I like the new layout. Freshened up, but not so different I feel lost. I run my own off-road magazine, similar in idea to this one, so I understand how some requests can seem a little piddly in the overall scheme of trying to update a site but here’s my suggestions.
I would like to see a “Resources” tab. In that tab, and maybe it’s just for Videomaker Plus Members, readers would find the various downloadable pdf’s that have been sent out in emails with a download link. Many of these were handy compact information pamphlets or how-to resources. Additionally, generic release forms and documentation. Hope that gives you a sense of what I mean.
Final suggestion is for the community forum. At some point we’re all beginners and have those beginner questions that were afraid to ask because it seems too common sense or simple. On my site we offered a “Beginners Corner” that had the tagline below it explaining this is that forum for those extreme newbie questions. Our moderators managed it with the understanding that no beginner is to bechastisedeven with so much as sarcasm, chiding for not knowing, or comments that “you should have searched for that answer before asking” (sometimes we don’t know enough to know what were searching for). Those with experience that want to venture into that forum are welcome to do so and to answer those newbie questions. If you get frustrated by newbies that ask the same newbie question that has been asked a thousand times (and yeah they probably should have searched first) then just stay out of the forum. The forum serves as that place to wade in and feel the water before diving in to the forums with all the other kids. With all that said, the forums here are incredibly friendly, professional, and I don’t see people flaming others. However, just seeing a “Beginners Corner” for any and all beginner questions makes the newcomer feel at ease to ask questions knowing it’s a safe place to not look like an idiot.
Again, like the new layout.
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