I want a mobile version, do you?

[DriftingCrow]

I think we need to go mobile. Many people are accessing the web on cellphones and tablets nowadays, and not everyone (hehe like me  ) wants to download TapaTalk. If we want the website to grow, it needs to be easy to use. A first impression someone would get coming here on their cell phone is that it's not mobile, so it's hard to read some posts, you often click on the wrong link/button unless you really expand the screen to be huge, and they might not be as enthusiastic to jump on board and sign up for an account if they find out they have to download an app for it. I first came here on a laptop, before I even had a smartphone, but I know if the first time I came was on my cell then I probably wouldn't have even bothered making an account here.

It's not just me either. . . http://www.safarimultimedia.com/marketing-tips/18-tips/59-10-reasons-why-you-need-a-mobile-website-now <--they mention competition, Laura's Playground has mobile forums. I don't have an account there, but it looks a lot easier to read. SikhSangat has a mobile version too, and I don't think they have nearly as many members as we do here at Susan's Place.

And, right now, this site is being very uncooperative with my phone for some reason. I've always had trouble writing posts here because the text gets all messed up in the post box, I can't edit things in the news section on my phone so I have to wait until I get home. This past week, for some reason, my phone has been awful with this website. If I try to reply to some (not all) posts on my phone, it'll delete whatever I wrote and try to get me to start a new topic once I hit the "post" button, also I've tried moving articles from the news section that didn't belong and it messed up (today it sent one article into the News Staff board even though I hit "general discussions" board). I also started a new topic in the News Staff board to report something I edited, and instead after I hit "post" it posted the topic in community alerts, I had to move it to News Staff. Also, when I hit the "report to moderator" button, it won't let me type in the reason why I was reporting it, so therefore, I am unable to report anything to moderators while using my cell phone.  I only have these problems on this website.

I know it will likely cost money to upgrade the forum software or whatever the site runs on to be a mobile site, but that's a big reason why I've been donating the little money I am able to spare to the website. I'd rather have a website that's easy to use and navigate, that will be easier for new members and lurkers to use which in turn will cause the site to grow, than to have access to certain boards that non-donating and subscribing members can't access. I enjoy coming here, but it's not nearly as fun or easy to use when I am struggling on my Android.

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I was going to just post this in Supporter News, but thought more people would see it in General Discussions. I think if you want a mobile version of the website as well, that if you're financially able to give a donation, that it would be a great idea to give some. If it'll cost money to give us what we want, it's only fair to help out if we're able to. Susan also won't know what we want unless we tell her.

I am vowing to total up all the money I spend on Christmas gifts, and donate 10% of that total. So far, I've spent $80 on my Dad and $40 on a present for myself, so I am down to donate $12 to the website. I don't think I am buying any more gifts, but if I do, I'll add that into my monthly donation.

[Jamie D]

I am still paying in my matching funds for the Thanksgiving fundraiser.  Tomorrow, another $100...  Make that $111!  In two weeks, the balance.

Part of the funds we raise will go toward site upgrades.

[Ltl89]

A mobile version would be nice, but I realize that it's not economical.  Tapatalk works okay and should be compatible with most smart phones, so I don't know why anyone would dislike it.  Still, I agree that a mobile site would be a welcome addition if it's feasible.   

[Devlyn]

I use an android here with no issues at all. I don't use tapatalk because when I checked reviews on it, the people said if you were already good at using the browser to navigate forums, the app wouldn't do much that you weren't already doing yourself. I'm using a galaxy S III, the whole thing is screen, so print size isn't an issue for me. Love the topic, more members are always good. Hugs, Devlyn

[Anna++]

I've gotten used to posting from my Nexus 7, but there have been a few times that the wrong link is followed.  Things seem to be roughly the same but smaller on my Nexus  4.

One  enefit to having a easy to use mobile site would be for anybody just starting out, and afraid of anybody else finding out.  Tablets and phones are more personal, and there is less nisk of somebody walking by and seeing a trans site on a large computer screen.

[DriftingCrow]

One  enefit to having a easy to use mobile site would be for anybody just starting out, and afraid of anybody else finding out.  Tablets and phones are more personal, and there is less nisk of somebody walking by and seeing a trans site on a large computer screen.

Yes, part of the reason why I don't want to download tap-a-talk (besides more space being filled up on my mobile) is for privacy reasons. I don't want to lend my phone to someone (which I occasionally do to a certain person) and for them to see tap-a-talk and ask what forum I am on. While I'd answer truthfully if asked, I still don't always want to say "well see I am under the trans umbrella and I go on a trans forum" etc. It's better for me, and probably others, to just go on the browser and then hit clear history if you're ever lending out the phone.

[Danielle Emmalee]

Also I started a topic and made another post in it asking about tapatalk and nobody has responded.  I'm on an iPhone 5.  Anyone else have issues posting and sending messages with the app?