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Unless I'm logged in, it's impossible to open/scroll through anything - it completely locks up. Fine when logged in / advert free.
Iphone7 plus with no intentions to replace it yet as it does everything else okay.
Unless logged in (and subscribed), it appears that every advertising provider in the world runs on the page. Within less than a minute my laptop fans spin up, which reminds me to log in again.
iPhone 13 here - random reloads and crashes constantly 😟
to be fair its not great on an iphone 13
My Mother In-Law still has an iphone 5. Been ok but last week the pay for parking app for our area changed and won't support the last version of IOS she can install. Interested to see how it plays out 🙂
Supprised Apple have not fusked it before now anyway.
My living room is unusably dark, if I don’t have the light on.
Postingg ont Drac's
iPhone 79 here
and ever
ything is totally ok#.
Even Apple are dropping support for the iPhone 7 in 6 months time. I don't think it's reasonable to expect STW to ensure that your niche device/OS works well on the site
There will be a predatory female along shortly to tell you it's all your fault 😉
I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect STW to ensure that your niche device/OS works well on the site
No problem browsing STW on my Google Pixel 3 flashed with Lineage OS. That's got more niche points I feel. Ergo your argument invalidated 100% :-p
Damn sidetracked, only really came here to gloat about an Apple product not working properly and express my lack of sympathy!
No problem browsing STW on my Google Pixel 3 flashed with Lineage OS. That’s got more niche points I feel. Ergo your argument invalidated 100% :-p
Damn sidetracked, only really came here to gloat about an Apple product not working properly and express my lack of sympathy!
So, how old is the Pixel 3, anyhow? The iPhone 7 was released in 2016, so six years old. I noticed that you’ve played around with the software, something the great majority of phone users, neither know how to do, or care about doing. My iPhone 5, when I replaced it, was six years old, and starting to show its age, as most smartphones do, continued updates of operating systems outgrow the abilities of the hardware to cope.
Of course, there’s a very large number of Android phones shipped with out of date versions of the OS, and which never, ever get upgrades…
Re: the iP7 - it might be worth making sure it’s fully backed up, do a Factory reset and re-install everything, starting fresh. Then set DuckDuckGo as the search in Safari, and install either DuckDuckGo or Firefox, or all of them, and set DuckDuckGo as search on all of them. Don’t use Chrome, and don’t use Google as search.
I haven’t had any significant issues with STW on either my iPhone or my iPad for a few years now, basically because I stopped using Google as search, and use one or other of the suggested browsers. I also use a VPN as well. It completely stopped runaway advertising garbage screwing up the usability of the site, which is why I pay for membership.
Thanks but that sounds like a ballache for a still current device. It works fine for far murkier corners of the internet just not an ad laden STW.
Anyway I've had a moan - carry on as you were
My unfettled Pixel 3 is absolutely fine (logged in).
Edit - it's *ok* logged out, still useable but I'd forgotten just how many ads there were!
/Runs off to buy a 911 and book Vegas
Isn't the simple solution just to log in, it takes a few seconds?
The site isn't pleasant on any device logged out tbh, I always end up logging in
It’s not that niche - I’m in the exact same position! So frustrating to use this forum on iPhone 7 that I don’t bother now…
OP. Are you fed up
Of the constant page refresh and then page death or something else ?
I don’t find ads a problem (non member) it’s just the constant refresh and then death of the site which no one wants to bother to fix
It’s been especially shit for doing this the last few days
In fact surprised I’ve managed to post this
The worst I experienced was my bank telling me that it wasn't going to support it's app on a 3 year old One Plus.
I feel sorry for developers, but tech redundancy is getting increasingly idiotic.
Have to laugh at @countzero, you say
I noticed that you’ve played around with the software, something the great majority of phone users, neither know how to do, or care about doing.
then in the same post go on to tell us
I also use a VPN as well.
which applies equally whilst missing the point that you shouldn't need either the latest hardware or technical workarounds just to browse a forum that, for the user, hasn't functionally changed in about 20 years (like most forums).
Hence:
It completely stopped runaway advertising garbage screwing up the usability of the site, which is why I pay for membership [of a VPN].
Anyway, I'm on a Huawei P10 Lite which is only a year younger, no real issues here using Firefox. It's not helpful, I know, but this is why I avoid Apple and their built in obsolescence, you at least have half a chance with Android.
iPhone 11 Pro here and the site is as described by others, constantly trying to refresh and then it just gives up and I get a message the same as the screenshot above.
Ah, I’m glad it’s not just me..
I was going to post up about it being virtually unusuable on my iPhone 8 but was worried that some older boys would tell me off.
But you know, the ADS! Won’t someone please think of the ADs!! 😇
I had a laugh when I tried to post on my phone (Pixel 3a) - typed a big ol message. Takes me ages with my fat thumbs - got to the bottom and the SUBMIT button was hidden by an ad! Tried everything to move the screen, shrink it, nothing would reveal the button. In the end I tried to hit the teeeny weeeny tiny tinsy little X on the top corner of the ad... ping! Up comes Amazon somethingorother and I completely lost my post, no back button would work.
I know hardi-har that'll teach you for being a non-member! But what about all those potential new users who give up using the site cos it's so crap? Wouldn't they rather they stayed?
iPhone 8 is crashing. Most other websites work so just this forum software being junk as usual
But what about all those potential new users who give up using the site cos it’s so crap? Wouldn’t they rather they stayed?
They're just freeloaders anyway.
Don’t worry, someone from STW or one of their friends will be on soon with a complex IT bod reason why:
A) it’s perfectly normal
B) it’s the users fault
C) they can’t replicate it so we must be wrong
D) we should report it when it happens with a huge essay of how/why/when/device/DOB/height/little finger length/grandmothers maiden name etc which you will never get any feedback from nor see any improvements.
Add to that the usual “well you don’t pay for it so stop complaining” replies and you’ll have the full house soon.
singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/this-forum-is-completely-unusable-on-iphone7/#post-12296778
It seems like hard work on my XR.
Try it on Opera on Android. Mine just comes up with 'forbidden'!
Yes constant freezing and reloading page on iphone 13. Also on the Galaxy S7 i had before but that’s just as old and obsolete as your iphone 7 so we obviously can’t expect them to work.
Mine works fine* on iOS Safari. You just have to know what other apps to install to improve the UX. 🙊
I've said too much. The gestapo are closing in, I can feel it.
*Actually, there are frequent glitches, but it's way better.
Dunno if this is just me…
Previously if I wanted to read the forum (read way more than post these days), I could just read not logged in. If I decided I wanted to post, I’d just log in and do it. Recently, unless logged in, I can’t read new posts, it just loads up to some historical point - decided by god knows what. Which would be fine but of course logging in some days seems to require a new log-in every five minutes. It’s a bit painful.*
*not a whinge, as I don’t pay to use the site. If I was paying for it, I’d be a bit more cheesed off.
I've stopped being bothered by it. If I'm sat on the train I find something else to amuse myself with. I suspect I'm not the only one.
I pay - I want it to work but I won't keep trying forever.
Chrome on MacOS works great
Chrome on newish iPad with iOS 15.3 usually pretty stable
Chrome on iPhone SE 2 with iOS 15.3 complete shambles as described above by the other iPhone users, even when logged on
For the 2 iOS devices, they are sat side by side on the same home wifi and the difference in user experience is staggering.
If I’m sat on the train I find something else to amuse myself with. I suspect I’m not the only one.
Correct - mighty strange business strategy though - "lets piss off potential customers so they go elsewhere"
Of the constant page refresh and then page death or something else ?
Yeah same here. iPhone 12. I’m sure it’s my fault though.
iPhone 11 Pro here and the site is as described by others, constantly trying to refresh and then it just gives up and I get a message the same as the screenshot above.
Ditto.
Also on mac/chrome certain pages, actually I suspect certain adds, max-out the processor, fan starts running and then eventually it locks up and I need to force quit.
XR same experience, dreadful.
Same here , iPhone 13
Censored for recommending a browser that actually solves the op's problem. It's a browser ffs, not an adblocker.
Yes terrible here too, used to think it was my ancient iPhone 5 but just upgraded to a 12. It now just crashes quicker. Not really reading the forum anymore because it’s so bad. Hope they can sort it out.
I just don't get the 'Local News Website' business model of filling a webpage with so many ads it makes it unusable. Seems counter-productive and must drive traffic away.
Try a different browser.
vinnyeh
Full Member
Censored for recommending a browser that actually solves the op’s problem. It’s a browser ffs, not an adblocker.
I can guess which one you mean, a browser based adblocker would be a fair description. 😆
It's fine on a Pixel 6. are the Iphones showing their age?
All fine on my Samsung, just logged out to try the non-sub version and the ads are manageable.
On one hand I can imagine the frustration as Apple devices are essentially 50% of Web users out there but on the other hand my Samsung/Chrome/Brave seems to get by OK.
Yea my post has been removed and a slapped wrist.
Pages constantly crashing on iPhone 12 mini. Clearly my fault though
It’s fine if there’s no ads loading, ie by subscribing 😉
Constantly crashes on my iPhone11 and iPad. It’s been so bad recently I’ve been using pistonheads more and more which is rock solid by comparison. I prefer it here so hope it gets fixed soon, but not worth the bother when it crashes every few minutes.
Try a different browser.
Ah I did realise that STW needed its own ‘special’ browser
I’m happy with the browser I have, which works fine with 99.9999% of websites, in fact apparently all bar one !
Which eludes to the fact it’s STE that’s the issue, not the browser
Strangely not crashed yet in the last 30 seconds of browsing this morning
I pay. It's fine.
In fact, I'll say what I reckon most folks at STW probs want to say but are too polite. If you can't be assed to pay the teeny amount for a site run by mountain bike enthusiasts for mountain bike enthusiasts then who cares if your experience is a bad one, I certainly don't.
Nickc - that does appear to be the attitude of the owners, it’s an odd business model to piss off potential new customers but so be it
I think many of us are actually trying to point out they are loosing revenue by making their website not useable.
I don’t know many business that work on the basis of making your experience so shot you feel compelled to spend money with them 🤣
it’s an odd business model to piss off potential new customers but so be it
The business model is producing a bike magazine that's published every other month. I doubt anyone that's complaining on this thread about how crappy the free model of the supporting website is, is a "new customer"
I think many of us are actually trying to point out they are loosing revenue by making their website not useable.
I'll bet my Sub is more than the revenue they get from people clicking through ads who don't pay a sub, so in many ways I'm subsidising your browsing habit. You're welcome
I don’t know many business that work on the basis of making your experience so shot you feel compelled to spend money with them
Nearly every web version of most newspapers, Nearly all enthusiast magazines, facebook, the list is probably endless
Think I unsubscribed a while back when things stopped working (some other issues)
Will give it another go but I don’t see why the non-paying crew should put up with random crashes and pages reloading etc.
If they’re happy to tolerate adverts saving £2.50 p/m that’s okay with me, but the forum should still stand up okay.
it’s an odd business model
Singletrack is 21 years old now isn’t it? Seems to be working?
but I don’t see why the non-paying crew should put up with random crashes and pages reloading etc.
I don't get those issues, I don't see why I should care that you you do, but aren't prepared to contribute to the upkeep.
What “upkeep”?
What “upkeep”?
Do you think everything here you don’t pay for costs nothing to produce or keep running?
Nearly every web version of most newspapers, Nearly all enthusiast magazines, facebook, the list is probably endless
Not to the same extent by a country mile.
They probably don't host on WordPress though!
Do you think everything here you don’t pay for costs nothing to produce or keep running?
And those costs might be way less if there was no advertising 😬
Same as Haze here, was a subscriber but gave up when things started getting sluggish on my iPhone.
It's almost unusable since, so nothing to even warrant me subscribing again, can't be great to get new subscribers.
Appreciate there is a cost involved to keep the lights on but it's the only forum I visit of about 10 that has these issue as a free member.
I do pay, Just if I want a quick look at the forum join the day on my phone I don't want to have to keep signing in constantly as I've been signed out just for a quick browse.
But as others have mentioned it won't be the site's fault that it crashes it's everyone's phone that's at fault. STW is happy to shove its head in the sand and ignore everyone similar to when people moaned about the new classifies. When people talk about selling stuff now hardly anyone mentions this site it's always Pink Bike, Facebook, or eBay.
I doubt anyone that’s complaining on this thread about how crappy the free model of the supporting website is, is a “potential new customer”
FTFY
I could imagine that if someone surfs across to STW to find out about their new MTB hobby and happens to be using an iPhone they'd go elsewhere and never become a customer. Also that an evil freeloader would surf away before his clicks generated enough ad-sourced bitcoins for the STW politburo, or before he had contributed an informative post about tyres to lure future revenue units - sorry, I mean "valued customers" to the site.
And those costs might be way less if there was no advertising
I think Mark has repeatedly said that it would take something like 8000-10000 subs to keep the site ad free.
Singletrack is 21 years old now isn’t it? Seems to be working?
Except for the last 6 months the website has t worked if you use an iPhone worked fine before that
When ads were brought in here, we were clearly told ads pay for the forum, subscription pays for the magazine content. I don’t like magazine content for reasons I’ve previously stated so why pay for something I don’t want
IMO It's not that they advertise, after all, it's a business they have to make money, it's the amount and type of adverts that crash the site that people are moaning about.
Will give it another go but I don’t see why the non-paying crew should put up with random crashes and pages reloading etc.
If they’re happy to tolerate adverts saving £2.50 p/m that’s okay with me, but the forum should still stand up okay
This. I appreciate the financial challenges of running something like this, but there's no reason the basics of the site shouldn't work as a free member. I've subscribed in the past, currently lapsed, I'm not sure issues with the site are much of a positive encouragement to renew.
Plus the frequent crashes must actually be counter-productive in terms of ad views / click-throughs.
You've all reported the problems you're experiencing, yes?
I think Mark has repeatedly said that it would take something like 8000-10000 subs to keep the site ad free.
I don't remember the cited figure but when Mark told me I remember being astonished at how low it was. I don't think you're a million miles off.
When ads were brought in here, we were clearly told ads pay for the forum, subscription pays for the magazine content.
That's before my time but if true I've never heard that said. I'd be amazed if it were still the case today, ringfencing funds like that makes zero business sense. This is almost the "you don't pay road tax" argument.
I pay, and on the odd occasion I read a mag article it’s great. But mostly I pay to keep the forum going - content provided for free by paying and non paying users.
The drop off in forum activity over the last couple of years has me questioning whether to keep paying though. Surely some of the drop in activity is due to free members not enjoying the ad heavy slow site, so not posting and sticking around? It seems a bit mad that more isn’t done to make the new user experience better, or at least stop making it worse!
I wonder how the conversion rate now compares to a few years back when the forum had higher rates of activity and a better experience for non members?
Well frankly I'm amazed it took as long but nickc got here eventually.
I think Mark has repeatedly said that it would take something like 8000-10000 subs to keep the site ad free.
That being the case, why are you being such an arse about folk who "pay their way" more than someone who doesn't see the ads?
I don’t see why I should care that you you do, but aren’t prepared to contribute to the upkeep.
I don't see why I should care when the forum gets shut down if you're not prepared to push for a better website.
Just remember who the 'freeloaders' are.
Just remember who the ‘freeloaders’ are.
"Freeloaders" aren't the Free Members. The people who run ad blockers and yet still see fit to leap onto every thread whining about how shit everything is, they're the freeloaders and they're a boil on the arse of this site.
STW is a commercial enterprise. The price of membership is either a subscription costing the price of a coffee every month, or to agree to be served advertising which contributes towards keeping the lights on.
“Freeloaders” aren’t the Free Members.
I'd agree with that if the site was remotely useable with ads.
On a desktop, sure, but it is a massive memory hog (I'm running a Ryzen 5 with 16gb RAM and it's STILL a resource hog). On a mobile device all bets are off.
I can't recall anyone objecting to the ads as opposed to the disruption they cause, if they fix that then everyone is happy.
All that aside, it's pretty evident that whilst that's your opinion (which is fair even if I think it's flawed) not everyone agrees hence the inevitable stream of subscribers that come one these threads and tell the free members they have no right to complain.
hence the inevitable stream of subscribers that come one these threads and tell the free members they have no right to complain.
Or alternatively, reveal to them the magical solution to the issues they're always having.
Again: have you all reported it?
I sympathise, I do, and I disagree with the sentiment expressed by some that you should feel obliged to subscribe. The user experience of the forum could be better and I'd love it to be so, but the uncomfortable truth is that the developers are thinly stretched and have a day job. The last time I saw it, the road map for changes for the forum alone was like two years long.
I do however rankle a little at prolific posters who are here day in, day out, who are boasting about how they deny the site the fractions of pence that advertising gains and are encouraging others to do the same. You can't have it both ways.
What's a digital sub, two quid? You wouldn't get a movie rental for that. Should you subscribe because your UX is poor if you don't? Of course not. Should you subscribe because the hours and hours you spend here is worth a nominal contribution? Well...
kelron
Free MemberIt’s fine if there’s no ads loading, ie by subscribing
My experience is that it was still flakey when I was a paid up subscriber. Nothing seemed to be improving, so I stopped paying. Apart from a few more ads, it’s still the same. I don’t run an ad-blocker on my phone FWIW.
Have a look at the Mig Welding or Motorhome Fun forums if anyone wants an example of what decent forum software can be like (you could pick almost any forum and there’s a 90% chance it will function better than this one).
It’s all been said before though…
Have a look at the Mig Welding or Motorhome Fun forums if anyone wants an example of what decent forum software can be like
im willing to bet 50p of anyones money that those forums don’t get anything like the daily traffic this one does, and if they did, they’d fall over.
Motorhome Fun forum
Is that a 'specialist' forum!? 😀🤔
im willing to bet 50p of anyones money that those forums don’t get anything like the daily traffic this one does, and if they did, they’d fall over.
I'm pretty sure they're both roughly similar / higher traffic than here (but I can't find the stats for this forum):
MHF:
Threads: 248,296
Posts: 4,677,336
Members: 54,670
MW:
Threads: 99,058
Messages: 1,888,266
Members: 33,598
I've just noticed that they both use the same Xenforo software - starts at $160.
EDIT: YBW forum is another that just "works" and happens to use the same software:
Threads: 570,052
Messages: 7,881,989
Members: 165,191
Is that a ‘specialist’ forum!? 😀🤔
**VERY** 😉
There’s over half a million threads on here, according to the forum overview
In fact, I’ll say what I reckon most folks at STW probs want to say but are too polite. If you can’t be assed to pay the teeny amount for a site run by mountain bike enthusiasts for mountain bike enthusiasts then who cares if your experience is a bad one, I certainly don’t
The problem is when it’s still awful for paid up members. Who subsequently cancel their membership. Which is what i did.
So yeah, you may not give shit about my experience, but ultimately stw are now without my cash so I’m surprised that they don’t
I’m pretty sure they’re both roughly similar / higher traffic than here (but I can’t find the stats for this forum):
Do any of these forums incorporate a magazine subscription, an online magazine, classifieds and various articles on their subjects. Do they have the same amount of traffic each day?
FYI, I've made some adjustments to our ad delivery to optimise for user experience over revenue. Those changes happened late last night so I'll be monitoring the results to see if we can ease things.
I particular I focused on mobile delivery. eg. I've removed completely the ad at the top of the page on mobile. This one I reckon gets really ignored as we all scroll down pretty instantly - it's also a candidate for the page jumping occasionally while it loads.