Forgot to mention I reserve the right to edit this thread for productivity purposes. I need it to be focussed so I can keep track of all your desires.

Hi Folks. Just wanted to let you know that the next upgrade to the Mudcat is getting very close to completion. It's been a year and a half since our last upgrade, and I have listened intently to all of your concerns and suggestions over that time.

The most obvious change is going to be the elimination of the AskSam database and searching techniques. Dick and I have decided that the SQL Server Version (the SuperSearch) is more powerful and more efficient. AskSam has been very helpful and generous to us over the years, and we thank them greatly.

Most other changes are minor and have the simple goal of making The Mudcat easier and more convenient to use. I'll try to list some of them here:

Various design changes to make better use of the space available on a page. For instance, on the new Forum page, the first thread is 7 lines higher than the current site. This means less scrolling to read what you want. Also, the Quicklinks are a part of the banner so that they are on every page on the Mudcat.

Personal Pages overhaul - Easier to manage archive and outbox, optional separate pages for tracer, personal messages, and bookmarks.

Links overhaul - Our links page has a lot of great links in there to help folks find great things, but I believe that due to its cumbersome nature, we are not fully benefiting from it.

Better Mudcat performance during peak times, and a new Mudcat mirror.

More Admin features for volunteers to maintain the high standards we have become used to.

There are more changes planned, but are too complicated or subtle to explain right now. I know I am probably a fool for posting this thread and asking for suggestions, but what the hell, after all, this is your site. That's all for now… let me have it.