Stuart,
I've gone to a lot of different places to see how other groups fared when they upgraded to this "new" software (Discussion Board). It's actually been around for 5 or 6 years, but was considered a more "powerful" version than what we currently have. Also, it was more expensive. So over the past five years, a lot of other discussion boards converted to it.
The single biggest complaint that I saw from the users after the upgrade, was the navigation was too complicated. It seems that a lot of the new boards try to start on Day-one with all features enabled. That causes a lot of clutter.
One person that I actually exchanged email with, said that I needed to expect to get some complaints no matter what I did. He said that since human nature is to always resist change, that SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE will not like the upgrade.
His advice, was to JUST DO IT, take the flack and then in about two weeks the noise dies down and generally everyone is happy again.
I think that he was being brutally honest. I've seen upgrades from Amazon and eBay where the users lashed back and complained. But eventually they come around and realize that the changes are stepping stones to greater capabilities.
My strategy at this time is to
- 1) Get the program up and running in parallel -- DONE
- 2) Simplify the navigation - In Work
- 3) Make it look as much as possile like our current Board. - In Work
- 4) Invite some members to test the new program - Probably next week
- 5) Make changes based upon feedback
- 6) Convert all of our data to the new Discuss Board and open it up for everyone - EST. 11/23
Remember that the primary reason that we are changing is because the company has stopped supporting their program and we will run into a greater and greater risk of hackers or virus events. Therefore we have little choice.
So there, you have it. In the meantime, I'm still working with our new Host company to see what else they can do to improve the overall speed of our postings.
Your comments are welcomed.
The parts I understand sound good to me. My only concern is that I will still be able to do what I do now with my limited computer abilities. That is, ask for and receive as well as give information as I do on the existing chat. Stuart
Hi Bill, I certainly did not mean to convey that I was complaining in any way. I think the work you are doing to upgrade/improve the Chat area is phenomemal!! I, like others who are not that much into computers, need to be spoon fed I guess you could say when it comes to something new. I agree there is always resistance to change but as you say, given a little while, we all "adjust". In my case, it is not resistance to change but a fear of the unknown!! Keep up the good work. Stuart
