Over the past week or so, I've been looking into what I need to do to get this site upgraded to the latest version of the forum system, which has mostly just been waiting for the various addons we use to be upgraded to work with that version.

However, this time the theme is sort of a big issue. For reasons I haven't yet figured out, there were quite a few changes to the theme code between this version and the newer version. Unfortunately, the designer of this theme is busy and is unable to update it for me this time.

While debating what to do about it (update it myself, find someone else to update it for me, etc.), I found a really nice theme that I think would look good here. It's a bit different than this one, but I think it would be a nice change of pace from the current one.

Before I just make the changes though, I want to know what you guys think of it.

Since I've also been planning to set up a test site (mainly to get that comic book directory I mentioned set up the way I want it), I decided to go ahead and put the new theme up on the test site as well, to give everyone a better idea of what the site might look like with the theme.

So, when you get a chance, go to http://test.archiefans.com, spend some time looking around, then come back and let me know what you think.

A few things to note:

• The logo is not final. It's based off the theme's default logo, and we can always change that later
• Registration has been disabled on that site to prevent spam. If you want an account, let me know and I'll set one up for you.
• Not everything that's on this site is on that one yet
• The arcade and shop on the test site are a bit different than the ones here:
  
  • The arcade there is the standard version, not the "enhanced" version we have here. I will look into the "enhanced" version when I have time (it's not officially compatible with that version of the forum system.
  • Shop is a different version (that does the same thing) which looks a bit nicer than the one here

Let me know what you think

I am fairly new so it doesn't make too much impact on me.  I like the new look and it is still flexible for me to change my view.  So if it mean you not having to outsource the design I say go for it.

The overall format for the site is good...it's very much like our current one, so I'm glad that there aren't too many changes.  Will there be options for other colours though?  I don't mind the orangey-red colour much, but I wonder if we could switch it with other colours.

There will be at least two other themes available (the "Curve" and "Core" themes currently available here), but the orange-red color is the only one that theme comes in.

That's cool.  Just wondering. 

Yes, you can. The "Core Theme" that you're currently using will still be available, as will the forum's default theme ("Curve", which looks similar to the current default theme here, only blue).

Here are the links to view the test site with those themes:
"Curve" - http://test.archiefans.com/index.php?theme=1
"Core" - http://test.archiefans.com/index.php?theme=2

Both themes are available here as well

As I said in the first post, the logo on that site isn't final, so we can always change that.

As far as it being too bright, do you think it's something you could used to? If not, what do you think about this theme? It's not as bright and the dark background looks nice, but I still like the lighter theme and will likely keep that as default.

Looks fine. Since I can change the colours anyways, it doesn't affect me how bright one particular forum looks anymore .