Does anyone know if there is a way to re-order the column on the left side of the web page, and if so how? Would like to move the shoutbox closer to the top etc.

If you move the mouse cursor over the coloured header above the shoutbox, it changes to a crossed-arrows cursor and you can drag the shoutbox to another place by pressing the left mouse button. If you keep the button pressed and move the cursor to the upper screen border, the entire column gets scrolled. Now drop the shoutbox where you want it.

Gruß,
Gundolf