Just a suggestion. Ever considered a mobile version of SOFT? SOFT addicts can post messages, view buy/sell threads on the road when they're going to work, in camps (provided they have smart phones), or when they do not have access to computers.
It takes up quite a lot of bandwidth to load soft.com.sg on mobile devices, so maybe a m-version with just the forum in it (excluding radio.blog, avatars and etc) can help to save some bandwidth when surfing SOFT on mobile devices?
I'm using my Nokia E51 (Handphone), 3G/GPRS connection.
Just some extra info, all facebook pages on average is about 20kb+-. 1 simple profile picture or main page of your facebook with a few mini thumbnails photo updates.
If you load a photo album, it'll eat up lotsa download bandwidth.
But the mobile version is very scaled down (even for the pictures), so yeah it's fine. One picture is about less than 10kb anyway.
I saw some forums that has print friendly versions. Their print friendly versions are really print friendly. No pics or adverts at all. The SOFT print friendly version is really not very print friendly as the pics and adverts are still there.
Perhaps, James, you might want to look at how the print friendly version can be used for the mobile version for the low bandwidth. I have no idea how to do it or if it is possible to do. But having a mobile option is pretty neat!
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Let me hear the melodies of heaven.
yes, the option is very cool and many of us NS guys can use our phones to connect to SOFT.
I'm just wondering how feasible is it. For example, how many of us would really whip out our handphones just to access SOFT. Also, will it be a hassle for James to maintain? He is already a busy man. Adding more stuff to his shoulders may not be good either
Anyway the site will be a much toned down site. Nothing much to maintain as it will be drawing the same DB (forum). Post/Edit/Delete function. And probably a log in page. So James will be maintaining the same thing but just that we have an option to post/surf with our phone.
Not much maintenance work but maybe the setting up may take some time?
Yes, I will see what I can do. Thanks for the suggestion.
Actually, it shouldnt be that difficult. A Linux/PHP v* BulletBoard like this should have a mobile/handheld folder with a css stylesheet that should render this mobile or handheld friendly...
yeah nice one.. actually dun really need 3G/GPRS connection to access SOFT, use WiFi instead... there are plenty of wireless@sg hotspots around (and some others too).. and it's free some more... hehe!!
it's really laggy and slow loading to access gr8 forums like SOFT on a desktop version using a handheld coz always need to load longer time for extra large banners and ads in the forum... it would be hassle-free is SOFT is a mobile optimized forum as it saves data charges to access SOFT and also time too! hehe!
Much preferred if SOFT is in iPhone-optimized and PDA-version too, for more greater experience.. ((: