Eileen,
In reply to:
I do like your idea of a lean look but not by putting the 'message header' at the bottom. By its very nature it should be at the top.
I agree. I do think, however, that this 'message header' should remain as narrow as possible, merely a demarcator between posts. Adding too much information to this header, IMO, would detract from the aesthetic appeal of a thread, and serve to break up the visual flow of discussion.
My preference would be to keep the header as narrow as it is now, containing the post title and perhaps a couple other identifying items, and to have the user information, and Post Icons, moved to the bottom of the body of the message itself.
As an example, your personal gif certainly does not detract from your posts. In fact, it actually grabs my attention when I am reading threads in flat mode. I think you would agree, however that moving your gif, as small as it is, into the header row and putting it below the title say, would result in a significantly thicker header which would begin to compete with other aspects of the page for the reader's visual attention.
In flat mode, for example, I would keep the header information just the way it is, and merely add the user info and Post Icons to the bottom of the body. It definitely would make for a more attractive layout.
In reply to:
It would also make it easier for people to frame their forum with their own stuff down the side.
Agreed. It certainly would give us many more options when it comes to site design.
Derek
