VGCollect Forum

VGCollect Site Stuff => News => Topic started by: matt on January 20, 2014, 09:31:42 pm

Title: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: matt on January 20, 2014, 09:31:42 pm
Wow what a night!  :D

I just got done pushing out our biggest update yet. Here is a quick list of the changs:

New Stuff
---------
Server - We are now on our own dedicated server. Now with Blast Processing!
Design - An entire new responsive design that works across desktop, tablets and mobile browsers.
Feed - updated to show game details. You'll now see notes and details about games added.
Collection/Wish List/Sell List - built a quicker and easier way to edit item details.
Collection/Wish List/Sell List - Release Type now shows up on the main item list.
Collection/Wish List/Sell List/Feed - Added a Tutorial for new users.
Items - VGCollect staff can now Lock an item. This will prevent users from submitted edits to games that already have complete, verified data.
Items - Full item history included on item details page.
Items - My Stuff now displays your Collection details on the item details page.
Search - Created an Advanced Search that will allow you to filter by platform.
Search - Added auto-suggest to search.
Notifications - Notifications are back!
Notifications - Notifications now include both accepted and rejected edits. If your edit was rejected you will now recieve a notification along with the reason for the rejection.
Badges - Badges are back! These can be found on your About page.
About - Added Location and Bio to the about page. These can be edited from your settings page.
About - Built out the About page to include a nice chart and some user statistics.

Issues
------
We've done some pretty thorough testing but as usual...we miss stuff. A new support thread will pop up shortly.
Some images are still missing. Working through those as we speak.
Had to pull out some of the sorting options (Priority). Will add back soon.

VGCollect Pro
---------------
People have often asked for a way to donate and/or support the site financially but I never really had an answer. VGCollect is a labor of love for myself, Scott and our other awesome volunteers and it was never something I hoped to make a profit on. Regardless of our intentions, there are obvious costs associated with building and maintaining the site. That being said, I humbly present VGCollect PRO. What is VGCollect Pro? It is simply a way for you to help support the site and community you love. In exchange we'll hide all banner ads throughout the site, give you a sweet special badge and our never ending thanks. In the future I'll also be tossing in some BETA privledges that'll help you see and test features before the general public. More info here: http://vgcollect.com/pro

Please let me know if anyone has any questions, comments or suggestions. I know there are still a few bugs but we'll get those worked out ASAP.

Thanks!
Title: Re: VGCollect v3
Post by: fiveforfightng on January 20, 2014, 09:44:36 pm
Looks good.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: jobocan on January 20, 2014, 10:31:42 pm
Blast processing? Hopefully your servers are strong enough to handle that.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: scott on January 20, 2014, 10:36:38 pm
Blast processing? Hopefully your servers are strong enough to handle that.

I know right?
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: jcalder8 on January 20, 2014, 11:41:56 pm
Looks great guys!
I love all the enhancements
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: jcalder8 on January 20, 2014, 11:45:43 pm
Signed up for Pro!
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: matt on January 21, 2014, 12:09:07 am
Signed up for Pro!

You are #1! You'll probably have to log out and back in for it to activate. Once you do you can hide ads from Settings.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: mark1982 on January 21, 2014, 12:50:11 am
Definitely like the redesign, loving the larger box arts displayed  ;D
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: karyann on January 21, 2014, 07:10:58 am
Whoa man, that update looks so damn good! I'm really happy to have some features back, and the new ones are so great too  :D Thanks for your hard work! Everything looks so damn sweet.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: matt on January 21, 2014, 09:14:12 am
Whoa man, that update looks so damn good! I'm really happy to have some features back, and the new ones are so great too  :D Thanks for your hard work! Everything looks so damn sweet.

Thank you. Thank you.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: 90snostalga on January 21, 2014, 09:20:17 am
Wait, where are there ads at on VGCollect?  I have never ran into any adds?
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: matt on January 21, 2014, 09:28:07 am
Wait, where are there ads at on VGCollect?  I have never ran into any adds?

There WERE ads on the old site until we hit up against a Google Adsense policy regarding adult images. Apparently some box art threw up a red flag which blocked our account so no ads were working. I'm currently fighting this but in the meantime have been exploring other ad networks. Right now we just have some Amazon affiliate banners.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: 90snostalga on January 21, 2014, 09:28:34 am
Not sure if this will help out but when I go to vg collect, I always go to the url vgcollect.com/forum first and it goes straight to the forums section which is fine.  But now, I clicked home to go to the collections part and maybe its my browser, but everything seems scattered about like some text are over other text and it does not look layered out.  I use Mozilla on my laptop but it seems like its not loading for me properly.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: 90snostalga on January 21, 2014, 09:31:05 am
Wait, where are there ads at on VGCollect?  I have never ran into any adds?

There WERE ads on the old site until we hit up against a Google Adsense policy regarding adult images. Apparently some box art threw up a red flag which blocked our account so no ads were working. I'm currently fighting this but in the meantime have been exploring other ad networks. Right now we just have some Amazon affiliate banners.

Ah okay.    I just honestly do not remember ever seeing any adds since I've been a member that's why I was asking.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: disgaeniac on January 21, 2014, 09:35:19 am
Definitely like the redesign, loving the larger box arts displayed  ;D

Likewise!
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: matt on January 21, 2014, 09:41:36 am
Not sure if this will help out but when I go to vg collect, I always go to the url vgcollect.com/forum first and it goes straight to the forums section which is fine.  But now, I clicked home to go to the collections part and maybe its my browser, but everything seems scattered about like some text are over other text and it does not look layered out.  I use Mozilla on my laptop but it seems like its not loading for me properly.

Two things - check to see if your browser isn't zoomed in and if not, see if you can take a screen shot of it.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: blipcs76 on January 21, 2014, 10:44:53 am
Looks great.  Love the responsive design!  Thank you for all of the hard work.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: soera on January 21, 2014, 10:45:33 am
Just signed up for VGPro. :)
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: matt on January 21, 2014, 10:53:56 am
Just signed up for VGPro. :)

Woot! Upgraded!
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: disgaeniac on January 21, 2014, 12:01:41 pm
Just signed up for VGPro. :)

What is this "VGPro" of which you speak?!   :o

I mean, since by default, I'm a "PRO" at whatever it is that I'm currently doing/attempting to do  ;)
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: soera on January 21, 2014, 12:06:00 pm
Right here buddy - http://vgcollect.com/pro

Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: fazerco on January 21, 2014, 12:11:48 pm
The site isnt working for me yet. I see alot of broken pictures symboles in my collection.

Im using Chrome as a browser.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: disgaeniac on January 21, 2014, 12:13:42 pm
Right here buddy - http://vgcollect.com/pro

 >:(

WTF?!

I can't even read it - my "Logout" Bar is right on top of the text  :'(
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: matt on January 21, 2014, 12:27:05 pm
Right here buddy - http://vgcollect.com/pro

 >:(

WTF?!

I can't even read it - my "Logout" Bar is right on top of the text  :'(

Zoooooom out. :) Actually can you screen shot what you are seeing? I know you've had problems in the past and during our top secret testing. Even if you are zoomed in the site "should" adapt.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: bobster on January 21, 2014, 12:30:38 pm
The new site is amazing looking. Loving the new look and really look forward to using the advanced search.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: disgaeniac on January 21, 2014, 12:35:35 pm
Right here buddy - http://vgcollect.com/pro

 >:(

WTF?!

I can't even read it - my "Logout" Bar is right on top of the text  :'(

Zoooooom out. :) Actually can you screen shot what you are seeing? I know you've had problems in the past and during our top secret testing. Even if you are zoomed in the site "should" adapt.

Since I don't know how to take a screen shot...I'll just copy/paste & link you to it...

http://vgcollect.com/pro
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: matt on January 21, 2014, 12:44:33 pm
hmm. Problem is that it looks fine on my end. It should look something like this:

(http://i.imgur.com/web0Xgi.jpg)
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: foxhack on January 21, 2014, 12:50:24 pm
It looks like that for me too.

Do we staffers get a free pro upgrade? And maybe a salary? :P
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: matt on January 21, 2014, 01:13:20 pm
It looks like that for me too.

Do we staffers get a free pro upgrade? And maybe a salary? :P

Wait how'd you get in here!? I thought you broke your modem with all the punches.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: jcalder8 on January 21, 2014, 01:22:09 pm
Just a thought, maybe change the color of the boxes for Pro members, change the username color, or the title? Might be cool to see on the forum who is a Pro user and then new members will also ask about it.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: matt on January 21, 2014, 01:28:47 pm
Just a thought, maybe change the color of the boxes for Pro members, change the username color, or the title? Might be cool to see on the forum who is a Pro user and then new members will also ask about it.

I was thinking the same thing. I'll look into that more tonight.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: soera on January 21, 2014, 01:39:25 pm
Couple of goofy questions that I probably am just missing the answer to.

#1 : Will there be some sort of reminder thing set in place to renew Pro, whether it be the monthly service or the yearly service?

#2 : Where is the "about" page? I looked at my profile and what not but can not find where the actual badges are.

I like the thought of the Pro members being more "outstanding" so that people will question it.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: matt on January 21, 2014, 02:14:56 pm
Couple of goofy questions that I probably am just missing the answer to.

#1 : Will there be some sort of reminder thing set in place to renew Pro, whether it be the monthly service or the yearly service?

#2 : Where is the "about" page? I looked at my profile and what not but can not find where the actual badges are.

I like the thought of the Pro members being more "outstanding" so that people will question it.

Yes. It's not in place yet but I figure I have 30 days to get it setup.

Click on your avatar from your Collection pages or just goto http://vgcollect.com/about/soera
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: 90snostalga on January 21, 2014, 02:35:29 pm
so, I want to make sure I am understanding fully.  Is the VGColllect Pro just for users to sign up and donate money to the site?  Or is the site becoming a pay site with a yearly subscription.

I'll try to upload screen shots for you with the site problems on the collections page
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: foxhack on January 21, 2014, 02:39:33 pm
It looks like that for me too.

Do we staffers get a free pro upgrade? And maybe a salary? :P

Wait how'd you get in here!? I thought you broke your modem with all the punches.

I punched OpenDNS and forced them to update their DNS cache. Boom.

so, I want to make sure I am understanding fully.  Is the VGColllect Pro just for users to sign up and donate money to the site?  Or is the site becoming a pay site with a yearly subscription.

I'll try to upload screen shots for you with the site problems on the collections page

Sounds to me it's just for people who don't want to see ads. So, it's optional.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: 90snostalga on January 21, 2014, 02:40:07 pm
here is how vgcollect.com/pro looks on my browser.  i let it sit here for 5 minutes and this is what it shows.  i'll get the others to you

(http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad147/justinmobile58/vgcollectproscreenshot1_zps2e971de6.png)
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: 90snostalga on January 21, 2014, 02:43:25 pm
here is the login page on vgcollect.  it literally does not change after this and when i try to log in on this page, it takes forever to actually log in.  i did not take any time before


(http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad147/justinmobile58/vgcollectloginpage_zps1b35540d.png)
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: 90snostalga on January 21, 2014, 02:47:25 pm
when it does log in to the collections page, this is what it first shows.  it does not look like it should i image but yes, im zoomed out all the way and everything.  Does any one else use mozilla have this issue?    when you search for games and view collections its so cluttered and hard to read.

(http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad147/justinmobile58/whenifirstlogin_zps7e04d0d2.png)
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: matt on January 21, 2014, 02:52:41 pm
so, I want to make sure I am understanding fully.  Is the VGColllect Pro just for users to sign up and donate money to the site?  Or is the site becoming a pay site with a yearly subscription.

I'll try to upload screen shots for you with the site problems on the collections page

Yep just a donation. I will never-ever-ever charge for anything on the site. This is just a way to offer support.

As for your screens - it looks like you have a mix of old and new content in your cache. Clearing your cache "should" fix it. You can also try holding in left-shift while reloading the page. This should force FF to pull the content from the server instead of cache.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: 90snostalga on January 21, 2014, 02:59:02 pm
I think it worked!  Is this how it should look?  :)


(http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad147/justinmobile58/amigoodnow_zps9d956f1c.png)
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: soera on January 21, 2014, 03:02:32 pm
That looks correct to me.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: 90snostalga on January 21, 2014, 03:03:45 pm
That looks correct to me.

Just the clearing of the cache  will do the trick  :D
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: 90snostalga on January 21, 2014, 03:08:50 pm
so, I want to make sure I am understanding fully.  Is the VGColllect Pro just for users to sign up and donate money to the site?  Or is the site becoming a pay site with a yearly subscription.

I'll try to upload screen shots for you with the site problems on the collections page

As for your screens - it looks like you have a mix of old and new content in your cache. Clearing your cache "should" fix it. You can also try holding in left-shift while reloading the page. This should force FF to pull the content from the server instead of cache.

Now Matt, I can officially say I love the new layout  :)
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: disgaeniac on January 21, 2014, 04:03:35 pm
That looks correct to me.

Just the clearing of the cache  will do the trick  :D

How do you clear a cache?
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: matt on January 21, 2014, 04:25:08 pm
What browser?

I just restored all of the Front Box art. Back Box art is next.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: 90snostalga on January 21, 2014, 04:38:57 pm
That looks correct to me.

Just the clearing of the cache  will do the trick  :D

How do you clear a cache?

I have Mozilla and I had to go to the options menu to clear the cache.  You should be able to go to options and do it.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: bobster on January 21, 2014, 04:41:56 pm
That looks correct to me.

Just the clearing of the cache  will do the trick  :D

How do you clear a cache?

I have Mozilla and I had to go to the options menu to clear the cache.  You should be able to go to options and do it.
Hitting Ctrl + F5 will "force refresh" the website. That means it won't use the cache and will reload everything from the site.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: stethebubble on January 21, 2014, 05:49:14 pm
Love it.
Great work guys.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: stethebubble on January 21, 2014, 07:55:51 pm
Matt

While I was checking out the advanced search I noticed that the platform box is not big enough to display some of the platforms (NES for example).
Not sure if you are aware of this or not.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: mark1982 on January 22, 2014, 02:33:26 am

I just restored all of the Front Box art. Back Box art is next.

Thanks matt! The new website looks great, definitely a lot of work went into it. much appreciated.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: vancha on January 22, 2014, 02:33:45 am
Everything looks great so far :)

Still wondering, is there a way to see the list of members that are using VGCollect and how items they have? Because I might follow Some folks that way.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: atarileaf on January 22, 2014, 09:32:22 am
I did the "clear cache" thing with Chrome and now it looks right again. Great looking site. Love the new look. :)
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: disgaeniac on January 22, 2014, 10:15:26 am
That looks correct to me.

Just the clearing of the cache  will do the trick  :D

How do you clear a cache?

I have Mozilla and I had to go to the options menu to clear the cache.  You should be able to go to options and do it.
Hitting Ctrl + F5 will "force refresh" the website. That means it won't use the cache and will reload everything from the site.

That seemed to do it - thanks Bobster!
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: bobster on January 22, 2014, 10:30:48 am
That looks correct to me.

Just the clearing of the cache  will do the trick  :D

How do you clear a cache?

I have Mozilla and I had to go to the options menu to clear the cache.  You should be able to go to options and do it.
Hitting Ctrl + F5 will "force refresh" the website. That means it won't use the cache and will reload everything from the site.

That seemed to do it - thanks Bobster!
I'm glad it worked :D
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: dstone on January 22, 2014, 12:10:05 pm
Love it! Just signed up for Pro.  ;D
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: matt on January 22, 2014, 12:40:00 pm
Love it! Just signed up for Pro.  ;D

Welcome to Pro and thanks for the support!
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: pacpix on January 22, 2014, 09:47:01 pm
Finally got on to the site using Foxhack's modem punching method and I love the new look!  I also had to get myself that fancy new Pro badge!
Two quick questions:
1. On the about page are we going to be able to see total edits and submissions like before VGCollect 2.0?
2. When do I get my cool new badge?!
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: matt on January 22, 2014, 10:16:31 pm
1. Yes
2. As soon as I get home from the gym :)
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: madmax on January 22, 2014, 11:41:48 pm
Awesome stuff. The new look is great :D
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: Veilor on January 25, 2014, 03:22:26 pm
Great new design.

I'd get the VGCollect Pro if it also removed the verification for posting on forums, for now I don't mind ads :)
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: matt on January 25, 2014, 03:27:23 pm
Great new design.

I'd get the VGCollect Pro if it also removed the verification for posting on forums, for now I don't mind ads :)

Thanks!

What verification are you referring to?

EDIT - nevermind. Mods don't see those! ha I think that is a great idea. I'll add that to the list and work on it tonight. I'll post back here when it is implemented.
EDIT 2 - Looked into it a bit more and it is setup that once you have 10 post , the validation goes away. Don't think I can exempt a group other than mods without some major code changes.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: brunauss on January 27, 2014, 02:04:30 pm
As soon as I saw the error 404 page and remembered you were working on a upgrade, figured you were getting version 3 ready to go online. It is nice having your own server you can count on and fix yourself.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: soera on February 25, 2014, 05:51:38 pm
My first month of VG pro just expired. I went ahead and signed up for a year subscription instead. :)
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: matt on February 25, 2014, 05:54:40 pm
My first month of VG pro just expired. I went ahead and signed up for a year subscription instead. :)

Yay! Log out, spin around in a circle 6 times and then log back and your Pro status will be restored.

Also - I'm working on some sort of notification feature that'll let people know when it expires.
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: 90snostalga on February 25, 2014, 10:34:57 pm
My first month of VG pro just expired. I went ahead and signed up for a year subscription instead. :)

Yay! Log out, spin around in a circle 6 times and then log back and your Pro status will be restored.

Also - I'm working on some sort of notification feature that'll let people know when it expires.

Matt, I use mainly cash for purchases in person but I promise I will eventually load up some money on a card to use over the net and get a Pro Subscription for you.  I do want to support but I promise before the end of this year, I will upgrade  :)
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: disgaeniac on February 26, 2014, 07:04:21 am
My first month of VG pro just expired. I went ahead and signed up for a year subscription instead. :)

Yay! Log out, spin around in a circle 6 times and then log back and your Pro status will be restored.

Also - I'm working on some sort of notification feature that'll let people know when it expires.

Matt, I use mainly cash for purchases in person but I promise I will eventually load up some money on a card to use over the net and get a Pro Subscription for you.  I do want to support but I promise before the end of this year, I will upgrade  :)

I'm the same.

Matt's flexible though - I paid him in cash for a year's worth...
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: disgaeniac on February 26, 2014, 07:06:06 am
 :o @ Matt's lack of "PRO" status   ;D
Title: Re: Introducing VGCollect version 3!
Post by: matt on February 26, 2014, 09:19:08 am
:o @ Matt's lack of "PRO" status   ;D

Administrator trumps Pro status. :)

And yes 90snostalga, any form of payment will work. If you want to use cash just PM me and shoot you the address to send the briefcase full of unmarked bills.