One of the internet communication sites I have used the most in history was was on a similar system, VBulletin. To a modern eye, it seems like a poor design, full of clutter and superfluous information. However, after using modern designs like Facebook for years, which are much more sparse, I think the lack of detail harms the goal of getting to know other forum/group members.
On Facebook, all I have at a glance is a name and a tiny profile picture. I have found that when people change their profile pics, I no longer recognize them. Overall the Facebook groups seem much more anonymous and members more disposable due to the lack of personalization of presentation within the group. The typical Phpbb design has so much customizable area for each member on each comment, that i think it works like a visual fingerprint. One’s brain has a lot to latch on to consciously and subconsciously to store and recall each person.
One criticism within the lobste.rs comments is that the design puts too much emphasis on who is speaking, rather than what is being said. I think whether that is a valid criticism depends on the goals and philosophy of the community. If your aim is to socialize, that is a good thing. If it is to have relatively sterile discourse, something like HN might be better.
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[ 2.8 ms ] story [ 27.8 ms ] threadOn Facebook, all I have at a glance is a name and a tiny profile picture. I have found that when people change their profile pics, I no longer recognize them. Overall the Facebook groups seem much more anonymous and members more disposable due to the lack of personalization of presentation within the group. The typical Phpbb design has so much customizable area for each member on each comment, that i think it works like a visual fingerprint. One’s brain has a lot to latch on to consciously and subconsciously to store and recall each person.
One criticism within the lobste.rs comments is that the design puts too much emphasis on who is speaking, rather than what is being said. I think whether that is a valid criticism depends on the goals and philosophy of the community. If your aim is to socialize, that is a good thing. If it is to have relatively sterile discourse, something like HN might be better.