It is simply the biggest project I have ever attempted. And that's saying a great deal, because I've attempted a lot. And I am very pleased to say that it is nearing completion. We launch soon.
Fans of GateWorld have been wondering when 2.0 is going to be released. Darren and I were hopeful to launch when the shows return, but at this point that seems unlikely. What is more likely is nearer to the end of the month, but we'll have to see. One thing is certain: We don't wish to short-change Stargate (and GW) fans by releasing something that isn't completely ready for them.
I know there are a few among you who are not pleased we're getting rid of the present interface. But when StarGuide became GateWorld I think everyone realized the benefits of moving forward. I sincerely believe that Web sites which do not change, die. This new interface is slick. It is mean. It is cool. And it is clever. Not to mention, it is entirely CMS-driven. We will no longer have to hand-code everything. This will cut down on time immensly, and will allow us to generate material at (sometimes) 3x the capacity that it is being churned out now.
I, for one, cannot wait to have complete control of my own interviews and (almost) complete control of their release dates. It's something I've wanted to do from Day One, and now I'll finally have that ability. With Darren going back into school, it will become a necessity. We both feel I've become proficient enough in the development phases that this will not be a problem. What does this mean for GateWorlders? More interviews more often. In some ways, more features more often. And we're talking
good stuff on the way.
It is extremely exciting.
Aside from additional sections which I am not willing to spill just yet, current sections have been upgraded [in the new site] and are now busting at the seams. Content we didn't even know was produced long ago has been added, and a lot of it you'll have access to without going to eBay and buying yourself (which you may be inclined to do after the sample, anyway). As for exclusive content currently available on the Web site, I will say that we're changing file types around a little bit to types that are more reliable. We're also looking forward to giving the user more of a voice in the say of what's to come by utilizing more polls that they can vote with.
But what about the interface itself? Well, I will tell you something we've already spilled on the Forum. We're switching from a 3-column layout to 2-column. The left column will be slightly larger (horizontally) than the right one. As one may be able to tell by the little thumbnail, we're keeping with a blue theme, but we're going with multiple shades. We're also making the drop-down menu more compact and sleek. It already handles better than the one on the current site.
One of the big things we wanted to change was the main page. When you visit, we want it to deliver something completely different to you every time you click on it. Several elements will be installed to make your experience as unique as possible.
I think that's all I'm going to say for now. I'm glad I finally had time to drop in and write a new blog, but I really must get back at it. 2.0 won't be released by itself, after all. Fortunately, computers still need us.
David has been a member of GateWorld since early 2003. His interests
include Stargate, Battlestar Galactica, writing, and
multimedia. He is a DJ at a hometown radio station.
Sounds SWEET!!! Can't wait to see the new look. Thanks for the update on the project.
Oh my god, could you be any more vain? Sheesh. A little bit of humor and humility in the written word goes a long way.
"Ah, the most insightful and important post of my life is now complete. I never imagined I would ever have such control of my own posts. This is truly something very special. That's all I'll say for now. I've got to get back to writing these gems. They don't write themselves, you know. Fortunately, posts don't write themselves. Yet."
Sounds great, can't wait to see it all! -shelsfc
Sounds wonderful and exciting. Can't wait to see it. A fresh new look will certainly liven things up. Congratulations on your new "baby".
great blog entry david
capt. mal reynolds
I hope it lives up to expectations, there is nothing worst then building up a lots of hype about something and it turning out really bad.