This announcement is now concluded.

I will post another early next month, with further updates on some of those teasers I have dropped. None of those are yet finalised, but have been built. I have repaired the damage I previously mentioned: the welcome header, daily post goal, and next game widget have been restored. I have improved their performances, but may review their designs, as I want to make some feature improvements to the next match.

A significant amount of performance-based gains has been achieved as I continue to improve the efficacy of resources.

I have fixed issues with the writing assistance feature I have made.
The word count is much more effective and instead of updating as you type, it now waits for you to pause.

One 4.7 feature which was very under-used, despite me highlighting it, was the ability to change how the forum index looks. Whilst the PON Lightweight Fluid theme is fixed, I have built an application which returns a selector to change it in our two other themes. This returns a custom-based look, which I like to do to bring attention to certain forums.

Next to the "Start new topic", you will see five options.

That is how you can choose your preference quickly and easily, but please note the fluid is locked to the more centralised view.

I have made theme improvements, which I highly suspect will go unnoitced but please be assured, I have and they are made to improve the experience.

Some might have noticed how on desktop, I switched the social links for the search bar. Well, that is due to me adding a new feature to one of the requests to promote the service status page and suggestions area. Bundled in is a widget which will allow me to promote those suggestions here, and allow for them to be vosted without leaving the main site but I do encourage you to bookmark it nontheless.

The URL is inside the about tab, but I felt a nice visual badge button would make it stand out. I haven't figured out the best means for mobiles, but I will have time to think.

I have also implemented bug fixes to the service status page and suggestions.

These are general cleanup-based fixes, with a focus on getting the notification feature via email working very soon. If something was to happen, it would be where you would hear first, and it's a very important tool. I would love to see more of you subscribe to the updates it can provide; it will keep you in the loop and well informed.

Thank you, everyone!

Thank you for all your hard work. It is good to see you back at your best and I like the changes you have made. There is one small thing I have noticed. I use the lightweight fluid theme and I seem to have a large blue pill shape showing with an adidas logo inside it.

Other than that, I am very impressed.

On 25/04/2026 at 10:04, Fan of Big Tone said:

I hope that reactions are not taken too seriously, it is after all a bit of fun, I fear that some people get upset if they don’t get a “like” on a post and become far too competitive striving for likes.

Just my thoughts, no offence to anyone.

Reactions are an integral part of PON, whether it be a reply to a post or a like, a love, or a laugh. Reactions are either an acknowledgement of a good post, an agreement or just an acknowledgement that someone has taken the time to read a post.

As far as I'm concerned, if someone has taken the time to post a point of view I'll take the time to read it and respond whether it be by a like or my reply.

22 minutes ago, Robbie said:

Reactions are an integral part of PON, whether it be a reply to a post or a like, a love, or a laugh. Reactions are either an acknowledgement of a good post, an agreement or just an acknowledgement that someone has taken the time to read a post.

As far as I'm concerned, if someone has taken the time to post a point of view I'll take the time to read it and respond whether it be by a like or my reply.

I wouldn’t disagree with anything you said there @Robbie what I was trying to say was that if I find a post particularly interesting I might like it, if it’s funny I might put a laughing emoji but I don’t want to feel pressured to give a reaction to every post and I don’t want anyone to be upset if I don’t like particular posts. I’m not going to bother if someone doesn’t react to one of my posts as I’m not here to collect them. My post was in reply to Chris saying that people with reactions will be notified if they are on the leader board, I was concerned it may become competitive and counter productive. Just my opinion, I’m probably completely wrong I usually am. 🤣

56 minutes ago, Robbie said:

Reactions are an integral part of PON, whether it be a reply to a post or a like, a love, or a laugh. Reactions are either an acknowledgement of a good post, an agreement or just an acknowledgement that someone has taken the time to read a post.

As far as I'm concerned, if someone has taken the time to post a point of view I'll take the time to read it and respond whether it be by a like or my reply.

Totally agree @Robbie 

It takes very little to click that icon, but it tips the hat to the poster who has made the effort. I'm sure it's always noticed and appreciated.

Conversely, no issues with those that don't. I'm too busy reading and thinking about the content to care about who's responded and who hasn't.

The feature was on Mad for a few years and I seem to recall the site being more acrimonious and less fun before it was introduced and then again when it was removed.

1 hour ago, Fan of Big Tone said:

My post was in reply to Chris saying that people with reactions will be notified if they are on the leader board, I was concerned it may become competitive and counter productive.

I have brought the feature back twice before; it's not a core resource and the original dev left. I asked Terabyte to upgrade it, which he did, but that was for 4.7 not 5x. It's nice to see members respecting, and giving reactions. I remember back in the day, you and my dad asking for the ability to give more because it used to be limited due to the queries involved.

I wouldn't worry, people want to feel appreciated and @macpie has spoken about how he appreciates it.

I don't easily give reactions, even though I like a lot of content. I do it for effort, and acknowledgement. I don't think anyone would really chase it to be named in something that's just for fun. Though, I understand your concerns and have in the past when you have mentioned it.

2 hours ago, Robbie said:

Reactions are an integral part of PON, whether it be a reply to a post or a like, a love, or a laugh. Reactions are either an acknowledgement of a good post, an agreement or just an acknowledgement that someone has taken the time to read a post.

This is how I see it, I always give them myself based on effort.

I will give different ones based on the content. I enjoy recognising humorous posts because they can help build a strong community. You need people of various varities, but united behind supporting each other. At the end of the day, when Notts is a bit gloomy, you look for these people to brighten your day. Not just those who make you laugh, but care and in an honest way.

1 hour ago, theAnticlough said:

It takes very little to click that icon, but it tips the hat to the poster who has made the effort. I'm sure it's always noticed and appreciated.

Conversely, no issues with those that don't. I'm too busy reading and thinking about the content to care about who's responded and who hasn't.

I don't really mind if people agree, disagree or react to mine but it does have a nice feeling when you see it. It's partly why I have never really been all that interested in social media from a personal point of view. likes etc, they don't mean much but the friendship does. When I see people's posts that have taken effort to add value, the very least I can do is acknowledge it.

Most I think would feel the exact same way, at least I feel.

I’m not against giving reactions as I said that’s a good thing but I’m just hoping the leader board doesn’t get people too competitive, anyway I’ll shut up now, I’m probably talking rubbish.

1 hour ago, Fan of Big Tone said:

I’m not against giving reactions as I said that’s a good thing but I’m just hoping the leader board doesn’t get people too competitive, anyway I’ll shut up now, I’m probably talking rubbish.

A concern means you care; we will all do our part to make sure that it remains fun and just a friendly aspect of the site.

Has any leaderboard notifications been received at all? I am getting the impression, it needs further work.