We’re nearly there. Sometime in the next 48 hours this site will be getting a long overdue redesign. The basic will remain the same, but we’re introducing a SEEN ELSEWHERE feature, where we provide links to articles on other sites we think our readers will enjoy. Feel free to email me with suggestions for inclusion in this feature. You’ll also be able to see who is online and commenting.
The biggest change will be in the comments system. We have developed a bespoke system which will, I think, transform the ability of people to engage on realtime conversations with other site users. It really is like an instant messaging system, but I warn you now, it’s like getting a new mobile phone and you will need to get used to it. I promise you, it is a great improvement, but having been down the road of introducing changes and improvements in the past, I am going to ask you to be patient. In addition, because it is a bespoke system, there will inevitably be a few teething problems, and I will be relying on you to tell us what they are. The new system should come into its own during matches.
You will be able to log in via Facebook or Twitter, but crucially we have also now developed a system where you can have your own log-ins, almost identical to this site. We tried to import everyone’s account from here, but that has proved impossible, so you will, I’m afraid, have to start from scratch, so please do, over the next 24 hours, save all your Profile information (your favourite players, top West Ham team etc) which you can then paste into your new account over the weekend. The only difference from the current log-in system is that once you have set up a account you will then need to clink a link on a confirmatory email. This is standard practice on any site nowadays and guards against trolls, spammers and malcontents. I think we can all agree that one extra click in the process is worth it if we can eliminate the trolls.
There will, in time, be two different ways to view the new site – in traditional blog format or magazine/newspaper format. There are also several other tweaks and improvements which we will introduce gradually over the coming months, as we try to bring this site back to what it used to be. I’ve been open that I have let it slip a bit and that’s mainly because of the number of hours in the day, but I hope you have seen a renewed vigour in recent weeks. But that brings me to my next point.
I’d like to add one or two more people to our list of contributors. I’d especially like a couple of people with some specialisations to complement what we do at the moment. If you’re interested in becoming a regular contributor, please do let me know by email. Just press CONTACT at the top of the page.