| 22 July 2009
We've tried this once before, but I think this time it's going to stick.
Seahawk Addicts has joined the Bloguin network! What does this mean? Well, for you it's going to mean a more reliable, faster site that is clearly quite a bit more attractive than the Blogspot site ever was. It means that the forums are back and won't be going anywhere this time. It means a more dynamic site that we can expand upon and really build up this community that you guys have helped build over the last year and a half.
It helps us in that it puts a more professional face forward and provided some real design help so that we could create a brand and use it. It gives us additional abilities to network with other blogs and bring some cool features to you -- game breakdowns with the opponent blogs are something I've had in my mind. What's best is that nothing editorially will change. We retain 100% ownership of everything on this blog, and we retain full editorial content. In other words...
Nothing. will. change.
Except, of course, that we'll look quite a bit better doing what we've been doing.
So, saying nothing further, please look around and tell us what you think. There will probably be some tweaks going on over the next week or two, but for the most part this is what we've got. Let us know if you're having problems with the site and we'll do our best to fix it / get back to you on it. If you want to read on for some more detail about what I was thinking during the redesign and how I think it's going to help, please click "Read More" below.
Approach --
I think the first redesign was an important lesson for us. While the design was nice and pretty, the implementation did not quite work and, much more importantly, we all lacked the technical know how to keep it running. The Blogger site is EASY to use, that's key. It's also got some kitsch value -- Seahawk fans love the green! The redesign had been more stylistic and had some excellent functionality, but it didn't quite jive as we had hoped it would.
When I was approached by Bloguin, I saw a great opportunity: we can make the site attractive and give it the right "feel" but without sacrificing the ease of use. The guys at Bloguin handle all the technical crud -- they keep the site up and running, they enhance it, fix bugs as they arise, and so forth. They rely on us to provide a quality blog to you guys and thats what we will continue to do. Further, they sought out websites with a strong COMMUNITY and thats what we have here. Yes, "we" are writing the blog, but many of the ideas (if not most) come from the readers/commenters in one way or another. Last week we added the Facebook page and re-initiated our Twitter page. We are going to bust our asses to keep in touch with you guys, and we want honest feedback. Like what we're writing about? Tell us. Don't like it? Tell us. Don't be rude, but don't be shy either.
Functionality --
I wanted this site to be what is always has been: a top source for Seahawks information, links and analysis in an open, community-like setting. The design of the Bloguin network is set up for precisely that -- we are, first and foremost, a blog. But damnit if we don't like to hear from you. The Forums are the same as we had before, very functional and powerful. The top comment I heard from you guys was "when do we get our forums back?" Well, now. Apologies to those of you who were at the top of the chain on the old blog and lost your "street cred." I'm sure you'll get it back.
Another thing you guys have asked for is more media. We may bring back the podcasts if you guys are into it, but we're also hoping to launch a few new endeavors. More on that in the coming weeks, but if you have ideas, let us know.
Finally, the blog itself: How can we make it better? Well, plenty of ways! One thing is that we are going to try to get some more regular features. I think a regular, weekly feature really helps to keep the site feeling consistent and uniform, and as a reader, that's important to me. We are never going to stop posting quick news articles, heads-up pieces (on radio or tv appearances, for example), or any of the random meanderings that flow through our noggins... but we are going to try to get a little bit more structure too. If it's Sunday after a game, expect an R-Rated Post. If it's Monday, expect some game analysis. If it's Thursday before game week, expect a full-fledged game preview. You get the idea.
Design --
I had input into the design (picked the colors, guided the logo process and so forth) but for the most part this has to serve as a shout out to the incredible Stephen S. who took every suggestion I had and implemented it better than I had hoped for. I am very happy with how the design turned out, and hopefully you guys are too.
So, thats about it for now. Thanks for reading and tell us what you think! -Chris
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