way to the end of this thread to say that, so consider me very grateful :P

[jenkinbr]

Thank you very much ubuntu-geek.

And jenkinbr, thank you for updating the FC agenda as well, I went to make the adjustment but see, as usual, I am wayyyy behind the times.
lol, yeah - got rid of that line as soon as I saw this thread :)