New Website Launch

[D87SMW]

Dear viewers,

The Club's long-awaited new website is now ready to go live! As part of the switch-over process, you may shortly find that sections of the current website become unavailable. Please don't adjust your sets and don't worry! Its replacement will soon appear.

If, for any reason, you wish to get in touch in this matter, please direct queries to me via Private Message or by email to webmaster@maestro.org.uk

[Guest]

Does this mean older posts will disappear? I can't wait to see the new look.

[Captain Slow]

No, posts won't be affected. The website and forum are administered seperately.

[Beaker]

No, posts won't be affected. The website and forum are administered seperately.

I would imagine there will be changes to the default forum theme and an update of the software at the same time to make it a seamless integration. Like it is at the moment though.

Perhaps Steve can clarify?

[E_T_V]

Thoughts on the new website "look"

Well I've seen it..

What do other people think??

[Guest]

?

[D87SMW]

Yes, Mal. The Maestro & Montego Owners Club has a website beyond the forums.

It can be found at www.maestro.org.uk

[Guest]

No need to be facetious Steve.

I am aware of the website.

I had not seen the changes.

[Beaker]

Yes some people won't if it is stored in the cache. Press CTRL+F5 hope that helps.

[Guest]

Yes some people won't if it is stored in the cache. Press CTRL+F5 hope that helps.

Aye, good advice, that!

Good work Steve, it's been a long time coming, but I rather like it! Freshens things up a bit, certainly.

[Guest]

I really like the new style of the website!!! Great Job guys!!!!!
Cant wait for the maestro showroom to be finished!!!

Regards

Jordan

[G51 NAV]

Just a minor point: some of the links don't appear to work, even though there is no 'under development' notice on their page, such as the Members' Cars area.

Other than that it's coming along fine.

It would be nice if the areas which are down as 'under development' actually do get developed and don't just sit there for years waiting to be finished.

I'm well aware the website is maintained unpaid in people's spare time (by people far more talented at this stuff than me, let me add), but pages which just sit around and say "under development" for years look bad. It would perhaps be better if their links weren't included on the homepage at all until their sections are at least usefully complete. For example, on the old website, the photo archive which Jon S started about a decade ago and which got as far as two or three cars, with all the rest "coming soon" for about nine years.

But overall, keep up the excellent work.

[Jonathan]

Revamping a website the size of this one is an ambitious project to take on, and I know that Steve has put a lot of time and hard work into it.

It shows.

Well done, Steve, and thanks. The last proper re-design was in 2003, so it's about time for a fresh look. I'm sure any loose ends will be tied up soon - let me know if you need a hand with anything.

[E_T_V]

Like the fact it is being updated. Well done and keep it up.

Hate the new logo (much preferred the older one)

Like the fading banner pics

Don't like the button logo used throughout - the AR logo has three bars not two!

Like the new good bits "borrowed" from other sites

Don't like the loss of the PHP-forum link fancy stuff on the main page, but I'm guessing that is a git to do.

Don't like the current difference between the forum and website (although I suspect this may change). It used to be almost seemless

Don't like the "errors" on the HTML (Some people like valid/strict HTML to ensure compatibility but that is probably me being fussy).

But overall the work is appreciated, but you mustn't be afraid to ask other people for content for the site as it is the content that is the hardest to write I find.

[D87SMW]

Cheers.

John, Members' Cars will be updated once material is there to use. I don't really want to launch the site with my own car (or the 'usual' ones) featured. Our members are always encouraged to submit their own material and I look forward to this section growing richer. So if anyone wishes to submit a small article with photos of their car/s, please do so.

As for the 'Showroom' sections, I am soon to arrange a meeting of minds to collate all the correct information and compile a far more in-depth catalogue of models/model years than we've ever had. This will take a lot of time as there's a hell of a lot involved, but it has to be a 'work-in-progress', added to as and when or as you say, it'd just appear empty for years.

The 'new' logo has been around for a number of months now and appears on our merchandise (mugs, keyrings etc), as well as the forum, already. The design of this uses two stripes, one blue, one green and it is this I have carried through as icons. Would look a bit silly to have any more stripes for a graphic as small as it is.

Not sure what's 'borrowed' from other sites, I've just designed as I've seen relevant.