QUOTE (RussellWestcott @ May 3 2010, 07:50 PM) To build upon what Ray stated earlier.
We have been working on a new forum, for what seems like... years, and we are getting closer. We are the point after this next round of beta testing we should be in the position to pick our transition and go live date.
This has proven to be a bigger task than we first imagined (you would be surprised at the length of the critical path just to transition 9,800 users and over 83,000 posts, with only minimal interruption to the service), but we want to make sure it is right and a substantial improvement for the REIN community. MyREINspace.com is already the premiere Canadian discussion forum (because of you the members of the community), and we are going to raise the bar with the next version.
I have just seen the latest version of the design and layout, and the first thing I can say is it is going to be easier to read, and navigate around.
Couple of additions, and functional benefits to you the user:
- Full control of the site - Any issues, can now be fixed right away, instead of waiting.. why is this important to you? Right now the site is hosted elsewhere and we are held captive to the parameters of the current hosting company (and IPS Powerboard software). We will be hosting this site on our own servers and will have full control to the site to make changes as required.
- Read ability - Ability to change the view on how you read the forums, (e.g. latest post first), or vice versa, you will have greater flexibility in how you would like to customize your experience
- Speed - The Community site will be using the latest .net Microsoft Technology. We are migrating over to the Community Server platform, this is the platform that many of the large companies use to run there community sites (for example, P&G, EA sports, Microsoft, Dell etc. you can see the communities that use this ... click here. Important to you, because this is a top of the line software that can handle your requirements.
- Search engine friendly - The search function will be greatly improved... this is one of the reasons for the delay in the launch. We wanted to get this function right, and delayed launching until it delivers.Updated Download Section - This section will be sorted, and improved for you... Easy to download post meeting packages and bonus audio programs Glossary - Look Up Any Term without leaving the site
and much much more
Couple Surprise Features For the second wave (after launch)
Social network Tie In - Users will have ability to ad their favorite posts on facebook, twitter and many more social networksREIN Member Blogs - REIN members can have your own Blog on myreinspace.com, as part of your membership.
I could go on but we still have some work to do to get this ready, and we are busy focused on getting this ready.
If anyone would like to have your say on the improvements to the new site, we are still accepting beta testers. If you would like to beta test the new myREINspace.com, please send us an email
here
Stay tuned for the formal announcement of the day the new site goes live, including all the benefits and training videos at your fingertips
Hi Russell and Ray,
Looking forward to the new updates.
The Social Media Tie in and the Member Blog section sounds awesome!
Best Regards,
Neil.