site upkeep
Btw, you may be noticing some subtle changes to the template here. I am trying to improve the download performance of the site as well as make it more mobile friendly. I was bit surprised at how many mobile phones access the site and the iPad has only increased the mobile viewership. I’ve eliminated the unnecessary header image that was one cause of higher load times. I’d like to do away with the drop down menus at the top since those are less than ideal on touch interface devices but will take more work to the template. In the meantime, those links are largely duplicated on the right sidebar.
The biggest change will be that I am going to start removing links to flash based websites, especially for listings. I’ve always hated Flash based websites since they typically meant poorly designed interfaces and slow downloads. Many virtual tours Flash (and Java) sites are a common and prime example. Plus, who the eff creates websites that autoplay music and thinks that is a good idea? Even MySpace is knocking that crap off. Anyhow, rant aside, Flash and Java based sites don’t play well with mobile devices and since we here at ModernAustin are forward looking people, I am going to limit links to sites that don’t get their act together.
If you have any suggestions on how to make the site easier to use, please drop me a note.
Cheers.
This and that
Sorry about the post drying up. There seems to be very little new listings the past few months. I heard there was something amiss in financing last year, maybe that put a damper on things. I was filling that gap with some out of town stuff but it started to get over weighted on the balance. I haven’t been out taking pictures in months and months. Blame the evil heat, the job, slacking.
Today was day 1 of reshaping the landscaping / walk-way / patio area. Hopefully I can have people over again soon without fear of broken ankles and / or mud. I’ll posted pictures as it progresses.
Don’t forget the AIA Tour this weekend. You can check out the Mell Lawrence place pictured above.
Here are 2 homes that I listed a while ago that you may have missed. The price were updated somewhat recently as well.
Site tinkering
It seems the new site has had some issues with user registrations and commenting. As such, I went back to the old method which means a couple things:
The first time you post, your comment will get held for moderation. It isn’t that I want to moderate, but it is the only way to combat the spam bots.
You still are required to enter a user name and email address. For the same spam control reasons. However, you are not required to create an account just to comment (you can but don’t have too).
Also, MLS Listings is on the blink right now (Tuesday, Feb 3rd). I suspect they’ll be back up shortly. If they continue to be an issue, I guess it will be off to yet another listing provider. Note to MLS Finder: Cold Fusion?!?! Really?!?
Modern Austin Redesign
As you can see, Modern Austin under went a fairly extensive overall. It will remain a work in progress for a while as I sort out the kinks and get your feedback.
Among the changes:
- New design. More of a magazine style rather than straight up blog. We’ll see how this works.
- Resource directory. (example)
- Marketplace section. Sections for for sale houses, for lease, and furniture. For lease & furniture are hidden right now until I get some listings to put up. If you have something to submit, click here.
- ShareThis integration for easier posting to your favorite RSS, bookmarking, or social networking sites.
A couple of other notes:
- I only brought over some of the content. The old site is here if you were looking for something.
- I am going to attempt to keep up on marketplace items and take them down as they go off the market. In doing so I’ll look to implement a reporting tool in case I miss some so you can help me keep the site up-t0-date.
- You now must register to make comments. This is to cut back on spam and make it easier for returning visitors to comment. Go here to register.
- I going to keep it ad free for now, though that may change.
- You may have to update your RSS feed (sorry).
Please let me know your thoughts and / or if anything doesn’t work as expected.
Ben.