expected behavior on switching layout

[prabhat.jha]

When you switch from 3 column layout to say 1 column layout, we show the portlets in center column which I think is a good default behavior. Although we don't show the other two columns, the portlets in that column are still operational in terms of rendering.

1. Should we not give a warning to the user/admin when changing layout where information gets hidden?

2. If we keep this approach, should not our rendering logic be smart not to go through the render call?

[pmn92]

If I understand correctly the change of layout is effective until next change, it's a configuration change by an admin.

There is also a need for a much more dynamic approach where a portlet requires entering in a complex mode with specific layout in the page. It is unclear whether or not any version will support that.

Generally speaking it is hard to understand the layout feature without any white paper - it deals with region decoration, portlet decoration and requires other things such as sizes and resize features, autofit etc...

my 2 cents dear fellows