Result of the AppleVis Pilot Project on Expanding Forum Areas

I understand why these changes were made, and while having all accessibility topics in one place is convenient, I still feel as though these new topics shouldn't fall under the Applevis umbrella; kind-a negates the name of the site in my mind. Maybe set up a sister site and link to that on Applevis? If I'm recommending Applevis to a new Apple user, I worry that they might be confused if they encounter Windows, Android, etc. Still, if the pilot program says differently, then who am I to argue?

Great news it is staying.

Applevis need to change name to reflect the changes. Just calling it applevis is misleading the public since it is no longer just apple products. I understand change is necessary but my issue was that those of us who used it, were not consulted or ask first. We were treated as children, just do it and do not complained. Since is done, and is not going to change, now focus on the name, hope this time we will be ask if the name is change and not just change it without asking.

Hello! I think that the AppleVis resource should be related only to Apple products. Leave everything as it is now. Since for other operating systems and devices, such as Android, Windows, etc., there are probably their own resources or will be in the future. Therefore, I would like this resource to be related only to Apple products.
Thanks!

I'm glad everything is staying!

This is excellent news. I'm sorry you have had to endure the backlash too. it's really not fair when you're trying to meet the needs of users as a whole.

I quite like it with the varied form topics. I find it to be a very quick and efficient one stop shop for all my questions and updates

This is an apple forum! It does an excellent job. It should be for only apple products. Create a sister site for those other products but this site should stay apple related only!

Adil with all due respect, I find your opinion to be rather close minded. Individuals should have the opportunity to discuss other forms of technology besides Apple products. And as of now they may not have another place to do so. hi for one welcome the change and the inclusivity

Interesting to note that some of those critical above about this decision have themselves posted to these new forums.

Just saying 🤷

Thumbs up to this decision from me, though.

I've only recently joined but I do quite like the fact that other technology is talked about here. I also think that it gives people who may not have had access to those conversations a chance to find out about up and coming technology, the discussion about glidance being a great example.
Can't please everyone though, I suppose.

Guys why re-hash this again. Those against are the same people and we know their thoughts on this. Pointless stating them again. Oh and correct, a bit disingenuous to rubbish the idea when you have used this new format directly.

My issue with this is that we were not even ask if we wanted this or given the chance to provide our view. Just like dominating parents telling the kids do what I said and be silent. Now is done and change of name needed. Hope this time they will ask and not do it.

It is very encouraging to see that, while the scope of AppleVis will remain the same, the Editorial Team understands and acknowledges the significance of giving its members a stand-alone place to discuss and debate on a variety of topics that do not necessarily fall within the realm of Apple products. I, for one, am very excited to interact with and debate on future posts that are outside the scope of Apple, and yet also grateful to have a dedicated place to discuss the one thing that has brought all of us together to begin with; Apple and its related products.

Since March, these non-Apple forums have become extremely popular with the majority of the members here at AppleVis, and regardless of some of the negativity the Editorial Team has (or will have) received, I strongly feel that the sheer number of posts in said forums should speak for the validity of their respective categories.

So hats off to AppleVis for allowing our little corner of the interwebs to expand and grow in new and exciting directions. Thank you for allowing us a place to discuss our issues, voice our concerns, and praise our successes as we engage in this all-inclusive AppleVis experience. I will close by expressing how pleased I am to have read the original post of this thread, and am looking forward to AppleVis's continued growth and success.

Thank you, that is all. 😎

I am glad that AppleVis Pilot has concluded positive addition to the forum. That’s great. As a blind person I find it frustrating that there is no site to offer support with competent team of contributors and building on the success of AppleVis and the expertise over the years to start supporting other operating systems and other hardware other than Apple is such great approach.
Again, thanks for such great news.

Hello. While apple products remain the primary focus of discussions on this site; I am glad about the new addition. Congrats again. :)

I think it is great news that the new forum areas will be staying. Some people seem to be concerned that AppleVis will not focus on Apple, but I don't see this as an issue. I think there is enough separation between the new forums and the Apple content. If you don't want to see the new forums, just ignore that heading. It really is as simple as that. As far as changing the name of the site is concerned, I believe that is totally unnecessary. We all know this is an Apple site and that the content is mostly Apple related. The part of the site dedicated to other content is quite small compared to the rest of the site. I think changing the name of the site would serve no purpose and would only cause more confusion in the long run.

Awesome that the new forem topics are staying

As for the name of the site it really doesnt matter what it is to me

Have a good rest of your day

I think this has been a very welcome addition to Applevis. I don't quite understand the objections. As far as I can tell it has had no negative impact on the site - it is still predominantly Apple but I've enjoyed reading and participating in the other discussions and think they add a lot of value. As has been said loads of times already, if you don't like them, then they are very, very easy to ignore.

My feeling is that we are all here because we use Apple products of one kind or another. But I'm sure most of us use tech beyond Apple.

Having everything in one place is great. The name Applevis still makes sense to me, but even so, it's just a name. What's important is the value it has to us, and I for one love this site and find it incredibly valuable.

Thanks to the Gods of Applevis for all they do - long may it continue.

I appreciate the AppleVis illuminati and the care and thought that went into this decision. I feel it's the right one.

Can I put in a plug for Linux? I'm sure most of the non-Apple discussion revolves around Windows, Android, and SkyNet's new Terminator 2 AR glasses. But I run a LAMP web server hosting Wordpress sites, and aside from AbleTec's WP4Newbs list, there are few places for blind admins to discuss this stuff.

Keep up the great work, folks. I'm proud to be a member of this community.

It is sad, but it is not mine to decide. I usually try to scroll past the non-Apple posts as fast as I could so that I don’t need to see them. I agree that other technology is important as well but we have lots of resources available and there should be different websites for those topics. Sad that AppleVis is loosing its original value.

The non-apple posts are at the bottom of the page so you don't have to scroll by them at all. Our wise overlords are wise indeed. :)

I quite welcome the new changes and additions to the forums! Great stuff! Thing is, yall wanted this, yall got it and now some of you don't want it? What's the fuss! I really don't understand!

This feature was just implemented and no one asked if we want it or not.
Yes, you can see Apple posts so that you don’t need to scroll, but you still need to scroll past non-Apple posts when you want to see recommendations and things like that

Yes, of course it can be done on MacBook as well, but I am using iPhone sometimes for the website as well

At this point nobody should be surprised I'm happy about the changes so I won't rehash all that. I do wonder if moving the non-apple stuff to the very bottom of the page, rather than between the apple forum posts and trending stuff/app recommendations might help some of the folks scrolling through on mobile who just want Apple stuff? I feel like that would be going well above and beyond accessibility needs or basic usability concerns but it might be helpful just based on what I'm reading here.
The main thing I wanted to say though is I'd love a Linux sub forum. I'm not really a mailing list guy and that seems to be where most of the blind linux folks talk shop.

I wholeheartedly support AppleVis's decision to broaden its forum topics beyond exclusively Apple-centric discussions. In today's interconnected technological landscape, this move reflects a keen understanding of the evolving nature of our digital ecosystems.

Some community members have expressed concerns, preferring to maintain AppleVis's traditional focus on Apple products. Their perspective is understandable; after all, the site has built its reputation as a premier resource for Apple accessibility, offering invaluable insights for users with disabilities. There's a valid argument that diluting this focus might compromise the depth and quality of Apple-specific content.

However, I believe these concerns, while well-intentioned, overlook the significant shifts in our technological environment. Today's tech world is increasingly collaborative and interoperable. Consider, for instance, the ability to run Windows on Mac computers through Boot Camp or virtualization software like Parallels. This cross-platform functionality means that many Mac users are also Windows users, making discussions about Windows accessibility directly relevant to their experience.

Moreover, accessibility features are no longer siloed within individual operating systems. Many concepts and technologies span across platforms. VoiceOver on macOS shares similarities with screen readers on Windows or Linux, and understanding one can enhance proficiency with another. Similarly, switch control, voice commands, and other assistive technologies often have counterparts across different systems.

The rise of cloud-based services and web applications further blurs the lines between platforms. Whether you're using Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, or Dropbox, the experience is largely consistent across macOS, Windows, or Chrome OS. Discussing accessibility in these platform-agnostic tools benefits all users, regardless of their primary operating system.

Furthermore, many Apple users don't live in an Apple-only world. They might use an iPhone but prefer a Windows PC, or love their MacBook but choose an Android tablet. In such mixed-device setups, having a holistic understanding of accessibility across all their devices is crucial.

By opening up to broader tech discussions, AppleVis isn't just accommodating this reality—it's embracing it. This expansion will enrich the community's knowledge base, offering insights into universal design principles, emerging assistive technologies, and cross-platform solutions. For newcomers, especially those transitioning from other systems, this inclusive approach provides a softer landing, allowing them to connect their existing knowledge with Apple's unique accessibility features.

Being open-minded in this context isn't just a nicety; it's a necessity. Technology is a fast-evolving field where collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas drive innovation. Apple itself has adopted features first seen on other platforms, just as its innovations have inspired changes elsewhere. By fostering a more inclusive dialogue, AppleVis positions itself not just as an Apple resource, but as a thought leader in the broader accessibility community.

This doesn't mean abandoning AppleVis's core mission. Apple-focused content will undoubtedly remain its cornerstone. But by widening its scope, the site ensures its community stays informed, adaptable, and engaged in the full spectrum of accessibility advancements.

In conclusion, while I respect the views of those who prefer a narrower focus, I believe AppleVis's decision is both timely and strategic. In our interconnected digital age, being open to diverse tech discussions isn't a distraction—it's an enhancement. It equips members with a richer, more holistic understanding of accessibility, preparing them for whatever technological future lies ahead. After all, in the realm of technology, closed-mindedness rarely leads to progress. Instead, it's openness, curiosity, and collaboration that pave the way for more inclusive, accessible digital experiences for all.

This is layedout nicely

Just change roter or reading controls to heddings and swipe down

Its really that simple

I would had not minded if they did but I would like had shown me and us some respect and consideration as user of the web info. Well if they are going to change the name to reflect the new change, hope they ask first. I am curious what Apple would said if they knew that the web page that is suppose to focus on everything apple, change to add other tech.

It's not their site and whilst I may have disagreed with the owners from time to time, it's their site and they can do what they like.

It's like with youtube, we may not like the changes but there's not much we can do.

As for these changes, I'm all for it, as cris pointed out, everything these days is interconnected, you can either move with the times or try your best to stay in the past.

I do understand what holger is saying though, it would have been nice if we could have put it to a vote or something.

Although I guess we did with the last beta post by agreeing that we liked the idea.

I mean if it hadn't taken off, probably it wouldn't have been permenantly implemented. How much bureaucracy is too much? At that point we would have a vote to see if the pilot project is a good idea, followed by the pilot project, followed by where we are now. It's only one extra step at this point but where would it stop?
As for the website changing its name, IMO that wouldn't make much sense. As many people have said the primary focus of applevis is still apple products. I feel that adding extra does not take away from this; while in fact eventually making it easier for newcomers to the space to find information. Really people have been going around the edges of this rule on applevis for years anyways; not that saying that justifies this change by itself.

We could all go back to the tried and true, universally accessible, non-buggy piece of hardware known as. . ., the abacus! The website could potentially be re-branded as, "AbacusVis", and we could discuss and debate the merits, limitations, and overall usability of the mighty AbacusOS(tm). 😀😃👍🤣

I think the AppleVis editorial team did a great job of beta testing the new system and evaluating the results.

Although I can understand people who would prefer AppleVis to be only related to Apple products, the reality is that most of us use a mix of technology solutions in our lives. Thus it is nice to have related material in one spot that one routinely checks in with rather than having to navigate all over the web to keep up to date.

considering that this is primarily a forum for discussing Apple products, however, it is nice that the non-Apple related discussions are not mixed in with the Apple related posts and are isolated to their own section. As a nice feature, it is easy to navigate to the non-Apple related discussions if one wants to go there. Great implementation.

one more point: The other advantage to having non-Apple related discussions on this forum is that it makes comparisons of other solutions easier. This not only makes people aware of other potential solutions and ways of doing things, but can also improve what we see from Apple by seeing what other ideas other technologies are using. Thus it is an easy way of doing something like competitive benchmarking that may potentially improve Apple products.

Oh yes, one more thing. I would not change the name AppleVis. My reasoning is that:
1. This really is primarily an Apple related forum, and
2. There is a lot to be said for branding. If the name is changed, people will be confused and new people may not know how to find this valueable resource.

Anyway, great idea and great job pulling it off. Keep up the good work.

--Pete

I quietly wait to see what might come of Linux as a topic.

We should have included mention of the suggestions from the community for additional forum areas like Linux and console gaming in the original announcement post. That was an oversight on my part. I've now added the following paragraph to address it:

Some community members requested expanding the forums even further by adding areas such as Linux and console gaming. When evaluating these suggestions, we took into account factors such as how well such additional areas would fit the existing scope of AppleVis and complement the new extended forum areas, the potential usage levels, and the risk of overextending our resources. We were also very conscious of the reservations voiced by some members about the proposed expansion. While we appreciate these suggestions and the interests they represent, we have decided that now is not the right time to pursue additional expansions beyond those originally proposed. We remain open to revisiting additional expansions in the future, but for now, our priority is ensuring the successful integration of the current new areas while respecting our roots and maintaining our core mission.

I think that if you look at Mac Rumours, for example, it isn't specific to apple products any more. It's aware of it's visitor's interests and has expanded accordingly. things can expand beyond their name.

Is it possible to provide rss feeds for the new sections. Sorry if they are already in place. Thanks

I know AppleVis has a news letter, but a RSS Feed would be beneficial as well. 🙂

Added my favorites to my Read Feeds add-on for NVDA.

Thanks, AppleVis! 😀

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" In this case, you have NOT broken it. You have enhanced it! Good work, good decision. Keep up the good work.