Ok, so maybe this is more like the third, or possibly fourth actual revision of this website. I lost count, but it really is different this time, and in a way that will hopefully change the way we all interact with it. There is a design change, but that’s not the big difference. The most exciting part about this new website update is complete integration with a popular blogging platform known as WordPress.
How It’s Different
In the beginning most of this site was created page by page. Parts of it were dynamic, or interactive, but for the most part the site was static. We’ve been using WordPress for our blogging software since we started, but it was always a separate section on its own. Now, it’s the main platform by which this entire site is powered. One big advantage to this is the site will no longer appear incomplete. It’s a done deal, and new content can be, and will be added regularly.
Exciting Features
While WordPress is really blog software, it has grown to have so many features it’s almost like a content management system. Many developers from around the world contribute what are known as plugins that are compatible with WordPress. The list of goodies is almost endless. Media players, photo albums, messaging systems, specialized searches, subscription management systems, ad managers, and just about anything you can think of.
The Forum vs The Blog
This is where a lot of people get confused. If you can reply to posts, and participate in discussions, how is blog software different from a forum? One of the big differences here is the topic starter. While in forums any registered member can start a topic, in a blog only users with certain privileges can start topics, but anyone can respond, and you don’t even need to log in! It looks like we’re going to keep the forum, but whenever you want to find the latest buzz about the church, this is where you’ll want to check first since the most important topics will be posted here, and this platform will give you an opportunity to add your feedback. You’ll also have an opportunity to subscribe to email alerts that will let you know when something new has been posted.
Your suggestions
Since post is covering new features of the website, layout, design and functionality, I thought this would be a good place to get some feature suggestions. What would you like to see added, or done differently?
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Trackback | Leave a replyHi, Miss Pat! The forum is in the same place it always was, you just can’t get to it from the main site anymore. This is because that forum may go completely church members only, and we might be integrating a brand new forum into this new platform. I’m still waiting for a decision on that. For now, here is the link to the forum. You might want to bookmark that, or save it to your favorites.
Looking forward to seeing the finished product of this ‘remodel’.
As far as doing things differently…I think the old way worked well for me. I was able to navigate the site easily…but I did have others that spoke to me saying that they did not have the same experience. I guess I would suggest a very user friendly site. Again…I thought the last version of the site was user friendly…but there are others out there that need things a little more basic in order to get the benefits this site will offer. So…that’s my suggestion. 
I think the new layout will be really simple to navigate. You’ll basically be able to get to any page on the site from within any page on the site, and when in doubt, there is a search box at the top of every page, and one could always start over by clicking the logo which take you back to the home page.
Ok- it looks really cool- but I am lost… but then again I am old… or older. I am not too old to change though so I guess I will live! Thanks for all you are doing to make this “world” a better place!!
Just think of the entire site as a big fancy forum now, Nama. We’re working on getting more stuff on here real soon.
so we can no longer post like we use too? Is this all visible to everyone? is there any definition like Church members only, teens, etc? I found I had to re-register-
will there be threads like prayer request etc? I guess I am lost at how this will work- ok, I see your head slamming the keyboard- stop it! It will be ok!
You will be able to post, just as you did here. Things will just be a bit more structured, and we are working on getting some regularly updated content. Basically, when you want to find out what’s going on around the church this will be a good place to check. Not only can you find regularly updated information, you’ll be able to subscribe to email alerts, RSS feeds for posts or comments, or join in the discussion for various events. You can almost think of this site as being “alive”, meaning you can interact with the content and users instead of staring at a page that does nothing. If you have any ideas or suggestions for things you would like to see I’d love to hear them!
sorry- I posted my question and then saw this answer- I’m used to the latest post being at the top- I am sure I can adjust that like the old one. I will just watch this thing evolve before I mess it up!
Nama, you’re a big help, and very much appreciated! Don’t stop posting
It’s great to see new things and areas every day and I can tell there is a whole lot of changin’ going’ on! I see where the “Who’s on” has been added but I now can’t see where to sign in- I missed that somewhere- remember the phrase “working with the gifted!” soem of the areas are hard for me to see- the dark blue is great but I can’t see some of the areas- I love the whited out boxes that ask for my information- please leave bread crumbs for me to locate the sign in area again…. I think my dog ate them!
Thanks for what you are accomplishing here! It’s great! There will be a merit badge at the end just for dealing with Nama’s!! 
ok- I found the bread crumb trail!…It’s called the home page!! and the term is “log in” I get it now!! Was that a bottle of aspirin I just heard opening!
LOL, Nama. The home page is always the best place to start. You can click the logo at the top of any page to get back to square one. I suppose maybe a “how to” might be in order. For now if you don’t understand how something works on the site there is a FAQ (frequently asked questions) section you’ll find in the right hand menu.
There will be a lot of changes, and there is still a lot of work to do. The next stage of “live content” is messages in MP3 format. We already started on that once before, but I dropped the ball on that due to distance from the church, but you can thank Sheri for making this possible again. In fact this new site could not be what it is, or what it will be without her. She does just as much work on this thing as ye, ol’ admin, so be sure to thank her