Technology is relentless. The company that hosts Art Fair Insiders said it would disappear if we didn't update the site with their new software. We built this site in 2011 and it was easy to edit and stay in touch. It certainly has been helpful:
- 16,500 members from across the country in all media, pros and newbies alike sharing information
- 7100 blog posts covering every topic you can think of
- Oodles of discussions, really helpful information, including my favorite when members helped the police track down someone in Minnesota who was passing bad checks.
- Over 50 podcasts with guests who really knew their stuff.
- Friendships made and tents sold
The bad news: Change is a bitch and now you have to learn a new way to navigate the site.
The good news: Some changes have been made that should make it easier to share your information, some that you have asked for over the years.
A few the good things:
- Members can edit their comments in the discussions and blogs (not just us folks who run the site)
- In the forum/discussions it is necessary to choose a category to publish your info. In the past discussions were often posted in the "wrong" categories. What works well now is that you write your article and then at the end you can choose the correct category, there is a place to click. I like that.
- Supposedly we'll be able to give "star ratings" for the good stuff. I haven't seen this function yet, we'll see if it actually works.
- It is easier to write "tags" for your blogs and discussions so others can find your fine work.
Not, one of the good things, because it will cause some work on your part. When you go to "My Page" it looks kind of bleak. This is your chance to be a designer ... not only can you upload an image of yourself, and we hope you do, but you can also add a large image of to show off your work or some other meaningful object to personalize it even better. Here is "My Page" ... How do you do this? See the "options" in the upper left hand corner? That's the place.
Let us know in the comments below how this is working for you and any changes you'd like us to make. We really need your help.
