I mainly use the GardenWeb side of Houzz. Yesterday, the layout changed. I use FireFox on a PC. Now the forums appear thread-oriented instead of forum-oriented. What I mean is that the thread titles were dependent on which forum you were on, and which forum the thread was posted. Now, the threads are cross-posted across multiple forums, and I can't make a separation. I find the new look to be extremely confusing. I don't mind if you have the cross-posting feature, nor do I mind if someone wants to view the new look, but is there a setting that allows me to view the forums as they used to be?

For example... now, down the left of a page there's a running list of 'Top Commenters'. It takes up real-estate on the page and complicates the visual appeal. I really prefer to just read the thread titles, and open the ones I find interesting... that's it. I really don't need a 2" banner allllllllllllllllllllll the wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy across the top asking me about what I'm 'working on'. If I want to start a thread, I just need a small box - maybe labeled... 'Ask A Question'.

The previous view had the important information in a very small section on the left of the threads. It said where you were; and had links for 'Home Forums', 'Garden Forums', 'All discussions', etc...

The links to the topics that I'm 'following' are fine, but I prefer the 'path' style of topic presentation that used to be above the thread title that told you where you were, and how you got there... GardenWeb > Garden Forums > Soil, Compost Mulch. Now, at the top, are the forums where the thread is cross posted. That may be interesting info for the poster, but completely usless for the reader.

Anyway, some people may find this new layout beneficial, but I find it confusing and it really puts me off wanting to read what I like to read. I'm sure you are trying to integrate forums, and instill a better sense of 'community'. but for me, it does exactly the opposite. Perhaps there can be a Layout Toggle so that those who like the older style can read the forums, and those who like the newer style can be interested in who's the 'Top Commenters ' today, this week, or this month?

Oh, and btw... I had this happen a few months ago and it went away after a time. I don't know if it was something I did to change it back. If so... PLEASE tell me how to go back to viewing pages in the older format. Thank you very much. Oh, and although I am tempted to start a mini-revolt lol, I won't cross-post in every forum on the site. Just Using Houzz. ;-)