New Age Project (2014)

[FlameMaster5]

The title says a lot on its own, but before you start talking like a Dalek and screaming, "EXPLAIIIIIIN!!", I'll do just that...

The New Age Project, or hilariously just abbreviated to NAP, is the re-design and modification of this forum. It is well overdue for a makeover, this much is obvious, but with change and age in its people, so must a change come in its appearance.
And with a change, perhaps we remaining in its walls will feel more comfortable while allowing others to feel more welcomed - whatever age they may be!

SO...

As your admin, I have taken it upon myself to spy on my most trusted and favorited subjects! I'm not looking for anything personal, but I am looking for what designs you chose long ago and stuck with as your backgrounds to hopefully make note of while I'm re-designing.

And I'll list what I found here for reference:

• Timewarp - Winter Skin
  
• Haunter - Black Hole Skin
  
• Tymki - Spirit's Skin
  
• CS - Dark Skin
  
• Brosef - Ice Skin
  
• Blaze - Evil's Skin
  
• Sonicmark - TLC Original Default
  
• Silverflame7 - TLC 2nd Default
  
• Silverhalo - Ice Style
  
• Wolf NM - Evil's Style
  
• Flare - 2nd Default
  
• Seribii - 2nd Default
  

That's going through the list of everyone I can remember. Apologies if I forgot you, my memory isn't as good as it once was due to numerous years of trying to forget things. XD

These skins I can barely even remember, too, so I will carefully study what you all have favorited as your backgrounds and do my best to re-design or re-imagine similar concepts. And the ones that were not in much use, I will try either eliminating or combining or...something...to make better use of the skins and my time.
Seems the skins with more vague looks were liked the most as well.


If you have suggestions for a particular skin or look, the way buttons would appear, or an appeal you would want portrayed, I am open to listen and see what time and age has done to change your outlooks on these as well.
Give me your critical outlooks as well - I made these several years ago and the forum should age with its most valued members.
And those that would later join us.


I will say this: the whole look will be different.
Even those affiliate buttons have to go, as I have a special idea for that.

Let the creative juices flow!

[FlameMaster5]

Hmm...
(By the way, if anyone is ever wondering, this is what it looks like when I talk to myself while working.)

TLCR 2nd Default

Very...bright. Oddly bright, like just a bunch of lights going in whatever direction. Very vague, very young look. Does not represent the castle the way I would have wanted, nor the world it was meant to portray. It was made simply, and looks like I rushed it from what I can tell.
Plus, it was not hand-made as well as some other works.
Needs structure.
If it was going to portray the world Almega, the colors would be more accurate but in need of, of course, structure to be represented correctly.
If it was going to portray the castle itself, I think it truly needs to have the more gray look - which is what I tried to go for with the forum outlines before. Gray color, but let's not be dull - definitely not dull, more relic while adding in the advanced look, too.
I'm rambling now. Next!


ALMEGA Skin

Meant to represent the planet Almega, obviously, but this skin fails to do so. Perhaps because at the time I did not know how I wanted said planet to look, either by means of a character wandering through it or from an outside-in-space perspective.
The skin is designed with a gray planet - dull, when it should be far more vibrant in colors - with the Black Hole in the distance. Looks far too much like a science-fiction appeal when it should be fantasy all out, so that won't do...
I made it by using an actual planet as a guide, but if I was to re-create this as a skin I believe drawing by hand and painting from the mind's eye would be the more preferred way to go for this.
Looks plain and rushed. Would look much better painted, with more fantasy and more focus on Almega itself.
The black and blue forum look, too, does not match how vibrant the world is.
Blah.


Black Hole Skin

Basically what was said above, but reversed with focus on the Black Hole.
Same dull look, same dull color scheme.
If I re-designed this, it may be more detailed and set in the perspective of when you step into the realm connected to the Blaxk Hole, you get the view of when you turn back to look at it along with props. More of a story scene, perhaps.
If not, may be eliminated/modified as an easier option.


Nature Skin

This skin was meant to represent the character Jade Prism, which before being edited was simply a character embodying the forces of nature.
The look and feel here does not quite match, as his powers over time and edits has morphed and changed a quite a lot.
The design is bothering me - repeating endlessly in a very strange way, it would give anyone a headache looking at it too long. Makes sense why no one, including myself, is using it.
I see I liked black a lot? I think I wasn't creative enough then to get what I wanted out in the right way, so I used black as a 'safe' color. Let's not stick with black in this one at all if I redesign it.
Jade, the character, not to be confused with his actual color of representation, is not felt in this skin.
If this skin were to be saved, or any of the other character skins for that matter, then they must undergo some change - possibly even including pics of their actual characters in them.
But that has not been decided. At all.


Flame Style

More black? This HAS to stop.
This was Redd Prism's skin, and it does NOT portray him at all whatsoever. In fact, this makes it seem like he himself is a fire-elemental being when instead it is more of a magic he is introduced to and practices out of his own will. He is human, can not command fire without help from items/certain beings.
So this inaccuracy bothers me.
The design should have been concentrating on his actual emotional traits or personality. And if that can not be done, then it should be eliminated/modified.
After all, it is a skin not even being used - which, as he is the main character, this should not be happening.


Ice Style


Meant to portray Azul Prism, a brilliant character and easily extremely popular in the story Almega.
More black, but this time it is not making me disgusted so much - there is a lot of dark times in this particular man's background, but perhaps it needs to be...readjusted. And, again, the ice is cool but it is not quite representing the character.
If this was to be remade, I would design it with more technology in mind, or maybe even a certain scene from the book that made me agree more with the black.
This might have some hope here. We'll see.


Shadow's Style

This character no longer exists. He was merged into another character, which makes for a harmonious combination of personality traits and sets in place great potential for psychic happenings.
Thrilling!
I'd say this skin can make likewise perhaps and merge with its other character skin, perhaps saving itself from complete destruction.


Light Style

First thing that came to mind looking at this was Pokemon HeartGold version...
Great look IF this were a Pokemon site. XD
This was meant to look like Solis Prism, great character and his new and exciting look in Almega gives me an idea to make the skin look more like his appearance. The gold sort of color does match his clothing, but there is more that could possibly be done with this.
Yes.
Might be salvageable.


Dark Style

Looks like a more vampiric version of character Shaydenn Prism...
It was meant to appear more liquid like.
I see more potential for a character scene here than anything else!


Water Skin

Another character disappeared and merged with another, leaving his skin empty. However, I very much like the blues and purples as colors - I've really grown to like purple as I've aged, a lost and forgotten color much like myself.
So, I may merge this into a skin or create something entirely different!
Hmmm... Creative.


Palace In the Sky Skin


Nope. Hate it.
Rushed and does not look like the castle at all.
I'm better and more brave now, I could easily draw it myself now I think and probably save this skin from elimination entirely.


Perfect CS Edition

This pic used was for my graphic design class in college...
I like it, but it also doesn't suite my site. And has nothing to do with Almega.
Nope. Can't stay at all I'm afraid.
But I have the original art still in a frame for my new house wall.
I will hang it up to honor my old self. :3


Rockman Exe. Edition

Ok... No.
Hate it.
It has no place being a skin for my forum.
I don't even know anything about it. XD
ELIMINATED


Nocture's Skin


More black? Urgh.
Um... Gotta say I don't like this.
Love Nocture as a character, but I can't say I want his skin up.
Now right now anyway.


Evil's Skin

Ooooo very red... And black.
That's ok. Red, black, white and blue actually suite this skin.
It is based off the character Evysinn, or once known as simply Evil, and is the main threat of the story.
I would like to touch this up with a picture for sure when I can.


Mistress Hue's Skin

I like purple, but I'm not so sure what I can do with this one here.
May be put aside as a side project for another time...


Winter Skin

This one is just a seasonal skin, mild and non-distracting.
I may keep it, may not depending on popularity.
Or I may just modify it a bit.
If that's the case, I want a Fall one because that's totally me. ;]


Christmas Skin

Really... Really... Old looking.
And traditional, and basic, but not very fun.
Pretty, but needs something.
More vagueness I think, as I'd like to be more religiously expansive.
Or... I dunno, needs to look more inviting for everyone. :3


Sprintime Skin

If this is what seasons is going to look like, I might as well just do away with them.
Blah!


TLC Original Default

Whoa. The original skin of all time.
That brings back memories!
I may keep it there just for nostalgic sake!


Spirit's Skin


Really trippy looking! But... Spirit is not an Almega character, and not a confirmed story character at that. Looks more similar to a different character, and may take the colors into consideration for another time.


B-Day Skin


This was a skin? Am I insane?
ELIMINATE


Sephron's Skin

Cool toon and a cool idea, but needs work if it was going to be saved for another time. Perhaps later.


Summer Skin

I think I will throw away the seasons, this looks atrocious.
Plus I hate Summer...
And bees and wasps that come with it.
Blah!





Ooooooooooooooook... I was getting tired at the end of this.
Which means way too many skins to go through.
Which = bad.
Needs less skins, and more badass looks.
Definitely.
And if it doesn't look good, it's not going up. Period.
Note to self: DO NOT RUSH.

[Haunter 360]

Welp, I'm behind thou 100%, so woo.


How aboooooout... Emoticon changes?
There's... Prooobably some better emoticons out there.
Probably.
I mean, we hardly use them, but any new members would be using them all over the place.


BTW, with the skins, background isn't so much of a deal - It's more about the colour scheme of the boxes and fonts. I picked Black Hole mainly because it didn't hurt my eyes as much as all the other ones. Me likest the dark.

[FlameMaster5]

Oh yes, the emoticons, the buttons, the member status images... All of it.
It ALL needs to be changed.
So, yeah, I'll have to research and find some new ones. I'll probably post them here with suggestions I'll run by you guys. And on that subject, if you find some yourselves, feel free to let me have a look. :3


And, yes, the color scheme of the boxes and fonts is definitely priority - which, also, means there will likely be less skins anyway for the purpose of not giving people too much visual stimuli. I would hate to have any of us come here and have a massive brain aneurysm just by looking at it.
I do have to think about when we are 90yrs old... ;]

So, yus, I will keep that also in my foremost thoughts.

Oh, on that subject, is the white background on boards too bright also? I may need to be toning it down quite a lot if I decide to use a more white-like look for some reason.
Definitely gray is nice, though, kinda between to ease the eye-strain.
I may start playing with a test skin to see what all new stuff ProBoards has added.

[FlameMaster5]

QUESTION: Has everyone been able to access the Chat Room, or is it just me that is having serious probs with it? If it gives you all problems, too, and there isn't much use for it, then I'll just take it down.

Plus, there is a lot of scrolling through what I now see as unnecessary boards...
Bothering me.
This forum will probably be undergoing a serious down-sizing then.
AND... I have the beta for the new ProBoards to check out the new features we will have. This will definitely let me play around to see what will look different and what all is new. :3

[Haunter 360]

Welp, I never really used the chat threads.
I tended to just spread all my chatting evenly throughout the forum.
:3


Oh, and we'll totally need a :3 smiley.
Not enough kittyface here.

[FlameMaster5]

YES!
The LiveChat is seemingly useless as it is now, and I believe there is a new feature entirely called a ShoutBox anyway that comes with the update that is entirely ProBoards, so that would suffice plenty and make up for any of that - new users will probably flock there if it works!
Bringing in more traffic, hence more guests. Right! Moving on!

There is never enough kittyface...
I'll definitely remember good smileys!


I wish I was a little younger doing this because somehow script and details more make me have derp moments and I feel stupid when I can't get things to look right...
But there is ALWAYS TIME for studying and relearning, so fear not!
I will figure it out.


Note: Prozac really makes me feel wonderful. ^^

[FlameMaster5]

You might be noticing a lot of changes in even the size of the forum.
I'm remodeling. Taking away, fixing up, and probably plenty of adding once things get more tidy.
Just in case anyone wonders!



EDIT: Ok, WOW, my forum sections look waaaaaaay better now on the Home page. Now I can start looking to get the forum updated to the new version AND start on look renovations/codes.
EXCITED! ^^

[Haunter 360]

Waa, came on here and EVERYTHING LOOKED DIFFERENT...
@_@


Buuuuuuut it's cool, it's lookin' good.
Lookin' fine!

[Timewarp]

Yeah and now there's more space to hide the bodies.

[FlameMaster5]

Were you scared, Haunter? ;]
I expected a few shocked people anyway.
I hope Blaze and CS comes by to take a look. ^^


And TW... That was creepy.
I like it. >:}


As for the old skins of the forum...
I can't see any reason to have that many.
So, after I touch up the background of the main skin, I will likely go ahead and just delete all the other skins so I can have you guys observe and tell me what you think of things as I fix it up. I'll need your eyes looking at the same things. It helps.
And I probably will be going with a darker background, but with some designs back there in it to soften the "dark" look.

I got some ideas floating in my head. :3

[Timewarp]

You know you keep me around to meet the creepiness quota for the site but yeah that sounds like a cool idea

[CS Revolked]

Whew. Got worried thinking that everything had been changed by Proboards volition. Glad to know it was you behind all this.
The upgrading account thing had me too. Have to confirm an email again or something *le sigh*
As for additions to the forum:
The MSN chat function was used near its introduction but faded out.
I really got used to the skin I had. Dark skin was it? It was purplish and black, that is all I remember.
I was wondering whether you could lock the RPG board, or at least the biographies sub-section. I know I haven’t played with them for a while. But Amy and Alex still hold a very special place in my heart, and I'd be damned if some anonymous, lazy dick gets their claws on them and manipulates them for their own cheap ends. That, or I'm just paranoid.
Other than that, I'm all for the down-sizing of the community. Packing things away sounds cool and the re-vamp I'm all for too. I'm only hoping it all looks good on 3DS internet to be fair.
(As for emoticons. I'm not all that fussed. I'll leave them up to everyone else, yeah?)

[Timewarp]

Yeah I was wondering the same thing, maybe the RPG section or just the OOC could have a lock that only regular members know the password to just to be on the safe side. You know it's odd that this should come up since I've been thinking about my characters and IF I do what I'm intending to do with them about what happens when I'm gone, what scares me is this notion that someone can create something, the company carries on using that content and then some family member of the creator who hasn't shown even the slightest interest in their relatives work comes along with this "give me money since my dad/mum/grandad/nan/great grandparent created this!"

I mean they should at least show the slightest bit of interest for their notion to be recognised. Maybe I'm overthinking things.

[Haunter 360]

Hmm, yeah, maybe restricting the RPG sections to regular members is a good idea, if it makes everyone feel more secure.
Although, not TOO secure, as if there's any new members, it is possible they may want to do RPGs themselves.