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What the heck just happened?
Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 - Posted by Rich Miller * I’ve killed off the new website for good. It just couldn’t handle the type of traffic we generate here. There was really no way of knowing that until we started it up and experienced some traffic spikes, but it’s my fault because the thing was slow from the start and I thought the problems could be overcome. Hope is not a plan. So, I’m gonna start all over again. This time, though, I’ll just hire somebody to do the whole thing, which is what I should’ve done to begin with. I used to fax the Capitol Fax to subscribers myself with banks of computers in Chicago and Springfield. Occasionally, I’d have to dash out of town to fix a broken ‘puter, and that always seemed to happen at the most inopportune moments. A friend finally sat me down and told me: “Dude, you’re not a faxing company, you’re an information company. Hire somebody else to do the faxing and spend the freaking money.” Well, I’m not a web designer, either. So, I’m gonna spend the freaking money. *** IMPORTANT UPDATE *** The DNS settings were changed, so we have to wait for DNS to propagate throughout the Intertubes. That means, in plain English, clicking on a link to get into comments will work for some people right away, but not for most of you. The propagation process should be complete within 24 hours, so be patient. But, you can see the entire posts here so you won’t miss anything except comments. Sorry about that, but it’s the reality of the Internet. [If the comment link doesn’t work for you, try clicking here.]
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- corvax - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 11:34 am:
i, candidly, am breathing a sigh of relief. with all due respect, this site seems much more user-friendly. maybe i’m just old.
- Ghost - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 11:35 am:
ahh so much for my dream of a bite me button….
- Concerned Observer - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 11:37 am:
I’m with Corvax, though I’m sorry to see all the hard work you did put into that site go almost for naught.
The old ‘new’ site definitely had some neat features…it just wasn’t quite ready for prime time. And you’re right — you’re a content provider, not a distribution specialist.
Good luck with the re-design!
- Concerned Observer - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 11:37 am:
I’m with Corvax, though I’m sorry to see all the hard work you did put into that site go almost for naught.
The old ‘new’ site definitely had some neat features…it just wasn’t quite ready for prime time. And you’re right — you’re a content provider, not a distribution specialist.
Good luck with the re-design!
- dupage dan - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 11:37 am:
I am certain people will hang in there with you. I certainly will. I have learned so much here and get such good feedback (positive and negative!). It is well worth the frustration. When I visit other blogs the comments are so far out of whack compared to even the most bizarre stuff that it is useless to even hang around. Not so here.
- RGA - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 11:37 am:
Thank you Jesus!!!!!!!!!
- CircularFiringSquad - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 11:37 am:
Did you just blcok my comment????
- Anonymous45 - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 11:41 am:
I agree with Da Mare on no more free rides for seniors…this was Blagoofs bad idea and the legislature was too spineless to say that this largesse was not in the best interest of this always in need of more revenue public transit system…BTW, I did not like the “other” site very much…this is swell lookin’ to me Rich…
- Little Egypt - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 11:42 am:
Hello Old Site, I’ve missed you so. Your owner thought you should be put to pasture with the rest of us “oldtimers” who don’t like change. I’ll enjoy your “second life” for as long as it lasts. May your owner have way too many other important things to deal with than a new website, like daily blogging of the new Apprentice show featuring Hot Rod. Something other than another election needs to spark us all out of the winter doldrums which has come WAY too early.
- Dan S, a voter and Cubs Fan - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 11:43 am:
Thanks Rich for trying to update but thanks more for the route you’re going.
- old pol Mike - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 11:48 am:
I’m sorry Rich, it was a lot of hard work. Just think, if you delegate the design to a professional, you can direct all of our complaints to them too!
- been there - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 11:52 am:
we love you, and your information, no matter how you give it to us.
and for some of us, black type on yellow is a lot easier to read than black type on white.
- BehindTheScenes - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 11:52 am:
Rich,
Count me with those who MUCH prefer this format. I found the new site hard to get into and move around in.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 11:57 am:
Thank heavens!!! I was being denied the “propagation process” for a while there–and didn’t like it one bit.
I’m glad we’re back here again, Rich–it’s almost like finally getting home after a tough day. While the new site was nice, it’s much easier to search and view comments on this one.
Thanks for all I’m sure you’ve gone through the last couple of weeks to make things better for us all!
- Amalia - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 12:02 pm:
rich, thanks for always trying to do something new, but this old site worked just fine. and, for some of us, Disqus has major glitches that don’t allow posting cause of browser compatibility
issues. and we miss risking you telling us to “bite me!”
- Fan of the Game - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 12:06 pm:
I’ll read Capitol Fax regardless of the format. It educates me about state government in a way no other source can. But I like this “old” format much better than the “new” one.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 12:07 pm:
I hated the new site. It was hard to use and hurt my eyes.
- OneMan - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 12:08 pm:
But what will happen to my points…..
- Pete Granada - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 12:11 pm:
Rich - we love the old format. Stay just as you are.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 12:17 pm:
Hey, Anon 12:07: Please get a new handle; that one’s already taken.
- Inish - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 12:21 pm:
Let me know if you need help- there are lots of us politicos that have those type of skills. Mike Bisset does great work adn is a good Dem.
- Will County Woman - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 12:22 pm:
out with the new, in with old.
- one day at a time - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 12:22 pm:
Thanks for switching back to the old format…Somewhat like New Coke Vs Old Coke….the NEW version just didn’t taste right. Regardless of the server problems the NEW layout was not especially user freindly IMO.
- D.P. Gumby - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 12:24 pm:
Just think how hard it was for that first monkey to evolve into us! Boy the pain he went through.
- Just Observing - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 12:26 pm:
I agree with the other commenters. All your hard work is much appreciated, but the new site was difficult to navigate.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 12:28 pm:
Where’s V-Man? I bet he’s going to LOVE this. Who knows? Might even inspire a new song!
- Niles Township - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 12:33 pm:
Frankly, in this ever-busy world of social media etc., I actually like the simpler look.
BTW, “Hope is not a plan.” Was that a political comment? JK.
- unclesam - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 12:35 pm:
Rich,
You just can’t win with this fickle crowd.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 12:36 pm:
unclesam, we are gonna have a new site. I detest this site. I’m sick to my stomach at having to move back here. They’re gonna have to get over it.
- Ela Observer - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 12:47 pm:
Yay we’re back!
- Alex - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 12:49 pm:
It’s like waking up from a bad dream. I also think the this (the old) site is way better. It’s way easier on the eyeballs, and so much more info is displayed on the front page.
- Out There - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 12:50 pm:
Add me to the list. This site is tons faster and mcuh easier to read.
- anon - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 1:07 pm:
Good to hear it, actually. I’ll hold off on creating the “Bring back the Old Capitol Fax website group” on Facebook. I like the old site. Sorry Rich.
- Say WHAT? - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 1:16 pm:
PRAISE THE LORD!!! If it ain’t broke- don’t fix it.
- Obamarama - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 1:19 pm:
I want to take a screen shot of this version before it goes away forever and make it my screensaver. Something about the yellow makes it so easy to read and makes me feel home!
- TJ - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 1:25 pm:
Best of luck with the new new site design, Rich.
If I had one suggestion though, I’d lean more towards having the new site have a similar color scheme as this one, rather than the bland, all white of the one that just got axed. Tan and blue is much more pleasing to the eye than white & black, and also makes for a nice, obvious break for all the people that work on word files and excel spreadsheets all day long.
- What planet is he from again? - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 1:43 pm:
I feel your pain, Rich…nothing like having a project melt down when you first flip the switch. Been there, done that. One thought though, one think I like about the old format is that the summaries are more than a part of the first sentence. That way I have a much better idea if the post is worth the time to go further.
- ChiTownGuy - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 1:47 pm:
If you are taking user feedback, I agree with Obamarama above on color scheme.
I also like the lengthier snapshots of each article on the original design, rather than only the headline and first sentence in your new one.
Not to say you should copy it or to imply you are the same product, but the length of article snapshots on Talking Points Memo seems to work well. Just my two cents.
Good luck!
- ChiTownGuy - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 1:48 pm:
*edit
Meant I agree with TJ on color scheme, not Obamarama.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 2:04 pm:
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Something about the yellow makes it so easy to read and makes me feel home!
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Peach, Honey, it’s Peach!!! Champagne, maybe.
(Damn, that video on guys and colors I saw a few weeks ago must have been right!)
- No More Taxes!!! - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 2:43 pm:
Glad we are back to the old site, if only for a while. Did not care for the new one!!!
- washmyhands - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 3:17 pm:
Sorry you are tired of this old site Mr. Miller. Missed this old site (just thought I was an old feather-duster). Missed your banner. Missed the colors. Count me among those who appreciate your hard work and HUGE investment of time/cash with the new site - thank you.
- LN - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 3:24 pm:
I, too, am glad the old site is back. Much more user friendly, in my opinon. I like being able to read all the stories full-length from the homepage.
- A Citizen (Ancient Fusspot) - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 3:49 pm:
This “old” version is best. The “new” one was way too busy. If it works, don’t fix it! You folla? Nice effort though, sorry you had to give up on it.
- Anon - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 4:23 pm:
==Hope is not a plan.==
But it can win you the Nobel Peace Prize. Keep your chin up!
- You Go Boy - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 4:32 pm:
Rich,,,,,I like this “old” format just fine. Take a year off from the hassle of new web design.
- Bob - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 4:34 pm:
I hated the new one, too hard to navigate. At least on this one you can read the whole story without opening a new page. Make the new one user friendly
- Way South of the Border - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 4:43 pm:
Condolences, Rich. What a bummer.
To add to the chorus of advice, I actually like the structure of the new site, a lot, and think that others will adjust to it in time. But the white glare of the color scheme really works against making that adjustment.
In other words, from a visual / design perspective, keep the structure, but soften the background. Good luck.
- curtis - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 5:02 pm:
Stick with what works… and this works. If you need a change, rearrange your office or something.
- Dr. Reason A. Goodwin - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 5:06 pm:
I, too, like the “classic” site better.
- Quinn T. Sential - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 5:13 pm:
This is a living testimonial to debunking the old axiom of “if you want something done right; do it yourself”.
Instead of course the saying should be; “if you want something done right, hire someone that knows what they are doing.
Absolutley no offesne intended Rich; it’s just that, when do it yourselfer’s set out to accomplish something on their own they are a negative drain on the economy.
It is important that people re-circulate money into the economy by hiring professionals (or at least those that know far more than we do) otherwise, you are just taking bread off of the table of some other man or woman’s family.
Hire good help; and remember, you get what you pay for.
- 618er - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 5:16 pm:
Rich,
Some of the features of the new site are cool, like the cloud. Once I found the list of topics for the day on the right hand side, things got lots easier to navigate. It has a more modern look, and it got much easier on the eyes when you added a little blue to the pure white background.
Some of us have been bouncing around this site for years. Some of these old crows don’t like change.
- Linus - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 5:22 pm:
Rich, sorry for your hi-tech troubles. Echoing many others, I do have to add my vote of confidence to this older format, though.
One question: Do you have the mobile edition up and running again? How can I access it? My BlackBerry liked The Olden Days better, too.
- anon - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 6:24 pm:
You need JJSolutions…..Jason Johnston is your man to fix you up!
- correcto - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 6:38 pm:
the gods are smiling… the new site was not friendly at all. i’d quit reading it on a regular basis. now, i can check in daily.
- civil servant - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 6:53 pm:
I am soooooooooooooo glad to be back at this site!
- Rod - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 7:30 pm:
Add me to the list of those who prefer the old (this) site
- media playa - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 8:08 pm:
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Peach, Honey, it’s Peach!!! Champagne, maybe.
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Actually, the color is #FCF7D2, which is a wonderful color for a background. If more people used it, the web would be more pleasant.
If you’re hiring someone, consider hiring someone who will have a free hand with the design aspects as well as the technical aspects. I realize you liked the design of the new site and I realize that the technical aspects of the new site were 2009; however, the clip art, stock photos and big rectangles were 1996, not 2009.
- Downstate Commissioner - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 9:18 pm:
Sorry Rich, the new site was losing me-found it confusing i.e., hard to find stuff. Can understand your desire to change, even steak and lobster get old after a while, but it would appear that the readers (including me) MUCH prefer this site.
- been there before - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 9:53 pm:
Like the old-new (this one)site much better. Easier to use and navigate. Especially like the full story on first page. Missed stories with click through configuration.
- Joe Schmoe - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 10:06 pm:
Rich: Keep the old site….please. It’s much more user friendsly. I don’t need fancy graphics and a lot of scrolling around to ge the info I need and want. Look at the Drudge Report….it hasn’t changed in years and it still does a good job.
If it ain’t broke……..
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 10:07 pm:
Hey, Rich. Just a suggestion, but I’m not sure how effective it’ll be with the amount of traffic you get here (saw it on another site with much less, I think): a window that shows that most recent posts, the person’s handle, and the topic on which they posted. Again, might go by too fast for CapFax, but it seems to make keeping up with discussions across threads easier.
- Reality Check - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 10:11 pm:
Bless you Rich! If only Springfield listened to the people like you have, we could get a lot more done.
- Michelle Flaherty - Wednesday, Oct 14, 09 @ 10:45 pm:
Pat Quinn was for the new site but when it was slow he blamed lawmakers for making him be for the new slow site.
Now he says he always supported the old site and didn’t see the need to change and blamed the stupid lawmakers for pushing him to the new site that he never liked.
- Anon - Thursday, Oct 15, 09 @ 1:12 am:
The customer is always right, and we like this format.
- Downstate - Thursday, Oct 15, 09 @ 7:33 am:
Rich,
The ability to quickly navigate your current site is a big part of it’s charm. Being able to quickly scroll through your post is far better than having to click to view each topic. (While you may have an ultrafast connection, there are those whose computer takes time to download a new page each time….you can imagine the frustration with you now redacted new edition).
You might ask your viewership what other webblogs they like for “ease of use”. I’ll offer my choice(s) - Instapundit.com and hotair.com.
I’m referring only to layout, not content.
- HH - Friday, Oct 16, 09 @ 11:40 am:
I love this blog and read it everyday but I stopped with the new site. I don’t want to have to click a thousand places to read what was going on. It wasn’t worth it.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Oct 16, 09 @ 11:41 am:
HH, you’ve posted three comments total from that IP address - all this month.
Take a breath.
- anon - Saturday, Oct 17, 09 @ 3:24 pm:
Glad your experiment failed–much too busy and overly clunky. All that social networking stuff detracted from the reasons everybody goes to your site. That is, for information, clear and succinct. Please keep the text only interface–if you must do the ’social’ stuff, do it on Facebook.