Redline Derby site updates, feature list and timeline
Most of my talks about "updates" around here have focused on the Fantasy League game but in fact they really impact the entire site. The whole site has to get updated in order to support League changes. Unfortunately, I am currently *way* behind schedule on all of it...mostly due to personal reasons but also because the list of stuff I need to do (and want to do) keeps on growing. I don't handle scope creep well, sorry. I'm not a project manager but I put together a list of updates/enhancements that I want to see the site get and tried to prioritize them.
I really want to get the top priority updates done during the winter so I can get to the Fantasy League updates by early spring. I don't want to delay the restart of the game any more than it already is. I'm not sure how realistic my timeline is but I gotta shoot for something.
I'm posting this list not only to just share it with everyone but more so to just get it out of my brain. If you have questions or feedback about any of the stuff listed, please ask and I will elaborate.
1)
Overall site redesign w/ mobile
New member messaging
New member dashboard/profile
Community forum:
+ General redesign
+ Favorites
+ Tagging
+ Data migration
2)
Racer trophies and achievements
Family accounts
Track directory
3)
Fantasy league:
+ Design updates w/ mobile
+ Tournament entry for all players
+ Additional bracket criteria
+ Revised scoring/credits
+ Email redesign
+ Better tutorials
4)
Credit marketplace
Redline Derby store
Car database builder w/ variants
Community forum:
+ Post themes
+ Mail-in event posting
Fantasy league:
+ Boosters
+ Friend lists
+ Achievement prestige options
+ New achievements, community achievements
5)
Custom car showcase
First-party image hosting
Member status levels, badges
Car commenting
Personal tournaments, global car ratings
Fantasy league:
+ Mini-game possibilities
+ Branded leagues
+ Sponsor integration
6)
What next?
Discussion
Thanks for the feedback, Milton.
The message board we're using now is an off-the-shelf variety you mentioned and that's exactly why I need to rebuild it...it just doesn't have the features I want nor is it easily integrated into the Fantasy League game or other systems here at the web site. If I could find a pre-made solution that does everything we need then maybe but it's easier for me to build something custom than it is trying to force things to work together.
We use Facebook and Twitter sparingly around here. Most of us aren't really big Facebook people so no worries about the blog or message board going away. I'm one of the types of people that likes to control things so handing over the keys to Facebook or whoever else doesn't sit well with me. It's great for updates and marketing but I'd rather build something with my own two hands - and as it happens, yes, I am a computer programmer by trade so all of this qualifies as "fun" for me
Please keep the message board, it's the only way to get in touch with the other racers. It may be a small group of crazies....but these are my kind of people.
Thanks Brian.
please keep the keys.... and the blog / message boards... no facebookskis, twitsors, skypies etc. at my house
Brian,
I dont want to be speaking out of turn, since I dont know what web host or programs you are using to run the site and if you are a computer programmer by profession, but your list seems comparable to what other packaged forums I am in already have available.
A second factor maybe is "cost", obviously it is your time and "baby" and I am pretty sure you cover all the related costs now.
My third comment would be about the aps. I know there is a face book association with Redline Derby, but alas I am of that age group that doesnt facebook or tweet. So keeping this blog format, for as long as you can, would be my request.
Appreciate your interest in getting feedback from the users and all the time you take to keep it going!