Horsetalk has launched its new interactive section which, for the first time, co-ordinates all its user-features under one user log-in.
Previously, the forums, classifieds, directory and calendar required separate registration and log-in.
 The front of the new Horsetalk Interactive site. |
Users now need to register only once to they get access to all interactive parts of the website.
Webmaster Robin Marshall said the growth of Horsetalk over the years had meant additional features had tended to be treated as add-ons.
"We decided a year ago that we had to bite the bullet and get everything under one log-in for users.
"It's been a long haul, with lots of dead ends along the way, but we feel now that we have it all together."
Horsetalk's growth now sees the site attracting around 4000 unique visitors a day, and visitor numbers through January were a record for that time of year.
Marshall said she was indebted to the Horsetalk users who were kind enough to test the new software in recent months.
She said a good number of components were rejected for several reasons - too many bugs or they simply did not provide the functionality the site required.
Marshall revealed that efforts were made to try to integrate the old forums into the new format, but in the end it presented too many hurdles and risks.
"There was a reasonable chance we would have switched over and everything may have turned to custard. In the end, we felt getting users to re-register was the safest course, and best in the long run."
Those registering will get access to the new forums, messaging, the directory, classifieds, events calendar, private groups (should they wish to join), and any other modules added in the future.
"That's the beauty of it. Any other features can automatically be accessed by those who have already registered. If users have any ideas on what additional features they'd like, we'd be happy to hear from them."
The new interactive section has added features: Users can now write on people's walls, add videos to their profile as well as pictures, message people, and make connections with their horsey friends.
There are now also blogs, including a guest blog where Horsetalkers can vent their spleen.
Marshall said all users require manual approval - that's to stop spammers and such like - but she'll be doing that every few minutes in the initial phase of start-up.
This existing forum will remain open for a few days while people get themselves registered on the interactive side.
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