New site launching soonish
Change is coming once again.
After a few rounds of testing, I feel the new web site is as ready to launch as it ever will be. So assuming real life doesn't get in the way, I'm looking to launch in early May.
I'll most likely have to switch the site over to maintenance mode for a day while I transfer files and publish some new content to update things. So that means there will probably be a late night and day where the site will be offline. Less than ideal but gives me some space in case of errors and breaking.
I've been building web sites for 20 years but even with all the experience in the world, things get missed. I appreciate everyone's support and hope you can bear with me while things go up and down, and get repaired.
And it will take a while to get used to the new surroundings...for all of us. Change is tough but I'm confident the new site will lead to a fun future with more opportunity.
Thanks to everyone that has helped test the new site.
Discussion
Anything like the original site?
Hmmm...interesting question. Aesthetically speaking, no, it's not like the old site. I'd like to think that the new site is an evolution of all previous sites. Each site informed the next and so on. Every design should be a move forward, not a move back.
I'm confident the new site will be an improvement over previous sites and offer some new opportunities and a good experience for everyone. That being said, it is different, and if you're a long-time regular, then it will take some time to get used to (just like last time).
And like every redesign prior, this new site will evolve and change based on feedback and what the data shows me. But regardless what the site visually looks like, the message board aspect won't be changing...this site will always be driven by all the great folks that share their passion for racing - then, now, tomorrow.
The site will be going offline over the next overnight on Thursday and be that way for probably most of the weekend.
I hope to get everything wrapped up this weekend...but even then, I'll try to turn things back on by Monday. Some things might be half-done or not quite launched yet, but we'll get there.
Sorry for the trouble, thanks for the support.
Now that the Mini race is over and the next events aren't until end of May, I might move the release up a bit if I can find the time. Hmmmm...