Title: SMC Site changes coming...
Post by: Jim on June 22, 2007, 08:08:47 am
Hello everyone,
In the near future, SMC will be undergoing a serious make-over!
With this said, I would like any and all input from everyone on things you like/dislike, would like to see implemented, areas needed to be removed, etc, etc... A features request, if you will... I cannot promise everything will get implemented or removed, but I can assure you that I'll do my best to accomodate the majority.
One of the reasons for this redesign is the amount of ficticious accounts being registered on our Discussion Areas. It seems the scripts running on SMC are being exploited and it's becoming unmanageable from my standpoint. The "scripts" I'm referring to for those that may not know, are areas of SMC that allow visitors to register (Discussion Areas), send suggestions, advertisers form, photo submissions, link submissions and probably a couple of others I'm forgetting... This activity has quadrupaled over the last few months. I have increased security on our Discussion Areas so that Adminstrators have to approve EVERY registration manually; I only approve those visitors that complain they can't post! Not a welcoming way to invite new members!
With this said, my goal is to have all areas of SMC consolidated so when logged into SMC, you have access to our Discussion Areas, Photo Gallery and any other feature we may implement in the future... I'm sure you would prefer one login for Photo Gallery, Discussions, etc, etc...
Looking for direction...
In the near future, SMC will be undergoing a serious make-over!
With this said, I would like any and all input from everyone on things you like/dislike, would like to see implemented, areas needed to be removed, etc, etc... A features request, if you will... I cannot promise everything will get implemented or removed, but I can assure you that I'll do my best to accomodate the majority.
One of the reasons for this redesign is the amount of ficticious accounts being registered on our Discussion Areas. It seems the scripts running on SMC are being exploited and it's becoming unmanageable from my standpoint. The "scripts" I'm referring to for those that may not know, are areas of SMC that allow visitors to register (Discussion Areas), send suggestions, advertisers form, photo submissions, link submissions and probably a couple of others I'm forgetting... This activity has quadrupaled over the last few months. I have increased security on our Discussion Areas so that Adminstrators have to approve EVERY registration manually; I only approve those visitors that complain they can't post! Not a welcoming way to invite new members!
With this said, my goal is to have all areas of SMC consolidated so when logged into SMC, you have access to our Discussion Areas, Photo Gallery and any other feature we may implement in the future... I'm sure you would prefer one login for Photo Gallery, Discussions, etc, etc...
Looking for direction...
Title: SMC Site changes coming...
Post by: BryanH on June 22, 2007, 12:02:59 pm
(Jim @ Jun. 22 2007,6:08)
QUOTE
With this said, my goal is to have all areas of SMC consolidated so when logged into SMC, you have access to our Discussion Areas, Photo Gallery and any other feature we may implement in the future... I'm sure you would prefer one login for Photo Gallery, Discussions, etc, etc...
Jim - the single login would be great. Would also be nice to have direct access to some of the other sections (machines, photo gallery, etc) from within the discussions window. Saves having to go back to the home page and then finding the link there.
Title: SMC Site changes coming...
Post by: Jim on June 22, 2007, 06:22:05 pm
Bryan,
Thanks for the reply!
The demo Site (not currently available) has this functionality now!
This "global navigation" was a primary concern of mine as well...
Keep things coming...
Thanks for the reply!
The demo Site (not currently available) has this functionality now!
This "global navigation" was a primary concern of mine as well...
Keep things coming...
Title: SMC Site changes coming...
Post by: dr galaga on June 23, 2007, 09:48:07 am
Yea a single log in and a SMC menu that stays with you where ever you go (kind of like kids or a dog!) is great! 
Title: SMC Site changes coming...
Post by: Jim on June 25, 2007, 09:22:22 pm
Anything else...?
I have enough to do without bringing more features, but sure would like your input...
Question: How many users/visitors do you think actually use the Restoration Professionals database search feature...? Where you can search by your zip code to locate a restorer within 150 miles.
This is something I was thinking of dropping... It's one of the more diffcult features to migrate but I do think it has purpose...
Thanks again ! ! !
I have enough to do without bringing more features, but sure would like your input...
Question: How many users/visitors do you think actually use the Restoration Professionals database search feature...? Where you can search by your zip code to locate a restorer within 150 miles.
This is something I was thinking of dropping... It's one of the more diffcult features to migrate but I do think it has purpose...
Thanks again ! ! !
Title: SMC Site changes coming...
Post by: bubba on June 26, 2007, 05:28:35 am
(Jim @ Jun. 25 2007,10:22)
QUOTE
Anything else...?
I have enough to do without bringing more features, but sure would like your input...
Question: How many users/visitors do you think actually use the Restoration Professionals database search feature...? Where you can search by your zip code to locate a restorer within 150 miles.
This is something I was thinking of dropping... It's one of the more diffcult features to migrate but I do think it has purpose...
Thanks again ! ! !
I have enough to do without bringing more features, but sure would like your input...
Question: How many users/visitors do you think actually use the Restoration Professionals database search feature...? Where you can search by your zip code to locate a restorer within 150 miles.
This is something I was thinking of dropping... It's one of the more diffcult features to migrate but I do think it has purpose...
Thanks again ! ! !
I didn't even know there was such a database...
How about a live chat? Maybe a calendar of events? and local shows that may be coming up, swap meets, etc...
Title: SMC Site changes coming...
Post by: collecture on June 26, 2007, 09:36:14 am
QUOTE
Question: How many users/visitors do you think actually use the Restoration Professionals database search feature...? Where you can search by your zip code to locate a restorer within 150 miles.
I used that early on, but my search always came up empty.
How many restorers do you have registered in there?
I would check with them and see if the function actually benefited them.
Title: SMC Site changes coming...
Post by: MoonDawg on June 26, 2007, 10:23:01 am
I can say that I have had a few people call me from this site.
Rather than using the convenient zip code search, is it
possible to print a list of restorers by state and let visitors choose?
Rather than using the convenient zip code search, is it
possible to print a list of restorers by state and let visitors choose?
Title: SMC Site changes coming...
Post by: Jim on June 26, 2007, 12:26:28 pm
QUOTE
How about a live chat? Maybe a calendar of events? and local shows that may be coming up, swap meets, etc...
Live Chat... I can look into this but felt the differences in our visits would render this feature a little useless more times than not... I'll let you know in a fwe days...Events Calendar is already implemented in the new Site. The old calendar system was cumbersome to use too, but now we'll have various levels of security so someone other than me can input upcoming events...
So, if I understand the few, you would like to have some sort of searchable DB for restorers... I'll look into this as well and see what I can do...
Thanks again for the suggestions ! ! !
Title: SMC Site changes coming...
Post by: Pat Pixley on June 26, 2007, 03:14:00 pm
I'll be honest I used it once and chose to do My own
and that's how I've learned , I think I would check
with those people and see if there benefiting from
this, in not cut it lose.
How about some new Clickable Emoticons, Please
And maybe could you make it where member have to list there first name in there profile area at least.
Just some thoughts.
Pat
and that's how I've learned , I think I would check
with those people and see if there benefiting from
this, in not cut it lose.
How about some new Clickable Emoticons, Please
And maybe could you make it where member have to list there first name in there profile area at least.
Just some thoughts.
Pat
Title: SMC Site changes coming...
Post by: Jim on July 15, 2007, 08:32:10 pm
Just following up on things to keep everyone up to date...
The migration of all the static pages of soda machines & syrup dispensers has become more time consuming than I thought. Attempting to import this data was wasting more time than I was trying to save so I've resorted to manually, copy/paste, all this information into the new database... The good side of this is that I've found/corrected errors along the way...
I would be interested in seeing if anyone has documentation on pre-mix/post-mix and syrup dispenser terminology that they can pull some text from to aid me in completing or at least getting some info into the Syrup Dispenser Terminology page...
I'm also looking to get basic info(date, location, etc, etc...) for the Events Calendar... Even if it's just url's that you pass my way... I'm going to begin entering this info as well...
The current SMC Photo Gallery is going to change a bit in the next week or so due to setting things for the new site... I apologize for the inconvenience but it's for the better.
And lastly, some of you have an opportunity to review the new site, please check back from time to time and get fresh ideas that you may not have had on a previous visit... And Thanks for your time ! ! !
The migration of all the static pages of soda machines & syrup dispensers has become more time consuming than I thought. Attempting to import this data was wasting more time than I was trying to save so I've resorted to manually, copy/paste, all this information into the new database... The good side of this is that I've found/corrected errors along the way...
I would be interested in seeing if anyone has documentation on pre-mix/post-mix and syrup dispenser terminology that they can pull some text from to aid me in completing or at least getting some info into the Syrup Dispenser Terminology page...
I'm also looking to get basic info(date, location, etc, etc...) for the Events Calendar... Even if it's just url's that you pass my way... I'm going to begin entering this info as well...
The current SMC Photo Gallery is going to change a bit in the next week or so due to setting things for the new site... I apologize for the inconvenience but it's for the better.
And lastly, some of you have an opportunity to review the new site, please check back from time to time and get fresh ideas that you may not have had on a previous visit... And Thanks for your time ! ! !
Title: SMC Site changes coming...
Post by: Creighton on July 15, 2007, 09:34:21 pm
Jim,
For the events calendar maybe just a submittal form that gets reviewed. I would help with that. Ton's of shows out there that have jukes, gas pumps, signs etc... but few soda machines. Maybe start a list of shows that members here recomend and build from that. Idea's anyone???
Creighton
For the events calendar maybe just a submittal form that gets reviewed. I would help with that. Ton's of shows out there that have jukes, gas pumps, signs etc... but few soda machines. Maybe start a list of shows that members here recomend and build from that. Idea's anyone???
Creighton
Title: SMC Site changes coming...
Post by: aspbear1 on July 15, 2007, 09:36:51 pm
Jim, we have never met and I am not a big contributor on information but I just want to thank you for keeping this site so active. I know it takes a lot of personal time but I have learned so much up here it is amazing. Thanks again, I am going to send you a site for the events calendar and although it is a gas and oil show I have really bought some neat soda items at the Ohio gas and oil show in Dayton.
Title: SMC Site changes coming...
Post by: Jim on July 16, 2007, 07:19:38 am
(Creighton @ Jul. 15 2007,10:34)
QUOTE
Jim,
For the events calendar maybe just a submittal form that gets reviewed. I would help with that. Ton's of shows out there that have jukes, gas pumps, signs etc... but few soda machines. Maybe start a list of shows that members here recomend and build from that. Idea's anyone???
Creighton
For the events calendar maybe just a submittal form that gets reviewed. I would help with that. Ton's of shows out there that have jukes, gas pumps, signs etc... but few soda machines. Maybe start a list of shows that members here recomend and build from that. Idea's anyone???
Creighton
Thanks for the input Creighton ! ! !
This is exactly my goal; certain members will have permissions to add new events to the calendar.
I think we should include all sorts of shows ranging from auto shows to toy shows and everything in between...
If a show is close enough to someone, they may be interested in attending!
What does everyone think about including Auctions...? (not greedbay stuff!)
I'm all for adding them as these can be quite interesting to attend!
aspbear1, I received the info as well.
Thanks again for the input ! ! !
Title: SMC Site changes coming...
Post by: bubba on July 16, 2007, 10:26:33 am
I like the idea of including auctions as well. There are probably auctions in our own back yards we never even see or hear about...
Title: SMC Site changes coming...
Post by: aspbear1 on July 16, 2007, 11:47:36 am
I also like the auction idea.
Title: SMC Site changes coming...
Post by: MoonDawg on July 16, 2007, 12:28:29 pm
I like the events calendar idea. Great to use for planning a getaway.
Could maybe the sponsors keep it updated? Here is my hunting grounds for old machines signs and good junk!
Pomona Swap meet
Could maybe the sponsors keep it updated? Here is my hunting grounds for old machines signs and good junk!
Pomona Swap meet
Title: SMC Site changes coming...
Post by: jasmine64 on July 16, 2007, 09:03:42 pm
cant wait to see what you have planned.
Title: SMC Site changes coming...
Post by: Eric on July 17, 2007, 09:24:18 am
I agree with the auction adding... Stuff is hard to find... and if an auction pops up that someone wants to
share that would be great!
share that would be great!
Title: SMC Site changes coming...
Post by: sodaworks on July 17, 2007, 03:44:12 pm
(collecture @ Jun. 26 2007,7:36)
QUOTE
QUOTE
Question: How many users/visitors do you think actually use the Restoration Professionals database search feature...? Where you can search by your zip code to locate a restorer within 150 miles.
I used that early on, but my search always came up empty.
How many restorers do you have registered in there?
I would check with them and see if the function actually benefited them.
Jim,
I've recieved several restorations from this contact and would really like to see it on the new site as well.
Title: SMC Site changes coming...
Post by: Jim on July 17, 2007, 03:56:52 pm
I'll look into somethiing to cover the restorers database, but it might not be present at the begining when we migrate over... I'll add this in the weeks after... The current database isn't really compatable with the new system. I have taken a quick look into something that may work but it may be slightly different; it's on the lines of a directory. I just haven't found something that is inexpensive and has state or postal code searches... I'll keep you posted as my time allows me to look at this more closely...
As far as auctions in the Event Calendar, I've added many events in the calendar system that you can review to see the layouts. I will be looking at the font size as it seems a little small on my system, but let me know of any issues...
As far as auctions in the Event Calendar, I've added many events in the calendar system that you can review to see the layouts. I will be looking at the font size as it seems a little small on my system, but let me know of any issues...
Title: SMC Site changes coming...
Post by: BryanH on July 17, 2007, 10:57:53 pm
(Jim @ Jul. 17 2007,1:56)
QUOTE
The current database isn't really compatable with the new system. I have taken a quick look into something that may work but it may be slightly different; it's on the lines of a directory. I just haven't found something that is inexpensive and has state or postal code searches...
Jim - as a quick fix, what if you simply posted a sorted file that included the full address & contact list... maybe with link to send email? Kind of like the list you have for the parts suppliers on the new site. Folks looking for help could easily search on zipcode or state... or just run down the list.
Title: SMC Site changes coming...
Post by: BryanH on July 17, 2007, 11:12:10 pm
Hey Jim - will the new site have the ability to look up information on members... like what is on the current site?
Title: SMC Site changes coming...
Post by: Jim on July 18, 2007, 05:22:32 pm
Hello Bryan,
Yes and no on the member look-up...
The registration system on the new site is global. Meaning that the features available will not require another registration to use a particular feature. With this said, I'm requiring city, state and zip codes as required fields during registration, so it depends on what information members enter into their profiles... In a nutshell, the info will be available as long as the member attempting to view a profile is registered.
Boy that sounds wordy! Hope that helps...
Yes and no on the member look-up...
The registration system on the new site is global. Meaning that the features available will not require another registration to use a particular feature. With this said, I'm requiring city, state and zip codes as required fields during registration, so it depends on what information members enter into their profiles... In a nutshell, the info will be available as long as the member attempting to view a profile is registered.
Boy that sounds wordy! Hope that helps...
Title: SMC Site changes coming...
Post by: Jim on July 29, 2007, 09:42:08 pm
For those that have access, please review any new features at the Site and get back to me via PM...
There are still a few outstanding issues you may run into, but please let me know anything you find being a problem... Then we'll get into registered user stuff and trouble shoot this level...
As always, Thanks for your time ! ! !
Jim
There are still a few outstanding issues you may run into, but please let me know anything you find being a problem... Then we'll get into registered user stuff and trouble shoot this level...
As always, Thanks for your time ! ! !
Jim
Title: SMC Site changes coming...
Post by: halehouse on July 30, 2007, 08:01:13 am
Maybe this is a "duh" on my part, but how do we access the new site to review the changes? I remember I got to it once before.