You all are probably sick of threads like this by now, but I had an idea that I couldn't pass up.

The reason why I made the left sidebar in the current design is because it was a pain to use the old menus at the top. You had to click once for the menu and then click again for whatever you wanted.

So, now I got an idea to re-introduce the menus at the top, but this time they automatically pop down: no extra clicking. This also clears up some extra space by getting rid of the sidebar.

It's not a new design, just a modification of the current layout to bring back the top menus. I think it's what I should have done in the first place.

You can see a screenshot below or try it now by going to "Switch Color Scheme" and choosing "Test Light Blue" (which are the only colors available right now while I'm testing it). What do you think?

Note that I would make this available as an option, not force everyone to ditch the sidebar.

sidebars

Yeah sidebars. Definitely.

that's great!

I definitely prefer this, it makes the forums look less condensed.

I'm using the alternative layout right now, and I'm liking it! Definately leave it as an option for those who prefer it over the sidebar.

Yeah I think I do prefer the menus at the top. I love the sleek design, I'm positive that soon you won't have to waste your talent on a site like ATRL but can move on to bigger things

The styles look so great! I agree with Kworb and Jay that the test style looks sleek, less condensed, and in my opinion, more nicely focuses on the posts. Then again, I also understand how the sidebar makes it easier to access everything and looks interesting. Personally, it's hard to choose between the two so either will work for me. Good job once again, TC

Thats a great idea for a layout TC.Thanks.i like it

Anyone who thinks the sidebars are better than that layout are absolutely out of their flippin' mind.

The auto-drop-down basically got rid of my only major complaint with the sidebar layout...the sidebars themselves. You combine the auto-drop-down menus with the rest of the current layout and it is WIN-WIN!

i think u change ur color scheme to "Test light blue"

i like the sidebars, but the other versions cool too!

Correct

No offense, Froggy, but you're just asking for it with a post like that.

Hell, *I* have a comeback for that post. That never happens.

Thanks everyone (except for Froggert being the asshole that he is) for the comments! I turned the test style off for now, but I'll introduce it for real as an option for everyone overnight. You'll notice a message at the top of the page when you visit ATRL tomorrow that will let you choose your layout -- menu or sidebar.

Thats why I did it...

...kay.