Big Brother
Dear Reader
I hope that you have been enjoying this blog, and finding it interesting, helpful and sometimes entertaining.
I have some news for you which at present does not look good, because it means a lot of work for me if I am going to keep this blog going.
This blog is hosted by Blog-City, who have until now been very good on the whole. They provide a wealth of features, and their support is usually first class. I have been happy to be on Blog-City – looking at the alternatives I would not wish to switch to another provider.
Last year Blog City developed a new look and feel with a new user interface. Existing bloggers could choose either to stay with the existing format (Version 4) or to migrate to the new one (Version5). For various reasons I stayed with Version 4. One reason was time – I spend too much time on this already, and the thought of having to spend an unknown amount of time learning to use the new interface, and then converting over 400 entries to the new format filled me with dread. Then there are about 30 gutter items (called 'portlets') to be converted to Version 5 'widgets'. The new interface depends heavily on CSS. While I have learned to use CSS reasonably successfully I am not an expert.
I have played around with the new interface and it is undoubtedly more flexible than the Version 4 one, but at the cost of being harder to control. It seems you need lower level skills. I have expressed my reservations to the Management, and though some improvements in user friendliness have been made as Version 5 has developed, a lot of what I say has fallen on deaf ears.
Now I have received a communication from Blog City Admin:
Subject: Important : Version 6.0 release information: Still using version 5.0 portlets?
Date: Wednesday, 14 February 2007 8:47:41 PM
Dear Users,
Last August we released a new version 5.0 of our blogging Software, Version 5.0 Widgets. All users from August 1st have version 5.0 widgets by default.However, all users who created their blog prior to that date had the option to remain on version 5.0 [they mean version 4 – G.] portlets for a period of 6 months.
Time is almost up. It is now imperative that those still using version 5.0 portlets move up to version 5.0 widgets.
…
You have 7 days to make the switch by choice.On the 21st February 2007 anyone remaining on portlets will be moved up to widgets automatically and their home page will be turned to a basic predefined layout. Anyone wishing to take charge of this move and design their home page themselves will need to do this switch in the next 7 days.
Version 5.0 widgets is a prerequiste for version 6.0 to be released very shortly. Keep an eye out for release dates coming soon via blog messaging.
I expected it to be signed 'Big Brother' but no, it was signed 'Blog Support'.
I am both disappointed and angry at this. Blog City Management have re-written history, creating a 6 month conversion period that was not specified at the outset. It seems that they want to force their users down the path that they have chosen. Blog City get their revenue from two obvious main sources: Advertising on free blogs and subscriptions from paying customers. This is not a free blog - I pay for it.
I have not got the time in the next week to redesign the blog. So I apologise now for what is going to happen. What the blog will look like on 21st February I have no idea.
I will probably make some changes before then, but they may not improve the appearance of the blog in the short term. It will be a damage limitation exercise. At the least, expect things to be unavailable or hard to find.
The bottom line is that I am the customer and this is none of my choosing. If the outcome does not work to a minimum level of satisfaction and within a maximum level of bother, I shall close the blog.
Thank you for your support,
Regards,
Geraden
Hello Geraden,
Living with computers can be hell. I've been through many "systems'
upgrades" where previously completed work would not be readily compatible.
Things usually workout though, so do not give up hope, do not loose your
patience, do not loose your hair and do not loose your love of life.
I’d like to speak on behalf of all the readers (and guests) and thank you
for your dedication to keeping this site going. Your site is truly unique,
and the fact that it may not look quite right, or that a link may not work
for a few days (weeks) is really a non-issue. We will all come back.
Hi Geraden,
MEPH and Sheers
As per the comments above, me too.
Geraden, my best to you.
This blog of your's does give inspiration to the newbies,
and others who have worn for many years.
I am one, that has worn for many years.
We aspire,to inspire those who have questions.
This blog, is also a treat to read.
Yes, Geraden. Your blog is the best tights site on the earth, probably in
the whole universe (you never know). It is versatile and profound, and you
with your dedication and never lasting energy have made it highly personal.
You have good friends, and I am happy and proud to be one of them. You are
already a legend among my family members: ‘What is father doing?’ ‘Ah. He’s
sitting behind the computer chatting with his British tights friend
Geraden.’ ‘Again!!’
Hi Geraden. Thanks for keeping us updated. I'd be kind of sad and
disappointed if this blog closed down. Don't get me wrong. I'd be
sympathetic, and I wouldn't look down on you. It would just be really
unfortunate. I like this place because the group is small enough that there
aren't any/many arguments over trivial details. I wish you well no matter
what you choose. I hope that you find a decent alternative if you have to.
I know what it is like to upgrade. For quite some time, I was upgrading my
computer and operating system. Although it has been a painful nuisance, it
has been a positive upgrade for me. It's not as good as I'd like, though. I
hope that your upgrade turns out well.
Hi Eugene
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