AA7BQ's State of the Site Address

[AA7BQ]

Greetings loyal QRZ fans.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone who's had the patience to stick with us while we have upgraded both our equipment and, more importantly, our software. There are a lot of comments floating about, some positive and some negative however most folks aren't aware of what has gone on behind the scenes so I thought I'd write a few things about it.

Let's start with the why part of the question. Why did we change our site's appearance and many of its functions? That's the easy part, it was performance. A lot of people were aware that the QRZ site had been getting very slow before the upgrade. We have been serving upwards of 200,000 pages per day from our site and the load on our server has been relentless. Last month we swapped out servers hoping to make things better but it didn't work. The new server became instantly overloaded just like the old one, despite the fact that it has three times the memory (1.5 gigabytes) installed.

I should have known better before I bought the new machine because during the day I'm a computer systems engineer. One of the first rules in performance tuning is that of all the different ways of improving performance, none are as effective as improving the program that the computer runs. A sloppy program can make even the biggest supercomputer come to its knees and ours was well beyond that point. The performance meter on our system was usually pegged at 100%, almost all the time. It was simply running as fast as it could and could do no better. It was time to bite the big bullet.

Changing our software isn't easy. Had I not bought the new server I couldn't have done it because I needed the old server to use as a test platform. Fortunately, it all worked out and after weeks of after-hours work it finally paid off. The measured performance on the new system is easily two times that of the old system. Response times (how long you wait for a page to return) has been significantly reduced, down from many seconds to almost instantaneous. Finally, there's room to breathe and grow.

The problems with the old system were many. To start with, it was built up from several different software packages, none of which were designed to coexist with each other. I spent hundreds of hours programming the old system, fixing this, patching that, and generally using a crowbar to make things work that weren't designed to do the job. Eventually it just became a huge hairball of programming code. Every single page that the system presented required the startup and shutdown of half a dozen programs - just to display the home page! It was no wonder that our server was choking on it all.

The old system was composed of the callsign database, the main page generating code (Slashdot), and a crappy piece of Forum software called WWWThreads. Sure, there was some nice visual effects to it all, but, the server was groaning just to keep it all running - or almost running.

Today, we have a completely new approach. Basically, QRZ is composed of two major sections, the Forum (where you're reading this article now), and the custom QRZ software that provides everything else. Except for the forum, I've created every line of software that runs the site. That includes the callsign database, the biographies, the pictures, information files, everything. Fortunately, most of that part of the code was still in good shape and remains in operation today.

So much for the technical side of things. There were some other reasons to change. The second big reason was feature enhancement. Now I know that a lot of folks were satisfied by the features we had before and that some a bit put off by all the new buttons, menus and options the new system provides. Fortunately, most of the new features won't get in your way if you choose to ignore them or wait until you become more comfortable before trying them out.

Next, I'd like to address a few of the questions that have been coming in about the new system:

Why isn't there a button to Login on the home page?
Well, stated simply, the new site de-emphasizes logins. If you reach a point in the system where login is required, the system will let you know. There's no reason to login unnecessarily.

I miss the UTC time display that used to be on the home page.
Removing the time display was done to speed up performance. It's basically one less program we have to run to pull up the home page.

The system no longer displays my callsign or login name on the home page.
Same reason as before - not needed and wastes computer cycles. The home page doesn't care if you're logged in or not. The Forum, however, does display your callsign/name and the UTC time.

I can't find the Preferences menu so I can change my password.
This is located in the Forum, and is called Your Control Panel.

I hate Frames. Why did you put Frames on the new site?
The short answer is that the main menu stuff doesn't change as you go from page to page. Since that's the case it doesn't make sense to reload it every time you change pages. It lightens the server load to leave it in its own separate frame.

The new site doesn't fit on my 600x800 / 14 inch monitor. I have to scroll a lot.
We're really sorry about that, but, we just have a lot of information to display. You may want to look into getting a bigger monitor and/or upgrade your display card. (The site looks fine on my laptop computer with its modest 1024x1280 display)

I like the site but some of the fonts are too small, making it hard for me to read.
Fortunately, we have a solution for this. There are Control Panel options called "skins" that allow us to choose from several available overall size options. I haven't had the time to work on all of these but I'll be getting to it soon. Be forewarned, however, that when the font size increases, so does the overall width of the page. You'll definately do a lot more scrolling if you choose a large font option.

In closing, I'd just like to say that while the site is up and running, there are still a few little kinks and bugs here and there, pages not found, things not working correctly, etc.. I'm working on these things one-by-one as they come in and over the next couple of weeks we should get most of them weeded out.

Thanks for your patience and support,

-fred

[n4mc]

Fred -

I like the new look and the performance boost. Nice job.

Michael - N4MC
Vanity HQ

[K5MAR]

Frankly, I'll take the old look, slow speed and all. #My niece would think the new look is "cute", but then, she's 14 years old.

[w5etm]

good job Fred

[KC6SOR]

Having just read the complete run-down of the sites' re-design, I think that we are lucky to have someone who
is willing to commit time and other resources to our hobby. As users, I think that we should get past any
missgivings about the way things were or how they now aren't, and simply GET OVER IT !!! Use this site for its
functions, and utility, and enjoy its features...enough said...73

[ke4pjw]

Hey Fred,
There should be no performance hit by using static HTML for the evil frame to our left. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

But then again, I'm not the guy who has to program all this stuff http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Thanks for all your hard work!! It looks nice.

Terry

[W6FAM]

Great job, Fred. #Just ignore all those who complain about it.

Thanks!

Jack # http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[AB9BC]

Good job....Pete http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[w8tvi]

I really think that the frames should be off when you’re viewing the forums, or at least give the user the option of a frames or not frames version of the site.

It shouldn't be too hard to have the server generate a non-frame version of the main page based on the users preference.

And I would not sugjest you doing what W6FAM said "ignore all those who complain about it."
Thats a real good way to loose users. Unless thats what your trying to do http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Noel

[WA8SWV]

Fred :.... Looks great really appreciate all your work...Bud http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[KC0KJF]

GREAT JOB !!! no matter what you do nothing satisfies all the people , change to some is bad . I think the new theme and speed that it loads is Fantastic .

[N2RJ]

Great stuff. #But Fred, if QRZ was having such a performance issue, maybe you should have asked your employers to see if you could have gotten something like an E6500 to run QRZ... #Sun is in a giving mood these days, they even gave us a few free Ultra 5's with a recent E10K order we placed ;-) (no these were not meant to be SSP's).

73's
Ryan AB2MH.

[KB7TBT]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (w8tvi @ Feb. 01 2002,15:21)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I really think that the frames should be off when you’re viewing the forums, or at least give the user the option of a frames or not frames version of the site.

It shouldn't be too hard to have the server generate a non-frame version of the main page based on the users preference.

And I would not sugjest you doing what W6FAM said "ignore all those who complain about it."
Thats a real good way to loose users. #Unless thats what your trying to do #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Noel[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Loose users?..your kidding right? The time and effort that the guys have done with the new and old site is un mesurable, not to mention that it is free. the fact remains that there are just alot of people that do not accept change, i happen to like the new look and the performance, it is welcomed.

I myself had some small input to the site and the changes made sence and were done, i think it is a hell of a job. I am just sorry i didnt have more to do with it.

This site is a godsent, the databases alone are worth more then i can dream, so if you dont like the feel and the look, i am sure you wont need this site and will not be back. This will reduce the strain on the servers even more.

But the simple fact remains, if you choose to leave then someone will gladly take your place.

[n6ajr]

Just want to say thanks for a great job, and appreciate the changes.. tom #N6AJR

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kb9ylw @ Feb. 01 2002,17http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Also, Many people have systems (especially laptops) with screens smaller than 1024 x 768 pixels. #Advising people to upgrade their monitors is facile, and demonstrates a lack of understanding of the philosophy behind HTML and the Web. - Andy KB9YLW[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
This is the kind of thinking that makes me laugh. Why must everything be tuned down to the lowest common denominator? What is the excuse now? The hardware is cheap & the fact is the site is still usable on smaller displays. It is 2002 not 1982. If you aren't running at least 1024X768 by now, you're living in the 80's. It is time to exit the time warp people! Besides Andy, just who are you to judge anyone's understanding of the philosophy behind anything but a $1 camera?

I see the complaining will be endless. Much like ham radio itself, advancements are stiffled by those who refuse to change their outdated thinking.

Fred should be thanked for putting up this new site instead of just selling the old one & walking away. I personally would have. I admire him for being able to program what is needed for running this site so we all have a place to enjoy! When something is free, it always seems to be a magnet for endless criticism from those who offer nothing but... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

Thank you Fred for making the change. Too bad some would love to turn back time & live in the past with spark gap. I am amazed they even have a computer at all! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

RM

[w3hnd]

can't find product reviews in this new format. am i missing something? where are they?

Excellent job Fred and it is appreciated![B]

[w8tvi]

I just love thise people that think anyone can go out and buy a $300 monitor any time they want. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

Hey Radiomercenary, why don't you go buy me a $500
17" flat panel display for my computer? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

All I'm asking fred to do is give people and option.

[KB1GIT]

Hi Fred - The site looks great, and I like the look and feel of the ikonboard software. Nice touch.

Just one comment, I'd like to see in the left frame, a pointer to Home. That way, if I want to get back to the front page, I can easily, from anywhere I am in the system.

Thanks!

Steve - KB1GIT Hanging in NH...

[K9SKY]

Fred,

The end of your Site Address states "Thanks for your patience and support". It should be the other way around! As a new ham, I've gotten alot of benefit from QRZ.com (old and new) and appreciate your work very much. Thank you.

Bob
KC9AWE

[K7RME]

Fred: Some folks will whine about winning the lottery!
Just tell'em : "the boat sank, get over it!" Nice
Job!
Wen
K7RME

[W2BBQ]

Nicely done Fred. I'm amazed at your expertise and ingenuity. The Ham Radio Supersite indeed! The only drawback I've encountered is that the content of an individual Forum topic no longer fits all on one page. Before the content was all in one place no matter if there were 200 replys present. You simply scrolled down to see all the posts and everyone was very easy to find. Now a topic may be 15 pages long and you have to keeping clicking and scrolling and clicking and scrolling.....but hey, I still like it. Now if we could convince you to cease trying to scrape the bottom of the CW barrel SO HARD to try and come up with yet another way to start a new topic about CW which ALWAYS only becomes a flame #fest of coders vs. non. It seems to me that the QRZ staff policy seems to be on the side of the pro-codites. [So be it] but so shall also be ya'lls discomfort when you end up being on the losing side of the proposition when the testing requirement is eliminated. Look everyone, it's GOING to happen, it HAS to happen, why not beat the rush and satisfy yourselves to this inevitability now? Anxiety must be abandonded! #Perhaps it would be better to start two new Forums, one for, the other against the CW requirement and let everyone post their thoughts there. Then all can go back and forth to observe the divergent viewpoints. Hopefully this would help facillitate the separating of the "combatants" and things may be a little more calm around here. Thanks for listening and again you've done a terriffic job with this website! #73's #Woody

[NE5U]

Hi Fred,

I was hoping that you would post a description of the task that you undertook and why you did it. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
After test driving the new site I knew that you had done a complete rewrite. I also knew that some of the more implacable users would bitch, but they bitch about everything. I'll bet that, if they knew, they would bitch because the sun comes up in a slightly different location every morning.
I use 1280 x 1024 on a 21" monitor at home and at work and my laptop is set at 1600 x 1280. I do control system graphic work and I prefer 1280 x 1024. The laptop is a Dell with a high res screen and if I don't set it at 1600 x 1280 there are black stripes on either side of the screen. The site looks great at 1280 x 1024 on the 21" screens and at 1600 x 1280 on the laptop. I am not a big fan of frames (I take it that most people aren't) but I didn't even notice the change to frames tell the truth. I was too busy clicking around the site looking for bugs I guess. But now that I know that you are using frames I'M NEVER COMING HERE AGAIN. Just kidding.

I like the site Fred and I appreciate that you take the time to keep it up and running efficiently. I wonder how many people took note of the fact that you did this upgrade "after hours". Ie on your time. Gratis.

Once again, thanks for the effort. I think that it paid off.

73

Mike,
WM5LL

[WA7CS]

The new site is good....
different , but good!

There is one item that I hope can be corrected.

On the old site, my cursor automatically jumped to the callsign entry window. #After I entered the callsign and the details were displayed, the callsign entry window was automatically cleared, with the cursor in position for entry of the next call.

The new site requires me to move, click, erase, enter, and a whole bunch of other nonsense for each new callsign lookup.

This is why I used QRZ.com over the competition. #It WAS much easier to look up a batch of callsigns.

I hope you can restore this great feature.

Carl #WA7CS

PS: #I just got a new monitor and the new site takes advantage of the higher resolution. #Good Work!

[KE4MOB]

While I'm not one to like anything new (I'm a 31 year old curmudgeon) the site looks..well..pretty darn slick. #It will take me a while to get used to the IkonBoard, but so far, I like it! #Nice work!

Steve, KE4MOB

[wr6s]

I hate computers. mainly cuz i dont take the time to learn much about them. my choice. and the ones that are complianng?,well,someone above hit it. thye CONTRIBUTE nothing,except a click. i dont fully understand whats involved but i have an idea. i would not do it!,but i will gladly suck up all that free work and use a bitchen site!,thanks fo rthe owrk,it is appreciated. i dont like to be told to get a new monitor,though,i cant afford one in my less then money fat situation currently. but i can sure SUCK UP a great site FOR FREE,and take a bit of inconvieninece if i dont have a big monitor. everyone wants stuff for free,and doesnt appreciate others hard work. but offcours eim moving and am gonna be near high power lines so my carreer in raido has ended. ill just give up. maybe you should have done the same wiht the old site.NOT,good work,thanks,patdm14 http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[N9MVF]

I like the new look feel of the site, less the frame. #Frames can be difficult for users who require voice synthesis, and the same "functionality" can be accomplished using div tags with -link- files (which would get cached by most browsers and keep the server load small....), though not as "easily".

As a professional large site developer, I give the site a thumbs up, and a thumbs sideways (neither up nor down). #Make this one more navigatable site for users who can't use a mouse, or create a separate "text only, no frames" area and you get two thumbs up.

One more verry small thing, as most everyone uses 1024x768.. The site is quite cumbersome on 800x600, but easy to work with on 1024x768. #Is is mentioned on the home page somewhere "best viewed at 1024x768"?

Overall a very good site. #I'd still recommend it to my friends, just not my blind father or others that use voice synthesis to "see" the screen.

Thanks for being willing to take the time and put together a site for us to collaberate and yell at each other...

Oh, and nobody "should" complain unless they are willing to put in the time and money to do all the work that was done by our Glorius Site Designerski.

"Ignore all the complaints."

Ken
N9MVF

[K4KO]

nice job on the face lift. looks great and is easy to navigate. thanks!

Fred, I appreciate the hard work, but the changes have made it harder for me...

Yes, someday, I will replace the 14in monitor on this computer with a 17 or 19 inch... but until then, instead of my FIRST stop on the info highway, QRZ.COM will have to be a side trip.

73 es OO
Bob

[k5phw]

I like the changes. Good job.

[K3BM]

Nice fresh new look, thanks for all you do for us.

73, Bob K3BM

[KA3X]

Fred, thanks for the greatest site. Your efforts are appreciated. 73 & God bless http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[k0ru]

Fred,

Nice job, as usual with change comes challenge and education as people learn the new system
it will become easier.

I wish to thank you for offering such a wonderful service, running the equipment, and spending your
own AIR time programming these computers can sometimes take its toll.

Thanks for your contributions and wonderful work.

73 - W8YRB
Rob

[KI5IO]

Fred,

What a change! #Took me by surprise, but am very pleased with all your hard work. #I know full well the headaches you have experienced.

I applaud you and really appreciate all that you do for QRZ.com.

Cheers,

Nolan E. Kienitz, PMP
KI5IO

[WB5KHC]

Do that which works for QRZ.COM and yourself.

For those who don't like it; they are free to start their own service and invest their time and money into the effort and be expected to be subordinate to the wishes of those who use their services for FREE!

In Texas, we have a saying, "Some people would complain if they were hung with a new rope."

Tom, WB5KHC

For non-Texans that means, "Some people would complain no matter what u did; unless you did what they wanted."

[K5WW]

Excellent job, Fred!

The only thing that's missing are go faster stripes #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Gert - K5WW

[K8EMS]

I love the changes...keep up the good work, still the best site to come to for information...73 K8EMS

[WA0KNP]

Great job on the site. I am currently taking an on-line class in web design...and I have gained a new appreciation for the work that goes into these things! You do a great service for ham radio. 73!!

[kc0idi]

Thank you. How ever you change the site I doesnt matter. It is your site, do with it what you want and ignore those who complain.

I dont know what I would do with out QRZ.com

73 Reid KCØIDI

[k7fd]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #I use this site everyday; it is a great resource! Thanks for all the effort you've put forth to make it even better.

73 John K7FD

[km5yl]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif # Great job. #I come here at least once a day, more often several times a day. #Yes, I have to scroll to get the whole *picture*, but who cares? #Keep up the good work and know that your efforts are appreciated. #

KM5YL

[KT5UT]

I REALLY MISS THE FACT THAT THE CURSOR ALWAYS WENT BACK TO THE CALL SIGN BOX --- WHY HAVE YOU CHANGED THAT FEATURE AND WILL YOU PLEASE PUT IT BACK???
KD5QAI

[KM5RY]

Thanks for the hard work on the site, it took a few minutes to discover what had happened but I like the change. #I do miss the cursor going back to the callsign box, could you plese put it back? #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[KB2AK]

Thanks for your time and experience----looks good and works good!!!!

Keep it up Fred, wonderful upgrade! Underway on a Destroyer, we only have a 64K bandwidth between 100+ workstations during perfect conditions. Your site is VERY MUCH a better preformer. I use to load a forum post up, then go two decks up to get some coffee, then chat, then come back down to find an almost complete page load. Hey, I am a fan, what can I say. The new system leaves me only running for the SODA MESS one deck up, and back down. GOOD JOB, and as other posts say, don't worry about the neg. reactions. Take the constructive critisism, but notice even the worst posts are finding things they like (ie) http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

73 from USS ROSS DDG-71 Underway Far From Home
W4MDL/MM
Thomas http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[w8bcj]

Great job! Being a computer geek myself, I think you do fantastic work.
---- Ron K9UVK

[KG4ORX]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #NICE JOB GUYS KEEP UP A GOOD WORK!

[w7rod]

Fred,
This is a great improvement. Thanks for all of the hard work you do for us! #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

73,

Rod, W7ROD

[KC8SJR]

What's the big deal about frames? I think they have been tastefully introduced to this site - it looks great.

[k9amz]

Well done. Let me say tat I actually enjoy the fact that the cursor is not stuck at the callsign look-up box. I thought that was a pain in the neck. I like it. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[kc5nyo]

Great new facelift! And a LOT faster too! I can actually USE the site now. It was so slow before, I gave up on coming here. Will have to re-bookmark you now. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Only downside....... you've made me turn off the referrer-blocking on my firewall to post! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

Mike
kc5nyo

Great job. One of the best ham sites I found so far. Knowing a little about computers (enough to make me dangerous!http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif I can only imagine the time and effort placed into your site, well done. Most of the complaints seem to be, pardon my french, somewhat anal. Keep up the good work

[KC7RJT]

Fred,
We are lucky to have you and i think your work payed off. Someone said frames are a good way to loose users,
well maybe we don't need them, i think they have to remember that this is a free resource and i surely appreciate it.
tom....

[patrick]

Hi Fred. #Excellent. #Thanks a lot for all your effort. John (ZS6AN)

[k3ng]

I can appreciate the hard work that goes into this site, but there's some serious issues here. #To those people who are making fun of those of us with low resolution monitors, # the fact is, you can view 99% of the most graphic intensive websites on a 800x600 monitor. #QRZ.com, though, is practically unusable now. #Those of you who are telling 800x600 users to get new video cards and monitors don't quite understand. #There's ways to make this site usable for low resolution users, but elistist comments abound about people needing to get out of the dark ages and spark gap, etc. #I'll ignore the ignorant "ignore the complaints" posts.

Ignoring resolution and frame design issues with the new site, the old Slashcode (the engine that ran QRZ.com) had its share of problems, but at least it was navigatable, and it was easy to follow a thread. #This was very apparent when I was going through postings in articles that were in the old site, and this was on a "modest" 1024x1280 monitor on another machine. #This new software has alot of eye candy, but smiley faces don't contribute to the content.

Slashcode runs some of the most intense websites (notably Slashdot) and performs well, although arguably earlier versions were a wreck. #I'm curious as to why it didn't perform here.

Again, no offense to Fred as I know this is alot of work and I truly believe QRZ.com is an asset to the hobby, but myself and others simply can't use this site anymore. #I like change and a fresh look and I felt QRZ was due for facelift, but this tossed a hand grenade into the site. #I'm a frequent poster and have had one or articles published. #Sure, someone will fill my shoes in two seconds, but I'll miss the site. #Sorry :-(

73
Goody

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (k3ng @ Feb. 04 2002,14:54)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I'll ignore the ignorant "ignore the complaints" posts.

This new software has alot of eye candy, but smiley faces don't contribute to the content.

Again, no offense to Fred as I know this is alot of work and I truly believe QRZ.com is an asset to the hobby, but myself and others simply can't use this site anymore.

73
Goody[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
All I can say is the people who participate contribute to the content. Fred provides the FREE venue & a fine one!

Sorry you were so offended by my comments but I call it the way I see it. I fail to see why everything new must be watered down to the lowest common denominator. Let's face the facts, 600x800 was fine in the 80's, however, if you choose to stay in that "era", why must we all be held back? You simply must do a little more work by using your cursor to navigate the page. If I set my monitor to 600X800, it is just a larger page (easy to view for without your GLASSES) but is usable if I wanted to make it work. Downward compatability to 600X800 is more than likely not a possible option or I am sure Fred would have done so! 1024X768 works just fine here. "Can't use" is really "won't use" or "refuse to use" so let's really cut to the chase!

This underlines one of the foremost root problems in ham radio today:


"The Drag Factor"


#http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[yv6azc]

Well done!
It is a terrific job.
It is faster and quite friendly.
Congratulations!
73 de José. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[w1ppy]

#: P

Hey Fred - GREAT JOB !

I cannot believe some of the complaints you get...
I know a lot of the ham community started out when Morse code was new, BUT THIS IS 2002 !
[/I]Get used to change, Boyz & Grrls ![I]
If you can't use the site - That's just one less slow-poke on the information highway.
73 and Bravo Zulu
Chris

[k3ng]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Radiomercenary @ Feb. 04 2002,15:49)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">All I can say is the people who participate contribute to the content. Fred provides the FREE venue & a fine one!

Sorry you were so offended by my comments but I call it the way I see it. I fail to see why everything new must be watered down to the lowest common denominator. Let's face the facts, 600x800 was fine in the 80's, however, if you choose to stay in that "era", why must we all be held back? You simply must do a little more work by using your cursor to navigate the page. If I set my monitor to 600X800, it is just a larger page (easy to view for without your GLASSES) but is usable if I wanted to make it work. Downward compatability to 600X800 is more than likely not a possible option or I am sure Fred would have done so! 1024X768 works just fine here. "Can't use" is really "won't use" or "refuse to use" so let's really cut to the chase!

This underlines one of the foremost root problems in ham radio today:


"The Drag Factor"


#http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
When designing any website, you have to consider the minumum requirements. #You're basically cutting off some users anytime you design a site that is more than text. #How many users you are willing to cut off is a business decision.

I did a quick Google search of web browser resolution statistics. #About 50% of web browsers are used at a 600x800 resolution. #That's a lot of users. #640x480 is at around 5%. #The "lowest common demoninator" that you refer to is text only browsers, which I didn't see any stats on and is probably insignificant. #

People are confusing constructive critism with complaints. #A lot of posters here seem to have the attitude that you can't submit any feedback because this is a free site (I see banner advertising, but I won't go there). #I want this site to remain popular just as much as the next guy. #The new format discourages low resolution users. #The meat of the site is being drowned out by frames and banners #on the sides. #There are some changes that could be made to correct this. #It's common on some sites to have customization options that make the site usable for low resolution users without effecting the "experience" (with apologies to the Microsoft marketing department :-) you'd have with a higher resolution browser. #You can have your cake and eat it, too.

BTW, A good example of a simple design is at the
Eham (http://www.eham.com) site. #It's fairly simple, visually appealling, and it works on just about every browser.

This isn't about the Drag Factor (first time I heard that term). #Fred should be extremely happy that some people (like myself :-) are this concerned (read: emphatic :-) with the design of the site. #It illustrates just how popular the site has become. #If it wasn't, there wouldn't be any analysis or recommendations be given for improvement.

73
Goody

[K2FRD]

Congratulations, Fred, on a job WELL DONE!
Those of us with dial-ups and no easy and cheap
means to switch to broadband appreciate your
efforts to facilitate and smooth your site. You have
long since become the industry standard and through
your improvements will continue to remain the
best lookup site on the 'Net!

73 de another Fred
K2FRD
http://www.ascent.net/thefred/K2FRD.htm

[kd7mxr]

OK Fred: I'll always like the old, but the new fits fine. YOU DID A GREAT JOB Just have to get used to it. In a couple of months who'll remember. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
73, Al
KD7MXR http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[w9icu]

Goog Job #Fred,

Maybe some don't like change, they'll get used to it. We think the changes are real great.

Thanks Again for all the hard work

[n9sk]

Wonderful Job on the Site. #Once I get it comfortable and learn how to navigate through it all will be for the better. #You have done a nice job in making a great thing even greater. #Thanks[B] http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif N9SK

[n7uo]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif Fred, the site looks splendid. It's fresh, easily read sensitive to user needs.

Being married to a Webmistress, I can appreciate the amount of work entailed in what you've accomplished. It's not a simple task, horribly labor intesive, and put's you on the line for your skills. You've done well for this great site and for use consumers.

Frank/N7UO

[wb0vmz]

Thanks for all the hard work in maintaining this site. It is a pleasure to use and provides much value to the ham community.

[KC2GFS]

Fred, I can live with the update, though I see no advantage for me. I would like to suggest that the forum message frame include some of the text from the message. The terse title is more difficult to selectively scan than the previous format.

73 de Walt

[kv4dz]

I liked the old QRZ better.
Just my 2 cents.

KV4DZ

I liked the polls.......I want 'em back.........please.

73 de Craig........KC0GOA http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

[KB8JVP]

LIKE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE

73,S PHIL

[w2ccx]

hi,
the new web site is great,
keep up the good work.
73's
w2ccx

[W1ZY]

I like the site. It is real fast. Very professional!

Thanks for al the work. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[KB2SMS]

Great Job Fred! I REALLY like the new look. Thank you for all your hard work on the site. Tom - KB2SMS
http://www.idsi.net/~trandall/welcome.html