When someone used to join, I didn't limit the account in any way. However, to actively encourage members to take part in the site and community, PON implemented a starting user group called "NewPie".

By default, this disabled the ability for people who didn't engage to use the site's PM system.

There were other restrictions to give more benefits to those who hung around long enough to earn an automatic upgrade from the base level to the members group.

Once a member makes 10 posts anywhere on the site, they'll would get bumped up to the members group.

This is no longer the case; I have increased the amount by at least 100%. Further member benefits will be reviewed, as will the subscribers group gain some extra access.

All user groups outside of the 'NewPie' group will be able to choose what layout they would prefer to use in certain parts of the Pride of Nottingham site. This includes the forum index, topic list, topic view, store, and blogs.

Forum:

By default, I have it set to Grid: Display forums as cards in a grid.

However, you can choose from the following:

Table: A traditional forum index table view.

Fluid: A simpler dynamic listing topics with a forum filter box.

This is a style that a lot of Notts fans will be used to.

It removes the forums and lists all the topics in one area, and in the sidebar, you will have the ability to toggle on and off what forum sections show.

We do kindly ask that you carefully consider where content should be posted, even if you use this style, as it allows the site to remain organised. Keeping things neat and tidy, but more importantly, allowing you to choose how you wish the community forum page to look.

Content Focused: Card View

This will display each forum, then every subforum beneath. To the right, the latest 5 topics from within all of them.

Topic List View

Condensed View: Show topics as a list. (default)

Expanded View: Show topics with a preview of the post.

Topic View

Alternative style from what you are used to.

Content Focused: Simplified View

Tablet/Mobile

Now the good bit: how do you choose how you wish for what style to look like? Inside your 'Content Preference'. Just click the link and please choose carefully.

https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/settings/links/

I want everyone to feel at home, and by allowing you to tweak the styles to your own preference, I hope this helps.

Not finished reading? Then please check these out.

And lastly!

Whilst you are considering what styles you wish to set within your content preference, please choose how you would like content to open.

That’s a lot to take in, I hope I can remember it all, thanks @Chris I’ll have a play.

@Fan of Big Tone, just play around with the settings. You'll quickly find which you prefer as your preference.

I wouldn’t change anything myself, but I think it’s great that you can. I really appreciate you taking the time to explain it.

The popup message isn’t as annoying as the one on the official site. It’s a good way to make sure people read important content.

With how many members have seen it by now, I thought more would have interacted with it. Hopefully lots of people will like having control over how the content on PON is displayed.

It’s nice to have it explained clearly, along with the different options. At least the styles are there for when people want to change things or make the site feel more personal. It’s good to see the site letting us choose what we prefer. It’ll help some people feel more at home when they’re using it.

Brilliant things are happening with PON. I'm pleased that PON members now have more options, but I do like my existing ones. I love the topic option because you can see at a glance that there has been recent topic activity.

🤔 totally confused. Think i must be thick. Sorry Chris.

I like the option to open a topic and it opens at the first unread post. Very handy.

@Michael D Pie., not at all.

I totally get that tech stuff can be a bit tricky for some people, and that's totally okay! I just want everyone to feel comfortable asking for help whenever they need it. I'll do my best to explain things in a way that makes sense. I kind of threw a lot at you all at once in the beginning.

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Visit this URL: https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/settings/links/

You can change how certain parts of the site feel and look.

If there's a change in the screenshots I provided above which you would like to try, and you are unsure which section applies. Please ask me.

I like what I’m seeing. The site is making big steps forward, and I hope it connects with people who want to change how parts of it look.

There’s a huge amount of effort going into Pride of Nottingham. It’s brilliant work!

Things are moving forward and it’s very impressive. Not many sites let their members choose how things look and feel. That’s a great feature for Pride of Nottingham. If fans don’t want to see the forums, they can switch them off by picking a different style. It’s a clever idea!

Personally, I like how tidy and organised the site is with the forums. But some members might find it a bit much, so this is a good way to keep everyone happy.

Great job with all the improvements and the focus on the features we get to use as visitors to the site.

Keep up the good work.

i hope people do read this, even if they find it overwhelming. its full of useful things to know, but it does take a lot to digest. i have read the opening post twice, so i do get that we can now choose our own preferred style.

before the upgrade, there used to be a toggle settings for the community forum page that would change the layout.

but having more options within the topics and how they are listed is very nice.

That's awesome that the option is available! Honestly, I probably won't end up using it much because I’m pretty happy with everything I’ve got now. When I'm on Pride of Nottingham, I love just scrolling around and stumbling upon stuff I might've missed before. It’s nice to discover things in a more natural way!

I totally get how that feature could be really handy for some people. It’s a great idea for those who want to make their time on PON more personal.

I have implemented scrolls into both of the themes.

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Don't know how to change how the site looks?

At the very bottom of the site, you will find a footer with a row of links. "Theme" | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Cookies

Click on the theme and choose from there. In the future, a third option will be added.

Thanks @Chris . I've always preferred the lightweight theme for my mobile. I also use the dark screen mode as well as the default screen mode.

@Robbie, the lightweight theme does the scrolling thing in a different way. I made them transparent until pressed on both desktop and laptop. I also made it so that they don't interfere with the footer/copyright.

With the default/main theme, it is only transparent on mobiles because of the lack of space at the side. On a desktop, they show to the side.

These can be useful when you are scrolling long pages, something I missed from v4.