Forum's random backgrounds on all pages--can it be turned off?

I like the original dark non intrusive look. it allowed me to focus better on the topics. I was wondering
if there is a way to turn it off, or will there be an option to in the future?

Also, for lots of people outside the USA, they have limited bandwidth, and loading a large image each time may
not be good for them. (maybe you have a small set on rotation, and its cached?) dunno.


Anyway, just giving my concerns. Love the site, It's one of the great Forums on the Internet!

P

not only its distracting, it strain the eyes changing from dark images to very bright ones from click to click, the threads should not have the background or better yet, a simple check option to remove them in the account settings, like you can hide or show the avatars.

a reply to: Pharyax
The images use very little bandwidth. They've been downsized to SO's specs so they are small in bytes and load fast.

a reply to: Klassified

That's cool. We just would like the option of turning it off. Just kinda ruins the 'feel/atmosphere' for me here.

a reply to: Indigent

Following this thread...I still dont have any of these described issues. Everything is the same. Backgrounds sizes and colors etc, are standard color consistent with before...Ive checked laptop, PC, tab and phone...all the same. So, I just dont know.....

Will continue following though...I may learn a few things

originally posted by: Pharyax
a reply to: Klassified

That's cool. We just would like the option of turning it off. Just kinda ruins the 'feel/atmosphere' for me here.

Have to agree with this. I'm not a fan of them.

a reply to: mysterioustranger

you don't see pictures of riot police in the night followed by bright pictures of harp and so on? i prefer the gray each time i take an action here, for example now i see a meeting in a reasonable illuminated place, when i hit reply i most likely will be taken to a very bright watergate image

I hate poo pooing change, but I'd like the neutral background back.

a reply to: Indigent

No my friend, I dont see any of what you mention? Unclear why I dont....

I personally like some of the backgrounds, but I'd much rather have the option to select a static one or a solid color one if I could. Just personal preference for that.

I have noticed that since this went live, it's futzing with FF big-time. When I switch from ATS to another open tab, the whole thing blacks out, like a brief graphics crash in the browser. It's really annoying, at most. I haven't noticed any upticks in CPU or RAM usage in FF, just this graphics hiccup.

It seems that by zooming in I don't see any of this at all.

I'm using Chrome on a Windows laptop. I've got it zoomed in to 150% and only briefly see part of the background images at the top when I change pages.

For example, as I type this now, this text box goes from the very left to the very right of my screen. There's no room on the left of my screen to show any of the background, and to see any of the ads on the right I need to scroll over.

So really no issues with my current setup.

The only way to get rid of the background is stretching your screen, I did that and the sides are gone for now.

a reply to: TommyD1966

That is what I did but using internet explorer and it works.

a reply to: Pharyax

I like the backgrounds. Someone did a nice job, I feel.

Thanks, behind-the-scene geniuses!

Not a fan.. I liked the first one I saw, it was grey with some lighter grey symbols and designs, but..not enjoying the colorful, busy and distracting backgrounds, complete with ads. Have been avoiding the site since they started complaining so much about ad blockers. The ads and chaotic backgrounds are really taking away from the experience- think I'll take a break.

originally posted by: eNumbra

originally posted by: Pharyax
a reply to: Klassified

That's cool. We just would like the option of turning it off. Just kinda ruins the 'feel/atmosphere' for me here.

Have to agree with this. I'm not a fan of them.

I'm not a fan either. Hate it with a passion! Very distracting and annoying!

maybe if the images didn't have such a dark gloomy tone it would be ok?

a reply to: burgerbuddy

For me personally it's not the subject matter of the images... but they look blurry and out of place with the modern forum-centre. The ATS - Deny Ignorance on both sides was nice, clean-cut, modern.

Maybe if the background images weren't completely random? Specific images for specific forums? Even so, I would prefer an option to remove them entirely. I have no issues with the other changes that have been made, but that random background image... ugh.

a reply to: Pharyax

One way to change the dark gloomy side of things is to make your settings bright. The pictures don't bother me at all.

Curious, Why the change ? It's exceedingly distracting and quite annoying. What purpose does it serve ?