In the interest of fairness
Discussion
Now that the pressure is off, well not off as such because I would imagine the midnight oil is being burnt, but the new site has been rolled into the garage so it can be worked on properly rather than try fix it in the pit lane.
I've been given a little tour of the new site today and hidden amongst the clutter there are some absolute gems in terms of functionality. So much so that I am almost eating my underpants with frustration in that the bare bones are there for a site which could have blown Autotrader and indeed every other used car search engine out of the water. Unfortunately PH have clothed their new baby in Auto Trader embossed sack cloth and so at first glance you cross your arms and decide you're going to dislike it.
Yes, there are massive issues at the moment and things aren't working as they should but that's a separate issue to the actual site structure and will be dealt with over the next few days. I'm looking forward to when we can actually use the site as PH intended. As I say there are some really clever bits tucked away in there. Some are fundamental, others more subtle. It's just a shame PH clothed their racing mechanicals in sheets of plywood.
It's not the end of the world for PH, once the performance issues are sorted you will be able to make your own routes round the new site and find which nooks and crannies work for you. I guarantee you will find it an improvement, but it is a shame they weren't "blue sky thinking" enough with their basic concept.
I was firmly in the camp of why change, the new site is rubbish and so on but having been given the grand tour today I would say wait until everything is sorted, it's rolled out again and then be patient and give it a try - with an open mind.
Yes some of the drop down boxes are a bit poor and indeed I'm not entirely sure most are needed at all, but ignore them and there are some really great improvements. It may be that we all need a bit of a tutorial as to how to get the best from all the hard work but I guarantee you will find a path through the site which works for you. I did and it wasn't even working properly !
I'm genuinely looking forward to it's re-implementation and I'm sure subsequent fettling once up and running.
Thanks Stuart for your time today. Much appreciated and it made me feel genuinely appreciated as a paying customer. 911virgin will be waiting patiently by your side until everything is running smoothly and last week is a distant memory.
Keep smiling
Henry
I've been given a little tour of the new site today and hidden amongst the clutter there are some absolute gems in terms of functionality. So much so that I am almost eating my underpants with frustration in that the bare bones are there for a site which could have blown Autotrader and indeed every other used car search engine out of the water. Unfortunately PH have clothed their new baby in Auto Trader embossed sack cloth and so at first glance you cross your arms and decide you're going to dislike it.
Yes, there are massive issues at the moment and things aren't working as they should but that's a separate issue to the actual site structure and will be dealt with over the next few days. I'm looking forward to when we can actually use the site as PH intended. As I say there are some really clever bits tucked away in there. Some are fundamental, others more subtle. It's just a shame PH clothed their racing mechanicals in sheets of plywood.
It's not the end of the world for PH, once the performance issues are sorted you will be able to make your own routes round the new site and find which nooks and crannies work for you. I guarantee you will find it an improvement, but it is a shame they weren't "blue sky thinking" enough with their basic concept.
I was firmly in the camp of why change, the new site is rubbish and so on but having been given the grand tour today I would say wait until everything is sorted, it's rolled out again and then be patient and give it a try - with an open mind.
Yes some of the drop down boxes are a bit poor and indeed I'm not entirely sure most are needed at all, but ignore them and there are some really great improvements. It may be that we all need a bit of a tutorial as to how to get the best from all the hard work but I guarantee you will find a path through the site which works for you. I did and it wasn't even working properly !
I'm genuinely looking forward to it's re-implementation and I'm sure subsequent fettling once up and running.
Thanks Stuart for your time today. Much appreciated and it made me feel genuinely appreciated as a paying customer. 911virgin will be waiting patiently by your side until everything is running smoothly and last week is a distant memory.
Keep smiling
Henry
Edited by Henry-F on Friday 11th November 21:02
Getting close to negotiating 2012 ad pricing Henry? 
The new PH classified looked like it might be a huge step forward, I look forward to seeing it re-released after some testing. It would be nice if advertisers were forced to choose engine configuration, capacity, FWD/RWD/4WD etc with no option for 'unspecified' so we can filter on exactly what we're looking for.
The new PH classified looked like it might be a huge step forward, I look forward to seeing it re-released after some testing. It would be nice if advertisers were forced to choose engine configuration, capacity, FWD/RWD/4WD etc with no option for 'unspecified' so we can filter on exactly what we're looking for.
Stuart, do you think it would be possible to allow a select group of PHers who would be able to offer open and honest feedback to the new classifieds? Has this been done at all?
As a product manager, I know opinions are like a
holes, but I think you would be able to get some valid reviews, points of views and constructive criticism if people are listened to in a controlled manner.
Just a thought...
As a product manager, I know opinions are like a
holes, but I think you would be able to get some valid reviews, points of views and constructive criticism if people are listened to in a controlled manner. Just a thought...
Gaz. said:
pwd95 said:
Please excuse my rant chaps. Twas all meant constructively. Just think the old setup is streets ahead of anything else, as is, because of it's simplicity. 
Love using it.
You can still use the new classifieds in the old manner if you so wish.Love using it.
Good post OP. I like the new classifieds, though I don't like the new look but, I'm a person that doesn't like change though understand why you've done it. I've mainly used the classifieds to look at cars I'd need to be a multi millionare to keep, that is a thing that I really like about the classifieds. I intend to buy my next car via here, and once the new classifieds come out again I'll be able to look for cars that I have certain criteria for easily.
Great post from the OP. I'm certainly looking forward to seeing the new functions in all their glory.
PH always has so much to offer and, from the sounds of things, we'll be enjoying the fruits of your labours before long.
I know you don't do this for nowt but, to those involved, let it be known that your efforts are most appreciated... even if you don't always get it right the first time.
PH always has so much to offer and, from the sounds of things, we'll be enjoying the fruits of your labours before long.
I know you don't do this for nowt but, to those involved, let it be known that your efforts are most appreciated... even if you don't always get it right the first time.
To the people who are glad the old system is back:
I search using just a model and a keyword. On the new system ignore all the drop down boxes and when you are selecting the initial model use the text input box and just start typing what you are looking for. For instance start to type 3 series BMW. By the time you type in 3 the system starts guessing what you want and offers up the 3 series BMW groups! You can then use the keyword search as usual with the benefit it looks in the whole advert, not just the title.
You'll be happy, trust me. We just need to use it with all the indexing working and the speed sorted out which I'm sure it will be very soon
To all those working on the site it's a lovely sunny day outside. On the boat, have taken a little run out to Southampton for the night
Oh no, just realised you won't be able to take in the rays. Ah well.....
Henry
I search using just a model and a keyword. On the new system ignore all the drop down boxes and when you are selecting the initial model use the text input box and just start typing what you are looking for. For instance start to type 3 series BMW. By the time you type in 3 the system starts guessing what you want and offers up the 3 series BMW groups! You can then use the keyword search as usual with the benefit it looks in the whole advert, not just the title.
You'll be happy, trust me. We just need to use it with all the indexing working and the speed sorted out which I'm sure it will be very soon
To all those working on the site it's a lovely sunny day outside. On the boat, have taken a little run out to Southampton for the night
Oh no, just realised you won't be able to take in the rays. Ah well.....
Henry
pwd95 said:
Please excuse my rant chaps. Twas all meant constructively. Just think the old setup is streets ahead of anything else, as is, because of it's simplicity.
Love using it.
Love using it.
Here, here. For me to change things should be for the better and not just for changes sake. I appreciate a lot of time and effort may have been put into 'the changes' but that doesn't gaurantee an 'improvement' 
macdeb said:
Here, here. For me to change things should be for the better and not just for changes sake. I appreciate a lot of time and effort may have been put into 'the changes' but that doesn't gaurantee an 'improvement' "shock of the new" combined with "it isn't working properly" aren't happy bedfellows...
I think most people's issues are with the presentation.
Having loads of ads side by side with tiny pictures is awful compared to the original format. Even when you select the single view mode, it's still cluttered and unsightly.
I have no issues with the search functions, well, one actually, which is misuse as advertisers start putting ludicrous tags in their ads to be clever, like putting words such as "eats RX-7s, supra,(endless list) etc for breakfast" just so it comes up in as many searches...just look at the nonsense this generates on ebay.
That aside, there's good functionality when sorted, but please, present it as you always have done, it's all well and good saying you can search as previously, but it's not about the searching, it's about the crappy little images and presentation, why ruin the look which was always the big plus point and originality that PH boasted over countless other sales engine types.
Good luck with it all.
Having loads of ads side by side with tiny pictures is awful compared to the original format. Even when you select the single view mode, it's still cluttered and unsightly.
I have no issues with the search functions, well, one actually, which is misuse as advertisers start putting ludicrous tags in their ads to be clever, like putting words such as "eats RX-7s, supra,(endless list) etc for breakfast" just so it comes up in as many searches...just look at the nonsense this generates on ebay.
That aside, there's good functionality when sorted, but please, present it as you always have done, it's all well and good saying you can search as previously, but it's not about the searching, it's about the crappy little images and presentation, why ruin the look which was always the big plus point and originality that PH boasted over countless other sales engine types.
Good luck with it all.
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