I'm relatively new to your site and am impressed with all various features; however, it is definitely not initially user-friendly,
You the organizers and/or webmaster, have neglected to "KISS"... Keep it simple in terms of how to do THE BASICS !
Accordingly, my KISS proposed solution is to add a vertical column called " GETTING STARTED" as the first one on the far left, where you have additional columns entitled PLAY LEARN WATCH etc . Under this proposed new column would be topics like how to create a game, Time controls , how to add/follow a friend, how to import PGN , how to analyze the game with your computer , basic descriptions of the types of games etc.
You could also create an instructional YouTube video, and simply direct new members to that URL.
However, there is still a definite need to have Basic info in text form ....
I also suggest another column called "terminology" with your various obscure or proprietary " terms", listed in alphabetical order and of coarse , what they mean
Remember, you have players at all age levels / skill levels joining here.... Moreover DO NOT make the assumption that everyone new joining , is a "techie"! In looking at other players' questions here, it is clear that they are also inquiring about basic information, definitions etc.
I have been forced to jump around your site , like a frog, to put together basics, similar to finding different words scattered about , to make a coherent sentence , and have also contacted two friends, here, who have been playing here for over two months for further " how do I do this" instructions . They are both employed in technical field, but nevertheless also have agreed, that there is a learning curve to using your site...
And that the information/ instructions are in various places , in not clearly organized or categorized
In short, your site is a frustrating jigsaw puzzle for the newbie, because the information is scattered, some of your terms like Centerpoint values , require further questions in the forum…
Your site was obviously put together by technical staff , edited by technical people, Who apparently lack consideration for a "beginners mind", again with the FALSE assumption that most of your members also have a "technical" mind…
and can put together all your loose ends, and / or can easily understand more technical procedures ....
When requesting a PGN file , there is one other annoying facts
annoying " technical" aspect that needs immediate attention ;
The SUBJECT header in the PGN output, , is always all the complete moves of the game! Which of course has to be deleted; I always en title it my log in name vs my opponents name , and the date started of that game .
I've never tried to send an email with all the moves, which could be 60+, so I wonder what happens when one does attempt to send an email, with your game output as the subject header !
No doubt it will be truncated, but if I forward my game to a nonmember chess friend, having all the moves as a subject matter, is totally confusing!
So obviously, I change the subject header...
Why can't generic " you" , do the same ?!
Again, I do feel there are many great features that you offer here, and moreover, free , and are adding additional ones, however... to use construction terms, if you want to build a magnificent house, you need a solid foundation first....
which are in this situation , the basics of how to use your site, in a clear, simple, and organized fashion!
Thank You!
Member e4ia
You the organizers and/or webmaster, have neglected to "KISS"... Keep it simple in terms of how to do THE BASICS !
Accordingly, my KISS proposed solution is to add a vertical column called " GETTING STARTED" as the first one on the far left, where you have additional columns entitled PLAY LEARN WATCH etc . Under this proposed new column would be topics like how to create a game, Time controls , how to add/follow a friend, how to import PGN , how to analyze the game with your computer , basic descriptions of the types of games etc.
You could also create an instructional YouTube video, and simply direct new members to that URL.
However, there is still a definite need to have Basic info in text form ....
I also suggest another column called "terminology" with your various obscure or proprietary " terms", listed in alphabetical order and of coarse , what they mean
Remember, you have players at all age levels / skill levels joining here.... Moreover DO NOT make the assumption that everyone new joining , is a "techie"! In looking at other players' questions here, it is clear that they are also inquiring about basic information, definitions etc.
I have been forced to jump around your site , like a frog, to put together basics, similar to finding different words scattered about , to make a coherent sentence , and have also contacted two friends, here, who have been playing here for over two months for further " how do I do this" instructions . They are both employed in technical field, but nevertheless also have agreed, that there is a learning curve to using your site...
And that the information/ instructions are in various places , in not clearly organized or categorized
In short, your site is a frustrating jigsaw puzzle for the newbie, because the information is scattered, some of your terms like Centerpoint values , require further questions in the forum…
Your site was obviously put together by technical staff , edited by technical people, Who apparently lack consideration for a "beginners mind", again with the FALSE assumption that most of your members also have a "technical" mind…
and can put together all your loose ends, and / or can easily understand more technical procedures ....
When requesting a PGN file , there is one other annoying facts
annoying " technical" aspect that needs immediate attention ;
The SUBJECT header in the PGN output, , is always all the complete moves of the game! Which of course has to be deleted; I always en title it my log in name vs my opponents name , and the date started of that game .
I've never tried to send an email with all the moves, which could be 60+, so I wonder what happens when one does attempt to send an email, with your game output as the subject header !
No doubt it will be truncated, but if I forward my game to a nonmember chess friend, having all the moves as a subject matter, is totally confusing!
So obviously, I change the subject header...
Why can't generic " you" , do the same ?!
Again, I do feel there are many great features that you offer here, and moreover, free , and are adding additional ones, however... to use construction terms, if you want to build a magnificent house, you need a solid foundation first....
which are in this situation , the basics of how to use your site, in a clear, simple, and organized fashion!
Thank You!
Member e4ia