Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes (an Open Floor)
Over the next few months (give or take) I’m going to be working behind the scenes, as time permits, on The Loss Column 2.0. I’m planning to revamp the design and institute some new functionality that should, hopefully, make the site a little more flexible and even more comfortable and easy to use.
I’m looking into having live comment updating (no refresh), for one. I’m exploring the possibility of having selected commenters be able to register, which would give them maybe an avatar and/or a profile and maybe some editing priveleges, things like that. I’m looking at a new system for replying, where you can click someone’s comment and the site will automatically add an “@soandso” link (similar to the way Twitter works). I’m going to rewrite the “about” page to more accurately reflect what we’ve become and, more importantly, where we’re going.
I’m still planning on keeping the same basic layout (content left, links right) and a similar color scheme (the green/orange will still be around). The new version will hopefully still feel basically the same.
Nothing’s set in stone yet, though, so here’s what I’d like to know: if you had control over the site, what would you (a) do and (b) definitely not do? I’m open to literally any suggestion. Not saying I’ll take every one, but I’d really like to hear them.
Give it a bit of thought when you get a moment, then lemme know. We’re getting bigger and better all the time, mostly due to all of you. So, thanks.
New site banner. I would’ve changed it a long time ago.
http://www.robertmcclintock.com/baltimoreseen.html
I’ve always loved Robert McClintock’s work, maybe you could find a nice panorama that matches the color scheme of your site?
I totally agree on the banner, and that’s definitely going to change. I’ve actually already got something in the works that I think everyone will be very pleased with.
How about a sidebar where we can put up running tally stuff like season predictions, playoff predictions, upcoming opponents for our various teams, milestone countdowns…stuff like that.
i like the ideas mentioned above
good stuff. what about the endorsements page? anything we can add there?
i dunno, there’s not a whole lot to do better, really, besides what’s been mentioned.
I like the idea of a constant endorsements open thread. I’m always looking for new books, movies, and music (Borders(R)!), not to mention food and tv shows and sportswear, etc. etc. etc.
Hey, Andrew, email me directly about that sidebar idea. I’m not sure exactly what you mean, and I’m not sure if I can do it, but it’s intriguing.
I also like the idea of the “endorsements” becoming more of a thing. That was always kind of the idea but it got lost in the shuffle. It’d be cool to give everyone a chance to mention the things that they’re into but which don’t fall neatly into any of the day-to-day threads. I’ll definitely work on that.
I’m leaning in the direction of a three-column layout where the content is in the middle and we have sidebars on the left and right. I’m also thinking of having the background be all white instead of green, to give it a more open feel. Any thoughts on those ideas?
I dig.
Just as long as it’s not too cluttered, I guess. I find that to be a problem with sites like camdenchat and orioleshangout. There’s a cleanness to this site that attracted me from the get go, which also fits with the content and vibe of the site.
Believe me, I hate cluttered web pages. No worries on that.
I’ve already got the seeds of the new design planted and I really think it’s going to be a hit. In particular I can’t wait to unveil the new header. I’ll probably be asking a handful of you for some beta testing, so to speak, if you’re up for it. Maybe in a few weeks or so.