So…How Are We Doing?
While trying to throw together a review and a recap for a fantastic episode, not to mention planning filler to publish during the week long hiatus, I’m also getting around to some business that’s been on the to do list for a while, but will be worked on soon.
While I’m constantly tweaking the site, I’ve already told the hubby/technical adminstrator its time for some improvements. There are just some things about the site’s template I’m not happy with. Sure, I’m told that what sells sites is content quality, and we won’t be losing that, but I’m all about the user friendly interface. After all, part of that comes from my day job.
Here’s my goal:
- Better access to the archives. Let’s face it, the search interface is a joke. I’m hoping that when you click on a category, a list of articles and a description will display. There are too many good articles with great analysis getting buried here. We’ll see if we can pull that off.
- More opportunity for user interaction. How will I do that? No idea. Any suggestions?
- Fixing the template so that when you click on an article, it doesn’t get buried under the “Latest Articles,” “Follow Us,” and “Latest Comments” section. You should only see the article in the middle section and nothing else.
- A section that lists all the new entries of interest to other blogs as well as my other blogs. “TV For The Rest of Us” will get a relaunch soon, and it will have postings about other TV shows at least three times a week. It will that is if I have time to fix it!
So, how are we doing? You enjoying the site? What more on this site would you like to see? Do you like the polls? Do you like the video clips? Do the lengthy recaps entertain or annoy you? Is the perfect balance in the type of articles being achieved here?
Be candid, and you can post in comments or just send me a message in the “Contact Us” section. Or go ahead, say nothing. That means I’ll end up doing what my mad scientist brain comes up with. 
I love all the features the site currently has, polls and videos and all, but I do agree that the overall layout needs some help.
I second the motion for more user interaction. The only thing I can think of is a C-box, like some people have in their blogs, but I’m not sure if that’ll cut it? But definitely do NOT set up a forum, because it’ll be much too removed from all the action here (I’ve seen this happen many times on other sites).
Another thing is the comments. I’m pretty sure you’ve heard about this enough times so I won’t add anything else. Oh and the archives…yep, they should be more visible/accessible. The banner/header is awesome as it is, I vote for that not to change.
Hmm..what else, what else? Well I’ll make more noise if I can think of anything else
Hi Alice,
I can imagine how important it is to fill the long weeks of hiatus – how will it be? About six weeks, right? This is cruel. I have been thinking about that, too, but fortunately in my line of work the upcoming weeks are the probably hardest of the year. Christmas approaching is a problem in many ways, and in private we’re in the middle of relocating, but the apartment isn’t finished yet, so I’ll have plenty to do to keep my mind off things, meaning off Supernatural. Don’t believe it will work, though. But I’ll get my regular doses – I introduced a dear friend to the show and we keep watching from season one, which is great fun to actually watch it with someone who discovers the all those facets we love for the first time.
I like your site a lot, but I have to admit I am not the person you would call to solve a computer problem. But I’ve been relieved when your hubby made it easier to access the articles I wasn’t able to open. I love the arcticles, especially the lengthy ones, I always enjoy a highly creative outpour. It’s entertaining, thought provoking (although I sometimes think: do we – as fans – think a bit too much about the whole stuff?), and it’s all done with a twinkle. We’re not taking it all toooooooooo seriously, which is a hopeful idea.
I was wondering – and this might be a really silly question – when we, the guests, read an older article and comment on it – are you actually able to follow, I mean do you get any kind of sign that someone added a comment?
I’m amazed who you keep track off all here. How do you make the time to do all that?
I cannot really contribute reasonable ideas at this point on how to achieve what you would like, simple because I am no expert in the matter. You need help with a trauma survivor? I’m your gal. But with circuits trauma I need to strike sail. I’ve become a fan of this site. I’m one of the loyal kind. I’d like to encourage you – whatever changes you will bring in, I’m sure many of us, including me, of course, will accept them and thank you for making it even more fun to go to your site and discuss our favourite show.
As the French say: ‘Courage!’ , Best wishes, Jas
Jasminka…aren’t Supernatural fans, in a way, trauma survivors ourselves? 😉
Hiya Alice.
Enjoying the site as usual 🙂 Your articles are the funniest and insightful ones and I love reading your take our Show. And the other writers too have their own unique way of writing. Every piece here is an interesting read.
I’m not really that dissatisfied with anything, as long as the articles show on my screen, I’m happy as a camper. So keep up the good work and *thank you* for mastering and contibuting and commenting and and and.. This site is a gem, truly. And one of the few places where there’s no bashing involved and quite an honest bi-bro -feel to it.
And thanks for you hubby too for the tech-support (this is Sam, *gleee*) Sorry, had to do it :geek:
Hi Alice!
We’re not a very demanding group as long you and the others keep giving us great articles (and so you know lengthy is good!) to read we’re all happy campers 😀 so any improvements you come up to will be welcome!
I only have problem with the comments sometimes is really hard to post one, examples? Well last friday night after I saw this weak ep I try to post my thoughts and after the 10th time “You’ve enter the wrong verification word” I gave up trying to post, really hope I can post this one today *crosses fingers*
As for suggestions I’m going with Narcissus on the C-box, it would be fun to “talk” with everyone “real time” instead of using the comments area. But like I said anything you and the hubby come up with will be welcome!
I like everything that way it is now, and the lengthier the articles, the better I like it.
The only problem is trying to post a comment as Dany says. It usually takes 2, 3 or 4 tries before it accepts my comment. And I know I’m not typing it incorrectly.
Anyway, this is my favourite site for my favourite show.
Hi Narcissus,
maybe we are. I suppose you’re referring to surviving long weeks of hiatus and stories that leave us knee (or thigh-) deep in Kleenex?
If this were the only trauma existing on the planet, we’d be blessed.
Best wishes, Jas
I love the site, Alice, and I want to thank you and your contributors for keeping me entertained during the summer hiatus. I’m already gnawing my fingernails thinking about another six weeks without a new episode!
My only suggestion would be to change the color scheme of the site. I find reading the white text on the charcoal background to be very difficult on my eyes. I usually have to take breaks when reading long articles on the site.
Hi Alice – I love the site as is. I’m not all that technically savy so whatever you do is fine. I actually prefer the shorter comments that people make here as compared to the ramblings on some of the forums. I’ve never had a problem posting.
I love your top ten lists – we need more!
Love the funny articles – Sam’s hair, name Sam’s shirt, Dean is a feminist, etc. – such an interesting take on the show.
Keep up the great work!
Jas – that’s exactly it 🙂
LOVE THIS SITE. My favorite place for my favorite show. Maybe you can give us some ideas of what your looking for it article for the hiatus.
Keep up the good work!
Dany hit on one problem that I’ve had, namely that the site doesn’t always recognize my sign-in, or it’ll boot me out after I’ve already logged in. Given that us dudes seem to make up about 0.7% of the readership here, it’s not the end of the world. 😎
Hi Alice
The ability to design and/or create a website is beyond my comprehension.
I could only imagine the time and hard work it took to create this site.
So all I can say is Thank-You and your contributors for everything you have done to make such a wonderful site.