You’re talking about the framing. Sorry, I didn’t realize. It’s not among my concerns to the site. Yes, It’s a preference. There are a few main trends regarding framing, I’m on the one against it. Gray on gray refers to the comments section, and any other place where there is a gray background and a “gray” font. It is not an unusual choice, I just don’t find it the best. As an argument, you read articles in a white background, why comments should have gray, aside from structural purposes?
Regarding audience, I kind of disagree. Yes, the audience here is not the same of that of Reddit. And I think this should change. Still I’d like to see a site like this. It literally created its own engine! Which is awesome by the way. I love VulcanJs. Here is an example of what I would like to see on hitting the main page: https://forum.vuejs.org/.
Just for reference, I have 20 years as a developer, and I have been part in maybe hundreds of design discussions, even though I’m a front/back end developer. So, no expert but I’m somewhat on the loop. The changes I propose are a mix of personal choices and experience/research based opinions.
Also, any discussion of familiarity starts with mobile, which I don’t use. My focus is mainly on the 1080p 24inch desktop experience.
I liked YIMBY’s forum organization. It faintly resembles what I had in mind. My city on Twitter has ~600k followers, but barely any discussions.
I’m thinking literally of the concepts of a Forum, or an Agora. A public place where people meet and exchange ideas. The public square made digital. In my mind seems like such a great idea, and then perhaps I should pursuit it. But if it is so great, why isn’t this a thing already?
Perhaps a Facebook for good deeds. So instead of login in to see what you’re 2nd grade teacher ate for breakfast, you will see how your neighbor helped to reduce the energy consumption on her street by reporting to the city hall about a wiring malfunction. The slogan would be something like “What have you done to improve the world today?”
Engaged citizens. “I have installed solar power in my building, done a tone of research, AMA (Ask Me Anything)” or “Have anyone proposed to the mayor what they did in Holland to solve the street animal problem?”
News sites are the closest I can find where people take the time to comment. People can contact local groups that matches their cause, ONGs and charities, but this has many drawbacks and can perhaps be made better with this digital forum.