Wow!
That's the first word that comes to mind as I read through the last 30 - 40 messages on this thread. Just, Wow!
The next two words that come to mind are - Thank you! This kind of feedback is tremendously helpful.
I would truly love to respond to each and every suggestion, but at some point I have to sleep <g>, so let me comment a bit more generally. (And, I apologize in advance for the length of this post.)
First of all, I probably should have done this earlier, but let me offer a little "inside" perspective on our core objectives with this beta SI re-launch. We essentially had two primary objectives.
#1 - Combination of SI with StockSite. (RTev commented on this in a recent post.) This objective was important for two reasons: A) It was inefficient and somewhat confusing for Go2Net to continue to support two distinct online investing sites. B) Although there was some overlap between the two sites, they were mostly complementary and a seamless integration of the combined functionality makes for a more robust site.
#2 - Build a platform for growth. We have a long list of components we'd like to add or improve on SI, and thanks to your feedback, that list is getting even longer. With this beta, we have overhauled a number of items, some on the front-end, but many behind the scenes. The net effect is a system that we can (and will) rapidly improve in a scalable fashion.
I have been racking my brain for a good analogy, but it's the wee hours of the morning where I am, so maybe my brain isn't firing on all cylinders. Suffice it to say that the old SI had certain "limitations" from a UI and infrastructure perspective. For example, the new SI allows us to more readily integrate enhanced search features (yes, that's a hint).
Speaking of features, you probably noticed that adding a bunch of new features was not a core objective (in this opening round, anyway). Yes, we added a few (i.e. view 10 messages, better charts, etc.) and those seem to have gone over pretty well. Is this because we weren't listening, or because we don't care? Of course not.
We have absolutely been listening to your suggestions, as well as coming up with a few innovations of our own. With the new platform and infrastructure in place, the focus now is not only adding new features, but actually creating the next generation of discussion community on the Web. This new site is just the first step in getting you there, although it won't happen overnight.
At this point, I am not seeking your approval. Instead, I am asking for your continued input. The suggestions and ideas from RTev, Cheeky, Zeuspal, John, Sarkie, Michelle, Michael, David, CatLady, and the rest of you on this thread are truly outstanding. It is even more encouraging because many of the items that you mention are already in our product plan. (I don't want to post specifics because sometimes those pesky competitors are lurking around here <ggg>.)
Okay, I thought of an analogy. It's like moving from a DOS platform to a Windows platform. There are some really cool things you can do in Windows that you just can't do with DOS (or at least that you can't do easily). The same is true for the new SI.
NOTE: I'm sure that someone (probably Cheeky) will come up with a reason why this is a really stupid analogy, but it's 2:00 am, and the best I could come up with.
In any case - to sum up -
* Lot's of good ideas here.
* I read them all.
* I saved the ones we hadn't thought of yet and added them to the plan.
Meanwhile, we'll keep cranking.
Thanks...Bryan |
