Updates and New Features!
You may have noticed many updates and new features being added here on my blog, and on the homepage as well in the last few months. I'm on a constant mission to better this site and make it more accessible, useful, and easy to navigate.
I wanted to take a moment and explain some of these new features, let you know about some upcoming features, and point out a few that you may not have noticed...
For those that are new to this technology, Really Simple Syndication or "RSS", "feed", "web feed", or "channel", contains either a summary of content from an associated web site or the full text. RSS makes it possible for people to keep up with their favorite web sites in an automated manner that's easier than checking them manually. Here's a great video that explains RSS in layperson terms.
I wanted to take a moment and explain some of these new features, let you know about some upcoming features, and point out a few that you may not have noticed...
I revamped the Official Horsepower & Heels News section to follow a more reader-friendly, easier to update, and easier to archive blog format. This will now be home to all the "official" news: press releases, event previews, event recaps, etc. This is also the new link center and official schedule, as well as a contact information source and social network hub. The page now features a feed/subscribe function (more on that in a second), but I apologize that the initial feed is a bit out of order on feed readers as I attempted to archive old releases off the main site to comply with the new format. Its a bit confusing, but if you check out the news section link directly, it will show the actual dates the releases were written. All future entries will be in correct chronological order. This will be replacing the old (and hardly ever used) email Newsletter subscription. If you've signed up for that in the past, you'll be getting a one-time email telling about the new changes and inviting you to sign up.
Feed/Subscribe Functions
One of the most important features that has been added here on my blog, and on the news center is an RSS Feed and Email Subscribe option (see sidebars: subscribe).
Feed/Subscribe Functions
One of the most important features that has been added here on my blog, and on the news center is an RSS Feed and Email Subscribe option (see sidebars: subscribe).
For those that are new to this technology, Really Simple Syndication or "RSS", "feed", "web feed", or "channel", contains either a summary of content from an associated web site or the full text. RSS makes it possible for people to keep up with their favorite web sites in an automated manner that's easier than checking them manually. Here's a great video that explains RSS in layperson terms. Basically, if you want to stay up to date with what's happening here on my blog or the official Horsepower & Heels news, you can either subscribe to a feed in your feed reader of choice (I use Google Reader for mine) -OR- if you don't want to use a feed reader, then you can just subscribe via email and any time there is an update, you will receive the news directly to you. (Don't worry, both services are handled directly through Feedburner and is completely anonymous, so you don't ever get SPAM and I don't ever see your email address.)
The only down side, is that on feeds you don't get to see the layout or sidebars.... so you may miss some of the new sidebar features (more below) and of course, the nifty layouts I work so hard to tweek! I recommend clicking on the article links every once in awhile to check out the actual source from time-to-time. ;)
Support Us
On my blog, the news center, and the homepage, you'll see a sidebar item linking to the donations center. I get a few emails from people wanting to know how they can help out... this page suggests several options: Donate some spare change via Paypal, send something via our Jeg's Wishlist, shop the Horsepower & Heels e-store (upcoming news to follow), or just send us a gift. All GREATLY appreciated!
The Marketing partnership section will also be expanded, to give potential businesses wishing to work with Horsepower & Heels more in-depth information about the "Advantages of Mixing Horsepower & Heels" and a place to request a customized proposal.
Real Time Updates
You may have noticed the sidebar Twitter badge here on my blog since late last year. Twitter is a social media site that is almost like a mini-blog, allowing brief snipets (140 characters or less) of information on a public timeline via text message on my phone. Admittedly, I was slow to catch on, but have grown to really see the value of Twitter. Again, people can subscribe to your timeline, and you can subscribe to others, which makes it much more an ongoing conversation with others, as well as its other uses/benefits: announcing information, a personal GPS, a public opinion polling forum, etc.
During the racing season, I plan on using this while at the races to keep you all informed of how I'm doing in real time. It also gives a quick glimpse what is important to me at that particular moment, or what other discussions I'm taking part in. You can sign up and follow me on twitter, and choose from several options on how you want to be notified of posts.
Audio Updates
Down at the bottom of my blog sidebar, you'll notice a new player from Utterz. Utterz is to podcasting what Twitter is to blogging. Its a mini-audiocast. I just started using this feature, but basically its an audio player that can be updated via cell phone as well. I haven't yet put together just how I'll be using this feature in relation to Horsepower & Heels, but in any case, its another way to keep you updated from the road. Some ideas... maybe an audiocast of the engine warm up. Any other ideas/requests?
Future Updates/Features
- Redesign.
The homepage will be getting a redesign shortly, some technical, some aesthetic changes. The main change will be to the navigation structure, as I have realized that its not easy to find some of the sections now. The Bio will be included in a team section with the crew profiles and car information. The Media section will be redesigned, with the photo galleries moving to a flash slideshow section and the video vault hosting the future coming Horsepower & Heels Web Series as well as a section archive of video blogs. - E-Store Relaunch/New Apparel.
A long overdue relaunch of the Horsepower & Heels e-store. This time, there will be more selection and new apparel, including the long awaited debut of the menwear line. Not just for the ladies! There will also be a spring clearance coming soon off existing apparel. Some good deals to be had! - Fan Section.
A new fan section will launch with lots of interactive features.... turning it around for YOU. I want to be able to include my readers a little more, since most seem shy to comment here on my blog. Submit photos, stories, etc. about what Horsepower & Heels means to YOU. I'm open to lots of suggestions on this one too.
Do you have any other recommendations on how I can improve this site??? Anything you'd like to see, or suggestions you'd like to make?
Please, comments are welcome and encouraged!
Posted by Erica Ortiz on Thursday, January 17, 2008 at 9:19 AM | Permalink 
Found you on Twitter; I had no idea you were in my back yard! Love the site, the name, and everything! I look forward to keeping up with team and site updates, etc. I'd love to come back and read more about your Stang, and how you do things. I'd love to be able to work on mine, but it's still all so foreign to me.
Posted by
Devilish Southern Belle |
1/19/2008 5:48 PM
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