I Don't Want To Seem Ungrateful

[Ameld]

As the people on this site have been incredibly generous in helping me, a relative newcomer to crosswords, to develop my skills. BUT. There is always a but, isn't there? But, I found the new "improved" layout much more difficult than the old one. Am I alone?

Alan Meld

[waterboatman]

You'll get used to it, then you'll find in some ways it's easier.

[bhg481]

No, Alan, you're not alone. There are quite a few of us who find the new layout a pain; I certainly spend less time here than I did, looking at fewer categories and there are certainly some people who have left. At least with your favourite topic "crosswords" you have a quick link at the top of the page.

[fiction-factory]

A bigger proportion of new Crossword posts now seem to come from new users so (unless that's just because we have lost regular posters)it seems the revamp has been successful, maybe because it attracts users of phones/tablets. However a lot of posters seem to be confusing the search box and the question box, so we get just extracts from clues or the name of a crossword rather than full details- but that should settle down as more get familiar with the new layout. Many of the posts from new members just contain part of a clue and no letter count - perhaps they assume this is an automated crossword site like danword where part of the clue is sufficient.
Keep trying, Alan. I didn't like it at first but am getting used to it. However the lack of direct access to my preferred sections (which are not in the visible list above) though means I'm not using it as much and fewer posts seem to be going in there now. I think it's a mistake to hide those sections

[mallyh]

I couldn't make head nor tails of the new layout until it was suggested that I reduced to 80% then all became clear xx

[fiction-factory]

Yes, that makes a big difference- although my eyes aint what they used to be for reading close to so I sometimes wish I could go back to 100% on my screen

[Baldric]

So far you appear to have only input 12 Questions and 31 Answers,
so maybe a bit more practice and it will come good.
Good Luck.

[mikey4444]

If you mainly use AB for Crosswords, then this new layout is probably easier, as you have a dedicated "button" at the top.

[Lyminge]

I feel since the change, it has become less interesting to view people's questions. I can only put it down to the fact that people have left? Or maybe I'm imagining it!

[AB Editor]

Thanks for the feedback. It does seem to be a general feeling, even if the numbers don't quite say as such our end! :)

[OldBather]

So sorry Ameld,but I find the new layout much easier than the old one.Maybe because the type etc is larger (I am 70 and even with glasses my eyesight isn't that good),and the layout and way of navigating is easier.There is also less surrounding "bumph" than there was on the old AB.

[seallen]

No. You are not alone. I have been out of the country for few weeks and yesterday I thought I had hit on the wrong website!
Is this change just for the hell of it?? I found the previous website easy and straight forward. Maybe I just don't like change where there is no reason.

[Buenchico]

If you're viewing this site on a PC or laptop (rather than a mobile device), Ameld, try pressing Ctrl and - together twice to reduce the size to 80%. It's a lot easier to view and use then.

If you're seeing elements of the old site (such as a lot of orange) or you see text overlapping the boxes it's meant to be in, press Ctrl and F5 together to flush your browser's cache.

[Ameld]

Thanks for the feedback. I shall certainly try the 80% advice. And, yes, Baldric I shall keep trying ( I did say that I was a relative newcomer) but I shall persist. I can't pretend that I am good at crosswords yet but I am certainly better than I would have been without the guidance various people on the site have offered.
But I HAVE found the new layout more difficult to navigate. I'll get there ( I hope)
Alan Meld