New Website Suggestions

[Jason Tate]

Have a suggestion about the new version (http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=98392) of the website? Or a comment? Leave it here.

(If you have good ideas for features or functionality - please let me know!)

Please note: This thread is not for bugs or problems - it is for comments and suggestions. Pease leave those here (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?p=27928802#post27928 802).

[live4music]

Here are some things I would love to see:

More Interviews- I don't care who they are with, I feel like no site ever does enough interviews and I was under the impression that you would have bands frolicking to be interviewed by your ever-growing site. I do love, however, not only your unique questions but your interviews with people like Nick Bogardus (Thrice's [ex] manager), James Montgomery, and whoever that tour manager was recently.

Chats- The chats have been awesome. I wish there was some better way to do them so the artist didn't have to overlook so many questions. I don't know how you could remedy that while keeping the integrity of the "chat" aspect itself though.

Artists- I would love to see more bands post themselves here on the site. Now, I'm sure you would love that too. Maybe you could do some thing where an artist will be featured for a week and will lurk around and make some posts during that week. In the process they could easily hype whatever they were doing. A few posts in a week would be cake for any artist and much appreciated by the fans on the site

Tour Blog- Usually band's tour blogs either go desolate after only a week or they post like a sentence a day. That would be awesome if maybe on an ap-sponsored tour to get them to have a tour blog directly off this site and every morning there would be a new blog stickied on the home page. Perhaps even geared towards detailing life on the road. Like it would be them detailing the "job" aspects of their day to get an idea of what it's like to be on the road. Or it could be a video blog and they could post clips of what is going on with the tour. The only thing I saw resembling this was a video interview with Every Time I die, which (no offense) didn't really do much for me.

Tour Stuff- I remember when I was much younger I would get so excited when tours were announced on either MTV or mtv.com. I would love to see more attention to that at AP. A full touring section of this site would be a huge undertaking, especially when so many other sites already offer such things. I'm not saying you need to have a full list of dates for every band on AP, maybe just the bigger tours but have more depth to them. For example, a "live review section" or behind the scenes look at a tour or even good pics of merch that is only available on tour.

Synergy- I would love more cohesion I guess. I would love for a band interview to coincide with the annoucement of a tour and discuss the tour that the public JUST found out about. It would be awesome to see a band talk about a tour right when you find out about it instead of reading an interview months later or not at all. I know some bands do this already with their fancy press conference announcements but most AP bands don't fall into that.

More Weekly Stuff- I know we have entertainment roundup and the review roundups and stuff but I would love to see a classic album of the week by a different staff member every week. This would be strictly up to the individual there should be no vetoing other people's choices. The joy and beauty of this site is one's own opinion. The fucking thorn in everyone's side on this site is also people's opinions. With that said I would love the "personal" aspect of doing a weekly classic album. For example, you could chat about why a Smith's record is a classic to you and then post a review along with links at the bottom to different interviews or something with the artists about that certain album. Or like AP (the magazine) did with the best records of 98 I think it was. Colin from Circa talked about Deftones' Around the Fur and it's influence. I looooove stuff like that. With that said, that would be equally awesome if you could score an interview with the artist about the album or have access to bands who would have something to say about your album. This is something that wouldn't be necessary every time but would be awesome to see pop up once in awhile.

Different Music- I know the focus of AP is lesser known bands and such but I think there should be more devotion to other types of music. I by no means want to see this place turn into indy-whoredom like pitchfork, but I would love to see more focus on hip-hop (the good stuff not the crap stuff which would mean common and NERD instead of soulja boy). I would also like to see more stuff about artists like muse or dredg for example. Those are two bands that I love and I feel a lot of other people do but AP only seems to report on some stuff from them and not others when both seem equally news-relevant.

Contests- I would really really dig to see more involved contest. For example contests that you have to do something for that doesn't involve putting banners or avatars in place. Something like writing a jingle, a poem, or anything. Involvement between the actual contest and the fan or even the fan and an artist via the contest. Like have Max Bemis pick the best answer for something and the winner gets to go backstage to a Say Anything show (this goes back to the synergy thing). I always see rad contests where people get flown out to places and see premieres but I honestly think there would be nothing sicker than a contest that has something unique but simple. Tons of bands have their own studios, if you found a willing artist there could be a contest for a tour of a studio that is closed off to local residents that way your cost is pretty much nothing, just finding a willing artist. It could even be as simple as "Win the opportunity to chat with Dustin Kensrue about music." The key is something that is unique for the winner, not too bothersome/intrusive on the artist, and obviously is of low cost since you don't have the financial backing. Lastly, once again it could be "synergized" by having the fan report on their experience. A lot of places do stuff like that and it turns out weird/awkward but I have more faith in AP than I do MTV.

With all that said I would liek to say thank you for streaming the New Regime album on your site. It instantaneously entered my top ten lists of the year. It's fucking amazing and there is like NOOOOO info on it or interviews with him about it or anything so I look forward to your upcoming interview with him. Also, I'm aware a lot of this would require a lot of work from the artist side of things too but that's why I suggested it. What fans love is interaction with the artist but keeping the focus on music.

Thanks for everything you do. I refresh the site about 341,632,935 times daily

Edit: I know this might only be for stuff that pertains to what is "new" about the site but you got my two cents anyway.

[thespearkid]

There should definitely be a way where we can be notified when a certain artists news is posted. For instance, I could subscribe to the Dear Hunter and be alerted on my CP whenever news about them is posted.

[Test User]

Test

[live4music]

Did the new "weekly nostalgia" come from my suggestions here? That may be bold/cocky of me but the time aligns right...

[Anton Djamoos]

Did the new "weekly nostalgia" come from my suggestions here? That may be bold/cocky of me but the time aligns right...
You had some good ideas. Jason already thought of the weekly nostalgia and has been wanting to do that for a while, though.

[11:11]

A "What I'm Currently Playing/Listening To" type of thing would be nice. I'd like to see what kind of stuff other users are listening to so I can get an idea of what they like.

A more prominent one, I should say. I know theres one in the blog section, but I'd like to see it elsewhere.

[fromoc2dc]

Not sure if this has been brought up before, but I would like to see an easy way to flag a news post for follow-up.

Sometimes I am at a computer where I can't listen to a new song that's been posted or have time to read something pretty long, and I'm afraid that I'll forget to check it out later. I'm thinking of something like starred items on google reader and gmail.

[Jason Tate]

A "What I'm Currently Playing/Listening To" type of thing would be nice. I'd like to see what kind of stuff other users are listening to so I can get an idea of what they like.

A more prominent one, I should say. I know theres one in the blog section, but I'd like to see it elsewhere.
Maybe an idea would be to create a separate page that updates automatically that pulls the latest entries from there and shows the latest "currently playing" and displays it on one page ... I'd probably link it from the "trends" page or something (from the footer).

Thoughts?

[11:11]

Maybe an idea would be to create a separate page that updates automatically that pulls the latest entries from there and shows the latest "currently playing" and displays it on one page ... I'd probably link it from the "trends" page or something (from the footer).

Thoughts?
I like that much better than what it is now.

I'm not a technological person, so I don't know if it's possible, but is there anyway for the site to "see" what people are listening to on last.fm/iTunes/Windows Media Player and show that too?

[c_rob2700]

I know you've somewhat used the idea before but maybe setting up a "Blog of the Week" feature would be a good idea. Just highlighting a specific user's blog for the week or something along those lines. Not necessarily the whole blog either, maybe just a entry that you enjoyed or something.

[Jason Tate]

I like that much better than what it is now.

I'm not a technological person, so I don't know if it's possible, but is there anyway for the site to "see" what people are listening to on last.fm/iTunes/Windows Media Player and show that too?
http://www.absolutepunk.net/playing.php?

[BreatheAtlantic]

I think it'd be cool to see a Graphic Design section in the forum. That way artists can post their work or whatnot and bands can consult them about doing art for them and stuff. As a budding graphic designer myself, who has been reading AbsolutePunk for a long time (I've switched usernames like five times) that would be most helpful. Haha.

[DaveZeroZero]

There should definitely be a way where we can be notified when a certain artists news is posted. For instance, I could subscribe to the Dear Hunter and be alerted on my CP whenever news about them is posted.
I like this idea.

[FatJordan]

Any chance you've read anything about Web Slices which are being added to IE8? They're similar to any RSS reader, but with greater compatibility for IE8, seems like if there was an AP.net one it would be pretty amazing.

Here's two pretty in-depth pages about creating them: http://www.mark8t.com/2008/09/13/how-to-create-web-slices-for-internet-explorer-8/ , http://www.code-magazine.com/Article.aspx?quickid=0811052

Any chance we might get these? Seems like a great idea since sadly IE isn't as open as Firefox but still has lots of loyal users.

[thespearkid]

Maybe to help pick things up in the writers forum, there could be a weekly highlight of a piece posted there.

[Kaleidoscope]

options for automatic reload of page while on a thread.

hate hitting the refresh button.

[LiquorAndDick]

On the frontpage it would be helpful if a little cross (similar to ones found on Facebook when you click on the 'People you may know' option) was formatted onto each individual news item posted (just like the option to e-mail/print) which would enable you to hide/delete that specific news post. I know an option to filter news posts for specific bands already exists but to be completely honest its not bands I'm trying to hide, its more of an idea which I believe would help people keep track on what they need to check out.
For example, more often than not when I sign on and see news about a new song/video/blog/whatever and don't check it out straight away being a busy guy, it will be gone from the front page by the time I come back and replaced by even more news. I think if an option to hide/delete anything that didn't interest me after reading the first time was put into place then the frontpage would turn into a much more personal place that contains memos of what I need to listen to/watch/read/whatever else. Who knows? Maybe you could even set up some sort of system through it which would let you gain research data through what is being hidden/deleted.

I understand that this may be complicated to achieve but it would be an extremely helpful. I would imagine when you hide a certain news by pressing a '-' for example it would just retract into the headline or something and if you wanted to see it again for whatever reason you could press an '+' and expand it back. I hope you can consider it Jason.

[DaveZeroZero]

Nice idea, Kris.

[Gumbyjag]

It would be cool to have a "Member of the Week" or "Member of the Day" sort of deal which would give some incentive for people not signed up with the site yet to come and join. It could go as follows (or similar, or any relative way):

1. Pick a member (an obviously active one, not necessarily prestigious) and give them cool things just for contributing and being an active member of the site. Maybe someone who frequents forums or is consistent with quality news tips.

2. Cool grabs could be anything like prestigious forum access for that day/week for newer members, merch or music from a volunteering band, temporary prestige for newer members, absolutepunk swag, a date with jason, etc. the options are limitless.

3. The member in question can also be someone who has done well for the site and is on their way to becoming a possible staff member (give praise, links to certain helpful posts, etc).

Benefits of this may include:

a. Stronger site dedication (not to say it's needed)
b. Incentive for newer members and other active members to contribute positively in this community
c. Site interest for outside visitors/possible members
d. Redemption for members banned/suspended/received disciplinary points in the past
e. Bands to get featured/look good giving stuff to fans (site as well)
f. A chance for someone to get their fifteen minutes of ap.net fame on the front page.

Just throwin' an idea out there. Coming from a member that visits this site daily, nothing would be as cool as to be recognized as a good member of this online community. Besides, how sweet of a brag would it be to tell your friends you were featured on a site of thousands of members?

[Gumbyjag]

On the frontpage it would be helpful if a little cross (similar to ones found on Facebook when you click on the 'People you may know' option) was formatted onto each individual news item posted (just like the option to e-mail/print) which would enable you to hide/delete that specific news post. I know an option to filter news posts for specific bands already exists but to be completely honest its not bands I'm trying to hide, its more of an idea which I believe would help people keep track on what they need to check out.
For example, more often than not when I sign on and see news about a new song/video/blog/whatever and don't check it out straight away being a busy guy, it will be gone from the front page by the time I come back and replaced by even more news. I think if an option to hide/delete anything that didn't interest me after reading the first time was put into place then the frontpage would turn into a much more personal place that contains memos of what I need to listen to/watch/read/whatever else. Who knows? Maybe you could even set up some sort of system through it which would let you gain research data through what is being hidden/deleted.

I understand that this may be complicated to achieve but it would be an extremely helpful. I would imagine when you hide a certain news by pressing a '-' for example it would just retract into the headline or something and if you wanted to see it again for whatever reason you could press an '+' and expand it back. I hope you can consider it Jason.

great idea.

[googirl8907]

It would be cool to have a "Member of the Week" or "Member of the Day" sort of deal which would give some incentive for people not signed up with the site yet to come and join. It could go as follows (or similar, or any relative way):

1. Pick a member (an obviously active one, not necessarily prestigious) and give them cool things just for contributing and being an active member of the site. Maybe someone who frequents forums or is consistent with quality news tips.

2. Cool grabs could be anything like prestigious forum access for that day/week for newer members, merch or music from a volunteering band, temporary prestige for newer members, absolutepunk swag, a date with jason, etc. the options are limitless.

3. The member in question can also be someone who has done well for the site and is on their way to becoming a possible staff member (give praise, links to certain helpful posts, etc).

Benefits of this may include:

a. Stronger site dedication (not to say it's needed)
b. Incentive for newer members and other active members to contribute positively in this community
c. Site interest for outside visitors/possible members
d. Redemption for members banned/suspended/received disciplinary points in the past
e. Bands to get featured/look good giving stuff to fans (site as well)
f. A chance for someone to get their fifteen minutes of ap.net fame on the front page.

Just throwin' an idea out there. Coming from a member that visits this site daily, nothing would be as cool as to be recognized as a good member of this online community. Besides, how sweet of a brag would it be to tell your friends you were featured on a site of thousands of members?
That's a really good idea.

[Gumbyjag]

That's a really good idea.

I want to be your friend. And thank you. :)

[googirl8907]

I want to be your friend. And thank you. :)
Haha why? And you're welcome. :-)

[Gumbyjag]

Haha why? And you're welcome. :-)

You just seem awesome.

[Sal]

I think if you ever considered updating the forum. This type of layout would work extremely well. It allows you to refresh the thread list, while still reading a thread on the same window/tab.

Topics are on the left, and the thread opens on the right.

http://i40.tinypic.com/1zwgpad.jpg

Sorry for the crappy pic.

[TSLROCKS]

Maybe an option in AP Chats where you can just view the band responses instead of having to read through thousands of questions to find an answer to one of them by a band member. I know there's a "View All Posts in Thread" function but I think it'd be a lot better for band chats and such to view all the band members posts instead of individual members

[DaveZeroZero]

Maybe an option in AP Chats where you can just view the band responses instead of having to read through thousands of questions to find an answer to one of them by a band member. I know there's a "View All Posts in Thread" function but I think it'd be a lot better for band chats and such to view all the band members posts instead of individual members
couldn't you just open up a new tab for each member?

[googirl8907]

I'd like to be able to see if someone quoted me in blog comments on my control panel.

[Russellmcdoogle]

A lot of times I'm listening to a song/watching a video that has been posted as news while I read the replies. I get to the end of the page and hit next and the video stops playing. It would be nice to have a system like youtube's where you can load the next page of replies while still letting the video play at the top.

[nickstetina]

It'd be cool if the "who quoted me" was apparent on the front page. Near where the private message notifcation is or something. Similar to notifications when you get something new on myspace or facebook. It'd work well if (and this goes for private messages too) it was highlighted or something to bring your attention to it. I'll have a private message sitting in my inbox and not even know because it's so rare that it happens, I don't look there. It's just grey and small like the rest of the font.

[DaveZeroZero]

It'd be cool if the "who quoted me" was apparent on the front page. Near where the private message notifcation is or something. Similar to notifications when you get something new on myspace or facebook. It'd work well if (and this goes for private messages too) it was highlighted or something to bring your attention to it. I'll have a private message sitting in my inbox and not even know because it's so rare that it happens, I don't look there. It's just grey and small like the rest of the font.
Funnily enough, that's scheduled for the next update (the quoted message notification, that is).

[StrongIsland]

Jason, Please make it so when some news is posted we can scroll through the comments, and still keep the news story at the top. This would work especially well for threads with video embedded. Every time you guys link something off you tube I start listening, then start going through comments. When I hit page two. the video always goes away and I kick myself for no remembering the video stays on page 1. Youtube has addressed this with their comments. Thanks man

[StrongIsland]

A lot of times I'm listening to a song/watching a video that has been posted as news while I read the replies. I get to the end of the page and hit next and the video stops playing. It would be nice to have a system like youtube's where you can load the next page of replies while still letting the video play at the top.

I should read before I post

[Russellmcdoogle]

I should read before I post

haha it's cool. Now he knows more than just one of us wants to see this change.

[nickstetina]

haha it's cool. Now he knows more than just one of us wants to see this change.

Me too!

Also, making the process of unsubscribing to a thread more like checkboxes next to each subscription and then an action drop box or something. So, you can select multiple threads at the same time and then select "unsubscribe" as the action you want to take. This would be huge. Thanks man.

[Russellmcdoogle]

I would just be happy if thread subscription was an in site thing. I don't need emails whenever a reply is made to a thread I've posted in. Actually, I'm not really clear on why I am subscribed to some threads but not to others. It's a weird feature that needs some smoothing or explanation.

[googirl8907]

I would just be happy if thread subscription was an in site thing. I don't need emails whenever a reply is made to a thread I've posted in. Actually, I'm not really clear on why I am subscribed to some threads but not to others. It's a weird feature that needs some smoothing or explanation.
You can turn off the email subscription.

[Jason Tate]

Me too!

Also, making the process of unsubscribing to a thread more like checkboxes next to each subscription and then an action drop box or something. So, you can select multiple threads at the same time and then select "unsubscribe" as the action you want to take. This would be huge. Thanks man.
http://www.absolutepunk.net/subscription.php?do=viewsubscriptio n&folderid=all

[Jason Tate]

I would just be happy if thread subscription was an in site thing. I don't need emails whenever a reply is made to a thread I've posted in. Actually, I'm not really clear on why I am subscribed to some threads but not to others. It's a weird feature that needs some smoothing or explanation.
http://www.absolutepunk.net/profile.php?do=editoptions

[Russellmcdoogle]

http://www.absolutepunk.net/profile.php?do=editoptions

Thanks! Though I ended up not changing anything. You should know I used the new quoted message link in the upper right to get to this reply, and I loved it. Good feature.

[nickstetina]

http://www.absolutepunk.net/profile.php?do=editoptions

Wow. I was looking at the page with blinders on. My bad.

[Russellmcdoogle]

I think you should make your CSS external. This applies to the current site too.
http://developer.yahoo.com/performance/rules.html#external
The site is my homepage. Maybe this would prevent the left bar from loading fully 10 seconds before the rest of the site.