Forum:FloatingToolbar

I'd like to have some input on whether the FloatingToolbar gadget should be enabled by default. Having a gadget enabled by default means that registered users who dislike it can still disable it via their preferences, but it's originally enabled until disabled.

Basically there are three options to consider:
 * Enable it by default for everyone (including anons). Anons would not be able to disable it (only hide it) since they naturally do not have access to the preferences.
 * Enable it by default only for registered users.
 * Do not enable it by default.

The reason why I'm suggesting this is that I think the toolbar is a useful addition which makes editing easier. It provides permanent access to all page actions and toolbox options no matter how far you've scrolled down the page. It also features a "back to top" button which allows users to quickly get back to the site navigation and search.

I didn't make it site default originally because I know that some people find fixed page elements rather annoying, and prior to MW 1.18 (which added default-on gadgets) there wouldn't have been an easy way for these people to turn the toolbar off. I've also added a new feature to the toolbar which allows users to hide the toolbar without disabling it; upon clicking a button, the main toolbar is collapsed and leaves only the "unhide" and "back to top buttons which do not obscure any page content. I feel this also alleviates these concerns somewhat.

Feedback appreciated :) Enable it by default for everyone, enable it by default for registered users only, do not enable it by default? -- Porter21 (talk) 08:40, 30 March 2012 (UTC)

The toolbar looks nice, and I will definitely use it. I can't speak for the preferences of other editors though, so I don't have any opinion of whether it should be the default for logged-in viewers. However, I suggest not having it visible for anons. In my experience, when I visit an unfamiliar site that has a bottom floating toolbar, I view it as intrusive advertising. Even though this toolbar is purely functional, it might give random visitors that wrong impression. --Gardimuer 14:06, 2 April 2012 (UTC)


 * Porter, you are a marvel. The only thing the old site had up on us is no longer an iddue with this addition, and it looks better too. Thanks ever so much, this will be extremely useful :). As for the enabling, I think it would be best to enable it by default for those who are registered, as it's safe to assume that they will be mildly less casual editors. GuardianoftheWastesTag.pngUser Avatar talk.png 17:40, 2 April 2012 (UTC)
 * I suggest that, if possible, it be made the same colour as the bar over the banner, because at the moment they are noticably different colours. If not, could you not change the banner-bar to fit the floating one? GuardianoftheWastesTag.pngUser Avatar talk.png 17:42, 2 April 2012 (UTC)


 * I already posted on your talk page, but I might as well post here for all to see. I am for registered users to have it set as a default. But I am on the fence for anons at present. And GW, what do you mean the same color, they both use the same background image. User avatar tag.gifUser Avatar talk.png 20:05, 5 April 2012 (UTC)


 * The top bar over the banner is browner in colour, my editing software is picking that up too... Not sure why if you say they are the same, but they aren't coming out the same my end. -- GOTW '''User 20:11, 5 April 2012 (UTC)


 * Had a dig around and the only thing I can see is there is a different grey used as the background color, but that resides under the image and you shouldn't be able to see it, unless the image isn't loading for you. I shall change them to match and see if that cures your problem. User avatar tag.gifUser Avatar talk.png 20:21, 5 April 2012 (UTC)
 * Try it now - it will need a hard refresh, if you are still having an issue with it, send me an image to my talk page plus the specs of your browser. User avatar tag.gifUser Avatar talk.png 20:26, 5 April 2012 (UTC)
 * Well, there's a reason I used two different greys - it's because of the difference in the background-image's positioning (top vs bottom). I've adapted that now. Like GA, I can't really see how that would have resulted in a visual differences unless the background image doesn't load. I'd need a screenshot and info on what browser you're using to look into it. -- Porter21 (talk) 09:01, 17 April 2012 (UTC)

Forgot to add, this has been resolved in chat. Seems someone had the screen angled, which was causing the issue =D 09:44, 17 April 2012 (UTC)

Thanks for the feedback. It seems the consensus is to enable the FloatingToolbar for registered users by default, so I've done that. Regarding anons, there is another option which I forgot to mention: It could be enabled for them by default, but initially hidden/collapsed (i.e. only the "back to top" and "show toolbar" buttons would be shown until anons intentionally "unhide" the toolbar). Not sure whether that changes people's opinions; just wanted to throw it out there. -- Porter21 (talk) 09:01, 17 April 2012 (UTC)