Default Theme Update - June 8, 2024

It looks fine except that a background image is visible at the sides on the PC screen and the content is narrowed correspondingly. This gives the weird appearance as if the window was reduced in size and the background image was the wallpaper on my PC.

1920 x 1080

To be honest, I find the background images all a bit dark and gloomy…I can see how they all have a stark, rough beauty, but freezing temperatures, rocks and the raw forces of nature aren't the setting I calm down in and start to philosophise, if you see what I mean? To me, those pictures and colour themes convey more of an adventure/expedition setting than a garden setting.

I've changed the settings to the “Dark Theme” of the “Default Wotlab Style”, which is essentially a black blank page, and works for me. But in the interest of growing the community, if it were up to me, I'd change the default background image to something cozy, like a summer landscape, something warm, soft, gentle. (I'd also keep the default colour theme light; I think I am in the minority with my preference for dark themes – and I mostly prefer them for practical reasons, less for aesthetic ones (less glare in dark rooms, less impact on my sleep cycle).) There's a reason why feel-good advertisements (vacations, credit cards, various drinks, …) look so much alike: they use colour palettes and scenes which are typically closely associated with pleasure

If the major philosophies each were to be represented in a single photograph (and the corresponding colour palette), which choice would best say "Epicurean"?

Quote from Julia

To be honest, I find the background images all a bit dark and gloomy…I can see how they all have a stark, rough beauty, but freezing temperatures, rocks and the raw forces of nature aren't the setting I calm down in and start to philosophise, if you see what I mean? To me, those pictures and colour themes convey more of an adventure/expedition setting than a garden setting.

Thank you for saying that, because I totally agree.

And I could chalk this up to various temperament differences (and as would be reflected in choices for website design) and then this would also reflect how Epicurean "pleasure" is understood and experienced (with an emphasis put on either intellectual for some and physical/bodily for others). I was attempting to explore this over at this thread (hadn't yet posted about temperament) and it seems that here on the forum individuals vary as to how they approach "pleasure" based on how they define it, grasp it, and to what they are attracted.

Ultimately for myself I'd choose that which reflects bliss, joy, fun, and "heaven on earth", and a society of friendship.

And yet, there is philosophy which is intellectual, so perhaps there is more to consider about how to proceed with the integration of the body and the mind. Also, there is that which is open, soft, and receiving, and that which is bold, tough, and aggressive...which can be part of temperament -- and also we must acknowlede the encultured ideas of "feminine" and "masculine".

Quote from Julia

If the major philosophies each were to be represented in a single photograph (and the corresponding colour palette), which choice would best say "Epicurean"?

These two images could be a good choice both for color palette and a background image, because it is somewhat neutral but represents the Epicurean philosophy:

(From Lucretius De Rerum Natura - wikipedia)

And this second one from the Wall of Diogenes of Oinoanda:

Quote from Julia

But in the interest of growing the community

Yes, and I want to put a vote in for deleting the the rocks/ocean themes, and instead going with more neutral colors in a default light theme.

Perhaps we could set up these options (have only four options):

1. Default light neutral theme

2. Dark neutral theme

4. Greek lettering or De Rerum Natura theme

3. Epicurean garden theme (olive trees, blue sky, and sunshine)

This image comes immediately to mind for Epicurean philosophy, although I haven't analyzed the imagery in detail.

Personally I use a dark theme as I find it easier on the eyes.

FYI

The Birth of Venus - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

I didn't even look at the context before I posted this link. Maybe as an Epicurean image, but not as a background.

Birth of Venus could serve as a model for a less neutral color palette, although Kalosyni 's images and palettes above in #6 are quite nice.

Friends, I am baffled. I mean. Speechless! You're all wrong!

The background image has to be piles upon piles of rare delicacies and choice wines!

Cassius thank you for all your time in creating and maintaining this site! Since you installed the new website upgrade (which was at the end of 2023?) and I would guess that the theme background images somehow slipped "into the background" compared to all the other more pressing issues (there is so much going on here with text content and moderation, and the podcast, etc).

Now I am super excited by the realization of the ability to customize the themes, looking forward to further helping out with process. I am sure that we all want the forum to look inviting for visitors and members alike.

I've started working on a possible theme option, and it should be available for signed in members, although the new background will only show up for laptop and tablet views (not cell phones). It is a work in progress still with some tweeking still needed...to try the new theme click on "Kalosyni Ambiance Blue" under the change style option.

Here is a screenshot of a new website theme (I mentioned in previous post), and the logo needs a blue box behind it so that it will show up better (plus other image adjustments).

Quote from Kalosyni

to try the new theme click on "Kalosyni Ambiance Blue" under the change style option.

Doesn't seem to show up for me? I can see the plain "Ambience Blue" (which looks different) but no theme that mentions your name, Kalosyni? Having customs themes like that sounds like a great way to discuss which way to go thank you

Not visible to me.

I do see it--between 'Aspire Red' and 'Modern Flat UI'.

I think it's Inspire Red; in my list there's nothing between that and Modern Flat UI.