State of the Site

[Brandsters]

State of the Site

 

February 1

 

In the United States, there is a yearly tradition of leaders reporting to citizens via the State of the Union, State of the State, State of the City, etc.   After the recent transfer of ownership, we thought it appropriate to report to you the State of the Site. 

 

We recognize that some members may have expected immediate changes in format or procedure and may be disappointed at the perceived glacial pace at which we are moving.  That does not mean nothing is being done.

 

Some requests can be implemented immediately, others take investigation, comparison shopping, and consideration of the downstream ramifications.

 

Much of our work in the last month has not been visible to members as we have been active behind the scenes ensuring the continued smooth operation of Bonanza Brand.   Learning where things are . . . how they operate, what works, what doesn’t, what needs to be changed, what hoops we need to jump through with different providers and hosts . . . takes time and cannot be rushed into until we have a measure of confidence in the outcomes. 

 

A brief accounting of a few of the tasks that have been undertaken in January follows:

 

Overall:
 

• We ironed out issues with our site host, forum and chat room providers.
   
• We installed system upgrades and eliminated some plugins that were no longer working or conflicted with others.
   
• We investigated alternative chat rooms (costs, reliability, integration) and ultimately renewed RumbleTalk for another year.

 

In the Forums:
 

• We implemented (on a trial basis) the ability to add pictures to posts directly from your computer without using a third-party vendor.   
   
• We deactivated the automatic notation that a post had been edited.
   
• We began reorganization of emojis into groups so you can easily find them.

• We noted your requests for new emojis and added:
  • Jamie
  • Hop Sing
  • Roy
  • Clem
  • A blue dress
  • Bull riding
  • Camp
     
• We added a “wow” reaction in the forum threads.
   
• We revitalized existing subforums and/or created new subforums:
   
  • Clementine’s Bed & Breakfast
  • Best of the West
  • Episode discussions
  • Guest Star discussions
  • Added two new games in the Casino (Picture A-Z and Bonanza Word Search)
  • Added a “New to the Library” subforum to The Reading Room
     
• We added a new feature to the weekly Announcement Board:
   
  • Library—From the Past (featured story) 

 

In the Library:

 

• We streamlined and consolidated the menus and login to the top for better viewing on all devices.
   
• We removed the need to complete reCaptcha for existing members.
   
• We changed Library layout from grid to list format.
   
• We recreated all of the Stories by Author pages.
   
• We added summaries to all of the episode-inspired pages and Holiday Collection pages.
   
• We implemented automatic optimization to streamline management.
   

 

Ongoing work includes:
 

• Reviewing each forum and sub-forum for relevancy and clarity of purpose.
   
• Examining, revising, and enforcing Guidelines and Rules.
   
• Analyzing statistical data regarding the site.
   
• Soliciting feedback from members as to preferences regarding existing and/or potential features.
   
• Troubleshooting reported issues, e.g., intermittent notifications to authors when comments are made.
   
• Advertising Bonanza Brand through our Facebook page and encouraging viewers to join the Forums.
   
• Investigating potential plugins, add-ons, third-party vendors, and software that can aid in the administration of the site, as well as the enjoyment of our members.
   
• Locating Hosts for Lorne’s Lodge, Ben’s Boardroom, and Dan’s Chalet.

 

 

Your current Brandsters devote hours each day to ensure the dissemination and presentation of quality content.  We rely on member feedback to keep us apprised of what you are interested in seeing and doing.   Please let us know through forum posts, PMs, and/or emails:   (Brandsters2020@gmail.com)

 

We’d liked to thank the former site owners (DonnaB, Dodo, Indyanna130, JulieS) for patiently answering our numerous questions, sometimes more than once as we grappled with the onslaught of information.

 

We are grateful to members who offered words of encouragement and support this month. 

 

We thank our 2020 moderators and room hosts (BakerJ, jfclover, Indiana, Indyanna130, JulieS, Mumu74, Patina, PSW, SJR Cartwright) for their dedication and innovation in providing entertaining and thoughtful topics for discussion in our forums, sub-forums and chat room.   Through them there is wonderful new content being added every week.  If there are forums and threads you haven’t visited lately, please do so.  Turn on your notifications so you can keep informed about updates and new posts.

 

Finally, we thank and acknowledge our members who create content and/or participate in the forums and subforums.   January saw a 40% increase in posts from the prior month.  Without you, we wouldn’t exist.

 

We hope that you continue to love Bonanza Brand as much as we do.

 

The Brandsters

Cheaux and Bluewindfarm

 

[indiana]

I thank you with all my heart for your beautiful work for our favorite forum . 

You did and do a great job. 

 

[Sierra Girl]

I can tell that you’ve been working away like busy bees in the background, and think you’re doing a brilliant job. I feel as if the forum has had a new injection of life (and that’s meant with no disrespect to the outgoing Brandsters who were superb). The 40% increase in posts is down entirely to the new changes. I’m particularly liking the new forums for episode discussion and guest stars. 

[PSW]

You're doing such a great job -- thanks for all your hard work!

[Questfan]

Wow! Have you gotten any sleep in there? Thank you for the huge amount of work.

[ChrisH]

Thanks for all the hard work you are doing,  I'm loving the changes you have made. 

[mumu74]

This is great to have all the new pages and the new games. It's like a fresh wind, another chapter is about to be written, and the previous chapters written by the Brandsters were sooooooooooooo good. So this is great to have Bonanza Brand going on 

[AC1830]

I have enjoyed the fresh look of Brand and the consolidation you've done in the forums. The Library is also easier to navigate as well. Thanks for all your hard work and for what's still to come. Change is not easy but you've made it a smooth transition for the members. 

[Jill Pasquale]

Great job with the site. We appreciate all that you do to keep it fun and I look forward to reading more fanfic!

[wx4rmk]

Thanks for all your hard work! Looking forward to what the future holds for the site.

[kima09]

WOW! you two are doing a fantastic job!!!! I can appreciate the long hours you’ve put into it.

Thanks for the post explaining all you have done so far and what you are going to do.
 

I like all the changes, such as, making the library easier to navigate, Especially if you’re looking for a specific story. Also, not showing if what we’ve posted has been edited or not.

 

I’m looking forward to seeing more on Bonanza Brand. Thanks again for all your hard work!

[jojay]

I don't think there was ever any question that our new Brandsters have been busy working!  With no disrespect intended toward our outgoing Brandsters, you've made quite a few changes.

Thank you so much for all of your hard work and consideration for the site and members.

[GONE]

Thank you for all the work you did. I also like this thread because we can see all the work you do for us. The idea of "We Stand Together" here on Brand is that what we learned from the Cartwright.

[Beej]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! 

[Home Alone]

Thanks for all you do - noticed and unnoticed.  The Brand would not be the same without all your hard work!